Chapter 58: Cui Xi's Private Request
Chapter 58: Cui Xi's Private Request
Old Witch’s voice suddenly dropped to a lower register, carrying a warning undertone: "You're utterly unqualified to access that content in your current state of awareness."
"Why?" Luo En couldn't help but ask, curiosity overpowering caution.
"Because it drives cultivators to insanity."
Madame Ellen spoke calmly, though her eyes flickered with a trace of concealed dread:
"Before mastering the first two stages, your spiritual energy and self-control must reach sufficient strength. Otherwise, you'll face endless darkness and madness."
Her voice grew slightly raspy, laced with rare concern:
"I've seen too many prodigies destroy themselves through impatience. Your potential is immense - there's no need to take such reckless risks."
"I'll heed your warning", Luo En said solemnly, sensing the underlying care beneath her words.
Though their relationship rested on mutual benefit, he felt certain Madame Ellen genuinely wanted to prevent a promising young apprentice from self-destruction.
Like a farmer unwilling to sacrifice carefully nurtured seedlings for premature blossoms.
"Good."
Madame Ellen retrieved an ancient leather scroll from the bookshelf behind her, its surface mottled with age:
"Complete your morning duties first. This afternoon, I'll begin teaching you the first stage of The Murmuring of the Star Devourer."
Luo En nodded and resumed his morning routine - organizing herbs, brewing simple potions, documenting new arrivals.
These mundane tasks now held profound meaning. Each movement deepened his understanding of alchemy. His focused efficiency transformed these trivialities into foundational stones for future greatness.
[Potion Brewing Experience Points +1]
[Basic Alchemy Experience Points +1]
As noon approached, the shop bell chimed. A breeze carrying strange floral notes swept in with the opening door.
Luo En looked up instantly recognizing the figure framed in the doorway - Cui Xi in her dark gray robes, sunlight sculpting a radiant silhouette around her.
Since their last encounter, she'd transformed even further. The once gaunt face from starvation now bore elegant contours. Confident determination gleamed in her eyes, while the light blue gemstone emblem on her chest shimmered.
"Madame Ellen, I've come for the potion commissioned by my mentor", Cui Xi spoke softly yet clearly.
Madame Ellen checked the wall clock, nodding approvingly: "Punctual to the second. I appreciate that in a child."
She retrieved an intricately carved wooden box from beneath the counter, its protective runes forming an invisible barrier:
"Tell Kelinna the potency has increased by thirty percent compared to last time, though application methods remain unchanged. However, rare material consumption exceeded projections - prices will rise next time."
Cui Xi accepted the box, expertly checking the seal before carefully storing it in an inner robe pocket:
"My mentor anticipated material fluctuations. This is additional compensation."
She produced a small sack whose clinking contents announced their value.
Madame Ellen weighed the pouch in her palm, nodding satisfaction at the estimated contents.
As the transaction concluded, Cui Xi's gaze shifted to Luo En organizing herbs nearby. Her scrutiny held renewed curiosity.
"Luo En, long time no see", she acknowledged with a slight bow, her tone subtly probing:
"I heard you've successfully ascended to elementary apprentice? Congratulations."
"Thank you", Luo En politely responded, wiping herbal juice from his hands:
"You seem to be faring well too. I imagine Senior Kelinna's tutelage has proven effective."
"We each find our own path", Cui Xi replied offhandedly, though pride glinted in her eyes.
"Luo En, since you're old acquaintances, why not show Cui Xi to the back for tea?"
Madame Ellen interjected with a teasing lilt: "I have rare materials needing individual attention."
The two exchanged resigned smiles, accepting the arrangement.
Luo En led Cui Xi through the apothecary into a modest yet cozy lounge behind the shop. A courtyard outside overflowed with medicinal plants. He poured fragrant herb tea for both, the amber liquid revitalizing the senses.
"Your transformation is remarkable", Cui Xi remarked bluntly, eyes locked on Luo En:
"From a desperate Sixth Class Starcandidate apprentice to an elementary apprentice through alchemical talent?"
Luo En smiled at her directness: "Hard work more than talent. Unlike yourself, born with Third Class Star spiritual aptitude destined for greatness."
Cui Xi sipped tea, her expression shifting through complex emotions before setting down the cup:
"Everyone walks their path. I was fortunate to be chosen by Senior Kelinna, though fortune carries its price."
Luo En nodded in understanding. Every power and position demanded corresponding cost. No free meals existed in cultivation realms.
"By the way, how's Andie lately?" Cui Xi suddenly asked, a sliver of concealed concern in her voice beneath the icy exterior.
Luo En hesitated, recalling Andie's failed courtship attempts toward her.
"He's well. Though his spiritual cultivation progress isn't ideal, his knightly breathing technique cultivation shows promise. He focuses on refining it currently."
Cui Xi nodded, anxiety flashing in her eyes:
"Listen, Luo En. I know you've grown closer to Andie recently. I won't interfere with your friendships, but heed this - be cautious around royal family members. They're all schemers, especially those like Andie whose gentle exterior masks deep cunning."
"I understand", Luo En met her gaze steadily, smiling faintly:
"In Black Mist Jungle, everyone plays their game. Rather than fearing manipulation, it's better to enhance one's value until schemes become mutually beneficial cooperation."
Cui Xi nodded approval.
"Excellent perspective. That's precisely why I've achieved my current status."
She tucked a stray strand behind her ear: "Luo En, you're far sharper than I imagined."
Her expression turned contemplative, choosing words carefully:
"Actually, besides collecting the potion today, I have a personal request."
"What kind of request?"
(End of Chapter)
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