Chapter 11 Alchemist

Pill refining? This rather eerie scene left Du Fei in shock for a moment, but he soon realized, wasn't the vision in his mind the legendary art of pill refining? On the Xuanwu Continent, there exists an incredibly mysterious profession that holds an esteemed status, that is, the alchemist! An alchemist, true to their title, is someone capable of refining various medicinal ingredients and peculiar items into pills. The various pills on the Xuanwu Continent each possess their unique effects. Even the most common Marrow-cleaning Pill, if released to the market, would likely incite countless powers to compete fiercely for it! One must understand that the path of martial cultivation is inherently defying the heavens. The emergence of pills can make this arduous journey slightly smoother. Who wouldn't appreciate that? However, the lineage of the alchemists is said to be incredibly cryptic. The requirements to become an alchemist are extremely stringent. Firstly, those aspiring to be alchemists must possess an astounding talent in martial cultivation. After all, the art of pill refining also tests one's temperament. If one can't even cultivate martially, what right do they have to become an alchemist? Next, more than physical conditions, what's paramount for an alchemist is the strength of one's soul. The concept of the soul is nebulous, and many even doubt its existence. However, for one to be an alchemist, the power of the soul is essential. If the soul's strength is too weak, how can one undertake the intricate task of pill refining? But, apart from these factors, the most crucial aspect of pill refining is inheritance! No matter how talented you are! Regardless of how strong your soul's power is! Without guidance from a renowned master or lineage, absolutely no one can become an alchemist on their own. This is because even the most basic pill recipe in the art of pill refining is a crystallization of the wisdom of countless predecessors, not to mention the meticulous control of ingredient proportions and fire during the refining process. Due to these various constraints, alchemists are a rare breed on the Xuanwu Continent. The occasional appearance of even the most junior, Ninth-grade alchemist in a region would see them treated as honored guests. After all, any power or powerhouse would definitely not want to offend such individuals! Du Fei was naturally aware of the various rumors surrounding alchemists, so when he witnessed the pill refining process within the system, he was taken aback, soon followed by an overwhelming surge of joy! Although he was unsure why this unreliable system possessed the art of pill refining, with its help, didn't it mean he too had a chance to become an alchemist? While the likelihood wasn't high, he could certainly give it a try. After all, very few people would know as much about the Marrow-cleaning Pill's refinement method as he did now. Moreover, if he succeeded in refining pills, it would be immensely beneficial to his own cultivation! Having these ideas in mind, Du Fei couldn't help but nod slightly. However, moments later, a bitter smile crept onto his face. Purple Wisteria Leaves, Tiger Bone Flowers, Orchid Marrow Leaves, Stone Heart Marrow. If he recalled correctly, all these items were expensive medicinal ingredients, weren't they? If it were in the past, obtaining these items wouldn't be an issue. But now, he was dependent on others. Even with his status as an inner family member, acquiring these materials would probably cost a significant amount of money, wouldn't it? Yet, wasn't money precisely what he currently lacked the most? Thinking of this, Du Fei couldn't resist rubbing his forehead and let out another sigh. Would he really have to personally find these medicinal ingredients himself? After pondering for a moment, Du Fei still shook his head. He knew very well that such an endeavor was incredibly unreliable. The best course of action now was to check if Little Ai still had any money. "Whoosh..." The door was gently pushed open. The girl, who was initially daydreaming inside, brightened up upon seeing him, stood up, and softly said, "Young master... you're back?" "Mm." Du Fei nodded slightly, then stepped into the room and coughed, "Little Ai, a few days ago, the patriarch mentioned that my current status is that of an inner family member. Do you know if there are any cultivation resources available for me?" "This?" Little Ai thought for a moment before replying, "The family mentioned that this courtyard will be for young master's residence from now on. Additionally, they will allocate one hundred gold coins every month. Furthermore, you can access the first two floors of the Martial Cultivation Pavilion. However, I suggest that it would be best if you can wait until you advance to the seventh level of body -forging before going to the Martial Cultivation Pavilion." "Um..." Du Fei nodded, murmuring, "One hundred gold coins? I'm afraid that might barely even be spare change, right?" With a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth, moments later Du Fei whispered, "Little Ai, aside from these one hundred gold coins, how much money do we have?" "Money?" Little Ai blinked, looking surprised, "Young master, you've never really cared about money before. Why today...?" "Well, I want to buy some things. Times have changed, so I should at least ask..." Du Fei replied somewhat awkwardly. "I see..." Little Ai nodded slightly, quickly walked into the inner room, and a moment later returned carrying a small bundle. She then proceeded to open it on the table in the room, picking out the gold coins one by one. "We only have about three hundred gold coins. Young master, is that enough?" After counting, Little Ai softly inquired. "Three hundred coins..." Du Fei pondered, then let out a bitter smile. These three hundred coins were probably enough to buy only one of the four medicinal ingredients he had in mind! It seems that when it comes to the art of pill refining, just procuring the ingredients is beyond what an ordinary person could afford. "Not enough?" Seeing Du Fei's expression, Little Ai seemed to understand something. After a moment, she gritted her teeth, gently removed the hairpin from her head, and handed it to Du Fei. "Young master, if it's not enough, you can pawn this. I believe it's worth some money." Receiving the green hairpin, which felt cold to the touch, Du Fei was slightly taken aback. "Little Ai, isn't this hairpin the only clue to your origins? If it's pawned..." Little Ai gently smiled, radiating an indescribable charm, "No matter what my origins are, it has long since ceased to be important. I belong to the young master. If you need anything, even if it's me, what's the significance of a mere hairpin?" Upon hearing that, Du Fei couldn't resist pinching Little Ai's cheek. After a moment, he took a deep breath and said, "Since you put it that way, I won't be coy. I'll consider this as a temporary loan! In the future, I'll definitely retrieve it for you." "There's no need..." Little Ai slightly pouted, and then whispered softly, "Wooden head!" Her voice was so faint, as if only she could hear it. "Little Ai, accompany me out today. We should take a good stroll in Buyue City!" The next day, Du Fei did not go to the back mountain for cultivation as usual. After grooming, he suddenly smiled and said lightly. "It's a good idea, but won't it be a bit dangerous if we leave the Du Family now?" Little Ai expressed her slight concern. Du Fei furrowed his brows, thinking for a moment before replying in a deep voice, "That Long Aotian probably wouldn't dare to show up easily. Moreover, I believe Buyue City is under the influence of the Du Family. It's unlikely that anything would go wrong there..." "I suppose so." Little Ai pondered before murmuring, "Should I bring my weapon then?" Thinking of Little Ai's weapon, which was taller than a person, Du Fei couldn't help but feel a headache. He shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Forget it, that weapon of yours... When we have time, I'll find you a smaller one. Yours is just too conspicuous..." Saying that, Du Fei shook his head again. Hearing this, Little Ai stomped her foot in mock anger, saying, "I knew you always thought I was too strong!" "What does this have to do with being strong?" Du Fei was taken aback, "It's just that your weapon is too flashy. Times have changed, it's better to be discreet." "Enough talk, let's head out early!" With that, Du Fei patted Little Ai on the head, and then slowly walked towards the door with her. As they walked out of the Du Family residence, they encountered many members of the Du Family. Due to the events of the recent clan meeting, many recognized Du Fei and Little Ai. Hence, when they saw the two, they warmly greeted them. Du Fei responded to these family members with a smile. After asking a servant about the basic situation of Buyue City, the two of them finally left the main gates of the Du Family. Buyue City, being a fairly large city in the southern part of the Da'an Dynasty, was teeming with activity. Merchants and mercenaries were everywhere in Buyue City. However, due to the presence of three major powers that had long been established within the city, not many dared to cause trouble. Both Du Fei and Little Ai wore the distinctive attire of the Du Family. Although many were captivated by Little Ai's beauty as they walked by, after recognizing their clothes, no one dared to provoke them. Hence, the two strolled quite leisurely throughout the city. After wandering around Buyue City, the duo finally arrived at a bustling marketplace. Such marketplaces were typically run by the city's major powers. However, Du Fei specifically chose this particular market as he didn't want anyone from the Du Family to track his movements. It was quite an unusual marketplace. Because of its excellent location and high foot traffic, all three major powers in Buyue City were keen on this market. However, after some disputes, no one really benefited, and it was eventually accepted that the market would be co-managed by the three families. Essentially, the influence of the three powers was not too deeply rooted here, allowing the market to retain a certain degree of autonomy. Wandering around the marketplace, Du Fei discovered all kinds of strange and unique items, even martial techniques were on sale. Martial techniques, like martial artists, were ranked from ninth to first grade, encompassing nine levels. The martial techniques available in this marketplace were mostly of the ninth grade, the common variety. However, Du Fei wasn't particularly interested in these commonplace items; he was more focused on looking for medicinal herbs. But after walking around, Du Fei was somewhat frustrated to find that the herbs he wanted were indeed quite rare. Finding a gem amongst the stalls wasn't going to be easy. Resignedly, after some hesitation, Du Fei led Little Ai towards the numerous shops lining the sides of the marketplace. Eventually, they entered a shop with a rather quaint design.