While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 162 You Can Only Look Up to Me
The next day,

The sky is clear and the wind is gentle and gentle.

Lu Yu had already dressed up early and stood in the courtyard, looking refreshed. Little Fairy Doctor was dressed in an elegant long dress, as gentle and graceful as an orchid; Zi Yan came out skipping and jumping, her face beaming with excitement.

After a quick breakfast, the three headed towards the inner region, their destination being the headquarters of the Pill Tower.

……

The Pill Tower is located in the heart of the inner region of Saint Pill City. Unlike the outer region, which is a melting pot of all sorts of people, this area is the holy land in the hearts of countless alchemists. Therefore, the inner region is heavily guarded and is always ready to deal with any unexpected changes.

Lu Yu and his group passed through the bustling streets of the outer region, bypassed several crowded streets, and finally arrived at the entrance to the inner region after an incense stick had burned.

Just as they stepped across the glowing barrier, the surrounding noise seemed to be abruptly cut off by an invisible hand, and even the air seemed to become a little heavier, with a faint medicinal fragrance spreading out.

Compared to the outer realm, the inner realm seemed exceptionally vast, as if one had stepped into another world.

"The energy here is several times more concentrated than in the outer realms."

The Little Fairy Doctor sighed softly, her eyes filled with amazement. She could clearly feel that every inch of this land seemed to be nourished by the fragrance of herbs, containing considerable energy.

Zi Yan looked around curiously, then pointed to a spot not far away and exclaimed, "Look!"

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw a black tower nearly a hundred feet tall standing majestically in the center of the inner domain, like a silent mountain peak. The tower was hidden in the clouds, and its top was not visible. Only in the swirling clouds and mist did it reveal a sense of mystery and grandeur.

"That's the Dan Tower? That's quite an extravagant project..."

Looking at the towering black tower that pierced the clouds, Lu Yu couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

"After all, it's the headquarters of the Pill Tower, a sacred place in the hearts of alchemists across the entire continent," Little Fairy Doctor said softly, her beautiful eyes also revealing amazement.

Zi Yan excitedly tugged at Lu Yu's sleeve and said excitedly, "Let's go in and take a look! I can't wait!"

Lu Yu nodded with a smile and led the two women toward the main entrance of the Dan Tower headquarters.

Before long, the three arrived at the entrance of the Pill Tower. Eight guards in silver armor stood solemnly on both sides, all of them being Dou Zong level experts.

The lead guard's gaze was sharp as lightning, quickly sweeping over the three men before finally settling on the seventh-grade high-level alchemist badge on Lu Yu's chest. His fierce eyes instantly turned respectful.

"Please come in, Master." The guard stepped aside to make way, his tone revealing his respect for the high-level alchemist.

Lu Yu nodded slightly and stepped inside.

The moment you step into the Pill Tower, a rich medicinal fragrance wafts over you. The hall is spacious and bright, with luminous pearls embedded in the dome, illuminating the entire space as if it were daytime.

Many alchemists moved about among them, some hurrying to their alchemy rooms, others discussing prescriptions in twos and threes. In the center of the hall stood a three-zhang-tall sculpture of a medicine cauldron, its body radiating a warm glow.

"Let's go to the assessment hall first."

As Lu Yu spoke, he looked around carefully, searching for the direction of the assessment hall.

Just then, an elderly man in a gray robe approached. The badge on his chest clearly indicated his status as an eighth-grade alchemist. Upon seeing Lu Yu, the old man paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he smiled warmly and asked gently:

"This young friend looks unfamiliar. Is this your first time visiting the Danta headquarters?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu was slightly taken aback, then bowed respectfully and replied, "Indeed, I am Lu Yu. May I ask if you know the location of the assessment hall, senior?"

"The Examination Hall?"

A hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes as he looked Lu Yu up and down, his tone filled with disbelief: "Young friend, you seem to be preparing for the eighth-grade alchemist assessment, perhaps?"

Lu Yu smiled slightly and said, "That's exactly right."

Upon hearing this, the old man's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and an incredulous expression appeared on his face. He stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed and said, "Interesting, truly interesting. I, Xuanqing, have been in the Pill Tower for decades, and I have never seen such a young eighth-grade alchemist examinee as you."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of testing: "The eighth-grade assessment is no small matter. It requires refining three different eighth-grade pills, with a success rate of at least 30%. This is no matter how lucky you are. Are you truly prepared, young friend?"

Seeing Lu Yu nod calmly, Elder Xuanqing's surprise deepened, then turned into intense curiosity.

He waved his hand and laughed loudly, "Very well! Since you are so confident, young friend, then I will personally take you to the assessment hall. It just so happens that President Xuan Kongzi is personally presiding over the assessment today, so let me broaden my horizons and see what amazing alchemy skills you have."

With that, Elder Xuanqing gestured for them to proceed and led the way toward a magnificent hall entrance on the second floor.

Lu Yu exchanged a glance with Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, all seeing the expectation in each other's eyes, and then quickly followed.

Along the way, Elder Xuanqing frequently scrutinized Lu Yu with an inquisitive gaze, as if trying to discern something special about this seemingly ordinary young man.

The alchemists they encountered along the way were all surprised to see Elder Xuanqing personally leading the way, and some whispered among themselves about Lu Yu's identity.

Soon after, upon arriving at the heavy bronze doors of the assessment hall, Elder Xuanqing suddenly stopped and turned to Lu Yu, saying earnestly, "Young friend, the eighth-rank assessment is no child's play. Today's examiner is President Xuan Kongzi, who is known for his strict demands. If you are not confident..."

He hadn't finished speaking, but the warning in his eyes was already clear. Lu Yu simply smiled calmly, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for the reminder, senior. I know what I'm doing."

Seeing this, Elder Xuanqing's eyes showed even greater appreciation. He immediately said no more and pushed open the door of the assessment hall.

A rich fragrance of elixir wafted over, accompanied by the humming sound of the palace doors opening. Instantly, several pairs of eyes in the hall turned towards the entrance, their gazes filled with scrutiny and curiosity.

"Xuanqing, why are you back again?"

At the head of the table, an elderly man in white robes frowned slightly and asked. This old man did not exude any aura and looked no different from an ordinary old man, yet he emanated a majestic and awe-inspiring presence.

Two distinguished elders sat on either side of the white-robed elder. To the left was an old woman in a purple-gold robe, calmly playing with a jade slip in her hand; to the right was a red-faced elder, observing the newcomer with great interest.

Elder Xuanqing bowed respectfully and said in a loud voice, "Reporting to Guild Master Xuankongzi, I happened to meet this young friend on the way and heard that he is going to participate in the eighth-grade alchemist assessment, so I am hereby recommending him."

"Eighth-rank assessment?"

The red-faced elder on the right suddenly burst out laughing, "Xuanqing, are you out of your mind? An eighth-grade alchemist of this age, I have never heard of such a thing in all my years of life."

Xuan Kongzi, seated in the main seat, glanced at Lu Yu with a slight movement in his eyes and calmly asked, "Young man, are you aware that the eighth-grade assessment requires the simultaneous refining of three different eighth-grade pills, and the success rate of each pill must reach at least 30%?"

Although his voice was calm, it possessed an imposing aura that instantly made the atmosphere in the entire hall heavy.

"Junior understands."

Lu Yu stepped forward calmly, his sleeves fluttering slightly, his expression serene as still water. His tone was flat and natural, as if he were recounting something utterly ordinary.

This composure, far beyond his years, surprised the three elders present. Even Xuan Kongzi, sitting in the main seat, had a barely perceptible glint in his eyes.

The red-faced elder couldn't help but ask, "A 30% success rate in pill formation? Young man, do you know what that means? Many veteran eighth-grade alchemists may not be able to achieve this standard every time."

His tone turned serious, carrying a warning: "You should know that the medicinal materials for refining eighth-grade pills are all provided by the Pill Tower, and they are quite valuable. If you fail the assessment, you will not be allowed to apply for the eighth-grade assessment again for ten years."

Lu Yu raised the corners of his lips slightly, revealing a calm and composed smile: "If I didn't even have this much confidence, how could I dare to come here and bother you elders?" Xuan Kongzi nodded slightly, said no more, and with a light wave of his sleeve, three prescriptions and three portions of medicinal herbs exuding a rich medicinal fragrance appeared on the assessment platform.

"In that case, let's begin."

Lu Yu nodded slightly and walked calmly to the medicine cauldron. He gently stroked the cauldron with his palm, and a wisp of golden flame rose from his hand. The moment the flame appeared, the temperature in the entire hall suddenly rose, and several elders involuntarily sat up straight.

"This is... a strange fire?" A look of surprise flashed in the eyes of the old woman in purple robes.

Lu Yu ignored everyone's reactions and began to add, refine, and fuse the medicine with fluid and effortless movements.

His every movement was incredibly precise, as if he had rehearsed it a thousand times. The medicinal liquid churned in the cauldron, emitting a seven-colored glow, and a rich medicinal fragrance filled the entire hall.

Several days later, the first batch of pills had been formed. The moment the cauldron lid was opened, a vast thunderous sound resounded through the sky, instantly converging into two-colored pill lightning.

"It actually worked!" the red-faced elder exclaimed in surprise.

Just as Lu Yu was preparing to receive the baptism of the pill lightning, a glint flashed in Xuan Kongzi's eyes. With a light wave of his sleeve, a vast pillar of energy shot into the sky, instantly shattering the thunderclouds in the sky.

Lu Yu sighed inwardly. He had originally intended to use the power of the Pill Lightning to nourish the Netherworld Heart Demon Fire within his body. This fire could devour the Pill Lightning and evolve, but at this moment, it was not appropriate to expose this secret, so he had no choice but to let Xuan Kongzi take action.

After all, a strange fire is already a rare treasure for alchemists, and a strange fire that can devour pill lightning and evolve is probably no less valuable than a complete ninth-grade alchemist's inheritance.

If this secret were exposed, it would likely lead to unimaginable trouble.

Lu Yu didn't stop, and immediately began refining the second type of pill. This time, his movements were even faster, and the flames in his hands seemed to come alive, dancing and leaping with life.

A few days later, the second type of eighth-grade pill—the Jade Purity Condensing Liquid Pill—was completed, and it also attracted eighth-grade dual-colored pill lightning.

Xuan Kongzi made another move, dispelling the pill lightning with a flick of his sleeve. Lu Yu remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he felt a pang of regret once more.

When the third type of eighth-grade pill—the Nine Aperture Exquisite Pill—was successfully refined, even more terrifying tri-colored pill lightning gathered in the sky. Xuan Kongzi did not hesitate; with a wave of his hand, he unleashed a powerful burst of battle qi, completely shattering the thunderclouds.

The entire assessment hall was completely silent. The three elders looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Three batches of eight-grade elixirs, three different prescriptions, all successfully produced on the first try!
This child is truly monstrous!
Xuan Kongzi slowly stood up, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed excitement. He walked step by step to Lu Yu, his voice trembling slightly: "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! In all my hundreds of years of life, this is the first time I've ever seen such a brilliant and extraordinary genius in alchemy!"

Lu Yu's face was slightly pale. He took out the eighth-grade Soul-Returning Pill, the first assessment pill he had refined, and swallowed it, immediately feeling a surge of comfort in his soul power. He cupped his hands and said humbly, "President, you flatter me. I was just lucky."

Just then, a slight commotion arose at the entrance of the main hall. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young girl dressed in a dark-colored dress standing gracefully by the door. Although she was still young, about fifteen or sixteen years old, she already showed the beginnings of a beauty that could topple kingdoms.

The young girl's figure was beginning to take shape, her dark dress accentuating her snow-white skin, and her long, black hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. Her face still retained a touch of the slenderness typical of young girls, yet it was already as exquisite as a porcelain doll, making one want to cherish and protect her.

Those long, narrow eyes held a languid charm and allure beyond their years, and their gaze possessed an innate, bewitching allure.

The young girl leaned lightly against the doorframe, her slender lips curving upwards in a smile that was both innocent and alluring. With that smile, her entire face instantly became radiant with a bewitching aura, causing many young alchemists outside the hall to lose their senses.

Upon seeing this, Xuan Kongzi's eyes flashed with a smile, and he said loudly, "Ying'er, why have you come at this time?"

The young woman gracefully entered the main hall, her dark skirt swaying gently, exuding an indescribable charm.

She first bowed to Xuan Kongzi, her voice clear yet gentle: "I heard that a genius is taking the exam for an eighth-grade alchemist today, so Ying'er came here specifically to see him."

After saying that, she turned to look at Lu Yu, her charming eyes sparkling with curiosity and inquiry.

"Were those three bursts of pill lightning triggered by you?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu raised an eyebrow, vaguely sensing the subtle competitive intent in the girl's words. He smiled calmly and replied, "Exactly."

The girl's eyes flickered, a hint of competition flashing in them, before she softly asked, "May I ask how old you are, senior brother?"

After a moment's thought, Lu Yu decided to tell the truth and said, "Eighteen years old."

Cao Ying raised the corners of her lips slightly, outlining a smile that was both innocent and a little proud: "Ying'er is only fifteen this year. Three years from now, I will definitely become an eighth-grade alchemist, just like my senior brother."

Her voice was clear and crisp, yet carried an undeniable firmness, as resounding as if she were making a vow.

A hush fell over the hall. Everyone was awestruck by the girl's courage and ambition. To possess such spirit at only fifteen years old truly made her the most dazzling rising star of the Pill Tower in recent years.

"it is good."

Lu Yu smiled and nodded, amused by the girl's confidence, then turned around and prepared to walk out of the main hall.

Seeing this, Cao Ying's eyes flashed with surprise, and she couldn't help but ask, "You don't believe me?"

Lu Yu paused, shook his head, and said calmly, "There's no question of belief or disbelief. It's always a good thing for young people to have pride."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ying's eyes flashed with a hint of resentment. She quickly stepped forward to block Lu Yu's path: "Wait! What do you mean by that? How about we make a bet? In three years, I will definitely surpass you in alchemy!"

Lu Yu stopped and turned to face her youthful yet determined face, then suddenly chuckled softly.

His laughter was soft, yet it suddenly silenced the entire hall.

"Bet?"

Lu Yu shook his head slightly, his gaze carrying a meaningful look, "Three years from now, you might become an eighth-grade alchemist, but by then..."

He paused, his voice calm yet resolute: "I should already be a ninth-rank official."

These words resounded like thunder in the hall, shocking everyone present, even Xuan Kongzi couldn't help but shrink his pupils slightly.

Lu Yu stared at Cao Ying's widening eyes, his tone remaining calm: "So this bet is meaningless to me. Because by then... you'll only be able to look up to me."

Cao Ying's body trembled slightly, her pretty face filled with disbelief. She opened her mouth, but found herself unable to utter a rebuttal.

A ninth-grade alchemist—that's a legendary realm. The entire Pill Tower hasn't seen one like that for many years.

The elders present exchanged glances, some with expressions of doubt, others seemingly lost in thought.

Xuan Kongzi stood still, his gaze intently scrutinizing Lu Yu, as if he wanted to re-examine this unassuming young man.

Lu Yu said no more, only casting a faint smile at Cao Ying, a smile that contained both approval and a touch of detached aloofness. He flicked his sleeves, turned and walked out of the hall with unhurried steps.

Cao Ying gazed at his receding figure, biting her lower lip lightly, but her eyes blazed with an even fiercer fighting spirit. She suddenly raised her voice and declared firmly, "Three years! Three years from now, I will definitely have a match with you!"

The figure did not linger; only a calm voice drifted back on the wind, echoing clearly in the hall:
"Okay, I'm looking forward to it."

The lingering sound gradually dissipated into the air.

……

(End of this chapter)