The Legend of Grandmaster Alchemist

Chapter 3: Beginning of Training

Chapter #3. Beginning of Training

Tian Fan had intended to become a cultivator from the beginning, driven by a promise to his mother. He wanted to become strong to fulfill that promise and achieve his mother's unfulfilled wishes.

Guan Yu said, “Fan’er, from now on you can call us Master Yu and Master Wei. We will teach you the skills and knowledge we have. Even though our knowledge is not advanced, it will at least serve as a foundation for you to survive.”

Guan Wei added, “Moreover, the most important thing is to use the knowledge you gain from us in the path of virtue and truth. Always remember that every human being is equal—there is no difference. Be fair to everyone, uphold the truth, be firm according to the circumstances, and stand on your own feet. Be a useful person and don't let yourself be used or manipulated by others. A great person is one who works hard and continually challenges themselves to progress and rise to the top, whether in the path of martial arts or medicine.”

“Do you understand, my student?” Guan Wei asked.

Tian Fan replied, “I understand your words, Master, and I promise, in the name of heaven and earth, to do my best.”

A deafening sound of thunder followed. Guan Yu and Guan Wei exchanged glances before looking back at Tian Fan.

Guan Yu muttered to himself, “This child is blessed by heaven. His words have been heard by heaven.”

Guan Yu then said, “Your promise is heard by the sky, son. Even the sky remembers your promise, so always keep it in mind and make it the principle of your life. Understand, son?”

Tian Fan replied, “Yes, Master.”

Guan Yu continued, “Even though we are now your masters, we will not make things easy for you. We will only guide you; the rest depends on your own abilities. In the morning, you will train with me, and in the afternoon, you will train with Master Wei. Prepare yourself well; we will start practicing tomorrow.”

“Yes, Master,” Tian Fan responded, nodding and saluting with cupped hands.

Meanwhile, Guan Yu and Guan Wei discussed their backgrounds.

Guan Yu and Guan Wei described their home continent, which is divided into five parts: the Eastern Continent, the Western Continent, the Northern Continent, the Southern Continent, and the Central Continent. Among these, the Central Continent is the strongest, as the most powerful cultivators are found there.

The Northern Continent is the second strongest and consists of two empires, with five kingdoms under these empires and four major sects within them. The Southern Continent has three empires and three large sects. The Western Continent also has two empires, four kingdoms, and four sects. The Eastern Continent is composed of three empires, four kingdoms, and four sects. The Central Continent, however, has only one empire, five kingdoms, and ten large sects.

Guan Yu and Guan Wei are part of the core family of the Guan nobles, who are nobles in the Han Kingdom. They are currently on a mission from the Han Kingdom to find some medicinal plants in the Sun Kingdom. The Sun Kingdom and the Han Kingdom are allies, so they have no difficulty entering this area. Tian Fan currently lives in the Sun Kingdom's territory, specifically in the City of Leaves.

Guan Yu said, “Fan’er, now you know where your masters come from. We won’t be here for long, so make the best use of the time we have. What we will teach you is only basic knowledge to lay the foundation for your cultivation. The development will be up to you. We do this so that you study hard and improve yourself, as life outside is very tough—the strong prey on the weak, and everyone looks out for their own benefit. But don’t be naive.”

Guan Yu then took out a book from his storage bag for Tian Fan to study.

---

The book Tian Fan received covered the science of breathing and physical training for bone and muscle development. Breathing techniques are the foundation of cultivation, enabling one to absorb qi from nature, which is then stored in the dantian. However, before progressing in that direction, Tian Fan needed to undergo physical training as the initial preparation for opening the dantian.

---

The next day, Guan Yu instructed Tian Fan to begin his physical training. The first task was to run across a river that was knee-deep for an adult and 30 spear-lengths wide. Tian Fan had to cross it 20 times. Next, he was required to carry a river stone weighing five times his body weight to the side of his hut. After that, he had to assume a horse stance facing the sun and continue with punching and kicking movements. The training pushed Tian Fan’s body to its limits, promoting the development of his muscles and bones.

In the afternoon, Tian Fan trained with Master Wei. Master Wei taught him about medicine, acupuncture, reflex points, pulse examination, and surgery. Master Wei also covered the basics of alchemy, explaining that medical knowledge is foundational for becoming an alchemist. Tian Fan, having memorized the theoretical aspects of medicine, was then trained in practical applications, such as concocting medicine, cooking medicine, and combining medicinal herbs with poisons.

Guan Wei advised, “Fan’er, my student, you must remember to always look forward and not rely solely on the books you read. Books are based on the experiences and work of others and cannot always serve as a benchmark. Problems cannot always be solved with a single approach; other methods may be necessary. Similarly, in treatment, we should not rely on just one drug but consider other possible drugs that may affect the duration or process of healing. Do you understand, my student?”

Tian Fan replied, “I understand, Master.”

He then asked, “Master, are you also an alchemist?”

Guan Wei sighed, “Unfortunately, I have not yet become an alchemist. It is very difficult to achieve that status, Fan’er. I haven’t been able to refine pills well, and I always fail the alchemist exams. I hope you can become an alchemist because I see great potential in you. But ultimately, it’s up to you. Don’t follow others’ wishes; pursue your own goals and achieve them. For us masters, seeing you succeed and even surpass our abilities would bring great joy. Masters’ expectations are similar to parents’ expectations, so don’t let it become a burden. Strive to achieve what you want—that’s enough. The rest is up to you.”

Tian Fan absorbed all his master’s advice and said, “The master’s instructions will be remembered, and I will practice diligently.”

---