"It does mean we have to be wary for people who have reached the late stage of the second stage," Wu Ling admitted, instantly increasing the weight of the atmosphere. "That said, we're not entirely without ways to deflect such challenges. Brother Yu, I wonder how close you are to being able to pass your Novice exam?"
"I still need at least two to three months more concocting practice before I would be close to ready to make an attempt," the young alchemist said, instantly shooting down the idea that he could advance formally. "And I can't take the exam without returning to my sect anyway."
"What if you took the exam from the Alchemy Consortium?" Wu Ling asked.
"Brother Wu," Yu Jinqi said, his brows lowering as he scowled at the young artist. "You aren't mocking me, are you?"
