Joining the Alchemy Department

Upon arriving at Jia Nan Academy, the first thing they saw was its solemn and majestic entrance.

The steps before the gate and the vast plaza extending beyond it were all paved with Steel Rock.

The academy gate itself was built from the finest Jade Stone, especially the four golden, gleaming words Jia Nan Academy on its plaque. One look was enough to tell how valuable they were.

Jia Nan Academy's deep foundations intimidated this batch of new students with its gates alone. Even Liu Xi could not help marveling at how wealthy the academy was.

After entering the academy, the Senior Students who had assisted with recruitment received their Contribution Points for completing the task and departed one after another.

All the new students followed Instructor Zhang Yan to the plaza, where they were assigned mentors according to their assessment grades. Their mentors would then arrange their accommodations.

After everyone else had dispersed, Zhang Yan approached Liu Xi. Looking at him expectantly, he said, "Liu Xi, with your talent, you may choose freely from any of the mentors in our Outer Court. Every mentor hopes to have a genius as a student."

"However, I still hope you can join my class. I can guarantee that in my class, I will secure the highest level of treatment and cultivation resources for you."

After hearing Zhang Yan's words, Liu Xi pondered for a moment.

In Liu Xi's view, the Outer Court was merely a transition for someone with his talent. Besides, Zhang Yan was only a Da Dou Shi, and there was only so much he could teach him. What Liu Xi cared about more was learning higher-level Alchemy Art.

Seeing the expectant look on Zhang Yan's face, Liu Xi gave a faint bitter smile and said, "Instructor, it's like this. I actually want to join the Alchemy Department."

During those days in Lin City, Zhang Yan had specifically looked into Liu Xi's background. He knew that Liu Xi had once apprenticed himself to an Alchemist and learned Alchemy Art.

Everyone in Lin City knew that Liu Xi had become an Alchemist, but Liu Xi had never deliberately publicized it afterward. Thus, Zhang Yan was unsure exactly what grade of Alchemist he was.

The expectation on Zhang Yan's face did not fade as he explained, "That is not a problem. The academy's Alchemy Department is like the Enforcement Team; it does not conflict with our teaching classes."

"Our teaching classes mainly assist students with cultivation. All students in the teaching classes may choose to join either the Alchemy Department or the Enforcement Team according to their talent and interests."

"Those who join the Alchemy Department will have dedicated mentors teaching them alchemy techniques, and the academy will provide medicinal ingredients for them to accumulate experience. Those who join the Enforcement Team will likewise have mentors teaching combat techniques and leading them into real combat to build battle experience." Zhang Yan carefully explained Liu Xi's concerns.

After understanding, Liu Xi smiled and said to Zhang Yan, "I understand. Thank you for clearing that up, Instructor. I am willing to join your class."

Hearing Liu Xi's clear reply, Zhang Yan was delighted. He warmly patted Liu Xi on the shoulder and said, "Good, good, good. You certainly will not be disappointed in my class."

Liu Xi followed Zhang Yan through the registration procedures. Then, with great enthusiasm, Zhang Yan took Liu Xi on a tour of the academy.

Liu Xi also wanted to learn more about the academy, so he readily agreed. Along the way, Zhang Yan proudly introduced the academy's history and buildings. After they had toured most of the academy, Zhang Yan first took Liu Xi to collect his Academy Uniform, then brought him to his residence.

The next day.

Liu Xi awoke from cultivation on his dormitory bed. After washing up, he changed into the Academy Uniform he had received yesterday. Looking himself over in the mirror, he smiled confidently and said, "Even in a uniform, I still look this good. As expected of me!" Then he headed out.

Liu Xi planned to visit the Alchemy Department that day. He had already been a Third-grade Alchemist for some time. Although his soul power continued to grow with cultivation, Xuan Hao did not possess alchemy techniques or pill formulas above the fourth grade, leaving Liu Xi unsure how to further break through in Alchemy Art.

Walking along the paths of Jia Nan Academy and watching young men and women in Academy Uniforms pass by, Liu Xi became dazed. For a moment, it felt as though he had returned to the campus of his previous life. Then he shook his head with a soft laugh. "I can't go back."

Coming back to his senses, he stopped dwelling on such matters and made his way to the Alchemy Department.

Liu Xi found a middle-aged instructor in charge and expressed his desire to join the Alchemy Department.

The instructor first asked whether Liu Xi had the talent to become an Alchemist and whether he had studied Alchemy Art before.

After receiving an affirmative answer, the instructor began explaining the basics of the Alchemy Department.

"First, in our Alchemy Department, instructors who are Fourth-grade Alchemists or above regularly give lectures. The lectures are open, and anyone may attend. After class, you may ask the instructors questions."

"Of course, if a student possesses outstanding talent as an Alchemist and is accepted as an instructor's disciple, and that instructor is willing to devote time to teaching his own student everything he knows, that is naturally another matter."

"Second, each time you advance by one grade as an Alchemist in our Alchemy Department, you may receive three pill formulas as a reward, and you may choose their types yourself. If you want more formulas, you must exchange Contribution Points for them. Contribution Points can be earned by refining medicine for the academy. Remember, pill formulas obtained from the academy must not be casually passed on to others."

"Of course, the academy provides the medicinal ingredients for refining medicine on its behalf, but you must guarantee a certain success rate. Additionally, Alchemists of different grades may apply to the academy each month for a fixed amount of medicinal ingredients to practice with. Success or failure does not matter. If you succeed, the pills belong to the academy; if you fail, the academy bears the cost of the ingredients."

"Alright, I'll register you first. Since you have studied Alchemy Art before, can you refine First-grade Pills?" the middle-aged instructor asked after finishing his explanation.

Without changing expression, Liu Xi replied, "I can refine Third-grade Pills."

"Third-grade? You are not lying, are you?" The middle-aged instructor frowned tightly and stared at Liu Xi with a stern expression.

"Of course not," Liu Xi said.

"Can you refine them now?"

"I can."

After hearing this, the middle-aged instructor nodded and said he would invite an elder to serve as a witness.

A short while later.

"Who wants to refine Third-grade Pills?" An elderly man with white hair and beard emerged, his voice booming. The middle-aged instructor followed behind him.

"I do," Liu Xi said to the old man.

"Good, come with me!" The old man said, looking at Liu Xi in surprise.

"You may call me Elder Huo. I am currently a Fifth-grade Alchemist, and today I will serve as your witness. Ordinarily, to advance to Third-grade Alchemist, you must draw one from the three third-grade pill formulas provided by the academy and refine it. But today, I will make an exception and give you the simplest one. As long as you refine it successfully, you will enjoy the treatment of a Third-grade Alchemist in the Alchemy Department from now on," Elder Huo said as he walked ahead.

Upon reaching the alchemy room, Elder Huo took a pill formula and the required medicinal ingredients from his Storage Ring and handed them to Liu Xi. "This is the Azure Wood Pill, a Third-grade Pill. These ingredients are enough for two attempts. Now, let's see what you can do."

Liu Xi accepted the pill formula and ingredients, first examining the formula. "Azure Wood Pill. It is mainly used to heal injuries, so it is not difficult."

He then walked to the Medicine Cauldron, extended his palm, and summoned Dou Qi Flame. He tossed stalk after stalk of medicinal herbs into the cauldron, using soul power to control the flames and refine every trace of essence from the ingredients.

Watching Liu Xi's practiced movements flow as smoothly as clouds and water, Elder Huo's expression grew increasingly delighted. This truly is a genius!

"Fuse!" Liu Xi shouted softly after sensing through his soul power that all the medicinal essence had been extracted.

The various essences within the Medicine Cauldron began merging into a pill embryo with a pitted surface. As the flames continued refining it, the pill became increasingly smooth and round. It turned azure, and a faint medicinal fragrance spread from the cauldron.

"Retrieve!" When the pill flew out of the Medicine Cauldron, Liu Xi circulated his Dou Qi and caught it in his hand.

"Please inspect it, Elder Huo." Catching the pill, Liu Xi turned and walked to Elder Huo. Holding it in both hands, he offered it to him.

"The pill is smooth and round, without any mixed coloration. Among Azure Wood Pills, it can be considered superior quality. Liu Xi, correct? Do you have a teacher for your Alchemy Art?" Elder Huo carefully examined the pill and made his judgment. Then he looked up at Liu Xi and asked excitedly.

"Yes. My teacher is named Xuan Hao. All of my Alchemy Art was taught to me without reservation by my teacher." Liu Xi respectfully bowed as he answered.

"What a pity. It seems you and I have no fate as master and disciple. From now on, you will enjoy the treatment of a Third-grade Alchemist in my Alchemy Department." Elder Huo sighed, shook his head, and spoke to Liu Xi.

"In that case, thank you, Elder." Liu Xi bowed once more to Elder Huo.