Ya Fei's Thoughts

As the chief auctioneer of the Wu Tan City branch of the Mittel Auction House,

Ya Fei was not only beautiful but also highly capable. When news of the Jia Lie Clan's market district spread, she immediately sent people to the scene and ultimately bought back a Blood Surge Pill.

Keeping a constant eye on market changes was extremely important for a businessperson.

The old man who had been staring at the Blood Surge Pill slowly sat back down.

"Uncle Gu Ni, what do you think?" Ya Fei asked curiously.

Gu Ni sighed. "The person who refined this pill is very skilled. Even I am ashamed to compare myself to them."

"Uncle Gu Ni, you're being too modest." Ya Fei smiled.

It was only a first-grade pill. Why would it make Uncle Gu Ni, a second-grade alchemist, lower his head?

"No, I'm telling the truth," Gu Ni said seriously.

Ya Fei stared at him for several seconds, her smile fading as she asked in confusion, "What makes it so impressive?"

"You aren't an alchemist, so it's normal that you can't see it," Gu Ni said. "People usually divide pills into first grade and second grade, but within the profession of alchemy, there are more subtle distinctions even among the same type of pill."

Ya Fei was curious. Wasn't a pill simply finished once it had been successfully refined? How could there be finer distinctions?

Gu Ni said softly, "When different alchemists refine the same prescription, their methods, their control of the flame, and their perception of changes in the medicinal liquid all differ. As a result, the pills they produce will also differ."

"Uncle Gu Ni, is it like chefs cooking the same dish?" Ya Fei asked thoughtfully.

Gu Ni paused, then smiled. "You could understand it that way."

His gaze fell on the Blood Surge Pill as he said admiringly, "With this pill, the alchemist nearly reached the limit in every aspect—the heat, the timing of extracting the medicinal liquid, the fusion process, and more."

"If you were given this pill formula, could you refine one like this?" Ya Fei asked.

"It would be difficult." Gu Ni gave a bitter smile.

"Uncle Gu Ni, aren't you a second-grade alchemist?" Ya Fei asked in surprise.

Gu Ni shook his head. "A pill's quality has nothing to do with an alchemist's grade. What matters is their alchemical skill."

He explained the stages to Ya Fei by using examples: beginner, proficient, mastery, grand mastery, and perfection.

Successfully refining a pill after just obtaining its formula represented a beginner's grasp of that formula.

When the success rate began to rise, it meant one had reached proficiency. Shorter refining times and higher efficiency signified mastery.

Grand mastery meant thoroughly understanding the formula and having complete confidence in every stage and every herb.

As for perfection...

Gu Ni did not elaborate. Very few alchemists pursued that level, because it required an enormous investment of time and effort. Even those who did would not waste their time on a first-grade formula.

"So this is a first-grade pill of grand mastery quality?" After hearing Gu Ni's explanation, Ya Fei examined the Blood Surge Pill on the table again.

She realized that this pill truly differed from other first-grade pills. Its shape was rounder, its surface smoother, and there were no visible flaws. Even its scent, which she had previously overlooked, was purer than that of other first-grade pills.

"The Jia Lie Clan really did hire an impressive alchemist this time." Ya Fei began to worry about the Xiao Clan.

The Mittel Auction House had always remained neutral. Was it really all right for me to take the Xiao Clan's side this time?

Gu Ni nodded. "When it comes to refining Blood Surge Pills alone, this alchemist is indeed very skilled."

"What do you mean?" Ya Fei was very perceptive and immediately caught the implication in Gu Ni's words.

Gu Ni smiled. "If every batch he refines is of this quality, then he must have spent a great deal of time and energy on this formula. After all, a person's time and energy are limited."

It was like a chef who could cook well but only had one or two signature dishes.

Ya Fei vaguely understood. She put away the pill, rose to her feet, and said, "Uncle Gu Ni, I'll get back to work first."

After leaving the room, she looked at the small jade bottle in her hand, her eyes filled with contemplation.

Could I work with this alchemist?

Not long ago, the alchemist behind Xiao Yan had sent her several portions of Qi Gathering Powder. That achievement alone was enough to secure a good ranking in her family assessment.

There shouldn't be any problem with my transfer back to the Imperial Capital Auction House.

But if I want to establish myself at the Imperial Capital Auction House, I need stable results.

Uncle Gu Ni had also said that if this alchemist could refine Blood Surge Pills to such a level, he had clearly spent a great deal of time and effort practicing it. That meant he thought highly of the Blood Surge Pill.

And the Blood Surge Pill's effects were quite good. It would be popular even throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire.

If I can take the lead and bring this alchemist into cooperation with the Mittel Auction House, that achievement should be enough.

Time passed quickly, and night fell.

In the Jia Lie Clan's rear courtyard, beneath the pavilion outside the pharmacy.

Jia Lie Bi and Li Hu sat facing each other, drinking tea and chatting, their gazes occasionally shifting toward the tightly shut door guarded by layers of guards.

During the afternoon, Li Hu had wandered around Wu Tan City. It felt rather ordinary to him, completely incomparable to Telan City.

After returning, he found Jia Lie Bi and, under the guise of casual conversation, began asking about information concerning Master Wang Teng.

The moment Li Hu heard that name, it felt extremely familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.

However, the person he remembered did not seem capable of refining Blood Surge Pills of such quality.

From Jia Lie Bi's words, Master Wang Teng was completely devoted to alchemy. As long as no one disturbed him, he was apparently easy enough to deal with.

When we meet later, I need to do my best to win him over. Even a poor clan like the Jia Lie Clan can hire him, so inviting him to the Li Clan in Telan City should be even easier.

A pill like the Blood Surge Pill ought to be sold in Telan City. Selling it in Wu Tan City completely buries its reputation.

Li Hu pondered secretly. When he looked up and saw Jia Lie Bi looking his way, he smiled and raised his teacup in greeting.

"Please." Jia Lie Bi raised his cup and lightly clinked it against Li Hu's.

After taking a sip, he thought that Elder Li did not seem as frightening as the rumors claimed. He was actually quite pleasant to get along with.

Pot after pot of tea was replaced on the table, while fruits and snacks were served without interruption.

Finally, when a crescent moon hung high in the sky, movement came from behind the closed door, and it was opened from within.

Wang Teng breathed in the outside air, feeling completely refreshed. He no longer had the exhaustion and weariness of yesterday.

The Mind-Splitting Technique is too useful!

While refining pills, he could recover battle qi at the same time instead of waiting around foolishly. With the Soul-Eating Insect constantly absorbing soul power to replenish him, his efficiency was much higher than yesterday.

Wang Teng was delighted. Now he wanted to refine pills without stopping—every day, every moment.

Because every attempt brought gains, and every attempt brought improvement.

At this rate, my professional skills will improve soon, and my alchemical skill will catch up to that of a third-grade alchemist.

Once my cultivation rises, I can take the assessments for second-grade and third-grade alchemist certification.

A twenty-year-old third-grade alchemist... Heh, even the disciples of Gu He from the Cloud Sect aren't as impressive as me.

As expected, having cheats is great. I'll be living the good life soon enough.

"Master Wang Teng, you've worked hard refining pills all day. The food is ready, so please come and enjoy it." Jia Lie Bi greeted him warmly.

Wang Teng was indeed hungry. He stepped into the pavilion and, after sitting down, began devouring the food without distraction.

Beside him, Li Hu saw Wang Teng's face clearly and froze. He looked at Jia Lie Bi in astonishment. "He's the Master Wang Teng you mentioned?"