First Steps in Alchemy

First Steps in Alchemy

That day, Alchemist Su came to visit again.

Qin Ming not only cooked a pot of Golden Spirit Rice, but also prepared fine wine and dishes to entertain him.

He had earned quite a few Spirit Stones from selling Spirit Rice lately.

The Spirit Stone pouch that had gone flat last year had filled out again, containing over two hundred Spirit Stones.

For a minor Qi Refining cultivator like him, that was already quite a considerable income.

He had even specially bought some Beast Meat to go with the wine. Some high-quality Beast Meat not only replenished one's vital energy and blood after eating, but also offered certain benefits to cultivation.

It was just that the price... was rather heartbreaking.

Over their several encounters, Qin Ming had gradually come to understand Alchemist Su's character.

Though he possessed an innate arrogance deep in his bones, he was actually quite easy to get along with.

Usually, Alchemist Su would occasionally mention a few matters concerning alchemy to Qin Ming.

From Alchemist Su's words, Qin Ming could tell that the man's talent for alchemy was truly extraordinary.

Otherwise, he could not possibly have reached the level of a Mid-Grade Alchemist at such a young age.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, I did not come to buy Spirit Rice this time. I wanted to make another deal with you." Alchemist Su took a bite of food, raised his wine cup, tipped back his head, and drained it in one gulp before revealing his purpose.

Qin Ming could not help but feel greatly curious, secretly thinking, I'm merely an ordinary Spirit Farmer. Other than buying Spirit Rice, what deal could Alchemist Su possibly want to make with me?

"Alchemist Su, what matter is it exactly?" Qin Ming drank a cup of wine as well, his curiosity growing.

"I intend to refine a type of pill, and I will need a large quantity of Yin Condensation Flowers. I would like to ask Fellow Daoist to help cultivate them." Alchemist Su spoke with a solemn expression.

"Yin Condensation Flowers?"

A Spirit Plant resembling an orchid immediately surfaced in Qin Ming's mind. Its blossoms looked as though frost had condensed upon them, with pale yellow stamens.

The Yin Condensation Flower was a First-Grade Spirit Plant. It took around a year to mature and had a flowering period of roughly seven days. Its flowers could be used as ingredients in pill refinement.

Qin Ming had seen this flower in a book on Spirit Plants he had bought before.

He remembered it fairly well.

However, he had once heard Alchemist Su mention that Yin Condensation Flowers could serve as an auxiliary ingredient for refining the First-Grade Upper Pill, the Marrow Cleansing Pill.

The Marrow Cleansing Pill was a breakthrough pill used during Late Qi Refining. It was exceptionally precious, unavailable even at a price, and extremely expensive.

Could it be?

He's preparing to break through to become an Upper-Grade Alchemist?!

With that thought, Qin Ming had more or less figured out what pill Alchemist Su intended to refine.

Only...

Why did Alchemist Su not ask the Spirit Planters of the Spirit Feather Sect to cultivate them?

Why had he come to a Spirit Farmer like him instead?

Qin Ming voiced the question in his heart.

"Heh heh, Su has grown used to idling freely and dislikes being bound by a sect. If I asked the Spirit Feather Sect to cultivate them, there would inevitably be endless entanglements." Alchemist Su explained unhurriedly.

"So that's how it is." Qin Ming nodded and poured Alchemist Su another cup of wine.

"But these Yin Condensation Flowers are First-Grade Spirit Plants. I've never cultivated them before, so I'm afraid..."

Qin Ming first appeared somewhat hesitant, then spoke frankly.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, you jest. Since you can successfully cultivate a Spirit Plant like Beast Fang Rice, I believe Yin Condensation Flowers will naturally not stump you." Alchemist Su looked at Qin Ming with a faint, knowing smile.

"Furthermore, I can provide the Spirit Seeds for these Yin Condensation Flowers. Once they are successfully cultivated, I can purchase them at five Spirit Stones per plant."

Qin Ming's heart began pounding. It would have been a lie to say he was not tempted.

At the price Alchemist Su offered, this would be no small income in Spirit Stones.

Qin Ming considered it carefully for a while before saying, "I can give it a try, but I cannot guarantee success."

"Other than that, I have an Unreasonable Request. I wonder whether Alchemist Su could agree to it?"

"Please, speak."

"I can cultivate these Yin Condensation Flowers for Alchemist Su. Once they mature, I will take only one-tenth, and the rest will all belong to you."

"However... I would like to learn a thing or two about alchemy from Alchemist Su."

With such a heaven-sent opportunity laid before him, how could Qin Ming possibly let it slip through his fingers?

He did not expect Alchemist Su to teach him any superior alchemical arts. He would be fully satisfied if he could learn even a little of the everyday basics.

It would be fine if Alchemist Su refused, but if he agreed, Qin Ming would make a killing.

Alchemist Su was taken aback upon hearing this. He looked Qin Ming up and down for a moment, then finally laughed in irritation. "So this was what you were waiting for?"

"But you had better think it through. Alchemy not only consumes an enormous amount of Spirit Stones, it also demands great talent. Not just anyone can learn it."

"Do not blame me for failing to warn you when the time comes."

Seeing him put it that way, Qin Ming was overjoyed. He knew there was hope.

The first time was unfamiliar, the second time familiar. This time it was Yin Condensation Flowers; next time, perhaps Alchemist Su would want to cultivate some other Spirit Herb, and Qin Ming could get the man to reveal a little more of the real goods.

Heh heh heh!

Qin Ming's thoughts spun wildly, his little abacus clacking away.

"I have decided to remain here for another three years. How about this? Cultivate Spirit Herbs for me for another three years."

"I will trade you some Alchemy Insights."

Qin Ming's face lit up. "Deal!"

"This is Basic Alchemy Studies. You must have the most basic knowledge of herbs and their properties at your fingertips. It contains some records and summaries from when I was first learning. You may take it and have a look first." As Alchemist Su spoke, he took out a jade slip and handed it to Qin Ming.

Qin Ming accepted the jade slip and hurriedly thanked him.

He only took a brief look.

There are three essentials of alchemy: the Cauldron, herbs, and fire control.

Qin Ming had thought it was merely an ordinary introductory alchemy text.

Yet after looking through it, he discovered that most of this basic alchemy text came from Alchemist Su's own study notes.

The jade slip divided the foundations of alchemy into three major sections.

The Cauldron Manual included which different pills required which different Cauldrons for refinement, their specific functions, when to transfer to another furnace, when to change cauldrons, and so forth.

The Herb Manual covered the growth habits, environments, and medicinal properties of all kinds of spiritual ingredients and medicinal herbs, as well as the pairing of different herbs. Alchemist Su had even added some of his own notes.

The Fire Control Manual chiefly recorded how to regulate and manipulate the fire during pill refinement, along with the different grades of alchemical flame.

Overall, the basic alchemy text within Alchemist Su's jade slip was extremely systematic and detailed.

This book alone would make cultivating land for him for three years worthwhile!

Qin Ming happily put away the jade slip, then raised his wine cup and toasted Alchemist Su.

The two reached an agreement and continued their meal.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Just then—

A series of knocks sounded outside Qin Ming's house.

"Alchemist Su, please keep eating. I'll go answer the door."

After saying that, he set down his bowl and chopsticks, rose, and went to open the door.

The moment he opened it—

The visitor was actually Fellow Daoist Long.

Qin Ming quickly welcomed him inside. "Fellow Daoist Long, please come in. We happen to be eating. Why not have something with us?"

Fellow Daoist Long frowned and got straight to the point. "No need. I came this time as usual, only to purchase some Spirit Rice. I won't—"

Before he could finish speaking—

He saw a young man in white robes seated at the table, eating.

It was Alchemist Su.

His heart jolted, and a strange expression appeared on his face.

Why is Alchemist Su here? He's even having a meal with him?

Fellow Daoist Long went over and greeted Alchemist Su.

But he did not sit down.

He glanced at the dishes on the table. They were all Spirit Rice, Spirit Wine, and Beast Meat. This single meal probably could not be had for fewer than five Spirit Stones.

What is the relationship between these two? It seems I underestimated Fellow Daoist Qin!

Even he could not bear to eat like this every day. For a moment, he found Qin Ming somewhat unfathomable.

"Heh heh, Fellow Daoist Qin, I will not stay for the meal. I still have some matters to attend to."

Qin Ming could tell that the man did not really wish to stay for dinner, so he immediately took a bag of Spirit Rice from his Storage Bag and handed it to Fellow Daoist Long.

"The usual arrangement. There are eighty jin of Spirit Rice here. Fellow Daoist Long, please check it."

Fellow Daoist Long accepted the Spirit Rice, weighed it in his hand, and put it into his Storage Bag. He then took out twenty Spirit Stones and gave them to Qin Ming.

After purchasing the Spirit Rice, Fellow Daoist Long exchanged a few pleasantries with them before leaving.

After seeing Fellow Daoist Long out—

Qin Ming returned to the table and sat down.

"Heh heh, Fellow Daoist Qin, it seems you have made a fortune recently from your Spirit Rice business!" Alchemist Su teased as he picked up a bite of food and put it into his mouth.

"I'm only barely making ends meet. The market price of Spirit Rice has risen a little lately, but compared to Alchemist Su, it is hardly worth mentioning." Qin Ming answered modestly.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill—

Alchemist Su took out a small packet of Yin Condensation Flower Spirit Seeds and handed it to Qin Ming, instructing, "I will rent a plot of land near your Spirit Field. When the time comes, you can cultivate them there."

Qin Ming put away the Spirit Seeds and nodded in agreement.

He pondered secretly, I wonder whether these First-Grade Yin Condensation Flowers can produce an Affix?