As the Grand Hall gradually emptied, the heavy tension that had gripped the air began to fade, though the weight of the meeting still lingered in the minds of many. The elders, their expressions a mix of contemplation and unease, exchanged hushed conversations as they departed. Meanwhile, the core disciples cast subtle glances at Ye Xiaotian, their eyes filled with awe, doubt, and even a trace of fear.
Ye Xiaotian, however, remained indifferent to the lingering stares. He had spoken his mind and saw no need to explain himself further. Whatever they thought of him whether they revered him or feared him was of little concern to him. His thoughts had already moved on to the next step in his path.
As he stood in place, waiting for Qin Mei, he sensed a familiar presence approaching.
Qin Lian and Qin Mei descended from the raised platform where the Sect Master's throne was. Qin Lian, her gaze fixed on Ye Xiaotian, observed him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. He had surprised her, not just with his strength, but with his audacity.
Ye Xiaotian sensed her gaze and turned to look at her. "Big Sister," he said, a hint of a smile gracing his lips.
Qin Lian looked at him, a warmth spreading across her face. "Ye Xiaotian," she replied, her voice soft. But then, her expression faltered. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she suddenly huffed and turned her head to the side, pouting slightly.
"Hmph! Now you remember your big sister? But when you were busy, you didn't even think about me!"
Her tone carried a trace of grievance, her expression equal parts playful and sulky.
Ye Xiaotian immediately felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He rubbed the back of his head, an apologetic look crossing his face. "I'm sorry, Big Sister, but I was in deep cultivation. I didn't even realize how much time had passed… I should've told you beforehand."
Before Qin Lian could respond, a soft chuckle suddenly rang out.
"Pfft!"
Qin Mei, standing beside her sister, covered her mouth as she tried and failed to hold back her laughter. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at Qin Lian with a teasing smile.
"You are really cute, Big Sister," she said before boldly reaching out and pinching Qin Lian's soft cheeks.
Qin Lian's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Hmph! You've got some guts to pinch Big Sister's cheeks!" she declared, her voice filled with mock indignation. Without missing a beat, she retaliated by pinching Qin Mei's delicate pink earlobes.
"Ahhh! Big Sister, that hurts! I'm sorry!" Qin Mei yelped, squirming in an attempt to free herself.
Ye Xiaotian stood to the side, watching the exchange unfold with an expression of mild embarrassment. He wasn't used to such familial interactions, and seeing the normally dignified Sect Master bickering like a mischievous sibling was both amusing and bewildering.
After a few more moments, Qin Lian finally released Qin Mei, who pouted and rubbed her sore earlobes.
Turning to Ye Xiaotian, Qin Mei's expression softened, her usual playful glint replaced by something more gentle.
"It's okay. You don't have to ask for forgiveness," she said, her voice softer now. "I know you've been busy. When you didn't come out for two days, Big Sister was worried about you."
Qin Lian quickly cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "I wasn't that worried," she said, folding her arms. "I just thought you might've overworked yourself."
Ye Xiaotian's gaze softened. He could tell she was just being stubborn, but he appreciated her concern nonetheless.
Qin Mei, however, smirked. "Oh? Is that so? Then why did you pace back and forth near his pavilion yesterday?"
"Qin Mei!" Qin Lian turned to her sister with a sharp glare, her face slightly reddening.
Qin Mei giggled, clearly enjoying teasing her elder sister.
Ye Xiaotian, standing between the two, suddenly felt that despite all the looming threats and uncertainties, moments like these reminded him that he wasn't alone.
For the first time in a long time, he felt like he had a family.
After their conversation followed, Qin Lian sighed softly, glancing at Ye Xiaotian one last time before straightening her posture. The warmth in her gaze was replaced by the firm resolve of a Sect Master.
"I have much to prepare for the difficult times ahead," she said. "The sect must be ready for whatever comes."
Ye Xiaotian nodded in understanding. He knew that the storm brewing outside the Vermillion Flame Sect was only beginning. The Black Serpent Sect's inevitable retaliation, the shifting balance of power in the Desolate Extreme Continent all of it weighed heavily on Qin Lian's shoulders.
Before leaving, she gave him a small smile. "Come to my pavilion tonight. I'll cook for you."
A soft warmth spread through Ye Xiaotian's chest, but he kept his expression calm. He simply nodded. "I will."
Qin Mei, standing beside them, smirked slightly but said nothing.
With that, Qin Lian turned and left, her graceful figure disappearing beyond the hall.
As the air settled, Qin Mei turned her attention back to Ye Xiaotian. This time, her tone carried a more serious note.
"Let's go to the Alchemy Pavilion," she said. "I'll introduce you to Master Han Zhen, the head alchemist of the Vermillion Flame Sect. He's a grumpy old man, but a brilliant alchemist nonetheless."
Ye Xiaotian nodded in agreement. His curiosity about alchemy had only grown, and he was eager to begin his studies.
The Alchemist Pavilion was located on Second Mountain, a peak renowned for its vast medicinal fields and specialized pill refinement facilities. Unlike the cultivation and battle-oriented First Mountain, where combat disciples trained rigorously, the Second Mountain was a place of study, refinement, and mastery over the ancient art of alchemy.
As they walked, Ye Xiaotian observed his surroundings with keen interest. The landscape gradually changed, the imposing stone arenas and combat training fields of the First Mountain fading into the distance, replaced by terraced gardens filled with vibrant herbs and flowers. The air here was different rich with the aroma of medicinal plants, warm with the rising heat from countless alchemy furnaces, and infused with a serene, scholarly atmosphere.
Everywhere, alchemy disciples moved with practiced precision, grinding herbs, measuring powders, and tending to cauldrons bubbling with elixirs in various stages of refinement. The Second Mountain was not a place of clashing swords, but it was a battlefield of a different kind a place where knowledge, patience, and skill determined one's success.
Ye Xiaotian took in the scene with a keen eye. He watched as young alchemists, their faces focused, meticulously weighed ingredients and manipulated flames with practiced ease. He observed the intricate dance of their hands, the subtle shifts in their breathing, and the deep concentration reflected in their eyes.
As they walked through one of the outer courtyards, a group of young alchemy disciples paused in their work, their gazes drifting toward Ye Xiaotian. Some of them whispered among themselves, unable to hide their curiosity.
"Isn't that Ye Xiaotian?" one disciple whispered to another. "The first core disciple?"
"Why is he here? Does he want to learn alchemy?"
"That doesn't make sense… He's a warrior, not an alchemist."
Some of them looked at him with admiration, while others seemed bewildered. It was rare almost unheard of for a combat disciple to show interest in alchemy. Most warriors saw alchemists as support figures, valuable but separate from the battlefield.
Ye Xiaotian, however, paid no attention to the murmurs. He had expected such reactions.
Qin Mei, on the other hand, found their shock amusing. With a smirk, she folded her arms. "Heh, you lot underestimate him," she said, addressing the group. "Who says a warrior can't be an alchemist?"
The disciples quickly lowered their heads, murmuring apologies, though their expressions still carried doubt.
"Come on," Qin Mei said, turning back to Ye Xiaotian. "The Pavilion Master is waiting."
Without another word, she led him through the main entrance of the Alchemist Pavilion, the grand doors swinging open before them as they stepped inside.
The main hall of the Alchemist Pavilion was a sight to behold. Sunlight streamed through the high, arched windows, illuminating a vast expanse filled with countless alchemical tools and shelves overflowing with jars and bottles containing dried herbs, shimmering crystals, and strange, exotic powders. The air hummed with the subtle energy of a hundred different spiritual herbs, creating a unique and invigorating atmosphere.
Alchemists, young and old, sat diligently at their workbenches, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their furnaces. Some were meticulously grinding herbs into fine powders, their movements practiced and precise. Others were carefully measuring out ingredients, their expressions focused as they calculated the precise ratios required for their elixirs. Still others were tending to their furnaces, their eyes fixed intently on the flames as they manipulated the heat with subtle gestures.
As Ye Xiaotian and Qin Mei entered, a hush fell over the room. The alchemists, their faces a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, paused their work to observe the young cultivator who had become the talk of the sect. Qin Mei, with a confident smile, led Ye Xiaotian towards the head of the hall, where an elderly man with a long, flowing white beard sat meditating. His eyes, though closed, seemed to perceive their presence, and a faint smile touched his lips.
Qin Mei, wearing her usual confident smile, stepped forward and spoke with a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Master Han Zhen, I have brought you a new student."
At her words, the elderly man stirred. His eyes, aged yet sharp, opened slowly, revealing a glint of intelligence and amusement.
His gaze swept over Ye Xiaotian. For a fleeting moment, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
"Ye Xiaotian," he murmured, his voice deep and resonant.
Ye Xiaotian stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master Han Zhen. I am Ye Xiaotian."
A faint chuckle escaped the old alchemist's lips as he nodded. "I have heard much about you, young man. Quite extraordinary, your feat."
Though his words were calm, there was an unmistakable hint of intrigue in his tone.
Ye Xiaotian remained silent, his expression unwavering. He knew that Master Han Zhen a seasoned alchemist and an astute observer would be measuring him in ways beyond simple cultivation levels.
Indeed, Han Zhen leaned back slightly, his sharp gaze never leaving Ye Xiaotian's face. "A warrior… yet you wish to study alchemy?"
Ye Xiaotian nodded. "Yes."
Master Han Zhen stroked his beard, his expression contemplative. "Why?"
Ye Xiaotian didn't hesitate. "Alchemy is an essential part of cultivation. A warrior may not need to refine pills, but understanding their properties and the herbs used in them is invaluable. Knowledge of the natural world, of the interplay between spiritual energy and the elements, can enhance one's combat abilities in ways that mere martial training cannot."
A flicker of interest passed through Han Zhen's eyes. "Hmph," he muttered. "At least you're not here on a whim." He gestured toward Qin Mei. "Did she put you up to this?"
Qin Mei laughed lightly. "No, Master Han. He came on his own."
Han Zhen exhaled through his nose, then turned his gaze back to Ye Xiaotian. "Very well. If you truly wish to learn, I will not stop you. But understand this, Alchemy is not for the impatient. It requires patience, precision, and dedication. Do you have that?"
Ye Xiaotian met his gaze without flinching. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't."
A brief silence followed. Then, Han Zhen chuckled. "Good. Then let's see if you have the talent for it."
Master Han Zhen extended his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, a crystal ball materialized on the table before him. The orb was smooth and translucent, radiating a faint glow as if it held a hidden energy within.
He rested his palm atop the sphere for a moment before turning his sharp gaze toward Ye Xiaotian.
"Alchemy cannot be performed without flame," Han Zhen began, his voice steady yet authoritative. "And the flame cannot burn without wood."
His piercing eyes studied Ye Xiaotian carefully.
"To be an alchemist, one must possess an affinity for the Wood Element, the source of life and the foundation of all spiritual herbs. Without it, your control over the fire will be weak, and concocting pills will be an uphill battle. Let's test whether you have any wood affinity or not."
He gestured toward the crystal ball, the light within its depths flickering faintly.
"Place your hand on the crystal ball," he instructed.
Ye Xiaotian nodded without hesitation and reached forward, resting his palm lightly against the cool surface of the orb.
For a brief moment, nothing happened.
Then a faint glow emerged.
A soft, greenish light pulsed from within the crystal ball, illuminating the patterns within its depths like veins of energy running through a living organism. The glow was not particularly strong, nor was it weak it hovered somewhere in between, radiating a steady, yet unimpressive light.
Master Han Zhen observed the phenomenon with a critical eye before nodding to himself.
"Hmm… barely passable," he muttered.
The surrounding alchemy disciples, who had gathered in quiet curiosity, exchanged glances. Some appeared surprised, while others let out amused chuckles.
"Not particularly impressive," one whispered.
"But at least he isn't completely talentless," another murmured.
Ye Xiaotian remained calm, his expression unchanged. He had no expectations for this test to begin with his path had never relied on talent alone.
Han Zhen removed the crystal ball and looked directly at him. "You have some affinity with alchemy," he stated, "but it's not strong. You will need to work harder than most."
Without further elaboration, Han Zhen reached into his spatial ring, and within seconds, two thick books materialized in his hands. Their covers were ancient and well-worn, carrying the scent of parchment and time.
He placed them on the table before Ye Xiaotian.
"The first book," Han Zhen tapped the larger one, "contains the fundamentals of alchemy. It explains everything from the manipulation of Qi, the control of fire, properties of fire, the balance of yin and yang in pill concoction, to the structure of pill cauldrons."
He then tapped the second book. "This book holds the record of known spiritual herbs, it contains knowledge on the various herbs and their properties, their classifications, and their effects in pill refinement. If you want to become an alchemist, you must understand your ingredients inside and out."
Han Zhen's expression turned serious as he folded his arms. "I am giving you one week to study these books, Memorize them, Understand them. After that, you will take two tests one on theory and one on practical refinement. Only then will we determine if you can truly become an alchemist or not?"
Ye Xiaotian met the old master's gaze, sensing the underlying challenge in his words.
A week?
For most disciples, mastering even the basic theories of alchemy took months or even years. And yet, Han Zhen had only given him seven days. It was clear that this was a test of dedication, not just talent.
Ye Xiaotian took the books without hesitation and gave a respectful nod.
Ye Xiaotian took the books, his fingers tracing the worn edges. "Thank you, Master Han Zhen. I will not disappoint you."
Han Zhen nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I hope not. Study hard. And remember, alchemy is a path of patience and perseverance," then closed his eyes. With a casual wave of his hand, he dismissed him.
"Now, go back," he instructed. "Return here after a week… and don't waste my time."
Understanding that the conversation was over, Ye Xiaotian turned away from the Pavilion Master. As he did, he met Qin Mei's gaze. She nodded at him in approval before motioning toward the exit.
Together, they stepped through the grand doors of the Alchemist Pavilion, leaving behind the curious whispers of the gathered disciples.