The fragrance of incense wafted through the air as Tae-yang strode into the main hall, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Joo-won. With a flourish, he gestured to the two figures trailing behind him.

"Ah, Joo-won! Allow me to introduce my esteemed guests - Do Joon-soo and Yu Han-eol. Tae-yang's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's much we need to discuss, but first, we must speak with your father about matters of great importance."

As Do Joon-soo caught a whiff of the herbs clinging to Joo-won's robes, his eyes widened in realization. An alchemist at his young age, it seems there is more to this clan than meets the eye? Also, Tae-yang couldn't help but be intrigued at the young master's dramatically improved cultivation as he probed him. A spark of excitement for the Han clan's future ignited within him.

Sensing the need for privacy, Joo-won bowed gracefully and excused himself.

As he retreated, his mind was filled with questions. Why did he have the nagging feeling that their arrival heralded great change for the Han clan?

The moment the clan leader swept into the hall, Tae-yang leapt to his feet. "Greetings, Clan Leader!" He bowed deeply before gesturing to his companions. "I've brought two wayward souls seeking refuge. This is Yu Han-eol, cast out from the Jin clan with nowhere to call home. And here we have Do Joon-soo, a master alchemist on a desperate quest to save his beloved."

As Tae-yang recounted their tales, Ji-myeong's brow furrowed in concentration. After a thoughtful pause, he declared, "Your judgment has never led us astray, Tae-yang. Yu Han-eol, consider yourself part of our family now. We'll help you find your place among us."

Turning to Do Joon-soo, Jiming's expression softened. "Your plight moves me, young alchemist. However," he added with a wry smile, "the decision lies not with me, but with my son. Joo-won holds the keys to our pill refinery. It is he who must choose whether to aid you in your noble quest."

His son? Is he probably talking about that young guy? Holding the key to their alchemist refinery? What about the alchemist who refined the Heavenly Clarity Pill? Joon-soo thought

The three visitors bowed as one, their voices blending in gratitude. "Thank you, Clan Leader!"

Tae-yang stood tall before Han Ji-myeong, his eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement. "Clan Leader, our auction endeavors bore fruit sweeter than a thousand-year peach!" He couldn't help but puff out his chest a little. "Four Heaven Clarity pills fetched us nearly ten sky coins! And that's not all – we've secured a treasure trove of high-grade herbs that could help the Young Master."

A mischievous grin tugged at Tae-yang's lips. "Oh, and we snagged some metal that Han-eol here could probably help with. There's still a smidge of coin left, but overall? Victory tastes as sweet as dragon fruit wine!"

Han Ji-myeong’s stern facade cracked, revealing a hint of a smile. "Well done, Tae-yang. But remember," he wagged a finger playfully, "every grain of rice counts in our storehouse.!"

Tae-yang bowed, already itching to share the news. He dashed off, certain he'd find Joo-won elbow-deep in herb lore.

As they approached the fields, a wave of energy hit them like a tidal wave of pure vitality. Do Joon-soo's jaw dropped. Rows of shimmering plants stretched as far as the eye could see, each pulsing with enough spiritual energy to make a cultivator's head spin.

"Great golden monkeys!" Do Joon-soo exclaimed, his eyes as wide as saucers. "These are spiritual herbs!"

A chuckle rang out, and there stood Joo-won, dirt smudged on his cheek and a grin as bright as the noon sun. "Tae-yang! Welcome back to our humble patch of paradise." His gaze flickered to the newcomers, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "So, don't tell me you've been recruiting without me!"

Tae-yang's introduction flowed like a mountain stream, painting vivid pictures of Do Joon-soo and Yu Han-eol's plight. Joo-won's eyes sparkled with interest, his mind already a whirlwind of herbal concoctions and remedies.

As his gaze fell upon Do Joon-soo's withered arm, Joo-won's breath caught. This was no ordinary ailment – it reeked of forbidden arts from the mists of the Ancient era. The Heaven Clarity pill, potent as it was, had only scratched the surface of this malady.

Joo-won circled Do Joon-soo, his scrutiny as intense as a hawk eyeing its prey. "Fascinating," he murmured, fingers hovering above the shriveled flesh. "The Heaven Clarity pill should have worked miracles, but this... this is no mere poison. It's as if someone bottled a demon's spite and injected it into your very essence."

Do Joon-soo's eyes widened, how could a young one’s eye discern such problem just by looking, a problem that has confounded top alchemists including his master.. "Can you unravel this curse, Young Master Joo-won?" his doubt instantly turned into politeness.

A glint of determination flashed in Joo-won's eyes. "The ingredients are in our very fields," he declared. "With them, I can brew a Curse-Busting elixir that would fix you in no time!" His excitement dimmed slightly. "But my skills... they're not quite there yet. I need help. As you can see, my cultivation is not enough."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Tae-yang clapped a hand on Joo-won's shoulder, his voice ringing with conviction. "Then help you shall have, young master."

Tae-yang turned to Joo-won, his eyes full of concern. "There's one more favor I need to ask," he said, nodding towards Yu Han-eol. "My friend here braved the Unforgiving Gorge. I'm worried the poison might've gotten to him."

Joo-won's eyebrows shot up.

"Yu Han-eol's a blacksmith," Tae-yang added. "One of the best in the empire. Young master, perhaps you've got any of those Heaven Clarity Pills left?"

A mischievous grin spread across Joo-won's face. "Follow me," he said, leading them to a small building next to the main hall. "I've got a surprise for you."

Inside the pill refinery, shelves lined with glowing vials greeted them. Joo-won's eyes sparkled with pride. "I've been busy while you were gone. Refined up a whole batch of Heaven Clarity Pills!"

As they headed back, a flash of movement caught Tae-yang's eye. His daughter Se-yeon was training, her blade dancing through the air in unfamiliar patterns.

"Hold on," Tae-yang said, confusion clear in his voice. "What's she doing?"

Joo-won chuckled. "Ah, that's the Hollylock Blade Technique. I noticed the style you taught her wasn't quite clicking. This one suits her way better – like it was made for her."

Tae-yang's eyes widened, surprised by Joo-won's insight. What on earth has happened to the young master. Suddenly Tae-yang felt that he could rely on him more. However, he was also curious as to where and how the young master is getting this knowledge. He didn’t necessarily believe the ancestor tale he made. Perhaps there’s a legendary figure teaching the young master.

A mischievous glint sparked in Tae-yang's eyes as he scooped up a fallen stem from the ground. The urge to test his daughter's newfound skills was irresistible.

"Hey, Se-yeon!" he called out, twirling the makeshift weapon. "Show your old man what you've learned!"

Se-yeon's head snapped up, her training focus instantly shifting to her father. Her eyes narrowed, tracking the stem's every movement as she dropped into a ready stance.

The air crackled with tension as father and daughter squared off. Tae-yang struck first, the stem whistling through the air. But Se-yeon was ready. She twisted away, her blade flashing as she countered.

Their duel erupted into a whirlwind of strikes and parries. Metal sang against wood as they danced across the training ground. Despite the intensity, laughter bubbled up between them – this was as much play as it was practice.

Minutes ticked by, their movements growing wilder and more unpredictable. Finally, Se-yeon stumbled back, chest heaving, a thin sheen of sweat on her brow. But her grin was fierce and proud.

Tae-yang lowered his weapo. "Not bad, little one," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "You've got some real fire in you now."

Se-yeon beamed up at him. "Thanks, Dad,"

Tae-yang watched Se-yeon's movements closely, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. There was something different about her energy, a refinement he hadn't noticed before. As he focused, realization dawned.

"Joo-won," he said softly, "Se-yeon's aura... has she...?"

Joo-won nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "The 5th stage of Human class. She worked hard for it."

Tae-yang's voice caught in his throat. He'd always believed in Se-yeon's potential, but this progress was beyond his wildest hopes. "I don't know how to thank you, Joo-won. What you've done for my daughter, for our family..."

"We're clan. It's what we do for each other."

As they entered the pill refinery, the musty scent of age hit them first. Cobwebs clung to corners, dust coated shelves. But beneath it all, a subtle, otherworldly fragrance permeated the air.

Do Joon-soo's attention was immediately drawn to the cauldron at the room's center. Something’s telling him that it is no mere cauldron. It looks normal, but for an alchemist, a cauldron is like a sword that talks to them, regardless of the quality. But this cauldron, is silent, like it doesn’t even want to communicate with Joon-soo? With him, a genius alchemist of his generation.

Joo-won nodded, moving to a nearby shelf. He carefully selected a small vial, extracting a single, luminous pill. Approaching Yu Han-eol, he held it out. "A gift," he said simply. "This will help."

Yu Han-eol hesitated, acutely aware of the pill's value. With a grateful nod to Tae-yang, he finally accepted it, swallowing it carefully.

The pill's effects weren't instantaneous, but gradual. Yu Han-eol felt a warmth spreading through him, cleansing and invigorating. He settled into a meditative pose, focusing on the energy coursing through his body.

As minutes passed, the others watched in silent anticipation. Slowly, Yu Han-eol's cultivation began to climb. Fourth stage... fifth... sixth of the Expert Class. When he finally opened his eyes, wonder shone in them.

"I've never felt anything like that," he said softly, flexing his hands as if seeing them anew.

Joo-won smiled. "Welcome to the Han clan," he said.

Joo-won then reached for a shimmering ingot on a nearby shelf, it was the Eternal Winter gift that he received from the tower. Joo-won was actually excited that they have a blacksmith now. As he held it out to Yu Han-eol, the air around it seemed to shimmer with cold.

Yu Han-eol's eyes widened. What is this metal? It’s like he was a researcher who has received a large sum of sponsorship. “It's colder than a snow dragon's breath," he murmured, carefully taking the ingot. "But tougher than a Diamondback Turtle's shell. If I may be so bold Young Master, please allow me to make something from this?"

Joo-won nodded.

A fire lit in Yu Han-eol's eyes. "Consider it done. I'll forge you a masterpiece that'll make the heavens jealous."

Joo-won ushered everyone to sit inside the apothecary. It wasn’t a nice place to receive guests, but he was left with no option. Joo-won poured steaming tea with ease. His gaze settled on Do Joon-soo, suddenly sharp and focused. "Tae-yang filled us in, but I'd like to hear it from you. What brought you to our doorstep?"

As Do Joon-soo recounted his tale of poison and a love trapped between life and death, the room grew hushed. Joo-won listened intently, his expression betraying a wisdom far beyond his years. Tae-yang watched the young alchemist with a mix of surprise and pride.

When the story concluded, Joo-won sat back, fingers steepled in thought. After a moment, he turned to Tae-yang. "What's your read on this Uncle Tae-yang? Can we trust Do Joon-soo? Is this a fight worth picking?"