BXBX NOVEL Chapter 147 - 147 Assessment
“What would you like us to witness, Steward Zheng?”
Someone asked.
“Of course, it’s to witness the fairness and integrity of Yuebaolou,” Steward Zheng said, his expression suddenly became serious.
I’ve just arrived at Yuebaolou of Nanshan Market, and I’ve discovered something.
“As Pill Masters offering their services to Yuebaolou, some are receiving special treatment…”
“I was quite shocked to learn about this; after all, Yuebaolou has always been fair, treating every Offering Priest the same.”
“And now, someone has been given special privileges…”
“Doesn’t this compromise the principles of fairness and integrity of
Yuebaolou…”
Lin Jing immediately understood.
Among all the Offering Priests, only he received special treatment.
Steward Zheng continued to speak:
“To ensure the credibility of Yuebaolou, I’ve decided to conduct an assessment of all Offering Priests.”
“Those who pass will continue as Yuebaolou’s Offering Alchemists.”
“But those who fail will have their status as Offering Priests revoked and all benefits provided by Yuebaolou will be withdrawn.”
The newly arrived Steward Zheng spoke in front, while the Offering Priests all listened in silence, paying close attention.
Steward Zheng scanned the crowd and deliberately paused in the direction where Lin Jing stood, then continued:
“As for the content of the assessment, I have already decided.”
“That is to refine Second Rank Elixir Medicine!”
“Each Offering Priest will have three opportunities.”
“The requirement is to produce at least one Second Rank Superior Elixir Medicine among these three attempts.”
After finishing his speech, Steward Zheng glanced over the crowd and then asked:
“This should be quite easy for all of you, shouldn’t it?”
No sooner had Steward Zheng’s words ended when someone responded:
“No problem, it’s a trivial matter…”
“Of course, there’s no problem at all—it’s just one Superior Elixir Medicine…”
“A Superior Elixir Medicine, as long as we’re not extremely unlucky, with our Alchemy Technique, it should be a breeze.”
And the other Offering Priests also began discussing amongst themselves.
At this time, many people stealthily glanced at Lin Jing.
Because…
Everybody knew that this assessment wouldn’t be a problem for them…
But Lin Jing was different.
They knew Lin Jing’s situation all too well; he had been promoted to a Second -Grade Alchemist less than half a year ago, and facing this assessment now, he was likely to have difficulty passing.
Moreover, Lin Jing was Elder Yu’s nephew, and this new Steward Zheng started conducting assessments as soon as he arrived.
This inevitably led people to speculate.
Lin Jing ignored everyone’s gazes, standing calmly and steadily without any signs of panic.
Next to Steward Zheng, Steward Cheng furrowed his brow and said in a low voice:
“Steward Zheng, about Lin Jing…”
Before Steward Cheng could continue, he was interrupted by Steward Zheng.
“Haven’t I already said that this assessment will be fair and impartial, without favoritism towards anyone?”
“But Elder Yu, he…”
At that moment, Steward Zheng’s expression darkened, glancing towards Steward Cheng:
“What, are you planning to defy the rules of Yiyun Pavilion?”
“I wouldn’t dare…” Steward Cheng bowed his hands and said.
‘Good, as long as you understand,” Steward Zheng then withdrew his gaze and turned towards Lin Jing.
He continued:
“Now, since I am the Steward of Yuebaolou at Nanshan Fang Market, it goes without saying that I have Yuebaolou’s best interests in mind. Even if Elder Yu were here. I’d do the same ”
After that, seeing the crowd had quieted down significantly, Steward Zheng continued:
“Furthermore, yesterday’s summon was made on short notice, so I presume none of you had much time to prepare.”
“Therefore…”
“Starting tomorrow, I will arrange the order in advance, so that each of you can be assessed in turn,”
“Moreover, I must remind everyone…”
“To prevent cheating, there will be someone supervising on-site during the assessment, so I hope all of you Offering Priests will make the necessary preparations in advance.” “Understood.”
The crowd responded.
Then, Steward Zheng stepped back, and Steward Cheng came forward to announce the order of the assessment.
And Lin Jing, to his surprise, was ranked first.
In other words, he would be among the first batch to be assessed tomorrow.
Soon…
After the order of the assessment was announced, Steward Zheng came forward again to say a few words, offering the crowd some comfort before he left.
Not long after Zheng left, the crowd also dispersed one after another.
But before leaving, many cast glances toward Lin Jing, each showing different expressions.
Some looked regretful, others sympathetic…
And even some seemed to take pleasure in his misfortune…
Yet Lin Jing remained composed.
Even when some greeted him, Lin Jing responded as simply as he always had.
Finally, as Yu Yan was about to leave, he made a special effort to come over and encourage Lin Jing.
“Lin Daoyou, do your best. I hope you can successfully pass this assessment,” Yu Yan said with a cupped fist gesture.
“Thank you…” Lin Jing responded with the same gesture.
Afterward, Yu Yan left.
Once these people had gone, there were only Steward Cheng and Lin Jing left in the alchemy room.
Steward Cheng, with his head lowered, approached Lin Jing.
“Lin Jing, I’m sorry…” Steward Cheng began. “Elder Yu, before he left, told me to take care of you, but now…”
Having said this, Steward Cheng heaved a sigh:
Then, gathering his spirits, Steward Cheng continued:
“No matter, if you really can’t remain as an alchemist in the building, you can temporarily stay with me, and we’ll discuss the rest when Elder Yu returns.”
If Lin Jing were to fail the assessment, the first thing likely to be taken from him would be the courtyard he was currently living in, which was why Steward Cheng said what he did.
Lin Jing understood that Steward Cheng couldn’t make this decision on his own, nor could he be blamed, after all, the entire Yuebaolou was currently managed by Steward Zheng.
So, he spoke up:
“Steward Cheng, don’t worry…” “I feel I should be alright for this assessment. It doesn’t seem that difficult.”
“But your alchemy skills…”
Steward Cheng started to say, then hesitated, not continuing further…
To avoid causing Steward Cheng further concern, Lin Jing spoke again:
“I’ve been discussing the Alchemy Technique with Li Tangyu for several days in a row recently…”
“After that, it’s as if I’ve had an epiphany. It seems I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the Alchemy Dao. ”
“Li Tangyu…”
Steward Cheng’s eyes brightened, and then he said:
“That’s right, he’s a Third-Grade Alchemist, and you two have a good relationship…”
“Do you really feel confident about this assessment?”
Steward Cheng still had doubts, Imowing that even an epiphany couldn’t enable a pill master to immediately produce high-grade elixir medicines.
There must be a process of refinement.
He was well-aware that Lin Jing had only recently been promoted to Second -Grade Alchemist and had a thin foundation, making it not so easy to produce high-quality elixir medicines.
“I can’t guarantee certainty, but I can only try and see…” Lin Jing said earnestly.
“That’s right…”
Steward Cheng nodded, then sighed softly:
“Do the best you can.”
Clearly, Steward Cheng did not hold much hope for Lin Jing..