2 Chapter 2.

The Alchemy Association, an organisation that has recently experienced a decline in influence, still holds considerable sway, rivalled only by the three major families.

Its grounds boast a vast courtyard with a towering pavilion and a grand association hall.

In the council hall, at the heart of the association, six figures sat around a round table, with another figure standing behind the eldest among them.

The association is governed by six elders who make major decisions, along with a director who oversees day-to-day affairs.

Among them are four intermediate Alchemy masters and two senior Alchemy masters.

The walls surrounding the table are adorned with numerous inquiries about Alchemy. Whenever a member encounters a problem in their Alchemy process, they document it here for collective brainstorming.

However, today's discussion veers away from such quandaries, as a weightier matter has arisen.

"The uses of Purple Haze Grass are more extensive than I ever imagined," murmured the association president, pondering a letter handed to him by the director.

"We were equally surprised, Senior Master Gu," remarked one of the intermediate masters, astonishment evident in his expression.

"And the authenticity of the pill recipes seems undeniable."

"They are indeed genuine," affirmed Senior Master Hu Shuo in a stern tone. "As a senior alchemy master, I can attest to their validity."

"Could this mean he's already a master alchemist at such a young age?" queried another intermediate master. "Such talent is unprecedented in Glory City's history."

"Merely possessing this knowledge doesn't equate to mastery," Senior Master Gu calmly interjected. "One must be well-versed in alchemical literature and herb lore, among other prerequisites."

"You make a valid point," acknowledged Shuo. "Yet, he may still surprise us."

"You seem to have great faith in him, Senior Shuo," remarked the Alchemy Association director, Yang Xin, her curiosity piqued.

Yang Xin, a tall woman with a voluptuous figure and long purple hair, inquired further, intrigued by Shuo's confidence.

"Firstly, he's the grandson of a notable figure, and secondly, he displayed exceptional skill during the tournament," Shuo explained, smiling. "I may not possess absolute certainty, but I see no reason not to have faith in him."

The other elders nodded in agreement, hopeful for a capable leader to guide the next generation of alchemists.

As the council convened, Yong Gong, Yang Xin's assistant, entered, breathless with news of the arrival of Young Master Ye.

"Escort him here promptly," commanded Yang Xin. "If he's accompanied, entertain his guest elsewhere unless he insists on their presence here."

Acknowledging the directive, Yong Gong hurried off to fetch the esteemed guest.

The elders awaited with anticipation, eager for potential insights.

For an alchemist, knowledge surpassed all other treasures. Even cultivation mattered less than the pursuit of alchemical enlightenment.

Shortly after, the door creaked open, but this time it wasn't Yong Gong; it was Ye Han himself, ready to engage in discussions with the elders.

"This youngster greets the elders," Ye Han said with a smile as he approached the round table.

"Young master Ye, we've been awaiting your arrival," Hu Shuo greeted him with a smile, even rising from his seat to offer it to Ye Han, surprising everyone present.

"Thank you, Elder Hu," Ye Han acknowledged, taking the offered seat before turning to address the Alchemy Association president.

Noticing the senior alchemist master standing behind the newcomer, the other intermediate masters exchanged glances before rising to their feet as well; none dared to sit while the senior master remained standing.

"Director Xin, did it succeed?" Ye Han inquired, casting a curious glance at the woman standing behind the president.

"It worked exceptionally well," Yang Xin confirmed. "We managed to produce some pills using the Purple Haze Grass, and their effects were immediate."

"I see," nodded Ye Han. "Have you informed everyone about the grass's effects? On my way here, I noticed many people searching for it."

"Yes, but someone seems to have anticipated the demand and bought out all available stock," Yang Xin replied with a chuckle. "So, how much would it cost to procure the grass from you, young master Ye?"

"We can discuss that later," Ye Han replied, redirecting his attention to the president. "It seems you have many questions for me, President Gu."

President Gu nodded, gesturing toward the wall adorned with multiple inquiries. "I'm curious if you have any insights on these."

"Even we have struggled with these questions. Why consult him?" Hu Shuo interjected, his tone laced with frustration. "We shouldn't burden him with something so difficult."

"I simply wish to assess his knowledge," The president calmly responded, quelling any further objections from Hu Shuo.

Despite Hu Shuo's desire to protest, Ye Han intervened. "It's alright, Elder Hu."

Stepping forward, Ye Han took up an ink brush and confidently approached the wall.

As Ye Han continued to write with unwavering focus, everyone watched in astonishment, transfixed by his ability to effortlessly provide answers to each question.

The elders eagerly approached the wall, drawn by the prospect of enlightenment offered by Ye Han's insights.

Hu Shuo, spurred by curiosity and a desire for understanding, began posing questions about the answers, some of which proved too complex for him to grasp fully.

Before long, what had begun as a council meeting had transformed into a dynamic classroom setting, with participants exchanging questions and insights freely.

Amidst the lively discourse, President Gu remained seated, his attention fully absorbed by the unfolding discussion.

Even Yang Xin, driven by her insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge, actively engaged in the exchange, seizing the opportunity to broaden her understanding.

As the day progressed and the sun arced across the sky, the questions continued unabated, matched only by Ye Han's unceasing stream of answers.

Amidst the flurry of intellectual exchange, Senior Master Gu rose to join the discussion, his seat promptly taken by Ye Ziyun, who had entered the council room after exploring the association hall.

Initially intending to seek out her elder brother, Ye Ziyun found herself captivated by the scene unfolding before her, opting instead to observe and absorb the wealth of knowledge being shared.

However, her stomach soon betrayed her hunger, prompting a momentary interruption in the proceedings.

"Elder brother, let's go back. I am feeling hungry now," Ye Ziyun announced, her voice echoing through the room and prompting an immediate hush among the attendees.

Hearing his sister's plea, Ye Han halted his writing. "Everyone, I think it's time for me to head back."

"We can arrange for food to be brought here, young master Ye," the president offered, met with unanimous agreement. "There's still plenty of time."

"Thank you for the offer, but I think we should return home," Ye Han declined graciously. "I wouldn't want my little sister to become upset with me because of you all."

Sensing Ziyun's burgeoning boredom, he made a quick decision to prioritise her comfort over lingering discussions.

"What about the remaining questions?" Hu Shuo queried with uncertainty.

"We'll address them tomorrow," Ye Han replied, handing the ink brush to the director before turning to his sister. "How was your day, little sister?"

"Quite dull," Ziyun replied with a pout. "Everyone seemed engrossed in their alchemy practices."

"Didn't I warn you about that?" Ye Han chuckled, eliciting a playful scowl from Ziyun. "Anyway, let's head back. I'm sure everyone is waiting for us."

With Ziyun by his side, the siblings departed, trailed by Senior Alchemist Master Gu signalling for the director to follow.

Yang Xin swiftly joined them, eager to continue their discussion elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Hu Shuo announced his intention to retreat for solitary training, while the other intermediate alchemist masters dispersed, eager to apply their newfound knowledge.

As the room emptied, President Gu lingered, contemplating the remarkable revelation of a Grandmaster Alchemist at such a tender age.

"Who would have imagined witnessing a Grandmaster Alchemist at the age of sixteen in Glory City?" Gu Yan mused, reflecting on his youth.

A wistful smile crossed his lips as he reminisced about Ye Mo and his extraordinary lineage.

"Ye Mo, your bloodline is truly exceptional," he murmured fondly.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Gu Yan departed, resolved to spread the news of their discovery throughout Glory City.

As he prepared to convene a meeting with all association members, the trio of Ye Han, Ziyun, and Yang Xin had already departed the association grounds, their presence leaving a palpable impact on the future of Alchemy in Glory City.

"Are you planning to follow us home, Director Xin?" Ye Han inquired curiously.

"Is there a problem with that, young master Ye?" Yang Xin responded with a sweet smile. "I simply wish to discuss some business matters."

"You can come tomorrow for business matters," Ziyun interjected, casting a somewhat annoyed glance at Yang Xin. "For now, let us go."

"Children shouldn't interfere in adult matters, princess," Yang Xin teased with an amused smile. "And I'm not imposing myself on him, am I, young master Ye?"

"Let her come, Ziyun," Ye Han interjected, reaching for his sister's hand. "She'll leave once we've finished discussing business."

"Do I need to hold your hand too?" Yang Xin inquired, recalling Ye Han's flight ability.

"Grab my hand," Ziyun quickly offered, extending her hand before Ye Han could respond.

There was no way she was going to let her grab her innocent brother's hand.

'What if she did something?'

"Sure," Yang Xin agreed, taking Ziyun's hand eagerly.

As the trio ascended into the sky, soaring above the association buildings, Yang marvelled at the city's beauty.

"The city looks stunning from up here," she remarked in awe.

"I know, right?" Ziyun exclaimed excitedly. "I've flown with my brother countless times, but it always feels exhilarating."

"I can imagine," Yang Xin replied with a smile, relishing the sensation of flight. "It's truly invigorating."

Observing the camaraderie between them, Ye Han smiled as they flew toward the city lord's mansion.

~~~~~~~

People often say that words travel faster than anything else, especially when the content is astonishing.

Ye Han's accomplishments spread throughout Glory City like wildfire, leaving everyone astounded. No one had expected the young genius to rise to prominence once again, especially in a completely different field.

Whether they were commoners or members of the major families, everyone was equally taken aback by the news. Noble families began devising plans to align themselves with Ye Han, recognizing the significance of having a Grandmaster Alchemist in their circles. By cultivating a relationship with him, they hoped to gain access to his potent pills and invaluable expertise.

Unaware of the schemes unfolding around them, the trio arrived at the entrance of the city lord's mansion and landed.

Ziyun released her brother's hand and announced, "Elder brother, I'm going to rest now. You can discuss business with her. Just make sure to attend the dinner on time."

"I won't be late. Don't worry," Ye Han reassured her, watching her retreat to her courtyard.

"Let's go, Director Xin," Ye Han said, leading her to his room.

"Would you like a drink?" Ye Han offered as they took their seats.

"Not for now, young master Ye," Yang Xin declined. "Could we discuss the price of the Purple Haze Grass?"

"Of course," Ye Han agreed. "I'm willing to sell everything to the Alchemy Association for three million demon spirit coins."

"I'll arrange the payment promptly," Yang Xin replied, impressed by Ye Han's fair pricing and ability to build rapport.

Money held little sway over Ye Han; what he valued more were the connections he could forge with influential individuals.

"We're also interested in purchasing some pill recipes from you," Yang Xin continued. "We believe you possess recipes lost to time."

"Not just some—over ten thousand types," Ye Han revealed with a chuckle, relishing Yang Xin's surprise. "And I've improved upon them."

Yang Xin nodded in agreement, acknowledging Ye Han's exceptional talent.

"What percentage of the profits do you desire?" Yang Xin inquired.

Ye Han contemplated for a moment before settling on 40%.

"We agree to your terms," Yang Xin agreed quickly, fearing Ye Han might reconsider.

While Ye Han penned the recipes, Yang Xin noticed an unfamiliar script adorning the walls.

"I've never seen this language in our library," Yang Xin remarked, intrigued.

After Ye Han finished writing, he handed over the recipes, leaving Yang Xin in awe of their effects.

As she prepared to leave, Ye Han arranged for the Purple Haze Grass to be stored conveniently for her in a storage ring.

As they parted ways, Yang Xin couldn't shake off the astonishment of her encounter with Ye Han's remarkable talents.

Meanwhile, Ye Han joined his family for dinner, where they eagerly awaited his explanation of his recent achievements.

"My dear son, can you tell us how you managed to do that?" Ye Zong asked with a small smile.