Xie Changmin

"Add the Red Lotus Flower first!"

"Yes, yes, then add the Tendon-Soothing Grass!"

"Stir with even force. Good, not bad. Stir three hundred times, add the Purple Ginseng Powder, then stir again!"

In the pharmacy, Pharmacist Xie stood before the Bronze Cauldron, guiding Fang Mo through alchemy.

The expression on Pharmacist Xie's face grew increasingly satisfied. Fang Mo had performed even better than he had imagined. Whether grinding herbs, mixing ingredients, or decocting medicine, he picked everything up with astonishing speed and quickly became proficient.

Wasn't this a natural-born Pharmacist?

After a busy day, the Medicinal Liquid was finally ready. Fang Mo helped Pharmacist Xie bottle it. They had produced more than a hundred bottles in a single batch. Looking at them, Fang Mo's heart stirred. If they were for his own use, he was absolutely confident he could challenge Ming Jin within a month.

[Alchemy: Beginner Practice (3/100)]

In his mind, the Bronze Mirror trembled, and golden words emerged. Though he had only assisted, he had still completed three rounds of alchemy.

"Kid, what do you think? Being a Pharmacist is pretty good, isn't it? These hundred bottles would sell for nearly three hundred thousand on the market. After costs, earning tens of thousands wouldn't be a problem. Once you master this skill, making money will be nothing. And you should know, this is only the lowest-grade medicine!"

Pharmacist Xie said with a smile as he portioned out the Medicinal Liquid.

Fang Mo naturally understood what Pharmacist Xie meant, but he did not pursue the subject. Instead, he asked, "I heard the Federation has specialized pharmaceutical companies producing this kind of Medicinal Liquid?"

"How could they possibly be the same!"

Pharmacist Xie's eyes widened at once, as if he had been deeply offended. "Can mass-produced medicine from a pharmaceutical factory compare to ours? Machine production is complete nonsense! Without professional techniques, formulation methods, and decocting skills, they do nothing but extract ingredients. They can't bring out the combined effects of Spiritual Medicine at all!"

"Take my Medicinal Liquid out and compare it with the mass-produced stuff from Fusheng Group—they wouldn't even be in the same league!"

"Go take a look at the major Martial Academies, Martial Arts Families, or Martial Halls all across Yunyang. Aren't medicines brewed by Pharmacists like us more popular? You brat truly can't recognize treasure when it's right in front of you!"

The more he spoke, the more worked up he became, until even his beard stood on end. Looking at him, Fang Mo felt that if he continued, Pharmacist Xie might give him a resounding slap.

Fang Mo hurriedly said, "Pharmacist Xie, please don't get worked up. I only asked because I didn't know!"

Only then did Pharmacist Xie's expression ease somewhat. He looked at Fang Mo, lifted his chin, and said, "Well? Learn alchemy from me! You'll have a trade to keep yourself fed and standing on your own feet in the future!"

Fang Mo's expression turned solemn. Thoughts flickered through his mind. To be honest, he wanted to learn alchemy too, but compared to that, he wanted even more to pursue martial arts. His time was already limited; if he took up alchemy, it might very well affect his progress in martial arts.

After steadying himself, he looked at Pharmacist Xie and gave a respectful bow. "Thank you for thinking highly of me, sir. I am willing to learn alchemy from you, but I still want to pursue martial arts. It is the one dream of my life. I still want to give it a try!"

Pharmacist Xie was slightly taken aback. Looking at Fang Mo's resolute gaze, he let out a faint sigh.

"Fine, then!"

Still, Pharmacist Xie waved a hand. "Since your heart is set on martial arts, I won't force you. But whenever I make medicine in the future, come over and help out while learning!"

"Thank you, Teacher. I'll definitely study diligently!" Fang Mo said happily at once.

Pharmacist Xie opened a drawer, took out a thread-bound book, and handed it to Fang Mo. "Take this book and read it!" Then he picked up three bottles of medicine from the table and passed them to Fang Mo. "Take these too!"

Fang Mo could scarcely believe it. Then, delighted, he gave a deep bow. "Thank you, Teacher!"

"Get lost!"

Pharmacist Xie waved him off irritably. "Go practice your fist! Let me see what you manage to make of yourself!"

Fang Mo left happily. He had not expected such an unexpected windfall—three bottles of medicine and a book. He looked at the book in his hands.

"Essentials of Medicinal Liquid Formulation—Xie Changmin!"

This Xie Changmin should be Pharmacist Xie himself, Fang Mo thought. He opened the book and looked through it. Sure enough, it contained methods for preparing all kinds of medicine—not only formulas for bathing, but also Medicinal Liquids for healing, strengthening the body, and nourishing blood and vitality.

His eyes lit up, and he decided to spend some time studying it. This would be extremely useful to him!

Becoming a Pharmacist would at least ensure he had medicine to use. Even if he pursued martial arts, mastering alchemy would add another layer of security to his path of cultivation.

Just after Fang Mo left the pharmacy, Hall Master Guan Lie strolled in with his hands behind his back. With an easy expression, he said, "Senior Brother, are you preparing to pass down your legacy?"

"I've observed him for a while now." Pharmacist Xie took a towel and wiped his hands. "This kid's Bone Structure may be average, but his temperament is steadfast and his will is tough. A disposition like that is suited to inheriting my legacy!"

Concern appeared on Guan Lie's face. "The child's temperament is indeed good, but his Bone Structure is too poor. I'm afraid he'll find it difficult to reach Transformation Force or above in the future. At most, he'll only be able to brew ordinary-grade Medicinal Liquid. Can he really inherit your Pill Dao, Senior Brother?"

"How much he can learn will depend on his own fortune!"

Pharmacist Xie sighed faintly, a trace of desolation on his face. "I'm afraid this body of mine won't hold out much longer. Before next year, I have to make a trip to Zhiyuan Star!"

Guan Lie's expression darkened as well. "Senior Brother, is there truly no chance of curing your injury?"

"No hope. Without Innate Gang Energy to sort it out, there is no chance of recovery at all!" Pharmacist Xie shook his head.

"How about returning to the sect once, Senior Brother?" Guan Lie asked tentatively.

Pharmacist Xie's expression stiffened slightly. Then he shook his head with a bitter smile. "How could I still have the face to return to the sect? Back then, if not for me, my master would not have been injured and passed away early. Which of those fellow disciples in the sect doesn't hate me to the bone now? Only you were willing to take me in and let me heal here!"

"Senior Brother, don't say such things!"

A hint of sadness appeared on Guan Lie's face. "Back then, you taught me martial arts hand in hand. What does this amount to?"

Now that Fang Mo had Medicinal Liquid, he no longer worried about consumption and practiced his fist desperately. By the time he finished practicing that evening, his Tiger Subduing Fist had improved as well.

[Tiger Subduing Fist: Beginner Practice (47/100)]

If he had not lost a day, reaching above fifty would not have been a problem.

Still, in just another day or two, entering the next realm would be no problem. With three bottles of Medicinal Liquid, he had that confidence.

After finishing his evening training, he was once again the only one left. He left the Martial Hall and headed home.

When he reached the entrance to the alley, he stopped at the Liu Family Steamed Bun Shop to buy some buns for dinner. That saved him the trouble of cooking. Without Exotic Beast Meat, he often settled dinner this way.

"Uncle Liu, give me ten big meat buns!" Fang Mo called into the shop as he arrived at the door.

"Coming!" Uncle Liu answered as he walked out. He was in his forties, with dark skin and a face covered in sweat. Seeing Fang Mo, he grinned. "Little Fang, why aren't you cooking again today?"

"I'm too tired from training today. I don't feel like cooking!" Fang Mo replied with a smile.

Uncle Liu opened the steamer, took out ten large buns, and handed them to Fang Mo, accepting the money Fang Mo offered.

Uncle Liu hesitated for a moment. Then he lowered his voice, his expression worried. "Little Fang, yesterday, two punks came around asking about you with your photo in hand. I was worried they meant no good, so I didn't tell them anything. Be careful lately. They might come again."

Fang Mo's heart tightened. He knew it was probably those two punks from last night. A friendly smile appeared on his face. "Thank you, Uncle Liu. I understand!"

After leaving the bun shop, his expression became serious.

Fang Mo had already made up his mind. He knew he had to take action and secure more cultivation resources and safety for himself. He truly needed to study alchemy properly.