“Don’t get too attached to them.” Said Zilan as he pointed at the cauldrons.
Lorn and the others were confused. Wasn’t getting attached to the cauldrons the whole point of bonding with them?
Zilan shook his head saying,
“A True Alchemist is destined to create their own cauldron, using that made by another will never allow you to reach the pinnacle unless the one making it crafted it with you in mind and is of unquestionable skill.
The reason why bonding is necessary is because it allows you to connect on a deeper level with your cauldron thus improving on the products concocted. However, getting overly attached will lead to you being reluctant to take risks for example concocting something that could lead to your cauldron exploding if mistakes are made. There is no such things as an easy road in Alchemy, think of concoction as you would a war, there will always be consequences and sometimes that might mean sacrificing a cauldron or two to better your Alchemy skill.”
A light of an understanding shone in the eyes of his seven students causing Zilan to smile.
“Concoction is a battle against nature. The extraction of impurities as well as refining can be considered at times as one going against Nature or one attempting to improve on Nature’s creations. Just like how us cultivators struggle to improve ourselves and continuously evolve, the same exact situation exists within items that we attempt to refine. It is a struggle to improve on what Nature has deemed satisfactory or perfect.”
Misty nodded, taking Zilan’s words to heart. Little did he know that in the future she would become synonymous with cauldron explosions.
“Now then, within the scripture you will find knowledge on the basics of Refining. Herbs, their origins, their characteristics can also be found in it so there will be no need for you all to tirelessly memorise ingredients all day. Of course, familiarising yourself with them is a must otherwise you’ll only have empty knowledge.” He said.
“Before I go deeper into explanations, take an hour to explore the information as well as the deductions contained in the scripture. Oh and remember, as an Alchemist you must plan your actions well otherwise time will eventually catch up to you and your efforts will have been for naught. Don’t go exploring too deeply into something you know will most likely fail and if you’re set on exploring it anyway then give it all your time. Be prepared to spend your life exploring it to its end. The Universe holds uncountable mysteries, don’t go trying to delve into all of them for it is impossible.” Continued Zilan. In his heart he finished off by saying, ‘Not even the Heavens can understand all of the Universe’s mysteries.’
“Use these words as a guide. Poison that cannot poison is useless. Healing that does not cure has no meaning. Blood is not eternal, only the Universe is. A killing tool that cannot take a life serves no purpose. Death is not the end. Formations are limitless, with as many variations as the Universe itself. The border of reality and illusion can at times be erased. Refining is the key.”
Zilan then closed his eyes to rest his mind for a while. Whether or not his students would be able to decipher the meaning of his words and apply them to their respective fields was something he wanted to see but also didn’t expect to happen too soon.
Of all the people in the class who had grasped something from Zilan’s words, Andrete could be described as the most restless.
The words, “Blood is not eternal, only the Universe is” kept repeating in his mind. If he was to study diligently, did that mean that his Lost Mouse bloodline could be revived or even improved upon?
Not many in the current Beast world knew of the history of the Lost Mouse, some even taking them as an average bloodline since they had fallen so far. However those that do remember the history of the Lost Mouse would know that their blood was anything but average. In fact, it was comparable to that of Fujo and Yasen just that due to the passing of time and inefficient breeding, their bloodline had thinned to its current state. If it could be revived? Then Andrete’s Ancestors who fought against Mungu alongside the Beast King would be able to rest in peace.
‘I must work hard.’ He silently told himself.
……………………
An hour slowly passed by.
Lorn was the first to awaken from exploring the scripture. He was shocked beyond belief by the Heaven defying scripture his teacher had casually given to them. He was even willing to bet his life that in the entire Association aside from the scriptures the Chairman and the Head Elder’s possessed, the one currently in his mind was the best. And even then he had never seen the scriptures of the Head Elders so he couldn’t really compare and of course he had never seen the Chairman’s.
If only he knew that what Zilan had given them was something many in the Universe would not hesitate to kill for.
‘Just what is his background?’ Lorn asked himself. The organisation he belonged to trained him to always think three steps ahead however, when it came to this teacher, Lorn could never seem to see through him let alone read into the moves he makes.
At the end of the day though, he was actually extremely grateful that he had come across such a good teacher.
Similar thoughts were in the heads of the other students except for Misty who was instead confused about something.
“Teacher, why is spirit mastery included in the scripture?” she had to ask. Alchemy was a separate ‘Way’, why would one need to study another ‘Way’ just to build a foundation?
Zilan chuckled before lightly shaking his head,
“I won’t answer your question.” He said. “What I will do though, is ask you a question of my own?” continued Zilan.
Misty ears perked up when she heard that a question was coming her way.
“Is it possible for one to be a Great Alchemist without having a great cultivation base? Cultivation is after all a completely separate ‘Way’, right? Why is it then that in order to reach higher heights in one, you must also climb higher in the other?”
Hearing this questions, looks of inspiration appeared on all seven students. Grouch gasped as he heard this. It looked like he had grasped something.
“Then my field…the formation Alchemy..” He whispered.
Zilan naturally overheard him so he said,
“Exactly. Everything is connected and necessary. I will teach you what I can teach you when it comes to Formations, Spirit Mastery, Alchemy, Rune crafting and even inscription writing. However, to go deeper into the Mysteries of these professions with you seven, I’m afraid won’t be possible.” He sighed as he pretended to look into the distance.
Lorn’s brows furrowed and Andrete’s face lost some colour hearing that.
“Why?” They asked, simultaneously.
“Hmm, this post as your teacher is something I did not go seeking out. You seven are a product of coincidence and as such relaying onto you my deeper knowledge and experiences any further will go beyond the boundaries of my duty as a Teacher. After all, I am not your Master.” Said Zilan, striking while the iron was still hot. This was his plan from the beginning, he wanted to take in these seven as his in-name disciples but he didn’t want it to be forced.
Just as he was preparing to give a speech why their age difference shouldn’t matter, Zilan saw Lorn get up from his seat. Unfortunately, he was a step too late as Andrete already dashed straight towards Zilan and knelt on the floor.
“Master!” He shouted. He had no intention of acting shamelessly, he only felt that becoming Zilan’s disciple was his best shot towards reviving his blood line.
Before he could react, Zilan saw all of his other students stand up and walk towards him.
“Master!” They shouted in unison.
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