nyslfriends Chapter 83: Back to the Basics
Chapter 83: Back to the Basics
A week passed, and Li Lang was hit with a cold hard truth.
Brushweaver tools were expensive.
The Elemental Serpent fang and Silver Thorn Lion mane he used for his Moon Brush were way out of his budget. They each cost hundreds of Qi stones and thus, out of Li Lang’s means.
This was because both these materials came from peak Energy Gathering Qi beasts. Only those in the Foundation Establishment realm could reliably hunt for them.
The new information made Li Lang appreciate his mentor more and more because he casually gifted him these valuable materials. Even the talisman paper and ink sticks weren’t cheap, as they were all products from esteemed Woodsmiths.
While Yi Lin could easily afford it, as he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Li Lang was a different story.
When Yi Lin finally had to leave town, he naturally had to lock up his abode and Li Lang now had to buy his own resources to practice with. Luckily, his friend Wei Ping had the connections he needed to purchase at a discount.
Good thing I only need to buy them once since I have Ruby around. Now I can focus on
Li Lang had heard all about what the pocket realm had to offer. It was an ancient training realm made by some large organizations. That meant it offered valuable resources and knowledge on every facet of cultivation.
While numerous disciples had ventured into the pocket realm over the years, almost all of them received different benefits that catered to their needs. It wasn’t surprising that there would be unknown tomes on alchemy lying in wait within the pocket realm.
“You know, I would’ve sent my other disciples in if I thought they had a chance to pass those trials. I know of at least a dozen alchemy geniuses from other organizations that will be heading in this time. Why should I believe you will be able to attain something I could use? You’re only in the fifth stage of the Energy Gathering realm. You might be able to get some mortal-level techniques at best.”
“I can’t say how I will place when compared with those other geniuses, but I can say I am a safe investment for you. I am already an apprentice alchemist, so you won’t have to spend a large amount of resources to get me up to speed. You’ll only have to share your guidance and techniques with me. Think about it. You won’t be losing much, even if I fail.”
“...”
Zhao Longwei didn’t answer and instead closed his eyes for a few moments. When he reopened them, he stared straight at Li Lang.
“Very well, but we will have to sign a contract first. The spoils are often intangible or cannot be taken out of the pocket realm, so I will need reassurance that you will be sharing the authentic article.”
“Understood, no problem. Shall we head to the merchant guild?”
The middle-aged man nodded, and the two swiftly departed. The merchant guild was always bustling, but with Zhao Longwei’s identity as a one star alchemist, they were fast-tracked immediately.
After both drafting and signing the contract, the representative from the merchant guild stowed away the pieces of paper, and the agreement was settled. It was one of their many services, so it went without a snag.
The next day, Li Lang found himself inside a private refining room with his new alchemy mentor.
“Before we start going over any techniques, let us review what you know so far. You don’t have to reveal any sensitive techniques, just the basics are fine.”
“Umm…I used a strange method that allowed me to refine pills ever since I was in the third stage of Energy Gathering. I don’t think I’m familiar with any basic technique at all.”
“What?!” Zhao Longwei’s tone instantly became more serious. “You know nothing at all and have been certified as an apprentice alchemist?”
“Well…a certain elder did walk me through the steps. I at least know the importance of using Qi sense to monitor the pill and Qi arts to control the fire, but not actually how to do it properly.”
“...I see, a natural alchemy genius,” the man muttered. “I will go over the basics then. Bring out your pill furnace.”
“Umm…I don’t have one either. I normally use the ones available in the refining room.”
“...”
An exhausted sigh could be heard from the middle-aged man as he stroked his beard.
“Very well. Since I have decided to invest in you, there’s no point in skimping. Here, you can take one of my spare furnaces.”
At the wave of the hand, Zhao Longwei materialized a brand new pill furnace. It greatly resembled what Li Lang had once seen in the various stores he had visited.
“Thank you so much, Senior! How do I stow it away and bring it out like you did?” Li Lang immediately asked.
“That…you’ll have to figure out yourself. Spatial rings aren’t something I can afford to hand out. Even if I did, it would only put a target on you. It is a disaster to have wealth you cannot defend.”
“...”
I guess I’ll have to carry it around?