“Alchemy Master?” Upon hearing this, Xiao Linxi blinked in surprise, then furrowed his brows deeply: "On the Battle Qi Continent, anyone with a single ambition dreams of becoming an Alchemy Master. But is it truly that accessible? The stringent requirements...” His voice suddenly paused as he raised his head sharply, mouth wide open: “Did I really meet them?” Highly impressed by Linxi’s expression—a mix of astonishment, hope, and genuine joy—the elder stroked his beard, thoughtfully observed him from head to toe, then sighed slightly, seeming momentarily uncertain: "Though only marginally qualified, after all, who am I to refuse a personal favor? Well, I suppose it's just the debt repaid." Glancing at the elder with a slightly hesitant air, Linxi sensed that the term 'marginally qualified' sounded somewhat insincere. Yet he chose not to press further at this moment, only feeling both delighted and skeptical: "Even if I've met the qualifications, Alchemy Masters are generally trained hand-to-hand by their mentors. So—do you also happen to be an Alchemy Master?" Staring at Linxi’s mildly doubtful face, the elder chuckled warmly, straightened his chest with a hint of pride in his voice: "Indeed, I am an Alchemy Master!" Linxi's eyes brightened instantly. How rare such a figure was! "Master," Linxi said, licking his lips gently, now adding a touch of formality to his tone, "may I ask—what rank are you currently at among the Alchemy Masters?" On the Battle Qi Continent, although Alchemy Masters were relatively few, their status was noble and well-established. They held an official hierarchy from first to ninth rank. In the grand hall earlier, Lan Yanran had held a master of the "Qi-Collecting Powder"—a renowned alchemist named Guo He—ranked as a Sixth-Rank Alchemy Master, considered the foremost in the Alchemy world of the Jia Ma Empire. "How many ranks?" the elder said with a chuckle. "I've forgotten... Oh, youngster, are you listening at all?" "Listening!" Linxi promptly nodded vigorously. After all, even within the vast Yun Lan Sect, an Alchemy Master was considered a distinguished and honored figure. "Hmm," smiled the elder, sitting cross-legged on a piece of green stone, his tone subtly cunning. "Willing? Then let’s be formal." "Willing?" Linxi asked, surprised. "Are you saying I still need to formally become your disciple?" "Of course! If you don’t take me as your master and expect me to share everything with you—how would that even be possible?" The elder rolled his eyes, clearly holding fast to the traditional importance of a teacher-student relationship. With a helpless sigh, Linxi bowed respectfully before the elder in full discipleship protocol. Satisfied, the elder nodded calmly and smiled warmly: "I am known as the Herbal Elder. As for my origins—let’s hold that information for now, so as not to distract you. You simply need to know that the very person hailed as a 'Dan King'—well... well, actually, he's nothing at all." Linxi’s mouth quivered slightly—he could barely contain his disbelief. "This man, whose name resonates across the entire Jia Ma Empire—the famed Dan King Guo He—is merely nothing? If this were to come out publicly, wouldn’t it be laughed at as madness throughout the empire?" Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Linxi’s gaze settled on the elder with thoughtful intent. Then he smiled gently, with an air of both curiosity and determination: "So, Master—when exactly shall I begin learning the art of alchemy?" "Indeed," the elder continued, "to become an Alchemy Master, one must rely on Flame Battle Qi as a foundation. Therefore, before you even learn the techniques, you must first achieve the status of a Battle Master and master at least one flame-based Battle Qi technique." "Flame-based technique?" Linxi brightened, reaching out with a smile. "Master—since I am now your disciple, could you please bestow upon me a top-tier flame-based technique?" "Nonsense!" The elder’s face flushed in disbelief. "Do you expect a top-tier technique to be no more than wild yam patches? How could you even suggest that?" "Old man," Linxi protested, his expression earnestly frustrated. "Since I’ve become your disciple, can’t you just hand me the flame-based technique from our family’s library? After all, the highest-level one we possess is only at a Yellow-Rank Senior level—this seems quite inadequate!" "Little lad!" The elder blinked in surprise, clearly not used to being challenged so soon after the ceremony. "You are my student now—not just a 'young boy'!" "Hmph," said the elder with a condescending tone, his gaze suddenly sharp and full of strategic intent. "Now, regarding your task—first, you must achieve Seventh-Rank Battle Qi within one year." "What method shall I employ?" Linxi asked firmly, despite his growing curiosity about that mysterious technique. "Initially," explained the elder, "the cultivation of the First-Rank Battle Qi focuses on expanding and strengthening the body’s meridians and vessels—laying a solid foundation for the eventual formation of internal Battle Qi. At this stage of life, human vessels are both fragile and highly malleable. Thus, this process must be gradual and steady; any external intervention could compromise the integrity of these vessels. Eventually, as internal Battle Qi strengthens, the vessels may not withstand such increasing pressure—and the result would be vessel rupture or even death." Linxi understood well—during his years of being considered an underachiever, his father had several times attempted to forcefully infuse Battle Qi into him, only to stop mid-effort. Thus, Linxi was deeply aware of this delicate balance. The elder glanced at Linxi’s composed demeanor and nodded with satisfaction: "For most people, that holds true. But you are different—your foundation has been solid since three years ago. Moreover, your character has remained resolute over these years, never missing a single day of practice. So, I may confidently say your base is excellent." "So, you intend to elevate my strength through external means?" Linxi asked, his eyes shifting thoughtfully. "Almost precisely," the elder replied calmly. "But given your current vessel strength, even the gentlest infusion from any pill would prove too intense. Even a basic Qi-Collecting Powder—well, that wouldn't suffice!" "A basic Qi-Collecting Powder..." Linxi’s fingers trembled slightly. How could such a revered and expensive remedy in the Jia Ma Empire be considered merely 'basic' to this master? The contrast was truly astonishing. "So," Linxi exhaled deeply, restoring composure and speaking with measured concern, "what is your plan?" "Hmm," smiled the elder. "Pill potency is often too strong—risking vessel damage. Therefore, we must adopt a more gentle approach!" He added: "Tomorrow, prepare three complete, well-aged purple leaf lily stems, along with two specimens of Bone-Cleaning Flowers—the age of these doesn’t matter. And yes, one primary wood-type magic core—a basic material, surely something you can procure. These are all low-tier supplies—hopefully, you’ll find them manageable... I’ve already made arrangements for a special nourishing tonic that only those with ample funds could afford. I merely require your contribution of materials—and yet, you’re still so concerned!" With that, the elder didn’t pause to listen as Linxi’s mouth widened in growing astonishment. He simply stepped into his black ring, which vibrated gently and settled snugly onto Linxi’s finger. "Three complete purple leaf lily stems? Two Bone-Cleaning Flowers? One primary wood magic core?" Linxi held the ring tightly, eyes wide with frustration. "Old man—do you have any idea how much this amounts to? At minimum, this would require over a thousand gold coins! Over the years, I’ve saved diligently—my entire savings barely reach four hundred coins. Just enough to purchase that one primary magic core!" "Ah," chuckled the elder, his tone lighthearted and playful. "That’s your burden. My specially prepared tonic—you’ll find it’s something only the wealthy can afford. Just to offer a modest contribution of materials—and you’re already struggling?" "...Well, actually," Linxi sighed with resignation, "I guess Alchemy Masters really do cater exclusively to those who are well-off." Even though his monthly allowance from the Xiao family was substantial—twenty gold coins—he realized that this amount could comfortably sustain an average household for a full year. Yet, when it came to purchasing these materials, it was only a fraction of what was needed. This highlighted the vast difference between what was considered standard and what was truly accessible. "Ah," Linxi murmured, his expression softening with resolve. "I’ll have to borrow funds from someone..." With a deep breath, he collected himself, returning to his usual calm. He turned toward the mountain path—where now, a graceful purple figure danced lightly across the ground, moving like an ethereal sprite.