Apprenticeship

Facing Fire Elder's gaze, Xiao Qing nodded and said:

"The vice dean told this junior that the technique you cultivate is the same as mine. If I encounter anything I do not understand, I may come and ask you about it."

Though Fire Elder's heart burned with excitement, he maintained a calm appearance so as not to frighten his future disciple.

Hearing Xiao Qing's words, a smile could not help appearing at the corners of his mouth. Stroking his long beard, he said:

"I see. I do indeed have a deep understanding of the Scarlet Flame Manual. If there is anything you do not understand, feel free to ask."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing's face lit up with delight. He immediately voiced every difficulty he had encountered while cultivating the Scarlet Flame Manual.

While pleased by Xiao Qing's questions, Fire Elder did not forget to answer them.

And so, one old and one young, one asking and one answering, as time slowly passed.

From sunrise in the morning until the blazing noon sun, the two finally stopped their discussion.

Xiao Qing smacked his lips, still wanting more, but he also understood that too much was as bad as too little. The profound mysteries and principles contained within an Earth Tier technique were not something a mere Dou Zhe like him could fully comprehend.

Fire Elder, beside him, secretly let out a sigh of relief. As expected of my future disciple. If he kept asking, I would soon be unable to answer him.

Remembering the other purpose of his visit, Xiao Qing cupped his hands toward Fire Elder and asked:

"May I ask, Senior, what conditions are required to join the Alchemy Department?"

Hearing this, Fire Elder was overjoyed, though his expression remained unchanged as he said:

"To join the Alchemy Department, one only needs the talent of an alchemist. What, do you wish to learn alchemy?"

Xiao Qing nodded. "To be honest, Senior, aside from seeking your guidance regarding the doubts in my heart, the purpose of this junior's visit was to join the Alchemy Department and learn alchemy."

With a smile on his face, Fire Elder stroked his long beard and said:

"There is no need to go through so much trouble. If you wish to learn alchemy, why not take me as your master? I dare say that in the entire Alchemy Department, no one's alchemy can surpass mine!"

As he spoke, a trace of pride involuntarily surfaced on Fire Elder's face. As a peak fifth-grade alchemist, he had every right to be proud.

"Well? Are you willing?"

Fire Elder looked expectantly at Xiao Qing before him.

With Xiao Qing's talent, along with his guidance, Xiao Qing would certainly surpass him in the future and become a sixth-grade, perhaps even a seventh-grade alchemist!

Faced with such temptation, Xiao Qing had no reason to refuse. He immediately bowed deeply.

"Xiao Qing greets Master!"

"Hahaha! Good! Excellent!"

Fire Elder was overjoyed at the sight and hurriedly helped Xiao Qing up.

Looking at the youthful Xiao Qing before him, Fire Elder found himself more and more satisfied. Though a genius at such a young age, Xiao Qing did not have the slightest trace of arrogance on his face.

"You should know that your master is a peak fifth-grade alchemist in the path of alchemy, only one step away from the sixth grade."

As he spoke, Fire Elder removed a Storage Ring from his hand and handed it to Xiao Qing. "Inside are several books and pill formulas related to alchemy, along with some medicinal ingredients and a two-flame-port cauldron suitable for novice alchemy."

"Starting tomorrow, you will no longer need to attend those theory and practical classes. Just come here to study alchemy with me. Your master will inform your instructor."

Looking at the Storage Ring before him and listening to Fire Elder's words, Xiao Qing felt a surge of emotion rise in his heart.

Heaven had finally taken pity on him—he no longer had to attend those boring theory classes!

Taking the Storage Ring, Xiao Qing cupped his hands toward the kindly Fire Elder before him. "Thank you, Master!"

Fire Elder chuckled and waved his hand. "No need to thank me. This is your master's gift to you."

Xiao Qing scratched his head somewhat awkwardly.

He had not even prepared a gift for formally becoming Fire Elder's disciple, yet Fire Elder had already given him so many good things. It made him feel rather embarrassed.

Seemingly seeing through Xiao Qing's thoughts, Fire Elder explained, "You need not feel burdened. These things are not particularly precious, and they are of little use to your master anyway."

Hearing this, Xiao Qing nodded and secretly made up his mind to repay Fire Elder generously in the future.

After returning to his dormitory, Xiao Qing sat cross-legged on his bed. Recalling everything that had just happened, he felt somewhat moved.

Originally, he had merely wanted to visit the Alchemy Department and ask Fire Elder about the doubts he had encountered while cultivating the Scarlet Flame Manual.

And perhaps see whether he could join the Alchemy Department while he was there.

He had not expected such an unexpected windfall.

Now, not only had he become Fire Elder's personal disciple, but the path of alchemy before him had also been paved smooth.

Xiao Qing placed the Storage Ring Fire Elder had given him before himself, then extended his soul force from between his brows and sent it inside.

After briefly scanning the pill formulas and medicinal ingredients within, he turned his attention to the books.

From among the books, he selected one that recorded various medicinal ingredients and their properties.

Using his soul force to take it out, Xiao Qing stopped thinking about anything else and began flipping through the book in his hands.

The next morning,

Following Fire Elder's instructions from when they had parted the previous day, Xiao Qing headed alone to the room on the highest floor of the Alchemy Department.

Fire Elder had long been waiting inside. When he saw Xiao Qing push open the door and enter, a smile appeared on his face.

Upon seeing Fire Elder, Xiao Qing respectfully bowed. "Greetings, Master."

Fire Elder stroked his white beard, greatly satisfied with Xiao Qing's attitude.

"Disciple, come sit here. Today, I will teach you some fundamentals of alchemy and matters requiring attention. Once you are familiar with them, I will teach you alchemy itself."

As he spoke, Fire Elder pointed to a chair in front of him.

Naturally, Xiao Qing had no objection. He nodded and walked over to sit in the spot Fire Elder had indicated.

Seeing Xiao Qing settle in, Fire Elder immediately began explaining.

"The path of alchemy is the process of combining medicinal ingredients with mutually complementary properties and condensing them into pills."

"To refine pills, one must first have a medicinal cauldron. However, medicinal cauldrons are also divided into ranks."

"The more flame ports a cauldron has, the more advanced and rare it is. Do not think flame ports can be made simply by punching a few holes into it. Their mysteries are something outsiders can hardly perceive. Flame ports are the essence of a medicinal cauldron and require extremely precise polishing. During the forging process, the slightest error will render the entire cauldron a failed product. Therefore, the more flame ports a medicinal cauldron has, the greater its aid in pill refinement. Of course, controlling multiple flame ports requires powerful soul perception," Fire Elder said with a smile.

Xiao Qing wore a serious expression. Although he had already learned these things from the original novel, he did not show the slightest impatience.

After all, the man before him was a teacher who imparted knowledge, taught skills, and resolved his doubts. Respecting one's teacher was the most basic principle for a student.

As Fire Elder's explanation gradually reached its stride, he began recounting bits of knowledge that had not been revealed in the original novel.

Xiao Qing carefully committed each key point to memory, gaining the most basic understanding of the path of alchemy.