Over the past few days, Ace had imrsed himself in the art of alchemy, refining his skills with unwavering diligence. Each failed concoction, every minor success, and the long hours spent deciphering the intricate balance of ingredients had brought him closer to breaking through.
He could feel it—he was on the verge of becoming a Level Two Alchemist.
Alchemy, like cultivation, had its own hierarchy, a system that separated novices from true masters of the craft.
At the very foundation stood the Apprentice Alchemists, those just beginning to grasp the fundantals. They were divided into two ranks:
Level One Alchemist – The first real step into the profession, where one could successfully refine basic dicinal pastes and simple pills.
Level Two Alchemist – A mark of progress, signifying the ability to handle more complex pill recipes and refine higher-grade herbs.
Beyond the apprentice ranks lay the true path of mastery:
Master Alchemist (Level Three & Four) – Those who reached this stage could produce potent pills with greater efficiency and fewer impurities. Their work was sought after by cultivators far and wide.
Grandmaster Alchemist (Level Five) – A revered status, their pills were not only effective but near flawless in purity. Kingdoms and sects often vied for their allegiance.
And then, there was the pinnacle of alchemy—the Pill King.
Anyone who reached Level Six earned this legendary title, signifying a level of mastery that bordered on the divine. In ancient tis, Pill Kings were said to concoct elixirs capable of reviving the dying and extending lifespans.
Ace knew that if he truly wished to forge his own path, to break free from the chains of fate, then rely becoming a Master or Grandmaster wouldn't be enough.
He had to climb higher. Aim higher.
Today Ace decided it was ti to visit the Hua family to assist with their alchemy business.
Before he left, Liu i stood before her mother, hands on her hips, puffing out her chest like a tiny warrior about to embark on a grand campaign.
"Mother, I'll co back even stronger this ti! So don't overwork yourself, okay?" Her voice was firm, determined. Then, softer, she added, "If anyone bullies you, I'll beat them up!"
She sniffled, rubbing at her eyes before flashing a wobbly smile. "This ti, I won't cry… Hmm!"
From the side, Shan Yifeng scoffed, arms crossed.
"Well, looks like I'm not the only crybaby here." He smirked, now the instigator. "Go on, let it out. Crying is good for you. Helps with stress."
Of course, the way he said it was just infuriating.
Liu i whirled on him, her teary eyes narrowing. "You—!"
Ace, wisely choosing not to get involved in their squabble, turned to Princess Soho.
She smiled knowingly. "And about what we talked about last night, Xiao Zhi…. I'd love it if you would consider it."
Ace simply nodded, offering no further comnt.
Soho chuckled. "Then, I shall take my leave. My people clearly don't want lingering here any longer."
As she turned to depart, Liu i waved sweetly.
"Goodbye, Sister Soho. Let's never et again."
Her voice was as sweet as honey. Her smile? It was just pure sunshine.
With their parting words exchanged, Ace and his disciples set off for White Oak City,
______
White Oak City was alive with energy, its bustling streets lined with rchants hawking their wares, the aroma of grilled ats and fragrant spices wafting through the air. Horse-drawn carriages trundled along cobbled roads, weaving between street perforrs entertaining crowds with acrobatics and lodic tunes.
The Hua family began preparations for the arrival of their guests. They even sent an elder to personally greet the guest at the gate. Elder Lesy.
Hua Lesy, one of the family's esteed elders, practically bead with excitent upon hearing the news.
HerHer eyes sparkled with anticipation—after all, Ace's presence in White Oak City could only an one thing: he was here to help them with the alchemy business.
Trailing behind her was Hua Lin, her expression composed but her presence deliberate.
"Why are you coming along?" Hua Lesy asked, raising an eyebrow.
Hua Lin responded with a casual shrug. "Well, he's going to be our benefactor, isn't he? I just want to show so respect."
That was… suspicious. The Hua family had already extended an enormous gesture of respect by sending Hua Lesy, an elder, to greet them.
Yet, Hua Lesy didn't press further, choosing to let the matter slide with an amused glint in her eyes.
While the city roared with activity, a cozy little inn nestled along a quieter street offered a stark contrast. The scent of sizzling at filled the air, and the dim glow of lanterns cast warm, flickering shadows across wooden tables.
It was a humble establishnt—small, inconspicuous, and yet, packed with locals who knew good food when they slled it.
They had waited but upon not seeing anyone from the hua family they settled here for a al.
Inside, Ace and his two disciples were enjoying a al, seated at a corner table..
While Ace and Shan Yifeng ate a modest al, Liu i was indulging in an absolute feast.
Plates piled high with roast chicken, braised pork, and bowls of fragrant rice surrounded her as she tore into a drumstick with an almost religious fervor.
As they eat, Hua Lesy finally arrived, her chest rising and falling as she took in the scene before her—Ace and his disciples, seated comfortably, enjoying their al without a care in the world.
After searching for them throughout the city, Hua Lesy finally tracked them down at a modest inn, her breath slightly uneven from the effort.
Still catching her breath, she straightened and forced a smile.
"Master Zhi, we finally found you… Shall we return to our estate? I assure you, we can offer a far better al than this."
"Alright, let's go," Ace said casually, rising to his feet.
But Liu i didn't budge. Her focus remained entirely on her food, her chopsticks moving with unwavering determination as she continued eating.
Shan Yifeng glanced at her, his eyebrows twitching as he watched her eat with an exasperated expression. He sighed and stood up.
"Liu i, let's go. Drop the chicken. We can eat lots later."
Liu i's response was imdiate, horrified, and utterly indignant.
"No, no! Are you insane? You can't have any leftover al! That's disrespectful to the food!" she declared, hugging the remaining chicken like it was a sacred treasure.
Hua Lesy, who had just approached, let out an awkward chuckle before attempting a diplomatic solution. "Uh… Liu i, how about this? We'll pack it up for you, and when we get to our place, we'll serve you even more."
Liu i paused, eyeing Hua Lesy skeptically.
"Hmm… do you think I'm stupid?" she asked, voice full of suspicion.
Then, turning back to the innkeeper with utmost sincerity, she called out, "Uncle, your chicken tastes so good! Ignore what they're saying—keep it coming!"
Ace, watching the exchange unfold, couldn't help but laugh. He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in amusent.
"Alright, alright, you heard her," he said, then turned his attention to the other diners in the inn.
"Well, since we're here… tonight's dinner is on ! Enjoy the al!"
The inn erupted into one united cheers.
"Yay!"
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