Brax enters the alchemy hall alongside Peter and sees some outer sect disciples waiting at the counter, trying to buy some pills. A short line is formed as these disciples wait patiently for their turn to come. This place is much calmer compared to the manual hall
He also can't ignore the smell of herbs in the air. As someone who wanted to learn everything, he did dabble a little in the study of plants and herbs back in his world. Brax is just a little surprised to smell the same scent here as he thought the plants and herbs would smell a little different here because of the application of Qi energy.
Brax continues to observe and notices some young people wearing green robes and figures out that these young people are alchemy disciples or apprentices.
"I am going to join the queue. What do you want to do?" Peter asks. "Go ahead, I will look around," Brax says, and they both go their separate ways.
Peter joins the short queue of people, and Brax makes his way toward a desk manned by two alchemy disciples who are busy talking with each other.
He sees multiple manuals kept on the desk. As he approaches the desk, he is able to read the title of the manual "Alchemy Guide".
Curious, he approaches the two disciples. "Senior Brothers, can I have one of these manuals?" Brax asks. Hearing Brax, the two disciples stop their conversation, look at Brax, and evaluate him with their eyes.
They see that he is a 5th-state Qi cultivator, someone who is perfect for them to recruit. "Oh handsome Junior brother, are you perhaps interested in Alchemy?" one of them asks throwing praise right in the beginning to please Brax.
Brax is a handsome youth, but he knows that his looks are nothing compared to some of the cultivation practitioners here in the sect. Though he has not personally seen them, the previous Brax has heard several female disciples shrieking over some of these male disciples.
Brax also remembers Luke, that shady motherfucker that rubbed him the wrong way, he is also very handsome.
"Sure, can this help me?" Brax asks while pointing at the manual. "It definitely will. You just need to memorize everything from this manual and then take an exam to become an alchemy apprentice," one of them explains as politely as possible, even though the sentiment is very fake.
Since cultivators rarely pursue alchemy, anyone who shows any interest in it is welcomed with open arms, and they are required to do so by the alchemist guild. The only people who pursue alchemy are the ones who are genuinely interested in it, or those who value wealth more than strength.
Of course, in a world where the strong rule over the weak, most seek strength compared to wealth and influence, because at the end of the day, when push comes to shove, one can only rely on themselves.
"Great, then I will take one," Brax says. "Wise choice, handsome brother, make sure to memorize it properly. When you think you are ready, you can take the exam at any alchemy guild." the alchemist apprentices continue to throw praise at Brax.
Just like cultivators, Alchemists are separated by rank that are associated with the number of stars.
[Alchemist Apprentice
1-star Alchemist
2-star Alchemist
3-star Alchemist
4-star Alchemist
5-star Alchemist
6-star Alchemist
7-star Alchemist]
These are the eight ranks an alchemist can achieve throughout their lifetime.
Brax takes the thick alchemy guide and walks away. He opens the index of the manual and sees that the first half of the manual is completely dedicated to spiritual plants and special spirit beast parts.
While the latter half has the basic knowledge of alchemy and how to practice it.
Closing the book for now, he waits for Peter to be done with his purchase. Brax wonders what pills Peter is here for.
It doesn't take Peter long to buy his pills and quickly join Brax. He notices the alchemy manual in Brax's hand and raises his brows. "Do you want to be an alchemist?" Peter asks.
"I am thinking of giving it a try," Brax answers. "Oh, I didn't know you were interested in alchemy?" Peter asks curiously. "Well, I don't have a wealthy family to support me in my cultivation, so I need to find a way to earn money, and if I am talented, I might even become rich," Brax says with a hopeful tone, but there is no doubt in his mind regarding alchemy.
Brax made humans live for more than a thousand years. He found a way to traverse galaxies. He cured incurable diseases, and he did so many more with just the bare minimum. But in this world, he has access to Qi energy, something that allows him to alter the structure of a molecule. There is nothing he can't do in this world.
"That's great! If you become an alchemist, I will benefit from it as well, hahaha," Peter laughs and welcomes the idea of Brax becoming an Alchemist. If his friend is an alchemist, he might get pills at a cheaper rate than normal.
Brax just smiles. "Let's go," he says and is about to turn towards the entrance when he hears the sound in the alchemy hall increase by a lot.
He looks around and sees some outer sect disciples and alchemy apprentices start talking loudly, while some look towards the entrance with awe.
Brax follows their vision and looks at the entrance. He sees a group of young people enter the alchemy hall wearing blue-colored cultivator robes with intricate designs on them.
All of them have a look of superiority and arrogance on their face as they strut their way in.
These young people are none other than inner sect disciples. As Brax looks at them, he can't help but fix his gaze on a particular one who is in the front of the group, the rest, he doesn't give two shits.