Chapter 73

Zhou Feng knew that Wang Meng’s aspirations lay elsewhere, so he decided to guide him step by step, waiting for him to gradually realize the benefits of alchemy and eventually be hooked.

"Cough, Xiao, I know you have some talent and have received guidance from a master, but you are still far from being an alchemist. I am strict with my students, so you need to be mentally prepared. I won’t hit you, but scolding is a daily occurrence!"

Zhou Feng said, unable to tolerate stupidity. The people in the main hall always tried to push people into his direction, but those fools could literally drive him to his grave.

Wang Meng smiled, "Old Zhou, I have a good temper. Don’t worry, I won’t get angry no matter how stupid I am."

Zhou Feng was taken aback, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "You little brat, you’re tough!"

Thus, the two of them reached an "equal transaction" in a relaxed and pleasant manner.

Morning was the best time for cultivation, so they set the time for the afternoon, each for one hour.

First, Wang Meng taught Zhou Feng, then he played a guiding game of chess with him, thoroughly humiliating the elder. Zhou Feng had always thought their chess skills were about the same, or at most, Wang Meng was slightly better, but he never expected such a huge gap.

So, Zhou Feng decided to make up for it in the subsequent alchemy sessions, at least to save some face.

"Cough, Xiao, alchemy is a profound study and the most difficult among all cultivation paths. No matter what you cultivate, the foundation is the most important. The first step in alchemy is not to refine, but to identify!"

Clearly, Zhou Feng was well-prepared, immediately bringing out a pile of magical bamboo slips.

"These record the basic ingredients for alchemy. First, you need to recognize them. Take a look, and when you’ve memorized them all, we’ll move on to the next step!"

Zhou Feng hummed a tune and left, muttering, "He really doesn’t give me any face. Tens of thousands of herbs, see how you handle it. When you’re completely in awe, I’ll teach you."

This was called a show of force!

Zhou Feng basked in the sun, humming a tune, feeling very pleased.

Before the hour was up, the door creaked open, and Wang Meng walked out, stretching.

"Old Zhou, I’ve finished. What’s next?"

Wang Meng said, though he could recognize most of them, it took a lot of effort to memorize them all.

Zhou Feng stood up, "You little brat, do you know what’s most important in alchemy?"

"What?"

"Patience!" Zhou Feng said earnestly, "Alchemists need the most patience among all cultivators. You must be calm and have a solid foundation. Using the wrong ingredient can ruin everything, or even harm others and yourself!"

Wang Meng nodded, "That makes sense. What’s next?"

... This little brat completely ignored his words?

"You not only need to know them, but also memorize and identify them, including their properties and uses!"

"Um, I’ve memorized them." Wang Meng said.

Zhou Feng thought, this little brat is playing tricks on me. He immediately pulled out a strange immortal herb from his bag, "Do you recognize this?"

"… It looks a bit like a Jima Grass, but this one is a bit strange. It should have the Five Elements attribute, right?" Wang Meng sniffed it, "Um, it contains Metal."

Zhou Feng was stunned, … really?

"What’s the use of this Jima Grass?"

"Ordinary ones aren’t very useful, mainly for refining beast pills. This one with Metal is good for spirit beasts with Metal as their primary element. Overall, it’s more unique than useful."

Zhou Feng glanced at Wang Meng, "Hmm, not bad. You have a good memory, but don’t get too cocky. These are just simple memorizations. The next part will be a bit more challenging."

A flash of light, and another pile of magical bamboo slips appeared.

"These are some basic pharmacological principles and some beginner techniques, including methods for cultivating alchemical fire. Take a look and choose one that suits you."

Zhou Feng walked out, hands behind his back, and closed the door, taking a bottle of wine with him to a tree, his back to the house.

Elder Zhou suddenly jumped up, clenching his fists, "I’ve found a treasure, a real treasure! This talent should be an alchemist, even my grandmother couldn’t stand it!"

There were people with photographic memory, but those who could apply it flexibly and truly identify things were extremely rare. It took him six days to memorize those things, and his master was amazed, directly taking him as a disciple and even letting him join the Zhou family. Thinking back, Zhou Feng felt like it was just yesterday.

Now, he had found someone who could do it in a day. He needed to find a way to bring him to his master, who would surely discover more potential.

However… this little brat was stubborn, insisting on being a sword cultivator. Sword cultivators were a bunch of fools, flying around with broken iron, risking falling to their deaths. Alchemy was much more comfortable.

A momentary impulse led to the discovery of a true gem.

Wang Meng was indeed stunned by Zhou Feng. He didn’t have a clear standard for what made a good alchemist and didn’t really care. He had time and energy, and he was determined not to be defeated by mere alchemy.

Wang Meng studied the bamboo slips seriously, while Zhou Feng was almost singing in joy. Although he didn’t like alcohol, he wanted to celebrate his good mood.

He didn’t know that Wang Meng was learning alchemy just to refine a Mu Ran Pill to break through the Five Elements bottleneck at the 15th level.

This Five Elements bottleneck was only encountered by those with the Five Elements in their body. In a way, the heavens were fair; while they gave benefits, they also increased difficulties.

As he read, Wang Meng became genuinely interested. Many people were obsessed with alchemy for good reason. Alchemy was not only essential for cultivation but could also cure diseases, prolong life, and maintain youth. Of course, it was true that alchemists found it hard to ascend, and the legend of refining a Golden Core and ascending by consuming it was unverified.

In his past life, he had only heard of it but never seen it.

Different fields were like different mountains, but once he set his mind to understanding alchemy, Wang Meng was hooked. For half a month, he spent all his time with Zhou Feng, who was very satisfied.

Alchemy required focus and a clear mind. Wang Meng was like a treasure from the heavens, looking more and more appealing. He would occasionally ask sharp questions, and having such a disciple was a blessing for any master.

... However, Zhou Feng also had his moments of pain. Every day, when teaching chess, Elder Zhou became increasingly discouraged. He used to boast about his dual excellence in alchemy and chess, and although his wife, Lu Yun, always criticized him, he still thought his chess skills were quite good. Now, his confidence was plummeting, and he was almost giving up on chess. But to lure Wang Meng into his "trap," Elder Zhou endured the repeated blows to his confidence.

Playing chess also allowed Wang Meng to take a break from alchemy and clear his mind.

Wang Meng never gave up halfway, especially when it was necessary.

"Old Zhou, why hasn’t anyone brought gifts recently? Are you having trouble in the main hall and came here?"

Wang Meng asked casually during a meal.

Zhou Feng almost choked. This little brat’s ability to annoy was as strong as his talent. However, Elder Zhou was gradually understanding Wang Meng’s temperament. On the surface, he seemed indifferent, but deep down, he was competitive and full of righteousness.