The Alchemist Master – Li Mang

Chen Lu felt a pang of regret; he had been too presumptuous.

Whether or not one can become an apprentice depends on Master Li Dan's attitude towards him, not on any kind of test.

If Master Li Dan is satisfied with him, he can shrug and say that he doesn't know anything and it doesn't matter.

Even if he answers correctly in every way, it won't make any difference if you're not satisfied.

"Senior, I, Chen Lu, am willing to swear on my Dao heart."

No one helped me, and I didn't know the answer before I came.

After solemnly swearing his oath, Chen Lu suddenly remembered that he hadn't used his daily divination yet.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to bow and greet, he quickly asked for permission.

After receiving the answer, Chen Lu suppressed his emotions and said somewhat sadly:

"If you don't believe me, then there's no need for me to stay any longer."

The secrets I've learned in these three days are enough to buy that 60-year-old wild Muyang Grass.

Having said that, he immediately turned around and left the study decisively.

His feet moved quickly, seemingly very saddened by Li Danshi's attitude.

However, this was merely a feigned sleep by the wolf, a tactic to lure the enemy.

The divination indicates that Master Li Dan is outwardly cold but inwardly warm; on the surface, he pursues results, but inwardly he values ​​attitude even more.

Li Danshi had seen too many sycophants who fawned over him.

If he were to offer a humble explanation at this moment, it would only solidify the impression that he was being self-righteous and resorting to any means to gain a master.

Instead of groveling for opportunities, it's better to retreat strategically and do the opposite.

He exchanged the Muyang Grass for the opportunity to become a disciple, not for the other party to necessarily accept him as a disciple; both of them were well aware of this.

I'm staying here because I believe you are fair and will give me a just outcome.

If someone truly cheated during the test, they would cling desperately to this straw and never let go, so how could they possibly just leave?

Since you don't even have the most basic trust, then there's no need for me to stay here.

As expected, as he was about to leave the mansion, Master Li Dan followed him out.

He watched Chen Lu's retreating figure, feeling a pang of regret.

He was too hasty, thinking that someone with such high talent could never appear in his life.

Therefore, without careful consideration, they subconsciously assumed it must be cheating.

Having seen so many petty people, I've come to believe that everyone in the world is a petty person.

"Wait! Kid, I never said I wouldn't take you!"

Li Danshi's voice rang out from behind, and it sounded very calm and unhurried, as if this was yet another test.

"Look at you, you only know how to back down when faced with obstacles from others. How will you ever attain the Great Dao in the future?"

Chen Lu stopped and turned to look quietly at Master Li Dan.

Li Danshi felt increasingly guilty under his gaze, and could only wave his hand repeatedly, signaling him to come over and talk.

After explaining the reasons, he sighed and admitted his mistake.

"Kid, although you're a bit old, that doesn't stop you from being exceptionally talented."

From this day forward, you are my apprentice, Li Mang.

"Give me your identity token, and I'll register you as an alchemy apprentice."

"Yes, Master!" Chen Lu's face lit up with joy, and he immediately changed his form of address.

He reached to his waist and handed over his identity token.

Master Li Dan took out his own and lightly tapped it twice, and a glimmer of light reappeared.

The two tokens then lightly touched, and a new entry was added to Chen Lu's identity information: Alchemist Apprentice - Master: Li Mang

"Okay, all done."

Chen Lu took the identity token and put it back.

"Kid, don't be fooled by this seemingly useless information; it can bring you a lot of benefits," Master Li said mysteriously.

"What are the benefits?"

"Our Chizhu Immortal City has the 'Courtesy of the Talented,' which simply means preferential treatment for talented individuals."

Although apprentices don't enjoy as much as alchemists, it's still much better than being a completely useless bodyguard.

Chen Lu suddenly became interested; there were many local policies in Chizhu Immortal City.

But he only understands those things that are relevant to himself; he doesn't have much free time to learn about the rest.

"If it were teenagers or young children, I would never say that to them."

But after so many years of wandering, I believe you have enough self-control.

Chen Lu nodded repeatedly, as if he had guessed what Master Li was going to say.

"If you go to a brothel, ask for an invoice after you're done."

The Spirit Treasury in the Immortal City can reimburse all expenses, up to a maximum of one hundred spirits per month.

Chen Lu became instantly interested after hearing this.

To put it more elegantly, it's called a place for pleasure; to put it more crudely, it's called a brothel or gambling den.

Sure enough, things are different once you're on our side.

Just now, there was some distance between us, and I seemed a bit condescending.

Now that he has become his apprentice, it's as if he's treating him like his own son.

Each alchemist is only allowed to have 3 apprentices.

To free up a spot, either one must be expelled, or the apprentice must pass the alchemy qualification exam and become a formal alchemist, thus automatically shedding their apprentice status.

Chen Lu frowned, recalling the large group of people following him when he inspected the goods a few days ago:

"So... Master, who were the people around you when you received the goods?"

Master Li waved his hand dismissively:

"Those were assigned to me by my superiors. In the alchemy workshop, they were my apprentices. Once they leave the alchemy workshop, they are nobody. At most, one or two conscientious people will come to visit me during holidays."

After all, it was the alchemy workshop that provided them with food, and I was just paid to teach them.

When it comes to making money, old-fashioned methods are just a burden.

As he spoke, his expression turned serious:

"And you are my personal apprentice. I don't charge you any money. As long as you come here, I will provide you with food and lodging."

If there are problems with your cultivation, your Wang family will have to make contributions in return.

"With me, as long as I know how, I will definitely heal you, and I won't accept spirit stones."

Chen Lu's expression hardened, and he quickly bowed in greeting:

"Thank you so much, Master. If I achieve something in the future, I will repay you with all my might!"

Li Danshi's meaning was clear: from then on, they were truly master and disciple.

To put it nicely, it's called the bond between master and disciple; to put it bluntly, it's just a verbal agreement for mutual exchange.

The master will impart all his knowledge and skills to the student and pass on his connections.

In exchange, he has to be available whenever needed and cannot refuse; in the future, he will also have to support his master in his old age.

Master Li was quite pleased to see Chen Lu so responsive.

"Everything is readily available here, but you can only come for 5 days out of every 35 days."

Although I will do my best to teach you, the time is too short and obviously not enough.

When you leave here, you should have your own alchemy furnace and practice diligently in your spare time.

Write down any questions you have for now, and tell me when you come back, and I'll explain them to you.

"Yes, Master. I understand."

"It's a bit unfortunate today; your other two senior brothers are on holiday and not here. I'll introduce them to you next time you come."

Master Li pointed to the row of stone houses in the central hall, which were now completely silent, without a trace of smoke.

"Next time you come, be sure to prepare your own alchemy furnace. This is a task I'm giving you."

Li Danshi took a piece of parchment, drew on it for a while, and then handed it to Chen Lu.

"I have two recommendations for you, both made of spirit iron, which are cheap and durable."

The first type is somewhat expensive, but it comes with its own fire-starting array. Not only does it produce no soot, but when combined with a fire control array, it can also precisely adjust the firepower.

I will choose between Yaowang Sect and Wanbao Mountain, and will not consider any other options.

The second type is cheaper and only has a fire control array; the furnace size should be neither too big nor too small.

You will also need to provide your own spirit charcoal and open a chimney in the house.

I must choose between the Medicine King Sect and the Thousand Machine Sect, and disregard all others.

"Take this piece of paper. It shows how to check if it's genuine. Every line and every crease must match; otherwise, it's fake!"