At this moment, the middle-aged guard had long thrown his pride and arrogance aside as he desperately begged Jiang Chen for forgiveness.
Seeing even Zhu Mingyuan, a high-ranking second-rank alchemist, treat Jiang Chen with such reverence, he realized this young man wasn't someone he could offend. If Jiang Chen really wanted him dead, it would be easier than crushing an ant.
Jiang Chen glanced at the guard indifferently and asked, "Can I go in now?"
"Yes, yes! Of course!" The middle-aged man nodded repeatedly, his face breaking into a nervous smile. He quickly stepped aside and gestured respectfully. "Master Jiang, please come inside!"
Zhu Mingyuan stepped forward and said warmly, "Master Jiang, since this is your first time visiting the Alchemist Guild, I'm sure you're unfamiliar with the place. Allow me to accompany you to the assessment."
"Alright." Jiang Chen nodded casually, and the two of them proceeded into the grand hall of the Alchemist Guild.
---
As they walked, Jiang Chen turned to Zhu Mingyuan. "Master Zhu, why are you here at the Alchemist Guild today?"
Zhu Mingyuan smiled bitterly. "Truth be told, I came here to attempt the third-rank alchemist assessment, but... I failed."
Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further.
Soon, they arrived at the Alchemist Examination Hall.
The moment Jiang Chen stepped inside, a faint fragrance of medicinal herbs filled the air, instantly making him feel relaxed and refreshed.
Jiang Chen glanced around the hall. In the center, there were more than a dozen stone platforms made of an unknown material. Each platform was equipped with a pill furnace and a set of alchemy ingredients.
Seven or eight young alchemists were already seated at some of the platforms, their faces full of focus and impatience.
However, Jiang Chen's gaze stopped at one particular figure among them—the purple-clothed girl he had clashed with earlier on the street!
"It's her again..." Jiang Chen muttered under his breath, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Standing at the front of the hall was an elderly man with white hair and sharp, wise eyes. On his chest was a gleaming silver badge adorned with four stars—a clear symbol of his rank as a fourth-rank alchemist.
Zhu Mingyuan leaned closer to Jiang Chen and whispered, "Master Jiang, that's Dan Yichen, the president of the Alchemist Guild here in Lingyun City. He's the only fourth-rank alchemist in the city."
Jiang Chen nodded, his gaze calm as he examined Dan Yichen.
Zhu Mingyuan continued softly, "The other young alchemists here are also participating in the assessment. However, rumors say that Master Dan is looking to take on a disciple. I'm guessing that's why they're all here—to prove themselves."
Before Jiang Chen could respond, Dan Yichen turned his gaze toward them and spoke with a faint smile.
"Master Zhu, have you brought your disciple here for the alchemy assessment?"
Dan Yichen's voice carried through the hall, instantly drawing the attention of the seven or eight young alchemists present. All eyes turned to Jiang Chen and Zhu Mingyuan.
When the purple-clothed girl saw Jiang Chen, her face immediately froze in shock.
"Him? Why is he here?!" Her expression was a mixture of surprise and indignation.
Zhu Mingyuan bowed slightly toward Dan Yichen and replied humbly, "Master Dan, you flatter me. I am not qualified to teach Master Jiang."
Dan Yichen raised his eyebrows in surprise. His sharp, experienced eyes fell on Jiang Chen, and his tone turned curious.
"Oh? This young man... are you here to take part in the alchemy assessment?"
Jiang Chen took a step forward, his expression calm and composed. "Yes, I'm here to test for the third-rank alchemist."