So far, in the entire Vermilion Kingdom, there are only two Level Eight Spiritual Alchemists.
One is the Alliance President.
The other is the retired former president, who is nearly a hundred years old and no longer concerns himself with worldly affairs.
Grace glanced sideways at her. "Lily Xu, I didn’t take the Level Eight exam—I went for Level Nine!"
She was telling the truth.
She’d already passed the Level Eight exam before, so taking it again would be pointless.
In her previous life, she’d done extensive research on the Level Nine exam, and before this test, she’d crammed with her master for three days straight.
So yes, she really did take the Level Nine exam.
But as soon as she said that, several people burst out laughing at the same time.
“Bragging about aiming for Level Nine when you didn’t even pass Level Five—how embarrassing. Failing Level Nine is normal, though. Should we still pretend she’s impressive?” someone snickered.
"Grace, you really ought to have some shame!" Linda Wei sneered. "If you failed, just admit it! Maybe if you get on your knees and beg Lily for forgiveness, she’ll let you out of your oath and you won’t have to leave the Alliance! Level Nine, my foot!"
Lily Xu chimed in sweetly, "Linda’s advice is worth considering. Since everyone’s here, if you kneel down and beg me for mercy, I’ll let it slide!"
After all, if Grace refused to leave, the worst she’d lose was her dignity.
The Alliance wouldn’t kick her out over a private bet.
Grace ignored them and just stared at the list of Level Eight Alchemists.
Elder Conrad!
There was one name on the list: Elder Conrad.
He’d passed the Level Eight exam.
Immediately, the other vice presidents started eyeing him with all sorts of intentions.
If the Alliance President passes Level Nine, he’ll go to headquarters.
The vice presidents knew the Alliance President well—if he passed Level Nine, he’d definitely leave for headquarters.
That would make Elder Conrad the new president.
Grace beamed at Elder Conrad. "Congratulations, Elder!"
Elder Conrad nodded with a cheerful smile, looking noticeably younger.
Next, they posted the results for Level Nine.
The stickers for Levels One through Eight were all red.
But the Level Nine list was gold.
The sunlight was blinding; after it was posted, the glare made it hard for anyone to read.
It wasn’t until someone blocked the light that people could finally see.
"Two names!"
"There are actually two names for Level Nine!"
"Who’s Quentin Qin?" someone asked.
"Shh! That’s the name of the Alliance President!"
"Then... who’s Grace?"
Not many people knew that one.
But some people did.
Like Lily Xu.
She stared at the list for a full half minute, then looked at Grace as if she’d seen a ghost.
And she wasn’t the only one—everyone else in the Alliance looked at Grace like they’d seen a ghost too.
A sixteen-year-old girl passing the Level Nine Alchemist exam? Impossible!
You have to understand, becoming a Level Nine Alchemist isn’t just about reaching the Ninth Rank in cultivation.
Normally, it takes at least twenty years of experience!
She’s only sixteen—even if she started learning in the womb, it’s impossible!
There’s never been anything like this in the entire Vermilion Kingdom!
"This must be fake!" Lily Xu shrieked. "How could you possibly pass the Level Nine exam?"
"Lily Xu, how about you kneel and apologize to me now? That way you won’t embarrass yourself at the Alliance conference!" Grace suggested.
"Dream on! There must be some mistake!" Lily Xu suddenly dashed over and grabbed the messenger posting the notice. "Isn’t this wrong? Did you mess up the Level Nine list?"