At dawn, the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Liu Xi's increasingly handsome face. Exhaling lightly, he awoke from his cultivation.
In recent years, as his soul grew stronger, Liu Xi had reached the point where his soul alone could sustain him through nights of cultivation without sleep. By now, he had already abandoned sleeping altogether, replacing it fully with cultivation.
A faint smile curled on his lips. 'I'm getting closer and closer to completing the 9th stage of Dou Zhi Qi. Feeling my Dou Zhi Qi grow stronger each day… this feeling is intoxicating.'
Today was the day he would visit the City Lord's Mansion to meet Master Xuan Hao. After washing up, Liu Xi changed into a set of white martial attire his mother had specially prepared. It made him appear energetic and refined. As the saying went: people rely on clothes, and horses on saddles. To earn someone's approval, talent wasn't enough—appearance and bearing also mattered.
After breakfast with his parents, and just before leaving, his mother Li Yue gently smoothed the creases in his clothes. Smiling warmly, she whispered, "Xi'er, your talent is already outstanding. Whether you become an alchemist or not, you will always be Mother's good child."
"Mother, don't worry. I will definitely become an alchemist." With his spiritual power, Liu Xi felt confident in his potential, and so he answered with firm assurance.
"Let's go." Beside them, Liu Ming's normally stern face softened into a faint smile. He had always taken pride in his son's talent.
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Master Xuan Hao resided in the City Lord's Mansion, and so the selection was also held there. Liu Ming brought Liu Xi by carriage, and as they drew closer, the streets grew crowded. Many parents had brought their children in hopes of becoming disciples, but even more people had simply come to catch a glimpse of the famed alchemist.
On the Dou Qi Continent, alchemists were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Outside of the great sects, which cultivated their own alchemists, most belonged to the Alchemist Association or similar guilds. And today, the visitor was a 3rd Tier Alchemist Master. No wonder the streets were packed—this was like watching people chase after a celebrity, eager to see their idol with their own eyes.
Fortunately, the city guards maintained order, opening a special passage for youths participating in the selection.
Before long, a fully armored commander stepped out and shouted to the onlookers, "By order of the City Lord, idlers are to retreat at once! Only children under the age of 15 who have reached the 7th stage of Dou Zhi Qi may step forward to take part in the test!"
The crowd erupted in commotion.
"What? Under 15 and already 7th stage? Who can meet such conditions?"
"My child is only 14 and already at the 6th stage… just one step away."
"You're lucky. Mine reached the 7th stage, but he's already 16 years old!"
Families who met the requirement beamed with joy, while those who didn't could only sigh in disappointment. The spectators murmured among themselves—it seemed becoming an alchemist's disciple was no easy matter.
The commander barked again, "Silence! Those who qualify, enter and await the next round."
Seeing the time had come, Liu Xi said a few words to his father and walked straight toward the mansion. He and the other candidates were led into the martial field for the second round of testing. About 30 youths were gathered, most of them boys.
As Liu Xi entered, many familiar faces turned toward him.
"Big Brother Liu Xi, you're here too!"
"With your talent, you'll definitely be chosen as a disciple!"
"Yes, if it's Big Brother Liu Xi, there's no doubt!"
Liu Xi could see the nervousness in their eyes, though they flattered him with their words. But who wouldn't want the chance to become an alchemist? It was the most respected profession on the continent.
Smiling humbly, he said, "I've heard alchemists need very special talents. We all have a chance. Who knows if I really have it?"
At that moment, a middle-aged man in gray robes entered, followed by soldiers carrying a large stone tablet. With a heavy thud, they set it down in front of the group. The man unrolled a scroll and spoke loudly, "This stone tablet can test whether you possess the talent to become an alchemist. When your name is called, step forward, place your hand on the tablet, and channel your Dou Zhi Qi into it."
"The first—Zhou Qiang. Step forward."
---
Meanwhile, inside the great hall of the mansion, the City Lord of Lin City sat at the head seat, his face holding a forced smile as he bowed slightly toward the elder seated beside him. "Master, does my daughter truly have no talent for alchemy?"
Master Xuan Hao, dressed in alchemist robes, held a cup of tea in hand. His half-white hair was neatly combed back, his expression proud and aloof. He replied calmly, "City Lord, although your daughter's fire attribute Dou Qi is strong, true alchemy requires balance. Without wood attribute Dou Qi to harmonize medicinal properties, true pills cannot be formed."
With that, Xuan Hao fell silent. He hadn't come to Lin City expecting much anyway. To find a successor worthy of inheriting his mantle would take more searching.
---
Back at the martial field, under the watchful eyes of all, the stone tablet suddenly lit up with radiant light.
"Liu Xi—qualified. Take him to see Master Xuan Hao."
The crowd exploded in excitement.
"As expected, Big Brother Liu Xi has alchemist talent!"
"He's being taken to become Master Xuan Hao's disciple!"
Liu Xi himself couldn't help feeling a rush of exhilaration. Following the soldier, he made his way toward the great hall, heart pounding.
After being announced, he entered the hall, respectfully bowed, and declared, "This junior, Liu Xi, greets the City Lord and Master Xuan Hao."
The City Lord looked at him in surprise. He knew of Liu Xi—this child had already reached the 8th stage of Dou Zhi Qi at such a young age. To now learn he also had alchemy talent was truly unexpected.
Master Xuan Hao, meanwhile, studied the boy before him. Despite his youthful face, Liu Xi's demeanor was polite and proper. Slowly, a smile of delight spread across the old master's face.
"Child, how old are you? What stage of Dou Zhi Qi have you reached?"
"Eight years old, currently at the 9th stage of Dou Zhi Qi," Liu Xi replied clearly.
The master's smile grew broader until he burst into laughter. "Hahahahaha! A treasure! I've truly found a treasure!"
Calming himself, he asked, "Child, would you be willing to take me as your teacher?"
Liu Xi responded without hesitation, bowing deeply. "Disciple Liu Xi greets his teacher!"
The City Lord forced a smile. Inviting Xuan Hao had been meant to benefit his own daughter, yet it was Liu Xi who had been taken in instead. He could only say sourly, "Congratulations, Master Xuan Hao, for gaining such an excellent disciple."
Inside, Liu Xi felt relief wash over him. Now that he had officially become Xuan Hao's disciple, the path of alchemy lay before him. He had gained entry into the true core of the Dou Qi Continent's power. Looking up at the old man who helped him to his feet, Liu Xi felt more and more pleased—his teacher truly was a sight for sore eyes.
(End of Chapter)
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