"Okay, first, let's grill the materials with high heat," Foster suddenly directed in a low voice.
Austin did as he was told and doubled the vital energy he put in the pot at once. The fire began raging, giving off waves of heat into its surroundings.
Everything went well and it seemed that Austin had made the temperature right. Foster and the other three judges all nodded in appreciation.
"Now, | want slow fire for the baking," Foster instructed again.
Austin took a deep breath, and slowly absorbed sof the strong vital energy back before sending out a stream of gentler energy from his palm. Soon, the fire inside had burned down to a soft one, a kind that people would enjoy during a cold winter night.
In the next few moments, Foster had asked Austin to adjust the temperature to several different ranges in quick succession, and Austin had met all of his requirements easily.
A pleased smile on Foster's and the other three judges’ faces had already appeared, and all their eyes started lighting up. Fitch, in particular, was evidently happy with what was happening as it was proving him right.
After giving out several instructions, Foster thought that a conclusion could already be drawn regarding Austin's performance, so he stopped giving them and ended the test.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Tell me, my boy. You have done this pill refining thing before, haven't you?" Foster asked, his inquiring and thoughtful eyes fixating on Austin.
"Yes, | have," Austin replied meekly. "I cfrom the Grand Dragon Empire, and my grandfather was a pill refiner of the second rank in the country. | learned a bit about pill refinery from him when | was young," he continued, successfully making a whole new background for himself.
"But later, he was killed by his old foes, and | bechomeless. Then, | cto Heavenly Dragon Holy Kingdom. | heard a lot about your sect and your unmatched reputation in pill refinery in this country. | grew to admire your sect and so here | am, wanting to becone of your refinery assistants." Austin's heart was pounding in his chest while he spoke. He knew what Foster might be thinking now. As a young candidate at Sky Realm, his performance was too good and it made Foster suspicious.
Foster didn't look away from Austin's face upon hearing his reply. For a few awkward seconds, the middle-aged man kept staring at him with his sharp, knowing eyes.
Because of that, Austin couldn't help but bow down a bit. He knew that he must stay calm despite his nervousness.
Otherwise, Foster might be able to see through him, and all the efforts he had poured into trying to becan enlisted disciple of the Magic Hand Sect would amount to nothing.
So he acted as sincere and honest as he could.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Foster finally relented.
"Fine, Marsh. You can tell your story and you can tell your past, and | don't care whether you're telling the truth or not.
The Magic Hand Sect never gets to the bottom of who you truly are or where you truly cfrom. It only asks for your talent.
You have displayed your talent at such a young age, and it has met--exceeded, even--our sect's requirements. Congratulations," Foster said solemnly.
Austin breathed a sigh of relief. "However," Foster suddenly said, pausing.
"Before you giveyour answer, | need you to think about this very carefully.
Once you are a member of our Magic Hand Sect, you must stay loyal to it and defend it for the rest of your life.
Are you willing to commit to that?" Foster asked in a harsh tone, his eyes still glued on Austin.
"If | am accepted by the Magic Hand Sect, | will never betray it. | swear with my life!" Austin responded in all seriousness and eagerness.
Truth be told, Austin found it really unnecessary for him to make such an oath. This was the Magic Hand Sect, Angus' sect.
If Austin betrayed the sect, he might as well betray Angus, his most respected teacher. Surely he would never do such a thing.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe answer he gave Foster was true. It wasn't made up. He would never betray the Magic Hand Sect.
"Good, very good. You can be sure that | will tell the other elders about you, and make you one of our enlisted disciples. I'm positive that they would agree," Foster said, once again smiling and solemn.
It was evident that he was very satisfied with Austin and that he was eager to cultivate him and his powers.
Austin, on the other hand, also felt sincere joy. He felt deep appreciation for everything that had happened today.
"Thank you for your kind words, Steward Foster! | feel so honored!" Austin knew that now it was tfor sflattering words.
"Congratulations, Marsh! | knew you would make it! | bet that with your incredibly good talent in pill refinery, you will accomplish great things in the near future! Who knows? We three here today might beg you for your magical pills soon," Fitch once again chimed in and laughed.
He had cto give his congratulations, and at the stime, he had also implied that he wanted to make friends with Austin.
Not only him, Len and Lind also cto him and said a few good words to Austin.
Although the three of them were judges here today, their positions were relatively low in the sect.
Besides, they were no pill refiners themselves. So whenever they wanted smedicinal pills to boost their cultivation, they still had to cheek it and beg the pill refiners in the sect for help.
Most of the time, those pill refiners would give disciples in low positions like them a cold shoulder.
The three of them were a bit of doormats in the sect.