Infiltrate (2)
The next morning, Yun Lintian reported to the Alchemy Hall, a vast and cavernous chamber filled with the sounds of bubbling cauldrons and the pungent aroma of exotic herbs. Alchemists of various ranks were busy at work, their faces etched with concentration as they meticulously crafted their elixirs.
Yun Lintian was assigned to a junior alchemist, a middle-aged man with a perpetually furrowed brow. The alchemist, whose name was Elder Li, handed him a list of ingredients and instructions for refining a basic healing potion.
"This is a simple task," Elder Li said gruffly. "But it will test your understanding of the fundamentals. Pay close attention to the proportions and the sequence of steps. Any mistakes could ruin the entire batch."
Yun Lintian nodded obediently, his expression carefully masking his true thoughts. He took the ingredients and began the refining process, his movements practiced and efficient.