Chen Linjian's decisiveness led us out of the ruins, leaving potential treasures behind rather than risking confrontation with the Dark Guild.
After some time, our group halted abruptly.
"We've spotted the Dark Guild nearby!" one of Chen Linjian’s men reported.
Immediately, we slipped into the dense forest, moving swiftly and quietly. No one wanted to risk capture by the Dark Guild, and every footfall was swift and cautious. Fortunately, after exiting the ruins, we navigated the wilderness for days, evading any pursuit until the familiar sights of Glory City finally came into view.
News of our return spread like wildfire. As whispers of the expedition circulated, many in Glory City were inspired to venture into the Ancient Orchid City Ruins, hoping to uncover their own fortunes.
Chen Linjian’s haul became the talk of the city, and he soon held an auction that drew widespread attention. The items he sold fetched impressive prices, and, true to our agreement, a third of the earnings came to me, while Chen Linjian and his followers divided the remainder.
With my share, I struck a private deal with Chen Linjian, exchanging most of my earnings for precious cultivation resources: Holy Dark Grass, along with a range of rare alchemical ingredients and tools. Tens of millions of demon spirit coins allowed me to secure nearly every mature stalk of Holy Dark Grass in his possession. The remainder I allocated toward expanding my business of cultivating and selling Purple Hazegrass, ensuring a steady income for future cultivation needs.
Reflecting on the expedition, I could count it a tremendous success. My cultivation advanced to 2-Star Bronze, and my acquisitions included rare treasures, the Shadow Devil demon spirit, a cache of precious items, and a remnant page of the Temporal Demon Spirit Book.
Upon our return, another unexpected development came to light—Shen Yue had also made it back. Though many believed he had been captured by the Dark Guild, he managed to survive the journey alone, evading dangers and traps with suspicious ease. It seemed likely he’d received help, possibly from his two surviving followers—or worse, from the Dark Guild itself. If the latter were true, it raised troubling questions about a potential alliance between the Dark Guild and the Sacred Family.
Currently, I sat cross-legged at home, focusing my mind inward, surveying the contents of my template space. The storage was brimming with wisps of spiritual energy I had extracted from Emperor Kong Ming's coffin and held here since there had been no time to refine them during the expedition.
Inside the template space, aside from the captured energy, were the remains of ancient skeletons, rare items, and carefully stored quantities of both Purple Haze Grass and Holy Dark Grass, each precious for its cultivation-enhancing properties. But for now, all my attention was on advancing my cultivation.
As I operated my soul realm, I could feel my soul force gradually expanding, becoming stronger and more refined. The slow but consistent influx of energy enhanced my body and mind, creating a steady rhythm that grounded me in the path of cultivation.
The days passed in seclusion and focus. Each evening, I submerged myself in baths infused with Purple Hazegrass, each session fortifying my spirit and helping to cleanse impurities from my body. Supplemented by an elixir, my cultivation advanced with surprising speed.
After five days of this dedicated regimen, I felt my soul force surge, solidifying at a new peak. Checking my inner state, I saw that my cultivation had climbed to 266 points, a significant step forward.
[Holy Orchid Institute, Talented Upper Class]
A group of students had gathered, their chatter lively.
"Haha! Shen Fei, I heard your fiancée was stolen by some other guy. Is that true?" A teenager taunted as he approached.
The Holy Orchid Institute’s upper class was divided into various cliques, and tensions often ran high between them.
The one who spoke was Ye Hong, a cousin of Ye Ziyun’s, known for his influence in the Genius class. He often clashed with Shen Fei, and a small crowd followed him wherever he went.
Hearing Ye Hong's words, Shen Fei clenched his fists, struggling to keep his anger in check. Though the rumors hadn’t been confirmed, the gossip circulating throughout the Holy Orchid Institute made him feel utterly humiliated.
"I heard from my sister that Ning’er isn’t even interested in you. Why force her? Let her marry into my family instead, and maybe you can avoid being made a fool of!" Ye Hong said, laughing mockingly.
Since Ye Ziyun had shared some of Xiao Ning’er’s situation with him, Ye Hong had taken it upon himself to oppose Xiao Ning’er’s engagement by needling Shen Fei whenever he could.
Shen Fei’s eyes narrowed, irritated by Ye Hong’s constant harassment. Though he knew Ye Hong’s background, his patience was wearing thin. With a sneer, he snapped, "No one can take my woman from me. If I can’t have something, then no one else will either."
Ye Hong snorted and walked away.
Don’t think that my Sacred Family fears your Snow Wind Family, Shen Fei thought. Just because you have one Legend rank Demon Spiritist, don’t get too proud. The day will come when my Sacred Family replaces yours.
Meanwhile, on the street, a clear voice called out, "Nie Li!"
Nie Li turned to see Xiao Ning'er approaching, dressed in an elegant yet simple gown that accentuated her calm, graceful demeanor.
“Hey, Ning'er! I haven’t seen you for days,” Nie Li greeted her with a light smile. “It seems you’ve gotten even more beautiful.” His smile turned slightly awkward as the memory of Huyan Lanruo crossed his mind.
Hearing his words, Xiao Ning’er’s cheeks flushed faintly. She composed herself and extended an interspatial ring toward him. “The Purple Haze Grass you gave me to sell has all been sold. Here’s the money.”
“Thanks!” Nie Li accepted the ring, sensing its contents—a considerable ten million demon spirit coins.
Lu Piao, standing beside Nie Li, couldn’t resist teasing, “Goddess Ning'er, I heard you had a run-in with Huyan Lanruo?”
Xiao Ning'er’s gaze fell as she seemed slightly embarrassed. “It was nothing much. We only exchanged a few words... Nie Li, do you really like her?”
“No way,” Nie Li responded, waving his hand dismissively. “That woman’s too troublesome. Don’t let her get under your skin.”
“Oh…” Xiao Ning'er responded quietly, a hint of relief passing over her features.
As the conversation flowed, Lu Piao nudged Nie Li, grinning. “We’re headed to the showers after all that training. Want to join us, Ning'er?”
Startled, Xiao Ning'er stammered, “I’m… I’m not going!” Her face blushed as she stared at Lu Piao.
Lu Piao chuckled. “Oh, come on. We won’t get in the way. You and Nie Li could—”
“Don’t mind him, Ning’er. Lu Piao only speaks nonsense,” Nie Li muttered, giving Lu Piao a slap on the shoulder.
“En.” Xiao Ning'er nodded, glancing away.
A short distance away, a group of people walked slowly, led by a man roughly thirty years old. He was tall, with slightly yellowed hair that obscured more than half of his face, and his eyes were sharp, resembling those of a falcon.
As he conversed with his companions, the man swept his gaze across Nie Li, his eyes flashing with a hint of surprise.
Nie Li noticed the man and thought to himself, ‘Have I seen him before?’ A strange aura emanated from the group, and he quickly realized they were the same Dark Guild members he had encountered in the Ancient Orchid City Ruins.
Keeping his expression calm, Nie Li walked past them. If I show even a hint of reaction and he notices, they will definitely silence me.
A distance, the man turned and glanced back at Nie Li.
“Boss, that brat probably didn’t recognize us,” an underling beside him said.
“Yeah,” the man replied with a slight nod. This man was Yun Hua Deacon, who had to exercise extreme caution within Glory City due to his unique position.
“Do we need to eliminate him?” another underling asked.
“No need!” Yun Hua Deacon shook his head. “Killing someone in Glory City would only invite trouble from the City Lord’s Mansion.”
After walking two streets and ensuring they were no longer in sight, Nie Li sighed in relief.
“Ning’er, who were those people?” Nie Li asked.
“The ones from earlier?” Xiao Ning’er thought for a moment. “They’re from the Star Restaurant, which is one of the Sacred Family’s businesses.”
Xiao Ning’er was puzzled as to why Nie Li would ask about them.
For Nie Li, however, the dangers of Glory City loomed large. It seems I need to reveal some of my abilities and secure some life insurance.
“We’ll head to the Alchemist Association first,” Nie Li said after a moment of contemplation.
The situation in Glory City is more complicated than I initially thought. I don’t know how many Dark Guild members are lurking around, so I have to proceed with extreme caution.
Nie Li carefully recalled the individuals who had fought for Glory City in his previous life—those were the ones he could trust.
Nie Li, after selling his entire stock of Purple Hazegrass but failing to acquire the spirit lamp from the ruins, now needed to use his wealth strategically, obtaining as many cultivation resources as possible.
The Alchemist Association’s influence in Glory City had waned slightly over the years, yet it remained a powerful entity, valued just below the city’s three major families.
With his deep knowledge of alchemy, Nie Li had many ideas that could revitalize the association. Strengthening the Alchemist Association would, in turn, strengthen Glory City, as the association was responsible for producing many of the elixirs used by the city’s demon spiritists.
The Alchemist Association’s compound was vast and grand, with a spacious courtyard and an impressive hall where alchemists in various colored robes bustled about. Although the association had declined, its former glory was evident in its majestic architecture.
The alchemists were ranked as Apprentices, Masters, and Grandmasters, with each rank further divided into Primary, Intermediate, and Senior levels. Apprentices wore gray robes, Masters wore white, and Grandmasters wore silver. Most alchemists walking in and out were apprentices, while master-ranked alchemists were rare sights.
Because of the association’s decline, fewer young talents were willing to devote themselves to alchemy, focusing instead on cultivating their strength. As a result, the number of alchemists, particularly among the younger generation, was dwindling.
Nie Li entered the association, recalling that the six elders who governed it held significant authority. The lowest-ranked elder was an Intermediate alchemy master, while two others were Senior alchemy masters. Currently, the association lacked any Grandmaster-level alchemists. Alongside the elders was a director responsible for managing the association’s day-to-day affairs.
In the final battle for Glory City in his past life, Nie Li remembered how the Alchemist Association had played a critical role. He knew they hadn’t aligned with the Sacred Family, making them a valuable ally.
“Welcome! How may I assist you?” A gray-robed receptionist approached, smiling warmly.
“I’d like to take the alchemist exam,” Nie Li replied, smiling back. “By the way, may I know your name?”
The receptionist, surprised to see a young face interested in alchemy, responded, “You can call me Xiao Lan. You’re here for the Apprentice test, correct? Have you been preparing? Alchemist apprentices must be well-versed in over ten foundational books on alchemy.”
Each of these books contained a hundred thousand words, covering the principles of alchemy and herbology in great detail. This daunting requirement had deterred countless individuals.
“Actually, Miss Xiao Lan, I’d like to take the alchemy Master exam,” Nie Li said confidently.
Xiao Lan’s eyes widened in shock. “The alchemy Master exam? Do you understand how much experience is needed to achieve that level? Besides the foundational books, there are dozens more on advanced herbology you’d need to master.”
Nie Li noticed her doubt but remained composed. “Age doesn’t necessarily reflect knowledge, does it? Please, just take me to the Primary alchemy Master exam.”
Xiao Lan, though skeptical, couldn’t refuse his request. Both the Apprentice and alchemy Master exams were open to the public, and Senior apprentices frequently attempted the latter to elevate their status. Passing the alchemy Master exam was rare, though; of hundreds who tried, only a handful made it through the initial round, let alone the refining rounds that followed.
“Entry to the alchemy Master exam requires a fee of two hundred demon spirit coins, paid upfront,” Xiao Lan informed him.
“Only two hundred? Sure, lead the way,” Nie Li replied, unfazed.
With a slight pout, Xiao Lan turned and motioned for him to follow.
The Primary alchemy Master exam was held down a long corridor lined with small, private rooms. Each examinee was assigned a room where they would complete a written test on complex alchemical knowledge. Their answers would then be reviewed by a panel of Primary alchemy masters before they could proceed to the next round.
This session had attracted six participants. Among them, three were over thirty, and two already had heads streaked with gray. As Xiao Lan led Nie Li into the corridor, the other examinees looked over, visibly taken aback by his young age.
A man in his thirties noticing Nie Li scoffed. “Hey, kid, what are you doing here?”
Nie Li met his gaze, unfazed. “The same as you. I’m here to take the exam.”
The man looked Nie Li up and down, smirking. He could tell from Nie Li’s simple clothing that he wasn’t from any influential family. “Ha! You’re here for the alchemy Master exam? You’ve got to be kidding! You belong at the Apprentice test, kid.”
To him, the idea of a boy taking the alchemy Master exam was almost insulting.
This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.
“And who might you be?” Nie Li asked calmly.
“I’m from a distinguished alchemy family—the Chu family. Name’s Chu Ning,” the man replied, puffing up with pride.
“Alchemy family? Is the Chu family even still considered an alchemy family?” Nie Li sneered, recalling Chu Yuan, the Bronze-rank Demon Spiritist he had clashed with at the Ancient Orchid City Ruins, who also hailed from the Chu family.
Chu Ning’s face turned red. “For your information, the Chu family has produced three Senior alchemy masters, six Intermediate alchemy masters, and over twenty Primary alchemy masters! How could we not be considered an alchemy family?”
“Perhaps that was true in the past,” Nie Li retorted coolly. “But where are they now? The Chu family has only one Primary alchemy master left. Hardly the legacy you’re bragging about.”
Chu Ning’s eyes narrowed, astonished at Nie Li’s knowledge of his family’s affairs.
“Hmph! So what?” Chu Ning snapped. “I, Chu Ning, will soon be an alchemy master myself. You’re just a kid—go back to your mother’s side. This isn’t a playground.”
Nie Li could tell that Chu Ning’s pride was wounded. Though Chu Ning had already taken the exam twice and failed, he seemed resolutely confident about this third attempt.
At Chu Ning’s outburst, the other examinees chuckled softly, amused by the young boy’s audacity. They had spent years, even decades, mastering the basics of alchemy before attempting this test.
Nie Li simply shrugged, unbothered. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
With that, he walked past them, pushed open the door to his assigned room, and stepped inside.
After Nie Li entered the exam room, he saw two Primary alchemy Masters seated at the front. Both were men in their fifties or sixties, looking serious and contemplative. A stack of papers, some alchemy texts, and a sheep’s horn pen lay on the table in front of them.
One of the alchemy Masters glanced up at Nie Li and raised an eyebrow. “Are you certain you’re in the right place? This is the alchemy Master examination room.”
Nie Li smiled politely and replied, “Yes, honorable masters. I am here to take the alchemy Master exam.” His tone was respectful, understanding that humility was often a good approach with examiners.
The two alchemists exchanged surprised glances. One of them finally spoke. “Very well. Here is the procedure: there are over three hundred pages in this manual, each filled with various alchemical questions. You’ll answer twenty randomly selected pages within two hours. To pass, you must score over ninety percent.”
Nie Li nodded. “Honorable master, would you mind selecting the pages for me? That way, there’s no question of bias.” He kept his gaze steady, and the alchemy Master seemed to appreciate his honesty.
“Very well.” The alchemy Master shuffled the pages, then placed twenty of them in front of Nie Li. “These will do.”
Nie Li took the sheep’s horn pen, sat down, and began. The questions were so basic they bordered on trivial for him. His understanding of alchemy went far beyond what any alchemy Master here could imagine. He even found himself simplifying his answers, fearing that the full depth of his knowledge might be misinterpreted or go over their heads.
In less than an hour, he had already completed ten of the twenty pages.
The two alchemy Masters couldn’t resist peeking at his work as he completed each page. With each answer, their astonishment grew—Nie Li hadn’t made a single mistake. In fact, some of his responses displayed insights that surpassed the conventional teachings they were familiar with.
Finally, one of the alchemy Masters cleared his throat. “Young man, may we know where you’re from? I’m Huyan Ming, and this is Mu Yang. We’re both Primary alchemy Masters.”
Nie Li offered a respectful bow. “Honorable Masters, I’m Nie Li, from the Heavenly Marks Family.”
The two alchemy Masters glanced at each other, recognizing the name. The Heavenly Marks Family was a small, unremarkable family among the aristocrats, hardly known for its accomplishments in alchemy or cultivation.
Still, Huyan Ming and Mu Yang found themselves growing more impressed. Nie Li’s knowledge wasn’t just theoretical; he spoke with ease about practical refinement techniques as well.
“Indeed, knowledge does not always come with age,” Mu Yang murmured. His admiration was clear.
After finishing his pages, the two alchemy Masters gathered Nie Li’s papers, handling them with care. Huyan Ming turned to Nie Li and said, “Young master Nie Li, please wait here. We’ll take these directly to the president. With your results, you may not need to complete the additional tests.”
Nie Li bowed slightly. “Thank you, honorable masters. I appreciate your assistance.”
The two alchemy Masters exchanged another glance, then hurried out of the room, clearly eager to present this extraordinary young talent to the head of the Alchemist Association.
[Alchemy Association’s Elders Hall]
“President, please take a look at these,” Huyan Ming said, handing over the completed exam papers to Gu Yan, the President of the Alchemy Association.
A Senior alchemy Master with decades of experience, Gu Yan’s face was lined with age, and his silver hair betrayed the weight of his years. He glanced at the stack, a bit irritated at the interruption, as he had been refining an elixir at that very moment.
Huyan Ming persisted, “President, these are the exam papers of a student. His performance is... exceptional.”
Gu Yan’s expression softened as he scanned the papers, noticing each question answered with precision. "Hmm... this student did quite well. Some of the answers go beyond what’s typically expected. You may bring him to the second test.”
“Actually, President,” Huyan Ming said cautiously, “we believe he might be ready to join the Alchemy Association directly.”
Gu Yan looked up, incredulous. “Join directly? That’s highly unorthodox. Passing the theory exam is only part of it—he must be proficient in practical refinement as well. An alchemy Master needs hands-on experience, not just book knowledge.”
Mu Yang, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat. “But, President… the student is only thirteen.”
The disbelief in Gu Yan’s eyes turned to shock. “A thirteen-year-old? Are you both trying to make a fool of me? It’s impossible for a child that young to master such extensive alchemy knowledge.”
“We wouldn’t dare deceive you, President,” they said, both bowing their heads in earnest.
Gu Yan paused, considering this revelation, then made up his mind. “Bring him here. And send word to Director Yang to join us. Keep this between us; no other elders are to know about this for now.”
Nodding, Huyan Ming left to fetch Nie Li, while Mu Yang hurried to find Director Yang.
[Alchemy Association, Council Hall]
“Nie Li, wait here,” Huyan Ming said as they entered a large, circular room filled with alchemical instruments and shelves stacked with papers. “The President and Director Yang will be here shortly.”
“Alright,” Nie Li replied, his gaze sweeping over the room. His eyes lingered on the walls, which were covered with sheets of paper, each bearing written notes and intricate diagrams.
“What are these?” Nie Li asked.
“This hall serves as a place where alchemy Masters exchange knowledge,” Huyan Ming explained. “The papers contain questions from various masters about issues they encountered in their refinements. Anyone who has insight can provide answers, and these will then be verified by a Senior alchemist. It’s one way for our members to deepen their knowledge.”
Nie Li nodded thoughtfully, understanding the significance. He knew he needed to demonstrate his abilities if he wanted the Alchemist Association’s support—he wanted more than just entry; he sought influence.
Observing Nie Li’s interest, Huyan Ming thought, It seems he’s truly invested in alchemy. Perhaps he’s even interested in these unanswered questions.
Nie Li approached the wall, scanning the various questions scrawled on the papers. He picked up the sheep’s horn pen from a nearby table and started reading the questions more closely.
“Wait!” Huyan Ming called out. “Are you planning to answer those?”
“Yes, why not?” Nie Li replied.
Huyan Ming hesitated, aware that most of the questions were unresolved challenges, some even beyond the understanding of Senior alchemy Masters. "Well, these aren’t simple theoretical questions; they’re practical issues encountered in advanced refinement. Only through hands-on experience can one even begin to answer them.”
“If that’s all, then there’s no problem.” Nie Li dipped the pen and began writing, moving fluidly from one question to the next, barely pausing to think.
One question caught Huyan Ming’s eye. It dealt with finding the correct ratio of Snow Grass, Nine Immortal Grass, and Dragon Gall Grass for a potent antidote. Countless attempts had been made, but no one had succeeded.
Nie Li’s answer read: “The combination will always fail. Dragon Gall Grass should be replaced with Solani Grass. The ratio should be 3:1:2.”
Huyan Ming’s eyes widened. Solani Grass? Of course! Solani Grass has similar detoxifying properties to Dragon Gall Grass but with a gentler composition, he thought, marveling at Nie Li’s insight.
He continued watching in astonishment as Nie Li swiftly filled in solutions for more questions. Some answers were too advanced to verify on the spot, but the confidence in Nie Li’s writing was undeniable. It was as if he was seeing through layers of refinement mysteries in a way most could only dream of.
Before long, Nie Li had answered a hundred questions. Placing the pen down, he muttered, “These weren’t all that challenging, really.”
Huyan Ming felt a surge of disbelief mixed with admiration. Does he have any idea that some of these questions have been plaguing the association for years?
Just as Nie Li finished answering the questions, a man with a white beard and hair entered the room.
It was Gu Yan, the Alchemist Association's President, followed closely by Director Yang Xin. Both elder alchemists took one look at Nie Li, then exchanged a glance, a single thought echoing between them: What kind of prodigy is this boy?
Gu Yan felt a spark of hope he hadn’t felt in years. The Alchemist Association was waning as the number of skilled alchemists dwindled, many choosing the martial path instead. Years of conflict with demon beasts had led to the destruction of precious alchemical texts and a decline in elixir quality, which left the association struggling to fulfill its vital role in supporting the city’s warriors.
In Nie Li, Gu Yan saw a chance to revive the association’s fading glory.
“President Gu Yan, Director Yang Xin, it’s an honor to meet you both!” Nie Li greeted them.
Gu Yan raised a brow. “Young man, you know who we are?”
“Of course! Anyone with an interest in alchemy would know the names of President Gu Yan and Director Yang Xin.” Nie Li smiled and added, “I actually sent a letter to Director Yang Xin a while back concerning the uses of Purple Hazegrass.”
Yang Xin’s eyes lit up. “You wrote the Purple Hazegrass letter? That analysis listed over sixty uses—each of them tested and verified!”
Nie Li nodded but quickly deflected. “Actually, that was my master’s work. He’s the one who sent me here to apply for the title of Senior alchemy Master.”
Gu Yan’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of a master, imagining what kind of hidden genius might be guiding this young prodigy. An Alchemy Grandmaster, no doubt, he thought. Someone of such depth in alchemical knowledge...
“Your master must be extraordinary indeed,” Gu Yan said humbly. “May we have the honor of meeting him?”
Nie Li shook his head. “My master prefers to remain anonymous and doesn’t welcome visitors.”
Gu Yan nodded. “I understand. Many reclusive experts have their reasons, and we respect that. Nevertheless, you’ve proven yourself here today beyond any doubt. With your master’s guidance, I believe your talent more than qualifies you for the title of Senior alchemy Master.”
Awarding Nie Li this title was both a gesture of respect to his mysterious teacher and a recognition of Nie Li’s exceptional ability.
Turning to Yang Xin, Gu Yan said, “Director Yang, please retrieve the books, medal, and robe for Senior alchemy Master. Nie Li has earned them.”
Yang Xin nodded, though she was still inwardly amazed. To think that a thirteen-year-old would join the ranks of Senior alchemy Master—a first in the history of the Alchemist Association.
"Aside from obtaining the title of Senior alchemy Master, I'd like to propose a collaboration with President Gu Yan," Nie Li said, his tone calm yet purposeful.
"A collaboration?" Gu Yan's heart skipped a beat, knowing this was likely inspired by the guidance of Nie Li's mysterious teacher. "Please, speak freely."
Nie Li revealed a list with a slight smile. "I have five elixir formulas here: the Soul Nurturing Pill, Soul Concentrating Pill, Soul Tempering Pill, Scarlet Body Enhancing Pill, and the Nine Transformation Pill."
Gu Yan's eyes widened. "The Soul Nurturing Pill, Soul Concentrating Pill, and Soul Tempering Pill? And even the Scarlet Body Enhancing Pill and Nine Transformation Pill?"
In their current age, only the Soul Assembling Pill was available—a basic soul-enhancing elixir with limited effects. But in ancient times, these potent elixirs were commonplace. The Soul Nurturing Pill, for instance, was an intermediate-grade elixir, and the Soul Tempering Pill was top-tier, each one significantly superior to anything currently available.
The Scarlet Body Enhancing Pill was an invaluable resource for body refinement. During the Sacred Empire Era, its use allowed even ordinary fighters to advance to the formidable Legend rank. But in modern Glory City, even Black Gold rank fighters were a rarity. As for the Nine Transformation Pill, it was a legendary elixir capable of healing near-fatal wounds, making it a lifesaving asset on the battlefield.
"These elixirs are incredible," Gu Yan stammered, his voice betraying his excitement. "Your honorable master truly possesses these lost formulas?"
"Naturally," Nie Li replied confidently. "My master traversed the Divine Continent, gathering knowledge far and wide. He arrived in Glory City a few years ago, but he prefers to remain out of the public eye. That's why he sent me as his representative. To give you a sense of these elixirs, the Soul Nurturing Pill can be refined by an Intermediate alchemy Apprentice, the Soul Concentrating Pill by a Senior Apprentice, while the Soul Tempering Pill and Scarlet Body Enhancing Pill require a Primary alchemy Master. The Nine Transformation Pill can only be refined by a Senior alchemy Master."
"My master initially wanted to donate these formulas to the Alchemist Association," Nie Li continued. But he paused for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. However, Glory City is in a precarious state, with demon beasts surrounding the St. Ancestral Mountains. Even now, three powerful Legend-rank Snow Wind beasts lie in hibernation, but if they were to awaken, the city would face unparalleled danger. With Lord Ye Mo aging and few new Legend-rank Demon Spiritists emerging, Glory City needs all the support it can get.
Nie Li's expression hardened. "But my master cannot donate these formulas freely. He requires a large amount of resources for his ongoing research in alchemy. For this reason, my master asks for thirty percent of the profits from the sale of these elixirs."
"Of course! In fact, the Alchemist Association would willingly offer fifty percent as a show of respect to your esteemed master!" Gu Yan hastily agreed. He knew that even after allocating such a percentage, the association would still profit immensely from these rare elixirs.
But Nie Li shook his head. "My master only asks for thirty percent. However, he wishes that some of the remaining profits be set aside to support commoners interested in alchemy."
"Your master is a noble spirit," Gu Yan said, moved by the sentiment. "You can trust that this will not only assist future alchemists but also strengthen the Alchemist Association as a whole."
Nie Li inclined his head slightly. "Then, I leave it to you, President Gu Yan, and Director Yang. My master has faith in both of you and trusts that you have the vision to see this through."
Reaching into his robe, Nie Li withdrew a scroll and handed it to Gu Yan. "Here are the formulas for the five elixirs."
Gu Yan unrolled the scroll and studied the ingredients listed. The herbs were surprisingly simple, but the formulas' structure was intricate, demanding precision. He realized that their first task would be to gather as many of these herbs as possible.
With these potent formulas, Gu Yan understood that he now held a key to restoring the Alchemist Association's influence and unity.
Moments later, Yang Xin returned with the Senior alchemy Master’s books, badge, and robe in hand.
"From this day on, if you need anything, feel free to approach Director Yang," Gu Yan said with a warm smile.
Nie Li nodded in acknowledgment.
Yang Xin held up the robe, a size too large for the young prodigy. "Once we have robes in your size, I’ll personally deliver them. Where do you live? How should we contact you?"
"I’m currently in the Fighter Apprentice class at the Holy Orchid Institute. You’ll find me there," Nie Li replied after a brief thought.
Yang Xin's eyes lit up with an idea. "Young Brother Nie Li, if you’re interested in transferring to the Genius class at Holy Orchid Institute, I can speak with the principal. Your talents deserve a higher stage."
Nie Li shook his head with a polite smile. "No need. I have my reasons for staying in the Fighter Apprentice class."
Yang Xin instantly understood. He was choosing to remain inconspicuous, deliberately hiding his abilities from the public eye.
Seeing that Nie Li was ready to depart, he gave a nod to both Gu Yan and Yang Xin. "If I need anything further, I’ll return to the Alchemist Association."
"Of course. Director Yang, please escort Nie Li out," Gu Yan said.
Yang Xin nodded and walked with Nie Li to the exit. Once he had left, a murmur spread through the association as Primary alchemy Masters noticed that all the complex questions posted on the walls had been solved.
Could it be that President Gu Yan has achieved the level of alchemy Grandmaster?
But when some of them went to ask, they found that Gu Yan was immersed in refining pills and had forbidden all interruptions. Meanwhile, Yang Xin herself was busy mobilizing finances, purchasing large quantities of specific herbs—many of which seemed to have little conventional use, leaving others puzzled.
News of the Alchemist Association's unusual activities quickly spread, sparking curiosity among Glory City’s residents. Every day, groups ventured into the wilderness to search for these herbs. Although the association’s purchase prices weren’t high, it provided a steady source of income.
Inside the association, the real stir occurred when Nie Li’s formulas for the Soul Nurturing Pill and Soul Concentrating Pill were revealed. Alchemists at every level were astounded; these elixirs, long lost since the Sacred Empire Era, had finally resurfaced.
The news spread like wildfire across Glory City. The Soul Assembling Pill, previously the only soul-enhancing elixir available, was now overshadowed. Despite its high price and limited effectiveness, its cost was promptly cut in half to 5,000 spirit coins to make way for the new pills.
The Soul Nurturing Pill and Soul Concentrating Pill, each with superior effects, were priced at 10,000 and 20,000 demon spirit coins, respectively. Demand soared immediately. The Soul Nurturing Pill offered double the effect of the Soul Assembling Pill, while the Soul Concentrating Pill’s effect was threefold.
The Alchemist Association’s shops quickly sold out, supplying not only the wealthiest families but also smaller clans eager to strengthen themselves.
The association’s profits skyrocketed, allowing them to expand and begin recruiting new disciples. Fees were fully covered for students, and those reaching the Intermediate alchemy Apprentice rank could earn income by refining pills, creating an opportunity that was hard to resist. Many young people, especially those who couldn’t secure a place at the Holy Orchid Institute, flocked to the Alchemist Association, drawn to the promise of a brighter future.
The association, once thought to be in decline, was now witnessing a renaissance—thanks to the unseen hand guiding it forward.
A month passed quickly, and the time for the annual examination at Holy Orchid Institute was near.
This test held great weight, shaping the futures of all students. For some, high scores would open the doors to new classes and better opportunities, creating a wider gap between students as they advanced.
Throughout the institute, the atmosphere buzzed with energy as students prepared for the test. In the Fighter Apprentice Class, however, the primary focus was the highly anticipated showdown between Nie Li and Naraku. This rivalry had become the talk of the school, with students placing bets and speculating on the outcome.
Every corner of the institute’s grounds, from the open fields to the dense forest, was filled with students training intensely.
Many students from influential backgrounds had already taken Soul Nurturing Pills—intended primarily for Bronze-rank demon spiritists—and the effects were clearly visible. This year’s batch was notably stronger than those of past years, a fact that delighted the school’s leaders.
The higher-ups were eager to see if any student in this class had reached the coveted 5-star Silver rank. Reaching such a level before the age of sixteen was rare, and anyone achieving it would be marked for a promising future in Glory City.
As the examination approached, students prepared for what would be both a personal challenge and a rite of passage. The halls and classrooms were decorated festively, ready for this significant milestone in the institute’s yearly calendar, while whispers filled the air—who would emerge as the true prodigy of Holy Orchid Institute?