https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-68-Advancing-to-Middle-Apprentice/13536262/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-70-Demon-God-Ancient-Alchemist-Creator-/13536264/
Chapter 69: Silver Wing Separator – An Ancient "Boon"
Chapter 69: Silver Wing Separator – An Ancient "Boon"
He sighed, shut the door behind him, and strode quickly toward the market district.
As he walked, his mind churned through his current predicament.
Being holed up in the Apprentice Dormitory Area wasn't just embarrassing – it threatened his entire future.
Yet every time he considered his options, he found himself stuck between two extremes. Logic dictated he should relocate immediately, but those astronomical rents kept him paralyzed with hesitation.
According to Andie's intel, even the cheapest independent residence within the School required a yearly rent of 150 Mana Shard Fragments, while decent accommodations demanded multiple complete Mana Stones.
At his current rate – combining daily wages from Madame Ellen, potion-making commissions, and side jobs for Cui Xi and Andie – he barely netted 80-90 Mana Shard Fragments monthly.
Even at his current income level, such annual rents would be crippling.
Renting a residence meant additional expenses too – utilities, maintenance, and resource investments for his alchemy practice. Every copper counted.
Lost in these thoughts, he barely noticed arriving at the Herbal Medicine Shop.
Pushing through the door, the familiar scent of dried herbs enveloped him. Madame Ellen stood behind the counter, organizing ledgers.
"Perfect timing."
Setting down her ledger, the old apothecary fixed him with her signature emerald-green gaze. "We've got a major order requiring your expertise today."
"What kind of order?" Luo En asked while slipping into his work apron.
"Thirty Stimulant Potions and twenty wound-healing draughts – the School's enforcers need restocking." She gestured toward the back workbench. "I've already prepared the materials. You can start immediately."
Without another word, Luo En dove into his work.
Mass production of this scale no longer challenged him, though he maintained his characteristic focus.
Each potion received precise measurements, resulting in stable, uniform effects.
Two hours later, the final bottles lined the wooden rack, cooling under the dim light.
His recent obsessive practice had paid dividends:
【Potion Brewing: Proficient (46/80)】
【Herb Identification: Proficient (42/80)】
【Basic Alchemy: Proficient (98/100)】
Basic Alchemy teetered on the edge of mastery. Soon, he might consider advancing his professional aspirations.
"Not bad at all", Madame Ellen remarked, randomly inspecting several bottles. "Consistent quality – actually better than last batch. This is what happens when dedication meets talent."
Luo En offered a polite smile. "Thanks to your guidance, of course."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if seeing through his flattery.
Tapping the counter with her bony fingers, she surprised him by softening her tone. "Luo En, I've noticed your recent growth."
"Thank you, madam", the young apprentice replied cautiously, unsure where this conversation was heading.
"No, it's more than growth now. Your alchemical skills have surpassed many naturally gifted beginners, even outpacing numerous seasoned Apothecary Apprentices with years of experience."
Shaking her head, she continued, "Your grasp of material properties, temperature control, and reaction prediction has reached remarkable levels."
Her emerald eyes glimmered with rare approval. "Honestly, I have little left to teach you. You're fully capable of working independently now."
Luo En blinked. "You mean..."
"You've graduated, Luo En." The old apothecary declared bluntly. "Continuing as my assistant here is frankly beneath your abilities." She reached beneath the counter and slid a wooden box toward him. "Take this – a small gift to celebrate your independence."
Intrigued, Luo En opened the box. Nestled within lay a gleaming instrument of intricate silverwork – a Silver Wing Separator.
Exactly the tool he'd long coveted but couldn't justify purchasing with his limited Mana Shard Fragments.
"A Silver Wing Separator!" He caressed the exquisite craftsmanship, carefully lifting it from its case.
This rare device could extract the purest essence from medicinal ingredients without compromising their potency – a treasure coveted by potion masters.
At a loss for words, Luo En struggled to process this generosity.
When he'd first arrived seeking potion-making practice, he never expected this stern old woman to bestow not just techniques, but even her precious meditative practices like The Murmuring of the Star Devourer.
Now granting independence with such an extraordinary gift – even familial bonds wouldn't justify this generosity.
"I noticed you hesitated whenever handling delicate extractions", Madame Ellen explained, her tone unusually gentle. "This should resolve your difficulties."
"This must be worth several complete Mana Stones!" Luo En still found it hard to believe, secretly wondering if some difficult task accompanied this gift.
"Just a simple tool", she dismissed casually, though her lips betrayed a faint smile. "Far more practical for actual brewing than those flashy collectibles."
Her gaze turned distant, as if seeing beyond the shop walls. "I've had it for decades. Back when I worked at the Crystal Spire, I used it to refine materials."
"Crystal Spire?" Luo En recognized the name from ancient texts – a legendary gathering place for powerful mages, far surpassing Black Mist School in scale, rumored to house Archmages themselves.
Realizing she'd revealed too much, Madame Ellen sighed. "That was before I came here. Full Mage politics were far more complex than you can imagine. Losing by just one step in ascension competitions could lead to..."
She trailed off, unconsciously touching the ugly scar across her abdomen.
Shaking her head to clear the memories, she refocused on Luo En. "None of it matters now. I've found my place here, doing what I love – discovering promising youths and helping them grow. The losses I suffered at the Spire became my gains here... Now they're yours too."
Her emerald eyes softened with rare emotion. "Beyond these forests lies a vast world. Places where mana flows like tidal surges, where higher beings shape reality with mere thought. Perhaps one day, when you're ready..."
She trailed off again, this time with a knowing smile.
Carefully returning the separator to its box, Luo En murmured, "Madam, I don't know how to thank you for everything you've given me."
"Don't need your thanks", Madame Ellen waved him off, her tone returning to its usual crispness. "Teaching talented youths benefits us too."
"Benefits?" he asked, intrigued.
She hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. Finally, she gestured for him to sit beside her. "Why do you think most Full Mages, despite their busy schedules, still teach apprentices?"
Luo En pondered. "To preserve lineage knowledge? Train assistants?"
"Partially correct, but incomplete." Madame Ellen's green eyes gleamed mysteriously. "In the world of arcane arts, there's an ancient rule – the 'Boon.'"
(End of Chapter)
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