The old master alchemist

Chapter 86

(Unedited)

…

Fa Wenling seems to respect this old man as she carefully walks to the side of the hut and waited. She did not say anything or moved as she just waited in that position. I have no choice but to also wait on the side. But the chaotic Qi is very evident in the air which is a little bit alarming.

As time went by, I suddenly noticed the Qi calming down and saw the old man's eyes slowly opens up.

"Master…" Fa Wenling bowed and cupped one of her fists in greetings.

It was a typical martial art greeting in the olden days. I did not want to stand out, so I followed her by also cupping my hands.

"Who is this?" the old man said in a hoarse voice.

"Master… This is a newbie. I found him to have potential and I decided to bring him to you…" she said with a slight smile.

"Potential eh… This would not be like the last time, would it?" the old man said with a teasing smile.

"This one looks a bit… fierce." The old man said with a smile.

"Sigh… Master… This is… What's your name again?"

"Fu Chou…" I replied without showing any emotions.

"Hmm… Fu Chou… Nice name… So, do you want to be my student?" the old man asked.

I was a bit confused as to why this old man wanted me to be his student. In fact, I did not want to come to this place in the first place. I just wanted to leave the arena at that time. But it seems that I would be involved with this two from now on with the way things are going.

As if seeing the confusion in my eyes, the old man looks at Fa Wenling and shook his head.

"You did not tell him?" the old man asked with a frown.

"Oh… I… I forgot master. Hihi…" Fa Wenling said with a giggle.

"You silly little girl… Sigh, why do I end up taking disciples like you…" the old man sighs and just looks at me.

"You will be my assistant from now on. You will take care of my herbal garden, and assist me in making Level 1,2, and 3 pills for the Outer Sect students…"

Upon hearing the old man, I suddenly feel that this is a good chance for me to learn something new. It would add something to my knowledge and my intelligence would surely grow.

Upon thinking to this point, I already knew that this is one of my tickets to get in the Inner Sect and into the Core Sect levels.

As if sensing the excitement in my eyes, the old man showed a satisfied expression on his face.

"Good, do you know medicine by any chance?"

I look at the old man and I showed a confused look on my face. I did not want to say yes as it would make me look suspicious, and I also did not want to say no because I would not be able to gain the trust of this old man once I lied.

So the confusion in my eyes seems to trigger the curiosity of the old man.

"Why are you not sure?"

"Master, this… this student knows a little bit of medicine and has practiced simple medical techniques. However, I am not an expert or proficient in my craft. I hope that master would guide me further."

When I said that, I bowed my head. But I saw the old man's expression suddenly change.

"Good! Good! Haha… Young Wenling, it seems that you have found a good seed this time. Hahaha… Your master is really happy today. Because of that, I will permit you to access my library for 2 days…"

When Fa Wenling heard this, she immediately became excited. However, she slightly frowns and then made a bargain.

"Master… How about 3 days? Can I use your library for 3 days… Please…" she said in a coquettish tone which made even me feel a tinge of cringe crawling in my skin.

"You little girl… Alright, since you are my only disciple, you can go… But…" the old man said but then stopped.

He looks at her with a serious expression.

"You should not overexert your body in this… I would let what happened last time happen again. If it happens again I will…"

The old man did not finish his words when Fa Wenling interrupted him.

"I know… I would not be permitted to practice Qi for a month, and would not be permitted to go outside…" she said with a grumbling tone.

"Good that you know… This is for your own good. You should not force a breakthrough to the 5th level. Your breakthrough should be stable and your foundation strong…" the old man advised.

"Yes, Master… I know… Sigh…" Fa Wenling replied with a helpless sigh.

"Now, you… young man. Follow this old man at the back of my hut…" the old man said as he slowly stood up.

From what I can observe, I could see that the old man's limbs are a bit thin and his muscles seem to be getting weaker. However, the flow of Qi in his body is strong. That is the only thing that supports him. I could have already guessed that if the Qi has not arrived in this world, then this old man would have been bedridden already.

We walk inside the old man told me who he is.

His name is Ren Changming, he is known in the Sect by the name Old Chang.

Old Chang is a scientist who studies botany and biology in the university and is a Su sect member since young. But more than one year ago, he discovers the existence of Qi and its effect on the plants. He became interested in the ancient alchemy technique in the Sect and thus practiced alchemy which is almost the same as science.

His Qi practice grew exponentially through his studies and pills and he became strong, one of the strongest in the Sect in fact. And this made Old Chang second only to the Sect leader of whom he helped to reach the current Qi practice level of level 10.

But then 3 months ago, something happened.

Old Chang suddenly fell sick and his cultivation suddenly degraded. The Sect related this issue to the higher level pills which he produces. Ever since then, Old Chang was demoted from the Core Sect area and was sent to the Outer Sect on the premise that he needs to recuperate and needed fresh air and pure Qi from the outside.

The rest of this story was told by Fa Wenling as the old man seems to be uncomfortable telling the story of his downfall.

Well, I could understand that, but then I also could not believe it yet. This is because I do not fully trust the people in this place yet.

The old man began teaching me of the herbs and their names and gave me a few books which he himself has written and researched.

As I read the books, my mind slowly became clear of the power of alchemy. It was like something opened in front of my eyes where I began to appreciate things about alchemy, plants, herbs, and their purpose and functions.

Many formulas in the book enter my mind as I study and study while helping in the garden and watches in pill concoction.

The old man seems to like teaching me many things about alchemy and at the same time medicine.

My time in this place became fruitful and I have not noticed it until one day, Fa Wenling called for me.

"You've been in here for a month already… And you seem to be more helpful than I thought." She said with a smile.

Her beautiful smile almost mesmerizes me, but with my mental intelligence right now, I could already resist her charms.

As of now, my intelligence level has already reached 20.

This significant number made my mind clear and my sense sharper. It was really an eye-opener for me upon reaching this level of intelligence.

However, it seems that the number would not go up until I learned another set of new knowledge which is far deeper than what I am learning now.

I realized that in my one month of stay in this place, the old man did not teach me any Qi practice techniques. Everything is about alchemy and medicine.

However, besides alchemy, I had also begun to consolidate my fighting abilities. Luckily I am able to train with Fa Wenling as she likes to treat me as her punching bag.

Though I do not show it, yet my comprehension has already improved to such a degree that I feel like I could even fight against 100 men without breaking a sweat.

In fact, my sparring fight with Fa Wenling is me suppressing my whole strength to 10% only. But even at that level, I could still defeat her easily if I wanted to.

And one thing I have learned through my one month of stay in this place.

And that is, every end of the month, there is a practical test for all the disciples for rankings.