In the realm of foundation-building, one could master the art of voice transmission. So, within this realm, it was not uncommon for his master to call him in this way.

Ning arrived at the Spirit Flower Peak. After quickly ensuring that the plants were hale and healthy, he opened the doors to the alchemy hall.

As usual, Ling Huang happened to be performing alchemy. Red-colored beetles were thrown into the cauldron, occupying a small portion.

"You're here, fourth!" Ling Huang didn't turn around but rather controlled the cauldron with precision, occasionally sprinkling some blue petals inside.

The red-colored beetles hurriedly consumed those petals and, as if stimulated by spiritual sense, were then burned alive.

After about 2 minutes, the cauldron was opened, and a waft of medicinal aroma emanated from it. Inside the cauldron were three perfectly red pills.

"Master, your skills are amazing," Ning praised sincerely.

The secondary professions of this world were categorized according to the level of goods they were able to produce.

For example, a Tier One alchemist was someone whose pill concoction was most suitable for the Qi Condensation stage. A Tier Two alchemist would be someone whose pills could affect those of the foundation-building stage, and so on.

Ling Huang was a Tier Two alchemist, even someone who had touched the threshold for the next stage, so his skills were naturally brilliant.

Alchemy was not limited to various vegetation; as one's skill increased, one could perform alchemy with all beings in this world, and it seemed his master had already touched the threshold to enter this realm.

It was not without reason his Daoist name "Pure Cauldron" was well known in the cultivator circle.

"Haha! It's just a bit of practice, fourth," Ling Huang laughed elegantly, as he informed Ning. "I called you here because I have some good news for you."

Ning's eyes brightened upon hearing that. "Is it about the Spiritual Consciousness strengthening pill?"

Ling Huang had been gone for the last month to gather all the necessary material to concoct the said pill. While most of the auxiliary materials were common, the main ingredient of the pill, the ever-shining morning dew, was extremely rare.

Each Morningstar plant only formed ten drops each year, so it was a much sought-after item. Especially, since it had the effect of clearing all distractions during meditation and was one of the best supplements during breakthroughs.

Combined with a few other auxiliary materials, it could form a pill with the effect of strengthening consciousness if processed by a well-versed alchemist.

And his master seemed to imply that he had finally found it.

"You guessed right!" Ling Huang couldn't help but show a proud smile facing the adoration of his disciple. "One of my patrons has already found some clues regarding it. I could probably obtain it within the next two or three months."

"Thank you, master." Ning bowed slightly; his heart was filled with joy hearing that.

With how his spiritual sense was progressing at a snail's pace, he had already felt that it would be a while before he would be able to perform pill concoction.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Ning even wondered if it was a ploy of some higher being to stop him from performing alchemy. But it seems that the end was finally in sight.

Ling Huang coughed, bringing his disciple's attention towards him, "So, I have a task for you, fourth, you have to accomplish in the meantime."

"Master, go on. Your wish is my command." If Ning had a fedora, he would have tipped it at this perfect setup.

Ugh! I might have gotten too used to playing theatrics with senior sister Jiu...

If his master was amused, he didn't show it on his face as he turned towards him, "This task is related to you," Ling Huang's tone then became a step sterner. "Now that your spiritual consciousness could be strengthened with a pill within the next few months, you should also start preparing to do alchemy."

Ning nodded.

"By that, I don't mean theoretical knowledge either. It's time for you to finally find yourself a good alchemy cauldron." Ling Huang finally came to the main point.

"A cauldron?" Ning's thoughts turned at once.

It's not that he had not thought of buying a cauldron, but from what he could find in the sect, the quality was only subpar. After all, except for the disciples in this alchemy hall, there were only a few casual alchemists in this sect. So, it was hard to find a good-quality cauldron. Especially, one that was an artifact.

"Master, can't I have one of yours?" Ning tried his luck.

"What do you think?" His luck failed him.

"I was just kidding, master," Ning quickly spoke, seeing the 'smile' on his master's face grow a bit too wide for his liking.

"Fourth! The matter of finding a suitable cauldron is one of the most important steps of being a full-fledged alchemist. We have a saying for that, 'A cauldron chooses the alchemist!' So, you have to experience this yourself."

"I see." Ning's lips twitched upon hearing that saying...

"Well, don't be too sad. I know a place where you can go to buy a cauldron, one which is better than those found here." Speaking of those subpar cauldrons, Ling Huang's tone had a hint of disdain in it.

"Master, please guide me," Ning knew that this was the step down his master had given him.

"You can find some good cauldrons in the Goldenrod city. Go meet someone named Old Yao; he is one of my old friends. You can show him my token and inform him about this task," Ling Huang gave out instructions sternly.

"I see. Thank you for the guidance, master." Ning cupped his fist and thanked his master.

"Just make sure to bring enough spiritual stones. You will need it..."

...

A few days passed by quickly, with Ning diving headfirst into training and getting acquainted with his newfound abilities.

Fortunately, he finally got the news he was waiting for. Ning left everything as he hurried over to the Mission Hall.

"Junior Brother! You are here." Senior Sister Jiu was at the desk as usual, her dead eyes coming slightly alive after seeing him.

"Um." Ning nodded.

"Just in time too!" Ning watched as senior sister Jiu brought out a task.

[Need six mid-late stage Qi condensation disciples to participate in a competition for the Wei Family in Redmoss City.

Reward: 1500 Spirit Stones for all those participating in the competition. Additional rewards will be given to those who win their matches.

P.S.: Note that this mission may be months long. The transportation will be reimbursed.]

"Junior brother, sorry, but this mission is the only one I managed to obtain. A mission directed towards Goldenrod City is too rare since they have their own system there. This is the only mission I found that meets your requirements."

Ning had stated a few requirements for the senior sister to look into. The major one was obviously being that it was somewhere near Goldenrod City, and the second was the good pay.

Hey! If he had to go so far, he better get paid for it. Especially, since his master's words still rang in his mind.

Red Moss City was only a few hundred miles away from Golden Rod City, so for Ning, this was an acceptable mission, considering there was no direct mission for Goldenrod City.

Also, the rewards were acceptable. Fifteen hundred for the journey and more if he could successfully complete the mission. Especially, since they would get reimbursed for their transportation fee.

"Junior Brother, you are the fourth disciple who has taken the mission. The first three are a well-known team of disciples with a good reputation, so you can rest assured." It seems like Senior Sister Jiu had checked up on the other disciples as well. Truly, befriending her was turning out to be quite a blessing...

"I really don't know how to make it up to you, senior sister. Thank you." Ning was sincere.

Missions such as this were buried among countless others, and unless one was lucky enough to chance upon them, they would probably miss it. So, having an insider for the task was a necessity indeed.

"Just make sure to bring some souvenirs for me, junior brother..."

...

Three days later, Ning glanced at the five disciples in front of him, especially a certain ring-wearing protagonist.

"Why am I not surprised?"