Chapter 13: Imparting Alchemical Insights

"Um..."

"Xiao Yi Xian, are you serious?"

Looking at Xiao Yi Xian, who was currently performing the ceremony of becoming his disciple, Gu He was momentarily taken aback. "Of course, I'm serious."

A sweet smile graced Xiao Yi Xian's face. Seeing Gu He was seemingly lost in thought, her expression quickly turned disappointed. "Could it be, Mr. Gu, that you were just joking earlier? You actually don't intend to take me as your disciple?"

"No, no, no!" Gu He quickly denied, somewhat excitedly, "I'm serious." Then he calmed down, gazing earnestly at Xiao Yi Xian and slowly said, "Starting today, you are the second disciple of Gu He."

Since Xiao Yi Xian had already taken the initiative to become his disciple, Gu He didn't intend to conceal his identity, and he spoke openly. Upon hearing Gu He's confirmation, Xiao Yi Xian's face once again lit up with a smile.

"Gu He?" "Is that the name of the teacher?" Xiao Yi Xian muttered to herself, feeling like she had heard this name before. As she repeated the name, a flash of realization crossed her mind, and she looked at the Gu He before her in astonishment, exclaiming,

"Teacher, you... You're Alchemy King Gu He?" Xiao Yi Xian stared at Gu He with wide eyes, her lips slightly parted, as if seeing Gu He for the first time.

Facing her astonished gaze, Gu He smiled faintly, then nodded, saying, "Indeed, that's right. Your teacher is Alchemy King Gu He." Although he maintained a smile on his face, Gu He secretly vowed to himself that he needed to shed this title as soon as possible.

Currently, his strength had already reached the level of a Nine-Star Dou King, just a step away from breaking through to the Dou Emperor realm. By then, he should change his title to "Alchemy Emperor Gu He."

The title "Alchemy Emperor" sounded much more imposing than "Alchemy King." Now that he had taken Xiao Yi Xian as his disciple, achieving this goal wouldn't be too difficult.

My teacher really is Alchemy King! That's actually Alchemy King! Seeing Gu He confessing, Xiao Yi Xian was utterly bewildered, her mind struggling to catch up.

Alchemy King Gu He was, to her, akin to a legendary figure. She couldn't have dreamed that one day she would actually become the disciple of Alchemy King Gu He. She stared at Gu He in a daze, momentarily rendered speechless.

Gu He waved his hand in front of her, chuckling, "Silly girl, what are you thinking? Haven't you processed it yet?"

"Teacher... I..." Xiao Yi Xian snapped back to reality and looked at Gu He, her words suddenly stumbling.

"You little one, you've become more distant after becoming a disciple," Gu He laughed and reassured, "Go rest for now. Tomorrow, your teacher will impart the ways of alchemy to you."

Seeing Xiao Yi Xian's absent-mindedness and her incomplete comprehension, Gu He abandoned his intention to impart the "greeting ceremony."

Rushing things wouldn't lead to success; it was clear that Xiao Yi Xian wasn't fully present in the moment, so he wasn't in a hurry. "Yes, teacher." "In that case, the disciple will take her leave."

Hearing Gu He's comforting words, Xiao Yi Xian felt somewhat reassured. She bowed to Gu He and then, with graceful steps, left his room. "This girl... it seems she truly hasn't caught up yet." Gu He looked at the leftover bowl and chopsticks on the table shook his head, and proceeded to tidy up.

"Greetings, Teacher." Early the next morning, just as Gu He had woken up, Xiao Yi Xian's graceful voice echoed outside his room. "This girl is up so early. Could she have not slept all night?" Hearing Xiao Yi Xian's voice, Gu

He was somewhat surprised. Then, he walked over and slowly opened the door.

"Teacher, hehe, good morning!" Xiao Yi Xian appeared, holding a food container, her face adorned with a familiar playful smile.

It seemed that at this moment, she had fully embraced Gu He's identity. "Teacher, you haven't had breakfast yet, right? Your disciple brought some for you." Xiao Yi Xian opened the food container, and an alluring aroma instantly filled the room.

Gu He couldn't help but feel his appetite stirred, nodding with a smile, "Alright." He couldn't help but think that having this disciple wasn't in vain. He now had guaranteed meals three times a day.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian happily brought out a bowl and chopsticks. After a night's contemplation, she had come to terms with everything. Her teacher being the Alchemy King, wasn't that even better?

What was the point of all that turmoil? After all, within the Jia Ma Empire, which young person wouldn't want to be an apprentice under Alchemy King Gu He? Being able to study under her teacher was truly fortunate.

At this moment, Xiao Yi Xian had completely adjusted her mindset. "Disciple, today, I will officially begin imparting to you the ways of alchemy."

After finishing breakfast and cleaning up, Gu He looked at Xiao Yi Xian and solemnly spoke. "Ah, so soon?" Xiao Yi Xian was surprised. Her teacher was really dedicated, wasn't he? It was only her first day as his disciple.

"Yes, since you are already under my tutelage, I will explain to you the rules I have." Gu He looked at Xiao Yi Xian, trying to maintain a serious demeanour.

"Firstly, upon joining my sext, I will bestow upon you three welcoming gifts. You must accept these gifts without refusal."

"Secondly, I've always believed in rewarding those who contribute. In the future, whether you enhance my reputation externally or improve your skills internally, I will grant substantial rewards."

"Thirdly, as long as you do not betray the school, your actions are your own freedom, and I won't interfere."

Initially, seeing Gu He's serious expression, Xiao Yi Xian thought he might impose some very strict requirements. However, upon hearing these three stipulations, she was left dumbfounded.

"Ah... Teacher, is that all?" Xiao Yi Xian blinked her sparkling eyes, looking at Gu He with some confusion.

Gu He shook his head and chuckled, "My school doesn't have so many rules for apprentices. Just these three."

"That's too good." Xiao Yi Xian muttered softly. These three guidelines didn't seem like requirements at all; they were practically the ultimate perks for disciples.

Xiao Yi Xian had initially thought that becoming an apprentice to the Alchemy King would involve strict regulations. But now it seemed she had been overthinking things.

"Come, my obedient disciple, sit before me.

I'm about to impart the ways of alchemy to you." Gu He gently spoke to Xiao Yi Xian.

"Oh."

Hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian felt a bit puzzled, but obediently sat down in front of Gu He.

"Later, you mustn't be distracted. Focus your mind and spirit, completely absorb the information I'm about to pass on to you."

"Understood, Teacher." Xiao Yi Xian responded softly and then followed Gu He's instructions.

As Gu He spoke, he reached out, placing his palm on Xiao Yi Xian's forehead. In the next moment, Gu He concentrated his own mind, issuing a command to the system. "Transfer all the alchemical insights in my mind to Xiao Yi Xian."