Chapter 22: Medicinal Pills? I Lack No Such Things!

"Senior brother, what are you doing?"

Liu Ruyan wrinkled her nose; the entire room was thick with the rich fragrance of herbs.

Liang Chuan set down the thermometer in his hand with a smile. "We are practicing alchemy."

"Alchemy? You are simply acting recklessly!"

Liu Ruyan’s expression changed drastically. She hurried forward and grabbed Liang Chuan, looking him up and down.

Alchemy required far more than just books; it required the guidance of a master to even set foot on the path. Without a master’s lead, the probability of the furnace exploding was nearly ninety percent. She had lost count of how many people had aspired to become alchemists, only to perish by their own hands for lack of mentorship. Furthermore, it consumed an immense amount of energy; most cultivators would never dream of wasting their time on it.

"Are you just playing around? Without someone to guide you into the fold, you are gambling with your own life and your future!"

Though Liu Ruyan saw that Liang Chuan was unharmed, she could not help but scold him. If he had this kind of time, he should be focusing on his cultivation. Alchemy was not a path one could enter so casually. While many small sects had alchemists, and their status was relatively high, they had effectively abandoned their cultivation, making any further progress in their power a mere pipe dream. Even powerful cultivators would hesitate for a long time before choosing to take up alchemy, as it inevitably sapped time that should be spent on cultivation.

"It’s fine, look, it’s done!"

Liang Chuan stepped back and casually picked up the pill from the table.

Liu Ruyan didn't even glance at it; she frowned deeply. "Senior brother, stop studying alchemy. Cultivation is what matters!"

She knew Liang Chuan’s aptitude; trying to do both was impossible. Besides, now that their master had passed, as the sect leader, Liang Chuan needed to prioritize his cultivation to shoulder the responsibilities of the sect.

"Study? I never said I was studying. This is science."

Liang Chuan immediately realized that Liu Ruyan had misunderstood.

Liu Ruyan paused, looking hesitantly at the pill in his hand. "But this..." She truly did not understand what this "science" he spoke of could possibly be.

"Let’s go. To the alchemy room."

Liang Chuan did not continue to explain. Once he produced results, he would surely convince her.

"Sigh..." Liu Ruyan watched Liang Chuan and Old Luo gather their things and could not help but sigh. So be it; she could not dissuade him.

...

Inside the alchemy room, a disciple dressed in blood-red robes was ordering a disciple of the Xuantian Sect around.

"Hurry up and slice those herbs for me! Can you afford the consequences if you delay the alchemy?"

Xu Chengwei was a disciple of the Blood Moon Sect, but he had been spared because he could refine pills. Although he was still a prisoner, his status allowed him to live quite comfortably. After all, he could refine a fair number of pills, and even if his success rate was less than thirty percent, it was enough to make him incredibly arrogant. After all, there were not many who could become first-rank alchemists. Even though he had been captured, his treatment remained largely unchanged.

Just as he was about to kick the Xuantian Sect disciple, the door to the alchemy room was suddenly pushed open. The sudden noise made him flinch. When he looked back, his expression turned to one of dissatisfaction.

"Can't you announce yourself before barging in? If the alchemy fails because of this, can you take responsibility?"

Although Xu Chengwei recognized the man as Liang Chuan, who had led the charge to take down their Blood Moon Sect, he had no intention of backing down. Among the four sects, he was the only alchemist left—for that reason alone, they should be groveling before him!

Liang Chuan frowned slightly. Though annoyed, he had no time to waste on a minor character like this.

"Bring me the hundred-spirit grass and the rhyming-root!"

Liang Chuan walked straight to the alchemy furnace and ordered him to prepare the materials.

Xu Chengwei crossed his arms. He didn't move, instead lifting his chin and eyeing Liang Chuan coldly. Seeing no movement, Liang Chuan frowned tightly. "Did you not hear me?"

Xu Chengwei snorted, dissatisfied. "By what right do you command me? Do you know who I am? Tell your sect leader to come and speak to me!"

He had been confined to the alchemy room and was unaware that Liang Chuan had become the leader of the White Sword Sect. Though other disciples knew, they saw Xu Chengwei’s arrogant, overbearing demeanor and had no interest in engaging him.

"Senior brother is already the leader of our White Sword Sect!"

Liu Ruyan’s expression darkened. He was merely a prisoner, yet he dared to put on airs in front of them.

"Oh?" Xu Chengwei sneered and rolled his eyes. "So what? I don’t recognize him. If you want things, go prepare them yourselves; don’t come ordering me around!"

He was certain the White Sword Sect had him cornered. His status was precious anywhere, and he was confident that the White Sword Sect would never dare to turn against him. If nothing else, they still needed him to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. Even if the success rate was low, it was still far more cost-effective than looking elsewhere.

Liang Chuan slowly turned to examine Xu Chengwei, his expression growing solemn.

"I will give you one chance. Go and prepare the materials now!"

He had a faint memory of this man. When they were bringing the prisoners back, he had heard there was an alchemist among those who surrendered, so he had him sent to the alchemy room. He had not expected the man to be so arrogant, daring to refute him to his face.

He was just an ordinary alchemist, yet he dared to think so highly of himself. In truth, it was no wonder the man didn't know; in the modern world, pills were not particularly rare items. And yet, this fellow dared to try and intimidate him!

"You dare command me? What kind of thing do you think you are?"

Xu Chengwei ignored Liang Chuan, walked to a stool, sat down, and took a sip of tea. "Because of your attitude, I am taking half of every batch of pills I refine from now on!"

"Very well, very well. Half, is it?"

Liang Chuan laughed in anger. This fellow truly thought he was the best in the world. "Take him down!"

Hearing this, Liu Ruyan was momentarily stunned. She was indeed angry, but she felt there was no other choice. They finally had an alchemist, and the pills he produced accounted for twenty percent of the sect's income. If they truly offended him to the point of no return, they would lose their alchemist entirely.

"Liu Ruyan, did you not hear what I said?" Seeing her hesitate, Liang Chuan’s voice grew louder. "He insulted the sect leader; show no mercy!"

Liu Ruyan had no choice but to step forward and seize the man.

Xu Chengwei, however, did not care in the slightest. He let Liu Ruyan restrain him, maintaining his insolent, cocky expression. He figured this was just a ploy to scare him; they wouldn't actually dare to lay a hand on him, would they?

But then, Liang Chuan spoke.

"Drag him out. Execute him this afternoon in front of all the disciples!"

This was not just to resolve the problem of this arrogant pest, but to serve as a warning to the other prisoners—they were not to think they were above everyone else!

Upon hearing this, Xu Chengwei felt no fear, only disdain. "If you have the guts, then cut me!" He was an alchemist; they should be treating him like a treasure!

"Senior brother, this doesn't seem appropriate..." Even Liu Ruyan couldn't help but plead for him. It was truly unwise to lose the sect's income because of a moment of displeasure. Besides, they really did need the pills he refined.

Liang Chuan, however, scoffed.

"Pills? From today on, the thing our sect will lack the least is pills!"