Chapter 109: Ai Lan's Metamorphosis – Forest Nymph

Chapter 109: Ai Lan’s Metamorphosis – Forest Nymph

Luo En stared intently at the cauldron before him, carefully regulating the flame’s intensity.

The Yang Flame Essence potion demanded far greater precision than ordinary Blood Potions. Not only were its ingredients unique, but every step of the brewing process required absolute accuracy down to the smallest detail.

“The Scarlet Phosphor Grass Powder dosage must be double that of a standard Blood Potion, but it must be added in three separate portions, each spaced twelve breaths apart…”

Luo En muttered the critical instructions under his breath.

Even with his expertise as a Potion Master, crafting this advanced elixir remained a formidable challenge.

The liquid within the cauldron shifted hues with each added ingredient—starting as a pale yellow, transitioning to orange-red, and now settling into a dark crimson laced with faint golden glimmers, resembling molten metal.

“While ordinary Blood Potions merely improve circulation and enhance muscular vitality, the Yang Flame Essence does far more…”

As he stirred the concoction carefully, he recalled the annotations Magnus had scribbled beside the formula:

“The Yang Flame Essence uniquely activates the body’s ‘positive mana,’ providing an extra boost for cultivators of yang-attribute techniques. This is beyond the reach of ordinary Blood Potions.”

Ai Lan stood nearby, her vines gently extending to hand him a vial filled with Stellar Ember Core.

“Thank you, Ai Lan.” Luo En accepted the vial, offering a grateful smile.

He uncorked it, allowing the faintly glowing crimson liquid to drip slowly into the cauldron. Each droplet hissed upon contact, releasing a small puff of golden vapor.

“The Stellar Ember Core is a material never used in standard Blood Potions. It guides mana toward yang transformation.”

Ai Lan’s vines spelled out a question in the air: “Should the heat be increased?”

Luo En examined the potion’s state before shaking his head.

“No. The current temperature is perfect. Too high would destroy the Solara Orchid’s vitality, too low would prevent full fusion with the Stellar Ember Core.”

Though strictly following Magnus’s formula, Luo En had incorporated his own refinements.

For instance, he sliced the Solara Orchid rhizomes diagonally instead of the traditional cross-section method, better preserving their positive mana.

He also employed a unique stirring technique during the Stellar Ember Core infusion—a subtle adjustment absent from the original instructions. As a master alchemist, he understood such minor changes could enhance mana distribution.

“The final step…” Luo En inhaled deeply, lifting the Volcanic Lizard Heart Powder.

The moment the powder touched the liquid, the cauldron erupted into a violent boil, emitting a heart-pounding sizzle as golden radiance intensified.

Remaining calm, Luo En maintained a steady rhythm. His right hand continued stirring while his left traced mana-guiding gestures—an innovation of his own, absent from the formula.

Minutes later, the turbulence subsided. The potion stabilized, glowing with a mesmerizing liquid gold sheen, like molten sunlight.

【Potion Master profession special effect triggered!】
【Yang Flame Essence potion successfully brewed! Effects slightly enhanced beyond original formula】
【Potion brewing experience points +2】

“It’s done!” Luo En marveled at the perfect Yang Flame Essence, a surge of pride swelling in his chest.

He carefully decanted the elixir into pre-prepared Crystal Bottles, each radiating a faint golden glow, as if capturing fragments of sunlight.

“Ordinary Blood Potions lose potency within ten days, but this Yang Flame Essence will retain vitality for at least one month. Still, you should check their condition regularly.”

As he labeled each bottle, he explained this to Ai Lan. Then, he poured the remaining residue into a specially prepared small basin:

“Ai Lan, these remnants should contain ample nutrients for you to absorb.”

The Tree Spirit nodded, her roots extending toward the faintly glowing dregs.

This was no longer a rare occurrence.

In recent brewing sessions, Luo En had noticed Ai Lan’s peculiar fondness for absorbing leftover potion residue, especially those containing plant essences or residual mana.

What surprised him more was the subtle transformation she underwent afterward.

Initially, the changes were minor—darker vine hues, sturdier branches, and extended root systems.

But gradually, the metamorphosis became undeniable.

Her pale green skin gained a lustrous sheen, her vines grew more supple and powerful, and her form began shifting toward a humanoid shape. The once-rough contours of her arboreal torso softened into feminine curves.

Her branches no longer resembled mere plant tissue but took on textures akin to flowing hair and cascading garments. Emerald leaves interwove like an exquisite green gown.

Watching her absorb the residue, Luo En pondered.

The vines glowed faintly upon contact, as if undergoing mana conversion. Her mana fluctuations had grown far stronger than when she first arrived—no longer a passive, faint presence but an active, rhythmic force, like an unspoken symphony of life.

“Perhaps this is what Magnus meant when he said, ‘Treat it well, and it will reward you further’?”

He recalled the old Potion Master’s words and the records he’d studied in the School Library about the Tree Spirit bloodline. Legends spoke of their ancestors as divine beings—the Forest Nymphs.

These ethereal creatures, called “forest fairies,” possessed innate talents beyond mere combat prowess. They could commune with flora, sense the earth’s pulse, and even foresee natural phenomena.

Ancient texts described Forest Nymphs as the Earth Mother’s kin, guardians of forest balance and vitality.

If these tales held truth, Ai Lan’s transformation might be a return to her ancestral form.

“Ai Lan, how do you feel?” Luo En asked cautiously.

She lifted her gaze. Those once-still eyes now held a flicker of liveliness, her vines spelling in the air:

“Warm. Like basking in sunlight.”

A longer, more expressive response than usual. Luo En nodded, his suspicions confirmed.

Ai Lan was undergoing a metamorphosis, catalyzed by the potion residue’s mana.

“If even these dregs can produce such effects, imagine what a bloodline-awakening elixir could do…”

Yet her recent transformations had slowed, suggesting the dregs’ mana stimulation was no longer sufficient.

Of course, if her Tree Spirit bloodline were easily triggered, the Slave Merchant wouldn’t have let her slip through his grasp.

Still, this transformation proved her bloodline held untapped potential.

Luo En’s mind raced with possibilities.

Tomorrow, he planned to visit the Academic District to enroll in new courses.

After all, self-study had limits. The School’s systematic instruction could accelerate his mastery.

“Alchemy Practical” and “Elemental Affinity” were his top priorities.

With that thought, he refocused on his work.

Several client Orders remained, and time waited for no one.

……

The next morning, Luo En arrived early at the School Academic District.

Its architecture dwarfed the Dormitory Area—towering stone spires and suspended walkways formed a majestic panorama.

Clutching his pre-prepared course list, he headed toward the registration desk.

The Academic District’s heart was an Octagonal Hall, where sunlight filtered through stained-glass ceilings, casting kaleidoscopic beams.

A massive three-dimensional star chart dominated the hall’s center, surrounded by course registration counters.

As Luo En approached the enrollment area, he spotted a familiar figure—Holt, the regular customer from his apprentice days at the Herbal Medicine Shop, and now a senior member of the Enforcement Team.

Holt stood at the “Advanced Elemental Studies” counter, handing over Mana Shard Fragments.

Dressed in the Enforcement Team’s standard dark-gray uniform, a privilege-embossed badge at his waist, he exuded a quiet, formidable aura.

Noticing Luo En’s gaze, Holt turned, his sharp eyes narrowing briefly in surprise before softening into recognition.

“Potion Master Luo En,” he greeted, approaching with a polite, low-voiced smile. “I heard you became a profession Potion Master. Seems the rumors were true.”

“Holt,” Luo En nodded respectfully. “Long time no see.”

Holt’s gaze lingered on Luo En’s Potion Master Badge before sweeping over his mana fluctuations, as if assessing him.

“You needn’t address me so formally anymore,” Holt remarked. “You’re now a profession Potion Master, personally certified by Master Magnus. Within the School system, we’re equals.”

The abrupt shift in tone surprised Luo En, but he quickly realized—here in the Black Mist Jungle, strength dictated status.

Holt was clearly a pragmatic realist.

“Understood. I’d like to enroll in ‘Alchemy Practical’ and ‘Elemental Affinity’.”

Luo En adjusted his address, getting straight to the point. “Senior Holt, do you have insights on these courses?”

“Coincidentally, I just completed ‘Elemental Affinity’.”

Holt led him toward the registration counter, his tone uncharacteristically warm.

“If you’re aiming to broaden your knowledge, these are solid choices.”

At the “Alchemy Practical” counter, a drowsy apprentice raised his head mechanically.

“Name, privilege rank?” he droned.

“Luo En Lalf, profession Potion Master.” Luo En presented his badge.

The apprentice’s demeanor instantly shifted to respect.

“Master Luo En, with discounts applied, the ‘Alchemy Practical’ course costs thirty-five Mana Shard Fragments for one month. Any special requests?”

“No, thank you.” Luo En replied, producing the required fragments.

Suddenly, Holt interjected: “Place him in Mentor Thompson’s class.”

The apprentice hesitated, glancing at Holt’s Enforcement Team badge before nodding. “Mentor Thompson’s class… noted.”

As they walked away, Luo En glanced at Holt, puzzled.

“Mentor Thompson?”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end