As the first rays of dawn stretched across the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the land, Chen Long sprinted toward the mountain where he had hidden his money. The air was still cool, carrying the faint scent of dew-covered earth, while the soft light illuminated the path ahead. His breath came in steady puffs as he reached his hidden spot. Without hesitation, he dug up the small stash of coins he had carefully concealed and quickly tucked them into his inventory.

His mind raced as fast as his feet, already focused on his next destination—The Celestial Pill Pavilion.

Chen Long didn’t slow down, his feet pounding against the dirt road as he made his way from the mountain toward the pill pavilion, where the selection exam was to be held. The cool morning breeze brushed past him, but his heart was pounding too hard to notice.

By the time he arrived at the gates of the pavilion, his chest heaved, sweat trickling down his back. Outside stood a small, temporary booth, where participants could sign up for the selection. The booth, hastily constructed, had simple wooden planks and a modest awning that barely shielded the attendant from the rising sun.

As Chen Long approached, two guards at the entrance exchanged a few hushed words.

“Hey, isn't that the person Lady Qian was asking about? Go tell her he’s here,” one of the guards said.

The other guard nodded and hurried off, leaving the first to keep watch.

Ignoring them, Chen Long approached the booth, where a plump, middle-aged man was lazily arranging supplies. His eyes narrowed at the scene—this man didn’t seem like he took his role seriously.

“Mister, I would like to take part in the selection exam,” Chen Long said, his voice firm.

The man glanced over his shoulder, giving Chen Long a dismissive look before returning to his task as if he hadn’t heard a word. Chen Long's brow furrowed in irritation.

“Did you not hear me?” he demanded, his patience wearing thin.

The man turned, his face contorting into a sneer. “What do you want, you piece of trash? You think someone like you can stand alongside the sons and daughters of noble families? Look at yourself—filthy and reeking of poverty. Crawl back to whatever garbage heap you came from.”

Chen Long’s fists clenched, fury boiling in his veins. His instinct urged him to lash out, to drain the life essence from this man and show him just who he was insulting. But just as his rage peaked, his eyes caught sight of a figure approaching—a woman dressed in elegant robes, radiating authority. Lady Qian, an alchemist of considerable skill, strolled up to the booth, her eyes calm yet sharp.

“Is there a problem here, child?” she asked, her gaze shifting between Chen Long and the booth attendant.

“Greetings, Senior Alchemist,” the man quickly replied, forcing a smile. “This boy tried to enter the selection exam, but he’s too late. I told him to try again next year, but he started shouting at me.”

The lie rolled off his tongue with practiced ease, but Lady Qian’s eyes remained fixed on Chen Long, as if assessing him.

“The selection hasn’t started yet. You can let him enter,” she said in a calm, but firm tone.

“Y-yeah... He should try next year...” the attendant stammered, before realizing what she said. “Wait! What? Let him enter?”

“Is there a problem with that?” Her eyes glinted with a hidden warning.

“N-no, no problem at all,” he stuttered, his face growing pale.

“Good. Take his details and let him in. I will escort him myself,” she said before turning to Chen Long with a faint smile. “Come with me after you’re done here.”

After giving his details, Chen Long followed Lady Qian through the pavilion gates. The grandeur of the place struck him as they walked—marble floors that gleamed in the morning light, towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts, and rows of alchemists moving with purpose, dressed in pristine robes.

Soon, they arrived at an open courtyard where the exam would take place. Rows of examinees were already gathered, all dressed in luxurious, well-tailored clothes. In stark contrast, Chen Long’s worn and patched clothing made him stand out like a sore thumb.

Whispers broke out around him.

“Who’s that peasant?”

“Did they lower the standards this year?”

“He’s probably here by mistake…”

Chen Long ignored the murmurs, though he felt their stares like needles pricking at his pride. He straightened his back, refusing to let their scorn affect him.

Moments later, a tall, dignified man ascended the stage in front of them—the Pavilion Master. His presence commanded silence as he addressed the crowd.

“Welcome to the Celestial Pill Pavilion’s selection exam,” his voice boomed across the courtyard. “For over a century, our pavilion has stood as a pillar of alchemical mastery. Our branch here in Heshan Village, active for 28 years, is proud to host its 27th selection exam. Those who pass will earn the right to join our ranks and walk the path of alchemy.”

A pause, then he continued, “This year’s requirement is simple: you must successfully create a grade-1 pill. You have one month. Resources will be provided, and the top three performers will receive additional rewards based on their evaluation.”

With that, the Pavilion Master stepped down, replaced by Head Alchemist Liu Wei, who oversaw the distribution of cauldrons and ingredients to the examinees.

Chen Long received his materials and was left standing before the large cauldron. The cold metal sent a shiver up his spine as he placed his hand on it. He hadn’t anticipated such a task, and doubt began to creep into his mind. A grade-1 pill? How was he supposed to do that?

His thoughts swirled, trying to grasp any possible solution. He was just about to despair when, suddenly, a familiar system window flashed before his eyes.

[The system has detected that the host is performing Alchemy. The Alchemy system has been unlocked. Please say "Alchemy" to access it.]

"So there's a new system function? Alchemy!" Chen Long said aloud, his voice soft yet filled with a growing excitement.

As soon as he spoke the keyword, another system window appeared before him.

[Grade-1 Alchemist(Novice)

Progress- 0%]

[Pill- Vitality replenishing pill

Mastery: 0% (Novice)

Fire grade: Normal

Materials: Please insert the required materials

Success rate: 50%]

Chen Long blinked in confusion. "It's a bit complicated, but I think I can understand what it's saying. But why is my success rate already at 50%?"

The system responded immediately.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

[The success rate is due to the effect of the Karmaic Progenitor Body. +50% success rate when performing secondary arts.]

"Oh! So that's why... Wait, did the system just answer my question? This is the first time it has done that."

[As the host becomes more powerful and unlocks additional system features, the system itself will upgrade. It can now answer the host’s queries regarding system functionality.]

Chen Long nodded to himself, marveling at how much the system had evolved. "I’ll look into these features later, but for now, I need to focus on Alchemy." He glanced at the cauldron before him and muttered, "So, I need to place the required herbs inside."

He gathered the herbs given to him and carefully placed them into the cauldron. As he did, another prompt appeared on the system window.

[Perform Alchemy]

Without hesitation, Chen Long tapped the "button" on the screen. Instantly, his body moved on its own, as if some invisible force was guiding him. His hands danced over the cauldron, controlling the flame with precise motions that felt alien, yet natural. The heat radiated from the cauldron, warming his face as the scent of herbs began to waft through the air.

Then, an explosion.

A loud boom echoed in the room, and smoke billowed from the cauldron, its contents ruined. Chen Long coughed, waving away the smoke, but his expression remained calm. The system window had updated.

[+2% mastery for vitality replenishing pill]

[+3% success rate to novice pill mastery for unsuccessful Alchemy attempts]

He checked the updated success rate.

[Pill: Vitality replenishing pill

Mastery: 2% (Novice)

Fire grade: Normal

Materials: Please insert the required materials

Success rate: 55%]

Chen Long frowned. "Why did my success rate increase by 5% instead of just 3%?"

[The extra 2% comes from the increase in mastery. The 3% bonus from the failed attempt is stackable. Upon a successful attempt, all bonuses will reset.]

"Oh, I see..." Chen Long muttered to himself, his voice a little too loud in the quiet room.

Nearby examinees turned to look at him, their faces puzzled. "Did he lose his mind from the failure?" one of them whispered, chuckling under his breath.

Ignoring the murmurs, Chen Long reset the cauldron, clearing out the failed materials, and inserted a new batch of herbs. His determination grew as he attempted the process again... and again... and again. After five failed attempts, frustration gnawed at him, but his focus never wavered. On the sixth try, the cauldron emitted a soft glow. A faint but pleasant herbal scent filled the air.

[Pill: Vitality replenishing pill×6

Grade-1

Quality- Low]

He blinked in disbelief before letting out a triumphant shout. "I’ve done it! I’ve created a pill!"

All eyes snapped toward him. The disbelief was palpable. Many of the examinees had expected weeks of trial and error. They were barely familiar with the basics of Alchemy, yet this boy, dressed in rags, had crafted a pill on his sixth attempt. It was unprecedented.

Zhao Qian rushed over, her eyes wide as she inspected the small pill in Chen Long's hand. "A Grade-1 Vitality Replenishing Pill... without a doubt," she muttered, more to herself than to him.

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened. "This... this is too fast. I need to take him to the pavilion master."

She turned to the crowd. "Chen Long’s pill requires further judgment. Continue with the exam while I bring him to the pavilion master."

As she led him through the halls of the Celestial Pill Pavilion, Zhao Qian shot him a curious glance. "You... didn’t cheat, did you?"

Chen Long frowned. "No, of course not. I made it myself."

She studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright, come with me."

Moments later, they stood before the pavilion master, who was deeply focused on his own pill creation. His hands moved with practiced ease, flames dancing under his cauldron. Zhao Qian bowed respectfully.

"This disciple greets the master."

The pavilion master, a tall man with an air of authority, barely glanced at them. "What is it now, Zhao Qian? And why did you bring this child here? Is he the one you were talking about?"

"Yes, master, but there’s something else. You need to hear what happened today."

She quickly recounted the events of the exam. When she finished, the pavilion master stopped mid-motion, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "What?! He crafted a pill on his sixth attempt? Is that true?"

Chen Long, sensing the weight of the moment, couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. "Pavilion Master, is it really that rare to succeed on the sixth try?"

The master looked at him incredulously. "Rare? That's heaven-defying! It took me an entire week to craft my first pill, and I’m a sixth-grade master alchemist. My father, a ninth-grade grandmaster, needed a whole day to make his first pill. And you’re asking me if it’s rare?!" He shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Is heaven mocking me today?"

Chen Long's thoughts raced. 'If it took a ninth-grade grandmaster a day to craft his first pill, and I did it in six tries... With the system’s help, can I surpass the ninth level?'

His heart pounded with excitement as the possibilities unfolded before him.

"Chen Long, come here and create the grade-1 pill once more. I want to witness it with my own eyes," Feng Lao commanded, his sharp gaze piercing through Chen Long.

Chen Long nodded, stepping forward to the alchemy cauldron. This time, with the Alchemy system guiding him, the process felt smoother. His movements were swift yet precise, and the ingredients seemed to respond to his every touch. Within three tries, the grade-1 pill was complete, its faint medicinal scent lingering in the air.

Feng Lao's eyes widened with amazement. "This... this is truly heaven-blessed talent. Chen Long, become my disciple. I will make you the strongest alchemist this world has ever seen."

The room fell silent for a moment, tension thickening the air. Zhao Qian, who had been standing quietly in the corner, finally spoke up. "But, Master..."

Feng Lao raised a hand, silencing her. "I know you wanted him as your disciple, but his talent far surpasses mine. Even I do not deserve to be his master," he said, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and regret. "And you know how long I’ve been searching for someone to help me take revenge on my cousin and reclaim what was stolen from me."

Chen Long’s sharp mind instantly picked up on the subtle tension. There was clearly internal strife within the pavilion. He could practically feel the crackling undercurrent of hidden conflicts.

'There must be some kind of internal conflicts going on with the pill pavilion, I must take advantage of this,' Chen Long thought, his eyes gleaming as a plan started forming in his mind.

"Pavilion Master, may I know what is happening here?" he asked, feigning innocence, his expression calm and wide-eyed.

Feng Lao exhaled deeply, his gaze softening as he looked at Chen Long. "Since you are going to be my true disciple, it's only right you understand the situation within the Celestial Pill Pavilion."

He paused for a moment, his voice lowering, as if the very walls had ears. "The Celestial Pill Pavilion is one of the most renowned and powerful alchemist factions on this continent. My father was the pavilion master, which made me the rightful heir. But due to my low alchemy talent and my uncle’s schemes, I lost that position. The heirship went to my uncle’s son, my cousin. There’s a pact, though: since the current pavilion master is not from the main family, every year we hold a tournament called the Eternal Pill Tournament. All the elders’ disciples can compete, and whoever wins, their master becomes the rightful owner of the pavilion." His eyes darkened with a mix of frustration and determination. "With your talent, I can win the tournament and take back what’s mine."

Chen Long listened intently, already calculating his next move. His mind raced with ideas, plotting a way to use this situation to his advantage. A cunning scheme began to take root in his thoughts, one that could elevate him to a position of power.

"Pavilion Master," Chen Long said, his voice filled with gratitude, "I am truly honored that you wish to take me as your disciple. But I must be honest—my primary goal in becoming an alchemist is to improve my financial situation so I can eventually focus on martial arts. I can only accept your offer if you grant me the opportunity to learn martial arts as well."

Feng Lao’s eyes widened in shock. "You... you want to pursue martial arts, despite your heaven-defying talent for alchemy?!" He stared at Chen Long for a long moment, before sighing. "Very well. I will allow you to pursue martial arts, but only if you possess above-average talent. If not, you must devote yourself entirely to alchemy. Do you agree?"

"Yes, Master. This disciple agrees," Chen Long replied, his voice steady as he accepted Feng Lao as his teacher.

Feng Lao nodded. "Good. Zhao Qian, bring the talent talisman. Let’s test his martial talent."

"Yes, Master," Zhao Qian replied, rushing off. She soon returned, carrying an uneven piece of a large black stone. The surface was rough, like volcanic rock, and it exuded a faint, mysterious energy.

"Place a single drop of your blood on the stone," Zhao Qian instructed, "and it will glow with a color that represents your talent."

Chen Long did as instructed, pricking his finger. As soon as the drop of blood touched the stone, a faint hum echoed in the room. The stone began to glow, first dimly, and then with a vibrant green light.

Feng Lao’s eyes sparkled with approval. "You possess above-average talent for martial arts. Very well, I grant you permission to learn martial arts, but only after you become a grade-3 Alchemis."

Chen Long bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master. But... I have one more request."

Feng Lao raised an eyebrow and sighed heavily. "What is it this time?" he asked, his voice laced with exhaustion.

"Master, my family and I currently live in a small, run-down shack. I humbly request that we be provided with better living conditions."

Feng Lao nodded, rubbing his temples. "Fine. Zhao Qian will take you to your new residence. She will also oversee your initial training. For now, she is capable enough to guide a trainee like you."

Zhao Qian, who had been standing silently, suddenly beamed. She had long wanted a disciple, and though Chen Long wasn’t officially hers, the opportunity to guide a future grandmaster was more than enough.

"Thank you, Master," Chen Long said, bowing once again. "This disciple takes his leave."

With that, Chen Long and Zhao Qian left the room, leaving Feng Lao alone with his thoughts.