As in many other places, in the martial sovereign world, strength and interests reign supreme, those with strength found a way to capitalize on it to gather resources, talents, and influence. With martial prowess being what everyone pursued, any side trade that would somehow boost the martial strength of others was highly valued; such was the case with alchemists and blacksmiths.
Only weapons made from the finest materials by the best blacksmiths could bring out or even enhance a martial artist's true battle prowess, so such goods and their creators were highly prized.
In the case of alchemists, it could be said that they were appreciated similarly to blacksmiths, but for different reasons. A great alchemist could not only create pills and concoctions capable of saving one's life in dire straits, but they could also refine pills that help increase martial strength.
