His senses underwent a sudden transformation, and his soul increased more than four times, leaving Alex in shock with his jaw dropping.
Closing his eyes, Alex could now keenly sense the essence in the air between heaven and earth, something he couldn't perceive before but at this moment, he could clearly notice its invisible movements.
His control at his energy had become remarkably precise, flowing swiftly at his will from the middle finger of his left hand.
A joyful smile spread across Alex's face. Delighted, he slowly stood up. Glancing at the time, he realized the assessment period had already passed,but he didn't regret.
After that, Alex opened the half-closed window and swiftly jumped out.
His figure moved through the dark night for a moment, faded into the dim moonlight, and finally disappeared.
Very soon, Alex reached the Alchemist Pavilion branch and directly went to the first floor, which was reserved for Apprentice Alchemists. At that moment, there were many counters, each selling different kinds of herbs and plants.
Many disciples certified by the Alchemy Pavilion would go there to buy herbs for their alchemical practice.
Soon, an attendant spotted Alex and asked, "How can I help you?"
"I'd like to refine some medicinal pills. I wonder where I can register myself to rent an Alchemy room?" Alex inquired directly.
"You'll need the certification of an Apprentice-level or above to rent the alchemy room!" the attendant replied after glancing at Alex, who was wearing Outer disciple robes.
"Of course, I have the qualifications, but I only took the first test and didn't come to the second test conducted today. So I didn't pick up my certification badge!" he explained to the attendant, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Since the second test is about Mana control, where they assess how efficiently disciples can use their energy, the top 25 out of 100 get the chance to be selected by an Outer Courtyard Elder as their master.
Exceptional performances may even lead to acceptance as a disciple by an Inner Courtyard Elder.
"That won't be a problem. It's recorded in the Academy database as long as you pass the first test and get the certification on the network. I'll take a look at it using your Academy Jade card, but it will take some time, junior!" The attendant said swiftly.
"Sure, you can take your time! Senior brother" Alex replied, handing over his jade card before walking towards the counter selling herbs.
"I would like to buy the spirit herbs required for refining the 'Essence Renewal Pill'?" Alex asked as he approached a young woman wearing yellow robes.
The woman was slightly surprised but still spoke with a sweet smile, "Of course, to refine the 'Essence Renewal Pill,' you will need four herbs. They are quite cheap, only 100 low-grade spirit stones for each set."
The herbs needed for the 'Essence Renewal Pill' are Crystal Root Grass, Silver Lotus Petal, Ember Leaf, and Bloodvine Grass.
It is a Mortal Rank Pill, and depending on its grade, the price of the pill varies. The higher the grade, the more energy a person can absorb from the pill.
- Low-grade pill: Can only absorb 20% energy with some side effects, and shouldn't be consumed more than one in three days.
- Middle-grade pill: Can absorb 40% energy with some side effects, and shouldn't be consumed more than one in a day.
- High-grade pill: Can absorb 60% energy with light side effects, and shouldn't be consumed more than three in a day.
- Perfect-grade pill: Can absorb 80% energy with negligible side effects, and can be consumed up to five in a day.
The Essence Renewal Pill is used to increase the mana energy in the body during training, and anyone below the 7th level of the Foundation can get a significant boost from consuming one.
After a brief consideration, Alex thought, '100 low-grade spirit stones for one set makes it 500 low-grade spirit stones for ten sets.' He then said, "Give me five of each."
"I'll go fetch it for you, so please wait for a moment," the young woman responded before heading to pick up the herbs.
In that moment, a middle-aged man appeared out of thin air and walked toward Alex. "I didn't expect that you wouldn't come for the second test, which was the most important to get selected as a disciple by an Elder " said Elder Frank, the supervisor in the herb garden, observing the promising young disciple.
Alex, unsure of what to say, listened as Elder Frank continued, "But still, with your talent, I believe you would still be able to attract the Inner Courtyard Elders in the future. And if you want any guidance, you can come to me." The unexpected offer left the surrounding disciples in shock.
"I will definitely come if I need any guidance, Elder," replied Alex politely.
The Elder sighed, glancing at Alex with a sense of pity. While he felt the desire to take him as a disciple, he knew Alex was already attracting attention from numerous Inner Courtyard Elders and guest elders at the King Rank and departed as mysteriously as he had appeared.
After conversing with the Elder, Alex paid 500 low-grade spirit stones and obtained the herbs needed for the pill.
Next, he approached the counter, where the attendant had already prepared and handed him the Iron badge labeled with Apprentice Rank Alchemist.
"Your Alchemy room number is 100, junior brother," stated the attendant.
"Thanks for your help, senior brother," acknowledged Alex as he made his way to the allocated room.
Entering the room, Alex wasted no time and sat cross-legged in front of the bronze-colored Alchemy cauldron. He then retrieved one set of herbs required for the Essence Renewal Pill.
The basic steps of alchemy involved starting the fire beneath the Alchemy furnace, maintaining it correctly at different stages using the mana energy and soul force within the body, baking the spirit herbs, waiting for them to emit a unique flavor, controlling them until they turned into liquid form, and finally gathering and congealing them into a pill.
Placing his hands on the two separate mouths of the furnace, Alex ignited the flames below while simultaneously pouring his mana energy, increasing its intensity and controlling it with his soul force.
After about an incense of time, the cauldron warmed up, and Alex began placing the ingredients one by one into the cauldron. He then proceeded to move the ingredients around the cauldron for two minutes, using his energy.
Alex meticulously controlled the flames with his mana to ensure they turned into medicinal essence at the right moment.
However, despite following the process, his first attempt to refine the pills failed as the Bloodvine root essence was not heated properly, resulting in black pills, also known as waste pills.
Seated with crossed legs, Alex pondered for a bit and consulted his memories of Pill God. Eventually, he identified where the process went wrong.
For the next set of herbs, Alex paid special attention to his control, aiming to manipulate the flames correctly. Carefully baking the spirit herbs inside the furnace one at a time at an appropriate temperature, he attempted the process again, only to face another failure.
After experiencing three consecutive failures, Alex started accumulating practical experience. Each attempt, despite resulting in failure, contributed to his growing knowledge of flame control.