Chapter 80
Hearing the crisp, bell-like laughter, Seventh Elder felt even more uncomfortable. He had never imagined that one day he would have to humble himself and bow before a girl of twelve or thirteen.
He could only comfort himself in his heart, thinking that this was no ordinary girl but someone far surpassing him in alchemy.
Thinking of his beloved alchemy, the sense of humiliation in Seventh Elder’s heart dissipated somewhat.
He walked up to Ye Ruoshui and bowed deeply, saying:
“Your junior, Xiao Qi, pays respects to his senior!”
Seeing the white-bearded old man bowing before her, Ye Ruoshui was at a loss. However, having experienced the earlier events, her temperament had matured somewhat.
Recalling the demeanor of Her Highness in her memory, she raised her hand to help Seventh Elder up, saying softly:
“Seventh Elder, there’s no need for such a grand gesture. If anyone should be bowing, it should be me, the junior!”
Hearing Ye Ruoshui’s words, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but laugh, almost bursting out.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Seventh Elder’s old face. He knew he had overdone it.
However, this little commotion inadvertently eased the awkward atmosphere, and the distance between him and Princess Yaoguang narrowed a bit.
Seeing that Seventh Elder was truly convinced, Xiao Minghuang didn’t want to make things difficult for this fifth-level Divine Sea realm powerhouse. She spoke softly, breaking the awkward silence.
“The previous bet was just a moment of anger, Seventh Elder. Please don’t take it to heart. Have a seat!”
“Yes, yes, Seventh Elder, please sit!”
Ye Ruoshui chimed in as well.
Hearing this, Seventh Elder’s old face reddened. Without further ado, he quickly took a seat to the right of Xiao Minghuang.
Ye Ruoshui also sat down to the left.
After a few casual remarks, the conversation gradually turned to the main topic.
Xiao Minghuang began:
“Actually, the reason I brought Ruoshui into the palace this time was to borrow Seventh Elder’s alchemy furnace. I didn’t expect so many twists and turns along the way.”
Hearing this, Seventh Elder immediately understood her meaning and spoke without hesitation:
“This alchemy furnace is at the disposal of Your Highness and the Princess. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to command. I will assist to the best of my ability!”
After this round of competition, Seventh Elder was thoroughly convinced of Ye Ruoshui’s alchemy skills and was even more impressed by Xiao Minghuang.
To have a prodigy like Ye Ruoshui wholeheartedly follow her, Ninth Princess’s exceptional qualities must go beyond just her cultivation talent!
Hearing Seventh Elder’s words, a faint smile appeared on Xiao Minghuang’s face.
When they first met, Seventh Elder had been glaring at her with a stern expression, but now his attitude had completely changed. One couldn’t help but marvel:
A true man knows when to bend and when to stand firm!
Xiao Minghuang also stopped being polite and got straight to the point:
“Since Seventh Elder is so forthright, I won’t stand on ceremony. This time, I wish to borrow the furnace to refine the quality of the Spirit Condensing Pill. Is that possible?”
Hearing this, Seventh Elder’s smile faltered, and he exclaimed in surprise:
“The Spirit Condensing Pill is a low-grade Profound Tier pill. Even I am not entirely confident in successfully refining it, let alone improving its quality!”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he immediately regretted them.
The scene of Ye Ruoshui refining a pill with pill patterns was still fresh in his mind. To doubt them now and then be proven wrong later would be too embarrassing.
Seventh Elder quickly tried to make amends:
“I am not questioning the Princess’s alchemy skills, but refining the quality of a pill is even more difficult than refining the pill itself. Although the Princess is exceptionally talented, she is still young and her cultivation is still shallow…”
Before Seventh Elder could finish, Xiao Minghuang interrupted:
“It’s perfectly normal for Seventh Elder to have such concerns. Therefore, during the alchemy process, I would like Seventh Elder to assist Ruoshui. With your help, I believe we can ensure success.”
Seventh Elder was momentarily stunned. From Ninth Princess’s words, it seemed she wanted him, a fifth-level Divine Sea Realm martial artist, to assist a first-level Qi Condensation Realm girl?
He initially wanted to decline, but then he thought that if he could receive guidance from Princess Yaoguang during the alchemy process, it would surely allow his alchemy skills to advance by leaps and bounds.
“Since Your Highness commands, I dare not disobey. I will do my utmost to assist Princess Yaoguang in the alchemy process!”
Hearing this, the corners of Xiao Minghuang’s mouth curled slightly, and a hint of a smile appeared in her eyes.
“Seventh Elder, rest assured. If we succeed in refining the pill’s quality, I will reward you with a Spirit Condensing Pill. How does that sound?”
Hearing this, Seventh Elder felt a surge of joy. As an alchemist, he understood the value of the Spirit Condensing Pill better than most martial artists. This pill could even benefit Divine Sea Realm martial artists and was perfect for breaking through minor realms!
If he could obtain a Spirit Condensing Pill, using it as a catalyst along with some resources he had accumulated, he had a fifty percent chance of breaking through from the fifth level to the sixth level of the Divine Sea Realm!
Thinking of this, Seventh Elder no longer hesitated and immediately stood up to bow:
“I am honored by Your Highness’s trust. The alchemy process will be left to me!”
Seeing Seventh Elder’s increasing deference, Xiao Minghuang couldn’t help but marvel.
What could make a fifth-level Divine Sea Realm expert like Seventh Elder so humble and respectful?
It wasn’t just strength alone.
More importantly, he needed to see the benefits.
Otherwise, it would only be superficial respect, not genuine admiration.
With that, Ye Ruoshui and Seventh Elder began to work together on the alchemy process.
This time, the process of alchemy was much slower than before.
Firstly, refining elixirs was more complex than crafting them, and since it was a collaborative effort between two people, many subtle details needed to be synchronized.
Secondly, while Ye Ruoshui was refining the elixir, she continuously offered guidance to Seventh Elder, which significantly reduced efficiency.
As Ye Ruoshui instructed Seventh Elder, Xiao Minghuang also listened attentively nearby.
Noticing that Her Highness was also listening to her explanations on alchemy, Ye Ruoshui became even more meticulous in her teaching.
Moreover, she started from the very basics, gradually turning this alchemy session into a full-fledged lesson.
In fact, as she continued, Seventh Elder was eventually pushed aside, and the session became a one-on-one teaching between Ye Ruoshui and Xiao Minghuang.
Seventh Elder stood not far away, watching as Ninth Princess and Princess Yaoguang stood close together, their gestures intimate. He couldn’t help but shake his head, a wry smile on his face.
This Ninth Princess was truly enviable.
Even a mere maid of hers was a prodigy in alchemy.
The time spent on this alchemy session was exceptionally long.
After a while, the fragrance of elixir filled the air. Upon smelling it, both Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui felt a surge of energy. They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with joy.
Looking at the alchemy furnace, they saw ten jade-like elixirs, resembling crystals, emitting a captivating glow.
“We succeeded!”
Seventh Elder also stepped forward, exclaiming in delight:
“Two medium-grade elixirs at seventy percent purity, seven high-grade elixirs at eighty percent purity, and one supreme-grade elixir at ninety percent purity!”
Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu
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