The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

When Felix entered the room, he noticed a pale-faced young man slumped over a table, fast asleep. Nearby, a middle-aged man was engrossed in a book,

seemingly unaware of Felix's presence.

"Hello," Felix greeted, drawing the man's attention.

The middle-aged man looked up, smiled, and stood. "Are you here to learn pill cultivation?"

Felix nodded. "Yes, I am."

"Prepare your silver needles," the man instructed.

Felix was not entirely sure why but complied without hesitation.

The man then woke the young man, who groggily grabbed a glass of water, took a sip, and lay on a bed in the corner. "You have ten minutes to cure him. If you succeed, you'll pass the preliminary assessment. Otherwise, you'll have to leave."

issue. Though the man appeared healthy, his internal organs were

find themselves helpless. The test was indeed tough, just

man in seven minutes and 30 seconds. Of course, he had held back to avoid drawing too much

figures like

talented individuals. However, Felix was not one to

not hesitate

seconds. You've passed the preliminary assessment. See that elevator over there? Go up

replied before heading to the

the young man stretched and yawned. "Do you think

they're not the same. We haven't found a better way to test aptitude over the years, so this is all we've

could join as long as they followed the rules. As a result, no one had even asked Felix for his name or any

spacious hall where another woman was waiting. She smiled and said, "Congratulations

desk near a window, where an elderly woman sat with her eyes closed, seemingly deep in thought. After gesturing for Felix to sit, the beautiful woman left without

old woman