MC POV
My smile never left my face, even as I was in free fall. Of course, no one interfered, understanding that, given the altitude, I wouldn't be seriously injured even if I hit the ground directly, thanks to my cultivation and the relatively low height. Still, that didn't stop them from thinking I was crazy or odd—not that I cared.
When the potion hit the ground, a cloud emerged, large and impressive. However, its shape was unusual: at the center of the cloud was a soft, harmless area, while one of its edges crackled with faint traces of lightning, serving as additional protection and defense.
I landed right in the middle of the cloud, feeling the soft cushion cradle my body and help me relax. The lightning also passed through me, but within the protected area, it wasn't offensive. On the contrary, the energy transmitted a soothing sensation, like an electro-massage, helping me unwind.
The spectators murmured as they watched the scene.
"That... really is like a cloud... but with lightning... and somehow it doesn't hurt him."
"Yeah, it's like a fluffy potion, but with active defensive effects... such strange lightning."
"How did he find that balance?"
"I have no idea either... the lightning definitely seems to attack anyone entering from the outside, but somehow it doesn't affect him. Intriguing... Could it be some kind of illusion effect?"
Amidst the murmurs, the professor, who had carefully examined every side of the area and even used his Qi and body to test it, finally spoke after a moment of thought.
"It seems the cloud's cushioning effect remains intact, and the lightning surprisingly doesn't harm the user... How did you manage this?"
He sounded genuinely surprised as he turned to me for an explanation.
"It's all due to Qi. By infusing my Qi into the potion, or lightly using it just before activating the potion, the compacted clouds within recognize their owner. This prevents the lightning from attacking me. It is possible to bypass this barrier with illusion techniques or by simulating another person's Qi signature."
"Of course, the effect isn't perfect. It may inadvertently affect nearby allies or users. However, this trade-off strengthens both offensive and defensive capabilities since the lightning not only damages enemies but also reinforces the cloud's resilience."
The professor nodded, appearing both impressed and pleased with the outcome. However, his expression quickly grew serious again as he remembered the situation at hand.
"Ahem," he cleared his throat.
"Well, you've passed the product evaluation phase. Now let's assess your knowledge."
He looked at me with a seriousness that was noticeably less intimidating than before.
"First question: Are you ready?"
I took a deep breath and answered.
"Ready."
He thought for a moment and then spoke.
"The Woodheart Herb is used to create two main types of pills. What are they?"
I didn't hesitate to respond.
"The most common use is for the Heart Pill, which prevents the formation of inner demons and alleviates subconscious burdens and pains. To benefit from it, the individual must enter a meditative state after consuming it, helping them overcome any traumas or barriers on their Dao path."
"The second use is for crafting items related to healing mental damage, often combined with small complementary herbs or the juices of specific spiritual fruits."
"And what happens if this herb is used incorrectly?" he asked.
"If used improperly—or worse, by a poison master—it can create something considered highly forbidden, such as Heart Inversion Potions. These potions can plunge an individual into madness, potentially causing them to lose their Dao path. There are even rumors of Devil Path practitioners using such potions to recruit individuals into their faction, though I'm not sure how true those rumors are."
He seemed satisfied with my answer and proceeded to the next question.
"The 15-Venom Detoxification Potion requires a special use of the fire element. If the base poisonous herbs are unavailable, a substitute herb can be used. What is it?"
This question was tougher, and I took a moment to think before answering.
"When using the fire element, it's important to burn the stem first, then the leaves. This order purifies and reduces the concentration while producing specific toxins through combustion, which then combine with those in the leaves. This process relies on an alchemical reaction and energy mixing, making the sequence critical to avoid creating poison instead of detoxification."
"As for the substitute herb, the Small Light Lily can be used. It possesses a unique light element, effective for purifying toxins. While it's not as efficient as a complete detoxification pill, it can neutralize most toxins and weaken others, giving the individual a chance to handle the rest independently."
"However, if the individual has ties to dark elements or similar energies, extreme caution is necessary when using this herb."
The professor seemed pleased with my answer and continued with a few more questions. By the end, I had answered nearly all of them correctly, making only a small mistake on one.
After the session, I waited outside for the results.
Fortunately, the classification and evaluation process didn't take long. One of the assistants eventually stepped out. He raised his hand and released small symbols marked with a cauldron, similar to the one I had received from the Array Academy.
"For now, all of you have been admitted to the academy and may follow the schedule for lectures and classes. Most lectures will take place on Thursday mornings, with tests held monthly or every three months."
"For those without a cauldron, one can be provided by the academy. Additionally, each of you will receive a basic set of herbs."
"As for private lessons, they will be arranged personally with both the student and the assigned mentor's agreement."
The information wasn't much different from what had been given by the professors at the Array Academy, so I nodded in acknowledgment.
Once he finished, the assistant left without further explanation, likely leaving it to senior students and professors to guide us to the alchemists' training area.
Now, alongside the Icer Academy emblem, I bore the symbols of both the Array and Alchemy schools.
With this confirmation, I returned to my room. It had been a long day, so I planned to cultivate for a while and then rest.