Immortality Cultivation: I Farm in the System Space

"What exactly does Attendant Zheng want us to witness?" Someone asked. "It is, of course, to witness the fairness and integrity of our Yuebaolou," said Attendant Zheng suddenly becoming serious. I had just arrived at Yuebaolou in Nanshan Market when I discovered something. "As Offering Priests and Alchemists of Yuebaolou, some individuals actually receive special treatment..." "Learning of this matter was quite alarming to me, as our Yuebaolou has always been known for fairness, treating every Offering Priest the same." "Yet now, some are seeking privileges..." "Doesn't that violate the very principles of fairness and integrity of our Yuebaolou..." Lin Jing immediately understood. This Attendant Zheng was truly aiming at him... Because among all the Offering Priests, he was the only one with special treatment. "So..." Steward Zheng continued: "To ensure the reputation of our Yuebaolou, I have decided to conduct an assessment for all Offering Priests." "Those who pass the assessment will continue to serve as Offering Alchemists for Yuebaolou." "But those who fail will lose their status as Offering Priests, and all the benefits granted by Yuebaolou will be revoked." The new Attendant Zheng spoke at the front, while the Offering Priests listened silently and attentively. Attendant Zheng scanned the crowd, his gaze purposefully lingering in the direction where Lin Jing stood, before continuing: "Regarding the content of the assessment, I have already decided." "It will be the refining of Second Rank Elixir Medicine!" "Each Offering Priest will have three opportunities." "The requirement is that, within these three attempts, at least one superior-grade Second Rank medicinal pill must be produced." After speaking, Attendant Zheng swept his gaze over the crowd in front of him and then asked: "This should be quite easy for you all, shouldn't it?" No sooner had Attendant Zheng's voice faded than someone responded: "No problem, it's a small matter..." "Of course, there's no problem, it's just one superior-grade medicinal pill..." "A superior-grade medicinal pill, as long as one isn't too unlucky, with our alchemy skills, it's easy to achieve." And the other Offering Priests also started discussing among themselves. At this moment, many were also stealthily glancing towards Lin Jing. Because... Everyone knew that the assessment was no problem for them... But Lin Jing was different. They were all too aware of Lin Jing's situation, having only been promoted to Second-Grade Alchemist less than half a year ago, facing this assessment now, he would likely have difficulty passing. And Lin Jing was Elder Yu's nephew, with this new Attendant Zheng starting assessments as soon as he arrived. This unavoidably led people to ponder more deeply. Lin Jing, however, ignored the gazes of others, standing there calmly and composed, without any sign of panic. Next to Attendant Zheng, Steward Cheng frowned and whispered to Attendant Zheng: "Attendant Zheng, about Lin Jing..." Steward Cheng had just begun speaking when he was interrupted by Attendant Zheng. "Haven't I already stated that the assessment will be fair and just, showing no favoritism towards anyone?" "But Elder Yu, he..." At this, Attendant Zheng's expression darkened, and he turned towards Steward Cheng: "What, are you suggesting to break the rules of our Yiyun Pavilion?" "Not at all..." Steward Cheng bowed and said. "Good that you understand..." Attendant Zheng then withdrew his gaze and turned to look towards Lin Jing. He continued: "Now, since I am the Attendant of Yuebaolou at Nanshan Fang Market, it is naturally for the sake of Yuebaolou. Even if Elder Yu were here, I would still act the same way." Then, seeing that the crowd had quieted down, Attendant Zheng went on to say: "It was a sudden decision to call everyone here yesterday, somewhat rushed, and I assume you were not fully prepared." "In that case..." "Starting from tomorrow, I will arrange the order in advance, so that you can take the assessment in turn." "Additionally, I must remind everyone..." "To prevent cheating, there will be someone supervising the examination on-site, so I hope all Offering Priests make preparations in advance." "Understood." The crowd responded. Afterward, Attendant Zheng stepped down, and Steward Cheng came forward to announce the order of the examination. And Lin Jing, astonishingly, was listed first. Meaning, he would be among the first batch to be assessed tomorrow. Soon... After the order of the examination was announced, Attendant Zheng returned to say a few words of comfort to everyone before departing. Not long after Attendant Zheng left, everyone also started to disperse. Just before leaving, many cast a glance in Lin Jing's direction, displaying a variety of expressions. There was pity, sympathy... And even some, with a gloat in their manner... Yet, Lin Jing remained impassive. Even when some greeted him, Lin Jing responded as simply as he always had. At last, Yu Yan made a special point to encourage Lin Jing before he left. "Lin Daoyou, do your best, and I hope you will smoothly pass this assessment..." Yu Yan said, clasping his fists. "Thank you..." Lin Jing also responded with a fist salute. And then, Yu Yan departed. After these people had left, only Steward Cheng and Lin Jing remained in the Alchemy Room. Steward Cheng, with his head lowered, came before Lin Jing. "Lin Jing, I'm sorry..." Steward Cheng started. "Before Elder Yu left, he asked me to look after you, but now..." Having spoken, Steward Cheng sighed: "Sigh..." Following that, Steward Cheng revitalized his spirit and continued: "No matter, if you truly can't remain as an Offering Priest Pill Master for the building, you can temporarily stay at my place, and we'll discuss the rest when Elder Yu comes back." If Lin Jing were to fail the assessment, he would likely be the first to be removed from the courtyard he was currently living in, which is why Steward Cheng said so. Lin Jing knew that Steward Cheng wasn't in a position to decide on this matter and didn't blame him; after all, Attendant Zheng was currently in charge of the entire Yuebaolou. Thereupon, he spoke: "Steward Cheng, don't worry..." "I feel that I should still manage with this assessment; it doesn't seem that difficult." "But your Alchemy Technique..." Steward Cheng started to say but didn't continue further... To prevent Steward Cheng from worrying too much, Lin Jing spoke again: "Recently, I discussed the Alchemy Technique with Li Tangyu for several days in a row..." "After that, I felt as if I had an epiphany, and my understanding of the Alchemy Dao seems to have deepened somewhat." "Li Tangyu..." Steward Cheng's eyes lit up before he spoke: "Right, he is a Third-Grade Alchemist, and your relationship with him is good..." "Are you truly confident about this assessment?" Steward Cheng still had doubts, as even an epiphany wouldn't allow a Pill Master to immediately refine high-quality elixir medicines. There needed to be a process of practice. He knew very well that Lin Jing had ascended to a Second-Grade Alchemist not long ago. With such a weak foundation, it would not be easy to refine high-quality elixir medicines. "I can't give a definite guarantee, but I can only try and see..." Lin Jing stated earnestly. "Indeed..." Steward Cheng nodded and then sighed: "Sigh..." "Do your best." Clearly, Steward Cheng did not hold much hope for Lin Jing's success.