Elder Liu’s worldview suffered its first crack.
Bai Ran frowned at the ten pills in the alchemy furnace. She had originally intended to be more restrained and reduce the number of pills.
However, once she started refining, her actions seemed beyond her control, driven by a singular desire for perfection.
“Elder Bai?” she asked, looking at Elder Bai’s stunned expression with some concern.
Hearing Bai Ran’s call, Elder Liu blinked and snapped back to attention. “Ah? Yes, very good…”
He took a deep breath, controlled his facial expression, and asked, “Little girl, where did you learn your alchemy skills? Who is your master?”
Such miraculous alchemy techniques couldn't possibly have been developed by a mere child. She must have a master guiding her from behind the scenes. If he could meet such a master, perhaps he could break through his bottleneck as a sixth-tier alchemist.
“When I was young, I met an expert who took me as his disciple. But my master always traveled far and wide, so I don’t know where he is now.”
Bai Ran fabricated a story with a straight face, conjuring a phantom master out of thin air. Elder Liu’s spirits fell upon hearing this. It made sense; experts often lived secluded from the world. Thinking this, he felt instantly at ease.
He produced a third-tier alchemist’s badge and handed it to Bai Ran. “Congratulations, you are now officially a third-tier alchemist.” Seeing Bai Ran accept the badge with a calm expression, he couldn't help but sigh. Indeed, she was the disciple of a great master, unfazed by external gains or losses.
“Girl, are you interested in becoming a registered alchemist at the Alchemist Guild?” Elder Liu asked.
“Registered alchemist?”
“That means you are affiliated with the Alchemist Guild. You can attend guild events, purchase all herbs at half price, and receive two hundred spirit stones monthly.” Elder Liu smiled at Bai Ran, like an old fox wagging its tail.
“And what do I need to do in return?” Bai Ran asked. The offer was tempting, but she knew nothing came for free.
“You only need to supply the guild with twenty pills each month and occasionally pass on your knowledge to disciples.”
In reality, ten pills a month would suffice, but given Bai Ran’s prodigious alchemy skills, even double the amount would be a trifle. Thus, Elder Liu sneakily increased the pill requirement, all while recruiting such talent and acquiring incredible alchemy techniques. It was a windfall.
Bai Ran’s eyebrows rose as she saw Elder Liu’s sly expression, instantly deciphering his thoughts. However, she didn’t reveal it. Just as Elder Liu presumed, twenty pills were nothing to Bai Ran. Moreover, her exceptional alchemy relied on both flame and talent; even if Bai Ran shared all her methods, most people would struggle to learn them. For Bai Ran, it was simply trading twenty pills a month for two hundred spirit stones, halved-price herbs, and boundless resources. The transaction was a sure win.
“Alright,” Bai Ran agreed, her expression impassive.
“Little girl, it’s a deal! No backing out!” Elder Liu stared at Bai Ran, fearing she might renege. Bai Ran nodded. Elder Liu happily handed her the required Ice Leaf Grass. Carrying the registered alchemist’s wooden token and the third-tier alchemist’s badge, she returned to the inn.
“Sister Bai, you’re back!” Fang Tianhui leaped into Bai Ran’s arms, acting spoiled.
“Did you advance?” Bai Ran asked, stroking her head.
“I wanted to give Sister Bai a surprise.” She feigned a pout. Fang Tianhui had advanced from the third to the fourth stage of Foundation Establishment after consuming the pills.
Following Bai Ran’s gaze towards Qin Mubai, who was still engrossed in his cultivation, she felt a flicker of joy. *He can talk big about protecting them, but he’s just trying to steal Sister Bai’s attention.*
The next moment, Qin Mubai’s spiritual energy surged, and he began to advance uncontrollably. Fang Tianhui stared, dumbfounded. *What’s going on? How can this guy advance so quickly?* Qin Mubai had skipped several levels, jumping from the third stage of Qi Refining directly to the third stage of Foundation Establishment. He slowly opened his eyes, clenched his fist, and felt the abundant spiritual energy coursing through him.
“You! Are you a monster?” Fang Tianhui pointed at Qin Mubai, her voice trembling. She had never seen anyone advance like this! If not a monster, what else could he be?
Bai Ran gazed at him, deep in thought. *Perhaps the toxins accumulated in his body when he was fat blocked his meridians. Then, in the Royal Secret Realm, he obtained a treasure that cleansed his body, expelling impurities. With no spiritual energy accumulated, and coupled with the Qi Gathering Pills I gave him, it triggered such an unprecedented surge of spiritual energy.* *His innate talent must be exceptional.*
Bai Ran looked at him and offered rare praise. “Well done.” Qin Mubai sheepishly touched his nose and then winked flirtatiously at Fang Tianhui. His proud posture was like a peacock displaying its magnificent tail feathers. This infuriated Fang Tianhui. “What are you so proud of! You’re still not as strong as me!” Qin Mubai seemed not to hear her, continuing to send her flirtatious glances. *What to do! I really want to punch him!* Fang Tianhui clenched her fists, gritting her teeth in anger.
“Prepare yourselves in the coming days. Someone might come in the dead of night,” Bai Ran said with a smile, picking up a cup of tea.
“Someone’s coming?” Fang Tianhui’s attention was immediately diverted.
“Yes, I believe I’ve offended the Third Princess of the Azure Dragon Kingdom.” Bai Ran said casually, but it was like a thunderclap in the other two’s ears.
“What! The Third Princess of the Azure Dragon Kingdom?” Qin Mubai’s face was filled with shock, mixed with a trace of fear. “Rumor has it her Crown Prince brother dotes on her immensely and cannot bear to see her bullied.” He shuddered. “Once, a kitchen helper accidentally singed a lock of her hair, and that Crown Prince had the helper cut into a thousand pieces and displayed at the city gate for three days and three nights!”
Fang Tianhui also paled, clutching her head in apparent fear. “What are we going to do?” Neither of them had imagined that Bai Ran’s brief outing would nearly bring heaven crashing down.
“Oh?” Bai Ran put down her teacup, looking at them with amusement. “Between that Crown Prince and myself, who do you think is fiercer?” Both looked at Bai Ran and then slapped their foreheads in realization. *Right, with this demoness here, who could be more terrifying than her?* Their suspended hearts immediately settled, and they calmly resumed their cultivation.
As midnight approached, indeed, someone arrived. In the darkness, dozens of figures lurked outside the inn, observing Bai Ran’s room. *She sent so many people? This Third Princess really thinks highly of her.* Bai Ran smiled, her breathtaking eyes opening. The lights in the room were extinguished, and she gradually melted into the darkness, quietly awaiting the arrival of her prey.