Pill Alliance headquarters, Heaven-grade Quiet Room.
The air was thick with the mingled scents of burning incense and Earth Fire.
Dozens of alchemists sat cross-legged on the floor, holding their breath in concentration.
Upon the central Ink Jade Alchemy Platform.
Chen Sheng stood tall, drawing a wisp of Spirit Fire with his fingertips and weaving an intricate Flame Meridian Diagram through the air.
"Control fire as though plucking strings. The key lies in the fingers, not solely in force. Where the mind goes, even a spark can become soft and pliant at one's command..."
His voice was clear and steady, echoing through the Quiet Room.
In the front row, two youths sat side by side. They were none other than He Ping'an and Zhang Li.
Chen Sheng's gaze swept over them.
He had not expected two people from vastly different backgrounds to share such similar aspirations and become friends.
There was no need to mention He Ping'an.
His first disciple in this life had been fed, mouthful by mouthful, into becoming a High-grade Alchemist by Chen Sheng.
Zhang Li, meanwhile, was the descendant of an old acquaintance, and his comprehension was quite commendable.
Chen Sheng would occasionally give him some personal guidance.
He had now also become a Mid-grade Alchemist, watching over his family's Alchemy Shop and living a leisurely life.
Before long, the lesson ended, and the crowd gradually dispersed.
From a corner, a youth in a dark blue cloth robe stepped forward and gave the Alchemy Platform a deep bow.
Chen Sheng looked at him.
"Hanchi, what is it?"
Chen Hanchi came from a collateral branch of the Lanri Chen Clan.
He had once been an ambitious youth as well.
Several years had passed.
The Foundation Establishment cultivator of his branch had died. When the tree fell, its