C7 Secondgrade Alchemist

In the early morning, warm rays of sunlight filtered through the small window, bathing the room in a gentle glow.

Chen Chu was seated cross-legged on his bed, deeply engrossed in channeling the Creation Body Refining Spell. He was voraciously drawing in the spiritual energy that permeated the air around him. Streams of Genuine Qi flowed through his body's meridians, meandering like mountain brooks, before converging in the Qi Sea within his Dantian. With each replenishment, the once slowly swirling Qi Sea grew more radiant, teetering on the brink of a breakthrough.

At present, Chen Chu's true strength was merely at the third level of the Qi Refinement Stage. Despite his extensive combat experience and insight, he couldn't bridge the vast gap between himself and his peers. In his last fight, Chen Chu had relied on the low-grade Profound Rank martial technique, Netherworld Finger, to forcibly close the strength gap with Zhao Qianli.

The most advanced cultivation technique housed in the Chen Family's Martial Skill Pavilion was the Sun's Brilliance, an Eighth Grade Yellow Rank technique, while their martial skill, Howling Wind Slash, was of superior Yellow Rank quality. These were well-known facts among the clan members. Should Chen Chu display them publicly, he would likely face another round of probing questions from his father.

As Chen Chu pondered over how to approach his father for a new martial skill, a raspy voice suddenly echoed from beyond the door.

"Young Master, the medicinal ingredients have been procured as you directed. We're ready to begin pill refining whenever you wish."

Chen Chu's eyes fluttered open, and he stretched languidly. Throwing on some clothes haphazardly, he stepped out the door to join the old butler.

Strolling along, Chen Chu engaged in light conversation with the butler, discussing the Chen Family's recent affairs. Learning that the Third Elder had secured the services of a Second Rank alchemist from the Ye Family, a look of resignation crossed his young face.

"The Third Elder had no ill intent, Young Master. Please don't take offense," the butler said soothingly.

Chen Chu cast a sidelong glance at a group of older children passing by and sighed, "Butler, your words are kind. I'm well aware of the Third Elder's meticulous ways."

"By the way, does anyone know what special day it is today? It seems all the children are heading somewhere."

The elderly butler cast a backward glance at the group of youths, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. He let out a soft chuckle and remarked, "The young master may have forgotten, but in just two months, it will be the enrollment day for Heavenly South Academy. It's a rare chance that comes only once every two years. Those kids are all out honing their skills, eager to bolster their strength before the academy opens its doors."

Chen Chu, reminded of Heavenly South Academy, grimaced at some unpleasant memories. He simply nodded, choosing to remain silent.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Alchemy Hall, Third Elder Chen Fu greeted a young alchemist descending from a carriage with a beaming smile. The alchemist, dressed in a green robe, was a striking figure in his mid-twenties, with handsome features and a tall, upright posture. However, his somewhat pallid complexion detracted sharply from his otherwise elegant demeanor.

In Miracle World, alchemists held a particularly esteemed status, largely due to the stringent requirements and costly training process involved in mastering their craft.

For a prominent family, raising a warrior to the Foetal Stage was manageable, but having a fourth-grade alchemist was a rarity. The transformative effects of their pills and the potential for power enhancement rendered the profession extraordinarily prestigious.

"Elder Chen, it's been a while, yet your presence remains as commanding as ever," the young alchemist greeted.

"Oh, hardly," Elder Chen demurred. "We're getting on in years. The future of Wanbei City surely rests with young talents like yourself, Master Ye."

After exchanging pleasantries, they proceeded together into the Alchemy Hall.

"May I inquire the reason for your invitation, Elder?" Ye Wenhui asked, his smile warm and inviting.

The Third Elder's expression tensed, a touch of irritation flickering within. The whole of Wanbei City was abuzz with the recent Chen Family incident; Ye Wenhui's question seemed almost rhetorical.

"Ah... My apologies for the amusement, Master Ye. The Chen Family faced a minor setback yesterday, and we've encountered some issues with our pill production. I've come to seek your assistance. Once we've resolved this matter, rest assured, the Chen Family will provide a reward that will meet your satisfaction."

Ye Wenhui feigned a sudden realization, though inwardly he scoffed. The Chen Family had fallen to such a state that they lacked even a single alchemist. Despite their best efforts, they wouldn't last many days. They had hoped to collaborate with other families to keep the Jin Family in check, but it now seemed an opportune moment to heed Patriarch Ye's advice: to seize the moment of weakness within the Chen Family and claim the prize for themselves.

The Ye Family's might was on par with the Jin Family, yet surrendering such a lucrative opportunity would embolden the Jin Family to potentially usurp the Ye Family's standing in Wanbei City.

"Of course, of course. The Chen Family and the Ye Family are like siblings, and this is but a trifle, as it should be."

Observing Ye Wenhui's innocuous demeanor, the third elder quickly discerned the veiled implications in his words. The Ye Family had maintained neutrality in Wanbei City for years, with the three families forming a delicate balance. The Chen Family and the Ye Family had little history of collaboration—where did this sudden brotherhood come from?

When things don't add up, there's usually a catch. The third elder's face tensed as he ventured, "We'll supply the raw materials, and Young Master Ye, you'll handle the production of 300 Blood-Improving Pills and Origin Returning Pills. Once the Chen Family overcomes this crisis, we're prepared to offer 20,000 gold coins in gratitude. What do you say to that, Young Master?"

After a brief pause, Ye Wenhui burst into laughter, hands clasped behind him, and exclaimed, "Third Elder, what audacity! Your proposal is nothing short of astonishing."

"The production costs for these 300 Origin Returning Pills and Blood-Improving Pills are substantial. Even with a perfect pill-concoction rate, it would exceed 80,000 gold coins. And considering my current success rate for crafting second-grade pills is merely 60%, a 20,000 gold coin reward would hardly cover the Chen Family's efforts."

The third elder's face fell, and he forced a smile, "The Chen Family's reputation has taken a severe hit; we have no choice but to resort to this strategy."

Ye Wenhui couldn't help but smirk at the elder's aged visage. The Chen Family's steward was past his prime, hardly a concern.

If they were banking on this plan to save face, the Ye Family wouldn't hold back. Even without our interference, the Chen Family would scarcely recover any profit. Meanwhile, by merely reducing the pill's price by 20 gold coins, the Ye Family could ensure the Chen Family's complete financial ruin.

When the Chen Family is overwhelmed by debts, they'll have no choice but to sell their market lands to satisfy their creditors. At that point, the Chen Family will be reduced to an insignificant, low-ranking clan. We'll feign acceptance of their mercenary group, but once Chen Tong is gone, the Chen Family's downfall is sealed.

"The Third Elder's enthusiasm is palpable, and it would be churlish of us to refuse. The Ye Family will spare no effort in helping you overcome this hardship," we assured them.

The Third Elder nodded gravely, "This act of kindness will not be forgotten by the Chen Family."

Despite his reluctance to keep up pretenses with the young man before him, he was in need of assistance. They exchanged a polite gesture and proceeded toward the Alchemy Hall.

Soon after, Chen Chu and the elderly steward arrived. As he entered the alchemist's domain, he was met with an unfamiliar face.

Ye Wenhui had one strict rule: no interruptions during pill refinement. Distracted by Chen Chu's entrance, he failed to maintain the cauldron's temperature, and a partially processed Jade Bone Vine was charred in an instant.

With a furrowed brow, Ye Wenhui scrutinized Chen Chu. Noticing the lack of an alchemist's robe, his anger flared. "This is no place for the likes of you! Out, now!"

Chen Chu's temper ignited at the rebuke, his voice turning icy. "Such audacity from a mere second-grade alchemist. You have three breaths to leave the Chen Family grounds!"