C9 Master Liang Wanted to Take Him as a Disciple.

"Ahchoo, ahchoo, someone must be thinking of me. No matter, let's press on. Now, Master Liang, if you would turn to page 12,235 in the basic pharmacology textbook. Yes, right there."

"Have you made this error previously? Ah, correct. I believe if you can preempt such mistakes, reaching the rank of a 1-star super potion master will be within your grasp."

Luo Ke closed his textbook with a sense of contentment, watching a 4-star potion master scribble notes before him like a grade-schooler, feeling an indescribable joy.

The surrounding onlookers were practically agape with astonishment.

A 4-star potion master from the Pharmacists' Association, humbly learning basic pharmacology from a mere part-time worker, was a sight that shattered their preconceived notions.

"A single conversation with a master is worth a decade of study. I never imagined I'd see the day when I'd be humbled. Indeed, a skyscraper rises from the ground; the foundation is paramount."

"Young man, what is your name? And what is your current occupation?" After hearing the young man, who appeared to be in his late teens, speak, he recognized that despite discussing only the basics, the depth of his understanding was remarkable.

"I'm Luo Ke, a senior at Shanhai High School. I'm currently earning my keep with a part-time job at Huang Cheng's Drugstore," Luo Ke replied honestly.

"A high school senior?" Master Liang expressed his surprise.

Given Luo Ke's grasp of pharmacology and his ability to work in the Spirit Battle World, it was clear he was a student. The Spirit Battle World was exclusively accessible to martial artists, students, and those with expertise in pharmacology, artifact refinement, and other specialized skills.

What was astonishing was that Luo Ke was a high school senior, with the college entrance exams just a month away, yet here he was, working part-time, which suggested his financial situation was quite modest, perhaps even challenging.

"Since you're a student, and I am a teacher at the Rising River Pharmacy Academy, how about I take you on as my disciple?" Master Liang offered with a warm smile, hands clasped behind his back.

A pharmacy student would typically spend one to two years mastering theoretical knowledge at university before apprenticing with a teacher to learn practical potion-making.

Being accepted as a disciple by a master pharmacist before the college entrance exams could lead to direct university admission through a special recruitment process.

This was a route often pursued by the affluent to secure a university placement. But as the saying goes, the master opens the door; the disciple's progress depends on their own efforts. Not everyone who trains under a master pharmacist is guaranteed to succeed in the field.

Furthermore, pharmacists earn a respectable income, so it's unlikely one would take on a disciple lacking talent just for some extra cash, as it could tarnish their reputation.

The bystanders, overhearing Master Liang's offer to take a disciple, gazed at Luo Ke with a mix of envy and desire.

The Rising River Pharmacy Academy was the premier institution in the region. Gaining the attention of one of its teachers was a surefire indicator of a bright future as a pharmacist.

Upon witnessing Luo Ke's potential, Huang Cheng approached with eager congratulations, "Luo Ke, to be apprenticed to Master Liang, a four-star pharmacist, is a tremendous honor. My drugstore's future success will surely benefit from your care. Don't delay—express your gratitude to your new master!"

He was well aware of Luo Ke's struggles, juggling classes and a part-time job, so he often lent her a helping hand. Last month, knowing she had been pulling night shifts and only worked fifteen days, he gave Luo Ke two thousand soft coins as a gesture of support.

His heart swelled with joy when he saw Master Liang express interest in taking Luo Ke as an apprentice, feeling that her days of hardship were finally over.

But what happened next left everyone in shock.

Luo Ke, seemingly oblivious to Huang Cheng's words, calmly stated, "I've decided to sit for the Martial Science exam, so I regretfully decline the offer to become your disciple."

He understood the implications all too well; accepting Master Liang's offer meant abandoning his childhood dream of becoming a pharmacist and foregoing the Martial Science exam to enroll directly in the River Shore Pharmacy College.

His earlier desire to pursue pharmacy was born out of necessity, due to his poor health and lackluster talent, with a Soul Matching Degree of just 46%—less than that of a newborn. Reluctantly, he had been ready to surrender his dreams to reality.

But with the system now in his life, everything had changed.

He was resolute in his decision to take the Martial Examination, aspiring to be a demon-slaying martial artist, a hero admired by all.

"What? Have you lost your mind? You were adamant about taking the Pharmacy Examination and becoming a pharmacist," Huang Cheng said, staring at Luo Ke as if he were a fool.

Luo Ke's situation was clear to him: abysmal talent, poor health, and a Soul Matching Degree of only 46%. Coming from a disadvantaged background, an orphan with a dependent sister, he worked at the pharmacy while in his senior year at Shanhai High School. For someone like him, studying hard to pass the Pharmacy Examination seemed the most sensible path.

"Things have changed since then. I want to take a chance," Luo Ke explained.

"Really? You're certain?" Master Liang asked, visibly taken aback.

The Martial Examination wasn't for everyone; it demanded not just talent but significant financial resources. Master Liang had pegged Luo Ke as someone from a modest background and was now intrigued to see him aiming for the martial path. Could this student, with his remarkable memory, also possess a hidden talent for cultivation?

"I am certain," Luo Ke affirmed with a nod.

"Very well, you've enlightened me on two points today. Here's 20,000 yuan as compensation," Master Liang said, tapping on his virtual keyboard to initiate the transfer.

"Thank you, Master Liang!" Luo Ke exclaimed, bowing deeply as he saw his bank balance climb to 30,000.

Besides medication, practicing martial skills was another crucial way to enhance one's Soul Matching Degree.

Luo Ke had been apprehensive when he first quoted 10,000 yuan for answering a question, worried Master Liang might refuse. To his surprise, not only had Master Liang transferred 20,000 yuan, but with the 10,000 yuan won from the bet, he now had exactly 30,000 yuan. Eager to proceed, he immediately redeemed his wealth points to upgrade his Basic Body Refining Technique.

Instantly, he felt a surge of vital energy flood his body, his blood and Qi rising, and a fine sweat broke out all over him. On his interface, the Basic Body Refining Technique had evolved into the Minute Body Refining Technique.

"Why are you just standing there? Get moving, kid. Miss this chance today, and you're bound to be kicking yourself later." Huang Cheng shook his head, the very picture of frustration at unfulfilled potential.