Chapter 95: The Encounter with the Grand Alchemist Edward

With a mischievous gleam in his eyes, Grandmaster Yuan announced, "Now, it's time for my master's, Edward's, test. This trial isn't public, so brace yourself, Li Yang. It seems I'm finally about to have a junior disciple. Hahaha."

Zephyr, never one to pass on jesting, chortled, "Already calling him 'junior disciple'? Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?"

Without waiting for a response, Grandmaster Yuan guided Li Yang towards a specific lab within the expansive Alchemy Chamber. As they walked, Feng Xuan called out, "From now on, our treasures depend on you!" 

Li Yang grinned cheekily, "Sure thing! But you'll have to trade with academic credits." His playful wink elicited chuckles from those around.

Reaching a particularly ornate door, Grandmaster Yuan rapped on it lightly. An abrupt explosion resounded from within, followed by a groan, "Oh, another failure. This is truly vexing! Who dares disturb me? Enter at once!"

Taking a deep breath, Grandmaster Yuan led Li Yang inside. The room was an alchemist's dream — vials bubbling with effervescent potions, mystical runes glowing, and relics with untold power scattered haphazardly. In the room's heart stood Edward. At first glance, Edward seemed every bit the archetype of an eccentric alchemist. His age showed in the deep lines etched across his face, and his wild white hair stuck out in every direction, as if charged with static. A thick beard covered much of his lower face, its length hinting at the decades he'd spent lost in his craft. His robes, though once perhaps grand, were now stained with various chemicals, bearing witness to countless experiments.

Recognizing the elder, Grandmaster Yuan murmured to Li Yang, "My master might be a bit... unconventional in his ways. Do bear with him."

Edward, with barely a glance at Yuan, grumbled, "What brings you here, Yuan? If it's nothing crucial, you better skedaddle."

Gesturing towards Li Yang, Grandmaster Yuan replied, "This young one passed my test. He is here for your judgment and trial."

Edward peered at Li Yang, sizing him up, "Ah, a fresh face. Tell me, young man, what, in your opinion, is alchemy?"

Li Yang, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, responded, "Alchemy, to me, is the ancient art and science of transformation. It's not just about turning base metals into gold or creating an elixir of life. It's a journey of understanding the universe, manipulating its fundamental elements, and harnessing that knowledge for progression. It's a balance between nature's laws and man's ambition."

Edward raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed, "Well spoken, lad. Let's see if your skills match your eloquence." And with that, the real test began.