"Ten points, top-tier!"

Upon hearing these few words spoken by Sha Yan in a slightly excited tone, the surroundings immediately erupted with gasps of astonishment. Witnessing the "Dragon Whisker White Beauty Flower" bloom and bear fruit, everyone had already known that Nie Kong’s score would be extremely high, possibly even surpassing Miao Ge’s "lower middle tier of nine points"!

However, no one had expected that Vice Palace Master Sha Yan, who was always stingy with his grading, would directly award Nie Kong a perfect ten points, accompanied by the comment "Top-Tier."

Ten points, top-tier—this was a genuine full mark! It signified that Nie Kong’s cultivation of that single "Dragon Whisker White Beauty Flower" seed had been achieved with absolute perfection. Indeed, the tender sprout hadn't just grown strong and mature, but it had flowered and fruited; where could any flaw possibly be found?

The half-meter-tall saplings nurtured by Feng Biao and Jiang Liu, the highly fused medicinal power refined by Ru Jie, and the Grade Four spirit medicine shaped like a "Dragon Whisker White Beauty Flower" refined by Miao Ge were all outstanding. Yet, compared to Nie Kong’s flower that had actually bloomed and borne fruit, they seemed somewhat overshadowed.

Nie An, after his initial surprise, couldn't help but beam with joy.

Initially, beyond ensuring his score wouldn't place him in the bottom ten, he hadn't set any grand goals, merely attending the monthly assessment with the mindset of broadening his horizons and gaining experience. Who would have thought that in the end, he would achieve the highest possible perfect score!

Calculating it this way, hadn't he already secured first place in this monthly assessment ahead of time?

After a long pause, the surrounding crowd finally snapped back to reality.

Miao Ge’s small mouth, slightly agape from extreme shock, closed. In her beautiful eyes fixed on Nie Kong, a strange light flickered. Did wood spirit power truly possess such miraculous efficacy in the path of alchemy? Others could, at most, make the seeds sprout and grow halfway, but he could make the fruit fully mature, right up to the point of flowering and fruiting?

Feng Biao's already sharp, knife-like eyes narrowed slightly, and Jiang Liu also scrutinized Nie Kong closely. They were clearly very curious about this Medicine Heart Palace disciple who had suddenly emerged to snatch the first place in the "Monthly Assessment." Such a figure was entirely worthy of their attention.

The expressions on the faces of Tai Ji, Ru Jie, Ye Xinlian, and others were complex. It was no wonder this Grade Two Spirit Alchemist could impress even Miao Ge; his strength was astonishing. It seemed their previous actions had been correct!

As for the surrounding Medicine Heart Palace disciples and the Spirit Control City disciples who came to observe the assessment, they were already pointing fingers and chattering excitedly:

"A stunning debut! Truly a stunning debut. To achieve a perfect score in one's first monthly assessment is rare even in the entire history of the Medicine Heart Palace."

"What stunning debut? He’s already had a first bang, a second bang, and a third bang before this!"

"Brother, no wonder they say your Medicine Heart Palace harbors hidden talents. Such an astonishing event occurring during a mere monthly assessment—I am truly convinced! If this were the monthly assessment in our Mountain Soul Palace, no matter how bizarre the final results turned out, we could never allow a newly initiated disciple to take first place."

Vice Palace Master Sha Yan patted Nie Kong's shoulder approvingly before moving to Tai Ji's station below. Tai Ji's beautiful, cerulean eyes spun back, and with a slight bow, she lifted the lid of her cauldron. She, too, had chosen the path of seed cultivation. When the green sprout rose from the cauldron, most people felt little emotion.

Having already seen the mature form of the flowering and fruiting "Dragon Whisker White Beauty Flower," viewing this flower seedling still in the growth stage held little appeal.

Tai Ji’s assessment result was like a stone dropped into the ocean, causing hardly a ripple. It was simply that Nie Kong’s preceding performance had been too dazzling.

"Very good, eight points, upper-middle!" Sha Yan nodded in praise, smiling as he delivered Tai Ji's score.

At this moment, Luo Ren had just snapped back to his senses.

Nie Kong grinned and winked at him. Luo Ren glared fiercely at Nie Kong, but ultimately, he still recorded his score on the paper. This record could not be faked. Otherwise, Luo Ren truly wished he could inscribe the words "Zero points, lowest tier" after Nie Kong's name.

Picking up the brush and looking at the inky script of "Ten points, top-tier," Luo Ren tasted bitterness in his mouth.

His intention in registering Nie Kong for this monthly assessment was to create obstacles for him, ideally leading to his elimination after a year due to a poor performance. Who knew that Nie Kong would actually emerge from among so many Grade Three Spirit Alchemists to claim first place in the monthly assessment!

His clandestine actions had ended up promoting Nie Kong's fame!

Seeing Sha Yan moving forward, Luo Ren quickly forgot his internal curses against Nie Kong, hastily recorded Tai Ji's score on the paper, and hurried to follow.

For the subsequent assessment results, apart from Ye Xinlian scoring "Eight points, lower-middle," one young man also received "Eight points, lower-lower." As for the other Medicine Heart Palace disciples, there were no significant highlights. Scores of ten or nine points had already appeared; were scores of seven or six points still considered highlights?

After Sha Yan examined the results of the last Medicine Heart Palace disciple, the monthly assessment, which had lasted over two hours, finally drew to a close. The crowd didn't even need to look at the results board to name the top seven contenders: Nie Kong, Miao Ge, Feng Biao, Tai Ji, Jiang Liu, Ru Yi, Ye Xinlian.

Most of the Spirit Control City disciples were already familiar with Miao Ge and Feng Biao, but Nie Kong, the fellow dubbed the "Trial Potion Maniac," although they had heard the name, it was the first time most of them had seen him in person. It was rumored he was only a Grade Two Spirit Alchemist, yet to stand out in such a monthly assessment spoke volumes about his strength.

Of course, this didn't mean he was definitively stronger than Miao Ge, Feng Biao, and the others! After all, Miao Ge and the others had successfully refined Grade Four spirit medicines. Especially Miao Ge, who had refined a "Dragon Whisker White Beauty" in this assessment. Since the rewards were like trying to have both a bear's paw and fish—you could only choose one, abandoning the other—

"Oh?"

It wasn't just Sha Yan who was stunned; the Medicine Heart Palace disciples below were dumbfounded. In all the previous monthly assessments, they had never seen anyone refuse superior rewards to exchange them for inferior ones. This person, who had earned first place, didn't look like a fool!

Thoughts raced through everyone's minds, unable to grasp Nie Kong's reasoning. Their minds began to work actively: if this fellow coveted their reward, didn't that mean they could potentially obtain the "Heavenly Dust Pill" reward that should have gone to Nie Kong? That spirit medicine could elevate a Spirit Fusion Master’s cultivation by two grades!

As Sha Yan mentioned, although such spirit medicines could be refined by some people, their scarcity was extreme—so much so that it was comparable to the lost formula for the Grade Two "Jade Leaf Glazed Pill," if not nearly as scarce. It was always in high demand but short supply, and the rare appearance of a single pill would cause Spirit Fusion Masters to fight tooth and nail for it.

"What an idiot!" Miao Ge was furious, her eyebrows drawn together.

Tai Ji next to her chuckled lightly, "If he wants to trade, let him trade. I actually hope he covets the fourth reward; that way, the 'Heavenly Dust Pill' will be mine. I'll need it soon enough, and waiting until I reach 'Spirit Fusion Rank Seven' to buy one would mean I don't know when I'd ever get my hands on it."

Ru Jie and Ye Xinlian also nodded in agreement.

Miao Ge shot the three of them a look, "I just feel it’s a pity for him. We fight tooth and nail precisely for the top spot in this assessment to earn the 'Heavenly Dust Pill.' But look at him; he already has the 'Heavenly Dust Pill' in hand yet trades it for other rewards! No matter how good those other rewards are, can they compare to the 'Heavenly Dust Pill'? I truly don't understand what this fellow is thinking! If it were me, I would never trade it, much less offer the trade proactively."

"Nie Kong, have you thought this through clearly?" Sha Yan frowned.

"Yes."

Nie Kong had committed to it; he no longer wavered with anxiety as before. The little creature’s judgments had always been accurate; this time, surely, it wouldn't disappoint him.

Sha Yan nodded, "Since you are insistent, so be it! Which of the remaining rewards do you wish to exchange for?"

Nie Kong picked up the second wooden box. The little creature remained quietly inside his Yaochi Acupoint without making a sound. This was a silent agreement Nie Kong had just made with it: it would only cry out when he picked the correct box, and stay silent if he chose incorrectly. If it kept crying out, any misinterpretation might lead to undesirable consequences.

However, to avoid arousing suspicion, Nie Kong opened the box anyway. Inside was a dried herb. After a few seconds, Nie Kong moved on to pick up the third box.

"Ya-ya!"

The little creature, which had been behaving like a good baby, suddenly began wildly shaking its roots, stems, and leaves, cheering excitedly. Nie Kong opened the lid. Inside was another prepared medicine, about the size of a fist. Judging by its shape, it should be the fruit of some plant. Even though the surface was dry, it felt very soft to the touch.

This was the first time Nie Kong had ever seen this type of fruit.

"It's this one!" Nie Kong closed the lid.

Hearing this, Feng Biao, who was sitting cross-legged below, suddenly sat up ramrod straight. His slightly narrowed eyes snapped wide open, revealing a trace of imperceptible joy in his sharp gaze. It was likely he, too, hadn't expected Nie Kong's final choice to be his reward.

Sha Yan laughed, "This is the 'Phoenix Eye Fruit.' It is also a very rare medicine, but compared to the 'Heavenly Dust Pill,' it is far inferior. Are you certain?"

"It's the 'Phoenix Eye Fruit'?" Nie Kong was startled. Recalling the shape of the fruit, it did indeed resemble a greatly magnified eye. Nie Xingyun had introduced this item to him; its pulp could be used in elixirs, appearing in the formulas for some Grade Three, Grade Four, and even Grade Five spirit medicines.

The reason this fruit was rare was that the places where the Phoenix Eye Tree grew were too perilous, and the fruit’s maturation period lasted nine years. Once ripe, it would fall immediately and rot rapidly upon touching the ground. To obtain this fruit, one had to guard the Phoenix Eye Tree year-round.

However, the demand for this fruit was high; once it appeared, it was instantly snatched up and used immediately for refining spirit medicines. Very few were ever kept in storage.

It was the Phoenix Eye Fruit! Little creature, master, you’ve brought terrible trouble upon me! Nie Kong muttered to himself.

"Ah-ya-ya!"

Hearing the little creature’s sound, Nie Kong’s heart leaped; could there be some hidden secret in this "Phoenix Eye Fruit"? Regardless of whether it was true, the matter was decided; Nie Kong could only nod and exchange the "Heavenly Dust Pill" for the "Phoenix Eye Fruit."

Returning to his seat, Nie Kong noticed many strange glances directed at him. He knew clearly that those people probably regarded him as a complete fool.

When he sat down, Nie Kong caught Miao Ge’s questioning gaze. He smiled wryly; at this point, he could only hope that the "Phoenix Eye Fruit" truly held some hidden secret, as the little creature sensed, otherwise, he was certainly going to be the fool this time.

After this little interlude, the subsequent distribution of rewards proceeded in an orderly manner.

Sha Yan only distributed rewards down to the tenth place before handing the task over to the Medicine Heart Palace professors beside him. Once all the rewards were handed out, Sha Yan waved his hand, dismissing the professors and disciples, but just as he had done for his first lecture, he uniquely asked Nie Kong to stay behind in the side hall.

P.S.: It rained heavily here today, so I arrived a bit late, apologies. I just checked and saw we are third on the monthly ticket ranking, thank you all so much for your support, but those chasing behind are too close, it's a bit precarious. Brothers, if you still have monthly tickets, please cast one after reading. Thank you, thank you, I owe you one! Even if Nie Kong is strong, being only a Grade Three Alchemist, producing a Grade Two spirit medicine is already quite formidable. As for Grade Four spirit medicines, perhaps he can only refine them after becoming a Grade Three Spirit Alchemist.

On the Heavenly Spirit Continent, there is actually a place specifically for judging the rank of Spirit Alchemists: the "Medicine Platform." It is said to be a subordinate branch of the "Spirit God Palace."

Spirit Alchemists judged by the "Medicine Platform" receive a certificate, which is like Nie Kong's diploma from his previous life. With it, he can make a living anywhere on the continent without worrying about his skill being questioned or needing to constantly prove his strength.

Generally speaking, a Grade One Spirit Alchemist must first become a Spirit Communicator to successfully refine ten Grade Two spirit medicines to advance to Grade Two. To advance from Grade Two to Grade Three, one needs eight Grade Three spirit medicines. For the promotion from Grade Five to Grade Six, the required successful refinements drop to five. From Grade Six to Grade Seven, it is four. From Grade Seven to Grade Eight, one must have successfully refined three Grade Eight spirit medicines. An Eight Grade Spirit Alchemist can already be called an Alchemy King!

It is evident that it is not easy for Spirit Alchemists to advance their rank; the later stages are increasingly difficult. For Nie Kong to become a Grade Three Spirit Alchemist, in addition to his cultivation reaching the Spirit Fusion level, he must also successfully refine eight Grade Three spirit medicines. He still has a considerable distance to travel.

Even half an hour after the monthly assessment ended, the Spirit Control City disciples who came to watch were still reluctant to leave. Only when about two hundred Medicine Heart Palace disciples entered the side hall did they begin to discuss among themselves, stepping out of the hall while still somewhat excited, recalling the strange sights they had witnessed earlier.

In the side hall, about two hundred Medicine Heart Palace disciples sat cross-legged, silent as a clam.

Sha Yan observed everyone, a smile on his face, his mood also exceptionally pleased. In all the times he had presided over the monthly assessment, this was the one that satisfied him the most, purely because a true perfect score had appeared this time, and he was the one who awarded it. He gave this perfect score willingly!

Pat, pat!

Sha Yan clapped his hands sharply, the sound echoing resonant in the hall. Following this, neat footsteps were heard from outside the door.

"Ah-ya-ya!"

The little creature suddenly chirped cheerfully, seemingly having discovered something precious. Nie Kong’s heart leaped; judging by the little creature's demeanor, whatever it noticed must be quite exceptional. Undeniably, the best items were reserved for the highest-ranking Medicine Heart Palace disciples!

Nie Kong's thoughts stirred, and he looked toward the entrance with great anticipation.

Before long, twenty young servers filed in, each holding a long wooden tray. On the trays rested boxes of varying shapes and materials.

Nie Kong was certain that the rare item was held by the first server because the little creature had cheered most enthusiastically when he appeared.

At this moment, the Medicine Heart Palace disciples whose rankings were high had eyes practically shining with desire. Those ranked lower felt somewhat dejected; they noticed each server carrying five boxes, meaning twenty servers carried a total of one hundred boxes—this implied the assessment only rewarded up to the hundredth rank.

This was understandable, though. After the hundredth place, even if rewards were given, they would be relatively common items that could easily be bought outside with a bit of gold.

"These are the rewards for this monthly assessment!"

Sha Yan pointed to the servers, then looked at Nie Kong, who was seated at the very end, with a smile in his eyes, and said in a gentle voice, "Nie Kong, step forward!"

"Uh?"

Nie Kong was stunned. He had expected Sha Yan to deliver a lengthy, rambling speech full of reflection, but he hadn't anticipated such briskness, without any procrastination. However, this suited Nie Kong perfectly. He immediately rose to his feet and, under the gaze of over two hundred pairs of eyes, quickly walked toward the front.

When Nie Kong stopped in front of him, Sha Yan picked up the first exquisite, small jade box from the wooden tray. At this moment, Feng Biao and Jiang Liu below let out almost imperceptible sighs, and even Miao Ge, Tai Ji, Ru Jie, and Ye Xinlian showed slight looks of regret.

"Ah-ya-ya, ah-ya-ya!"

Inside the Yaochi Acupoint, the little creature cried out urgently. Nie Kong suddenly felt something was amiss; judging by the little creature's reaction, the prized item was likely not this one.

At that moment, he heard Sha Yan smile and say, "Nie Kong, this box contains a Grade Three spirit medicine, the 'Heavenly Dust Pill.' Its medicinal fusion rate is eighty-eight percent, capable of advancing cultivation from Spirit Fusion Rank Seven to Spirit Fusion Rank Nine. Although this Grade Three spirit medicine is not lost, few people know how to refine it today. It is extremely rare; keep it well; you will need it in the future."

When Sha Yan stated that the box contained a Grade Three spirit medicine, Nie Kong knew that this wasn't what had made the little creature cry out. However, this "Heavenly Dust Pill" was indeed a fine medicine; it could raise a Spirit Fusion Master’s cultivation by two whole grades, specifically from Rank Seven to Rank Nine, indicating immensely potent medicinal power!

If he reached Spirit Fusion Rank Seven in the future and consumed it, it would save him a great deal of time.

Nie Kong suddenly began to understand why Miao Ge had said Feng Biao and Jiang Liu were aiming for the rewards of this assessment. Looking at her expression, she seemed very keen on these rewards as well. It now seemed that what they desired most was likely this "Heavenly Dust Pill"!

For a moment, Nie Kong felt relieved.

"Ah-ya-ya, ah-ya-ya!"

The little creature’s cries became more urgent, its stems and roots vigorously bumping against the inner wall of Nie Kong's acupoint, seemingly desperate to prevent Nie Kong from accepting this spirit medicine.

"Little creature, keep making a fuss. If the 'good thing' discovered below isn't as good as this spirit medicine, I’ll spank you, Master!" Nie Kong gritted his teeth helplessly. Seeing Sha Yan showing surprise because he hadn't accepted the jade box, he felt somewhat awkward and smiled, "Vice Palace Master, this disciple wishes to exchange this spirit medicine for another reward here. I hope the Vice Palace Master will grant my request." While saying this, Nie Kong’s lips twitched, and his heart ached intensely. To be honest, he truly wanted this "Heavenly Dust Pill." Of course, he also wanted the herb that the little creature valued highly.