Liu Yunche accepted the Strength Pill formula with both hands. He had originally wanted to say that, even if he was devoted to martial arts, he could still study alchemy alongside it.
But seeing the look on his Martial Uncle Fire Crane's face, Liu Yunche said no more.
He cupped his fists in farewell and said, "Thank you, Martial Uncle."
Then he turned and left.
Watching Liu Yunche's departing back, Daoist Fire Crane stroked his beard and sighed. "Junior Sister truly took in a fine disciple."
Then his gaze fell on Le Qingrou, and he snapped at her in frustration.
"Learn more from your senior brother. Stop competing with everyone all day long."
Le Qingrou hunched her back and listlessly replied, "Got it..."
Daoist Fire Crane casually asked, "How much of A Brief Explanation of Pinewave Alchemy do you remember? Have you memorized it?"
Le Qingrou said, "Ah, Master... I have something to do. I'll be going first."
Before she had even finished speaking, she turned and ran.
Daoist Fire Crane raised his palm-leaf fan and chased after her. "Hmph! Rebellious disciple!"
Inside the side room, Liu Yunche held the Strength Pill formula and studied it carefully.
After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, he put away the formula. His eyes were brimming with confidence as he murmured to himself.
"Let's give it a try..."
In the rear courtyard of the side room, a gentle breeze drifted through.
Upon a bluestone alchemy platform stood a small bronze pill furnace, its ancient patterns faintly gleaming beneath the sunlight.
Liu Yunche stood before the furnace and gathered his focus.
He took out the Fire Crystal placed nearby, ignited it, and tossed it directly into the fire chamber beneath the furnace.
Boom!
Crimson flames instantly surged upward, and