Chapter Fourteen: An Introduction to the Path of Alchemy

On this day, Master Su Dan paid another visit.

Qin Ming not only cooked a pot of golden spirit rice, but also prepared fine wine and hearty dishes for the occasion.

He had recently earned a good number of spirit stones by selling spirit rice. The pouch that had thinned out last year was now bulging again with over two hundred spirit stones—an impressive income for a minor cultivator at the Qi Refinement stage.

He had even bought some beast meat to pair with the wine. Certain quality cuts of beast meat could replenish one's vitality and were said to aid in cultivation as well. The price, however... was quite staggering.

Through several encounters, Qin Ming had gradually come to understand Master Su’s character. Though she possessed an innate pride, she was actually quite easy to get along with. On occasion, Master Su would discuss a few points of alchemy with him. From her words, Qin Ming could sense her extraordinary talent in the alchemical arts. Otherwise, she could not have become a mid-grade alchemist at such a young age.

"Fellow Qin, I haven’t come to buy spirit rice this time, but rather to discuss another matter with you," Master Su said, eating a bite of food and downing her wine before getting to the point.

Qin Ming was intrigued. He wondered, I am but a humble spirit farmer—what kind of business could Master Su possibly have with me besides buying spirit rice?

"Master Su, what is it exactly?" Qin Ming asked, taking a sip himself, his curiosity deepening.

"I intend to refine a certain pill and will need a large quantity of Yin Condensing Flowers. I’d like you to help me cultivate them," Master Su replied, her expression earnest.

"Yin Condensing Flower?"

In his mind, Qin Ming pictured a spirit plant resembling an orchid, its blossom like frost, with pale yellow stamens. The Yin Condensing Flower was a first-grade spirit plant, maturing in about a year, with a blooming period of roughly seven days. Its flowers could be used as alchemical ingredients.

Qin Ming recalled seeing it in a book of spirit plants he had purchased. It left some impression on him.

He also remembered Master Su mentioning that the Yin Condensing Flower was an auxiliary ingredient for refining the top-grade first-tier pill, the Marrow Cleansing Pill—a rare and precious breakthrough medicine for late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators, nearly invaluable.

Could it be...?

Is she preparing to break through to the rank of top-grade alchemist?

The thought flashed through Qin Ming’s mind, and he quickly deduced what pill Master Su intended to refine.

But then... why not seek the help of the Lingyu Sect’s spirit plant cultivators? Why come to a humble spirit farmer like me?

Qin Ming voiced his doubt.

Master Su chuckled and explained unhurriedly, "I am used to a free life and dislike the constraints of a sect. If I asked the Lingyu Sect to cultivate it, there would inevitably be entanglements."

"I see," Qin Ming nodded, pouring more wine for his guest.

"But the Yin Condensing Flower is a first-grade spirit plant, and I’ve never cultivated it before… I’m afraid…" He hesitated, then spoke frankly.

"Fellow Qin, you jest. If you can grow Spirit Fang Rice, surely the Yin Condensing Flower will pose no great challenge," Master Su replied, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"In addition, I can provide the seeds of the Yin Condensing Flower, and once successfully cultivated, I’ll purchase each flower at five spirit stones apiece."

Qin Ming’s heart pounded—he would be lying if he said he wasn’t tempted. At that price, it would be a handsome sum.

After careful thought, Qin Ming said, "I can give it a try, but I cannot guarantee success."

"There is one more request, though. I wonder if Master Su might agree?"

"Please speak."

"I can plant the Yin Condensing Flower for you and ask only for a tenth of the harvest for myself; the rest is yours. However… I would like to learn a thing or two about alchemy from you…"

Faced with such a golden opportunity, how could Qin Ming not seize it? He didn’t expect Master Su to teach him any profound alchemical arts; even a few pointers or some basic knowledge would satisfy him.

If she refused, so be it. But if she agreed, it would be a windfall.

Master Su paused, eyeing Qin Ming up and down before laughing, "So that’s what you were after?"

"But you should be clear: alchemy devours spirit stones and requires talent—not everyone is suited to the art. Don’t blame me if you find it unrewarding."

Qin Ming was overjoyed at her response, sensing this matter was as good as settled.

Once the first step was taken, the next would come easier. If he helped her plant the Yin Condensing Flower this time, who knew what other spirit herbs she might need in the future? He could negotiate for even more valuable teachings.

He inwardly chuckled, running countless calculations in his mind.

"I’ve decided to stay here for another three years. During that time, you’ll plant herbs for me. In exchange, I’ll share some of my alchemical insights with you."

"Agreed!" Qin Ming replied happily.

"This jade slip contains 'Fundamentals of Alchemy'—the basic properties of herbs and medicines, my own notes from when I first learned the craft. Take it and study it," Master Su said, handing him a jade slip.

Qin Ming thanked her eagerly.

He glanced at the contents: “The three essentials of alchemy: the cauldron, the herbs, the fire…”

To his surprise, the book was not merely a generic primer, but largely comprised Master Su’s own study notes.

The jade slip divided the basics of alchemy into three main chapters:

The Cauldron Chapter, which covered the various types of cauldrons needed for different elixirs, their functions, when to switch or move cauldrons, and so on.

The Herbs Chapter, which detailed the habits, environments, properties, and combinations of various spirit plants and herbs, with Master Su’s personal annotations throughout.

The Fire Chapter, focusing on the manipulation and mastery of fire during alchemy, and the use of different grades of alchemical flames.

All in all, the jade slip’s contents were thorough and systematic.

Even if he farmed for three years in exchange, this book alone would be worth it!

Delighted, Qin Ming put away the jade slip and raised his cup in a toast to Master Su.

With the agreement struck, the two resumed their meal.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Master Su, please continue eating. I’ll go see who it is," Qin Ming said, rising from the table.

When he opened the door, he found it was Daoist Long.

Qin Ming hurried to welcome him inside. "Daoist Long, please come in! We’re just having dinner—would you care to join us?"

Daoist Long frowned and got straight to the point. "No need. I’m here for the usual, just to buy some spirit rice… That’s all…"

He trailed off mid-sentence, having spotted a young figure in white robes at the table—none other than Master Su.

Startled, he wore a strange expression.

Why is Master Su here, dining with him?

Daoist Long greeted Master Su but did not sit down. He glanced at the food—spirit rice, spirit wine, beast meat. This single meal must have cost no less than five spirit stones.

What is their relationship? I have underestimated this Qin Ming!

Even he couldn’t afford to eat like this every day. He found himself unable to see through Qin Ming.

"Heh, Fellow Qin, I won’t stay for the meal. I have other matters," Daoist Long said.

Seeing that his guest was uninterested in staying, Qin Ming simply took a sack of spirit rice from his storage pouch and handed it to him.

"As usual—eighty jin of spirit rice. Please have a look."

Daoist Long hefted the sack, nodded, and stowed it away, then handed over twenty spirit stones.

Having finished his business, Daoist Long exchanged a few pleasantries and took his leave.

After escorting him out, Qin Ming returned to the table.

"Ha, Fellow Qin, it seems your spirit rice business is flourishing these days!" Master Su joked, eating another bite.

"It’s just enough to get by. The price of spirit rice has risen a bit lately, but compared to you, Master Su, it’s nothing," Qin Ming replied modestly.

When the meal was over, Master Su produced a small pouch of Yin Condensing Flower seeds and handed them to Qin Ming, instructing, "I’ll be renting a plot of land near your spirit field. You’ll cultivate them there."

Qin Ming accepted the seeds and nodded his agreement.

He thought to himself, I wonder if these first-grade Yin Condensing Flowers might yield any special attributes…