The Legend of Grandmaster Alchemist

Chapter 2: Testing Abilities

Chapter #2. Testing Abilities

Towards morning, Tian Fan stood in front of the wooden mound, which was ready to be lit to cremate his mother's body. It was the last time Tian Fan would see her. He hugged his mother's body for the last time, then removed a necklace from her neck.

The necklace had an octagon-shaped pendant with the inscription "Tian" on the back and a carving of a burning dragon on the front.

Tian Fan said, “Mother, rest in peace in heaven. I promise to fulfill all your wishes and aspirations. Please protect me from up there.”

Then, Tian Fan put on his mother's necklace and began lighting the fire to cremate her.

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Guan Yu and Guan Wei sat cultivating in Tian Fan's hut after observing him all night. Guan Yu slowly opened his eyes.

Guan Yu said, “Brother, please take out the books from your storage bag. I want to assess the boy's abilities and will.”

Guan Wei responded, “Everything, brother? Okay.”

Guan Wei then took out a pile of books from his storage bag. Dozens of books about medicine were scattered on the wooden table in front of them. Guan Yu then called Tian Fan into the hut. Tian Fan entered and approached his master.

Tian Fan said, “Yes, Sir.”

Guan Yu asked, “Boy, can you read and write?”

Tian Fan replied, “Yes, Sir.”

Guan Yu said, “Good. In that case, copy this book.” He handed Tian Fan two books: one blank and one basic cultivation book. “If you’re hungry, there’s dry bread in that basket. Your master is meditating, so don’t disturb our meditation. You can continue your work now.”

Tian Fan nodded in understanding and began copying the book his master had given him. Though curious about the food and books, Tian Fan kept his questions to himself due to his master’s instructions.

In just three sticks of incense, Tian Fan finished copying the book. With great curiosity, he started reading the books before him. He read through the basics of treatment, different types of treatments, types of medicinal plants, acupuncture techniques, and many other subjects. Tian Fan only needed to read each book once to remember everything.

Over the course of three days and nights, young Tian Fan devoured all the books, which took Guan Wei years to memorize. Tian Fan was so engrossed that he only took brief breaks. He stopped reading when he felt hungry and sleepy, eventually falling asleep soundly in his chair.

Guan Yu and Guan Wei, who had been observing Tian Fan during their meditation, opened their eyes once he had fallen asleep.

Guan Yu said, “This child is incredibly smart. He has an exceptional memory. Wei’er, now I’m fully convinced of my assessment.”

“Wei’er, try testing Tian Fan’s memory skills tomorrow morning,” Guan Yu added.

Guan Wei replied, “Okay, brother. I’m also very curious about his abilities.”

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The next morning, Tian Fan, who had just woken up, was shocked to find that the books he had tidied up had disappeared without a trace. He also realized that his master had finished meditating. Tian Fan approached his two masters.

“Good morning, Sir.”

“Sit down,” Guan Yu ordered. He then took out food from his storage bag.

Seeing the food come out of the small cloth, Tian Fan gasped in amazement. “Sir, where did this come from?”

“Just eat first,” Guan Yu said.

The three of them ate. Tian Fan quickly finished his food, eager to get answers about what he had seen. Once he was done eating, he immediately sat down in front of his masters.

Guan Yu and Guan Wei, seeing Tian Fan’s behavior, burst out laughing.

“Look at you, kid. You said you wanted to be a servant, but now your curiosity has made you forget all about that,” Guan Wei said.

Guan Wei then explained to Tian Fan about the storage bag, its function, and how to use it. He also explained that besides storage tools made from special leather, other storage tools could be bracelets, rings, or necklaces. The dimensions of the space inside varied. Guan Wei elaborated that only cultivators could use these storage devices because they required qi to open them. Qi, or energy, is essential for improving physical health and utilizing one's potential. To truly experience this energy, one must train their breath and physical body, cultivate qi, and reach optimal energy levels and spiritual life.

Guan Wei explained that humans, like nature, can store qi within themselves, and those who do are called cultivators. Qi is stored in the dantian, and its capacity increases with the cultivator's realm.

Guan Yu said, “Fan’er, you’ve read and copied the basic cultivation book. Explain its contents to your master.”

Tian Fan nodded and proceeded to explain the book’s contents, starting with the basics of cultivation and the division of realms from lowest to highest. Each realm is divided into three levels: initial, intermediate, and final. The realms are as follows:

- Black

- Fighter

- Earth

- Earth King

- Emperor

- Sky

- Tianzun

- Saint

- Immortal

Bone levels consist of five stages:

- Bronze Bones

- Iron Bones

- Golden Bones

- Diamond Bones

- Dragon Bones

Tian Fan then described the levels of alchemists:

- Level 1: Advanced Alchemists

- Level 2: Silver Alchemists

- Level 3: Gold Alchemists

- Level 4: Master Alchemists

- Level 5: Grandmaster Alchemists

A Level 1 alchemist can make special pills for the Black realm, a Level 2 alchemist can make pills for the Fighter and Earth realms, a Level 3 (Gold) alchemist can make pills for the Earth King and Emperor realms, a Level 4 alchemist can make pills for the Sky and Tianzun realms, and a Grandmaster Alchemist can make pills for the Saint and Immortal levels.

Guan Yu and Guan Wei laughed happily at the five-year-old boy's explanation.

Guan Yu said, “Good, good. It seems this master didn’t make a mistake. You’re indeed a smart child. You’re a real genius.”

“Your debt is paid. Your master now frees you from our servant status,” Guan Yu added.

Tian Fan’s eyes sparkled. He bowed deeply to the two masters and thanked them.

Guan Yu and Guan Wei looked at each other.

Guan Wei said, “Wake up, child. What path will you choose for your future? Finding you has been a stroke of luck for both of us. If you wish, this master is willing to teach you, even though both of our realms are only at the late Fighter stage.”

Tian Fan was overjoyed by their offer. Without hesitation, he kowtowed three times to them and said, “Tian Fan pay respect to the master.”

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