36: Chapter 36 Xiao Huo's Advice

Especially the Spear Technique instructors, their expressions were varied.

Instructor Luo Cheng, a Sixth-Grade mid-stage Spear Technique expert, cast his gaze on Qin Yan, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

With Qin Yan's Third Stage low-rank Spear Technique attainment, Instructor Zhang Qiming indeed couldn't provide much guidance.

Despite not meeting the recruitment criteria for top instructors, Qin Yan wasn't blinded by immediate benefits, showing the steadfastness of his resolve.

"He's a good prospect, a pity..." Luo Cheng sighed inwardly.

Qin Yan's Spear Technique talent was indeed outstanding, but it wasn't yet worth him making an exception to recruit him.

After all, the other party was still a Non-martial artist, and the gap between him and a true martial artist was too large.

Bridging that gap would consume an unknown amount of time and energy.

At Modu University of Martial Arts, one slow step meant being slow at every step!

Resource allocation and the acquisition of opportunities were all linked to strength.

Of course, if this young man had the courage to step forward and recommend himself, showing enough determination and potential, he wouldn't mind giving Qin Yan a chance.

However, the subsequent turn of events slightly exceeded Instructor Luo Cheng's expectations.

He saw that after rejecting Instructor Zhang Qiming, Qin Yan walked with a determined gaze toward the area where the top instructors were located.

This stirred his heart slightly; did this kid really have the courage to try?

But immediately after, he discovered that the direction Qin Yan was heading wasn't toward him, but... straight toward the Sixth Institute instructor on the other side—Xiao Huo!

Why would a Spear Technique prospect go looking for an alchemy grandmaster?

Instructor Luo Cheng's brow couldn't help but furrow slightly, his heart filled with doubt.

At this moment, Lu Youyou was standing elegantly behind Instructor Xiao Huo.

Her bright, agile eyes curiously sized up the approaching Qin Yan, her long eyelashes fluttering with a hint of inquisitiveness.

Qin Yan's gaze first fell on the energy screen floating in front of Instructor Xiao Huo, which clearly listed the recruitment conditions:

[Hard Requirements:

Strength must be that of an official martial artist.

Alchemy skill must reach second stage or above.]

Of the two conditions, Qin Yan currently met neither.

But he took a deep breath, his gaze remaining resolute.

Since he was already here, how could he be satisfied without trying?

"Qin Yan?"

Instructor Xiao Huo was clearly a bit surprised that Qin Yan would walk up to him, showing a hint of interest.

He naturally recognized this Spear Technique genius who had shone brilliantly during the trials.

"Do you know alchemy?" he asked directly, his tone carrying a trace of curiosity.

Qin Yan met Xiao Huo's gaze calmly, his attitude sincere: "Instructor Xiao Huo, to be honest, I don't know it yet."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Huo immediately lost interest and waved his hand: "Then you should be clear that you don't meet my recruitment standards.

Go find another instructor who is more suitable for you."

His tone carried a clear dismissive intent; he obviously didn't think a Spear Technique genius could achieve anything in the Way of Alchemy and didn't want to waste time.

Qin Yan, however, did not move.

Over the past few days, he had done his homework, not only carefully studying all of Instructor Xiao Huo's public records but also making a special trip to the library to look up more accounts and rumors about this alchemy grandmaster.

He knew that while this instructor seemed casual, he actually placed extreme importance on a disciple's character and perseverance.

He also enjoyed receiving the esteem and praise of others.

Thus, Qin Yan began to speak the words he had long prepared in an incredibly serious, even somewhat reverent tone:

"Instructor Xiao Huo, although I don't know alchemy yet, I am full of deep interest in the Way of Alchemy!

I believe that interest is the best teacher!

I long to walk steadfastly on this path of alchemy and explore its mysteries."

"To be honest with you, at Modu University of Martial Arts, the institute I yearn for the most is the Sixth Institute!

The skill I most desire to learn is alchemy!

And among the many outstanding instructors in the Sixth Institute, the one I admire most is you!"

"Especially back then, when you used exquisite techniques at the Alchemist Convention to refine that shocking Pseudo-Seventh Grade 'Dragon-Tiger Pill' while skipping ranks.

When I read about it in the records, I was shaken to my core like never before!

That subtle control over the heat and the grasp of the timing for medicinal fusion was simply like art..."

Qin Yan spoke eloquently, listing Instructor Xiao Huo's most proud alchemical achievements in his life as if they were his own family treasures.

His words were earnest, filled with sincere admiration.

As one glorious feat after another was mentioned, a smile that couldn't be hidden gradually appeared on Xiao Huo's face.

He even subconsciously stroked his non-existent beard, his eyes gaining a bit more warmth and self-satisfaction.

This tactic had indeed worked!

Striking while the iron was hot, Qin Yan's tone became even more earnest: "Instructor Xiao Huo, I truly hope you can give me a chance to follow you and learn the art of alchemy!

I long to shine on the path of alchemy in the future and refine more and better pills for human martial artists!"

However, the smile on Xiao Huo's face slowly faded.

He looked at Qin Yan, his tone softening considerably, but still carrying a rational consideration:

"Qin Yan, I understand your intentions.

However, the Way of Alchemy is not something that can be succeeded in with just a burst of passion.

Currently, you know nothing about alchemy, which means you need to start from the most basic identification of medicinal herbs, understanding of medicinal properties, and cognition of the spirituality of flesh and blood, as well as the extremely important fire control techniques...

Every step requires an immense investment of time and energy to research and practice."

Having said that, he turned to look at Lu Youyou behind him and asked, "Youyou, from the time you first touched alchemy until reaching your current level, how long did it take?"

Lu Youyou answered obediently, her voice crisp: "Teacher, I started identifying medicinal herbs at thirteen and systematically learning alchemical knowledge; it's been about five years now.

Most of that time was spent learning and memorizing the characteristics of thousands of medicinal herbs, as well as understanding the differences in spirituality contained in the flesh and blood of different exotic beasts."

"Five years?!"

Qin Yan was secretly shocked.

He knew alchemy was not easy, but he hadn't expected the entry level to require such a long accumulation.

"Did you hear that?"

Xiao Huo looked at Qin Yan, his tone solemn, "And that's with Youyou being exceptionally gifted in the Way of Alchemy, far surpassing ordinary people.

If it were someone with ordinary aptitude wanting to reach the Second Stage High-Rank level in the Way of Alchemy, it would be impossible without more than ten years of hard work!"

He continued to advise earnestly, "Qin Yan, think about it. Your current strength is already lagging behind the top students of your year; the priority is to break through to become a martial artist as soon as possible.

Breaking through to become a martial artist requires practicing specialized Body Tempering Martial Arts, which will again consume a lot of your time and energy.

If you get distracted now by learning the extremely mentally taxing Way of Alchemy, do you think you'll still have enough time?

How will you compete with these predatory geniuses in Modu University of Martial Arts?"