C29 Master.

One could die content in the evening if they grasped the essence of morality by morning.

The Azure Flame Pill King's fame spread far and wide across the continent primarily for his unparalleled skill in pill refinement.

Yet, the most crucial reason for his renown was his status as a Rogue Cultivator.

He was an apprentice Alchemist and a solitary Rogue Cultivator who pursued his craft alone.

Through sheer determination and relentless effort, he ascended to the title of Pill King, sending ripples of awe throughout the land.

His self-reliance, without the backing of any faction, was the crowning glory of his life.

But the Pill King faced uncertainty about his future path. He knew all too well that without guidance, any hope of further breakthroughs was nothing more than a pipe dream.

So, when a mysterious Alchemist crossed his path, he was eager to grasp the opportunity.

Qing Yan's refusal to align with any force or recognize a master wasn't due to pride. It was simply that no pill master in the world could match him.

The young man before him had won his respect in their short time together.

He had instantly diagnosed the Poison Dragon Pill's venom coursing through him.

These events felt as surreal as if they were unfolding in a dream.

"Please, rise!" Qin Ming implored, seeing his master kneel abruptly. He rushed over, flustered, to help him up.

Qin Ming was the disciple; the idea of his master kneeling before him was preposterous and disrespectful.

Moreover, his master's past life had proven to be a hidden blessing for which Qin Ming would be eternally thankful.

"Master Qin, take me under your wing. I promise to diligently learn alchemy and uphold your esteemed name," the Azure Flame Pill King pleaded, as if clinging to the earth.

Qin Ming, exerting more effort, helped his master to his feet, proposing urgently,

"Let's do this: I'll teach you alchemy, and there's no need for formalities or titles. Consider it a mutual exchange of knowledge."

"But how can that be appropriate? With your vast knowledge, Master, what could I possibly offer in return? I ask you to accept me as your disciple, and I will serve you loyally and tirelessly."

Azure Flame Pill King, though wounded, was gradually assisted to stand by Qin Ming.

Seeing that his master was unyielding, Qin Ming understood that the Azure Flame Pill King was not one to seek unwarranted favors.

"Here's another idea: come and oversee the pill refinement at my family's estate. I'll teach you alchemy, and we'll both benefit from the arrangement."

Azure Flame Pill King was momentarily taken aback. What was this situation? With Qin Ming's capabilities, did he really need help in refining pills?

Wasn't Qin Ming capable of crafting pills at will?

Reading the confusion in his master's eyes, Qin Ming elaborated,

"The truth is, refining pills isn't always straightforward for me. Given my strength, I often end up creating Perfect Pills unintentionally, and managing the quality of the pills can be exhausting.

"Besides, I'm still young. To keep a low profile and safeguard my abilities, I must conceal my Divine Alchemist level."

The world was far more complex than it appeared. Now stripped of his powers, he was merely a Martial Warrior. Though his Pill God Body could briefly elevate him to the Martial Sect Stage, what did that amount to in the grand scheme of the continent?

"Alright... we'll agree to that," Azure Flame Pill King conceded after a moment's thought.

What a peculiar world it was, where Qin Ming could effortlessly produce Perfect Pills, while Azure Flame Pill King struggled in vain to achieve the same feat.

Yet he...

It's maddening how comparisons can breed such envy.

Qing Yan felt incredibly fortunate; even though the young man hadn't formally taken him on as a disciple, he was certain to be regarded and treated as one.