Chapter 83

"Damn it, how dare you insult me!" Xingjide's face turned ashen, and he glared at Jiran with gritted teeth.

If handling materials and organizing experimental data were still tasks that alchemists might do themselves, then cleaning experimental equipment and tidying up the laboratory were undoubtedly the responsibilities of assistants—provided the alchemist had one. And as master alchemists, which one of them didn't have an assistant? Well... Sergai didn't seem to have one before, but that was also why his laboratory was so messy.

Now, for such a large-scale alchemical experiment, it was not just about reputation; it was also about making a grand show. If they had to do these tasks themselves, these master alchemists would be too undervalued... Besides, large-scale experiments were undoubtedly complex, and the many master alchemists involved rarely had any free time. Even when they rested, how could they find the time to clean and organize? In fact, even for handling materials and organizing data, as long as the person was reliable, they would be too lazy to do it themselves...

An experimental assistant was definitely necessary. Xingjide's anger was understandable at first, but it became hard to comprehend later.

Xingjide's anger was rising, but he couldn't find a reason to definitively exclude Jiran from the experiment—partly because of Ist's words, and partly because subconsciously, he didn't want Sergai to dominate the experiment too much.

As fellow master alchemists of Azure Wind, Xingjide and Sergai had a decent surface relationship, but there was definitely a competitive mindset between them. If this alchemical experiment succeeded, Sergai would undoubtedly gain both fame and fortune, while the others would be a step behind.

In this situation, Xingjide naturally felt a bit unwilling. So, finding an excuse, he planned to cause a commotion. Even if he just expelled an assistant, it would prove his authority, right?

If he could make a significant contribution to the experiment, he might even surpass Sergai's reputation! After all, the leader of the experiment wasn't necessarily the one in charge...

But who knew, his plan failed from the start! A few words from that black-haired first-year student, and he was made to look foolish!

"Sergai! Is this how you teach your assistant? To dare to be disrespectful to a master alchemist! I have serious doubts about your judgment in choosing this assistant!" Xingjide stopped talking to Jiran and turned his target to Sergai.

To be honest, Sergai was a bit annoyed with Xingjide.

I'm leading a large-scale alchemical experiment, and you come in and cause trouble before it even starts? My assistant is chosen by me because I believe he can help. Not to mention, Jiran's abilities far exceed those of a regular assistant and can be considered a key participant in the experiment. Even if he were just an assistant, what right do you have to make him leave?

However, as colleagues in the same academy, he couldn't be too harsh.

"Xingjide, our experiment will definitely need assistants to handle the more mundane tasks..." Sergai tried to calm things down.

"Impossible! As long as he's here, I won't participate in your experiment!" Xingjide shouted. In his mind, his status was far above that of a mere first-year student assistant, right?

"Master Xingjide, I don't understand why you have such a big issue with me. Is it just because I'm a first-year student? You don't even know how deeply I understand alchemy, and you're excluding me just because of my age?" Jiran looked at Xingjide and continued speaking in a respectful tone.

"Isn't it obvious! Alchemy is a discipline of experience. No matter how much theoretical knowledge you have, if you lack experience, what good is it? During the experiment, a slight tremor in your hand, adding just half a gram of material, could cause a disaster! Why should a first-year student like you participate in this experiment?"

To be honest, Xingjide's words resonated with many of the master alchemists. Alchemy, as he said, was a discipline of experience. Without experience, no amount of theoretical knowledge was useful. Jiran's age indeed made people uneasy.

"So, your point is, if I can demonstrate enough experience and handle the assistant's tasks correctly and proficiently, I can be an assistant for this experiment?"

Jiran wasn't the type to let others insult him and still bow his head, but in this situation, he wanted to give Sergai some face.

Xingjide looked at him with disdain: "This experiment involves materials far more advanced than what you usually handle. All the materials are ones you've never seen before..."

However, Jiran didn't listen to him. Instead, he picked up a test tube and a flask, and brought over a few materials.

These materials were all quite rare and high-grade. Even gold-rank alchemists didn't often see such materials.

Jiran skillfully placed a pile of colorless, transparent powder into the test tube, then picked up several bottles of liquid and dripped a drop of each into the test tube. He then skillfully shook the test tube...

"Crystal Pegasus horn! A level-seven magical beast material! What are you doing, handling it so carelessly? You'll ruin the material!" Xingjide shouted. Every alchemist would be heartbroken to see good materials wasted. Jiran's technique, though skillful, was completely non-standard...

"Don't worry, Xingjide, keep watching," Sergai said calmly. The first time he saw Jiran handle materials like this, he was also shocked. But the results were astonishing.

Jiran confidently shook the test tube, occasionally adding some other catalysts. But no one noticed the subtle magical energy slowly seeping into the test tube from his hands.

Most of the alchemists present were masters, and many were also spellcasters. However, Jiran's technique was too subtle, and the laboratory had various magical fluctuations, so no one noticed his small actions.

The powder from the Crystal Pegasus horn in the test tube was slowly dissolving, undergoing strange changes with the various reagents and catalysts. Finally, the color became increasingly vibrant, eventually forming seven distinct layers like a rainbow!

Jiran shook the test tube once more, then looked at it with satisfaction before turning and handing it to Sergai.

"Master alchemists, you can take a look. How do you think I handled the material?"

"Ridiculous! How can you handle a level-seven material so roughly? You must have destroyed its properties..." A master alchemist took the test tube from Sergai, his face full of anger. However, as he saw the rainbow-colored powder inside, his eyes widened.

"The conversion rate is over 95%, and the purity is excellent... Even if I did it, it wouldn't be any better." The master alchemist marveled.

The other master alchemists were also amazed and took turns examining the test tube, reaching similar conclusions. Some even felt ashamed, as they doubted they could achieve the same results in such a short time...

Xingjide's face turned ashen. He had just said that the boy lacked experience, and now he had immediately handled a high-grade material to prove him wrong! This kid was definitely doing it on purpose!

Of course, Jiran was doing it on purpose. Xingjide had come in and deliberately picked a fight. Was he supposed to just take it? You said I lack experience? Fine, I'll show you how to handle a high-grade material!

You were so rude to me, and I'm giving you face for Sergai's sake. Now you want to kick me out? I'm not going to take it anymore.

As for handling high-grade materials, Jiran was confident. The more he understood alchemy, the more he realized that the methods for handling materials in this world were almost identical to those in "Immortal Leisure." With some knowledge of alchemy, using the techniques for handling materials and adding some alchemical catalysts, achieving such results was natural.

Of course, the process was different, but that was something even the master alchemists couldn't criticize. Each master alchemist had their unique techniques. Were they supposed to reveal everything?

Xingjide looked at the rainbow-colored powder from the Crystal Pegasus horn, struggling to find words: "Just because he can handle this material doesn't mean he can handle all useful materials! Maybe he only knows how to handle this one!"

This was already nitpicking. From the skillful handling, it was clear that Jiran had handled such high-grade materials multiple times. Who would waste time practicing with just one material? What good would that do?

Moreover, practicing with multiple materials was more practical. Where would Jiran get so many Crystal Pegasus horns to practice with?

"Are you suggesting I handle all the high-grade materials, Master Xingjide?" Jiran still smiled, showing no impatience.

At this point, Sergai finally spoke up.

"Xingjide, rest assured, I'm not that old. Jiran has been tested by me, and he will definitely be a capable assistant for this experiment." As the leader of the experiment, he had to mediate.

"No! I can't trust him! Either you make him leave, or I will!" Xingjide was almost driven mad, his eyes red as he glared at Jiran.

Jiran said nothing, just looking at him. What did I do to you? Why are you so against me?

Sergai's temper also flared. What are you trying to do, Xingjide?

"I'm sorry, but Jiran can help me a lot and lighten my workload. I can't make him leave!" Sergai looked at Xingjide. There are so many master alchemists; I invited you out of courtesy. If you don't want to be reasonable, I can't help it!

Xingjide was almost driven mad, glaring fiercely at Sergai and Jiran: "Fine, I'll leave!"