Instead, they were merely taken aback by the extraordinary influence of the Pill Alchemist Association in medicine with all those rare and fine-quality herbs!

The association's far-reaching impact made young pill alchemists from prominent families acknowledge that there were always greater heights to aspire to.

Faced with the Pill Alchemist Association's influence, the families that had once swelled their chests with pride might have yet to wield the impact they had assumed.

As per the examination regulations, candidates were obligated to arrive at the examination venue an hour ahead of time.

The venue resembled a stadium in structure.

Upon entering the premises, the young pill alchemists discovered that the interior resembled a sports arena in its layout.

Rows of seats encircled the periphery, mirroring the appearance of spectator stands.

A sign denoting it as the designated examination area was positioned at the heart of the hall.

The examination area featured two complete sets of alchemical apparatus, with the judging panel directly before them.

"Is it possible for two individuals to collaborate simultaneously, crafting pills on the spot for the scrutiny of the judges?" One person couldn't resist muttering.

"Wouldn't concurrent pill refinement cause interference?" another inquired.

Shortly after that, a staff member validated their conjecture. It was indeed the arrangement.

“Everyone, could you please pay heed to your designated examination numbers? Commencing with candidates numbered one and two, you will collaborate in pairs for the examination."

“In precisely one hour, the examination will officially commence! Now, you still have time to make your final preparations."

Following the staff member's conclusion, a substantial display board emerged behind the panel of judges, displaying the four words “Creating Something from Nothing."

This served as the examination's central theme!

The young pill alchemists were immediately filled with excitement.

They collectively began analyzing the topic, tinged with a nervous excitement.

In reality, given that it was an open-book examination, most families, following thorough preparation, could grasp the fundamental concept of the topic.

After all, instances like Maria, who had been shunned and subjected to plots within her own family, were exceedingly uncommon.

"Maria! Even if you correctly decipher the topic's meaning, it doesn't automatically guarantee your ability to craft a pill that truly embodies its essence!"

Barbara surveyed her surroundings with a hint of disdain in her thoughts.

Her reservations weren't baseless. In truth, numerous individuals comprehended the topic but remained uncertain about their ability to pass the examination.

“I'll simply blend two distinct medicinal herbs, generating a novel medicinal property, and subsequently craft it into a pill. Would that not qualify as ‘Creating Something from Nothing'?" one alchemist hesitated and said.