Chapter 15: Alchemy Hall

After entering the room, Tang Jian lay in bed, his eyes wide open, lost in thought once again.

Noticing Tang Jian's contemplative state, Li Bai raised an eyebrow and remarked, "You're quite an unusual kid, you know. Most children your age would be like Liu Ying—foolish and indifferent. But you, you didn't falter when you discovered your low-quality spiritual roots, nor did you become arrogant upon learning about your remarkably stable soul. Even when you failed the third trial, you didn't succumb to depression or sadness. It's as if everything you do is calculated, and even in your moments of introspection, it seems like you're still scheming."

Tang Jian was taken aback by Li Bai's perceptive words. Since arriving in this world, individuals like Li Bai and Liang Meng had exceeded Tang Jian's wildest imagination. How could a five-year-old child possess such insight?

"I could say the same about you," Tang Jian replied, his curiosity piqued. "How is it that you can easily notice these things? Did your family feed you wisdom-enhancing elixirs or something?"

Li Bai chuckled at Tang Jian's question and responded, "No, there are no wisdom-enhancing elixirs. Wisdom is something one is born with. Even someone of noble birth like me may not possess it inherently. You learn about politics and scheming from others who constantly vie to take your place at every opportunity."

Tang Jian now had a clearer understanding. Li Bai must hail from a foreign noble family, seeking to focus on martial arts while avoiding the murky waters of politics.

"Anyway, I need to visit the Alchemy and Soul Cleansing Hall to choose my main courses," Tang Jian declared.

Li Bai looked at Tang Jian with a cold tone and asked, "Why the rush? You could do that tomorrow as well."

Tang Jian opened the door and responded, "You see, Li Bai, someone like me, lacking talent, has to be swift in all endeavors, or else I'll be left behind."

Li Bai couldn't help but wonder if Tang Jian truly was a three-year-old, given his eloquence at such a young age. Curious, he watched as Tang Jian smirked and left the room.

As Tang Jian made his way to the Alchemy hall, he encountered the beautiful senior who had previously given him a tour of the academy.

"Hello, Junior Tang. It's nice to see you again. I knew you would pass the entrance exam," Yang Yuhuan greeted him with a gentle smile.

Returning the smile, Tang Jian politely replied, "Nice to meet you again, Senior. Where are you headed?"

"I'm just going to the Alchemy Hall to register for the upcoming mission. By the way, which hall did you join, Junior Tang?" Yang Yuhuan inquired curiously.

"I joined both the Alchemy and Soul Cleansing Halls. They align well with my soul stability, spiritual roots, and interests. Since I'm also heading to the Alchemy Hall to choose my main course, would you like to go together? I might need your assistance in understanding certain things," Tang Jian suggested sincerely.

Yang Yuhuan's excitement was palpable upon hearing that Tang Jian had joined the same hall as her. "I knew you would choose the Alchemy Hall. Alchemists are highly respected in this realm. It's a shame that you have to spend time at the Soul Cleansing Hall, though. Let's put that aside and allow me to guide you to the Alchemy Hall once more," she expressed, simultaneously disappointed and thrilled.

Tang Jian sensed that Yang Yuhuan held some disdain toward the Soul Cleansing Hall for some reason. He grew curious to know if she disliked only the Soul Cleansing Hall or all the other halls as well. However, Tang Jian decided to restrain his curiosity and refrain from prying into her matters.

"You seem to know a lot, Senior," Tang Jian said, offering a sly smile as he followed her to the Alchemy Hall, attentively listening to her chatter.

As they arrived at the entrance of the Alchemy Hall, Tang Jian observed its traditional Chinese architecture, adorned with luxurious decorations. Inside, there was a counter where a wise-looking woman sat, deeply engrossed in her reading.

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Approaching the counter with his senior, Tang Jian overheard Yang Yuhuan addressing the wise-looking lady, "Senior Zhang Wei, it's me, Yang Yuhuan. What has captured your attention so deeply?" The familiarity in Yang Yuhuan's voice suggested a close relationship.

"Oh, it's you, little Yang. Did you come to register for the mission? And who is this cute little brother?" Senior Zhang Wei asked, her gaze fixed on Tang Jian, making him feel like he was about to be devoured.

"He is Junior Tang Jian. He just passed the entrance exam as a special case. And yes, I came to register for the mission," Yang Yuhuan replied.

Seizing the opportunity to impress the wise-looking lady, Tang Jian spoke up, "Hello, Senior. I'm Tang Jian. I will be joining the Alchemy Hall from now on. Please register me for the Elixir Refining Course."

"Of course, I will immediately register you for the Elixir Refining Course. It's impressive that you, at your age, are eligible to undertake an advanced course. Truly deserving of a special case student," Senior Zhang Wei responded, sporting a gentle smile.

After the registration was complete, Tang Jian and Yang Yuhuan proceeded to visit the Elixir Refining room. Tang Jian couldn't help but inquire about Senior Zhang Wei, intrigued by her wisdom. He also wanted to know more about the mission Yang Yuhuan had mentioned.

"She is Senior Zhang Wei, a first-tier Alchemist who graduated from this school. She has been working and studying here for a long time, building numerous connections. It would be advantageous for you to gain her favor," Yang Yuhuan explained, hesitating for a moment before answering Tang Jian's second question while leaning slightly closer, "The mission I mentioned is a herb gathering mission. Although it may not sound perilous, it's one of the most dangerous missions because we'll be searching for the Dragonroot herb in the treacherous Wildfang Beast Mountain."

According to Yang Yuhuan's description, the Wildfang Beast Mountain was a hazardous place teeming with ferocious beasts. In this mission, students from the Alchemy Hall would venture into the mountain, collecting the Dragonroot herb and returning safely to the academy.

Second-year students from the Elixir Refining Course and Poison Master Course were eligible to participate. Surprisingly, the Poison Master Course also belonged to the Alchemy Hall, as it shared fundamental principles with alchemy. Therefore, students from the Poison Master Course would safeguard the Elixir Refining Course students during the mission.

Being a second-year student in the Poison Master Course, Yang Yuhuan was also eligible to take part in the mission. Despite its dangers, these missions offered substantial rewards to participating students. Given her background, Yang Yuhuan needed the money to acquire resources for herself.

"However, I strongly advise against registering for these missions at your age. Even though a first-year student is allowed to undertake low-level missions, unexpected dangers can arise, endangering your life," Yang Yuhuan expressed her concern to Tang Jian.

"Of course, Senior. I would never undertake such a reckless endeavor," Tang Jian assured her, expressing his gratitude for her guidance as they arrived at the Elixir Refining room.

Inside, the students were deeply engrossed in their refining work, seemingly unfazed by Yang Yuhuan's boisterous chatter. It appeared they had grown accustomed to her lively presence.

Yang Yuhuan suddenly halted near a senior who was intently focused on his refining and shouted, "Senior Wang, what are you doing?"

Startled by Yang Yuhuan's sudden outburst, Senior Wang dropped the wrong herb into his pill cauldron, resulting in a failed refinement attempt that left him visibly frustrated.

Glaring at the pill cauldron emitting an unpleasant odor, Senior Wang clenched his fist and scolded, "Who the hell shouts like that? Don't you have any manners...?" His angry retort trailed off as he recognized the culprit, realizing it was Yang Yuhuan. "Oh, it's you, Junior Yang. I was momentarily startled. Please excuse my rudeness. If you have any business with me, feel free to speak."

Tang Jian couldn't help but notice the sudden change in Senior Wang's demeanor when senior looked at Yang Yuhuan. It wasn't fear but rather affection that seemed to flicker in his eyes. It appeared as if Senior Wang had developed a crush on her, reminiscent of a boy facing his first infatuation.

As Tang Jian observed the interaction between Yang Yuhuan and Senior Wang, he couldn't help but find it amusing. It seemed that Yang Yuhuan's lively personality had a way of affecting those around her, even the typically serious and focused seniors in the Elixir Refining room.

Curiosity piqued, Tang Jian approached Yang Yuhuan and whispered, "Senior, it seems like Senior Wang has a soft spot for you. Did you two have some history together?"

Yang Yuhuan blushed slightly, clearly caught off guard by Tang Jian's observation. "Well, we've known each other since our first year here. We often spar and exchange insights about refining techniques. I guess you can say we've become good friends over time."

Tang Jian nodded, appreciating the camaraderie and connections that were being forged within the Alchemy Hall. It was a reminder that amidst the pursuit of knowledge and skill, meaningful relationships could also blossom.

With the distraction of the lively scene settled, Tang Jian turned his attention to the Elixir Refining room itself. The air was filled with the aromatic scent of medicinal herbs, and the students worked diligently, their focus unyielding.

Yang Yuhuan guided Tang Jian through the room, explaining the different stations and techniques used in elixir refining. She introduced him to some of the more experienced students, who willingly shared their knowledge and insights. Tang Jian was grateful for their assistance, realizing that the path to mastery would require both individual effort and the support of others.