Shen Yuan Ring

The next morning

In the outer courtyard of the Ji family, on the second floor of the Dan Pavilion, stood a man dressed in a gray robe. He appeared to be in his early thirties, with a strikingly red nose. Beside him sat a large wooden gourd. In his hand, he held a yellowed piece of animal skin paper covered with densely written characters.

As soon as Ji Daoyi stepped onto the second floor, he could smell a rich aroma of wine. Without even thinking, he knew that the aroma was emanating from the wooden gourd.

When he learned that Steward Sun had arranged for Huang Yaoshi to be his mentor in alchemy, he made a point of studying Huang Yaoshi.

Huang Yaoshi was an avid drinker, a true connoisseur of alcohol, especially the Jade Dew Nectar. He was also the most skilled first-grade alchemist in the Ji family, and would likely advance to second-grade within a few years. Otherwise, Steward Sun wouldn't have entrusted him with guiding Ji Daoyi.

Seemingly sensing someone's presence, Huang Yaoshi looked up at Ji Daoyi, picked up the wooden gourd beside him, took a sip, and then put away the yellowed animal skin paper in his hand.

"You must be Ji Daoyi, the young clan leader! I've heard Master Sun mention you. He said you're a very intelligent child with a great talent for alchemy, and he wants me to be your guide on your alchemy journey."

At this point, Huang Yaoshi looked at Ji Daoyi again.

“I don’t care if you’re the young clan leader or anyone else. If you don’t have the talent that Master Sun mentioned, then go back to where you came from! I don’t want to waste my time and energy on a mediocre person.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Daoyi's face darkened, and he didn't take out the Jade Dew Nectar Wine that he had prepared.

Although he was confident in his talent, he didn't want to be called mediocre. This Huang Yaoshi was simply looking down on people.

It's not really Huang Yaoshi's fault; it's just that when he awakened his talent, the cultivation talent level he registered was Red-level.

When Huang Yaoshi heard that he was to be the young clan leader's mentor, he was initially very happy. However, after a final investigation, he discovered that Ji Daoyi's talent awakening was only at the Red level.

Isn't this a complete waste of talent?

"What brings you here today?" Huang Yaoshi's indifferent voice rang out.

"Master Huang, I've come here today to ask you for guidance on alchemy."

"What? Alchemy? If I remember correctly, it hasn't been long since Deacon Sun gave you those books, and you've already mastered them?" Huang Yaoshi's tone became even more unpleasant.

He felt even more contempt for him.

(What unrealistic ambition! He hasn't even learned to crawl yet and he's already thinking about running! It's truly appalling; no wonder his talent is so poor. If it weren't for having a family head as his father, he wouldn't even be worthy of seeing me.)

"Yes, Master Huang. I have already finished reading all the books Uncle Sun gave me. I have also learned the 'Ji Family Elementary Alchemy Manual,' which is why I came to bother you today."

"What! You've even mastered the alchemy technique? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

Huang Yaoshi slammed his fist on the table, his face showing shock followed by anger. He had spent several months learning the alchemy techniques, and that was only under his teacher's guidance.

(Is he lying to win my favor? He could learn it on his own in just a few days unless he has exceptionally high comprehension.)

Seeing that Huang Yaoshi did not believe him, Ji Daoyi did not think much about it and directly formed a hand seal.

Soon, Huang Yaoshi's expression changed from anger to disbelief.

"Huang Yaoshi... Huang Yaoshi." After Ji Daoyi finished condensing the twenty-four seals, he saw Huang Yaoshi's mouth wide open and his eyes fixed on him, so he couldn't help but call out a few times.

"Ahem, not bad...not bad, you have the style I have in person." Hearing Ji Daoyi's shout, Huang Yaoshi coughed a few times, trying to hide his shock, daze, and embarrassment.

"Since you say you have mastered all the knowledge, I will test your knowledge of elixirs and formulas."

Although Ji Daoyi proved that he had learned the alchemy technique, it does not mean that he could master so much knowledge in such a short time.

Huang Yaoshi had never seen anyone master the basics of alchemy in less than a month, so he raised questions.

"Then please ask Master Huang to set the questions." Ji Daoyi remained calm and composed, showing no sign of panic at the thought of Master Huang testing him.

Seeing his performance, Huang Yaoshi nodded secretly.

(Just based on this mindset alone, he has already surpassed many people. Even if he isn't naturally gifted, he's still a promising talent.)

It's a pity that Ji Daoyi doesn't have mind-reading abilities, otherwise he would have told Huang Yaoshi, "I'm not just kind-hearted, I really have real skills!"

"What kinds of spiritual herbs are needed for the Body Tempering Pill? How much of the main ingredient and how much of the auxiliary ingredient are needed?"

"The Body Tempering Pill requires a total of four kinds of spiritual herbs. The main ingredient is the Condensation Fruit, which requires one; the auxiliary ingredients are three Body Tempering Grasses, five Atractylodes macrocephala seeds, and one Blood Red Flower."

Ji Daoyi answered very quickly, almost immediately after Huang Yaoshi posed the question.

"Where is the Rejuvenation Pill?"

"The Rejuvenation Pill requires a total of three kinds of spiritual herbs: one Rejuvenation Fruit as the main ingredient, one piece of Polygonatum odoratum as the auxiliary ingredient, and two golden chrysanthemums."

……

And so, the question-and-answer session continued for an hour.

Huang Yaoshi even asked some obscure questions, but Ji Daoyi was still able to answer them fluently, as if he could answer any question that was in the book.

Huang Yaoshi's gaze towards Ji Daoyi grew increasingly fond of him. (This is practically a treasure trove! Not only is his memory astounding, but his comprehension is also quite good; it's just that his cultivation talent is a bit lacking. However, it's not impossible to use pills to boost his cultivation level in the future...)

Thinking of this, Huang Yaoshi said directly, "Daoyi, I apologize for my bad tone before. I shouldn't have discriminated against your alchemy talent because of your poor cultivation talent. I also shouldn't have questioned Master Sun's judgment. After the question and answer just now, I dare to say that you will be far ahead of others on the path of alchemy."

Huang Yaoshi was completely impressed by Ji Daoyi's performance. He had never met anyone as extraordinary as Ji Daoyi, nor had he ever even heard of him.

With Huang Yaoshi's sincere apology, the slight displeasure in Ji Daoyi's heart dissipated.

"Master Huang, this is all a misunderstanding. As the saying goes, no fight, no friendship. Besides, what I know is just book knowledge. I still need your guidance in actual alchemy practice. I'm a complete novice right now." Ji Daoyi was not arrogant because of this, but became even more humble.

"It's getting late, let's go eat first, it's on me. This afternoon I'll personally take you to the alchemy room."

Ji Daoyi did not refuse and ate with Huang Yaoshi.

During the meal, Ji Dao took out the Jade Dew Nectar wine that he had prepared in advance.

Upon seeing it, Huang Yaoshi immediately took a large gulp and exclaimed, "Delicious! This is the taste! I haven't had such a delicious wine in a long time!"

"As long as Master Huang is happy."

"Why call me Huang Yaoshi? If you think highly of me, just call me Brother Huang. As long as you don't mind me being above you."

Ji Daoyi pondered for a moment and then said, "Brother Huang."

Huang Yaoshi was overjoyed upon hearing this.

in the afternoon,

Huang Yaoshi and Ji Daoyi arrived at the alchemy room together.

"Dao Yi, I'll give you a demonstration first, and you can watch from the side." Huang Yaoshi was in a very good mood, whether it was because of the Jade Dew Nectar Wine or because he had recognized Ji Dao Yi as his brother.