Chapter 142: Master and Disciple
Chapter 142: Master and Disciple
To her surprise, Luo En never showed impatience at her foundational questions, instead encouraging her to ask and think more deeply.
"The most important aspect of learning alchemy", Luo En explained while mixing a simple healing potion, "isn't memorizing formulas, but understanding the relationships between ingredients and the principles of their reactions. Only by truly grasping these foundational concepts can you make proper judgments and adjustments during practical applications."
Liliya nodded thoughtfully. This teaching approach felt completely different from her past experiences. In her noble household, etiquette instructors had demanded mechanical memorization and mimicry without ever explaining the reasons behind their lessons.
"Try creating a Stimulant Potion following the method I just demonstrated", Luo En said, sliding the materials toward her. "Don't worry about failing—mistakes during learning are often the best teachers."
Liliya took a deep breath and carefully began following the memorized steps. Though her movements were awkward, her precision surprised even herself, as if guided by some innate intuition.
Luo En observed silently, already sensing the truth. Perhaps this was the unique manifestation of "Diligence Compensates for Inadequacy" innate talent—a seemingly humble beginning that created increasingly steep learning curves over time. Each attempt subtly strengthened Liliya's comprehension and practical skills.
【Transcendent Perception Experience +1】
He quietly activated his "Transcendent Perception" ability to observe her mana flow. As she focused on potion-making, that special energy fluctuation became more pronounced—a thin but resilient stream slowly gaining strength.
"Not bad", Luo En remarked when she finished her first potion. "While the purity has room for improvement, this is truly excellent for a first attempt."
A delighted smile brightened Liliya's face. This sincere praise gave her a long-forgotten sense of accomplishment—not from her beauty or flattery, but from genuine effort and ability.
"Thank you for your guidance, Lalfsir", she said earnestly, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"No need for such formality", Luo En replied with a smile. "In the path of learning, we're all seekers of knowledge."
The rest of the day found Liliya completely immersed in alchemy's foundational studies. She surprised herself with her unexpected affinity for the discipline—especially in ingredient identification and handling. Luo En noticed this too, gradually introducing more challenging material.
"Your learning ability is strong", he observed as dusk ended their lessons. "Tomorrow we'll try more complex formulas and begin foundational Spiritual Energy Control exercises."
Liliya looked up in surprise. "Spiritual energy control? But my spiritual aptitude only reaches Fifth Class Star upstream..."
"Foundational Spiritual Energy Control doesn't rely entirely on innate talent", Luo En explained. "Proper techniques and persistent practice can also bring significant improvement. Besides, basic Spiritual Energy Control is an essential skill for any Potion Master."
Warmth surged in Liliya's chest. In her past life, few had seen her potential and invested time in nurturing her. Most saw only her beauty—as an object to be used or possessed.
"I'll work hard, Lalfsir", she vowed softly.
Back in her small room, sitting quietly on her bed, Liliya's thoughts wandered. The schemes and machinations that once consumed her now seemed shallow and foolish. Compared to seeking protection through seduction, achieving recognition through personal effort felt like a brighter, more tangible path.
"Perhaps my worth isn't only about this face", she murmured, her eyes glowing with renewed hope.
Meanwhile, a shocking rumor spread rapidly through the Prospective Apprentice Dormitory Area: beautiful Liliya had become the "special assistant" of genius Intermediate Apprentice Luo En Lalf.
Though unsubstantiated, apprentices whispered elaborate theories.
"I heard Liliya stays in Luo En's Workshop overnight", a lanky apprentice whispered conspiratorially.
"Seriously? Luo En's an Intermediate Apprentice and a professional Potion Master—his status exceeds ordinary apprentices!"
"Absolutely true! My cousin's an Elementary Apprentice who saw her buying herbs in Market wearing Workshop robes!"
This reached Cain S., the merchant's son who'd long coveted Liliya's beauty. Though she'd cleverly evaded his advances before, hearing she'd become someone's "private assistant" darkened his expression—not in anger, but calculation. Provoking someone recklessly in the Black Mist Jungle could cost lives.
"Lalf", Cain muttered, frowning. "While I was on two-month external duty, when did this person appear at School?"
His servant whispered, "Master, Luo En Lalf rose as a genius during your absence. Recently climbing Backup Mage Sequence rankings into the top twenty—and apparently receiving private mentorship from Soreng Griffiths."
Cain interrupted impatiently, "And?"
The servant hesitated. "Angering such a figure could bring many unnecessary troubles."
The servant wisely omitted the true risk—clashing with someone favored by a Full Mage could mean annihilation. His master was no ordinary apprentice, after all.
Cain, ever pragmatic, immediately grew silent, a flicker of caution in his eyes. Born to a merchant family, he'd learned when to retreat. Provoking a Sequence member under a Full Mage's patronage might cost far more than he'd imagined.
"Forget it", he finally dismissed, reluctantly abandoning his schemes. "Beautiful women are everywhere. I could buy a dozen at the commoner's market. No need to antagonize a genius over a woman."
Thus, simply through association with Luo En, Liliya unknowingly escaped Cain's pursuit. Over following weeks, she fully integrated into Workshop life—rising early to prepare potion materials, studying Basic Alchemy and Spiritual Energy Control mornings with Luo En, assisting Ai Lan with Workshop maintenance and young siren Daire's care afternoons, and practicing alone late into the night. Even her culinary talents found appreciation.
Unlike Ai Lan, who could only prepare simple vegetarian dishes, Liliya had learned advanced culinary techniques from her noble upbringing.
She began preparing lavish meals daily for the workshop, skillfully combining rare ingredients to create delicious, nutritionally balanced dishes.
"The flavor of this dish...it's practically restaurant-chef quality", Luo En remarked in astonishment the first time he tasted Liliya's cooking.
Realizing commoners in the Commoner Realm probably didn't have restaurants, only private chefs employed by nobles, he quickly corrected himself: "I mean, it's absolutely delicious."
Liliya's face lit up with joy. "In my family, I studied under the head chef for a time."
She didn't mention how she'd learned these skills to please her various older siblings: "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Luo En nodded. "Innate Talent and effort always bear fruit, no matter the field."
This phrase struck a deep Resonance within Liliya. Since arriving at the workshop, she'd never allowed herself to relax.
Especially not when she saw, from her small room in the courtyard, the second-floor laboratory's lights burning all night long.
Liliya thought, If Luo En, who has already achieved so much in multiple fields, holds himself to such high standards, how dare I—a fledgling apprentice—ever slacken my studies?
And indeed, hard work paid off.
As time passed, Liliya's alchemy knowledge and skills progressed rapidly, far exceeding Luo En's expectations.
The young siren Daire also grew especially lively with the workshop's new arrival, delighting in hearing Liliya tell stories about the outside World.
Liliya, too, enjoyed spending her free time with Daire, teaching her simple lessons and games.
"Daire, look at this—it's called 'Chasing the Light.'"
Liliya angled a small mirror toward sunlight, projecting a bright spot onto the crystal tank wall. She moved the mirror, making the light dance across the water.
Daire excitedly chased the glinting spot, her silver-bell laughter echoing through the workshop.
The entire workshop seemed to grow livelier since Liliya's arrival.
Even the tree spirit, who had initially felt slightly downcast about her workload being shared with the new assistant, seemed to gradually recover recently.
Perhaps she worries her value will be completely replaced... Luo En, who had been quietly observing, reached this conclusion. He couldn't help reflecting—whether in appearance or inner nature, the tree spirit was growing more and more human.
...
Luo En stood on the workshop's balcony, brushing aside the iron-blue curtains fluttering in the night breeze.
Outside, the Black Mist Jungle lay veiled in thin mist. The Mana Crystal Lamp atop the distant tower pierced the fog, its light resembling ethereal stars scattered across the deep night sky.
Tonight marked the twentieth day since he'd officially begun training Liliya.
Reflecting on these past experiences, Luo En couldn't help feeling a subtle sense of achievement.
Liliya's learning ability surpassed his expectations—her focus and speed in absorbing knowledge were every educator's dream.
The power of "Diligence Compensates for Inadequacy", that Special Innate Talent, truly was miraculous.
Starting from an unremarkable baseline, her learning curve grew steeper with time.
Especially in the past few days, her progress had been staggering.
Perhaps the two months spent under Madame Ellen's tutelage, combined with the half-month of concentrated study here, had finally awakened her innate talent.
She could now independently brew basic healing potions and had even begun experimenting with simple formula improvements.
Two days ago, she successfully enhanced the "Stimulant Potion's" efficacy by nearly 20% while using only 80% of the materials.
This success rate even surprised Luo En—it rivaled his own skills when he approached proficient level in potion brewing.
Even more astonishingly, she demonstrated incredible Adaptability in foundational Spiritual Energy Control exercises.
Though her talent only ranked mid-tier among Fifth Class Stars, her near-obsessive focus allowed her to grasp meditation techniques faster than apprentices of similar aptitude.
Just that morning, Liliya had passed the Basic Meditation first-stage testing, achieving spiritual energy stability far beyond her talent's expected level.
"Teacher, may I ask another question?"
Liliya's voice came from behind.
At some point, her initial "Lalfsir" had naturally shifted to "Teacher."
Luo En turned to see the apprentice in her work uniform standing at the door, holding a copy of Basic Alchemy, her expression focused and humble.
"Of course. What is it?"
"Regarding the silver moon grass and dawn dew blossom ratio, I found the textbook's 3:2 proportion seems suboptimal."
She spoke carefully. "I experimented several times last night and discovered a 5:3 ratio stabilizes the potion effects better while saving materials..."
Luo En's eyes flashed with surprise, then he nodded approvingly. "Your observation is spot-on. Traditional ratios assume standard environments, but considering Black Mist Jungle's mana conditions, 5:3 is indeed more reasonable. This proactive thinking and practice is rare indeed."
Joy flickered in Liliya's eyes, though she quickly grew humble again. "It's all thanks to your excellent teachings..."
"No", Luo En corrected firmly. "This is your hard work's result. Learning isn't just about receiving knowledge—it's about questioning and verifying. You've started thinking like a true Potion Master."
Liliya lowered her head slightly, her cheeks tinged with red. Clearly, she cherished this recognition.
"It's getting late—you should rest. Tomorrow we'll begin learning 'Life Essence Extraction,' which requires fresh energy."
Liliya nodded gratefully and quietly left.
Once her footsteps faded, Luo En returned to his room, pulling out the Silver Pocket Watch hanging from his chest.
Its black gemstone surface faintly glowed, seemingly responding to his touch.
He slowly closed his eyes, entering a meditative state.
Moments later, an unprecedented sensation emerged from his core—
A warm, pure mana flow, like a spring gently pouring into his spiritcore.
This feeling was entirely different from his usual cultivation progress—effortless, natural, nourishing his soul without requiring any energy from him.
"This is...the 'Boon' Madame Ellen spoke about."
Luo En murmured to himself, heart filled with wonder.
He had finally experienced firsthand what his mentor described.
This differed from the faint Boon he once accidentally received after inspiring someone during a lecture.
This time, as a true Mentor guiding Liliya with purpose and expertise, the Boon he received was significantly stronger.
He could clearly feel the mana flow and even direct its path.
Normally, most Mentors used Boon mana to purify spirit pollution, slow aging, or even heal old wounds.
But Luo En's circumstances were unique.
"I have the Timekeeper Pocket Watch to periodically cleanse spirit pollution. At least until reaching Full Mage, I needn't worry about such issues..."
After brief contemplation, he decided to invest this Boon entirely into his most pressing resource shortage—mana capacity.
Focusing carefully, Luo En guided the mana flow directly into his manacore.
As the Boon infused, he felt his inner manacore begin an extraordinary transformation.
(End of Chapter)
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