Chapter 4970 — The Second Alchemist
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 2
To be sure, a chasm yawned between Yellow-Rank and Mystic-Rank alchemists—even reaching the pinnacle of Yellow-Rank seventh grade did not guarantee that one would advance to Mystic-Rank.
But that was, after all, the bare minimum prerequisite. If one could not even reach the pinnacle of Yellow-Rank seventh grade, then Mystic-Rank was not worth a moment's dreaming.
And now Qing Xuanzi at least had the right to dream. That in itself was a gratifying step forward.
"Good. From now on, devote yourself to cultivating the technique of simulating the alchemical fires of all the various systems at once. That is the most important foundational skill for advancing to Mystic-Rank alchemist—do not treat it lightly." This came from Wei Zhao's own experience refining the Earth-Solidifying Pill a few days before. He was, after all, the man's master; the Divine Farmer's Cauldron could not be shared, but what could be taught still ought to be taught.
"Yes, thank you for your teaching, Master. Your disciple will keep it firmly in mind." Qing Xuanzi was overjoyed at these words. He had long since been certain that Wei Zhao must be a Mystic-Rank alchemist, but he had never imagined he would receive Wei Zhao's earnest instruction so soon—it was a genuine and unexpected delight.
Earlier, a single casual sentence from Wei Zhao had solved a problem that had plagued him for years, and now this sentence too was worth its weight in gold.
It had to be said that when he had recklessly taken Wei Zhao as his master, others had thought it an unbelievably impulsive move—but in hindsight it was unquestionably a wise act of great foresight.
"By the way, is there another alchemist in the academy named Zheng Dongyang?" Wei Zhao asked, changing the subject.
"Zheng Dongyang?" Qing Xuanzi was startled, somewhat puzzled that Wei Zhao should suddenly ask after the man, but he answered honestly all the same: "That's right, there is indeed such a person—our academy's second alchemist, also a seventh-rank alchemist. Only he seems to have gone out recently to visit relatives, so he is not at the academy."
"I see." Wei Zhao thought to himself that this explained why he had never met the man; otherwise, if Zheng Dongyang had truly been at the academy, he should long since have come to pay his respects.
After all, even Qing Xuanzi, the chief alchemist, had become his disciple—let alone a mere second alchemist.
"Is there something you need, Master? Shall I have someone call him back?" Qing Xuanzi asked, seeing his expression.
As chief alchemist he was the direct superior of all the alchemists at Morning Star Academy, and even Zheng Dongyang had to follow his orders. It should be understood that although the two were both seventh-rank alchemists, their abilities differed enormously—Qing Xuanzi alone was worth at least three Zheng Dongshens, or else he could never have held the chief alchemist's seat so securely.
"That won't be necessary. I was merely asking in passing." Wei Zhao waved it off carelessly. With his present standing, a single word could make Zheng Dongyang's life thoroughly miserable, but Wei Zhao was not so domineering as that.
For one thing, Qin Chan's affair concerned only Zheng Tianguang; Zheng Dongyang, as Zheng Tianguang's father, was guilty at most of lax discipline, hardly a grave offense.
For another, Wei Zhao did not wish to meddle too deeply in Qin Chan's business. A chance encounter warranted no more than a helping hand here and there—the matter of vengeance was best left for Qin Chan to settle himself. (To be continued.)