A Cliché Encounter

Qin Chen stepped into the Tianlang Alchemy Center, greeted by a scene of grandeur and activity. The high ceilings were adorned with glowing alchemical symbols, casting a faint, mystical light over the spacious hall.

Towering shelves filled with rare herbs and shimmering ingredients stretched along the walls, exuding faint auras of energy. On the other side, rows of massive bookshelves held ancient tomes and scrolls, promising secrets of alchemy to those capable of understanding them.

The center buzzed with life—cultivators haggled over rare materials, alchemists discussed formulas in hushed tones, and attendants moved swiftly between counters, fulfilling requests with practiced ease. Despite the bustling atmosphere, the space retained an air of refinement and prestige, a true haven for those seeking alchemical mastery.

However, Qin Chen wasn't here to marvel. He already had a clear plan, thanks to the memories of the second Qin Chen, which provided a trove of knowledge about rare ingredients and the precise methods to craft an extraordinary pill.

He could confidently claim that his mind was brimming with vast alchemical knowledge, a testament to the fact that the second Qin Chen had undoubtedly been a grandmaster alchemist in his time.

"May I assist you, sir?" a soft voice greeted him. A young receptionist in her twenties, with a beautiful face and a friendly smile stood before him.

"Yes," Qin Chen replied, stepping closer with an air of confidence. "I need specific materials for alchemy."

The receptionist nodded, producing a pen and a sheet of parchment. "Please write down the items you require, sir."

Without hesitation, Qin Chen began jotting down a list of five rare ingredients. His pen moved swiftly as he recalled their names and properties. There were five items in total, one of which was a spiritfire orchid. Once finished, he handed the paper back to the receptionist.

"And please also check the price of each item," he added.

The receptionist read through the list Qin Chen had written. Her expression gradually turned puzzled. Some of the ingredients on the list were unfamiliar to her.

"I might need to consult the inventory for some of these—" she began, only to be interrupted by a commanding voice from behind.

"Yue Lan, I need your assistance."

Turning, Yue Lan found an elderly man approaching them. His snow-white beard and lined face spoke of decades of experience, while his sharp gaze exuded an undeniable air of authority.

"Elder Guang," the receptionist, Yue Lan, responded. "I'm busy right now. Why not ask someone else for help?"

"They're all occupied," Elder Guang replied with a sigh. But his gaze quickly fell on the paper Yue Lan was holding. His eyes narrowed as he read the list of materials.

"What's this?" he asked, taking the paper from Yue Lan's hand. "Golden thread grass, bloodleaf, starfall lotus, soultrap grass, spiritfire orchid…"

He turned to Qin Chen with a suspicious look. "Kid, why do you want these materials? Are you planning something dangerous?"

Qin Chen met the elder's gaze without flinching. Instead of responding immediately, he studied Elder Guang with a thoughtful look. 'This old man isn't ordinary,' he mused silently before a confident smirk formed on his lips.

"I plan to craft a pill to enhance my cultivation," he stated calmly. His words carried a hint of nonchalance, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. This was clearly one of those clichéd scenes of a fateful encounter with someone extraordinary.

Elder Guang chuckled lightly, as if in disbelief. "Make a pill? These ingredients are deadly poisons! Especially the soultrap grass. Not only is it rare, but even the slightest mistake in handling it could cost you your life."

"True," Qin Chen admitted, his tone steady. "If mishandled, they're indeed deadly. However, when used correctly, their toxicity transforms into incredible power. Bloodleaf can neutralize soultrap grass's destructive properties, and with starfall lotus as a catalyst, the resulting essence enhances aura absorption."

Elder Guang froze, his skepticism giving way to astonishment. Yue Lan, too, seemed captivated by Qin Chen's knowledge, her wide eyes fixed on him in silent wonder.

"Moreover," Qin Chen continued, "golden thread grass, processed at low temperatures with spiritfire orchid, can restore even severely damaged meridians. Combined, these ingredients can create a pill capable of rejuvenating the body of a high-level cultivator."

Elder Guang's expression grew serious. He scrutinized Qin Chen as if seeing him in a new light. "Who taught you this, boy?"

"No one," Qin Chen replied with a slight smirk. "I figured it out myself."

Both Yue Lan and Elder Guang were taken aback by his confident declaration.

"Are you a disciple of Mount Hua Sect?" Elder Guang asked after a moment of silence.

"That's correct," Qin Chen confirmed.

Elder Guang nodded slowly, his tone softening slightly. "No wonder your knowledge of alchemy is impressive. Even I didn't know that bloodleaf could neutralize the destructive effects of soultrap grass. Can it also neutralize the effects of other poisonous plants?" he asked curiously.

Qin Chen gave a faint smirk. "Elder Guang, knowledge is the most valuable treasure. So, how about we make a deal? I get these materials for free, and in return, I'll share some secret techniques for processing alchemical materials. I'm sure, as someone deeply invested in the art of alchemy, you'd value knowledge like this."

Elder Guang stroked his white beard slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. Although impressed by Qin Chen's courage and knowledge, he wasn't about to yield so easily.

"Hmph, boy, that's just basic knowledge," he replied coldly. "You can't expect to gain something valuable from an alchemist like me with mere words. Yue Lan, follow me." Elder Guang turned, his steps firm, showing he wasn't swayed by Qin Chen's offer.

Yet Qin Chen wasn't in a rush. He remained calm, merely observing with a sharp gaze. His attention then shifted to Elder Guang's hand. The faint grayish color and peeling skin on the edges suddenly reminded him of knowledge inherited from the second Qin Chen.

"Your hand, Elder Guang," Qin Chen suddenly said, his voice firm and loud enough to stop the old man in his tracks.

Elder Guang turned, eyeing Qin Chen with narrowed eyes. "What are you trying to say about my hand, boy?" His tone was sharp, but he instinctively hid his hand beneath his robe.

Qin Chen gave a faint smile, remaining composed despite the tense atmosphere. "Your hand, Elder Guang," he repeated, softer this time but full of conviction. "Grayish tint, peeling skin, and a faint odor like rotting flesh... I'm certain it's a sign of exposure to hellmist stone without proper protection."

Hearing this, Elder Guang's eyes widened briefly, though he tried to keep his expression neutral. Yue Lan, standing nearby, looked at Elder Guang with concern etched on her face.

"Is that true, Elder Guang?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly with worry.

Elder Guang sighed deeply before admitting with a heavy tone, "He's right. I may have been careless a few days ago while handling hellmist stone." His gaze returned to Qin Chen, this time filled with curiosity and admiration. "But not many people can recognize these signs at a glance. How do you know?"

"Because I know what I'm talking about," Qin Chen replied confidently. "Hellmist stone is a highly dangerous material. Direct exposure without protection can cause toxins that gradually damage body tissues and even infect the meridians. If left untreated for too long, it could become incurable."

Elder Guang was silent for a moment, processing Qin Chen's words. Then he asked more seriously, "So, do you also know how to neutralize its toxins?"

"For now, yes," Qin Chen replied with confidence. "You need to mix extracts of moonleaf and crimson hydrangea to neutralize its effects. But that's just a temporary solution. To completely cure it, I'd need to examine your condition more closely."

Elder Guang looked at him with growing respect, though there was a hint of reluctance to acknowledge the boy's expertise. "Hmph, you're an intriguing one, boy. Follow me to my chamber. I want to hear more about your knowledge. If you truly have a solution, I'll make sure your efforts are rewarded."

"I've got a keen eye, Elder Guang," Qin Chen said with a smile, though inwardly he was smirking. 'Gotcha,' he thought.

As he walked closer to Elder Guang, a soft hand suddenly touched his arm. "Sir," Yue Lan said in a gentle voice, accompanied by her sweet smile. "Could we talk later? Once this is over... I'd like to learn more about... Alchemy."

Qin Chen was slightly surprised but then gave a faint smirk. "Sure, if I have the time, I might accompany you."

Yue Lan smiled slightly, seemingly charmed by Qin Chen's confident aura. She let him go with Elder Guang, but her eyes lingered on his back, filled with curiosity and admiration.

Meanwhile, Elder Guang, glancing at the scene, could only shake his head and mutter inwardly, 'This boy is truly fascinating. I wonder how deep his knowledge runs.'

With steady steps, the two disappeared behind the doors leading to Elder Guang's private chamber.