Chapter 24: Lei Yin’s Vacant Chamber

While the methods of pharmaceutical alchemy in this world differed slightly from the pill refinement of the cultivation world, they ultimately led to the same destination.

In fact, in some aspects, the art of pharmaceuticals even surpassed the ancient methods of pill refinement.

For instance, in refining medicinal ingredients, pill refinement used a direct alchemical flame. Though simple and effective, it was overly singular, and some ingredients suffered damage to their potency when subjected to such intense heat.

Pharmaceutical alchemy, however, lacked these flaws. It had evolved numerous sophisticated methods for ingredient refinement, including dimensional suppression, decomposition, and elemental stripping.

This sparked a keen interest in Lu Yuan, who had not practiced the Way of Medicine for a very long time.

“My true essence cultivation has reached a bottleneck, and the complete conversion of immortal essence will still take a century,” Lu Yuan mused. “My cultivation of the heart realm also remains unclear. Since I’ve already reached the Mahayana stage, the limitations of lifespan no longer bind me. Perhaps during this time, I shall delve into the Way of Medicine once more.”

Ancient texts once stated that refining medicine was also refining the heart, a process that could encompass all things. Perhaps studying pharmacology could also aid Lu Yuan in his cultivation journey.

Having made his decision, Lu Yuan meticulously gathered all the medical texts from Lei Yin’s alchemical chamber. He then sat cross-legged before the towering stacks of tomes and began to silently immerse himself in their study.

****

The Alchemist Guild Hall remained bustling with a constant ebb and flow of people.

Just then, a dazzling figure stepped through the entrance, instantly drawing every gaze in the hall.

The woman wore a long teal-blue dress. She appeared to be around nineteen years old, her delicate face remarkably beautiful and captivating. Though her stature was somewhat petite, her figure was astonishingly developed, curvaceous and utterly mature.

Her brilliant golden hair was elegantly coiled and secured at the back of her head with a blue ribbon, lending her the air of a noble princess.

A beauty such as this would be the center of attention anywhere, drawing admirers like stars orbiting a moon.

“Alchemist Ruolin has arrived,” an elderly alchemist remarked, nodding towards the approaching woman.

Only then did everyone realize this was Ruolin, the new alchemist transferring in today, and a sense of understanding settled over them.

“Master Lisdo,” Ruolin greeted, offering a slight bow to the older alchemist.

“The Guild Master is currently overseeing the apprentice assessments,” Lisdo explained. “Once those conclude, we’ll proceed with your accreditation as a core alchemist of the guild.”

Ruolin paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. The Guild Master of an alchemist branch held such a high position; it was unexpected for them to personally preside over an apprentice-level examination.

However, the moment she recalled who the Branch Master of the Usutal City Alchemist Guild was, her surprise melted away. ‘Lady Stella is still as unconventional as ever,’ she thought.

“Before the apprentice assessments are over, I’ll take you to an alchemical chamber to rest. Please follow me.”

Ruolin nodded in agreement.

It wasn’t that Ruolin was being finicky; it was simply that the guild hall was constantly bustling. Her standing alone there could easily draw too much attention and cause a commotion.

As they ascended the stairs, a young apprentice rushed towards Lisdo, his expression frantic. “Teacher… something has happened…”

“What’s wrong?”

The apprentice glanced at Ruolin behind Lisdo, his panic deepening. Hearing Lisdo’s question, he stammered, “The alchemical chamber prepared for Alchemist Ruolin… I accidentally knocked over a cage, and now the chamber is swarming with Golden Sheathwing Beetles.”

At the mention of ‘Golden Sheathwing Beetles,’ Lisdo’s face turned green with alarm.

Ruolin’s expression also soured considerably.

These insects were the primary ingredient for a medicinal agent called the “Stench Bomb,” used to repel magical beasts. They constantly secreted an odor that many magical beasts found repulsive.

It was colloquially known as “feces smell,” an odor so potent it could make a seasoned Great Knight faint on the spot.

The image of a room crawling with Golden Sheathwing Beetles sent shivers down Ruolin’s spine just thinking about it.

“Are there any other alchemical chambers available?”

“None…” The apprentice shook his head. “There are no other empty alchemical chambers. They all have occupants already.”

This was becoming troublesome, and Lisdo felt a headache coming on. The Northern Branch’s reputation had plummeted after the incident involving Lei Yin. Ruolin’s transfer was a crucial step in salvaging the branch’s standing, and they couldn’t afford any missteps. A beautiful alchemist commanded immense popularity.

However, with the dedicated alchemical chamber prepared for Ruolin now compromised, Lisdo found himself in an even greater predicament.

“Alchemist Ruolin, Master Lisdo. Have you encountered some difficulty?” A voice drifted over, revealing Alchemist Dutaine approaching them.

Lisdo shot him an annoyed glance. Dutaine had once been considered one of the guild’s more promising young talents, but after the emergence of the rising star Lei Yin, his character flaws had been fully exposed. Refining medicine was also refining the heart, and the Branch Master had privately expressed profound disappointment in him. Yet, for the sake of appearances, no one spoke of it openly.

“Alchemist Ruolin’s chamber is unusable. Do you have a solution?”

“Ah, so it’s about an alchemical chamber,” Dutaine said, his gaze lingering on Ruolin for a moment before a strange glint appeared in his eyes. “I know of a chamber that has been vacant for quite some time.”

“Oh? There’s another empty chamber?” Lisdo quickly asked, “Where is it?”

Ruolin also displayed a look of relief. She certainly had no desire to work in an alchemical chamber previously infested with Golden Sheathwing Beetles.

“Grand Alchemist Lei Yin’s chamber,” Dutaine announced with a self-satisfied smile.