"Alas, in this era where prodigies are emerging on the continent, one might say it's the arrival of a grand epoch. I truly envy you young people," Master Lin Qing sighed as he looked at Zhang Hao's expression, a longing in his heart.
When he was young, he, too, was reckless and brash. Yet the world outside was vast, and with limited talent in martial arts, he eventually chose the path of Alchemy Dao. Now, over the age of fifty, he remained a mere second-grade alchemist, residing within Fangtian City. It seemed unlikely he would ever stand out in this lifetime.
But Zhang Hao was different. To reach the ninth level of the Vein Condensation Realm at eighteen and become a genius who condensed two Spirit Veins, such a person was destined to become one of Yun Country's elite unless anything unexpected happened in the future.
"Among the geniuses in Yun Country under the age of twenty, there is only one who interests me. Yet, currently, there is still some gap between her and me," Zhang Hao said, reaching towards the sword at his waist, the spirit of battle flashing in his eyes.
"Is the young master Zhang Hao speaking of Jun Muqing from the Jun Family?!" Master Lin Qing was taken aback, suddenly remembering something.
Zhang Hao nodded, a hint of seriousness appearing on his face. "Jun Muqing condensed three Spirit Veins in the Vein Condensation Realm and has now reached the level of the Spirit Transformation Realm. Such a person is who I have long wanted to fight. To battle with a true genius can display my true strength!"
Hearing his words, Master Lin Qing nodded, "I've heard that Jun Muqing is already a disciple of the dean of the Yun Chu Academy, with extraordinary talent. In the future, her achievements will be unparalleled. However, Young Master Zhang's swordsmanship is superb. If your cultivation is comparable, you can indeed rival her!"
"I wonder if Master Lin Qing has any ideas about the Spirit Transformation Pill?" Zhang Hao suddenly asked.
This was what mattered most to him now. As long as he obtained the Spirit Transformation Pill, he was confident he could break through to the Spirit Transformation Realm. Then, when he traveled to Yun Chu Academy, he would have ample confidence to challenge Jun Muqing!
At Zhang Hao's question, Master Lin Qing sighed, "With my Alchemy Dao skill, the chance of successfully refining a Spirit Transformation Pill is less than ten percent. But..."
"But what?" Zhang Hao was taken aback and asked.
Master Lin Qing shook his head, smiling wryly, "Something strange happened today..."
He then briefly recounted the events concerning Mo Wangchen to Zhang Hao.
"Mo Wangchen? That prodigal young master of the Mo Family?" Zhang Hao raised an eyebrow. He had heard of Mo Wangchen's reputation even from afar in Jianye City. It was well known how prodigal Mo Wangchen had been. "Master's intention is that this man also knows alchemy, and his skill surpasses yours?!"
Was this possible?
Regarding Mo Wangchen's reputation, though Zhang Hao knew little, he was aware that Mo Wangchen was known to be a true prodigal. His veins could not naturally store spiritual power, so he was stuck at the ninth level of the Body Refining Realm with no advancement in sight.
Precisely because of this, Mo Wangchen spent his days being idle. In most people's eyes, he was considered a lost cause for life!
But now, what had he just heard?
Master Lin Qing, a dignified second-grade alchemist and the Pavilion Master of the Fangtian City Alchemy Pavilion, actually told him that the prodigal young master not only understood alchemy but his skill was far superior to Lin Qing's...
If someone else had told him this, Zhang Hao might have unsheathed his sword and called it nonsense!
"I'm not sure yet, but I plan to visit the Mo Family tomorrow to find out!" Master Lin Qing shook his head with a wry smile. Initially, he also thought the idea was somewhat crazy.
However, today's discovery of that semi-finished waste pill wasn't something just anyone could concoct casually.
Whether it came from Mo Wangchen, the prodigal young master, would be revealed at the Mo Family tomorrow.
...
The next morning, Mo Wangchen awoke from his cultivation state. A night of cultivation hadn't made him feel weary but rather energized due to the increase in his strength.
After quickly eating something, Mo Wangchen headed to the courtyard, stopping before a massive stone knee-high, and stood quietly for a moment. He then took a deep breath and let out a great shout.
Bang!
Next, he slammed his fist into the stone, causing it to crack instantly and then shatter into fragments.
"As expected of the Heavenly Dao Body. The power of this punch almost matches that of the first level of the Vein Condensation Realm. If I break through to the Vein Condensation Realm, my strength will certainly crush others in the same realm!" Mo Wangchen exhaled and nodded with satisfaction.
Then he simply sat beneath a large tree to continue cultivating.
That morning, the Mo Family welcomed an important guest, none other than Master Lin Qing, the Pavilion Master of the Alchemy Pavilion.
At this moment, Mo Xiaotian, the Family Head, was alone in the Mo Family's main hall, receiving Master Lin Qing. Considering Lin Qing's status, even though Mo Xiaotian was one of the top experts in the city, his words carried a rather courteous tone.
"What is the reason for Master Lin Qing's visit to my Mo Family?" Mo Xiaotian asked with polite cupping of his hands.
"Haha, there are many transactions between the Mo Family and my Alchemy Pavilion. The number of pills your family purchases monthly from my pavilion is unparalleled in Fangtian City," Master Lin Qing replied courteously, holding a cup of tea. Sitting beside him was a young man with a sword at his waist, none other than Zhang Hao.
Seeing that his purpose wasn't directly stated, Mo Xiaotian was at a loss, though he remained very courteous, "Master speaks highly. Over the years, it's thanks to the Alchemy Pavilion's supply of pills that my Mo Family has been able to nurture many outstanding younger members..."
Master Lin Qing nodded. His cup of tea had long been empty. After a moment of silence, he looked at Mo Xiaotian and said, "To be frank, my visit today concerns your son, Young Master Mo Wangchen!"
"Chen'er?!" Mo Xiaotian frowned at Master Lin Qing's words.
Despite being his son, Mo Wangchen was a notorious prodigal in his daily conduct. He didn't believe his son had acquaintance enough with the respectable Master Lin Qing.
Could he have unintentionally offended him?!
Realizing this possibility made Mo Xiaotian's heart skip a beat. If that were true, it would spell trouble. For Master Lin Qing to personally visit, it wouldn't be a trivial issue!
"Could that brat have done something to anger the Master?" Mo Xiaotian's voice turned slightly stern, followed by a snort. Yesterday, Mo Wangchen seemed so determined, making Mo Xiaotian think he had truly changed, only to have caused trouble again so quickly.
"The Family Head misunderstands. Young Master Mo hasn't done anything wrong. I came today mainly for some matters concerning him..." Master Lin Qing laughed in response, although internally, a sense of doubt grew.
Could he have been mistaken, and that pill yesterday hadn't come from Mo Wangchen's hand?
Otherwise, if he truly knew about alchemy, how could Mo Xiaotian, being his father, not know?