376: Chapter 376 Sparring!

Lu Youyou's lively big eyes blinked: "My meaning is very simple! Junior Brother, you can also consider applying to the Alchemy Department!"

She started counting the benefits on her fingers: "Look, alchemy is a solid logistical technical position. You don't have to go directly into battle. Swords and shadows are far away, so the danger is naturally much, much smaller..."

"Moreover, the contribution assessment for alchemists is very high. The pills refined are directly related to the survival and combat power of the frontline soldiers, so your merit won't be lacking at all."

"The most crucial thing is—the time is relatively free!"

She looked at Qin Yan and emphasized: "Don't you like practicing the spear the most?"

"In the Alchemy Department, as long as you complete the day's refining tasks with quality and quantity, the remaining time belongs entirely to you!"

"You can practice the spear if you want, or cultivate if you want; no one will interfere."

"But once you are assigned to a combat sequence and go to the front line, you must completely follow military orders and commands."

"If you're told to attack, you can't retreat; if you're told to stay put, you can't leave. Your actions are restricted, and you're not your own master. How could you have so much free time to improve yourself?"

Lu Youyou analyzed it logically, with clear pros and cons.

Qin Yan listened quietly, a warm current rising in his heart.

He could clearly feel the unreserved concern in his Senior Sister's words.

This seemingly flighty and lively Senior Sister, who was occasionally a bit tsundere, was sincerely considering things for him, her junior brother.

She hoped he could avoid unnecessary risks and walk more steadily and further.

He met Lu Youyou's expectant eyes, nodded solemnly, and smiled: "Okay, Senior Sister, I understand. If the school really issues a conscription notice requiring me to go to the battlefield for experience, I will prioritize applying to join the Alchemy Department."

This was not perfunctory, but a decision made after careful consideration.

Lu Youyou's analysis hit the mark; the Alchemy Department was indeed a good choice for him.

Xiao Huo, who was on the side listening to their conversation, also had a gratified smile on his face.

As a teacher, he also didn't want the disciple he valued to be involved in the cruelest slaughter on the front line too early.

Being able to accumulate experience and contribute strength in the relatively safe Alchemy Department without delaying his own cultivation was undoubtedly the most ideal choice.

He was very satisfied that Qin Yan could listen to suggestions and make a wise decision.

Seeing that Qin Yan had a wise consideration regarding his battlefield destination, Xiao Huo took the opportunity to lead the topic to another key issue.

"Xiao Yan, have you chosen your Qi Refinement cultivation method? The Fourth Grade is imminent; this matter needs to be settled early, as it concerns the foundation of your future path."

Qin Yan's expression turned serious upon hearing this, and he replied: "Teacher, a few days ago, I cleared the thirtieth floor of the Secret Realm Tower and obtained the full inheritance qualification to cultivate the Five Elements Primordial Scripture."

"I have decided to use this technique as the cornerstone of my path of Qi Refinement."

"The Five Elements Primordial Scripture..."

Xiao Huo softly repeated the name, the gratified expression on his face fading slightly, replaced by a faint sigh.

"Alas, it really is this technique."

Seeing the determination in Qin Yan's eyes, Xiao Huo knew his disciple's mind was made up.

He didn't directly oppose it but said earnestly: "Well, since this is your choice after careful consideration, it's not convenient for me to forcibly stop you."

"The road, after all, must be walked by yourself."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious: "However, Xiao Yan, you must remember one sentence from me."

"When cultivating this classic, you must act within your capabilities."

"If you find it impossible, that your cultivation of the technique hasn't progressed an inch, or that the resource requirements have become an unbearable burden, remember not to be stubborn. You must know when to give up in time and discard the technique to restart!"

"With your talent and the solid foundation you've laid now, even if you delay a year or two for this and switch to another superior technique, there is still complete hope of catching up in the future, and your achievements might not be lower."

"Don't hang yourself on one tree because of a momentary obsession, wasting your prime years and potential in vain."

"In the hundreds of years since Magic Martial was founded, there have been many geniuses who have met their downfall or even delayed their whole lives because of this classic."

"I don't want to see you become one of them."

The difficulty of cultivating the Five Elements Primordial Scripture was notorious; successful ones were few, none have mastered it, and failures were many.

Xiao Huo wasn't optimistic, but he respected Qin Yan's choice, only hoping he could stay clear-headed and know when to advance or retreat.

Qin Yan could feel the heavy care and earnest expectations in his teacher's words.

He bowed respectfully and replied seriously: "I will keep Teacher's words in my heart. I will act cautiously and within my means."

Give up?

That was impossible.

He possessed a System, and the resource problem already had the Elf Clan's promise as a backup. He was set on cultivating this technique that points directly to the Great Dao!

Seeing Qin Yan's respectful attitude, Xiao Huo's expression softened slightly, and he nodded.

He had said what needed to be said; the rest would depend on Qin Yan's own fortune.

"Alright," Xiao Huo waved his hand, a hint of fatigue showing on his face, "Youyou, you've also been exhausted lately. With the heavy alchemy tasks and high tension these past few days, go back and have a good rest to recover."

The Great Grandmaster-level battle on the Zhenhai Defense Line some time ago had caused a surge in casualties and a spike in the demand for pills.

As one of the core members of the Alchemy Department, Xiao Huo could still manage with his deep cultivation as a Sixth Grade Master.

But Lu Youyou was only at the Third Grade. Days of high-intensity alchemy and dealing with emergencies had already left her physically and mentally exhausted.

Lu Youyou indeed felt her eyelids getting heavy and her spirit weary. Hearing this, she nodded obediently: "Okay, Teacher, then I'll head back first."

"Xiao Yan, you should go back too. Properly digest today's conversation and plan for your upcoming cultivation."

Xiao Huo said to Qin Yan.

"Yes, Teacher. This disciple takes his leave."

Qin Yan and Lu Youyou bowed to Xiao Huo together and then left the Alchemy Room.

Outside, the afternoon sun spilled through the corridor windows, carrying a warm aura.

The two walked out along the quiet corridor.

"Junior Brother," Lu Youyou suddenly stopped, turned around to face Qin Yan, with a serious expression on her face, "When I successfully break through to the Third Grade Limit, let's find a time to have a good spar, shall we?"

"I want to personally feel how much stronger you really are than me now."

Her eyes were clear, without jealousy, only pure curiosity and an unyielding spirit.

Qin Yan originally wanted to politely decline, feeling it was somewhat inappropriate to fight his Senior Sister.

But when he saw the unquestionable determination and seriousness in Lu Youyou's eyes, the words at the tip of his tongue were swallowed back.

He understood his Senior Sister's personality; this wasn't a joke, but a scrutiny of her own martial path and respect for a fellow disciple.

He slowly nodded and replied in a gentle but clear voice: "Okay, Senior Sister. Whenever you're ready, just come find me."

Upon hearing this, a smile spread across Lu Youyou's delicate face, exceptionally bright.