Chapter 2
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Chapter 2: Explanation of Alchemy Herbs and Their Properties
At Tai Xue Peak, Xu Fan and Wang Yulun walked into the lecture hall.
“Have you heard? The left protector from the Battle Hall is coming to give a lecture here. That’s the hall responsible for Que Tian Gate’s combat. Just a few tips on attack techniques would be incredibly beneficial for us.”
“Exactly! I was lucky enough to see this protector in action once. His Wind and Thunder Sword Control Technique can take down enemies way above his level.”
“The left protector has been in the sect for less than 50 years and has already reached the Golden Core Stage. He’s definitely going to be one of the elders in the future.”
As the two listened to the early arrivals chatting in the lecture hall, their expressions were quite different.
Wang Yulun’s face lit up with excitement—attack techniques were his favorite. Meanwhile, Xu Fan’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment. Defense techniques were far better in his opinion; staying alive was the real victory.
Noticing Xu Fan’s slightly disappointed look, Wang Yulun tried to cheer him up. “Master Xu, don’t you know? The best defense is a good offense! Sure, your attack techniques are impressive, but still…”
“You stay here. I’ll go check if there are any other lectures,” Xu Fan said, brushing off Wang Yulun’s words as he headed toward another building.
Tai Xue Peak had 36 teaching buildings, but most of them charged fees.
Xu Fan wandered around, glancing at the small signs outside each building that listed the day’s courses.
“Lightness Technique and Wind Control Technique explained—already know that.”
“Sword Control Technique explained—not interested.”
“Basic Forging—can’t afford the full course right now, maybe later.”
“Fundamentals of Beast Taming—skip.”
“Huh, an explanation of Alchemy Herbs and Their Properties.”
Xu Fan paused, thought for a moment, and then headed toward that building.
“Ten classes total, completed in three days, with bonus materials included. Cost: 50 spirit stones.”
“Only three spots left.”
Hearing the fee of 50 spirit stones, Xu Fan’s face twisted in frustration. Damn it, he barely earned a hundred spirit stones a year from sect missions! This course would eat up more than half of that.
“If you want to learn alchemy, this course is essential. Elders from the Alchemy Hall won’t teach this stuff; you’ll have to learn it on your own.”
The attendant at the door had seen this scenario countless times. In the end, Xu Fan reluctantly paid the spirit stones and walked inside.
“Another dreamer among the outer disciples. Alchemy is a path paved with spirit stones. If 50 spirit stones hurt this much, this little amount is only going to buy you a harsh lesson.”
Guided by a guard, Xu Fan made his way to the second floor, where over 20 disciples were sitting cross-legged in silence, waiting for the lecture to begin.
Xu Fan chose a spot near the back and started scanning the room, already planning escape routes in case something went wrong.
Soon after, two more outer disciples entered, and the elder from the Alchemy Hall finally appeared.
“Since you’ve all signed up for this course, I assume you’re interested in joining the Alchemy Hall in the future.”
“I must say, you’ve made a wise choice. Master alchemists are among the most respected figures in the cultivation world. We start with basic pills like the fasting pill, Calm Spirit Pill, Minor Purification Pill, and Origin Cultivation Pill.”
“For more advanced options, there’s the Foundation Establishment Pill, Nascent Soul Pill, Dragon Tiger Pill, and Soul Nourishing Pill.”
“There’s more, but the point is, alchemists hold a much higher status than those who only know how to fight.”
“And let’s not forget—spirit stones come in fast,” the elder from the Alchemy Hall added, driving home the most important point.
“In this course, I will explain the properties of 1,600 commonly used spiritual herbs for pill-making and the techniques for processing these herbs.”
“If you aim to become an alchemist, this course will help you avoid many pitfalls.”
“Listen carefully, and at the end of each session, there will be time for questions.”
“Qing Ling Grass has a neutral property; it should not be mixed with intense flames or fire attribute herbs. If the recipe includes two types of herbs, a bit of Soil Spirit Flower must be added to balance it.”
“Water Spirit Fruit has a gentle property; it should avoid…”
After finishing three classes, Xu Fan stepped out as dusk was falling.
He borrowed a few more spell jade slips from the techniques building and activated the Lightness Technique, gliding back to his mountain peak. Xu Fan’s peak had been assigned to him two years ago after he reached the fourth layer of Qi Refinement. Before that, all disciples below the fourth layer lived in communal dormitories, except for those personally taken in by the sect elders.
From the air, Xu Fan spotted Wang Yulun waiting for him outside the yard’s protective barrier, holding a Spirit Goat.
“Aren’t you worried the Law Enforcement Team will catch you? That’s a Spirit Goat raised by the sect,” Xu Fan said as he landed smoothly beside Wang Yulun.
“I already reported it; it cost one spirit stone. Master Xu, you’ll have to roast it well,” Wang Yulun said, his mouth watering. He made it a habit to visit every few days for a treat.
Xu Fan formed a spell seal, deactivating the yard’s protective barrier.
Instantly, the yard lit up. Xu Fan had stored a Light spell above the yard, which activated automatically after sunset.
“Master Xu, every time I come to your yard, I feel like a failure. Your attack techniques, mixed techniques, and especially your defensive techniques are all beyond the beginner level.”
“If it weren’t for the rules, you’d be an outer disciple…” Wang Yulun didn’t finish before Xu Fan covered his mouth.
“I’m just a low-key outer disciple; don’t get me into trouble.”
Honestly, as long as I live quietly, I can progress. Staying safe and keeping a low profile is crucial; showing off is a big no-no.
“I understand, Master Xu.”
“Come in. What do you want to eat today?”
“Roasted whole goat,” Wang Yulun said, licking his lips. He felt off if he didn’t get to enjoy one of Xu Fan’s big meals every now and then.
“Alright.”
If someone provided the ingredients, he didn’t mind cooking.
Killing the goat, collecting the blood, skinning it…
An hour later, using his unique method, Xu Fan had the roasted whole goat ready.
At that moment, Wang Yulun pulled out two small jars of spirit wine, catching Xu Fan’s envious gaze.
“Ha ha, how can we have meat without wine?” Wang Yulun said.
“A storage bag! Looks like you’ve really caught the attention of a sect elder; congratulations!” Xu Fan smiled, realizing the rumors were true.
“And spirit wine! You must have splurged. These two jars probably cost around 10 spirit stones.”
“Just say what you want; considering these, I’ll give you a slight boost in success rate.”
Xu Fan took a small jar of spirit wine, squinting at Wang Yulun.
“Master Xu, I’ve decided to join the sect’s Battle Hall. The elder who values me is from the Battle Hall.”
“In the future, I might not have much time to stay in the sect, so I came here specifically to see you.”
“Master Xu, I won’t forget the life-saving favor you’ve done for me. But the tasks required to enter the Battle Hall are extremely dangerous.”
“If I run into trouble, I might not see you again.”
At that moment, Xu Fan cursed Wang Yulun in his heart; this little rascal had learned the art of playing hard to get.
“With such fine meat and wine, let’s not talk about gloomy things. You’ll definitely live well.”
“Alright!”
After a hearty meal and drinks, just as Wang Yulun was feeling disappointed about leaving, a harmless flash of spirit light appeared. He reached out and caught it, finding two jade slips.
“Remember, staying alive is what matters most.”
Xu Fan’s voice echoed.
