"Okay, your registration procedure is complete now."

In the association's office, Li Yun smiled as she put away Ji Jue's registration form, "Next, please pay attention to the SMS notifications to avoid missing any announcements."

Then, she handed over a POS machine.

Now, you can swipe the card...

When Ji Jue's trembling hand finished inputting the password, and his phone popped up with a text message reminder, he once again felt heartbroken.

He deeply felt that Yujin had its own currency... and the exchange rate with Federation currency was shockingly high.

Just like that, 410,000 was swiped away, and there was only a very small balance left in the card.

From overnight wealth to penniless, it took only a few days. The balance in the bank card fluctuated like a roller coaster, and Ji Jue felt like he was about to fall apart.

"There are a few days left before the exam, so hurry up and review."

Li Yun kindly reminded, "I just asked a friend at headquarters, and the total number of apprentices applying for this year's exam is much fewer than in previous years, only a little over 1,100.

Gustav, one of the eight crowned heads, is presiding over the exam this time. Compared to other crowned heads, his requirements may be higher and stricter, so you better be prepared."

"The difficulty increased?" Ji Jue became instantly alert.

"From what I understand, yes."

Li Yun pondered for a moment and slowly said, "According to the latest announcement, the content of this exam will have some adjustments compared to previous years. The emphasis on theory and basics has been reduced, and the requirements for practical skills and creation have significantly increased."

"What?"

Ji Jue almost jumped in shock, repeatedly confirming he hadn't heard wrong, hard to believe that his biggest weakness... was so lightly brushed aside?!

Seriously?

Even with Modern Alchemy, Fluid Alchemy, and Mutated Alchemy in the introductory stage, his practical skills surpass ordinary craftsmen, and he is already handy in Blessed Creation, but he has only been studying for a short time.

So short that there's no time to make up for many theoretical deficiencies.

Even though the current stage is barely sufficient, once compared with those who have been cramming since they were fourteen or fifteen, one exam might expose him, and if luck is bad, even passing could be difficult.

The result is that his greatest weakness was just effortlessly removed?

"That's just... bad luck."

He tried to hide his delight, his facial expression twitching a bit, sighed deeply: "Ahem, oh, the pressure is so great, what should I do."

"Apparently, many apprentices have already submitted requests to withdraw their registrations today."

Li Yun sympathetically sighed, "The association rarely shows mercy. If you apply to withdraw before the formal exam, it won't be recorded in the archives and resume.

In these two days, you also can think carefully about it."

Over the years, she and Ye Xian have become familiar, knowing her style and perfectionism. Among the various schools of Modern Alchemy, Ye Xian is also one of the most methodical ones.

In her view, even the most gifted apprentices, a year of study likely only comes enough to grasp the basics.

Not just her, even Gustav never thought... there could be someone who, after less than half a year of introduction, could surpass craftsmen in practical skills and be thrashed in theory!

"Okay, definitely, definitely!"

Ji Jue gritted his teeth, got up, bowed his head worriedly, and hurriedly left.

If he didn't leave... he wouldn't be able to suppress the corner of his mouth.

Hold it, hold it, don't laugh!

He continued to cry tears of joy, singing and dancing, with tiny pearls of laughter falling.

Is this some kind of good fortune?!

Heaven has eyes indeed!!

After such a long streak of bad luck, finally, it's my turn to hit the jackpot this year.

What a blessing, what a blessing indeed!!

This mere exam, can I still not ace it?

.

.

"What are you so happy about?"

After Ji Jue foolishly laughed all morning, Ye Chun finally couldn't stand it and threw a bucket of cold water over: "Although the situation is advantageous for you, they clearly want to crack down on this trend of impulsiveness represented by you, right?"

While saying this, pointing with a potato chip.

And using the cucumber-flavored ones so rudely.

"Moreover, the one presiding over this exam is that Gustav..."

"Meh?"

Ji Jue snatched the potato chip, tossed it into his mouth, crunching loudly: "Who's this Gustav? Never heard of him."

Ye Chun raised her phone, displaying the webpage introduction of the Taiyi Ring Association.

On top was a somewhat dated photo.

On the screen, a cold middle-aged man with a blank expression, full stubble, indifferent eyes as if overlooking, always inspecting everything.

"It's said that he dislikes those who show off, lack talent, yet aim high for no reason.

Since becoming a director, within the internal inspections alone, over twenty craftsmen have had their licenses revoked by him for limited talent and insufficient ability...

Ye Chun paused for a moment, then said with pity: "The rule prohibiting exams within three years of study was proposed by him. Who do you think he'll target in this exam?"

"Hiss..."

Ji Jue gasped.

"Moreover, he doesn't get along with Aunt at all."

Ye Chun's smile gradually turned gleeful: "Three years ago, he publicly criticized Aunt and several other craftsmen in the board meeting for ignoring the association's rules and acting independently..."

"... And then?" Ji Jue's eyelids started twitching wildly.

"And then what else? Aunt ignoring such a matter would be strange, right?"

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