Undoubtedly, the examiner from the Pill Alchemist Association possessed extraordinary skills, accurately assessing Barbara's progress in pill refining.

Barbara was confident that she could easily finish the task within ten minutes.

She wondered if Jadiel appreciated her and had that much faith in her. Perhaps he might be looking to evaluate her finished pill as soon as possible.

Yet, Jadiel showed no urgency with Maria. Could it be that he held no interest in Maria's pills?

Barbara was in high spirits.

Before the ten minutes elapsed, she had successfully completed her task.

After extinguishing the flames of the furnace, Barbara lifted the furnace lid.

“Mr. Lawrence, I've finished. The name of this pill is..."

“Ink Jade Pill, I know."

Before Barbara could continue, Jadiel waved his hand, cutting her off.

“It's a rare first-grade pill formula. There's no ink, yet you created ink. There's fire, but you extinguished it. Well done, you've completed the task and passed." Jadiel's tone remained casual, but his words echoed what Barbara had hoped to hear.

"She did it! A female pill alchemist has been recognized by the Pill Alchemist Association!"

“She's truly outstanding. Isn't her name Barbara Herrera, the young miss of the Jenkins family?"

“Indeed, she possesses both remarkable talent and beauty. A woman like her is the ideal match for someone like me!"

Despite a few others passing the exam, Barbara emerged as the first female pill alchemist.

She promptly became the center of attention, akin to a superstar in the spotlight!

She snorted in self-satisfaction, and a smug smile appeared on her lips.

Barbara remained clueless about Maria's progress. There were no indications that Maria was nearing completion of her work.

“What are you standing around for? Retrieve your association's certificate and exit the venue. Don't disrupt other examinees!"

Jadiel suddenly reprimanded Barbara, catching her off guard and leaving her dumbfounded.

“Um... Sir? Can I ask you a question? Her exam has taken longer than mine. Shouldn't you prompt her to finish up?"

Barbara remained resolute and swiftly devised a cunning scheme.

Upon noticing that the ten minutes Jadiel had allotted her had elapsed, yet Maria continued the examination, Barbara raised the question.

After all, fairness should prevail in examinations.