Lu Heng lifted the clay pot and added another half cup of water to Xuankong Zi's tea bowl. He replied with a smile:
"Chairman Xuankong Zi, who says an alchemist can't fight?"
Xuankong Zi choked on that for a moment.
"I never said alchemists couldn't fight."
"But look at those Eighth-Rank old monsters in the Central Plains. Which one doesn't shut himself in an alchemy room all day?"
"Not you. You're barely in your twenties, with the badge of an Eighth-Rank High-Level alchemist on your chest, and then you run off alone and kill a top Four-Star Dou Zun of the Northern Region."
"In all my years, I've never seen anyone go about things the way you do."
At that, puzzlement filled Xuankong Zi's voice.
"Tell me honestly. Did you come out of the womb with a medicinal cauldron in your mouth?"
Lu Heng burst out laughing.
"You're joking, Chairman. Maybe I've just been lucky. I did pick up alchemy rather quickly."
Xuankong Zi shook his head, his expression finally softening.
"You truly are extraordinarily gifted."
"Ying'er is green with envy."
Lu Heng chuckled but did not reply.
Cao Ying was indeed talented. Even among the Central Plains' geniuses, she stood out.
Seeing that Lu Heng had no answer, Xuankong Zi continued,
"All right. Your breathing is steady, so I won't nag you any further."
"You've only just returned from the Northern Region. Rest here properly for a few days."
"And don't spend every day firing up the furnace lately."
"You're still young. Don't wear yourself out. It's not as though the Pill Tower needs those couple of batches of pills from you."
Lu Heng rose and cupped his hands to see him off.
"I will. Thank you for your concern, Chairman Xuankong Zi."
Xuankong Zi waved a hand and