The reason alchemists enjoy such special treatment is due to their rarity and the practicality of their craft. The requirements to become an alchemist are extremely stringent.
First, an alchemist must have fire as their primary attribute. Second, there must be a trace of wood within the fire to act as a catalyst in the process of refining medicines.
On the Dou Qi Continent, a person's attributes are determined by their soul, which can only possess one attribute, never a mix. Therefore, having two different attributes in one body is generally impossible.
Of course, there are always exceptions. Among billions of people, some may possess mutated souls. Those who do are the ones capable of becoming alchemists.
However, just having a soul with both fire and wood attributes isn't enough to make someone a true alchemist. Another essential requirement is soul perception, also called the ability to shape the soul.
Due to these strict conditions, very few people qualify to become alchemists. With fewer alchemists, magical Pill are also scarce. This scarcity increases their value, which is why alchemists hold such a high and even revered status.
Consider the original novel's characters, Hai Bodong and Yao Tian Huo. They faced life-or-death situations countless times just to request Xiao Yan to refine a pill. When Xiao Yan finally delivered the Pill, they were so grateful that they owed him a favor.
This demonstrates the prestigious position alchemists hold!
The next day.
"Lin Feng, you're finally here. Go to the back door and help load the goods," the shopkeeper called out urgently as soon as Lin Feng entered the shop, appearing anxious.
"Alright, I'll go right now," Lin Feng replied. Curious, he asked, "Shopkeeper, why are you so anxious?"
The shopkeeper proudly placed his hands behind his back, raised his head, and said, "You weren't here yesterday, so of course, you don't know. I went to Zhen Bei City and met a first-class alchemist at Wan Hua Tower. I found out about his hobbies and gritted my teeth, spending tens of thousands of gold coins to buy a snake girl as a gift."
As he recalled the alluring snake girl from yesterday, a mix of reluctance and excitement flashed in his eyes. "After receiving the gift, Master Liu Xi agreed to have all the medicinal materials he needs for refining sent to our shop. Plus, 20% of the medicine he refines each month will be sold to us!"
The shopkeeper was thrilled, imagining the future profits that awaited him.
Understanding now why the shopkeeper was so excited, Lin Feng realized the importance of partnering with a first-tire alchemist like Liu Xi. Their business was already one of the best in Wu Tan City, with a monthly profit of several thousand gold coins. But with an alchemist, those profits would likely double.
Wait, Liu Xi?
Lin Feng remembered. Wasn't this the alchemist who helped the Ao Ba Clan and the Jia Lie Clan in the original story? Liu Xi was also a disciple of a third-grade alchemist, meaning his resources were substantial.
A glint of intrigue crossed Lin Feng's eyes.
"Oh, by the way," the shopkeeper said, breaking Lin Feng's thoughts. "Hurry up and help with the deliveries. If you delay Master Liu Xi's herbs, you'll regret it!"
"I'll go now." Lin Feng quickly headed to the back door.
In Zhen Bei City, Lin Feng followed the merchant team to Liu Xi's residence. After unloading the goods, he approached the shopkeeper and said, "Shopkeeper, I want to resign."
"Resign?" the shopkeeper asked, surprised. "When?"
"Today," Lin Feng replied.
The shopkeeper was taken aback. "Today? So suddenly?"
"Yes," Lin Feng nodded. Over the past month, he had gathered information about Liu Xi's routine through indirect inquiries from the shopkeeper. Today was the ideal time to put his plan into motion.
"Alright," the shopkeeper agreed, indifferent about losing a porter. He handed Lin Feng a few gold coins. "Here's your salary for this period."
"Thank you, shopkeeper." Lin Feng took the coins, slung his bag over his shoulder, and left.
Once outside the city, Lin Feng changed direction and ran into the woods. After finding a suitable tree, he climbed up with a bag of explosives containing 100 kilograms of black powder and hid, patiently waiting for his target to arrive.
His target this time was Liu Xi!
After learning about Liu Xi's movements a month ago, Lin Feng had planned this risky move. If successful, he would not only gain advanced skills but also valuable items for learning alchemy.
After waiting for a while, Lin Feng spotted four strong men escorting a young man in white. The young man, likely Liu Xi, appeared impatient, clearly reluctant to leave behind his pleasures in Zhen Bei City.
As they approached, a glint of determination flashed in Lin Feng's eyes. Life on the Dou Qi Continent was harsh—if he didn't get stronger, he would only be bullied.
When they came near, Lin Feng quickly lit the fuse, tossed the explosive pack down, and hid behind the tree trunk.
Within seconds, the explosive pack hit the ground, and with a loud bang, the blast sent shrapnel flying everywhere. The Guards were caught off guard, some being thrown back several meters, while others were blown apart.
After the dust settled, Lin Feng descended the tree, trembling from the adrenaline. Seeing the scattered remains, he forced down his nausea and searched the bodies.
Amidst the carnage, he found Liu Xi's storage ring and grinned. The wealth of a first-tier alchemist was now his.
After gathering more scrolls, gold coins, and elixirs, Lin Feng knew he had to leave quickly before anyone arrived to investigate the explosion.
Mounting his horse, Lin Feng rode toward a nearby cave where he could train and examine his spoils.
Later, after settling into the cave, Lin Feng examined the contents of Liu Xi's storage ring. His face lit up with joy as he discovered an impressive collection of martial arts techniques, prescriptions, cauldrons, and other valuable items.
"No wonder they say that killing and robbing can bring you fortune," Lin Feng mused, staring at the ring in his hand.
Among the treasures was an intermediate Xuan-class Dou technique called "Scarlet Fire Art," along with a matching low-level Dou Techniques, "Red Fire Palm." While not top-tier, the combination was powerful enough to strengthen him.
Satisfied with his haul, Lin Feng set aside his excitement and began practicing his newly acquired techniques, determined to grow stronger.