C29 White Jade Cauldron

Xiao Ling pressed the Jade Slip to his forehead, and his soul force surged forth, perusing the trove of alchemist knowledge.

"Alchemists are categorized into nine grades, with each grade further divided into upper, middle, and lower tiers..."

On the Divine Martial Continent, the role of an alchemist is held in the highest esteem!

Alchemists have the ability to concoct miraculous pills that can assist Martial Cultivators in breaking through their current realms. Some pills are so potent they can rejuvenate a dying person, essentially bringing them back from the brink of death!

Consequently, many powerful individuals seek out alchemists for their life-saving medicines, elevating the alchemists' status to one of great prominence!

Hence, a common adage on the Divine Martial Continent goes: Offend anyone you like, but never cross an alchemist.

An alchemist is akin to a hornet's nest; disturb it, and you'll find yourself swarmed by countless hornets—or, in this case, a multitude of formidable experts.

Many of these experts depend on alchemists, hoping to be owed a favor that would make requesting medicines easier in the future. Therefore, if you provoke an alchemist, they can rally their allies and ensure you face the consequences.

Yet, attaining the revered status of an alchemist is no easy feat.

To become an alchemist, one must meet stringent requirements.

First, one must possess a fire-based martial soul, and second, a powerful soul force is essential!

Both are indispensable!

As a result, the path to becoming an alchemist is unattainable for most, requiring not only a predestined affinity but also extensive time, experience, and mentorship.

"Being an alchemist is a highly coveted profession on the Divine Martial Continent. With some success, I could live a life free from worry about my basic needs."

Xiao Lin chuckled inwardly as he continued to delve into the alchemist's Jade Slip.

These slips, bequeathed by predecessors from the Holy Martial Institute, were brimming with rich alchemical knowledge, offering profound insights from the fundamentals to advanced concepts.

It was likely that an extremely formidable alchemist was responsible for embedding such extensive knowledge into the Jade Slips.

"Blood Gathering Pill, a low-grade, level one concoction. The required ingredients include Snake Blood Flower, Sweet Dew Grass, and Hidden Red Fruit..."

Xiao Ling mentally cataloged each medicinal component, intent on crafting the Blood Gathering Pill.

"However, to refine the pill, one needs a medicine cauldron. Without it, pill-making is impossible."

Currently, Xiao Ling was endowed with a fire-type Martial Soul and potent Soul Force. He had both essentials; now, all that was missing were the medicinal herbs and a cauldron.

"Given that the Resplendent Building is among the top ten Merchant Unions on the Divine Martial Continent, they should have these herbs, right? I'll inquire about them tomorrow..."

With a plan in mind for his alchemical endeavor, Xiao Ling stepped out of the stone chamber and swiftly moved to an open area.

"Swordplay, legwork, footwork!"

Wielding an Edgeless Sword for the first time, Xiao Ling set about mastering the Ruined Sword Technique.

The initial move of the Ruined Sword Technique involved using the sword's momentum to shatter an opponent's weapon in a direct clash—only then could one claim mastery.

The Army Destroyer Frenzy Strike harnessed the heavy sword's might for a relentless, unceasing assault.

The Ruined Horizontal Slash aimed to counter and shatter an opponent's attack in one fell swoop, with the sword relentlessly pursuing to deliver a fatal blow.

Boom!

With a single strike, Xiao Ling reduced a massive boulder to rubble.

Yet, a numbness in his arm caused his brow to furrow, signaling that his training was incomplete.

Therefore, he persisted in his practice, meditating to restore his Essence Qi whenever it was depleted, then diving back into training.

The following morning.

Xiao Ling, with Xiaojin in tow, emerged from the bedroom, having absorbed the Holy Monolith into his being. Stepping out into the daylight, his features were set in a resolute expression.

In recent days, he had made significant progress with his cultivation within the Holy Monolith.

"Good morning, Xiao Ling."

At that moment, Lau Miaoyi also emerged, greeting him with a warm smile. "Shall we have breakfast together?"

"Alright, Miaoyi," Xiao Ling nodded, cradling Xiaojin in his arms as he followed closely behind Lau Miaoyi.

They entered a grand hall where the members of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency had already convened. Huo Wu was seated at the head of the room.

"Xiao Ling, come join us for a meal," Huo Wu invited, her beautiful eyes revealing a hint of surprise upon seeing him. Xiao Ling's presence had grown more stable after a day, and he appeared invigorated.

"Thank you, Miss Huo," Xiao Ling responded with a smile, bowing slightly. He took a seat at an open spot and began his meal.

The Resplendent Building lived up to its reputation as one of the top ten in the Merchant Union; the breakfast spread was on par with the finest establishments, a testament to its wealth and grandeur.

After eating, Xiao Ling turned to Huo Wu and respectfully inquired, "Miss Huo, there are some items I urgently require. Does the Resplendent Building carry them?"

He handed a list to a nearby maid, who presented it to Huo Wu with due reverence.

"Oh, medicinal herbs?" Huo Wu's eyes widened with astonishment after scanning the list. She addressed Xiao Ling, "You're not intending to concoct a pill, are you? Are you perhaps an alchemist?"

As she spoke, all eyes in the room shifted to Xiao Ling, their expressions tinged with awe. Being an alchemist was a highly esteemed profession.

"I'm not an alchemist just yet," Xiao Ling admitted, touching his nose. "But I am inclined to pursue that path. Currently, I need ingredients to craft a low-grade, Grade One Blood Gathering Pill, as well as a medicine cauldron. I'm hoping to test my potential in alchemy..."

The crowd nodded in understanding. To become an alchemist, one needed a fire martial soul and a strong spiritual force. Xiao Ling claimed to possess both, so the next step was to begin pill refinement.

Should Xiao Ling succeed in creating a pill, he would indeed be recognized as a bona fide alchemist.

"Go for it, Xiao Ling!"

Lau Miaoyi's eyes sparkled with excitement. The thought of Xiao Ling becoming a revered alchemist filled her with immense joy.

"You're definitely going to make it as an alchemist, Xiao Ling."

Lau Qing said with a smile. If Xiao Ling succeeded, their Dragon Sect Escort Agency, being on good terms with him, could approach him for pills when needed.

"I'll give it my all."

Xiao Ling scratched his head and turned to Huo Wu, asking, "Does the Resplendent Building carry these items, Miss Huo?"

"Absolutely."

Huo Wu chuckled, "As one of the top ten in the Merchant Union, the Resplendent Building trades in these very medicinal herbs. And since they're quite common, we have plenty in stock."

"But, the cost of a medicine cauldron is quite steep."

Huo Wu shifted the conversation, "Even a basic cauldron costs tens of thousands of Essence Stones. Add in the herbs, and you're looking at over a thousand stones. Can you cover that, Xiao Ling?"

Xiao Ling was taken aback. He hadn't expected a medicine cauldron to be so expensive, with even the most basic one costing tens of thousands of Essence Stones!

And to think, purchasing enough ingredients for several batches of Blood Gathering Pills would exceed a thousand Essence Stones. This was a real headache for Xiao Ling.

He realized that while alchemists could earn a fortune, it was also an incredibly costly profession.

Without spending money, it's like trying to cook a meal without any rice.

"It costs that much!"

The members of the Dragon Sect Escort Agency were astounded. That kind of money could bankrupt their entire operation...

"Oh, this money..."

Xiao Ling's face showed his resignation. With less than a thousand Essence Stones to his name, he could barely afford some herbs.

The Holy Martial Institute's resources were primarily martial skills and techniques, with no Essence Stones to speak of.

So poor.

He sighed internally, his dark eyes misting over as he looked at Huo Wu and said, "Ms. Huo Wu, about the payment... could we possibly work out an IOU?"

Seeing Xiao Ling's eyes brimming with tears, Huo Wu couldn't help but let out a chuckle, her laughter as captivating as her beauty. She waved her hand dismissively and said, "Of course you can."

Truth be told, Huo Wu had never before encountered someone asking her for a loan in such a manner. However, Xiao Ling showed promise, and if he could become an alchemist, issuing an IOU seemed a small price to pay. After all, extending such a favor to recruit a young alchemist was a savvy investment.

Besides, Xiao Ling had affectionately called her "sister," and Huo Wu was not one to be stingy in the face of such endearment.

"Thank you, Sister Huo Wu!" Xiao Ling's face brightened with gratitude, and he quickly expressed his thanks.

"It's nothing," Huo Wu said with a dismissive wave and a playful smile. "Just remember, when you become a formidable alchemist in the future, Xiao Ling, don't forget about your sister here."

"Without question," Xiao Ling replied with a respectful bow. "Besides, Sister Huo Wu, you've helped me in my time of need. I will hold this kindness close to my heart. Should you ever require my assistance, I will spare no effort to come to your aid." His words were heartfelt—he was a man who understood the value of gratitude.

"To repay a drop of kindness with a spring of favor," that was his guiding principle. Huo Wu had extended her help, and he would not forget her generosity when he rose to power.

Huo Wu's smile widened. "I do enjoy hearing such promises."

Shortly thereafter, a maid approached, bearing a wooden tray. Atop it rested a pristine, snow-white cauldron and a storage ring.

"This storage ring," Huo Wu explained, "contains fifty sets of ingredients for crafting Blood Gathering Pills, more than enough for you to practice refining them."

Xiao Ling was taken aback by the generosity—fifty sets of ingredients were nearly worth ten thousand Essence Stones. The quantity was overwhelmingly sufficient, ensuring he could refine the Blood Gathering Pills without the stress of running out of materials.

Cradling the jade cauldron, Huo Wu continued, "And this medicine cauldron, known as the White Jade Cauldron, is a Rank One Profound Artifact. It's capable of refining all pills of Grade One and below, valued at around a million Essence Stones."

Upon hearing those words, Xiao Ling felt a surge of emotion that shook him to his core.

A Rank One Profound Artifact, specifically a medicine cauldron, was beyond his means—even if he spent his entire fortune, it would be out of reach!

"Thank you so much, Ms. Huo Wu."

Taking the white jade cauldron and the storage ring, Xiao Ling's eyes sparkled with excitement.

With everything in place, he was ready to start refining the Blood Gathering Pill immediately.

Huo Wu offered a warm smile and said, "I'm rooting for you, brother. May your efforts in refining the Blood Gathering Pill meet with swift success!"

Should Xiao Ling truly manage to refine the Blood Gathering Pill, all of her intentional nurturing would prove worthwhile.