A faint fragrance of cinnamon lingers and flows through the elegant courtyard.
Zhou Xuan and Zhou Fuling stood frozen in place like statues, staring incredulously at the elixir spinning in the lotus-shaped furnace.
"Cough."
Lu Ming had to cough lightly, snapping the two out of their shock.
"What is this? You refined the ' Qi Refining Elixir ' on your first try? How is that possible! Did you stuff a pill in there yourself?!" Zhou Fuling's bright eyes widened, and her words shot out like cannonballs.
The voice was full of skepticism.
She couldn't help but have doubts, because succeeding in alchemy on the very first try was truly a bit abnormal.
Although " Qi Refining Elixir " is the simplest pill, the steps involved are closely linked. If there is even the slightest mistake, it will be difficult to make the pill. She has a deep understanding of this because when she first tried to refine the pill, she failed for a full half month before she slowly mastered the fusion of medicinal power.
Now, Lu Ming succeeded on his first try.
This contrast caused Zhou Fuling, who had an impressive background and a proud personality, to break down.
Zhou Xuan didn't lose his composure like Zhou Fuling, because he could tell at a glance that the Qi Refining Elixir still carried furnace energy and emitted a fragrant aroma, which was due to it being freshly made. Therefore, it couldn't be that Lu Ming had stuffed a pill in himself to make up the difference.
Therefore, this could only have been refined by Lu Ming himself.
But... is this alchemy talent really that amazing?
Zhou Xuan's eyes flashed with a strange light. He slowly put down the teapot in his hand, and with a wave of his hand, the pills in the lotus-shaped alchemy furnace flew out and landed in his hand.
Zhou Xuan played with the pill, and after a brief sensing, he detected a familiar " Clear Qi " aura within it. This further proved that the pill was refined by Lu Ming using the " True Explanation of Six Refinements of Clear Qi " that Zhou Xuan had taught him.
"The pill is fairly intact and has abundant medicinal power. Although the method of refining the Clear Qi during its formation was somewhat rough and clumsy, it can still be considered a successful Qi Refining Elixir," Zhou Xuan said slowly.
With his expertise Dao of Alchemy, he could tell the quality of this pill at a glance.
Although there are still many areas for improvement, for Lu Ming, who was refining pills for the first time, this result was already perfect.
What surprised Zhou Xuan the most was that the medicinal power in this Qi Refining Elixir was preserved quite well. This showed that Lu Ming maintained the medicinal power fusion stage very well, which was precisely the most difficult part of the entire pill refining process.
Ninety-nine percent of alchemists in the world fail at this point when refining elixirs.
"How did you manage to blend the medicinal properties so perfectly?" Zhou Xuan couldn't help but ask.
Lu Ming looked blank and said, "Let's just go with the gut feeling."
Zhou Xuan remained silent for a few breaths before saying, "This isn't a feeling; it's your Dao of Alchemy. You were able to sense the medicinal energy before, so when the medicinal power was fusing, you could instinctively maintain the timing and degree of fusion. This is a talent that many alchemists crave but cannot obtain, saving them from countless mistakes."
If Lu Ming's previous ability to sense alchemical energy only made Zhou Xuan think that he had some talent in Dao of Alchemy, now Zhou Xuan was truly certain that Lu Ming was an Dao of Alchemy genius.
Zhou Fuling, standing to the side, couldn't help but grab Lu Ming's shoulder, shaking him violently and shouting through gritted teeth, "I'm so jealous!"
Other alchemists can only accumulate proficiency through repeated failures in order to control the fusion of medicinal power, but Lu Ming can accomplish this by relying on his talent, which is indeed enviable.
Zhou Fuling was too excited and made a lot of movements. Her chest was also very prominent, so she almost shook Lu Ming and bumped into him. The latter quickly and awkwardly stretched out his arms to protect his face.
Zhou Fuling then realized what was happening, her pretty face flushed red as she spat out a curse, and quickly took two steps back, shrinking behind Zhou Xuan.
Zhou Xuan handed the Qi Refining Elixir back to Lu Ming and smiled, "Not bad, you succeeded in refining the pill on your first try. Keep practicing the ' True Explanation of Six Refinements of Clear Qi ' that I'll teach you, and you'll have the potential to become a master of Dao of Alchemy."
Without realizing it, Zhou Xuan noticed that his tone of voice seemed to have softened a bit.
Lu Ming nodded respectfully and said, "If it weren't for the workshop master leading me into the path of Dao of Alchemy, how would I have discovered my talent? Therefore, I will always remember this kindness from Lu Ming workshop master."
Zhou Xuan's lips curled up slightly, but he still waved his hand dismissively. "Hey, it's just a deal. Just remember not to neglect your training in the ' Sun-Shining Golden Flame Banner '."
Zhou Fuling, standing behind him, couldn't help but roll her eyes. This fourth uncle was really too proud. In her opinion, Lu Ming's identity as a genius in Dao of Alchemy was much more valuable than High-Grade Divine Ability Bone.
With such promising talent, why wait to show them kindness now?
So she reached out and poked Zhou Xuan hard in the back.
Zhou Xuan coughed lightly, thought for a moment, and suddenly said, " Lu Ming, the powerful families in Qingyuan Market have cultivated a small blessed land called ' Spirit Fish Pond.' The spirit fish in it are quite wondrous. It seems to be opening tomorrow. They just happened to give me two spots. I gave one to Fuling, and the other one is for you."
Upon hearing this, Lu Ming was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master, but it's not necessary. Auntie Li has already prepared a spot for me."
"Huh? Li Yan? Did she give you this spot for any price?" Zhou Xuan was stunned, then asked.
Lu Ming shook his head and said, " Auntie Li has always taken good care of our Thunderfire Hall and has been very kind to me. There was no price to pay."
He didn't reveal his relationship with Jingyi here, since there was no need to explain it so clearly.
Zhou Xuan gave an "oh," seemingly indifferent, and said, "If there are any, then forget it."
"Oh, wait a minute."
He seemed to remember something, and suddenly went into the house. A moment later, he took out some things and handed them to Lu Ming.
"What is this?" Lu Ming looked at the thing he was handed over. It was a bamboo tube, and inside the tube seemed to be some kind of parchment.
"The files related to the Peach Mountain Band, including intelligence on their leader and the strength of their forces, are crucial. Since your Thunderfire Hall has now become their enemy, you need to learn more about them."
"Also, according to the intelligence I've gathered, the Peach Mountain Band seems to be making some unusual moves lately. Go back and tell your grandfather to take some precautions. The specific information is here," Zhou Xuan said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Lu Ming's expression immediately turned solemn. The Peach Mountain Band was indeed a thorn in the side of their Thunderfire Hall, and these files and information would allow them to have a better understanding of the Peach Mountain Band, especially the intelligence provided by Zhou Xuan.
"Thank you, Master!"
Lu Ming said gratefully.
"It was just a small favor; this intelligence isn't of much value to me," Zhou Xuan said calmly.
Zhou Fuling sighed wearily, "Fourth Uncle, if you can't speak properly, then shut up."
Upon learning this information, Lu Ming had no desire to stay. He thanked Zhou Xuan again and hurriedly left the ward office to return and inform Lu Jin of the information.
After Lu Ming left, Zhou Xuan clicked his tongue and said, "That kid really has some skills."
"Some time ago, I don't know who was putting on airs and saying that there are thousands of geniuses in the world, how can we invest in every single one of them? How come they are now offering you a spot at the ' Spirit Fish Banquet '? I only remember that those powerful families only gave you one spot, where did the second one come from?" Zhou Fuling said sarcastically.
Zhou Xuan was a little embarrassed and said, "Back then, how could we have known that this kid had such talent in Dao of Alchemy?"
"If I ask for the spots, do you think they'd refuse?"
Zhou Fuling pouted and complained, "If you're going to do good deeds, do them properly. Don't say those useless things. If you don't let him know the importance of these things, how will others assess your kindness?"
Zhou Xuan, feeling somewhat embarrassed after being lectured by his niece, said, "I'm not good at these things. You can go and do Shi En from now on."
Zhou Fuling rolled her eyes at him in anger, then turned and left.
What can she offer as a favor? That idiot fourth uncle.