52: Get the Earth Spirit Cauldron for free

The chatter of the surrounding students gradually died down, replaced by a deathly silence of shock.

Everyone's gaze was fixed intently on Jiang Donghua's movements, their eyes wide and their mouths involuntarily hanging open, as if they had witnessed something unbelievable.

In half a year, advancing from a Two-Star Dou Zhe to a Four-Star Dou Shi was already an act defying the heavens!

But what if he could leap from an apprentice with no foundation in alchemy to an Alchemist capable of refining a first-grade elixir?

That was no longer genius.

That was a prodigy!

That was a monster!

That was an anomaly that fundamentally shouldn't exist!

"This... this fire control technique."

The voice of a Senior Student from the Alchemy Department trembled, his fingers unconsciously gripping the corner of his clothes.

"It's more proficient than mine, and I've practiced for three years!"

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Another person vigorously rubbed his eyes, as if doubting his own vision.

"How could he even know the 'Flame Separation Technique'? That's a skill that takes years to master!"

However, Jiang Donghua was deaf to their astonishment.

His movements were smooth and flowing, without a hint of hesitation. With a light tap of his finger, the deep cyan flame obeyed his command, precisely enveloping every medicinal herb.

The water-attributed magic core was thrown into the Medicine Cauldron, and the flame instantly wrapped around it. A pale blue halo appeared on the core's surface, impurities were gradually eliminated, and it finally condensed into a drop of crystal-clear liquid.

Moonlit Grass: the leaves stretched out in the flame, the stalks quickly withered, and the essence was refined into a wisp of silver mist, circling inside the cauldron.

Pure Spirit Bone Powder: the powder churned under high heat, gradually condensing into tiny crystals, flickering with faint spiritual light.

The remaining medicinal materials were tossed into the Medicine Cauldron with the same seamless ease.

The refinement was proficient, and the fusion occurred without any fluctuation whatsoever.

Every single step was terrifyingly precise, as if he had refined this process thousands of times and could complete it with his eyes closed!

"This... is this really his first time refining medicine?!"

Someone gasped in shock.

"He must be lying! He didn't even make a single mistake in the order of placing the ingredients!"

Another person's face was deathly pale, his voice trembling.

Elder Mo Xuan had originally stood with his arms crossed, wearing an expression that suggested he was waiting for a joke.

But as Jiang Donghua's movements grew faster, his eyes gradually became solemn.

Something was wrong!

This kid's technique was too seasoned!

Even someone with the highest talent could absolutely not be this skilled the first time they refined medicine!

Unless he had learned it long ago!

But the problem was, he had personally tested Jiang Donghua's alchemy talent half a year ago.

This kid's Soul Power was strong, but an Alchemist needed countless medicinal ingredients for practice before truly reaching the threshold of higher realms!

But where could this Stinky Kid find so many medicinal ingredients to practice with?

"Could it be..."

A hint of surprise flashed in Elder Mo Xuan's eyes.

"Did this kid encounter some kind of fortunate encounter during his seclusion?"

While he was pondering, Jiang Donghua had already completed the refinement of all the ingredients. The flame suddenly retracted, and all the medicinal liquids slowly merged within the cauldron.

Condensation!

The deep cyan flame suddenly surged, and the medicinal liquid in the cauldron spun rapidly, gradually condensing into the prototype of a round pill.

"It's going to succeed?!"

Someone cried out.

"Impossible! The bone-mending pill is a peak medicine among first-grade elixirs. Even Senior Brother Liu Qingya has a success rate of less than forty percent!"

However, just as everyone held their breath in concentration.

"Buzz!"

The Medicine Cauldron vibrated lightly, and a rich medicinal fragrance instantly spread throughout the area!

Jiang Donghua's lips curled up slightly. He flipped his palm, and the flame abruptly extinguished.

A medicinal pill, pristine white and wrapped in faint cyan markings, floated silently within the Medicine Cauldron!

The bone-mending pill, successful!

And the quality was extremely high!

The pill pattern had even been refined.

There was nothing left to improve, or rather, nothing lacking in this medicinal pill.

The entire scene fell silent.

Everyone was stunned, looking as if they had been struck by lightning.

It really... succeeded in refining?!

And it succeeded on the first try?!

Is this even human?!

Elder Mo Xuan's beard violently twitched, and the shock in his eyes flashed past, but soon, he recovered his profound and inscrutable expression.

"Hmph, just passable."

He snorted, feigning disdain, but the corner of his mouth involuntarily lifted slightly.

Jiang Donghua reached out, grinning.

"Master, the earth spirit cauldron?"

Elder Mo Xuan glared at him, but still retrieved the earth spirit cauldron from his storage ring and tossed it over.

"Take it! This old man keeps his word!"

Jiang Donghua caught it, a hint of delight flashing in his eyes.

However, just at this moment.

Elder Mo Xuan suddenly narrowed his eyes, his tone meaningful.

"But... kid, shouldn't you explain something?"

"Your alchemy technique... who did you learn it from?"

Jiang Donghua naturally had to ponder. But where did he get a master?

He couldn't possibly say that he had an afk in his mind!

Exposing that trump card would be insane.

"Me! Innate talent?!"

The moment Jiang Donghua spoke these words, gasps immediately sounded around him. Several students with weaker mental fortitude felt their legs go weak, nearly collapsing to the ground.

This was too arrogant!

Yet, they couldn't refute him!

Because the facts were right before their eyes.

In half a year, advancing from a Dou Practitioner to a Dou Master, and from an alchemy idiot to casually refining a first-grade elixir—if this wasn't innate talent, what was it?!

"I... I studied for three years, and now I can't even reliably refine a first-grade elixir."

A Senior Student clutched his chest, feeling as if his Dao heart was about to shatter.

"Comparing people just makes you furious!" another wailed.

Elder Mo Xuan stared at Jiang Donghua for a long moment, then suddenly laughed.

"What a fine 'Innate Talent'!"

He stroked his beard meaningfully.

"This old man seems to have found a treasure."

Jiang Donghua chuckled, not being modest, and casually played with the newly acquired earth spirit cauldron. His fingertips gently traced the runes on the cauldron body, sensing the profound earth-attribute spiritual power contained within.

Good stuff!

This cauldron's grade is truly excellent. Outside, it probably wouldn't sell for less than two million gold coins!

Freeloading two million gold coins from the Elder—this feeling was truly wonderful.

Even the materials he had gathered during his six months of seclusion outside wouldn't sell for two million gold coins.

Elder Mo Xuan saw how fond he was of it, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, but he still spoke sharply.

"Don't get happy too soon. You only refined a single bone-mending pill. You are still far from being a true Alchemist!"

Jiang Donghua raised an eyebrow.

"Then Master, how far do you think your Disciple is?"

Elder Mo Xuan snorted.

"You must at least be able to stably refine a fourth-grade pill to be considered having entered the gate!"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding students nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

Refining a fourth-grade pill is just considered entering the gate?!

Then what were they, who couldn't even refine a first-grade elixir properly?

Trash?!

Jiang Donghua merely shrugged, saying lazily.

"Oh, that should be very soon."

Everyone:

"...?"

Is this even a human thing to say?!

Elder Mo Xuan was so angered by his attitude that he laughed. He raised his hand, intending to give him another rap on the head, but this time, Jiang Donghua was prepared, tilting his head and deftly dodging.

"You dare to dodge?!"

Mo Xuan glared.

Jiang Donghua spoke confidently.

"Master, hitting my head will make me stupid!"

"You weren't smart to begin with!"

"Then you definitely shouldn't hit me!"

The old man and the young man stared at each other, the scene becoming quite comical for a moment.

The surrounding students watched dumbfounded, screaming internally.

Was this really Elder Mo Xuan, known for his strictness?!

Was this really Jiang Donghua, the ruthless person who instantly defeated Liu Qingya?!

Why did the scene suddenly become so childish!

In the end, Elder Mo Xuan conceded defeat, waving his hand helplessly.

"Enough, stop jabbering! Since you are so talented, starting tomorrow, you will follow this old man and learn to refine second-grade medicinal pills!"

Jiang Donghua's eyes lit up.

"Is there a reward?"

Elder Mo Xuan's beard twitched upward.

"A reward? Wasn't the earth spirit cauldron enough?!"

Jiang Donghua spoke confidently.

"Master, only encouraging education can cultivate outstanding Disciples!"

Elder Mo Xuan:

"..."

This kid's ability to take an inch and demand a mile was truly second to none!

He took a deep breath, suppressed the urge to hit someone again, and gritted his teeth.

"Fine! If you can refine a second-grade medicinal pill within a month, this old man will give you another treasure!"

Jiang Donghua immediately became interested.

"What treasure?"

Elder Mo Xuan smiled mysteriously.

"You'll know when the time comes."

After speaking, he flicked his sleeve, turned, and walked away, his silhouette extremely dashing.

Jiang Donghua watched the direction his Master departed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Anything that Elder Mo Xuan kept secret about must be extraordinary!

Seeing that the excitement was over, the surrounding students also dispersed, but everyone's heart was churning with shock.

The news swept through the entire Outer Academy of Jia Nan Academy like a hurricane within just a few hours!

"Did you hear? Jiang Donghua is back!"

"That lunatic who disappeared for half a year? Wasn't he crippled?"

"Crippled my ass! He's already a Four-Star Dou Shi now, and he's also a First-Grade Alchemist!"

"What?! How is that possible?!"

Initially, many people didn't believe it and even scoffed. In half a year, breaking through from a Two-Star Dou Zhe to a Four-Star Dou Shi, and becoming a First-Grade Alchemist on top of that?

There should be a limit to bragging!

Did they really think geniuses had never seen a genius before?

But they really hadn't seen a genius like this.

But as more and more eyewitnesses came forward, and some even produced image crystals showing Jiang Donghua refining the bone-mending pill, the entire Outer Academy completely exploded!

This was actually true!

Outer Academy, female dormitory area.

"Did you hear? Senior Brother Jiang Donghua is back!"

"Is that true? Wasn't he missing?"

"Absolutely true! And he's even more handsome than before!"

Several young girls chattered excitedly, their eyes full of stars of adoration.

Outer Academy, Elder's Council Hall.

"Mo Xuan! What exactly is going on with your Disciple?!"

A red-robed Elder slammed the table and stood up, glaring furiously.

"In half a year, advancing from a Two-Star Dou Zhe to a Four-Star Dou Shi, and becoming a First-Grade Alchemist? Do you take us for fools?!"

Mo Xuan calmly sipped his tea, not even lifting an eyelid.

"What? Jealous?"

"Nonsense!" The red-robed Elder's beard bristled with anger.

"This kid must have used some crooked, evil method!"

"Oh?"

Mo Xuan finally looked up, smiling faintly.

"Then tell me, what crooked, evil method allows someone to master first-grade alchemy within half a year?"

The red-robed Elder choked, his face flushing.

The other Elders also exchanged glances, unable to speak.

That's right!

Cultivation could be boosted by medicinal pills, but alchemy was the result of genuine talent and effort!

It couldn't be faked!

"Enough!"

From the head seat, Dean Lei Tian of the Outer Academy spoke in a deep voice.

"Since Jiang Donghua possesses such talent, he should be cultivated intensely!"

He looked deeply at Mo Xuan.

"However... Mo Xuan, you must guarantee that this kid won't cause any trouble."

Mo Xuan grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

"I'll try my best."

Outer Academy, a certain dark attic.

"Bang!"

A teacup was violently smashed onto the floor, scattering fragments.

"Jiang Donghua... Jiang Donghua!"

Liu Qingya's face was distorted, his eyes filled with venomous resentment.

"You think this is over? No! This is only the beginning!"

Liu Qingya clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails digging deep into his palms. Blood dripped down through his fingers, yet he felt no pain.

The scenes from today kept replaying in his mind.

Jiang Donghua's casual smile.

That smooth, flowing alchemy technique.

That bone-mending pill with the pill pattern.

And the shocked, adoring, and even gleeful looks of the people around him!

"Impossible... this is absolutely impossible!"

Liu Qingya roared softly, his eyes bloodshot, looking like a trapped beast on the verge of madness.

He was the Son of Heaven!

He was the Disciple Elder Mo Xuan should value most!

What was Jiang Donghua, anyway?!

Why could a wild kid who didn't even understand the basics of alchemy half a year ago surpass him in just six months?!

"It must be that old bastard Mo Xuan! He must have secretly given Jiang Donghua special tutoring!"

Liu Qingya gnashed his teeth, becoming increasingly certain of this in his heart.

Otherwise, how could Jiang Donghua have progressed so quickly?!

Otherwise, how could he, Liu Qingya, have become a laughingstock?!

"Heh... heheh..."

He suddenly began to laugh softly, his laughter sinister and twisted. Even the few companions who had been following Liu Qingya involuntarily shivered.

"Jiang Donghua... you think you can step on my head like this?"

"Dream on!"

Liu Qingya suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with madness.

"Since you rely on Mo Xuan's favoritism, I will make you reveal your true colors—in front of everyone!"