Chapter 1229: The Guiding Light Malfunctions?

"I’ve returned, big sis Worldly Skies—Palace Master." Celia said in a joyous mood.

"Congratulations." Worldly Skies said warmly.

"It seems your worries were unwarranted, after all." Izroth said with a carefree smile.

’Someone who ventured out to find a cure for the Holy Maiden without receiving a quest or promise of rewards from the system and wears their heart on their sleeves for the world to see—how can such a person betray the kindness of others so easily?’

"You were right. I was worried over nothing. Ah, by the way—I advertised the Mystical Realm Palace while the spotlight was on me. Palace Master, shouldn’t you treat me to something good? Like, maybe showing me a few more interesting ingredients like that hydra’s blood?" Celia said enthusiastically.

"Sure, I don’t see why not." Izroth replied without hesitation.

’It’s a little earlier than I planned for the Mystical Realm Palace’s name to spread this far. With the Vice-Head and Elders of the Apothecary Guild standing in the way, it won’t be too much to handle any trouble that finds us. It’s not a bad time to start getting the Mystical Realm Palace’s name out there so that we can begin to build influence among the residents of this world.’

Izroth did not mind the trouble that came his way. But, if he had to deal with every minor issue with forces moving in from all directions, it would unnecessarily consume too much of his time and energy.

Since Vice-Head Malric, Elder Oaklein and Elder Cryosa were willing to lend their names, Izroth planned to make full use of it.

"Next up—Apothecary Pierce." Rozomius called on.

Pierce made his way up to the Guiding Light. Although he hid it well, one could tell that he was annoyed.

Having to go up after someone who not only received a tier ten potential, but also had a perfect combination of the rare Triple Natural Energy—unless he somehow managed to get equivalent results, wouldn’t it seem too lackluster in comparison?

Pierce placed his hand on the Guiding Light. The moment he did so, eight golden beads materialized as a burning flame formed in the midst of them.

"Natural Energy of Fire. Potential, tier eight." Rozomius announced.

"He’s worthy of being the eldest son and heir of the Duvelle family. It’s just that, well, compared to the young lady that went before him, the results aren’t as exciting." One of the observers commented.

"It’s a shame. If that young lady was not here, it would have been the Duvelle family heir that took away the spotlight during this promotion test. Not to mention, it’s not as if we’ll be able to recruit him since he’s already a part of the Duvelle family. At most, we can only try to build and maintain a good relationship."

"Still, having the potential to possibly step into the realm of a grade nine Apothecary in his lifetime cannot be looked down on. With the Head of the Duvelle family nurturing him, it’s practically guaranteed that he’ll reach that place one day."

Unlike with Celia’s results, there was no big commotion this time around. Seeing everyone’s lackluster reaction, Pierce kept a smile on his face as he removed his hand from the Guiding Light and made his way back to his original spot among the participants.

Pierce secretly clenched his fists behind his back. He could not remember the last time he had been so humiliated. Yet, it happened in front of so many people today!

"I must bear with this humiliation for the sake of the Duvelle family’s great plan. Still, it might not too late. Once my father arrives, if she decides to turn down my father’s offer, then the need to be polite will vanish. As long as there are no traces left behind, no one will be able to point any fingers." Pierce thought to himself with a sharp gaze.

Meanwhile, Rozomius continued to call up the other Apothecaries. Most of the Apothecaries that remained received a decent tier and suitable Natural Energies. However, there were still those who were unfortunate and had no choice but to walk away from the path of an Apothecary as they quit the promotion test.

In a flash, there were only two Apothecaries who had yet to test their Natural Energy. One was Worldly Skies, while the other was Izroth.

"Apothecary Worldly Skies." Rozomius called.

"I will return soon—Palace Master, little sister." Worldly Skies said as she cupped her fist into her hand.

"You got this, big sis Worldly Skies!" Celia cheered.

"I’m looking forward to it." Izroth said casually.

’I’ve seen her affinity with my Divine Appraisal, but... Well, there is no point in thinking about it too much since I will have my answer soon.’

Worldly Skies wasted no time as she walked up to the Guiding Light and set her hand upon it.

"This...!" Rozomius thought to himself as he could not hide the shock on his face.

In the blink of an eye, ten golden beads formed within the Guiding Light.

Tier ten potential—there was actually another Apothecary with a tier ten potential!

"Tier ten potential! In the beginning, I thought that the promotion test this time around was a bit lacking compared to the others in previous years. But, for there to be two Apothecaries with a tier ten potential—we may be witnessing the birth of a new golden generation for Apothecaries!" One of the observers stated.

"Will she also have a Triple Natural Energy like the young lady from before?" A young Apothecary commented as he looked on in awe.

"Hmph, do you even know how rare something like that is? She already has a tier ten potential. If she also has Triple Natural Energy, the heavens are truly unfair! Besides, even if her Natural Energy is trash, it’s still possible for her to become a grade ten Apothecary." A nearby Apothecary chimed in.

"A second Apothecary with a tier ten potential. Aye... The younger generation is bound to surpass the older generation." Po commented.

"It is certainly impressive. I must say, the results of the promotion test are too shocking this time around. Let’s see, her Natural Energy is... Huh? This—am I seeing it correctly?" Koralena said as her eyes widened in shock.

Worldly Skies’ Natural Energy began to take shape in the middle of the ten golden beads.

"This Natural Energy...! How can it appear here..?! This is bad...!" Rozomius said quietly as he quickly made a few hand gestures.

The next moment, a small black orb appeared at the tip of his index finger.

"Go." Rozomius uttered as the small black orb rapidly expanded.

In less than a single breath, the black orb grew into a giant black sphere that completely engulfed the area around Worldly Skies and the Guiding Light.

Izroth narrowed his eyes as he activated his Energy Vision Sense. He did not sense any bad intentions from Rozomius. But, his actions certainly left a multitude of questions that needed to be answered. Whatever the reason, it was the first time he acted in this way while someone used the Guiding Light.

’Even with my Energy Vision Sense, it’s difficult to see into that black orb. I can only see faint traces, but it seems that Worldly Skies is unharmed. I will hold off on making a move for now. But, if they want to hold my people against their will, even if it’s the Apothecary Guild, I won’t hesitate to make them pay the price. That being said, Apothecary Rozomius and the other judges seemed panicked the moment Worldly Skies’ Natural Energy was about to emerge. What are they trying to hide that others must not see?’

"Eh? What’s going on? Why did that black orb appear? We didn’t even get to see what Natural Energy she acquired." One of the observers complained with a frown.

"Can it be that he’s trying to keep her talents hidden for the Apothecary Guild to monopolize? After all, that young lady from before declined meeting the Head of the Apothecary Guild."

"Lead Proctor Rozomius, you must give us an explanation! Otherwise, we will take this as the Apothecary Guild trying to forcibly monopolize young talents! We will launch a formal complaint against you and the Apothecary Guild!"

"That’s right! Why are you hiding it?! This is an unfair abuse of power!"

"The Apothecary Guild is behaving so shamelessly!"

"Everyone, please calm yourselves. The Apothecary Guild has always been fair when it comes to recruiting talents and allowing them to choose freely. The reason I blocked off the Guiding Light is because of a slight malfunction that occurred just now. So that no harm comes to Apothecary Worldly Skies, I had no choice but to temporarily seal off the Guiding Light. The seal will be undone in a few seconds. I ask for your patience." Rozomius said calmly.

Although he spoke without shouting, his voice seemed to carry throughout the entire promotion test room with ease.

After listening to Rozomius’ excuse, the observers settled down. However, there were still those who remained skeptical. Even some of the participants were confused.

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