I alone am the Honoured One!-Chapter 773: Alchemy Examination [1]

The room was faintly perfumed with the subtle aroma of sandalwood and sweet osmanthus, wafting from the incense burner on the shelf.

Lying on her bed, Qi Xue held a book loosely in her hands.

Its pages were filled with cultivation theories and alchemical diagrams, but her gaze was hollow, staring past the words.

She sighed and her delicate fingers slowly closed the book, but her thumb remained tucked between the pages, as if unwilling to fully give up the pretense of reading.

A soft murmur lett her lips "Sister Nue went with Little Brother for the Alchemy Examination…"

Her eyes quivered, and she turned slightly, hugging the book to her chest.

"I wonder if things are going really well for them."

She wasn't sure what she meant by "really well."

Did she mean the test itself? Or their time together?

The latter thought lingered like a bitter aftertaste.

She had volunteered... no, forced herself to stay behind, so her sister could spend time with him alone and maybe... even win his heart.

But as hours passed, her heart grew heavier with silence.

She reached out and extinguished the lantern beside her bed, plunging the room into darkness.

Throwing an arm across her eyes, she whispered with a weak laugh,

"Haa… I hate this."

Her chest tightened.

She wasn't sure if this is what people call jealousy.

She loves her Sister Nue, truly.

But… she also couldn't ignore the way her heart stirred every time Zhao Tian smiled at her.

The way he gently pats her head. The warmth in his eyes when he calls her by name.

She cursed herself for feeling this way

...

The first rays of morning sunlight broke through the misty veil that clung to the rooftops of the Jade Eclipse Dynasty's capital, casting a soft golden hue across the stone streets.

Shopkeepers rolled up bamboo blinds, children ran through narrow alleys with fresh buns in hand, and couriers darted quickly.

Among the gently rising activity, Zhao Tian and Qi Nue walked side by side down the central avenue.

Qi Nue's violet robes shimmered faintly beneath the sunlight, her long hair tied into a high, elegant ponytail that swayed behind her.

As they passed a small teahouse preparing for the day, the scent of steamed dumplings and herbal broth floated through the air.

Qi Nue glanced sideways at him and asked in a teasing tone "You haven't said a word since we left. Are you that sleepy?"

Zhao Tian gave a faint, relaxed smile "Just enjoying the silence."

Hearing this, she just nodded her head "Hmm..."

With a faint chuckle, he asked "Are you nervous?"

She looked up at him and replied "I am... but that's why you are here. To keep me calm."

They passed a street where other examinees had gathered... young men and women all heading in the same direction.

The exam would begin in an hour, but many wanted to reach the venue early, hoping to center their minds or find a quiet spot to rehearse pill formulas.

Qi Nue inhaled slowly, "Master used to tell me… that when crafting a pill, your spirit must be calm and steady. If your heart wavers, the fire will too."

Zhao Tian looked at her and asked gently, "Then is your heart calm right now?"

Qi Nue giggled and shook her head "Absolutely not. It's flipping like a fish on dry land."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tian let out a chuckle and gently raised his hand, patting her head "Don't worry.. you are very talented and you can surely do it."

His words worked like a charm, slowly easing her tension.

She didn't reply immediately, but she nodded with more strength than before.

"I feel like I am the junior sister and you are the senior brother."

Zhao Tian let out a soft laugh and seeing his smile, Qi Nue's eyes softened in tenderness.

They stepped through the final corridor leading to the Grand Alchemy Courtyard.

As they crossed the threshold, Zhao Tian remained beside her.

A few of the stewards standing near the archway gave them only a passing glance... until one of them looked closer.

His eyes widened subtly.

Then another guy saw Zhao Tian's face and stiffened.

Within seconds, murmurs began rippling through the attending crowd like quiet sparks on dry tinder.

"That's… isn't that Zhao Tian?"

"The one who killed the Emperor?"

"Yeah, the one from the Jade Eclipse Sect."

"The Heaven Sent Child."

A young woman in violet robes bowed hurriedly as he passed.

Another young man from a distant sect straightened his back, quickly tucking away the casual smile he had had moments before.

Qi Nue noticed the respect in everyone's gaze as they looked at Zhao Tian and a smile bloomed on her lips as she walked proudly beside him.

They soon reached the registration platform.

A robed elder sitting behind a long table looked up from the jade talismans he was sorting "Name and badge," he said routinely, before his gaze landed on Zhao Tian.

His eyes trembled and he hurriedly stood up "Zhao… Zhao Tian?"

Zhao Tian gave a faint nod "I'm not here for the examination. I'm simply accompanying her." He gestured slightly toward Qi Nue.

Qi Nue stepped forward and offered her examination badge "Qi Nue. Representing the Jade Eclipse Sect. I'm here to take the Flame Forger Examination."

The elder glanced at her, then back at Zhao Tian, then bowed his head lightly "Of course. We're honored to have both of you here."

He handed her a slip of jade etched with her examination number "Room 3-B. The Flame Forger category is being held in the southern wing."

Zhao Tian and Qi Nue moved deeper into the courtyard.

The massive pavilion hallways were lined with spirit lanterns and inscriptions.

As they reached the hall designated for the Flame Forger Examination, more gazes turned toward them.

Even among the examiners standing outside the room. most of them nodded respectfully toward Zhao Tian.

A man in crimson and silver robes approached from the side.

Reaching in front of Zhao Tian, the middle aged man cupped his hands before bowing his head "Lord Zhao Tian. I hadn't expected to see you here today."

Zhao Tian returned the gesture with a subtle nod "I'm just accompanying someone."

The man's gaze flicked to Qi Nue, and for a moment, "Then she is fortunate."

He turned to Qi Nue "The Flame Forger Examination is no easy trial. The first part will test your flame control, the second your knowledge of rare ingredients, and the third… your ability to form a Three-Turn Pill under time constraints."

Qi Nue's fingers tightened slightly around her jade slip.

Zhao Tian leaned in slightly and whispered "Just breathe. You've done more difficult things with your eyes closed."

She laughed under her breath "You're exaggerating."

"Am I?"

A bell rang gently in the distance.

The door to Room 3-B creaked open, revealing a large chamber with gleaming cauldrons already warmed and awaiting their alchemists.

Attendants stepped forward to guide the participants inside.

Qi Nue looked at the room, then back at him.

He smiled and patted her back "Now, go."

Looking into his clear blue eyes, she nodded her head before entering the room.

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!