Chapter 8 - Novice Alchemist

A week had passed since my initiation into the Alchemy Department, and my days had fallen into a purposeful rhythm. Mornings began with a modest meal to sustain me for the long hours ahead, followed by a direct walk to the department where my duties awaited. Each task, though varied, contributed to my growing foundation in alchemy.Some days I worked in the Herbarium, a vast, carefully managed space shared by both the Alchemy and Medicine Departments. It was here that I harvested and sorted herbs, learning to identify subtle differences between similar plants and becoming familiar with their unique properties. Other days were spent in the preparation halls, processing ingredients to perfection-grinding powders, slicing roots, or drying petals in Qi infused furnaces.Occasionally, I was assigned to assist higher-ranked alchemists. My first opportunity came when an Apprentice Alchemist tasked me with aiding them in the refinement of a basic Qi Replenishing Pill. Having observed my precision during ingredient preparation, they entrusted me with critical parts of the process. Though I worked under their close supervision, I could feel their satisfaction with my efficiency and attention to detail.These experiences, though demanding, were rewarding in more ways than one. Joining the Alchemy Department brought with it tangible benefits. As an assistant, I received a monthly stipend of 75 Spirit Stones, a significant increase from just the 50 Spirit Stones given to outer disciples who had not joined a department or faction. Beyond the stipend, I earned additional income through missions, such as gathering rare herbs or assisting with ingredient refinement.This newfound wealth provided me with the means to accelerate my cultivation. Using the Spirit Stones coupled with the Umbral Absorption Technique, my cultivation was rising rapidly.Now, after a week of diligent practice, I had reached the threshold of Qi Condensation Stage Two. Though I had yet to break through, I could feel the growing accumulation of energy within my dantian. Later today, with focused meditation and perhaps a final push from the remaining Spirit Stones, I would likely achieve the next stage.Today marked a pivotal moment for me within the Alchemy Department. I would undergo the examination to earn the title of Novice Alchemist, a rank that signified the ability to independently produce low-grade pills. Should I succeed, I would gain the official right to concoct pills without direct oversight-a privilege that opened the door to greater freedom and, more importantly, opportunities to execute my plans. Plans to make money.Failure, however, would mean continuing as an assistant, restricted to supporting others and unable to advance my ambitions.The path to becoming a Novice Alchemist demanded more than just theoretical knowledge or technical skill. Refining pills was an intricate art, requiring an alchemist's full focus and mastery over multiple factors simultaneously. The process began with perfect control of the furnace temperature. Each ingredient had its own unique requirements, and a single fluctuation could cause the pill to destabilize-or worse, the furnace to explode.Timing was equally critical. Each ingredient had to be added at the exact moment to ensure proper fusion with the others. Delay even by a fraction of a second, and the entire batch would fail.Beyond this, feeding the furnace's flame required the alchemist's own Qi. This was no simple matter; one had to maintain a delicate balance. Too much Qi could destabilize the process, while too little would cause the flame to falter. The strain on one's Qi reserves was immense, and it was no surprise that many alchemists failed simply because they could not sustain the process.Despite these challenges, I approached the task with a calm mind. My strength lay in observation and adaptation-traits that had allowed me to excel over the past week. Every detail I had absorbed during my time as an assistant would now be put into practice.▬▬ι═══════ﺤThe preparation hall was busier than usual when I arrived, the atmosphere buzzing with subdued anticipation. A station had been set aside for the examination, equipped with a medium-sized alchemical furnace and a full set of tools. Pre-measured ingredients for a basic Qi Replenishing Pill were arranged meticulously on a tray: powdered Shadowmint Leaf, dried Phantomroot slices, and a vial of distilled Qi essence.Nearby, a Journeyman Alchemist, marked by the golden flame insignia on their robes, stood ready to oversee the examination. The alchemist, a sharp-eyed woman with an air of authority, turned to me as I approached."Ayanokoji," she said, her tone brisk but not unkind. "You've been approved to take the examination. Do you understand what's required of you?""Yes, Senior," I replied, bowing respectfully."Good," she said, stepping aside to give me full access to the station. "Your task is to refine a batch of three Qi Replenishing Pills. You'll be evaluated on the consistency, quality, and stability of the pills. If the furnace explodes or the batch fails, you will not pass. Focus and precision are required."I nodded, stepping to the station and positioning myself before the furnace. The tools gleamed under the dim light."Begin when ready," the alchemist instructed.Taking a slow breath, I placed my hand on the Qi ignition crystal at the furnace's base. Channeling a steady flow of energy, I ignited the flame, which roared to life with a faint blue glow. Carefully, I adjusted the furnace's controls, stabilizing the heat until it reached the optimal temperature for the first ingredient.I measured out the powdered Shadowmint Leaf, my movements deliberate. Lifting it with a steady hand, I sprinkled the powder into the crucible. The fine particles hissed as they made contact with the heat, releasing a faint black vapor.The flame flickered slightly, demanding more Qi. I fed it carefully, maintaining a balance between sustaining the flame and conserving my reserves."Temperature is stable," the Journeyman observed aloud.The Phantomroot slices were next, their integration requiring even greater focus. Each slice needed to dissolve completely before the next could be added, ensuring their stabilizing effects evenly permeated the mixture. The challenge lay in maintaining the balance between the furnace's heat and the Qi I channeled.As the root began to break down, the furnace's flame flickered unexpectedly, signaling a minor imbalance. I reacted instantly, steadying the Qi stream and fine-tuning the controls to restore equilibrium. Sweat beaded on my forehead, but my hands remained steady, my focus unbroken."Good recovery," the Journeyman Alchemist noted from behind me, her voice calm but carrying a hint of approval.With the second ingredient fully incorporated, I moved on to the final and most delicate step: adding the distilled Qi essence. This shimmering liquid was volatile, capable of destabilizing the entire mixture if introduced too quickly-or too slowly.I uncorked the vial and tipped it carefully, allowing the essence to flow in a controlled stream. The mixture hissed and bubbled as the essence merged with the other components. The reaction was volatile at first, but I adjusted the heat and guided the Qi infusion, calming the reaction and condensing the mixture into a cohesive whole.The flame's color shifted subtly, indicating the ingredients were merging successfully. This was the final phase-condensing the mixture into pill form.Channeling my Qi more deliberately, I focused on compressing the mixture, guiding it as it solidified into small, uniform spheres. Each movement required precise control; the force of my Qi was carefully measured to avoid cracking the forming pills.After several tense moments, the mixture fully condensed. Three small pills rested in the crucible, their faint glow indicating a successful refinement. I retrieved them carefully with Qi insulated tongs, placing them on a cooling tray to stabilize.The room was silent for a moment as I stepped back, exhaling softly. The process had been taxing, but my work was done.The Journeyman Alchemist approached the tray, her sharp eyes scanning the pills. She picked one up, rolling it between her fingers and inspecting its texture and structure."They're stable," she said, her tone carrying a hint of approval. "Consistent in size and glow. A fine result for your first refinement attempt."She walked to a nearby device-a flat, circular platform inscribed with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with Qi. Placing the pill onto the device, she activated it with a touch. The runes flared briefly before a number appeared, glowing faintly above the platform: 87%."Impurity level: 87%," she announced, turning to me. "That's not far from reaching Mid-Grade. For a first attempt, this is impressive. Most novices struggle to even stabilize a low-grade pill, let alone achieve a result this close to the next threshold."The other two pills were tested in turn, displaying impurity levels of 89% and 91% respectively. The Journeyman nodded as she recorded the results. "This one," she said, holding up the pill with 87% impurity, "is a testament to your potential. Keep it as a reminder of what you've accomplished-and of what you still need to improve."She handed the pill back to me, and I accepted it with a respectful bow."You've earned the title of Novice Alchemist," she continued, her tone firm but encouraging. "You now have the right to refine pills independently. Remember, alchemy is a lifelong discipline. Strive for consistency and never become complacent.""Thank you, Senior," I replied, fastening the black flame insignia to my robe with steady hands.The Journeyman Alchemist observed me for a moment longer, and then her stern expression softened slightly, revealing a hint of satisfaction. "You've done well, Ayanokoji. For your first refinement, this is beyond commendable. But as you'll learn, progress in alchemy is measured in consistent results, not singular achievements. Keep that in mind.""I understand, Senior," I replied, bowing respectfully.She nodded and gestured for me to follow her to the side of the preparation hall, where a smaller desk was set up. Sitting behind it was another disciple, their robes marked with the black flame insignia of a Novice Alchemist. They glanced up briefly as we approached but returned their focus to a ledger in front of them.The Journeyman turned to me, her tone shifting to a more conversational cadence. "As a Novice Alchemist, your responsibilities and privileges within the department expand significantly. Let me explain what this entails."She folded her arms, her sharp gaze locking onto mine. "First, you can now accept missions directly from the sect to refine pills. These missions are vital to the sect's operations, as the pills you produce will be distributed to disciples or used in trade. The sect will provide all the necessary materials, as well as access to refining rooms outfitted with alchemical furnaces."She paused, her expression growing more pointed. "Any leftover materials from these missions are yours to keep. You may use them to conduct your own refinements. However, keep in mind that the missions are a reflection of your skill and reliability. Repeated failures or wasted materials can harm your reputation and limit the missions offered to you."I nodded. "I'll be careful to maintain high standards, Senior."Her lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile. "Good. Secondly, your salary has now increased significantly. As an assistant, you earned 75 Spirit Stones per month. Now, as a Novice Alchemist, that amount rises to 200 Spirit Stones per month. Combined with your standard outer sect disciple salary of 50 Spirit Stones, your total monthly income is 250 Spirit Stones. That's equivalent to what an inner sect disciple receives."The mention of my increased income made me pause, though I maintained a composed exterior. This financial boost would accelerate my cultivation and provide me with greater flexibility in acquiring resources."There's more," she continued. "With your new status, you're granted access to two specialized journals. One contains detailed explanations of pill grades, outlining the intricacies of crafting low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade pills, and even beyond. The other expands on your existing knowledge of ingredients, covering rarer and more complex materials that you'll encounter as your skills improve. You can collect these from the archives on your way out today.""I see," I said, processing the implications of her words. "Thank you for the guidance, Senior, and for taking the time to explain everything."She inclined her head slightly, her expression softening just enough to hint at approval. "It's my duty to ensure new Novice Alchemists understand their responsibilities and privileges. You've proven yourself capable, Ayanokoji, but remember, use your time wisely and continue to improve.""I will," I replied earnestly.She gestured toward the smaller desk nearby, where a disciple sat behind a ledger, their black flame insignia marking them as a fellow Novice Alchemist. "Take your token to the disciple over there. They will update it to reflect your new status. Once that's done, you'll have official recognition as a Novice Alchemist within the sect."I nodded and walked to the desk, presenting the token I had been given during my initial registration as an assistant. The disciple, a young man with a focused demeanor, looked up and took the token without a word. He placed it onto a small device inscribed with runes, feeding a small stream of Qi into it.The runes glowed faintly, and the token emitted a soft hum as the process completed. The disciple removed it from the device and handed it back to me. "Your token has been updated," he said. "It now includes your rank as a Novice Alchemist alongside your status as an outer sect disciple. Keep it on you at all times, as it's required for accessing department facilities and accepting missions.""Understood," I said, taking the token and bowing slightly in thanks.As I left the preparation hall, the token rested securely in my robe, and the black flame insignia affixed to my chest. The increase in income and access to resources were opportunities to accelerate my cultivation and refine my craft.▬▬ι═══════ﺤThe reception area of the Alchemy Department buzzed with activity as I entered, disciples moving briskly as they carried out their tasks. Behind the desk sat Bai Yun, the young woman who had overseen my initial registration. Her composed demeanor hadn't changed, though her sharp eyes tracked the movements around her with practiced efficiency.When she noticed me approaching, her lips curved into a welcoming smile, but as her gaze fell on the black flame insignia newly affixed to my robes, her expression shifted. Her eyes widened in surprise."Junior Brother Ayanokoji," she greeted, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and warmth. "It seems congratulations are in order. You've already earned your rank as a Novice Alchemist?"I inclined my head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Senior Sister Bai. I completed the examination earlier today."She leaned forward slightly, studying me with a mixture of admiration and amusement. "You don't waste any time, do you? But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given how quickly you've progressed.""I believe in making the most of my opportunities," I replied evenly.She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Well, you've certainly proven yourself capable. And now that you're officially a Novice Alchemist, I assume you're here to accept your first mission?"I nodded. "That's correct. I'd like to take on a mission to refine low-grade pills.""Good choice," she said, reaching for a ledger that rested on the desk. Flipping through the pages with deft movements, she scanned the available missions. "Let's see... Ah, here we go. There's a request for a batch of Shadow Qi Recovery Pills. These are commonly used by outer disciples to replenish their Qi reserves after training or combat. It's a straightforward pill to refine, but it requires consistency and precision to meet the sect's standards.""I'll take it," I said.Bai Yun smiled approvingly and pulled out a small slip of paper-a mission ticket. "Here's your ticket. Take this to the Herbarium, and they'll provide you with the ingredients you need. The materials are supplied by the sect, so you won't have to worry about costs. Once you've completed the batch, return the pills here for inspection and submission."She handed me the ticket, her fingers brushing the edge as she did so. "And Ayanokoji?""Yes, Senior Sister?""Don't rush," she said, her tone shifting to a softer, more sincere one. "This may seem like a simple task, but the reputation you build now will follow you throughout your time in the department. Make sure it's a good one."I nodded, pocketing the ticket. "Thank you for the advice. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."Her smile returned, more relaxed this time. "Good luck, then. I'll be looking forward to seeing the results."With the ticket in hand, I made my way to the Herbarium. As I entered, the familiar scent of fresh herbs and earth greeted me. The Herbarium was a sprawling, meticulously maintained botanical garden that stretched further than the eye could see; its size alone was a testament to the sect's resources. Rows upon rows of plants grew in neatly organized plots, each labeled with elegant wooden signs bearing their names and properties.The air here was different-thick with vitality and the faint hum of Qi infused energy. Some plants emitted faint glows, while others seemed to ripple subtly under the influence of shadow Qi. The sheer diversity of flora was staggering, a living library of ingredients waiting to be harvested and transformed.I had spent time here before, during my week as an assistant, learning to identify and harvest various herbs under supervision. Yet even now, the Herbarium's scale and beauty struck me. It was a place of balance, where the raw chaos of nature was channeled into order, each plant cultivated with care.Approaching the counter at the entrance, I presented my ticket to the steward, an older disciple with a sharp eye and a steady hand. He examined it briefly before nodding."Shadow Qi Recovery Pills," he said, his voice gruff but efficient. "Wait here."He disappeared into the rows of plants, returning a few moments later with a neatly arranged bundle of ingredients. The bundle included Shadowmint Leaf, Wraithvine Tendrils, and a vial of distilled shadow Qi essence. Each item was carefully wrapped and labeled, ensuring they remained fresh and ready for use."Here are your materials," the steward said, handing them to me. "Be sure to follow the instructions closely. These are standard-grade ingredients, but any mistakes could still lead to failure.""I understand," I replied, taking the bundle with care.Leaving the Herbarium, I made my way to the refinement rooms-a series of private chambers designed for alchemists to work undisturbed. Each room was equipped with a state-of-the-art alchemical furnace and tools, ensuring optimal conditions for pill refinement.As I stepped into one of the rooms and closed the door behind me, the quiet atmosphere wrapped around me like a cocoon. I set the bundle of ingredients on the preparation table, arranging them methodically. The tools gleamed under the faint light of the furnace, their presence a reminder of the precision this task demanded.I took a moment to study the formula laid out before me; its instructions were precise yet unforgiving. Each step, from controlling the furnace's temperature to the exact timing for adding ingredients, was detailed, leaving no room for error. The complexity of alchemy wasn't just in following these steps, but in understanding them.Closing my eyes, I visualized the entire process in my mind. I imagined the flame roaring to life, the first ingredient dissolving into the crucible, and the subsequent reactions as each component fused together. I pictured the subtle shifts in temperature, the color changes, and the reactions that indicated success-or failure.What if the flame surged too high during the integration phase? What if the distilled shadow Qi essence destabilized because it was added too early? Countless scenarios played out in my mind, each one testing my understanding of the process. In this mental rehearsal, I explored solutions for every possible error, refining my approach before even touching the furnace.When I opened my eyes, I felt a sense of clarity. The scenarios had prepared me for the task ahead, leaving no room for hesitation.Taking a slow, steady breath, I stepped toward the furnace. The mission required me to refine two batches of Shadow Qi Recovery Pills, and I had been provided with ingredients for three batches. If I executed the process flawlessly, I would have one batch's worth of materials left to experiment with, a chance to push my limits and deepen my understanding.But before I could begin, there was a more immediate concern. My earlier Qi expenditure had drained my reserves significantly. At Qi Condensation Stage One, my Qi pool was small, and I could not afford to begin this task without replenishing it.Reaching into my pouch, I retrieved the Qi Replenishing Pill from earlier-the one I had refined during my Novice Alchemist examination. Holding it between my fingers, I observed it briefly. This was my first-ever pill, a tangible marker of my progress. Yet, I felt no sentimentality toward it. Alchemy was about utility, not sentiment, and this pill's purpose was clear: to restore my energy.The primary difference between this pill and the one I was about to refine lay in its composition. The Qi within this pill was neutral-pure and unaffiliated with any particular element. For some cultivators, this lack of affinity could be a disadvantage, limiting its effectiveness in aligning with their techniques. For others, it was an advantage, allowing for greater flexibility.For me, it made no difference. My cultivation path, steeped in shadows, was adaptive enough to draw on neutral energy without issue.Without hesitation, I popped the pill into my mouth, crushing it between my teeth. A burst of energy flooded my body, the neutral Qi spreading through my meridians in waves. It surged toward my dantian, filling the once-depleted pool with replenished strength.The sensation was brisk and invigorating, like a cool stream flowing into a parched riverbed. These pills weren't designed for cultivation-their energy was too soft and limited to make a meaningful impact on long-term growth. But for replenishing spent Qi, they were unparalleled.Within moments, my Qi reserves were restored, the emptiness replaced with a steady hum of energy. Flexing my fingers experimentally, I confirmed that I was ready to begin.Turning back to the table, I organized the ingredients with methodical precision. Each component was accounted for and arranged in the order they would be used. The Shadowmint Leaf sat to my left, its faint silver sheen catching the light. The Wraithvine Tendrils, coiled like silver threads, were placed to my right, while the vial of distilled shadow Qi essence rested at the center.I placed my hand on the furnace's Qi ignition crystal, channeling a small but steady stream of Qi. The flame roared to life, casting a soft blue glow across the room. Adjusting the controls, I stabilized the temperature, watching the flickering flame until it settled into a steady rhythm.The flame's soft blue glow illuminated the room, casting faint shadows that danced along the walls. My hand remained steady on the furnace's controls as I adjusted the heat, ensuring it maintained the precise temperature required for the first ingredient. The initial stage was critical-any misstep here would ripple through the entire process.Satisfied with the stability of the flame, I reached for the Shadowmint Leaf. Its faint silver sheen shimmered under the light, and a subtle, cooling energy emanated from the powder. Carefully measuring out the required amount, I placed it into the crucible.The leaf hissed as it met the heat, releasing a faint black vapor that curled upward in delicate spirals."Steady," I muttered to myself, my focus razor-sharp.I infused a controlled stream of Qi into the furnace, ensuring the temperature remained constant as the Shadowmint Leaf dissolved. The vapor thickened slightly, indicating that the leaf's essence was merging successfully with the flame's energy.The next step required careful timing. Once the vapor reached the correct density, I added the Wraithvine Tendrils, placing them into the crucible one by one. These silver-veined tendrils emitted a faint hum as the heat activated their latent Qi properties.As the tendrils began to dissolve, I adjusted the flame slightly, increasing the temperature by a fraction. The flame flared briefly before settling back into a steady rhythm, and the mixture in the crucible began to take on a faint, swirling glow.This was the most delicate part of the process. Any fluctuation in temperature or Qi flow could destabilize the mixture. My hands moved instinctively, fine-tuning the furnace's controls while maintaining a steady Qi infusion.The swirling glow in the crucible deepened, signaling that the mixture was ready for the final ingredient: the distilled shadow Qi essence.Taking a slow, steady breath, I uncorked the vial. The liquid within shimmered faintly, its energy volatile and potent. Tilting the vial, I allowed the essence to flow in a controlled stream, watching closely as it merged with the mixture.The reaction was immediate. The crucible hissed and bubbled, and for a moment, the flame flickered wildly. I adjusted my Qi infusion, steadying the process as the ingredients fused together. Slowly, the bubbling mixture began to settle, condensing into a thick, viscous liquid.Channeling my Qi more deliberately, I guided the liquid as it solidified, compressing it into small, uniform spheres. The faint hum of the furnace grew quieter, and the first batch of pills took shape.Three small pills rested in the crucible, their faint glow indicating success. Using a pair of Qi insulated tongs, I removed them and placed them on a cooling tray."One down," I murmured, exhaling softly.After a brief moment to refocus, I began the process again.The second batch followed much the same rhythm, though the earlier experience had honed my movements. The Shadowmint Leaf dissolved more smoothly, the Wraithvine Tendrils integrated seamlessly, and the addition of the shadow Qi essence felt almost instinctive. My hands moved with practiced precision, my Qi flow steady and unwavering.As the second batch solidified, I retrieved the pills with the tongs and placed them alongside the first. The faint glow of six perfectly refined Shadow Qi Recovery Pills illuminated the tray, their consistency and stability a testament to my growing proficiency.I stepped back from the furnace, letting the flame extinguish as I released the Qi infusion. The room grew quieter, the hum of the furnace fading into stillness.I carefully placed the completed batches of pills onto the testing device, a flat circular platform inscribed with intricate runes. Feeding a small pulse of Qi into the device, I watched as the runes flared to life, projecting faint glowing numbers above each pill.The results were as expected-similar to the batch I had refined during my Novice Alchemist examination. The impurity levels ranged between 88% and 93%, solidly within the low-grade classification. Nothing exceptional, but consistent and stable.At least I had refined them without failure, which was more than most novices could claim early in their beginnings. Still, the results were far from what I aspired to achieve.I leaned back slightly, my gaze lingering on the pills. There's room for improvement, I thought, dissecting the process in my mind. I had a few ideas on how to refine the timing of ingredient integration and how to control the furnace's temperature more precisely. These adjustments might push the impurity levels closer to the mid-grade threshold.But implementing these ideas would require extensive experimentation-and experimentation meant failures. Failures, in turn, meant wasted resources. Even with my current income and support from the sect, it wouldn't suffice to fund such trials indefinitely.It was no wonder the path to becoming a truly skilled alchemist was a long and arduous one. It demanded patience, precision, and a steady accumulation of experience. One could not rush it, yet ambition urged me forward.Despite the challenges, I had a plan-a way to generate enough wealth to fund my alchemical pursuits. But before I could act on it, I needed to replenish my Qi reserves. The earlier refinements had drained me significantly.Sitting cross-legged on the floor, I activated the Umbral Absorption Technique, not to cultivate but to restore my Qi. The familiar sensation of shadow Qi flowing through my meridians was both calming and invigorating. I focused on the steady rhythm of absorption, allowing the energy to flow into my dantian and refill the pool that had been nearly depleted.Half an hour later, my reserves were fully replenished, and I opened my eyes. The faint hum of restored energy resonated through my body, sharpening my focus once more.With the remaining ingredients left over from the earlier refinement, I decided to create another batch of Shadow Qi Recovery Pills-this time for myself. Having a personal supply would save me the effort of activating the technique every time my Qi was drained from refining pills.The process was smoother this time. Familiarity with the ingredients and the rhythm of refinement made my movements more fluid, and the batch came together with fewer adjustments. When I placed the pills onto the testing device, their impurity levels mirrored the earlier results. Satisfied, I stored the pills in a small pouch for personal use.With that task complete, I turned my attention to the next step of my plan. To fund my ambitions, I needed to leverage my knowledge and skill in alchemy creatively.Deciding to act, I made my way to the Herbarium. Approaching the steward at the entrance, I spent most of the Spirit Stones I had accumulated on a selection of ingredients. These weren't for Shadow Qi Recovery Pills-they were for simpler medicinal concoctions and salves. Many of these ingredients were familiar to me, either from my time in the village or from exchanging words with Cai Genxin, the physician.The steward handed me a large storage bag, designed to safely hold and preserve the delicate ingredients. As I slung the bag over my shoulder, I felt the weight of my investment.Returning to the refinement room, I set the bag down and took a moment to collect my thoughts. The room was quiet, the faint scent of herbs and the residual warmth of the furnace creating an atmosphere of focus.Sitting down at the preparation table, I began to lay out the ingredients I had purchased, organizing them by type and purpose. Each one carried potential, but it was up to me to unlock it. This was the first step toward turning my knowledge into profit-and the foundation for advancing both my alchemical skills and my cultivation.***A/N: Well, this was an Alchemy only chapter. The pacing will soon speed up, and this starting arc in the sect will end in a few chapters, but there are still a few things left I need to finish before things can really start to progress.