At dawn on the second day, the first faint blush of fish-belly light appeared on the horizon.
Gu Qingli, who had remained motionless throughout the night, suddenly opened her eyes, a flicker of azure shimmering briefly before fading back to normal.
A soft exhale escaped her crimson lips as she rose from bed and stretched.
Today marked the beginning of her alchemical studies.
The Pill Refining Hall stood imposing to the east of the vast Gu family estate, its periphery enveloped in a formidable aura.
Gu Qingli understood at once that this was undoubtedly the Gu family's trump card.
Though outwardly, the clan leader Gu Yifeng bore the title of Six-Star Spirit King and was regarded as the family's strongest pillar, the reality was more complex.
From what she had gathered, the Grand Elder of the Gu clan had likely attained the Saint Stage, possessing power far surpassing that of the clan leader. Yet such a figure was as elusive as a divine dragon, rarely seen even by insiders, and Gu Qingli herself had never laid eyes on him.
Before she knew it, she had arrived at the Pill Refining Hall. Thanks to prior instructions from the clan leader, the guards now allowed her unrestricted access.
Still, the two sentinels cautioned her, "Master Yin is currently striving to become a Third-Rank Alchemist and usually refines pills within the hall. This matter is of great importance. Miss Liu, please be mindful not to disturb Master Yin's work."
Gu Qingli nodded, impressed by the high regard afforded to alchemists.
Upon entering, the soothing aroma of medicinal herbs instantly enveloped her, lifting her spirits and instilling an unparalleled sense of tranquility and ease.
Since these herbs thrived by absorbing the world's spiritual energy, it was unsurprising that the hall brimmed with a far greater concentration of energy and aura than elsewhere.
Though outwardly the Pill Refining Hall resembled a modest sanctuary, its interior was vast and segmented into various zones: the Herb Chamber, Pill Storage, Refining Area, Waste Section, and Confidential Quarters, among others.
To master alchemy, one must first understand the herbs. Gu Qingli proceeded to the Herb Chamber, where the Gu family's immense wealth was evident in the labyrinthine cabinets and countless chests brimming with rare and precious medicinal plants, each meticulously labeled.
While marveling at this sight, a kindly elderly man approached, smiling warmly. "Miss Liu, I've been expecting you. I am the steward of this area—please, call me Uncle An."
Gu Qingli returned his smile gracefully. "Uncle An, I presume you possess comprehensive knowledge of these herbs?"
"Undoubtedly, Miss Liu. Whatever herb you seek, its properties, uses, or location—I know them all intimately," Uncle An replied with evident pride.
"I would like to familiarize myself thoroughly with all the herbs here. Could you teach me how to proceed?"
"Certainly, it would be my honor," he said eagerly, for the prospect of Miss Liu becoming an alchemist promised even greater prosperity for the Gu family.
Over the course of three days, Gu Qingli not only learned the names and classifications of the herbs but also gained insight into their medicinal properties. She discovered that some herbs were so potent that only the mightiest magical beasts could consume them directly without harm.
Thanks to the Gu family's formidable resources, her studies extended to rare and exotic plants, laying a solid and profound foundation for her alchemical skills.
Her first practical trial was scheduled for the fourth day, where before an assembly of apprentices, she would refine her inaugural pill. Gu Qingli brought forth the Linglong Cauldron, underscoring the gravity and significance of this moment for any aspiring alchemist.