Chapter 3 - Alchemy

After Zhi You acknowledged Long Tian as his master, Long Tian told Zhi You about himself and his background.

Long Tian is an elder of the Long clan. The Long clan is one of the five big clans in the country of Tamara. The five big clans are about equal in power and status. Long Tian's position as an elder of the Long clan is being threatened because he doesn't have any offspring or disciples. Some of the elders believe Long Tian was not being filial to the clan because he is the highest-ranking alchemist in the clan and refuses to pass down his knowledge. When asked why he refuses to take in a disciple, his answer was always "They don't have what it takes." Even though some of the disciples brought to him had Master and Grandmaster level alchemic talent.

Long Tian's continual refusal eventually led the Long clan patriarch to send him to find a disciple he considers good enough. He has been searching for two years already before he met Zhi You. He didn't think he would find someone 'good enough' so soon. The main reason he gave Zhi You a chance was that Zhi You seemed so confident that he would be able to concoct a grade 1 within five years.

To be able to do that, the person needs to have a King level alchemic talent at the very least. If Zhi You didn't have at least a King-level talent, he would have simply kicked him out. If Zhi You didn't have any alchemic talent, well…

"Master Tian, why do you need someone with a King-level alchemic talent?" Zhi You asked.

"Because I found an alchemic technique that requires an alchemist with at least a King level to use it." Long Tian replied.

"Alchemic techniques?"

"Yes. Alchemic techniques are techniques that help in concocting. Some techniques increase an alchemist's chances of success but also increase concoction time. Some techniques increase concoction speed but decrease the chances of success. Other techniques increase the chances of successfully concorting specific types of pills or potions. For example, fire, ice, or healing types of pills and potions." Long Tian calmly explained.

"If there are techniques that can increase concoction speed and success, why do alchemic talent matter?" Zhi You pondered.

"Hmph!" Long Tian scoffed. "It seems you still don't understand the importance of alchemic talent."

"As I said earlier, anyone who doesn't have at least a Master level talent barely has a 15 percent chance of successfully concocting a pill or potion. 20 percent if they use a technique that improves their concoction rate. However, a Master level talent guarantees at least a 40 percent concoction rate. A Grandmaster-level talent guarantees at least a 50 percent concoction rate. A King level talent guarantees at least a 60 percent concoction rate. An Emperor level talent guarantees at least a 70 percent concoction rate. Finally, a Sage level talent guarantees at least an 80 percent concoction rate." Long Tian said with a grim smile.

Zhi You wore a shocked expression. He assumed alchemic talent would be important but not to this extent. The difference is insane. That's why Master Tian said anyone who wants to learn and study alchemy but does not have at least a Master level alchemic talent is wasting resources.

Long Tian continued, "That's why an alchemist with a high alchemic talent is more valuable than an alchemist with a higher alchemic rank, the potential of a very talented alchemist is just that desirable."

"But to think my disciple would have the highest level of alchemic talent in the country of Tamara since the Elemental Sage. A peak Emperor-level talent! Hahaha!!!! The heavens do have eyes." Long Tian couldn't contain his excitement and delight anymore.

Zhi You could only smile. Then he asked, "Who is the Elemental Sage?"

"The Elemental Sage was a Grade 6 alchemist with Sage level alchemical talent in the past 2,000 years. But what made him a household name was the fact that he formed a law seed for every element. He was not regarded as a genius when he was younger but suddenly he became a genius, he outclassed other geniuses in his era." Long Tian said with admiration evident in his voice.

"What is a law seed?" Zhi You inquired.

"Hahaha!! Don't worry about it, you are still very far from that cultivation realm." Long Tian laughed.

Zhi You frowned. He was fine with learning alchemy but strength is what really matters. He could not wait to learn more about cultivation and to start cultivating.

"Ah! I almost forgot to tell you about alchemist ranks." Long Tian said. "A Grade 1 alchemist can make grade 1 pills and potions, which are mostly used by Qi Refinement cultivators. Grade 2 alchemists can make grade 2 pills and potions used by mostly Qi Condensation cultivators. And.."

Before Long Tian could finish, Zhi You interrupted.

"Can you talk about cultivation and cultivation realms? I keep hearing about cultivation realms but I don't know what they are. Is there a way to determine cultivation talent?" Zhi You asked. Excitement and interest leaking from his voice.

Long Tian's brows furrowed from being interrupted but he could understand why Zhi You was excited, he was only 14 years old already, kids usually start cultivating at 10 years or younger.

"Fine, I will tell you about cultivation since it's also an important part of alchemy."