Alchemy was born in an ancient oversea country—people hardly ever crossed to that country. In fact, history recorded that the nation was later covered in a mysterious sea and became a water body. No one knew what happened to this underwater nation. The said word khen denoted the fertility of the flood plain. The vast sea country beliefs in life after death, and the mummification procedures they developed, probably gave rise to rudimentary chemical knowledge and a goal of immortality—thus alchemy. Alchemy was also developed independently in China by Taoist monks. Chinese alchemy was a science. It applies a systemic framework to chemical operation, employing concrete measures and resorting to laboratory experiments.
'This record appeared to be a relic of the past. No one knew what happened after the origin of alchemy or the monks that developed them. I have to unveil that record from the golden stele.'
In the class, Jian He stood with his gloomy demeanor. He waved his hand while he spoke monotonously about alchemy. His gloom made what he said inanimate. However, the class remained quiet—they didn't dare let out a sigh.
"Chinese alchemy has a history of more than two thousand years, recorded from the 2nd century BCE to the present day."
Jian He had no interest in whether he could pass on the lesson. All he cared about was to make sure that all eyes were open, staring at him like a rabbit. However, even though my eyes focused on him, my heart was delighted, not because of the lesson. I couldn't help but think about how I made the president submit to me. It was really worth the challenge. After Yao Yun secretly placed the bag containing many pairs of underwear in the president's wardrobe, it became easier to deal with him. I blackmailed him with pictures and got Yue Si as the witness. I even told her to indicate that Li Min panties were among those unruly collections. The president didn't have the gut to belch. When we had a brief meeting, I asked him not to think of using Ling Yun, his uncle; if not, he would only embarrass him with the way I would handle things. I also threatened him that I could sort the help of Li Min and the principal at any time if he messed up. It was easier—he totally cooperated. I asked the president to form a relationship with Yue Si as one of my conditions and that whenever I needed help, he wouldn't spare any of his effort to answer me. I never cared if it was a forced relationship or not, he should be with her. After all, the more he stayed with her, the more advantage I would hold over him. This outcome made Yue Si very happy that she thanked me like I was her lord. Of course, I received the praise shamelessly; I deserved them. At the same time, the president broke down when I said I wanted him to expel Chang Chuteng and Shao Taiyang (his two subordinates). He pleaded miserably and even brought the two fools over to know tow to me. It was much to my satisfaction. It demonstrated my tyranny. I let out a sigh; after all, I could finally focus on other matters now that I've settled the third-year student issue.
At this moment, Jian He focused on me as he openly exuded his gloom for me to praise him. I concentrated like he was saying something significant that made some sense to me, even though it was as if he was hissing. 'In reality, I couldn't hear anything special from what Jian He was talking about. I've already planned to look into this alchemy thing when I get back. It was time to imbue myself with heavenly auras. After all, the golden stele had instructed that my mind power would tremendously expand if I don myself with pure heavenly auras. The golden stele also said that the place to find pure aura was in "Dragon Guangzhou." Of course, I've not heard of this place, and I had a feeling this place was not in the prince world. Another way to incorporate heavenly auras was through the use of spiritual plants. I have to give order to those my subordinates soon enough.' I smirked.
"Chinese alchemy is divided into two main branches called Waidan and Neidan. Interpreted as internal alchemy and external alchemy," Jian He continued his tedium. Waidan and Neidan? I feel those names were only sobriquet. Sure enough, they used pseudonyms because they wanted people to understand the concept—the people didn't see the importance for anyone to immortalize their names in the whole of the Thunder Nation. After all, they may not be the people of this lower province.
But even though Jian He looked gloomy and incapable, it is surprising to see how well he handled the class. The classroom had no movements, and there was no noise-making; he commanded stability. The lecture went on for an hour without any interruption or disturbance.
"Teacher Jian He, I have a question." Hong Peizhi raised his hand for attention.
"What is it, Hong Peizhi?"
Jian He looked indifferent. In fact, you could almost interpret it as being sad. 'How could a person like him exist?' I thought.
"Is Chinese alchemy like other alchemy in various records? Hong Peizhi looked confused.
"They both have the same systemic operation. However, Chinese alchemy talked more about metallic conversion by heating."
Jian He had always seemed uninterested in almost everything, yet I wondered why he had never missed his classes. Just out of curiosity, does he think I appreciate this dead face of his? I have never known how to categorize Jian He. If anything, he does not fit into the picture of a teacher.
"That will be all for the class. You may have a practical test or exam on this. So, do prepare ahead of time."
Jian He left the class like a wind, leaving the rest of us in a daze. After a few minutes, someone rang the bell for the end of homeroom. I picked up my backpack and was about to leave; however, Li Min suddenly stopped me. Sometimes, I wonder what this ornery wanted from me. I wasn't about to be drawn into one of her plots again. The trouble she had given me was endless. I couldn't have her disturbing my peace.
"Let us go together," she suggested.
I turned my gaze to her impassively. "What do you mean?" I forced out a deep tone. If she needed something, she could ask directly. Why beat around? Looking through my emotionless expression, Li Min ignored it and pulled me out.
"Have you done alchemy before?" Li Min cut in immediately after we left the class. But somehow, because I caught a gaze while she hurriedly dragged me out of the classroom, I was in deep thought. Regardless, Li Min repeated the question with an awakening tap.
I think—I should stay away from this demon, I cursed. "Everyone did alchemy in the junior academy. Even though it was just evaporating water from a bottle," I replied, walking farther away from her.
After I separated from Li Min, I saw peace once more. Getting closer to the dormitory, I saw the usual shady trees. However, around one of the shade trees was Changming Quan waiting for me. He bent toward the tree leisurely. Now that I got a closer look at him, he was slightly burly and had a stern face.
"Yo! Got a minute?" Changming Quan called to my attention arrogantly.
I looked at him, about to continue, but I thought it was better to get things over with as soon as possible. So, I drew closer. What fart could he possibly bring forth? I would instantly suppress his whole existence.
"What do you want?" I asked uninterestingly.
"I Want you to stay a million miles away from Li Min, she is my destination, and crap like yourself should only admire yourself in the mirror—all your life. And in the possibility that you don't have a mirror, tell me, I can at the very least get you one." Changming Quan wheezed.
'Oh? Hehe. This guy's joke smells like shit. Is he afflicted?' I looked at him, seemingly lost in thought. There are really a lot of idiots, you know. In fact, if I had my way, I would have done a free giveaway using that girl as the prime item. But unfortunately, I cannot. However, it is really hopeless when idiots go out of their way only to make themselves feel like kings.
"Hmm! I wonder what to answer you now. However, if you want someone, you don't just stand here mopping the ground; you strike." I demonstrated with a fast strike in the empty air. "Do the needful. Perhaps, you are useless—that's why she had not noticed your reckless existence," I sighed in disappointment, shaking my head in mockery.
"What did you just say?" Changmimg Quan snapped. He balled his hands into a fist as he looked at me menacingly. It was as though this person would bite me the next second. He moved closer, about to grab me, but I reflexively held his hand and tumbled him over. Looking at him flipped effortlessly by me, I reevaluated myself. I have become more reactive, and my physical attribute has changed too.
I looked at Changmimg Quan with disdain and muttered. "Unsurprisingly, you are weak, yet you want to play the boss. Honestly, this thing was a waste of my time. I will give you a chance. Tomorrow, you should talk with Li Min. If you don't, I will make your life more painful."
I left him in a confused state and disappeared from the place.