Bai Shuying, with the Yin Gourd strapped to her waist, arrived at the location where the Alchemy class was being held.
A spacious hall held a raised platform at its center, where a single cushion rested. Below it, rows of identical cushions were arranged in perfect alignment, creating a geometric pattern across the floor.
She saw that a few disciples arrived ahead of time and claimed a cushion already.
Bai Shuying contemplated what plagued all students when entering a new classroom.
I don't want to sit in the front because I don't want to be called on, I don't want to be in the back cause I want to pay attention in class. All right, I'll sit in the middle!
She claimed a cushion right in the middle, the center.
She waited, but soon became bored.
If it were back then, I could just take out my smartphone.
Bai Shuying sat in meditation, running the Blooming Lotus art.
Master said I was a Tier 1 Spirit Beast, and now my human cultivation is at the qi condensation sixth stage. For now, I should focus on my human cultivation since I have no clue about how to advance my demon cultivation. Hmm, inside my demon core seems to be Yin energy in the form of liquid, but there's only a tiny amount. Do I need to fill it up to reach the second tier?
Bai Shuying was lost in her thoughts. She suddenly felt someone sit on the cushion next to her. She opened her eyes and saw a pair of eyes looking back at her.
A loli with black hair tied in twin tails and a sharp canine tooth visible in her mouth spoke in a cheerful voice.
"Hey, Nice to meet you, I'm Xiao Yunxi."
Bai Shuying was surprised at the sudden greeting and replied.
"Nice to meet you as well, I'm Bai Shuying."
Bai Shuying was calm on the outside, but on the inside.
Oh, am I peaking? Is this my popular phase?!
Xiao Yunxi hesitated for a moment and spoke.
"Well, I heard about you from the gossip and wanted to ask you something, if thats okay?"
Gossip? Is there already stuff about me spreading?! How?! I didn't even do anything yet!
Bai Shuying was confused and replied.
"Sure, I don't mind."
"Hmm, what's your relationship with Senior Sister Su?"
Senior Sister Su? Does she mean Su Meilin?
"Well, I'm her junior sister and she's my senior sister."
Xiao Yunxi looked at her, stunned, and wondered if that was all that was.
What Bai Shuying said is not entirely wrong; they do have that kind of relationship.
Bai Shuying remained unaware that Xiao Yunxi belonged to a secret group devoted to Su Meilin, a group notorious for driving away anyone who dared approach their idol. Their usual tactics involved testing newcomers, but Bai Shuying's unexpected reply left Xiao Yunxi at a loss. For the first time, she hesitated, wondering how they should handle someone who didn't react as planned.
The room was already filled and a middle aged man with a beard walked in and sat on the cushion on the stage.
"Quiet! My name is Lan Wumian, an Outer Elder and a Master Alchemist, I will be the instructor for the Alchemy course."
The disciples silently listened to Elder Lan speak.
"Alchemy is a profession of refining raw materials such as herbs into pills. Pills that have a range of purposes, from healing to improving cultivation. In this course, I will teach the four steps in pill refining: Purification, Combining ingredients, Refining, and Condensing into pills."
The new disciples became excited at the prospect of becoming Alchemists. A disciple raised their hand and asked a question on everyone's mind.
"Elder Lan, what do you mean by Purification, Combining ingredients, Refining, and Condensing into pills?"
"What I mean is…"
For Alchemists to refine pills, they must go through the four steps spoken of above. The first step, Purification, is taking the raw materials and removing the impurities. Raw materials are filled with impurities that will affect the finished pill if not removed.
The second step is combining ingredients. The purified ingredients are combined to create a new mixture based on a pill formula.
The third step is refining. Use heat and time to refine the mixture.
The fourth step is condensing into pills. Turning the refined mixture into a solid sphere, a pill.
"Now, if you have any questions, you may ask."
"Can you completely purify pills?"
"Only very skilled Alchemists can purify pills to 89%. I have not heard of one who could purify one to more than 89%."
"What is a pill formula?"
"A pill formula is like a recipe to create certain types of pills."
"How are pills ranked?"
"Pills are ranked by…"
Mortal Grade - Basic medicines (heals cuts, mild Qi recovery). No spiritual effects.
Spirit Grade - Contains spiritual energy; aids cultivation speed or minor enhancements.
Profound Grade - Rare, with powerful effects (temporary combat boosts, detoxification).
Earth Grade - Legendary pills—can reshape meridians or extend lifespan by decades.
Heaven Grade - Divine pills that defy natural laws (revive the dead, grant elemental immunity).
Immortal Grade - Only found in celestial realms; may trigger tribulations when consumed.
Divine Grade - Mythical—can rewrite fate, create avatars, or birth new souls.
Dao Grade - Pills fused with Dao Laws; consuming one = comprehending a Great Dao.
"When refining, what do you mean by heat and time?"
"By using a flame, we can increase the temperature, making the raw materials more malleable, and time is necessary based on the type of raw material. Alchemists either cultivate their flame or integrate a flame from outside."
When Bai Shuying heard this, she nodded her head.
Alchemy is like chemistry!
Elder Lan continued to speak.
"Alchemists are classified by the rank of pill they could refine with a certain percentage of success."
Novice Alchemist - Can refine Mortal Grade pills (50% success rate).
Apprentice Alchemist - Refines Spirit Grade pills (60-70% success).
Journeyman Alchemist - Master's Profound Grade pills (50% success).
Master Alchemist - Refines Earth Grade pills (30-40% success).
Grandmaster Alchemist - Creates Heaven Grade pills (10-20% success).
Saint Alchemist - Crafts Immortal Grade pills (5% success, attracts tribulations).
Divine Alchemist - Refines Divine Grade pills (1% success, alters fate).
Dao Alchemist - Legendary - can refine Dao Grade pills (once per millennium).
A disciple raised their hand and asked.
"Elder Lan, what rank pill can you refine?"
"As I said in my introduction, I am a Master Alchemist who can refine earth-grade pills."
"Elder Lan, what is the Alchemy Association?"
"The Alchemy Association is located close to the Human Alliance. It registers and certifies all Alchemists. By joining, they provide many benefits such as pill recipes, raw materials, etc."
"How does one join, and does it conflict with the sect?"
"Most members are already members of sects, so it is no issue. To join, one must pass their examination."
The class continued. When the class finished, Elder Lan was the first to leave.
Bai Shuying remained seated, digesting everything she learned.
Wow! What an amazing course and teacher!
Bai Shuying was impressed by Elder Lan's teaching, clear and concise, while also offering explanations from experience and answering disciples question at perfect times.
Elder Lan was one of the best Alchemists in the Yin-Yang Sect. Even if his cultivation is only at the Core Formation, his reputation as a Master Alchemist puts him in the same position as inner elders and even higher than some of them.
Xiao Yunxi saw that Bai Shuying remained seated and asked.
"Well, about the question I asked earlier…"
"Oh, that's fine, I'm curious about why you asked."
Xiao Yunxi excitedly said.
"I'm a big fan of Senior Sister Su, after all, she's ranked on the Top 100 Young Beauties list and the Top 100 Earth list."
Bai Shuying, confused, asked.
"Top 100 Young Beauties list? Top 100 Earth list?"
Xiao Yunxi was surprised and asked.
"Oh, you don't know?"
"Never heard of them."
"Well, they are…"
The Top 100 Young Beauties list ranks the most beautiful women of the younger generation in terms of appearance, background, and talent. The cultivation of the young women on the list is from Qi Condensation to Core Formation. Those women with cultivations from Nascent Soul to beyond are ranked on the Top 100 Beauties list. The Top 100 Earth list ranks the strongest cultivators from Qi Condensation to Core Formation. Those with cultivations of Nascent Soul and beyond are ranked on the Top 100 Heavens list. These two lists rank cultivators by cultivation, talent, and age.
Bai Shuying was not interested in the Top 100 Earth and Heavens list. She wanted to know more about the Top 100 Young Beauties and Top 100 Beauties list.
Curious, she asked Xiao Yunxi.
"What rank is Senior Sister Su on the Top 100 Young Beauties list?"
"Senior Sister Su is ranked 8th on the Top 100 Young Beauties list. Here, take a look."
Xiao Yunxi pulled out a piece of refined jade that was in the shape of a square and infused her qi into it. A projection was displayed in the air. The projection of Su Meilin appeared. Wearing clothes similar to the sect master, holding a sword with one hand while being barefoot. The image showcases her charm and beauty.
What kind of professional full body shot is this?!
Below the image were lines of text:
Name: Su Meilin
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Fourth Stage.
Background: Disciple of Hua Xiran, the Sect Master of the Yin-Yang Sect.
Talents: Dao of Dual Cultivation, Sword Cultivation, and Formations.
Bai Shuying was amazed.
How far has technology advanced?! Why is the information so detailed?!
Bai Shuying was creeped out that someone was collecting information about women.
What creep would create such a list?
"Achoo!"
"Alliance Leader, this is the first time I heard you sneeze."
"I feel like I'm being insulted by someone."
Bai Shuying was curious about certain information that was not on the list.
"How come there's no age?"
"I heard a rumour that there was an age listed before, but because a strong woman got offended and attacked the Human Alliance, who distributed the list, they removed it."
Who is this strong woman?
"Wait, you said the Human Alliance distributes them?"
"Yeah, everyone doesn't know who makes it, but the Human Alliance sells the lists."
Hmm, they must make alot of money from selling it. I wonder who creates it? Probably a organization that collects information.
Bai Shuying was confused about the purpose of the lists.
"If Senior Sister Su ranks eighth on the Top 100 Young Beauties list, then who occupies ranks ten, nine, and the top seven?"
Xiao Yunxi became excited about talking about the Top 100 Young Beauties list and started to show the projection of the tenth person.
She wore deep violet robes with a subtle sheen, the fabric shifting like twilight across her form. Delicate alchemical symbols traced the edges of her sleeves in silver thread. Her dark hair was loosely gathered at the back, with a few strands slipping free to frame her face. Amber eyes, clear and striking, stood out beneath dark lashes. Her fingers were long and stained faintly with ink, the marks catching the light like faded etchings. A jade pendant, carved into the shape of a cauldron, hung against her chest, its smooth surface polished with wear.
Name: Chen Lingsu
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Fourth Stage.
Background: Disciple of Yan Meili, the Sect Master of the Purple Cauldron Sect.
Talents: Dao of Alchemy and Archery Cultivation.
"Hmm, if she's from an Alchemy sect, how come there's no information about the rank she achieved as an Alchemist?"
"They exclude such information from the lists."
"Is there a reason?"
Xiao Yunxi shook her head.
"Not that I know of."
They moved on to the person ranked ninth.
She has ink-black hair that flows like silk, gathered and secured by a silver crescent moon hairpin. Her eyes are a pale, frost-blue, clear and striking beneath straight, dark brows. Her skin is smooth with a pale jade tone, and her features are finely shaped, delicate in structure, with a naturally austere contour. She wears white and silver robes, embroidered with patterns of celestial swords along the hem and sleeves. A slender longsword hangs at her hip in a plain scabbard, its craftsmanship subtle and refined.
Name: Lan Feiyan
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Fourth Stage.
Background: Disciple of Ling Tianxiao, the Sect Master of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
Talents: Dao of Sword Cultivation.
Bai Shuying frowned.
Heavenly Sword Sect, I only meet horrible people from there. The Li clan and the three dead disciples who attacked Meilin. Is the sect bad, or is it just the people?
Bai Shuying did not want to mistakenly judge a sect based on certain people.
"Xiao Yunxi, what do you think about the Heavenly Sword Sect?"
"I don't like them that much. They looked down on other sects, especially our Yin-Yang Sect."
Confirmed! The Heavenly Sword Sect is trash.
Skipping the eighth rank, they moved to the image of the seventh-ranked person.
She has raven-black hair streaked with vibrant purple, tied into a high ponytail and held in place with serpent-shaped ornaments. Her eyes are a smoky shade of violet, accentuated with dark kohl. Her skin is pale, with a light shimmer that catches the light across her cheekbones and collarbone. She wears a deep-purple cheongsam that fits close to the body, embroidered with golden centipedes along the fabric. A high slit reveals black lace garters, each strapped with small, concealed vials.
Name: Yu Shenwei
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment, Fifth Stage.
Background: Daughter of Yu Wuyan, the Sect Master of the Five Poison Sect.
Talents: Dao of Poison.
"No, medicine dao cultivation."
"No, I heard a rumour she just loves poison."
Crazy! Got to stay away from that one.
The image is changed to the sixth rank.
She has long, cascading waves of blonde hair, styled to fall loosely around her shoulders. Her eyes are a vivid red, framed by long, feather-like lashes. Her skin is smooth with a faint, warm glow, and her lips are painted a rich vermilion. She wears a gown inspired by plumage, its layered skirts arranged to resemble phoenix tail feathers. At her neck rests a gilded choker set with a ruby, its surface catching the light with a subtle gleam.
Name: Yan Moqing
Cultivation Level: Tier 3 Half-Form Beast.
Background: Daughter of Yan Mingfei, the Matriarch of the Phoenix Clan.
Talents: Dao of Fire and Spear Cultivation.
"They include cultivators from the demon realm?"
"Yeah, they wanted to compare the cultivators from both races."
Probably a form of motivation.
The projection of the fifth rank was displayed.
She has deep emerald-green hair styled into an elaborate updo, held in place by a jade dragon hairpin. Her eyes are aqua-blue, set beneath arched brows and framed by high cheekbones. She wears a high-necked azure qipao embroidered with storm clouds and crashing waves. A slit along the side reveals pearl-inlaid thigh garters. Winding around her left arm is a detailed tattoo of a water dragon, its form intricate and finely inked, with small, glinting eyes.
Name: Qing Lianhua
Cultivation Level: Tier 3 Half-Form Beast.
Background: Granddaughter of Qing Canghai, the Patriarch of the Azure Dragon Clan.
Talents: Dao of Body Refining.
Bai Shuying did not have any comments on this one and moved to the fourth-ranked person.
She has silver-blue hair that flows smoothly down her back, adorned with delicate crystal snowflake pins. Her eyes are a pale lavender, their surface catching the light with a soft shimmer, and her lips are tinted a cool frost-blue. She wears a sheer gown made of ice-silk, the fabric billowing lightly around her and embroidered with pale, glowing lunar runes. A translucent veil covers the lower half of her face. Her bare feet are visible beneath the gown, and the ground behind her shows faint traces of frost-like patterns.
Name: Mu Qianyu
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment, Sixth Stage.
Background: Disciple of Yue Linghan, the Sect Master of the Lunar Frost Sect.
Talents: Dao of Frost and Sword Cultivation.
Huh, she's also barefoot.
Bai Shuying found something in common with Mu Qianyu.
Xiao Yunxi became more excited.
"Now it's time for the Top 3!"
Ranked third on the list.
She has jet-black hair braided into a thick plait, woven with small golden dragon charms. Her eyes are a striking shade of gold, framed by dark lashes. Her skin is smooth and pale, with intricate dragon-scale tattoo designs along her collarbones and arms. She wears a crimson-and-gold battle dress with a deep neckline, where a jade pendant shaped like a roaring dragon rests against her chest. Her thighs are firm and defined, and the structure of her outfit emphasizes the strength and discipline in her stance.
Name: Ji Feixian
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment, Seventh Stage.
Background: The Young lady of the Ji Clan, a Core Disciple of the Martial Dragon Sect.
Talents: Dao of Refining and Martial Arts Cultivation.
Oh, this must be the Martial Dragon Sect Mailin spoke about.
"This seems to be the only person from a clan?"
"The Ji clan is a prominent clan with powerful people."
"Why did no elder from the Martial Dragon Sect take her in as a disciple?"
"I heard that all the elders are male, so it's difficult to accept female disciples, and there are only a few of them in that sect."
Ranked second on the list.
She has smooth, pale skin with a subtle warmth beneath the surface. Her hair is moon-pale and flows down her back in soft waves. One eye is a bright gold, the other a deep red, creating a striking contrast. She wears an elegant, divided robe, one side made of pristine white silk embroidered with celestial motifs, the other of sheer black fabric detailed with flame-like patterns.
Name: Meng Qingyi
Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment, Eighth Stage.
Background: Disciple of Luo Xianji, the Sect Master of the Divine Demon Sect.
Talents: Dao of Demonic Arts.
Oh, she has two different colored eyes!
Ranked first on the list.
She has flame-red hair that cascades in silken waves down to her hips, crowned by a pair of velvety fox ears that peek through her hair. Three crimson tails, each thick and luxuriously furred, sway behind her. Her amber eyes are sharp and vivid, framed by long lashes and set in a delicate, fox-like face with subtle contours. She wears a form-fitting scarlet robe embroidered with golden chrysanthemums, its high slits revealing glimpses of her legs and enhancing the fluid elegance of her movements.
Name: Bai Ruyan
Cultivation Level: Tier 3 Half-Form Beast.
Background: Granddaughter of Bai Tianyao, the Matriarch of the Heavenly Nine-Tailed Fox Clan.
Talents: Dao of Illusions and Fan Arts.
Bai Shuying was stunned by the person holding the first rank on the Top 100 Young Beauties list.
Bai Ruyan? Bai Tianyao?
Xiao Yunxi saw Bai Shuying silently staring at the hologram and asked.
"Shuying, are you interested in the first rank, Bai Ruyan?"
"A little."
"She is a Tier 3 Half-Form Beast fox demon."
"Yunxi, do you know where I can get a copy of the list?"
Xiao Yunxi smiled at this question and replied.
"Here, you can take this copy. I have another one."
Bai Shuying was surprised and hesitantly asked.
"A-Are you sure I can have it?"
"I'll give it to you on one condition."
Hopefully, it will not be something difficult.
"What's the condition?"
Xiao Yunxi smiled again and said.
"You have to be my friend."
Bai Shuying smiled and replied.
"Sure, even if it's not a condition, I'll still be your friend."
The two girls laughed together.
"Hahahahaha!"
Unknown to Bai Shuying, Ye Mingyu watched coldly from the back.
"When should I challenge her to an Alchemy duel?"