Jadiel added, "But let's be clear. Even though the Stillwater Pill ends up as a fire attribute, it starts from water-based herbs. The pill is essentially nine parts fire and one part water. You think I wouldn't be aware of that?"

Larry felt his face burn with embarrassment.

He'd assumed the Stillwater Pill's formula was a closely guarded secret, something those who hadn't cracked it couldn't fully understand.

He'd never heard of anyone named Jadiel who had also managed to decipher it in the martial world.

Larry had genuinely believed he could use the Stillwater Pill to ace the "Creating Something from Nothing" task, banking on a little optimism. Now, he realized he'd been too naive.

“Nine... Nine parts fire... Is that not enough?" Larry's voice was tinged with remorse.

Jadiel's demeanor shifted, becoming decidedly stern.

"This exam aims to test the creative abilities of young pill alchemists like you.

Without creativity, except for occasionally comprehending a few pill formulas through luck, you'll never achieve great accomplishments in your lifetime.

Your tendency to rely on luck and look for shortcuts disqualifies you from this exam, which is rooted in our association's core principles.

I suggest you leave the exam hall at once. Cause any more disruptions, and your family won't be eligible for the major exam for the next five years!"

Larry's face was drained of color.

Frightened, he didn't dare utter another word. Without needing further prompting, he hurriedly made his way to the exit, his heart pounding.

The remaining candidates exchanged glances. It was clear now that Jadiel had the prowess and the authority to single-handedly assess them.

Moises, the second candidate in the same group as Larry, was already quaking in his boots.

Jadiel turned to Moises and said, "You may proceed with your exam.

You have ten more minutes."

For a moment, Moises was speechless, then his face lit up with joy.

"Yes, sir!" he exclaimed.

The initial pair of candidates experienced such dramatic fluctuations that every onlooker held their breath anxiously.

Moises, in the final seconds before the time limit expired, managed to complete his pill refining with a thrilling finish.

The lid of the alchemy furnace was raised, emitting a subtle medicinal aroma from within.

Those candidates near the front rows inferred from the subtle scent that Moises' refined pill possessed a modest grade and exhibited fairly conventional quality.

Nevertheless, not a soul dared to ridicule him at this moment.