The examination site for the five major families was located within a grand hall in the inner region of Holy Pill City. This place, designated by the Pill Tower, underscored the great importance the Tower placed on the assessments of these five families. The examinations were not conducted in secrecy but were semi-public, with powers that held some significance gathering here when the tests began. Positions within the five families were always coveted, as everyone knew it was a shortcut to entering the upper echelons of the Pill Tower. By clinging to the Pill Tower’s massive influence, any power’s reputation could skyrocket overnight.
Currently, the Ye Family’s status was precarious. If they failed this assessment, they would lose their position among the five major families. And if the Ye Family lost this position, other powers that had long been eyeing it would likely pounce at the opportunity.
Thus, many forces hoping to mingle with the upper ranks of the Pill Tower paid close attention to the so-called examinations of the five major families.
When Xiao Yan and his group, led by Ye Zhong, arrived at the immense and magnificent examination hall, they found it already crowded with people. Groups of seemingly influential individuals passed through the tightly guarded entrance, successfully entering the hall.
“Let’s go…” Looking at the enormous testing hall, Ye Zhong’s fist trembled slightly inside his sleeve. This place brought back profound and painful memories. Every examination left him with deep humiliation.
With those words, Ye Zhong led the way to the entrance, followed closely by Xiao Yan and the others.
As the group emerged, they quickly attracted the attention of the surrounding crowd. People’s gazes turned towards them, and whispers began when they saw the family crest on their chests.
“Look, it’s the Ye Family.”
“Hehe, if they fail again, the Ye Family will surely fall out of the five major families. Without the Pill Tower’s protection, their future days won’t be easy.”
“Sigh, indeed. Back then, the Ye Family was so formidable. Only the Dan Family could match them. It’s a pity now…”
“The wheel of fortune has turned…”
Hearing the whispers, a bitter look appeared in Ye Zhong’s eyes. The decline of the Ye Family was his greatest blow. He had poured everything into the family’s rise and was now pinning all his hopes on Xiao Yan. Another failure would mean the end of the Ye Family.
Under the gaze of many, Ye Zhong and his group reached the entrance. The guards there, upon seeing the family crest on their chests, eyed them with faint mockery. The Ye Family’s failures over the years were indeed hard to wash away.
Though they felt somewhat contemptuous, the guards didn’t dare to challenge them openly. They waved casually and stepped aside, shouting, “The Ye Family has arrived!”
Ye Zhong, with a stoic face, acted as if he hadn’t noticed the disdain. He led Xiao Yan and the others, walking slowly into the hall, disappearing from the countless gazes outside.
Inside the hall, soft lights bathed everything. As the light fell upon them, Xiao Yan noticed various meaningful gazes from the crowd. Lifting his eyes, he scanned the hall. Many figures were seated around the hall, and most of them exuded strong auras, evidently from notable powers or families.
Ignoring the gazes, Ye Zhong knew that many were waiting for the Ye Family’s failure, thus freeing up a desirable spot. “In front, you’ll find the seats of the Dan, Cao, Bai, and Qiu Families,” he said, leading Xiao Yan and the group toward the Ye Family’s seat.
Following his gaze, Xiao Yan indeed saw four seats at the front, occupied by three families. From their robes, it was clear they were the Dan, Bai, and Qiu Families.
Xiao Yan first glanced at the low-profile Dan Family, then his eyes paused, a surprised sound escaping his lips. He spotted a familiar, petite figure—a strange girl he’d met during the testing at the Pill Tower.
When she noticed Xiao Yan, she avoided his gaze, looking timid.
“This girl seems unfamiliar, but standing there must mean she holds a high position in the Dan Family,” Ye Zhong mused, then his gaze shifted to the blue-robed man beside her. “Dan Xuan, I didn’t expect him here. He must be leading the Dan Family’s assessment this time… sigh…”
Seeing Ye Zhong’s concern, Xiao Yan followed his gaze. A tall, blue-robed man stood next to the girl, his appearance handsome and gentle, though his warmth was reserved for her. Despite this, he still exuded a refined and scholarly aura.
“Dan Xuan…” Xiao Yan murmured. The blue-robed man turned, meeting Xiao Yan’s gaze, and smiled amicably.
“His alchemy talent is extremely high, even among the Dan Family. He’s stronger than Cao Shan of the Cao Family. The only one who might surpass him in the Cao Family is that witch, Cao Ying. If he participates, he will definitely be in the top three,” Ye Zhong explained, his voice low. Xiao Yan nodded, about to speak when he felt icy gazes from the Bai Family’s seats.
At the Bai Family’s seats, the elderly woman who had been humiliated by Xiao Yan glared at him, her look filled with hatred. Xiao Yan’s gaze then settled on a cold, white-robed man at the front of the Bai Family. This man, enveloped in a frigid aura, stared at Xiao Yan with a chilly gleam in his eyes.
“He is Bai Ying, the most outstanding young member of the Bai Family. Sigh, as expected, the Bai Family sent him,” Ye Zhong sighed, acknowledging the Bai Family’s intent to prevent the Ye Family’s resurgence.
Xiao Yan nodded, locking eyes with Bai Ying. Both their expressions were coldly hostile.
As they spoke, they reached the Ye Family’s seats and sat down, their numbers seeming sparse compared to other families.
“Dan Xuan and Bai Ying are both at the intermediate rank of a 7th-grade alchemist. They will be your biggest rivals. The Qiu Family, however, is only sending a low-ranking 7th-grade alchemist, so they aren’t too dangerous. But…”
Turning to the Cao Family’s seats, currently unoccupied, Ye Zhong speculated, “Who will the Cao Family send? Cao Shan?”
“They have three geniuses: Cao Ying, the most prominent, and Cao Shan, the least. There’s also Cao Xiu, who is not weaker than Cao Shan in alchemy talent but is more composed. After seven years of independent training, he reached the 7th-grade level. I think he’s now at the intermediate rank. Since Cao Shan lost to you last time, the Cao Family will likely send Cao Xiu,” Ye Zhong analyzed.
Xiao Yan nodded, acknowledging the Cao Family’s impressive talent. Compared to the Ye Family, they were far superior.
“The Cao Family has arrived!” Just as Xiao Yan reflected, a loud announcement echoed through the hall, causing a commotion. Many previously seated powers rose, smiling, eager to curry favor with the Cao Family.
Xiao Yan turned to the entrance, where the doors opened to reveal a graceful figure, who walked out with a seductive air. As she emerged, the atmosphere in the hall seemed to freeze.
Her lithe figure, clad in a black dress, radiated a cool and aloof aura. Her skin was pale, and her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her delicate face was exquisite, like porcelain, making her irresistible.
She stood at the entrance, her languid, almond-shaped eyes brimming with allure. Many in the hall were entranced by her charm, and a subtle smile curved her lips, enhancing her allure.
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