Chapter 6: The Alchemy Test
....
The Alchemy Test was about to begin, and Sam and Juve stood nervously among their fellow aspirants. Master Ling, the elder in charge, announced the test's rules.
"Each of you will receive a recipe for the Level 1 'Earth Harmony Pill.' You must refine the pill within the Time Scroll's allotted time. Remember, one hour outside equals one year inside the scroll."
The aspirants nodded, and Master Ling handed out the recipes and Time Scrolls.
"Begin!" Master Ling shouted.
Sam and Juve unrolled their Time Scrolls, revealing a small, glowing workspace. They carefully read the recipe:
"Earth Harmony Pill (Level 1)
Ingredients:
- 5 grams of Earthroot
- 2 grams of Clearwater Crystal
- 1 gram of Sungrass
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients in a 3:2:1 ratio.
2. Apply gentle heat for 10 years.
3. Seal for 5 years.
Sam's eyes sparkled. "Juve, I'll use my magical fire to refine the pill."
Juve's eyes widened. "Are you sure? That's unpredictable."
Sam smiled confidently. "Trust me."
Within the Time Scroll, Sam and Juve began refining the pill. Sam's hands glowed with an ethereal flame, unlike any seen before. The fire danced, responding to Sam's will.
Aspirants nearby gasped, surprised by the unusual fire.
"What level is that fire?" someone whispered.
"I've never seen anything like it," another aspirant replied.
Master Ling's eyes narrowed. "That fire has no level defined. It's...unique."
Juve refined her pill with precision, aiming for a Level 2 or 3 refinement. Sam, however, pushed the limits.
Time passed, and the aspirants struggled. Some failed to combine ingredients correctly, while others misjudged the heat.
Sam's fire raged, yet he controlled it effortlessly. The Earth Harmony Pill began to take shape.
"Time's running out!" Master Ling warned.
Sam added a final touch, and his pill glowed brightly.
Juve completed her pill, beaming with pride.
The Time Scroll's glow faded, indicating the test's end. Master Ling collected the scrolls and examined the pills.
Aspirant after aspirant presented their pills, each with varying degrees of success. Some pills were misshapen, while others emitted foul odors.
Finally, Master Ling reached Sam and Juve.
"Let's see what you two have accomplished," Master Ling said, unrolling their Time Scrolls.
Juve's pill glowed with a soft, blue light.
"Level 3 'Earth Harmony Pill'!" Master Ling announced. "Excellent refinement, Juve!
Sam's pill radiated an intense, golden aura.
"Level 5 'Earth Harmony Pill'!" Master Ling exclaimed. "Grandmaster-level refinement, Sam!
The assembly erupted into applause.
Elder Chen approached, eyes wide with amazement. "Sam, your unique fire and refinement skills are unparalleled. What secrets do you possess?"
Sam smiled humbly. "Just magic and practice."
Juve whispered, "And a pinch of genius."
Master Ling announced, "Sam and Juve's performance earns them 150 points each. They take the lead in the Alchemy Test."
As the aspirants dispersed, Sam turned to Juve.
"We make an unbeatable team."
Juve grinned mischievously. "We're just getting started."
Their outstanding performance had set the stage for the next tests. Would they continue to dazzle the sect elders?
To be continued...