True Martial World - Chapter 187: Archery Skills

An archery range existed in the Tai Ah Divine City for practice. Yi Yun found a few people there when he came to the range.

The range was rectangular; it was 300 meters wide and 3000 meters long. On one end of the long edge were the archers, and on the other end were the targets. These targets were made of purple tungsten, similar in material to the purple tungsten wall that Yi Yun had previously encountered. The extremely hard material had left a deep impression on Yi Yun.

In the Tai Ah Divine City's range, there were rows of targets, and even the thinnest ones were half a foot thick. The thickest targets were six feet thick, almost as long as the Thousand Army Saber's blade!

The thickest target was even more ridiculous than the purple tungsten wall that Yi Yun had previously tried piercing with the Primal Arrow.

These targets were secured on the ground with thick black iron frames that were astounding!

When Yi Yun focused on the targets, he drew a cold gasp of air. There were many arrows lodged in the middle of each target. Each arrow had pierced all the way inside, leaving only the arrow fletching stuck out. It was almost like a fully embedded nail!

These arrows were the standard arrows at the range. It was specifically used with longbows and they were four foot two inches long.

How much energy was needed to fully insert a four-foot two-inch arrow into the purple tungsten wall?

Furthermore, Yi Yun noticed that a few arrows had fully pierced through the target, with an arrow head appearing on the other end of it!

Yi Yun felt apprehensive. Almost ten days ago, he had charged with the Primal Arrow at the purple tungsten wall and he could only carve a foot-long hole in it. The arrow had not even been inserted stably.

But the people who had shot these arrows were using light arrows and yet, they were still able to penetrate it so deeply. They were really powerful!

Yi Yun felt penitent. "Brother, who was the one who shot through the target?" Yi Yun asked a cultivator beside him.

"Oh, those arrows… They were shot by Li Xiao, who is third on the Heaven rankings!"

"Third on the Heaven rankings? Li Xiao!"

Yi Yun remembered the name. He had memorized all the top-ranking people on the Heaven, Earth and Man rolls.

In the Divine Wilderness, there was a vast expanse of Desolate Lands. Powerful desolate beasts lurked within the Desolate Lands.

There were many elite-ranked, general-ranked desolate beasts, or even king-ranked desolate beasts! This was not even including the primordial strains, who lurked deep within the Divine Wilderness!

The strongest cultivators in the Tai Ah Divine City did not do odd jobs such as being sparring partners or partaking in forging. There were two ways for them to earn dragon scale runes.

First was to trade with others or gamble in a fighting match!

These cultivators were particularly Desolate Heaven Masters, blacksmith masters or master alchemists. They could buy materials and then create relics, elixirs or amazing weapons in exchange for dragon scale runes.

And for those who did not have these skills, or for those who only knew how to fight, their main dragon scale runes income came from hunting desolate beasts!

After killing a desolate beast, they could turn in the desolate beast's bones, meat and all sorts of tendons and horns to the Tai Ah Divine City, and the city would make a comparable compensation in dragon scale runes.

At the same time, based on how many and the type of desolate beasts the cultivators killed, they were given position rankings. And that was the Heaven Roll of Honor!

The three rankings in the Tai Ah Divine City were: Man roll, which was ranked based on the total amount of dragon scale runes a cultivator spent and earned. Earth roll, based on the arena rankings. But from the way "Heaven, Earth and Man" was ordered, it meant that the Heaven roll, the hunting of desolate beasts, was ranked above the other two!

The Dragon scale runes ranking was a symbol of wealth. Although being rich in resources was of utmost importance for a warrior's cultivation, many warriors in the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom had their family clans or sects supporting them. As long as they had sufficient talent, they would be provided with resources.

To earn resources by oneself usually happened after entering the Sage realm.

As a result, the dragon scale runes ranking, which was a symbol of a warrior's wealth, was listed at third place.

As for the arena ranking, that was related to the battles with other warriors. But the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom believed that the main threat to humans came from desolate beasts.

The desolate beasts occupied a large swath of the wilderness. But it just so happened that in that wilderness, there were endless amounts of treasures waiting for people to find them.

Hence, the divine kingdom did not encourage killing between warriors, but it encouraged the killing of desolate beasts.

Therefore, the Heaven ranking was awarded based on desolate beast hunting, and the corresponding rewards were higher!

"Haha, you must be new here. I see you have a bow on your back, oh? It's even a good bow. It's made by the Zhang family!" Yi Yun had casually chatted up a warrior, but that person had great judgment and could tell the quality of Yi Yun's bow at a glance.

"Practice well. If you practice your bow and arrow well, it will be a great advantage on the Heaven ranking! Senior Li Xiao's archery skills are superb! I have seen Li Xiao use an arrow the thickness of a thumb to rip apart an Armored Rhinoceros with my own eyes!"

The cultivator was about fifteen years old. From the way he described the scene excitedly, one would think that all that glory belonged to him.

It also made Yi Yun feel a surge of emotions.

An Armored Rhinoceros was famous among desolate beasts for its defense. Li Xiao had used one arrow to not only kill it but to also rip it apart!

His archery skills were fearsome!

A warrior’s accuracy at shooting an arrow was not the most important thing. With a warrior's eyesight and mental prowess, shooting an arrow accurately was not difficult!

The difficult part was to inject within the bow and arrow Yuan Qi and strength!

The really terrifying archers did not pierce a willow leaf with an arrow from a distance of a hundred paces, but crumbled a small hill from a hundred paces away!

In fact, those who were good at bows were usually very strong warriors. Their primary weapons were not bows, but either a sword, saber or spear, etc. Bows were just one of their weapons. Their melee attacks were equally strong and their bodies had terrifying strength.

Yi Yun knew that Li Xiao was also within the top ten of the Earth rankings!

In ancient myths, there was the legend of Hou Yi shooting down the Sun. And the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom's cornerstone treasured bow was named the Star Shooting Bow.

When someone's archery skills reached a certain divine level, they could shoot down the stars and the Sun! Although there were some elements of exaggeration, it also illustrated the power of the bow and arrow.

For the current Yi Yun, the bow and arrow were a great advantage for him against desolate beasts. The hunting speed of a bow and arrow was naturally something melee weapons could not compete with.

Seeing Li Xiao's arrow, what else could Yi Yun say? Practice!

In less than a year's time, Yi Yun wanted to use his bow and his saber to obtain a spot on the Heaven and Earth rankings!

To enter the top 1000 in a year meant he was one of the human pinnacles and would gain the attention of the divine kingdom's various factions! But Yi Yun's goal was more than that!

…

The Tai Ah Herb Mountain stretched out endlessly. There were countless of wonders throughout it, with an unknown number of treasures waiting to be discovered!

At that moment, the Sun was hanging in the sky. A youth dressed in linen was traveling through the mountain as agile as a cheetah.

He held a black long bow by his shoulder and a quiver of arrows on his back. The quiver was about the size of an adult's waist, and in it was a bundle of shining arrows!

Although he had a lot of luggage, it did not impede the youth. The steep mountains and dense foliage were powerless against the youth.

"Peng! Peng!"

The youth's footsteps were heavy. Every foot on the ground was like a ten-thousand-pound sledgehammer slamming into the ground.

If he landed on a rock, the rock would explode!

If he landed on a tree trunk, the trunk would be crushed!

Suddenly, the youth pulled out a long sharp saber. With a swish of the blade, three thick trees were cut as if they were grass. The cut was clean as if it had been buffed by sandpaper.

The youth picked up one tree trunk and with both feet on the ground, he flung it out with all his strength!

"Whew!"

With an ear-piercing shrill, the thick tree trunk flew out like a meteor directly into the sky!

The youth did the same for the remaining trees in an orderly manner.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The three trees traveled across the sky. Yi Yun leaped and with the Tai Cang Bow in hand, he strung the bow!

Peng! Peng! Peng!

The bow string, which was made from the ribs of a Giant Python desolate beast, vibrated thrice. Yi Yun had shot three consecutive arrows!

The three arrows immediately created an explosive sound. The arrows formed visible ripples in the air, creating a misty haze around them!

These bows broke the sound barrier forming a sonic boom. Yi Yun was not capable of reaching the speed of sound, but it was easy for him to shoot out supersonic arrows!

The three arrows chased after the three trees.

"Peng! Peng! Peng!"

Three consecutive thunderous claps! The tree trunks that had flown far into the sky were pierced by the three arrows and burst open, sending countless pieces of wood and leaves flying!

Yi Yun took a breath of air when he saw this scene. He had been practicing with his bow for ten days. In the ten days, he had pulled the bow countless times, which turned his fingers into a bloody mess.

And today, although Yi Yun's archery skills were incomparable to the senior cultivators, there were very few rookies who could compete with him.

"In another four to five days, after I make my final preparations, it will be time to capture that primordial herb!"

Yi Yun had come up with a complete plan to catch the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng. He had just this one shot at success!

True Martial World - Chapter 186: Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng

The library stood in the northeast corner of the Tai Ah Divine City. Compared to the central divine tower or the Wilderness Divine Hall, the library was much more plain.

Upon arriving, Yi Yun saw building after buildings of black stone terraces. Each black terrace was seven floors tall.

"Here it is. The further back you go in the black terraces, the more precious the books are. Some of them even need glory points to enter. But they are all cultivation technique manuals. If you just want to check for information, you won't need many dragon scale runes."

Zhao Qingcheng brought Yi Yun all the way to the entrance. After asking the librarian, Yi Yun walked to the third black terrace.

There were old bookshelves that lined the inside of the black terrace.

There were all sorts of ancient books that stood on the shelves. Some were made of paper, animal skins or even had metal pages.

Besides the ancient books, there were different kinds of jade scrolls and regular scrolls. A jade scroll the size of palm had an amazing wealth of information recorded within.

Soon, Yi Yun found the book he was looking for.

"Divine Wilderness Anthology"! This was a book devoted to introducing all the treasures within the Divine Wilderness.

The book was as thick as a brick. Each page was similar to the 'Divine Wilderness' book. It had its own world within and needed spiritual energy to read it. There was a vast amount of information contained in it.

Each page introduced the different treasures!

Yi Yun swept through the table of contents. The items that could enter the "Divine Wilderness Anthology" was items that interested human Sages or top Human Lords.

The desolate beasts were all king-ranked beasts and above or primordial strains.

The worst kind of herbs recorded were Heaven-ranked or primordial herbs.

As Yi Yun browsed through it, he even saw the chimera the founding city lord of the Tai Ah Divine City killed!

"Oh? Chimera!" Yi Yun paused. The chimera was one of the strongest among the primordial strains.

The primordial herb he found had energy as pure as the chimera, but the quantity was much less.

The chimera had the ability to cast away mountains and upset the sea, it was not something a herb could compare with.

Yi Yun carried on browsing and he looked carefully at every divine herb recorded.

From midnight, he carried on browsing deep into the night. After comparing over a hundred divine herbs, he slowly came to determine the primordial herb he had encountered.

"Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng! It has to be this!"

While in the Tai Ah Divine City herb mountain, Yi Yun had seen the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng's shape using his energy vision. It was rod-like and it was about a foot long, with the thickness of a wrist. It was very similar to the description in the "Divine Wilderness Anthology".

In addition, the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng could control Heaven Earth Yuan Qi to form illusions. People who wanted to pick the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng would fall into an illusion, and they would not be able to distinguish between illusion and reality.

Furthermore, the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng was a Yang entity. It liked to eat items with Yang Qi in them to aid its own growth.

With this, it meant that the Blood Yang Flower was mostly likely food reared by the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng.

After considering all of the information, Yi Yun confirmed that the mysterious herb was most likely the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng.

There were clear records of the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng's habits, weaknesses, pharmacology, and abilities within the "Divine Wilderness Anthology".

The Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng was an earth elemental divine herb. It specialized in forming tunnels. It could instantaneously enter the ground and form tunnels at an incredible speed!

But the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng had its fears. It was afraid of thunder and fire.

Thunder could make the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng momentarily paralyzed. And fire could burn it.

"Thunder and fire…" Yi Yun was lost in thought. For him to capture the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng, he had to hit its weaknesses.

But the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng's speed was too fast. For Yi Yun to get close to it, it would be difficult!

Yi Yun's speed may be fast, but that was when compared to warriors on the same level as himself. But if he were to compete with the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng, he was certainly slower.

If he were to charge with the Thousand Army Saber in hand, the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng would notice the situation and flee!

Speed…

How to reach the limits of speed?

Yi Yun was faced with a difficult-to-solve problem at the outset.

It was not possible to improve his speed overnight.

It was not possible to train his movement techniques to the point of catching up with the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng. How should he go about then?

Deep in thought, a thought suddenly flashed within Yi Yun's mind.

His speed may be inferior to the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng, but it did not matter. As long as his attack could keep up with it.

Although this would be difficult too.

For a warrior, his attack speed would definitely be faster than his body's speed.

Some large-sized primal behemoths moved slow, but their attack speed was terrifying. This was the reason why they were feared.

Improving his attack speed would be easier than improving his body's speed.

But, Yi Yun thought of his best attack. And that was with arrows!

There was no chance for Yi Yun to approach the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng. He estimated that the closest distance he could come to the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng was a hundred feet. Any closer, the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng would become wary of him.

At a distance of a hundred feet, rushing forward with a slash was not fast enough. But if he were to shoot out an arrow, the speed would be much faster!

Although trying to hit the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng with a shot was difficult, there was always hope.

Using the Tai Cang Bow with the Wind Chasing Arrows, this was Yi Yun's most extreme attack.

"Tai Cang Bow… Finally, it is time to use that bow!"

General Yan had previously said that the Tai Cang Bow was made by a reclusive family clan in the Cang state. A treasure bow made by the Zhang family!

What did it mean to be a reclusive family clan? Yi Yun did not know before. He only thought it was a big family clan. As for how big it was? He had a vague understanding.

But now, after Baldy Qin's introduction, Yi Yun knew that a reclusive family clan had a long history. They were even powerful families that accompanied the founding emperor of the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom to conquer the lands. They had a complex relationship with the Tai Ah Divine Kingdom's royal family, and their heritage might not be weaker than that of the Tai Ah royal family!

That guy nicknamed 'Qiuniu', who had stabbed into the purple tungsten wall seven times, came from a reclusive family clan.

The bow made by such a family clan was clearly exceptional.

After receiving the Thousand Army Saber and Tai Cang Bow, he had primarily used the Thousand Army Saber. After all, melee weapons were used in fights with other warriors. A bow was primarily used as a military weapon.

These days, Yi Yun had tried using the Tai Cang Bow a few times. Although he did not have superb archery skills, for a warrior like him, be it spiritual energy, eyesight, or the control of his muscles, they exceeded commoners. Hitting a target hundreds of feet away was simple. Furthermore, Yi Yun was only going to be a hundred feet away from the Heaven Purple Yang Ginseng!

At a hundred feet, Yi Yun could accurately hit a willow leaf with the Wind Chasing Arrow.

"I'll use the bow!" Yi Yun's eyes lit up. Just the thought of capturing a primordial herb made his blood boil!

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 93: Marking the Examination Papers

In his previous life, when he was a middle schooler, he once had a crush on a girl and intentionally tried to perform before her even if it meant going against her. This was all just to capture her attention!

From the very beginning, this woman had been going against him no matter what he did. It was highly probable that she might be up to the same thing as well.

Otherwise, was there a need for her to treat him with such ill attitude?

[Sigh, you aren't ugly yourself, there must be many males pursuing you, so why must you get so obsessed over me?]

Zhang Xuan felt incomparably complexed.

Looks like being pursued by others wasn't anything good either.

The pressure on a transcender was as heavy as a mountain!

"Give up?"

Wen Xue staggered. She felt a mouthful of fresh blood regurgitating in her mouth, threatening to spit out at any moment.

[You were the one who was trying to attract my attention to get on my good books, alright?

When did I become the one who intentionally caused you trouble?

The heck!

Explain yourself! What does that look of pity mean? What the heck do you mean by that I should give up on you?

No matter what, I am a beauty who is pursued by many. How did it turn out as though I am unable to be wedded and had to latch onto you?]

Grinding her teeth, Wen Xue's face twitched and the wrath raging within her was on the verge of erupting.

Just when she was about to lose control over her emotions and attack this self-assuming man, the young man shook his head, walked towards a bench by the side and sat on it.

His footsteps were light and inconspicuous.

"Wen Xue, this is the entrance of the examination hall. If an apothecary were to see it, it would be difficult for you to take the exam in the future!"

Uncle Li spoke up.

"Yes!" Upon hearing his words, Wen Xue could only forcefully suppress the rage within her and sit down quietly.

This was the entrance of the examination hall and apothecaries often appeared here. If they were to see her fighting out of rage with another person, she would definitely leave a bad impression with them. If so, it would be difficult for her to pass the apprentice apothecary examination in the future.

"Fine, I'll let you off for now. When the results come out later on, look at how I'll teach you a lesson!"

Glaring coldly at the self-assuming fellow, Wen Xue clenched her jaws furiously.

Couldn't be bothered with this woman who had a 'crush' on him, Zhang Xuan sat on the bench and began to organize the knowledge within his head.

Most of the information on the medicinal herbs were the crystallization of the knowledge of numerous predecessors, so there weren't many mistakes in them. Zhang Xuan isolated the remaining few mistakes and studied them carefully.

When his consciousness was still absorbed in the Library of Heaven's Path, the examination came to an end. It was finally time for everyone to submit the papers.

"Wait at the entrance. Those who passed the examination will be notified to attend the next round!"

Ouyang Cheng shook his hand and chased out the crowd. Picking up a brush, he started to mark the papers one by one.

As he marks, his eyebrows slowly knitted together and his complexion darkened.

"Brother Ouyang, how is it? Is there anyone who passed the examinations this time? I happen to need an apprentice!"

Just when he was done marking all of the papers, a middle-aged man walked in.

The other 1-star apothecary of the Apothecary Guild, Du Man.

"Pass? Look at these, these answers are all gibberish! If they were to be accepted as apprentices, the Apothecary Guild will be shamed!"

Putting the brush by one side, Ouyang Cheng picked up the stack of the marked examination paper and lashed out furiously.

"Let me take a look!"

Du Man walked to the table and flipped through the marked examination paper. In a short moment, he frowned a well.

In their perspective, the questions in the examinations weren't too difficult. However, the answers the examinees wrote in were all around the place, they even answered the properties of common medicinal herbs wrongly!

If these kind of people were to accepted by apprentices, it would definitely stain the reputation of the Apothecary Guild.

"Un? What's wrong with this paper? Brother Ouyang, you didn't mark this one."

He was unable to find a single satisfactory one even after flipping through seven to eight papers. Suddenly, Apothecary Du Man caught sight of the crumpled examination paper by the desk.

The answers on the paper weren't marked at all.

"It is the paper of a playboy, so the results must be even worse than the others. It is clear that he wouldn't pass even if I don't look through it. Rather than get angry while marking it, I might as well just leave it there..."

Remembering the fellow who sped through the paper, Ouyang Cheng's mood took a dive.

[A fellow who submitted his papers after answering the questions for an hour, it is obvious that he won't pass the examinations. There's no need to mark the papers at all!

What is going on? The previous two examinations, there were at least three to four people who were able to pass the first round. Yet, this time, after spending so much time marking the paper, only two people were qualified for the next round. The scripts of the other examinees were all a mess!]

"Playboy? Let me see what kind of script would cause you to determine his failure without even looking at it..."

Du Man shook his head with a smile on his face as he casually flipped open the papers.

"Un?"

A moment after his gaze falls on the paper, he exclaimed in shock.

Huala! Huala!

As the sound of the flipping of papers echoed in the room, the shock on Du Man's face deepened. His nonchalant expression gradually turned grim.

"What's wrong? Are the answers provided by this fellow too ridiculous?" Taking the expression of his colleague in sight, Ouyang Cheng harrumphed. "Just an ignorant playboy who makes use of his money to join the examination, he truly has no respect for the Apothecary Guild..."

"That's not it... Brother Ouyang, take a look at it..."

Hearing the furious complaints of the other party, Du Man hurriedly interrupted him and passed the paper over to him.

"What's there to see? No matter what, it is a fail..."

Muttering for a bit, Ouyang Cheng lowered his head to look at the papers. With a single glance, his eyes widened into complete circles just like how Du Man's did a moment ago. He couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "Oh?"

Flipping over to the second page, "Hm?"

Flipping over to the third page, "Ah?"

Flipping over to the fourth page, "The heck!"

……

...

Many different expressions flashed through his face, but even so, he continued flipping through the paper quickly.

Very soon, he finished looking through the dozens of paper thick script. Ouyang Cheng's eyes almost fell to the floor. He stared at it with a look of disbelief, "How can this be? Not... Not a single error?"

"Indeed! For there to not be a single error! We intentionally left a few difficult questions at some parts and even if I were to answer it myself, I would have most probably fallen into those traps and commit a mistake..."

Du Man's face was also filled with incredulity.

The reason why he was so confident with the paper was because the questions on this paper were rather abstract, such that even official apothecaries like them would be unable to derive the correct answer without jogging their memory, logically rationalizing from it and even flipping through the books to double check their contents.

However, not only was there not a single mistake in the answers, they were actually... phrased out extremely succinctly!

This... How was this possible?

"There isn't a single mistake in this paper... Brother Ouyang, why were you so certain that he would be unable to pass the examination?"

After getting through the shock, Du Man couldn't help but ask him.

There was never a candidate in the Tianxuan Kingdom Apothecary Guild who answered the examination paper so well before. For Brother Ouyang to fail such a genius without even looking at his script, he was too rash!

"I..." Ouyang's face flushed. He felt so embarrassed that not a single word came out from him for a very long time.

He was known for being strict and meticulous, earning the respect of many through such. Yet, today...

The slap on his face stung as though it was on fire.

He clearly saw the fellow finishing the paper in less than an hour without putting much effort into it, how did he... get it all right?

Even he was unable to accomplish such a feat with that speed!

Could it be that the fellow's knowledge had already exceeded that of his?

To label a person whose knowledge of medicinal herbs exceeded his as a playboy and a failure?

[The heck, can reality not be so damned?]

Ouyang Cheng felt his entire body go stiff, as though constipated.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 92: Just Give Up!

"Describe the different classification of Green Leafed Grass and the unique traits of Gray Earth Flower..."

"How many medicinal herbs can the Swineheart Leaf be complemented with..."

……

Questions filled the examination papers densely. Just like the receptionist Wen Xue said, they were all related to medicinal herbs.

"Search!"

Upon seeing these questions, Zhang Xuan's mind jolted. Different books came flying over from the shelves and stopped right before him before flipping open.

"The Green Leafed Grasses have different stems and can be classified as purple stems, yellow stems and black stems. The unique traits of the Gray Earth Flower are..."

As he looked at the contents of the books in his mind, Zhang Xuan's hands moved quickly as he swiftly answered those questions.

He was used to using mechanical pens in his previous life and as such, brush was a difficult tool for him to use. However, as his previous self had specially learned how to use it before, his handwriting was still legible.

Hualala!

As he was filling in the blanks and reading through the questions too quickly, the sound of pages flipping echoed through the air.

Other people depended solely on their memories to answer questions and as such, they had to struggle hard to jot the respective knowledge in their minds. On the other hand, with the Library of Heaven's Path in his hands, he was able to obtain the answer to the questions instantaneously without even thinking. It was no different from copying from the answer key. The speed he was going through his paper at left others with gaping mouths.

"Un?"

Upon scanning the surroundings to see how the examinees were faring in the examination, Ouyang Cheng caught sight of Zhang Xuan and frowned. His face darkened.

"Looks like it is another scion trying his luck!"

In every apprentice apothecary examination, there were quite a few people who joined the examination to try their luck despite knowing that it was impossible for them to pass. These people tended to be from wealthy families and cared not for the two thousand gold coins entrance fee. They just hoped to analyze the type of questions so that they could memorize contents specifically against those questions.

Ouyang Cheng despised such people.

[These people hope to make it big without putting in effort.

How can one possibly become an apprentice apothecary without memorizing the hundred thousand types of medicinal herbs, relying on sheer luck instead?]

"Hmph, the type of questions and the question itself changes in every single examination, there hasn't ever been a reused question before, so it doesn't matter how many times you come. Looks like it is about time to clamp down on those who are coming for the examination with this kind of mindset. Otherwise, if they were to come for the examinations every time just because they have the money to do so, we will become the laughingstock of the other occupations!"

Flinging his sleeve, he harrumphed in his mind.

Although it was impossible to test the unique properties and traits of the hundred thousand medicinal herbs in the test paper, the questions in the paper were varied and the scope was wide. If one didn't have a deep understanding of medicinal herbs and their properties, it was impossible to score 90% and above.

Given Zhang Xuan's young age and his random flipping and answering of the question without contemplating deeply into them, he was immediately labeled as an opportunistic and indolent scion.

The greatest taboo of an apothecary was to pretend to be knowledgeable despite being ignorant. If one were to be negligent and make an error, even if it was just a seemingly slight one, it could cause person's death!

That was precisely the reason why the examinee’s personality, attitude and meticulousness were being assessed on top of the three rounds of tests of the apprentice apothecary examination. A fellow like the one before him who flipped through the papers and filled them in casually without reading the question properly was surely one who has an attitude problem.

Without even marking the papers, he had already given Zhang Xuan a failing grade in the depths of his heart.

This wasn't because he was being too assuming.

[Have you ever seen a person who answers a question without even reading through it properly? Have you ever seen a person whose brush goes flying about the paper without even requiring to muse over the problem?

An answer without contemplation is surely nonsense!

No one else would have the confidence to have answered all the questions accurately.]

In less than an hour, Zhang Xuan had finished filling in the several dozens of paper.

Hu!

Sighing a breath of relief, Zhang Xuan looked through the paper once more and upon confirming that there was no problem in it, he submitted it.

"Submitting the paper? So quickly?"

"Perhaps, he knows that it is impossible to pass, so he decided to simply give up!"

"Sigh, to tell the truth, the examination is too difficult. It is normal to give up..."

"Giving up the examination is nothing much, but the problem is that the examiner is Senior Ouyang. I think this lad is in for a ride of misfortune..."

……

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan handing the papers over, a commotion broke out among the examinees.

For a two-hour paper to be submitted in less than an hour, this was something unprecedented in the apprentice apothecary examination.

Everyone thought that it wasn't that he was finished with the paper, but rather, he was incapable of answering it and did not have the confidence to continue on with it.

"When will be next round of examinations begin?"

Ignoring the commotion of the crowd behind him, Zhang Xuan passed the papers over to Ouyang Cheng and asked.

Time would be required in the marking of the papers after the papers were collected. If he knew what time the next examination would be held, he could wait at the predetermined location beforehand.

It was one thing if he didn't ask, but upon hearing these words, Ouyang Cheng felt rage flurrying within him, threatening to burst from his body.

[Given how ignorant you are, filling in everything so arbitrarily, even if there is a next round of examinations, it should have nothing to do with you!

Only those who pass the first round of the apprentice apothecary examination can carry on into the second round. Given your standards, you still dare to inquire about the next round of examinations...

Are you daydreaming?]

However, no matter what, he was a formal apothecary. Even though he was angry, he wouldn't stoop down to the level of venting his anger on a small figure who had yet to even reach the level of an apprentice. Gesturing outwards, he said, "Wait outside. If you were notified, it would mean that you have passed the examination. If not, you can return home!"

"Oh!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head and walked out of the room.

"Arrogant!"

After his departure, Ouyang Cheng crushed his paper into a ball and threw it into the corner.

There was no need to read the papers of such people, it would just add to his wrath.

……

Zhang Xuan walked out of the room.

Possessing the Library of Heaven's Path, those questions in the exam that tested one's knowledge could not be any easier for him.

"You have submitted your papers? Isn't the test a two-hour one? Why are you out in a single hour?"

Upon seeing him walk out of the examination hall, the middle-aged man Uncle Li was astonished.

The number of questions in the apprentice apothecary examination was massive. He could only barely finish the papers every time within the allocated time for two hours. In fact, he didn't even manage to read a few questions, resulting in inaccurate answers and his failure in the examinations. Wasn't it too fast for him to walk out in just a single hour?

"Do you even have to ask about it? He must have found the paper too difficult and gave up on it!"

Wen Xue scoffed.

[Aren't you good at acting?

Despite not knowing anything at all, you insisted on wanting to take the apprentice apothecary examination. You should know how tough the exam is now!]

"Hehe!"

Despite hearing her contemptuous words, Zhang Xuan couldn't be bothered to explain.

Besides, even if he were to explain, the other party wouldn't believe it. Rather than wasting his effort to explain it to them, he might as well wait for the results. By then, everything would be clear.

"Why? Conscience-stricken? If you don't have the capabilities, you shouldn't be feigning so. See, now you can't continue on with the act any longer!"

In Wen Xue eyes, that expression on Zhang Xuan's face was one who is embarrassed.

"If there is something wrong with your head, you should hurry and get it checked out instead of nagging here." Zhang Xuan was a little speechless. From the moment they met, this woman seemed to be all out against him, as though he had done something unbecoming to her.

[She must really be sick!]

No matter how hard Zhang Xuan tried to jog his memory, his previous self didn't seem to be acquainted with her either?

Since they were unacquainted, why was she looking for trouble with him?

Zhang Xuan was stumped.

"You..."

Initially, she thought that this fellow would find the nearest hole to hide out of shame upon being exposed. Yet, this fellow still brazenly dared to say that there was something wrong with her head!

[You are the one who is sick! Your entire body is full of sickness!]

Wen Xue's breathing quickened due to her anger. Her proud chests undulated up and down and she looked as though she was on the verge of erupting.

"Oh, I know!"

A thought flashed through Zhang Xuan's mind. He finally understood why the other party kept provoking him. With a bemoaning look in his eyes, he shook his head and with a sincere voice, he said.

"Your provocations won't attract my attention and win my fancy! Such thinking is childish. Let me tell you straight on, this will only incur my ire!"

At this point, he sighed. "I only like gentle and elegant ladies. It is impossible for me to like you, so just give up!"

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 91: Three Rounds of Examination

In his previous life, Zhang Xuan was a bachelor and had never dated anyone. Thus, he was incapable of guessing the thoughts of a woman, needless to say, fathom that he had infuriated the receptionist Wen Xue to the verge of exploding in a mere ten minutes.

However, even if he were to know, it didn't make a difference.

[After all, beauty cannot be eaten anyway. Besides, you are thousands of miles off in comparison with Shen laoshi and Huang Yu, so where does your self-confidence come from?]

At this moment, he didn't have any spare effort to be thinking about these though. After walking into the room, he headed to the first row of the bookshelves, casually grabbed a dozen of books and lightly flipped through them. After which, he hurriedly placed them back in position before doing the same with another dozen of books.

Hualala! Hualala!

Along with the ceaseless sound of book flipping, books were swiftly being compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path.

Zhang Xuan read the book as he imprinted them in his head. He could tell that it was just as the receptionist said, these were all the most basic knowledge that an apothecary needed to know. It contained the methods to differentiating different medicinal herbs, their detailed explanation, properties, types, effects when put together with others herbs and whether the effects would be in conflict with one another...

If he had to memorize them manually, he would surely find it difficult to accomplish even when he tired himself to death.

It was no wonder that the position of apothecaries was so well-respected. Just to become an apprentice, they had to put in a lot more effort than the other occupations in order to remember this vast amount of knowledge.

"What is he doing?"

Wen Xue had been wanting to see Zhang Xuan make an embarrassment out of himself. However, at this moment, looking at him flip through the books, seemingly without the intention to study them, her beautiful eyes blinked in incomprehension.

"Perhaps he is just trying to look for a specific book to read. Ignore him!"

The middle-aged man Uncle Li glanced at him before picking up a book and passed it over to her, "Take a look at it as well. Time is precious. One additional sentence memorized may just happen to be the determining factor in the results of the exam!"

"Un!" Wen Xue nodded her head. Grabbing the book, she started to absorb herself in it.

All occupations required one to have unwavering determination to study. It was impossible for one to soar to the heavens in one go, and apothecaries were the same as well.

When forging pills, a single formula tended to require more than a hundred of medicinal herbs. If one were to fail in recognizing even a single herb, it would cause all of the herbs, which they spent countless gold coins to buy, become useless trash. Thus, it was especially unbecoming for an apothecary to be ignorant or negligent.

Soon, four hours passed.

At the same time, Zhang Xuan happened to be flipping through the last few books on the bookshelves as well and he heaved a sigh of relief.

"It is no wonder that master teachers are so rare. Not speaking of any other occupations, just apothecary itself is such a profound occupation!" An epiphany struck Zhang Xuan.

Teachers, the imparter of knowledge and heritage, were required in every single occupation. Formidable master teachers were well-versed in all occupations. That was to say, not only could a master teacher guide a person in his cultivation, he was also able to offer pointers in pill forging, smithing, formation and such.

This was precisely the reason why the occupation was so well-respected and was regarded as the top of the Upper Nine Paths.

Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that pill forging would be an easy task. As long as one possessed the pill formula, followed it step by step and added in the herbs systematically, the pill should be formed. However, from the looks of it now, that wasn't the case at all.

The maturity of a medicinal herb affected the herb's properties as well. As such, when it is added along with other herbs, it would result in all kinds of different reaction. If one only knew the sequence to adding the herbs, it was impossible for them to successfully forge the pill they are aiming to create.

Just pill forging itself was such a complicated process. It was truly amazing how the more formidable master teachers were able to wield the knowledge of numerous occupations at the tip of their mind.

Upon walking out of the room, Zhang Xuan saw Wen Xue standing not too far away with a cold and supercilious expression. "You must have thought that I wouldn't be here!"

"What matter of mine is it whether you are here or not?"

Zhang Xuan looked over speechlessly.

[I only want to take the apprentice apothecary examination, your presence shouldn't make a difference at all!]

"Continue acting then. I'll see how you will cry in a moment's time!" Wen Xue gritted her teeth.

"The examinations are about to begin, let's go in!"

The middle-aged man ushered him in.

"Un!" Ignoring the self-assuming woman, Zhang Xuan walked into the room.

The room wasn't large, just a few dozen meters square large. There were a few people who were already seated inside and what was common of them all was that a nervous expression painted their faces.

Soon, an elderly walked in.

"That is the only 1-star intermediate-stage apothecary of Tianxuan Kingdom's Apothecary Guild, Senior Ouyang Cheng, as well as the head of Tianxuan Kingdom's branch!"

"That's right! I thought that it would be Apothecary Du Man, I didn't expect that it would be him!"

"Crap, I heard that he is reputed to be strict. Now, all possibility of passing the exam by luck is gone…”

Upon catching sight of the elderly, despondent expressions appeared on the faces of the few seated in the room.

Just like master teachers, apothecaries were classified based on stars as well and 1-star was the lowest rank.

Even so, given how Tianxuan Kingdom didn't even have a 1-star master teacher, possessing a 1-star apothecary was already not bad.

Ignoring the mutterings of the crowd, Ouyang Cheng walked into the room, swept through the room with his gaze and said, "I'm sure you all are confident in your abilities to join in this examination!"

"Er..."

Everyone felt a little awkward.

No one dared to say that they were hundred percent certain that they would pass the examination.

"Since all of you are here for the examination, I will make things clear. If I were to catch any of you cheating, you will be banned from the examination for life!" Ouyang Cheng gestured grandly, creating an intimidating aura.

"Yes!" The crowd nodded their head hurriedly.

Seeing them agree to it, Ouyang Cheng nodded his head in approval. "Now that I am done with the rules, I will talk about the contents of the examination. There are three rounds to the examinations! Firstly, Written Paper! Questions on medicinal herbs will be randomly tested in it and one can only be considered to have passed if he were to be right for at least 90% of the questions!"

"Secondly, Medicinal Herb Discernment Time Trial! You will be given a few herbs and within a fixed period of time, you have to determine what herb it is and what kind of properties and effects it possesses! The requirements for this test is higher and one has to be 100% correct!"

"The third test is much more easy, Cultivation Realm Inspection! One must be at least Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm pinnacle! Why is there such a requirement? Simple, as an apprentice apothecary, one would be sent to do odd jobs for an apothecary. If your cultivation realm is too lacking, how can you have the strength to move cauldrons or to swiftly differentiate herbs?"

Those who were for the examination had been studying for numerous years, so they were well-aware of the flow of the examination.

Only Zhang Xuan was foreign to it. However, after hearing the explanation, he came to a comprehension.

[It's actually quite simple. As long as I were to get everything right, I will be able to pass the examination. It isn't as difficult as I thought it would be…]

"Since everyone has understood the rules and the contents of the examination, let's start with the first round, written paper. The duration is two hours!"

After which, Ouyang Cheng passed the examination paper down.

After taking a look at it, the corners of Zhang Xuan's mouth twitched.

The test paper was a thick stack consisting of at least several dozens of paper.

Several dozens of test paper within two hours?

Why did this scene seem weirdly reminiscent to that of his previous life?

He didn't expect that after becoming a teacher upon transcending to a foreign world, he would still have to undergo examinations...

He found the situation a little peculiar.

"You may begin answering the question!"

After giving out the papers, Ouyang Cheng ignored the rest of them and stood coldly at one corner with his hands behind his back.

Even though he wasn't looking at the examinees, if someone were to cheat, the perpetrator would surely be discovered and expelled from the examination hall.

However, it didn't really matter to Zhang Xuan since he didn't have any intentions to cheat anyway. Lowering his head, his attention focused onto the test paper.

"Flaws!"

Upon picking up the paper, he shouted out loud in his mind. Then, his mind jolted and a book appeared.

After taking a look, Zhang Xuan was at a loss of whether he should be laughing or crying.

Written in the book was: Tianxuan Kingdom Apothecary Guild's Apprentice Apothecary Test Papers. Made from a 1-mo craftsman in Baiyi Mill using straws. Flaws: No. 1, the quality of the paper is too inferior, making it unsuitable for storage. Also, it attracts bugs easily. No. 2, it doesn't hold onto ink very well, making it easy for it to smudge...

[The heck, what I want are answers, not the flaws of the material of this paper!]

Suppressing the urge to vomit blood, Zhang Xuan ignored the book and focused on the questions on it instead.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 90: Examination Hall

"You..."

It was one thing if she didn't hear those words. Now, upon hearing these words, Wen Xue felt as though someone was beating on her chest and she was on the verge of erupting.

[Hitting on me? I will tolerate it! Your intentional rambling? I will tolerate it as well... However, to win my favor, you should at least feign to be knowledgeable!

You claim to want to be an apprentice apothecary, yet you are unaware of the basic contents that are being tested, not even knowing what books to read... Do you dare to shout those words out any louder?]

"Why? You also don't know? Fine, I will ask someone else then!"

Seeing the intense movements at her chest as though it was a ventilation fan, Zhang Xuan felt a little indignant and depressed.

[What is wrong with this lady? If you know about it, just explain it to me. Why do you have to make a big fuss over everything as though you just had a seizure?]

Seeing how the other party was behaving as though saying 'if you don't know anything, don't confuse me', Wen Xue almost turned insane.

[Fine, continue putting on your facade then! We will see in a while how you embarrass yourself!]

"In the examination to become an apprentice apothecary, one has to remember the medicinal properties of over a hundred thousands of medicinal herbs, as well as the history and founding of apothecaries..." Forcefully suppressing the rage from erupting, Wen Xue started to explain.

Apothecary was a job that involves medicinal herb. If one was incapable of even identifying and differentiating the herbs, how could one forge pills?

The continent was vast and boundless. There were countless medicinal herbs in it, and even though hundred thousand might seem like a huge quantity, it could only be considered as the basics. Despite accompanying medicinal herbs their entire life, some apothecaries were still unable to recognize quite a few of them, needless to say, the apprentices.

"Just these? That's simple! Where can I find books on medicinal herbs? I will take a look on them right now!" Upon hearing the explanation, Zhang Xuan was taken aback by the simplicity of the examination.

As long as there were books on it, the Library of Heaven's Path was able to compile books inside his head and be stored in his brain as his knowledge.

As long as only these contents were tested, the examination could be considered as easy to him.

After all, this was an ability much more incredible than photographic memory.

"Simple?"

The corner of Wen Xue's mouth twitched. If not in consideration of the fact that the other party was a customer and she was only a receptionist, she would have long assaulted him.

Just remembering hundred thousand medicinal herbs was an extremely daunting task! Furthermore, every single medicinal herb had different traits and different reactions would arise when different medicinal herbs were mixed with a specific medicinal herb. Even though Wen Xue self-acknowledged that she had a good memory, she was still unable to remember them all even after several years and she would easily get confused between the different herbs during the examination.

[He, a playboy who only knows how to flirt with girls, actually said that the test is easy?

Act, continue acting! I'll see how you intend on wrapping up the situation later!]

"There are books on sale at where the apprentice apothecary examination is held. Come with me!"

Upon coming to a conclusion that the other party was intentionally bragging to capture her attention, Wen Xue's rage calmed down slightly. Sneering coldly, she led Zhang Xuan over.

Soon, they arrived at a spacious room. At the top, two words 'Examination Hall' was written. A middle-aged man was sitting by the entrance while reading a book.

The examination hall was a place where apprentice apothecaries were being tested. As such, outsiders were usually forbidden from entering the premises.

This middle-aged man was also one of those who wished to become an apprentice apothecary. Even after persisting for over twenty years, he had still yet to succeed. Similar to Wen Xue, he was studying alongside his work.

For someone to be unable to pass the examination even after twenty years, the difficulty of the examination was clear to see.

"Uncle Li!" Wen Xue stopped before the middle-aged man and greeted him.

"You're here. Are you here to buy books or for the examination?"

The middle-aged man named Uncle Li raised his head and smiled.

"Not me, it is this mister over here. He says that he wishes to take the apprentice apothecary examination!" Sneering coldly in her mind, Wen Xue pointed to Zhang Xuan.

[Didn't you say that you want to take the examination? Fine, I will register you right now. Let's see how you intend to resolve the situation given how ignorant you are!]

……

[The questions for the examination are brainstormed by the apothecaries themselves. Yet, you dare to charge in here despite not knowing anything at all? This is equivalent to challenging their dignity. Let's see how you cry after you incur their wrath…]

"You wish to take the examination?"

The middle-aged man looked at Zhang Xuan and frowned.

He had studied for twenty years and yet, he had yet to pass the examination. This fellow looked barely eighteen to nineteen and he intended to take the examination?

"Yes!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Only when he became an apprentice apothecary could he enter the Apothecary Guild's basic tier library to browse their books. Without a choice, he could only give it a try.

If the other two were to know of his thoughts, they would definitely spurt blood and die from excessive blood loss.

[All of us study every day to memorize those contents, spending several decades of efforts only to end in vain. Yet, despite not reading a single book, you intend to go for the examination, not to mention just to give it a try... Are you sure it is okay to be acting cool like this?]

"The registration fee is 2000 gold coins. If you pass the examination, the money will be refunded to you. However, if you fail, the money will be the Apothecary Guild's! This is to prevent others from wasting resources here despite not knowing anything at all!"

Upon seeing him confirm his intention, the middle-aged Uncle Li mentioned the rules for the registration of the examination.

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan casually whipped out two-thousand dollar notes and passed it over.

After the treasure speculation and the incident with the scammer Yang Mo, he had earned quite a wealth. 2000 gold coins meant nothing much to him.

"As expected, he is a rich playboy!"

Seeing him hand over the money so casually without a shred of hesitation, Wen Xue was even more ascertain of her judgement.

2000 gold coins. If it was them, they would have to work for quite a period of time before they could whip out such a sum. This fellow was obviously doing this to catch her attention. To hand over this sum of money so easily, what could he be if not a playboy?

However, it was a pity that he used the money incorrectly. Not only would it not generate the effects he had intended, he would also become a laughingstock!

"Un!" Taking the money over, Uncle Li nodded his head and passed a personal particulars form to Zhang Xuan. After which, he said, "It just happens that there is an examination that will be held today. However, there is still four hours before its start, so you just have to return within four hours!"

"Four hours?"

A trip from the academy toward here took an entire two hours, so naturally, he couldn't head back now. Looking at the middle-aged man, he asked, "Is there any books for those taking the apprentice apothecary examination? Can I take a look at them here?"

"You wish to do a last moment sharpening of your knowledge? Sure! That room is full of books so you can feel free to pick any book of your choice! However, studying four hours from the examination seems a little too late!"

As he spoke, Uncle Li pointed towards Zhang Xuan's back.

Turning around to take a look, he saw a huge collection of books filling up dozens of bookshelves behind him. From the looks of it, there were at least ten thousand books over there.

"So many?"

It was no wonder that the apprentice apothecary examination wasn't easy. Just finishing these books were enough to tire a person to death, needless to say, remember them!

"I will just take a casual look. I won't be buying any of it..." At which, Zhang Xuan walked into the room.

To him, there was no point in purchasing books. Just by flipping through it, he was able to imprint the knowledge into the library to become his own, so there's no use in buying them.

"Seems like you are quite tolerant. Today, I will go all out with you, let's see how long you can keep up your facade for!"

Seeing how the other party walking in and saying that he would take a look even after seeing so many books stacked on the bookshelves, Wen Xue didn't leave and instead, sneered coldly at his back.

To tell the truth, she had seen many shameless people, but she had never seen such a shameless person!

……

[Despite not knowing anything at all, he brazenly registers himself for the apprentice apothecary examination. Not only so, he still publicly declares that he is going to study...

If it wasn't to put on an act, anyone who sees the amount of book on the bookshelf would feel a little conscience-stricken upon seeing that number of books and think that it is an impossible mission!

Nearly ten thousand books... It takes nearly half a day just to move them all, needless to say, to read them.

Since you are so shameless, I will quietly watch by the side at how you will continue to act cool.

Even if my wage today is deducted, I must see you make a fool out of yourself!

Let's see how you will deal with the embarrassment four hours from now!]

Wen Xue's wrath had been incurred quite a fair bit, and she intended to go until the end with that fellow.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 89: Wen Xue's Rage

Wen Xue was a receptionist at the front desk of the Apothecary Guild. Her greatest wish was to become an apothecary. However, it was a pity that she was lacking in talent and even after numerous tries, she still had yet to pass the examination to become an apprentice.

Helpless, she could only work at the front desk while trying her best to study.

Working as a receptionist at the front desk of the Apothecary Guild might seem like nothing, but the income was truly not bad. She would get a commission on every pill sold and while the commission isn't a large sum, the more pills were sold, the more she would earn. Thus, her salary in a single year tend to be six or seven times of those working in the same job.

However, despite the generous pay, she didn't want to stay in this job for a single day longer. It wasn't because of the difficulty of the job but rather... her outer appearance.

She was in her early twenties, the pinnacle of her youth and beauty. Furthermore, her parents had gifted her with a spectacular face. While it might not be top-notch, it could be considered as one in a hundred.

Being beautiful should have been a blessing. As long as one was a woman, one would be proud of it. However, it would be a totally different matter if the woman were to work here. Often having to stand in the frontlines in receiving customers, countless young masters of distinguished families would intentionally run over here to chat her up, coming up with all kinds of ridiculous demands.

There were even a few who were incredibly persistent, visiting her every single day and using every single trick in the book, leaving her incredibly annoyed.

However, as a salesperson, she wasn't allowed to chase them away. If she were to do so and her pursuers claimed that they were only here to purchase pills, she would be in for a lot of trouble!

"Let's hope that I will not meet those shameless flies today!"

Muttering under her breath, she tidied up her uniform and stood at the reception with a smile. Soon afterward, a young man walked over.

This young man didn't seem too old, probably below twenty. His complexion was well-maintained, smooth and radiant even when compared to hers.

"Mister, is there anything that you need?"

Wen Xue flashed a business-like smile at him.

"Do you all... sell books here? Those kind about the effects of pills that awaken unique constitutions!" the young man said.

The young man was Zhang Xuan.

As his previous self had never been here, he didn't know how the Apothecary Guild worked, so he could only inquire at the front reception.

"Please head to the bookstore if you wish to purchase books, this is the Apothecary Guild!"

Upon hearing the other party's words, the smile Wen Xue was hanging on her face collapsed and her complexion turned awful.

[Even if you want to hit on me, you should be more professional about it!

Asking about books at the Apothecary Guild... Why don't you buy shoes at a restaurant?]

"No, that's not it. I am here to look for books on the effects of pills, such books surely cannot be found in the bookstore!" Not noticing the sudden changes that have occurred with the attitude of the female receptionist, Zhang Xuan contemplated for a moment before asking again.

[Since you want to put on a show, I will quietly watch your monologue!]

With her arms akimbo, Wen Xue's eyes emanated cold intent.

Seeing the other party remaining silent to his words, Zhang Xuan thought that she did not understand his words. Thus, he continued explaining, "Actually, I want to look for pills that can awaken unique constitutions. However, I am unsure of the herbs that are compatible with them so I would like to browse through some books. Do you have any of them here? I am willing to buy them off you, or else... just borrowing them to take a look is fine as well!"

"I have already said, there isn't any!"

[Now that I'm ignoring you, you become even more aggressive?

Buying books and borrowing books... Do you think that you can fool a girl with such old lines?]

Wen Xue has already decided that this fellow is here to cause trouble to attract her attention.

Otherwise, who would run to the Apothecary Guild to buy books? Wasn't he looking for a beating like this?

At this moment, Zhang Xuan noticed the snappish attitude of the other party. He couldn't help but be bewildered by her queer actions.

He didn't offend her, so why would she behave like this?

"It might be menopause!" Shaking his head, he didn't allow the issue to linger in his mind. As a civilized and wise transcender, he couldn't be bothered to squabble with a woman over such a minor affair.

If Wen Xue were to know of his thoughts, she would surely be driven mad.

[I am just 20, okay! You are the one who is having menopause…]

"How about this, the Apothecary Guild should have a book collection vault right? Can you bring me over to take a look?"

Know that it was impossible to explain his way through the matter, Zhang Xuan mused for a moment and arrived at a solution.

Regardless of whether it was the Teacher Guild or Apothecary Guild, they were established for the convenience for of the respective occupations. Thus, it was natural for them to have a book collection vault in the buildings so that those treading on the path of these unique occupations and continue to study and improve.

Even if the other party was unwilling to sell these books to him, as long as he was able to take a look around the book collection vault, he should be able to achieve his goals.

"Book collection vault? You still wish to enter the book collection vault?"

Seeing how the request of the fellow before her was getting more and more ludicrous, Wen Xue spoke in a sharp tone, "If you aren't here to buy pills, please leave!"

"Why, you are banning people from entering the book collection vault? How much money does it take to enter it? It is not like I am unwilling to pay for the entry!" Zhang Xuan was displeased.

Was there something wrong with this woman?

He was just here to inquire about some matter, and yet the other party reacted as though she had eaten gunpowder or something.

Upon hearing the other party acting haughtily the way young masters of distinguished families do, viewing money as though dirt, Wen Xue was even more repulsed. "So what if you have money! Do you think that money makes the world go round? Let me tell you the truth, the Apothecary Guild does have a book collection vault and it is split into basic and advanced tiers. Even the basic tier book collection vault requires one to be an apprentice apothecary before he is able to enter. Are you an apothecary? Or are you an apprentice apothecary?"

"Apprentice apothecary?"

Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment before coming to a realization.

He didn't know much about the Apothecary Guild, but at the very least, he knew about the situation in the academy. The students have a Compendium Pavilion of their own and the teachers another one of their own, and the latter required a teaching license to enter.

Otherwise, if everyone was allowed to browse through as they please, then those secret manuals could no longer be referred to as such.

Furthermore, browsing through them was one thing, but if a student were to fancy a cultivation technique written in one of the books and cultivate it on a whim, who could they push the responsibility to if his cultivation were to go berserk?

The Apothecary Guild should be the same as well. The rationale behind splitting the book collection vault into the basic and advanced tier and limiting the access to it to only those who have reached a certain standard was to prevent people from getting greedy and only pick out bits and pieces of it to form incomplete knowledge, which could prove to be dangerous. At the same time, they could also prevent the secret manuals from leaking out.

"Apprentice apothecary... I am not it, but can anyone take the examinations?"

He was just an ordinary teacher who had never learned pill forging before. As such, it was impossible for him to be an apprentice apothecary. However, these were all just titles which one could take a test for, and to become a master teacher, he needed to accumulate even more knowledge.

"Examination? You wish to take the test to become an apprentice apothecary?" At this moment, Wen Xue, who was absolutely certain that the other fellow is here to hit on her, seethed in anger. Seeing how the other party was continuing on with his facade and even declaring his intention to take the examination to become an apprentice apothecary, she could no longer suppress her rage any further. "Fine! The test is over there, I will take you over right now!"

[Aren't you good at acting?

I will bring you over right now, let's see whether you can continue acting like this!]

Even though it was just an examination for an apprentice apothecary, it was similar to an assistant master teacher selection in the sense that it required one go through numerous trials, assessed on all kinds of basic knowledge an apothecary had to know. She had already taken the test for numerous years now, only to fail dismally. [Yet, you, a playboy who has never gone for any lessons for the apprentice examinations or read any books on medicinal herbs or pill forging, hope to take the test as well?

What kind of joke is this?

Hmph, if I don't expose your fraud and humiliate you in public, you might just take me as an easy target!]

Wen Xue's lips pouted as she harrumphed coldly.

"The test is over there?"

"Why? Chickening out?"

Wen Xue sneered coldly.

"Great!" Seeing the other party behave as though she had eaten gunpowder, Zhang Xuan shook his head. Just as he was about to follow behind her, he suddenly looked over with an awkward expression. "Examination... What contents are tested in the apprentice apothecary examination? Do I have to read any books?"