Maria stepped forward confidently, with her bag of herbs in hand, approaching the alchemical furnace with an assured stride.

"She seems so at ease. Can't she feel the pressure?"

"Her poise is something else. Her cousin pales in comparison to her."

“She's captivating. I think I've just fallen in love with her."

“Hey... What if your wife knows what you just said?"

Barbara was just as surprised.

While Maria was already positioning herself by the furnace, Barbara hadn't even started moving. The pressure of the examination hall was clearly getting to her.

She huffed audibly.

The way Maria had captured people's attention with just a few steps irked Barbara.

“Wait until I join the association. You'll regret it. I'm sure of it!" she muttered to herself.

The alchemy process began shortly after.

However, as it commenced, a surprising event occurred in the examination hall.

Jadiel took a step forward.

“Why's he moving closer? Does he need to get a better look?"

"Seriously? Martial cultivators like him have sharp vision."

“Could it be that these two talented pill alchemists possess a unique skill that has piqued Jadiel's interest? Is he moving closer to ensure he doesn't miss a single detail?"

The onlookers discussed amongst themselves, searching for a logical reason for Jadiel's unexpected move.

Could it be true?

Out of these two talented alchemists, was there one who stood out so distinctly?

Of the multitude of candidates who had taken the test, only three had passed and were now recognized members of the association.

Their skills were undeniably exceptional, yet mot even they had managed to draw Jadiel so close.

"Is Jadiel observing me?" A glimmer of pride touched Barbara's heart.

With the backing of Mrs. Jenkins, she had obtained a unique alchemical formula through covert means.

While the effects of this formula might be considered minor, it resonated perfectly with the “Creating Something from Nothing” theme.