C15 Master Lee's Choice

During this time, both Fifth Elder and Ling Hui found themselves in an exceedingly uncomfortable situation. It wasn't that Lee Qingqiu was grilling them with questions; rather, she seemed to completely disregard them, focusing her attention solely on Ling Chen. She intermittently posed questions to him, leaving Fifth Elder and Ling Hui without an opportunity to interject.

This was supposed to be Ling Hui's moment to shine at his master's acceptance ceremony, yet it appeared that both he and Fifth Elder had been relegated to mere background figures.

"Master Ling, what are your thoughts on the three fundamental elements of alchemy?" Lee Qingqiu inquired with reverence.

After a brief pause, Ling Chen responded, "The so-called three basic elements are the formula, the furnace, and control! In my view, control is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect for an alchemist."

Control?

Lee Qingqiu couldn't help but furrow his brow at the response.

"Master Ling, while the pill formula is a given, isn't a suitable and excellent furnace necessary? Without it, even with great control, one might not succeed in refining a high-grade pill, right?" Lee Qingqiu expressed his skepticism.

"That's not necessarily the case," Ling Chen replied, smiling. "Control is akin to a warrior's foundation. Without a solid foundation, how can one expect to produce a quality pill? Take, for example, a Warforged warrior with a top-grade martial skill versus a High King warrior without any weapons—who do you think would emerge victorious?"

Lee Qingqiu was momentarily taken aback, then a look of clarity dawned in his eyes.

Ling Chen's explanation was straightforward and easily understood, providing Lee Qingqiu with an epiphany.

Even those like Ling Shan, who were not versed in alchemy, could grasp the significance of Ling Chen's words.

"Master Lee, the real issue you face isn't the lack of a suitable medicinal cauldron; rather, it's your excessive dependence on the power of the cauldron," Ling Chen explained with a smile. "But it's understandable. As a senior consultant for the Alchemy Branch, having access to quality cauldrons is expected. However, relying too much on them is not advisable."

Lee Qingqiu nodded vigorously.

"The pinnacle of alchemy is to hold a medicinal cauldron in your heart even when there's none in your hand. To wield the soul fire and burn all things in the world! This is the essence of becoming One with the Pill. At that level, even without a physical cauldron, one can still concoct perfect pills!"

"A medicinal cauldron is merely a beginner's tool. For someone like you, isn't it more of a hindrance?"

At these words, Lee Qingqiu let out a loud exclamation, startling those around him.

Yet, Ling Chen simply smiled at the outburst.

Clearly, the other had had an epiphany.

Ling Chen stood and recounted, "The esteemed Alchemy Grandmaster Wu Qing once shattered all the top-grade medicinal cauldrons given to him by a dear friend to craft the finest pills, keeping only a battered copper cauldron. He then secluded himself, dedicating his entire being to the mastery of alchemy, constantly refining his skills. Upon emerging, he had achieved Oneness with the Pill, and with just that worn copper cauldron, he could produce the most exceptional pills!"

Ling Chen clapped Lee Qingqiu on the shoulder, saying with a smile, "That's why Wu Qing became a grandmaster. If he could do it, why not Master Lee?"

Taking in those words, Lee Qingqiu inhaled deeply and gave Ling Chen a respectful fist salute, expressing earnestly, "Your words are more enlightening than a decade of study! A simple truth that I've struggled with for years became clear in an instant through your explanation. Clearly, I have much more to learn."

With that, Lee Qingqiu shook his head and sighed.

It was no surprise he couldn't produce a flawless Eight Treasures Pill, despite numerous attempts and no significant progress. He realized he had been too dependent on the power of the medicinal cauldron.

Nevertheless, his gratitude towards Ling Chen was immense. A few brief sentences from him could elevate Lee Qingqiu's alchemy to new heights.

Ling Chen offered a slight smile and said, "Sir, there's no need to sell yourself short. In truth, I've gleaned these insights from books, and whether they hold true remains to be seen. It's my privilege to have been of assistance to you."

Lee Qingqiu returned the smile and chose not to elaborate further.

He assumed Ling Chen was merely being humble and had said as much for that reason.

The onlookers wore complex expressions, uncertain how to process the day's events.

"This worthless fool, I have no idea what tricks he used to charm Master Lee! He's managed to steal the spotlight today!" Ling Hui gritted his teeth, glaring at Ling Chen with intense resentment.

Today...

He had been reduced to mere background for this nobody!

"Let it be," the Fifth Elder spoke softly. "What does it matter if this nobody knows Master Lee? In two weeks, the Ling Family Competition takes place. If he fails to break through, he'll be expelled from the Ling Family."

"Why bother getting worked up over a nobody?"

Ling Hui's rage subsided upon hearing the Fifth Elder's words, and a dark look crossed his eyes.

Indeed, if Ling Chen were to be eliminated in the family competition, no matter who he knew, he would remain a nobody!

"Well then, let this nobody savor his moment of triumph. In two weeks, we'll see if he's still smiling," Ling Hui said with a menacing chuckle.

With this thought, he felt considerably more at ease.

...

The meeting was brief, lasting only an hour before Lee Qingqiu rose to his feet, citing a busy schedule at the Alchemy Branch as his reason for departing. The patriarch escorted him, along with a retinue from the Ling Family, to the door. Once Lee Qingqiu insisted they needn't see him out any further, the group dispersed.

"Oh, right." In that moment, Lee Qingqiu caught Ling Chen's attention and said, "The medicinal herbs you requested have all been prepared. Do you still need them? I've placed them on the carriage."

Ling Chen felt a surge of quiet joy at these words, though he kept his composure.

He had already surmised Lee Qingqiu's intentions for the visit, so the offer came as no surprise.

"If that's the case, then I must thank Master Lee for his troubles!" Ling Chen said with a gracious smile and accompanied him to the carriage.

Lee Qingqiu retrieved a box from the carriage, revealing an exquisitely crafted ring inside.

"A storage ring?" Ling Chen was momentarily taken aback.

How could he be unfamiliar with such an item?

Storage rings, capable of holding various items, were quite valuable. Even the smallest ones commanded a price of thousands of gold coins, well beyond the reach of the average person. Yet, Ling Chen wasn't surprised; considering Lee Qingqiu was an alchemist, it made sense for him to possess such a ring.

"Master Ling, the herbs you requested are inside this storage ring," Lee Qingqiu said as he passed the ring to Ling Chen.

"Thank you. Once I've retrieved the herbs, I'll return the ring to you," Ling Chen replied with a gracious smile.

Upon hearing this, Lee Qingqiu gestured dismissively, a light smile on his face. "There's no need for that, Mr. Ling. The ring is a mere trifle, a gift for you. Besides, the advice you gave me today is invaluable, far beyond the worth of any sum of money."

"This..."

Ling Chen felt a touch of discomfort.

"There's no need for any hesitation, Master. Please, accept it," Lee Qingqiu insisted with a smile. "Consider it a token of my appreciation. I insist that you take it!"

With a wry smile, Ling Chen nodded and accepted the gift.

Rubbing his hands together and chuckling awkwardly, Lee Qingqiu broached another subject. "Ah, Master Ling, regarding my arm issue that we discussed earlier, I was wondering if you might..."

He trailed off, seeming uncharacteristically shy for a man of his years.

Ling Chen chuckled reassuringly. "Rest assured, Master Lee. I stand by my promises. Now, let me list the herbs you'll need. Please, get ready to jot them down."

"Of course!" Lee Qingqiu's face brightened with anticipation as he eagerly nodded.

His enthusiasm was palpable.

His arm had troubled him for many years, and at last, there was a glimmer of hope. How could Lee Qingqiu not be thrilled?

He promptly prepared his pen and paper.

"Bodhi Mushroom, three pieces; Blood Condensation Leaf, one stalk; Mandara Flower, half a stalk; Calming Powder, two taels..." Ling Chen began, naming each herb methodically.

Lee Qingqiu took meticulous notes, writing deliberately to ensure not a single character was amiss.

Perhaps it was the excitement that caused his hand, clutching the pen, to start shaking.

"Mr. Lee, once you've obtained these herbs, follow the dosage I've described and sequentially add them to the furnace. In about half an hour, the pill will turn blue, and that's when you can take it out for consumption. Take one in the morning and one in the evening. You should see improvement in your arm within a week, and complete healing in two months," Ling Chen said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Master Ling!" Lee Qingqiu expressed his gratitude wholeheartedly, committing Ling Chen's instructions to memory.

"There's no need for thanks, Mr. Lee," Ling Chen replied, dismissing the gratitude with a wave of his hand and a smile.

However, as he was about to depart, something seemed to cross his mind. He turned back and said in a leisurely tone, "Oh, by the way, Mr. Lee, it appears you made a misstep today."

At those words, Lee Qingqiu felt his heart flutter with apprehension.

"What do you mean by that, Master Ling?" Lee Qingqiu inquired cautiously.

While speaking, he mentally replayed his words from earlier in the day, unable to pinpoint any misjudgment on his part.

"Don't be nervous, Mr. Lee," Ling Chen reassured with a smile. "I merely wanted to offer some advice regarding Ling Hui."

Ling Hui?

Lee Qingqiu paused, taken aback.

"What about Ling Hui?"

"The man is petty and narrow-minded; he lacks the makings of greatness," Ling Chen articulated slowly and deliberately. "So, when it comes to the decision of taking him on as a disciple, Mr. Lee, I urge you to weigh it carefully."

With those final words, Ling Chen offered a respectful fist salute and turned to leave.

Lee Qingqiu remained rooted to the spot, mulling over Ling Chen's advice.

A bead of cold sweat traced its way down his brow.

"I was mistaken," Lee Qingqiu murmured, shaking his head with a rueful smile.

The nearby coachman, puzzled, asked, "Master Lee, what was the mistake?"

With a wry smile, Lee Qingqiu replied, "I had hoped to leverage my connection with Ling Hui to foster a closer relationship with Master Ling. Now, it seems I've made a rather absurd error..." His eyes reflected deep contemplation as he trailed off.

It appears that Ling Hui is someone he absolutely cannot take in!

Not just him, but no one from the entire Alchemy Branch should take him in!

Otherwise, it would mean going against a genuine alchemist master!