"Knowing those herbs exist doesn't mean you know how to use them effectively. Don't squander these resources."

Maria sensed no ill will in his words, understanding that he was only cautioning her.

She nodded, smiled, and said, "I get it, thanks."

In the time that remained, all candidates got their required herbs for the pill-refining process.

However, no one else requested herbs as rare as Maria's, requiring a trip to the special storage.

"Let the exam officially commence!"

Jadiel's voice rang out as the time came, filling the large hall and echoing from wall to wall, making microphones redundant.

"For this man's martial cultivation..."

For candidates seated closer to Jadiel, it seemed as though their ears might burst.

The rank of a pill alchemist directly corresponded to their level of martial cultivation, specifically their spiritual strength.

Jadiel's booming voice left the candidates disoriented, a testament to his immense power.

“Please step forward, candidate number one, Larry Lawson, and candidate number two, Moises Woodard. Candidates number three, Raphael Wilkinson, and number four, Esteban Brooks, kindly wait offstage."

Shortly after, two candidates took their places at the center of the venue, each stationed before an alchemy furnace.

As for Jadiel, he didn't require the comforts of a desk or chair given his towering, robust physique.

He stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back, positioned about ten meters away from the alchemy furnaces, overseeing the candidates.

Time ticked away slowly. After roughly fifteen minutes, a sense of unease began to creep among the candidates.

Even though the staff had earlier briefed them on the rules and the arrangement for the exam, they had omitted to mention the time Limit for each group.

Could it be that they were allowed to take their time with the alchemy process?

ALL of a sudden, Jadiel broke the silence.

“Candidate number one, Larry Lawson, your performance has been found lacking. You may exit the stage."

His words abruptly cut through the tension, showing one of the candidates in a negative light.

Larry couldn't believe what he was hearing!

Even the observing candidates were taken aback.

What on earth was happening?