"So how is it?" Bai Chen asked, looking at the three alchemists in front of him.

The three alchemists exchanged glances with each other, and finally, Alchemist Yun spoke,

"The purity of this pill has reached at least 85%, perhaps even higher." He paused for a moment, trying to process his own words.

"This is undoubtedly a top-notch Appearance Altering Pill," Alchemist Yun continued, "something that can only be refined by a mid-level Master Alchemist who is infinitely close to becoming a high-level Master Alchemist…or perhaps someone who has already reached that level."

Alchemist Gao and Alchemist Yue also nodded, agreeing with Alchemist Yun's statement.

Alchemist Yun then turned toward the other candidates and said, "All of you have been successful in refining the pills, so from today forth, you are considered certified Alchemists of the Alchemist Association."

"Now, you all can follow my assistant here to obtain your Alchemist token and learn about the benefits of associating yourself with the Alchemist Association," Alchemist Yun continued.

"Wei Rong, take them with you and also, send Zhu Shou here as well." Hearing Alchemist Yun's instructions, Wei Rong nodded and, albeit reluctantly, ushered the candidates out of the room.

Soon, only Bai Chen and the three alchemists were the only people in the entire exam hall.

After a moment, Alchemist Gao turned toward the other two and asked, "So, does either of you have any complaints in giving Fellow Daoist Ba the mid-level Master Alchemist rank?"

Hearing Alchemist Gao's words, both Alchemist Yue and Yun chuckled softly before Alchemist Yue spoke, "Complaints? I feel like giving a mid-level Master Alchemist rank to Fellow Daoist Ba is not doing his skills any justice."

"Agreed," Alchemist Yun said, a soft sigh escaping his lips, "But unfortunately, mid-level Master Alchemist is the highest rank we are authorized to bestow in Azure Dragon City."

As Bai Chen heard the discussion between the three, his expression remained composed, as if the result of the discussion did not affect him in the least.

Getting the approval from both Alchemist Yue and Alchemist Yun, Alchemist Gao clapped his hands and spoke, "Then let's not waste any time. Zhu Shou, bring the Ethereal Trace Stone."

Soon, the high-level Alchemy Apprentice, Zhu Shou, carefully brought the Ethereal Trace Stone to Alchemist Gao, who took it from him and moved it in front of Bai Chen.

"Fellow Daoist Ba, this Ethereal Trace Stone can remember the soul aura of those that inject their soul power into it. It could be used to identify the members of the Alchemist Association in case of losing one identity token."

Alchemist Gao introduced Bai Chen to the Ethereal Trace Stone as he presented the bluish glowing crystal to him.

Bai Chen looked at the crystal with curious eyes. Even without Alchemist Gao's introduction, he was familiar with the use of the Ethereal Trace Stone — his uncle told him about it when he was still learning alchemy under him.

Without hesitation, Bai Chen separated a trace of his soul and gently injected it into the Ethereal Trace Stone, and the previously bluish crystal turned a light shade of golden, signifying the completion of the process.

Satisfied, Bai Chen withdrew the trace of soul and looked toward the three alchemists, who also looked pleased.

After carefully storing away the Ethereal Trace Stone, the three alchemists turned toward Bai Chen,

"Fellow Daoist Ba, please inject a trace of your soul into this token to make sure no one else can use this," Alchemist Yue said as she took out a token with "Master" written alongside two lines on it.

"This will act as your identification as an alchemist that is verified by the Alchemists Association in the outside world." She also explained the purpose of the token to Bai Chen.

Bai Chen took the token and inserted a trace of his soul into it as instructed, causing the previously gray stone to change color and become a bright red with dragon patterns on the sides of the words written on it.

"Great, since Fellow Daoist Ba is also considered a mid-level Master Alchemist now, should we hold a celebration banquet?" After Bai Chen had finished, Alchemist Gao suggested with a deep smile.

"Fufufu, you are as scheming as always, Alchemist Gao. Alchemist Ba's token hasn't even cooled down, yet you are already planning to curry favor with him." Alchemist Yue was quick to expose Gao Mu's schemes with an elegant laugh.

"Hahahaha, Alchemist Yue, you have already seen Alchemist Ba's talent." Seeing his plans exposed by Alchemist Yue, Alchemist Gao didn't fluster. Instead, he laughed. "I am afraid if I miss the chance now, I won't even be able to look up to him in the future."

"And shameless as well." When Alechmist Yun heard Alchemist Gao laugh, he snidely commented.

"Anyway, it's true that I was planning to ask Alchemist Ba for help with the refinement of a certain pill." Alchemist Yun admitted, "I have been trying to refine this pill for a while now, but I have yet to see success."

"Of course, I'll properly compensate Alchemist Ba for his time. How about twenty-thousand mid-grade spirit stones?"

When Bai Chen heard this, a strange light flashed in his eyes. Twenty-thousand mid-grade spirit stones were equal to two million low-grade spirit stones.

This figure was already close to his entire wealth, yet he was offered the same amount just for a few hours of work.

On the outside, Bai Chen remained composed, but inwardly, he was weighing his pros and cons. Such a large sum was truly tempting for him, but he had already decided to put alchemy aside for a while and focus on increasing his cultivation first.

After deliberating for a while, Bai Chen looked at Alchemist Yun and spoke, "Fellow Daoist Yun flatters me," he said with a modest smile, "I am just a mid-level Master Alchemist just like you. if you can solve something, how would I be of any help?"

"Fellow Daoist Ba is too modest." Hearing Bai Chen's modest words, Alchemist Yun replied, "All three of us have seen your talent in alchemy and know that your skills far surpass a typical mid-level Master Alchemist."

"If not for the restrictions of Azure Dragon City, I dare say you would already be recognized as a high-level Master Alchemist at the very least."