Elder Huo, after confirming with his own eyes that Liu Xi truly possessed the strength of a 3rd Tier Alchemist, wasted no more words. He immediately set Liu Xi's identity and treatment within the Alchemy Department.
Though it was regrettable that Liu Xi already had a master and thus could not formally become his disciple, Elder Huo still felt joy. For the Alchemy Department, gaining such a talented youth was cause for celebration.
The elder quickly hid the trace of regret on his face. Looking at Liu Xi, who stood before him with respectful bearing, Elder Huo's expression shifted into a hearty smile. He raised his thick hand and patted the boy's shoulder.
"Haha! Why so polite, lad? Do you take me for one of those old fossils? Relax. From now on, if you encounter difficulties, come to me directly. I'll give you whatever guidance you need."
Liu Xi's lips curved upward. "In that case, this junior won't stand on ceremony."
At the same time, his heart stirred with satisfaction. 'Elder Huo is straightforward and forthright. It seems in the future, if I wish to further refine my alchemy, I should seek him out often for discussion.'
A short while later, a middle-aged instructor approached with a solemn expression. From his storage ring, he produced a badge engraved with intricate flame patterns. His eyes lingered on Liu Xi's youthful face, shock plain within them. To reach the level of a 3rd Tier Alchemist at such a young age—such future potential was immeasurable.
The instructor respectfully presented the badge to Elder Huo, who accepted it before handing it to Liu Xi.
"From this moment on," Elder Huo declared with a booming voice, "you are officially recognized as a 3rd Tier Alchemist of the Jia Nan Academy's Alchemy Department."
---
By the time Liu Xi left the division grounds, the sun had already climbed toward noon. After a simple meal in the academy dining hall, he returned to his dormitory, badge in hand.
He sat at his desk, turning the token over between his fingers. The youthful, handsome face reflected in the polished surface gradually brightened with a grin.
'My foundation is still shallow. I have no cheat, no so-called golden finger. If I want to grow quickly, I can only rely on alchemy to amass the resources I need.'
'This identity as a 3rd Tier Alchemist must be leveraged fully. I'll use it to climb higher, faster.'
Resolutely, he tucked the badge away and unrolled a pill recipe he had requested from Elder Huo. The old man had been generous to a fault—when Liu Xi had asked for high-grade formulas to study, Elder Huo had waved his hand and bestowed an entire bundle of scrolls.
Sorting them carefully, Liu Xi found over thirty formulas for 3rd Tier Pills and more than ten for 4th Tier Pills. Enough material to keep him occupied for a very long time. After organizing the collection, he drew one recipe at random and began to study it intently.
---
News of what had occurred that morning spread through the academy like wildfire.
"Have you heard? The Outer Academy gained a new 3rd Tier Alchemist!"
"They say he passed the test on his very first day after joining the Alchemy Department."
"I've asked around—his name is Liu Xi, a new student this year. Instructor Zhang Yan brought him from the Jia Ma Empire."
"No matter what, I must find this Master Liu Xi. To be a 3rd Tier Alchemist at such an age—he'll surely reach heights beyond imagining. If I can form ties now, the benefits will be endless!"
In truth, most of the academy's elite Alchemists were gathered in the Inner Academy. Within the Outer Academy, there were only a handful of 3rd Tier or higher Alchemists. The demand for pills always exceeded the supply—high-quality medicine was worth more than gold.
Naturally, word of Liu Xi's achievement drew endless attention.
---
The very next morning, Instructor Zhang Yan arrived at Liu Xi's residence with eyes wide and glowing, his expression practically screaming disbelief.
"So it's true—you were already a 3rd Tier Alchemist?" His first words were half accusation, half awe.
Liu Xi offered a calm smile, his tone warm but steady. "That's right. I've indeed reached the level of a 3rd Tier Alchemist."
Zhang Yan nearly stumbled. Just days ago, he had vowed to personally secure Liu Xi the best treatment in the Outer Academy, believing the boy to be merely an extraordinary cultivator. Now, the student he thought to guide had become someone even he needed to curry favor with.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier!" Zhang Yan cried, half embarrassed, half exasperated. "I went on about arranging the best resources for you—yet as a 3rd Tier Alchemist, your treatment is higher than mine already."
Liu Xi spread his hands helplessly. "Instructor, you never asked me."
Zhang Yan flushed red, rubbing his forehead. After a long sigh, he admitted, "That's true. But now, because word has spread that you're my student, countless people are coming to me, begging for your pills. What should we do? Would you prefer to meet them yourself?"
Liu Xi paused to consider. He had no interest in wasting time on trivial requests—his focus must remain on cultivation and improving his alchemy. After a moment, he offered a proposal.
"Instructor, could I trouble you to handle these matters in my place? If people ask, I'll mostly take requests for 3rd Tier Pills. If it's 2nd Tier Pills, I'll only accept commissions with sufficiently high payment. As for your own fee, Instructor—consider this my offer: I'll refine pills for you free of charge, provided you supply the materials."
Zhang Yan's eyes lit up instantly. Such favorable terms were beyond what he had expected. With a broad smile, he slapped his chest. "Done! Leave everything to me."
Liu Xi returned the smile, his tone sincere. "Then I'll rely on Instructor."
For the first time since entering Jia Nan Academy, he had found someone trustworthy to handle the burdens of reputation. With Zhang Yan managing the requests, Liu Xi could focus entirely on what mattered most—growing stronger, faster.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has more than 400 Chapters on Patreon already, Go Check It Out.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.