Fictional Transcension System - Chapter 32 1 Star Apothecary

“This will be your final question. I’ve picked the hardest one I can think of right now, so ponder carefully before you answer. How would you explain the occurrence in which a pill…”

The final elder read out a question from a sheet of paper before looking expectantly at Lu Fengyi. The previous nine questions had been answered flawlessly by Lu Fengyi and the chances of him passing the pill debate right now was quite high.

Of course, the elders had not chosen the questions that even they would not know, however that did not mean that they were easy. If one knew all the answers to the previous questions as Lu Fengyi did, they would be more than qualified to become a 1 star apothecary.

Lu Fengyi searched his memory for the answer before composing a response, “This question can be explained through the reference to Bai Ming’s theories…”

Minutes later, Lu Fengyi finished answering the question before sitting back down upon the seat. The final examiner nodded in content before announcing to the others, “That concludes my questioning. He has passed my section of the pill debate.”

With that, Elder Bai stood up, “That concludes the pill debate. I now confer the title of a 1 star apothecary upon Lu Fengyi, Elite Student of the Hongtian academy.”

Some of the elders cheered upon hearing the results before shuffling up to Lu Fengyi, congratulating him for his deeds.

“Truly worthy of your title.”

“I have yet to see a youngster as competent as you.”

“Your answers were truly too accurate. If only I was like you when I was younger.”

Lu Fengyi thanked each of the examiners separately for their troubles before accompanying Elder Bai to the back of the guild. Although Elder Bai could not be considered the best apothecary in the city, he still held certain prestige and had the advantage of a profound understanding of cultivation as well.

“Brother Lu, how do you feel about becoming an apothecary?”

Lu Fengyi smiled, “I feel extremely good. It was an exciting test and I look forward to working with each of you elders.”

“Haha, Brother Lu, you don’t have to call them elders. Just the fact that you’re an Elite Student and an apothecary already puts you above all of us old fogeys.”

Lu Fengyi shook his head, “It’s respect, Brother Bai.”

‘This child is truly a good seedling. Only a master teacher would be worthy to further educate this boy.’ Elder Bai contemplated within his head.

As the two were crossing the herb gardens located in the centre of the apothecary guild, a messenger appeared from behind them, panting slightly, “Elder Bai, we have someone trying to become an official apothecary!”

“Oh? Even if that is so, you did not need to notify me. Don’t you see that I a currently accompanying Brother Lu?” Elder Bai waved away the messenger. Who the hell did that guy think he was, to be barging upon his conversation with Lu Fengyi?

“Elder Bai, this is urgent!” the messenger pleaded.

Giving in, Elder Bai turned to face the red faced messenger, “Fine, I’ll hear you out.”

“The man who wants to become an official apothecary is a teacher of the Hongtian academy…”

Elder Bai burst out in annoyance, “So what? Even if he’s a teacher, he still has to follow procedures!”

The messenger paled, “That’s not it, Elder Bai. The man wants to opt for a pill debate!”

Elder Bai almost choked in shock, “What did you say? Pill debate?”

The messenger nodded furiously, “Not only that, but Elder Ouyang has already given consent and arranged for the official event. He asks for ten available apothecaries to participate in the pill debate as the examiners.”

Recovering from his shock, Elder Bai harrumphed before bowing towards Lu Fengyi, “Brother Lu, it seems that our conversation will end here. I need to attend another pill debate.”

Just as Elder Bai was about to leave towards the pill debate examination hall, Lu Fengyi called out, “Brother Bai! How about this. I come with you and become one of the examiners of the pill debate?”

Surprised by the suggestion, Elder Bai thought for a moment before realising the appropriateness of the suggestion, “Of course! That’s a marvels idea. Come, let us attend the pill debate.”

Hearing that this boy he had grown fond of was going to accompany him through the pill debate, Elder Bai felt much better, mood lightening from the dark storms before. In addition, giving the boy some experience in asking and questioning would bring only benefits for his future growth.

Just like the previous time, Lu Fengyi entered the building with Elder Bai, however this time, he did not sit himself on the seat at the centre, but instead took a chair that the examiners would sit in. Feeling a twisted sense of deja vu, Elder Bai felt the corner of his mouth twitch before he composed his facial features and sat upon a seat next to Lu Fengyi.

“As you probably have figured out already, all you need to do is simply ask a question within your knowledge and if the answer that the participant gives satisfies you, just give me the o.k. signal and the next person will begin…” Elder Bai introduced the main points of the pill debate from an examiner’s perspective to Lu Fengyi. Since the boy had literally just finished his own pill debate and became an apothecary moments ago, it felt quite odd to be doing what he was doing.

Lu Fengyi took advantage of the fact that none of the other examiners were present yet and quickly asked Elder Bai, “Brother Bai, is it alright for me to wear a hood to hide my face? It wouldn’t be proper if the examinee judged me because of my age and looks…”

Elder Bai acknowledged the point before fumbling through his robes, revealing a dark sheet of cloth that resembled a camouflage cloak, “You can wear this. Just make sure the flap on top of the head piece sticks slightly out so that the shadow covers your face. As for your voice, you can just modulate it a little to make it deeper.”

Thank Elder Bai, Lu Fengyi donned the cloak just before some of the other examiners entered the room, tipping their heads towards Elder Bai and the mysterious cloaked figure.

“Elder Bai, this is the second pill debate today? Usually we don’t get any for months on end!”

“I was here for that Lu boy before, I wonder if the next one is just as good…”

“I heard that Lu boy passed the examination. Does that mean he’s an apothecary like us now?”

Elder Bai answered each of the questions and interacted happily with the other apothecaries. Although they would see each other rarely due to each having their own formulas and pills to work on, it was still good to build camaraderie amongst peers.

As all the elders sat into their seats, the doors to the room opened, revealing a messenger and a slim man who looked to be in his twenties.

While the apothecaries muttered to each other their first impressions, Lu Fengyi revealed a mischievous grin beneath the hood.

Things were about to get fun.