As a fellow examinee, how could Maria be granted additional examination time?

"Indeed! Miss Herrera's allotted time has concluded. Why isn't her cousin being halted?"

“Examinations should adhere to principles of fairness and impartiality. Mr. Lawrence, please refrain from displaying favoritism!"

"No way! Is it possible that there are some dubious dealings within the Pill Alchemist Association?"

With fervor, a wave of questioning rippled through the crowd.

Observing this spectacle, Barbara couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

As the saying went, the law didn't blame the multitude. With everyone now harboring doubts about the fairness of the exam, it seemed Likely that Jadiel wouldn't give much weight to Barbara's recent remark.

“ALL of you, be silent!"

His voice resonated like a tolling bell, instantly reaching every corner of the venue!

Jadiel clearly harnessed some inner power, leaving the previously boisterous examinees disoriented and dazed.

Such was the might of a sixth-grade pill alchemist, astonishing everyone within a hundred-mile radius.

Once the commotion settled, Jadiel continued, “Well, If any of you possess the ability to refine fifth-grade pills in this exam, you shall also have no time restrictions."

Maria remained unruffled throughout.

The bustling cacophony of the examination hall appeared entirely disconnected from her.

Even when confronted with Jadiel's furious outburst, she retained her composure, diligently refining pills with a serene and unwavering focus.

Her pill-refining techniques maintained their gentle and fluid grace, akin to a crystal-clear stream cascading from a mountaintop to the base of a towering peak.

No matter the tumult around her, it had no bearing on the natural, unimpeded flow of that stream.

However, Jadiel's utterance left the onlookers dumbfounded.

“Wait... Fifth grade? Is she truly capable of refining fifth-grade pills?"

"And not only that, she can accurately interpret the problem? How is that even conceivable?"

"What level of cultivation does she possess? With her ability to refine fifth-grade pills, she doesn't even need to take this exam!

She should be granted direct admission as a special member, shouldn't she?"

This time, the candidates could only murmur quietly.

Jadiel no longer paid heed to their murmurs because, in truth, he concurred with them.