Chapter 37 Suspicion.

The soft hum of the furnace subsided, and Seraphina delicately retrieved the finished Healing Pills. Each pill shimmered with a faint celestial glow as it entered the small bottle in her hand, a testament to the ethereal properties infused during the alchemical process.

Seraphina carefully sealed the small bottle containing the healing pills and turned her gaze towards Elysia. The silver-haired woman, still wearing a faint smirk, assessed Elysia with her silver eyes.

Elysia's discerning eyes quickly gauged the purity level of the pills. A slight frown formed on her face as she noted the 30% purity, a clear indication of the remaining impurities. It was a common challenge in alchemy — achieving higher purity often required rarer and more potent ingredients.

Elysia, however, refrained from expressing her thoughts. Instead, she maintained an air of feigned surprise, acknowledging Seraphina's efforts with subtle admiration. The unspoken acknowledgment lingered in the cave, as Elysia calculated the potential improvement once Seraphina regained optimal health.

Considering Seraphina's injuries, Elysia silently estimated that, under normal circumstances, she could enhance the pill's purity to around 50%. It was a generous assessment, factoring in the toll an injury took on one's alchemical abilities.

Elysia maintained her act, keeping up the appearance of ignorance about the divine alchemical processes she had just witnessed. Inside, her thoughts raced as she pondered the implications of Seraphina's abilities. She knew she had to tread carefully; underestimating this mysterious visitor could prove to be a costly mistake.

"Remarkable, isn't it?" Seraphina said with a hint of pride in her voice, seemingly pleased with Elysia's feigned surprise.

Elysia nodded, playing along, "Indeed, I've never seen such advanced alchemy before. You must be quite skilled."

Seraphina's silver eyes glinted, "Skill is just one aspect. It's about understanding the essence of each component and forging a harmonious connection. Alchemy is an art, and only those who comprehend its intricacies can truly master it."

Elysia maintained her calm demeanor, hiding the calculating thoughts in her mind. "I've dabbled in alchemy myself, but I can't compare to this level of mastery. Perhaps you could teach me a thing or two."

Seraphina chuckled lightly, "Teaching is not my forte, but perhaps a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge is possible."

Elysia nodded again, silently relieved that she hadn't provoked any suspicion. "I'd be honored. But first, may I ask how you ended up injured in this remote place?"

Seraphina's expression shifted, a flicker of discomfort crossing her features. "I encountered a formidable opponent. A celestial beast that surpassed my expectations. I managed to escape, but not unscathed."

Elysia's interest piqued at the mention of a celestial beast. She filed away this information for future use. "It seems you've faced quite a challenge. If there's anything I can do to assist, feel free to ask."

Seraphina eyed Elysia with a shrewd gaze, her silver eyes seeming to pierce through any facade. "Your offer is noted. I sense that you're not an ordinary cultivator. There's more to you than meets the eye."

Elysia kept her expression neutral, "I've had my fair share of challenges. Survival in this world demands adaptability."

Seraphina's attention shifted to the surroundings, "This cave is a haven. I appreciate your assistance. By the way, I haven't asked for your name."

"Elysia Netherthorn," she replied, using her reap identity without any care.

Seraphina nodded, "A pleasure, Elysia. Names hold power, and I believe we may find a unique synergy between our strengths."

As the conversation unfolded, Seraphina's inquisitive nature became increasingly apparent. Elysia couldn't help but sense an underlying curiosity about her past, an intrigue that extended beyond the surface-level discussions.

Seraphina, with her silver eyes glinting, ventured into Elysia's personal history, "Elysia, you've mentioned having faced challenges. Care to share some of your experiences? There's an air of mystery around you."

Elysia, feigning innocence, replied, "Oh, nothing too extraordinary. I've traversed various realms, encountered different sects, faced the trials of cultivation. You know, the usual struggles."

Seraphina leaned forward slightly, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders, "Yet, there's an energy about you—something unique. It's as if you've walked paths not many dare to tread. Are you sure you're just an ordinary cultivator?"

Elysia chuckled nervously, maintaining her act, "I'm flattered by your words. Perhaps it's just my unconventional approach to cultivation. I believe in learning from every experience, no matter how unconventional it may seem."

Seraphina's gaze lingered for a moment longer, as if searching for hidden truths beneath the surface. "Unconventional indeed," she murmured, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Elysia decided to redirect the conversation, shifting the focus away from herself. "Seraphina, you mentioned encountering a celestial beast. What kind of beast was it? Celestial beasts are known for their rarity and strength."

Seraphina's eyes flickered with memories, "It was a Winged Moon Serpent, a creature with powers that exceeded my initial assessments. Its control over lunar energy made it a formidable opponent."

Elysia nodded thoughtfully, "A Winged Moon Serpent, you say? Fascinating. I've heard tales of such creatures but never encountered one personally. How did you manage to escape its grasp?"

Seraphina's expression became more serious, "Escaping required a combination of strategic retreat and utilizing specific techniques. It was a close encounter, and I sustained injuries that needed immediate attention."

Elysia seized the opportunity to shift the topic back to Seraphina's abilities, "Your proficiency in alchemy is truly extraordinary. I'm curious about your journey to becoming a Rank 3 Divine Alchemist. Not many reach such heights."

Seraphina's demeanor brightened at the mention of her expertise, "Alchemy has always fascinated me. My journey involved traversing realms, seeking ancient texts, and learning from reclusive masters. It's a path of continuous growth and understanding."

Elysia played her part, expressing genuine interest, "A remarkable journey indeed. I'm eager to learn from your experiences. Perhaps you could share more insights into the intricacies of alchemy."

As the conversation delved deeper into the realm of alchemical knowledge, Elysia kept a vigilant eye on Seraphina's reactions.

The atmosphere in the cave shifted as Elysia led Seraphina toward the hidden hot spring. The air inside the cavern was laced with the soothing essence of the Qi-infused water, promising a tranquil experience.

Elysia turned to Seraphina, a playful smile on her face, "The hot spring here has absorbed the Leyline's Qi for centuries. It's said to have remarkable healing properties. Perfect for our conversation."

Seraphina, with a nod of appreciation, responded, "Thank you, Elysia. I could use the healing benefits. It's been quite a journey."

As they arrived at the hot spring, the sight of the crystal-clear water surrounded by ethereal mist greeted them. Elysia wasted no time in undressing, the aura of confidence evident in her actions. She glanced at Seraphina, noting a subtle blush on her face.

Elysia, with a teasing tone, remarked, "No need to be shy. We're both women here."

Seraphina, her cheeks tinted with a subtle blush, offered a small smile, "Apologies, Elysia. I'm not accustomed to such... casual encounters."

Elysia, with a playful grin, responded, "Fair enough. We're here for a conversation, not a staring contest."

Seraphina managed a sheepish smile, her gaze momentarily lingering on Elysia before she began to undress as well. As they entered the hot spring together, the warmth enveloped them, and the Qi-infused water seemed to embrace their bodies.

As they continued their discussion in the soothing waters of the hot spring, the atmosphere lightened. The subtle tension eased, and the two cultivators found a comfortable rhythm in their exchange of words.

Elysia, reclining in the rejuvenating water, decided to steer the conversation, "Seraphina, you've piqued my curiosity. Your skills in alchemy and cultivation are impressive. How did you develop such proficiency?"

Seraphina, settling into the water, replied, "My journey was one of constant learning. I sought out ancient knowledge, delved into forgotten realms, and honed my skills under the guidance of masters. Alchemy, to me, is an art that intertwines with the essence of life itself."

Elysia, genuinely intrigued, probed further, "And your connection to celestial beasts? Encountering a Winged Moon Serpent is no ordinary feat."

Seraphina's eyes gleamed with a mix of determination and reminiscence, "Celestial beasts have always fascinated me. They embody a unique energy that aligns with my own cultivation path. The encounter with the Winged Moon Serpent was both perilous and enlightening, pushing me to new heights."

Elysia, nodding in understanding, continued, "You've mastered the art of crafting healing pills. Impressive. How did you attain such proficiency in alchemical techniques?"

Seraphina, modestly, responded, "Alchemy requires a deep understanding of herbs, energies, and the intricate dance of elements. My journey involved studying ancient texts, discovering rare herbs, and refining my skills through practice. It's a continuous pursuit of perfection."

The conversation flowed effortlessly as they discussed the nuances of cultivation, alchemy, and the mysteries of the world they inhabited.

How Elysia kept feeling that Seraphina was lying about being followed as she was taking her time and instead of absorbing and refining the pills that she made to heal her injuries, she was relaxing and talking to her.