C7 Brother Luo, Who Had Let Go of Himself.

The Pharmacist Association is the Federation's true official organization.

Only the elite can join.

To be called a master, one must be at least a 4-star pharmacist certified by the Pharmacist Association, capable of concocting authentic middle-grade medicines.

These are the real deal, not to be compared with second-rate pharmacists like Huang Cheng, who come from less formal backgrounds.

There are nine stars for medicine, and pharmacists have nine ranks.

An ordinary person specializing in pharmacy can graduate from high school, get certified by the Pharmacist Association, and be called an apprentice pharmacist. To truly make a name for themselves, they must concoct a 1-star medicine to earn the title of a 1-star pharmacist.

And it goes on from there.

"You see how incredible I am? A regular person can't just hire a 4-star master pharmacist like me. Money won't cut it. Little Luo, you have no idea how charismatic I am," Huang Cheng said, thumping his chest proudly.

"Absolutely. Boss, you've always been top-notch in my book, somewhere between A and C. I've got newfound admiration for you. A 1-star super-grade medicine, wow, I've never seen that before," Luo Ke said, giving a thumbs-up.

"Hey, you're quite the charmer today. But let's not dwell on that. It's a rare sight to see a 4-star master pharmacist concoct a 1-star super-grade medicine on the spot. Today, I'll make an exception and give you a glimpse," Huang Cheng said, his smile stretching ear to ear as he clapped Luo Ke on the shoulder and led him through the crowd. It was a chance for his staff to gain some valuable insight.

Huang Cheng guided Luo Ke into the concoction room, and they managed to push their way to the front.

Sure enough.

In the center of the crowd stood an old man in a pharmacist's robe, four stars neatly embroidered on his shoulder. He was meticulously handling a test tube, his gnarled hands surprisingly steady. The table before him was set with herbs ready for the final stage of concoction.

Luo Ke's eyes sparkled with anticipation, ready to witness something extraordinary.

Huang Cheng wasn't exaggerating. Watching a four-star pharmacist prepare a 1-star super-grade medicine was no small affair.

The potency of a medicine, even of the same star rating, can vary greatly depending on its purity and the skill of the pharmacist. For instance, a 1-star medicine crafted by a master pharmacist and one concocted by someone like Huang Cheng, with his unconventional background, are simply incomparable.

A medicine is only deemed super-grade when its potency is more than double that of a regular medicine of the same star rating.

Luo Ke had taken pharmacy courses in high school, but his understanding of 1-star super-grade medicine was still purely academic.

But as he peered closer.

His eyes landed on the test tube in Master Liang's hands, and he furrowed his brows.

"Something's off. Isn't he supposed to be making a strength-enhancing medicine? This doesn't add up. The essences of Water Moon Grass and Green Clove Flower have subtly opposing properties. While concocting a standard 1-star medicine wouldn't be an issue, Master Liang has introduced an attribute catalyst, intensifying the medicinal properties of both. Stirring them together so abruptly could lead to an explosion."

"No, that can't be right. I must be mistaken. Master Liang is a four-star master pharmacist; he wouldn't make such a fundamental error."

Luo Ke whispered under his breath.

It just so happened that Master Liang was in the midst of a critical phase in his potion-making, a time when everyone wished they could hold their breath and concentrate, lest a single heavy exhale disrupt the master's meticulous process.

Luo Ke's whisper, though faint, might as well have been a murmur directly into the ears of those present.

Swoosh.

All eyes darted his way.

"Hey, Boss Huang, seems like you've got quite the knowledgeable employee. He's got a knack for leadership, alright. To think he can critique Master Liang's exceptional work and spot errors. Looks like Master Liang doesn't quite measure up in your book, huh?"

A gaunt pharmacist sneered.

"Tsk tsk, indeed. A mere employee daring to pass judgment? Huang Cheng, you're getting a bit too big for your britches. If you're so capable, why bother running a shop in the second world? Why not go challenge the master himself?"

"Exactly, exactly. I must have a word with Master Liang about this."

The crowd showered him with scornful laughter, echoing the sentiment.

A couple of pharmacists who ran their own shops in the Spiritual Battle World couldn't help but scoff, mocking Boss Huang Cheng in the process. His face grew tense, and he hurried to apologize, but before he could get a word out, Luo Ke was having none of it.

Huang Cheng was a rough and tumble sort, always on Luo Ke's case, but he treated him well.

Any other boss would've sent Luo Ke packing after his repeated tardiness.

Bully me, fine, but my boss? Not a chance.

Luo Ke decided to unleash his true self.

"Stick to the facts. There's no need to drag my boss through the mud. What about Master Liang? I didn't badmouth him. I just think the potion's ingredients are incompatible, risking an explosion. What's it to you? Sour grapes because you can't handle the truth? If you don't like it, there's the door. And who even invited Master Liang here?"

Luo Ke huffed, his retort dripping with sarcasm.

"You..."

"What about me? You gonna bite?"

Luo Ke shot back, defiant.

The crowd was taken aback.

Those invited by Huang Cheng were influential figures in the community, with significant standing in the real world. To be mocked by a young shop assistant, still wet behind the ears, infuriated them.

"A brash kid dares to discuss potion-making in our presence? Haven't even finished college, have you? Is this the kind of respect we get from you, Huang Cheng?"

"It's laughable. I'm aware of the conflicting properties between Water Moon Grass and Clove Flower, but that doesn't compromise the potion's harmony. And you have the audacity to make such bold claims?"

The crowd's anger intensified.

"You're the fools. How you ever became pharmacists is beyond me. You don't even grasp high school basics, which are clearly outlined in fundamental pharmacology. Master Liang is concocting a strength potion. I'll bet it explodes in five seconds. If I'm wrong, I'll pay you ten thousand yuan. What about you? Willing to take the bet?"

Luo Ke challenged the One-star Pharmacist, grinning fiercely, ready to put his money where his mouth was.

"Bet? Bring it on. Who's scared?"

The One-star Pharmacist scoffed dismissively.

"Cut it out, will you?" Huang Cheng desperately wanted to clamp a hand over Luo Ke's mouth, fearing he'd say too much. Offending these folks in the Spiritual Battle World wasn't a big deal—after all, nobody knew anybody, right? But if he managed to infuriate Master Liang, that would be a real problem.

But Luo Ke was having none of it.

He shrugged off Huang Cheng's grip and stepped forward, his right hand flashing five fingers as he began a countdown.

Ten thousand yuan?

The onlookers snickered.

As Luo Ke uttered 'one,' the crowd's laughter peaked, ready to ridicule his audacity.

But then...

Crack.

The sound of a test tube shattering.

Followed by a massive explosion.

Damn.

Did it actually explode?

The crowd was visibly taken aback.

They looked over to see Master Liang beside the pharmacy table, clutching the remnants of the test tube, his face smeared with soot. His once pristine pharmacist's robe was now charred black, making him look like a ragged old man scavenging outside.

The onlookers exchanged glances, their jaws practically hitting the floor.

The One-star Alchemist, who had just placed the bet, glanced at Master Liang, then at Luo Ke, who was rubbing his fingers together as if counting cash. Biting his lip, he reluctantly hit the transfer button.

Ding. Ten thousand yuan deposited into his bank account.

Luo Ke's grin was so wide his teeth were practically dancing.

"How did you know my potion was going to explode?"

Master Liang's gaze was intense as he stared at Luo Ke, his curiosity burning.