Qin Xiao asked, “System, I want to learn alchemy. How many Fortune Points do I need to become a 4th grade alchemist?”
He desired to become an alchemist because in this world, alchemists were highly sought after. Not only did they hold great status, but they also possessed immense wealth. As long as he could become an alchemist, he would obtain abundant resources to support his cultivation. Even without relying on Fortune Points, his cultivation speed wouldn’t slow down much.
However, becoming an alchemist was not easy. One needed not only talent but also inheritance. Without either, one couldn’t even step into the threshold. Alchemists were divided into grades, ranging from 1st to 12th, corresponding to cultivation realms.
1st and 2nd grade alchemists were Yellow Rank, capable of refining Yellow Rank pills for Body Tempering Realm and Postnatal Realm cultivators. 3rd and 4th grade alchemists were Profound Rank, able to refine Profound Rank pills for Innate Realm and Spiritual Power Realm cultivators. 5th and 6th grade were Earth Rank, refining pills for Yin-Yang Realm and Unity Realm cultivators. 7th and 8th grade were Heaven Rank, 9th and 10th grade were Saint Rank, while 11th and 12th grade were Emperor Rank alchemists.
The gap between each grade was as wide as a major cultivation realm, extremely difficult to cross.
The system replied, [To become a 4th grade alchemist, the host needs 100,000 Fortune Points.]
“What? Why so expensive?” Qin Xiao’s jaw nearly dropped. With 100,000 Fortune Points, he could break through to the Yin-Yang Realm, yet the system demanded such an amount just for alchemy. This was outrageous.
The system explained, [Knowledge is priceless. Nurturing a 4th grade alchemist requires far more resources than raising a Yin-Yang Realm martial artist.]
It added, [If the host feels the cost is too high, you can purchase separately. For each pill, the system can directly teach the host the method of refining it.]
“I want to learn the refining method of the Innate Pill. How much does it cost?” After a pause, Qin Xiao asked.
[Host, it requires 3,500 Fortune Points.]
“Buy it. System, I want to purchase the refining method of the Innate Pill.” Qin Xiao gritted his teeth and made the decision. The Innate Pill was a Profound Rank pill, rare and expensive. A single one could bankrupt several 9th stage Postnatal Realm cultivators. If he learned to refine it, wealth would flow endlessly. Besides, his two sons and concubine had also reached the 9th stage of the Postnatal Realm and needed Innate Pills. It would be killing two birds with one stone.
He continued, “I also want to buy the refining method of the Fayuan Pill. How many Fortune Points does it cost?” The Fayuan Pill was a Profound Rank pill needed by Spiritual Power Realm cultivators.
The system answered, [Purchasing the refining method of the Fayuan Pill requires 3,000 Fortune Points. Does the host wish to buy?]
“Buy it!” Qin Xiao clenched his teeth and agreed. With just that, he had spent 6,500 Fortune Points, leaving his heart aching.
Counting the Solar Scripture he had purchased earlier, he had spent 9,500 Fortune Points in total, leaving only 4,200.
After acquiring the two pill-refining methods, memories of the entire refining process appeared in his mind. He was proficient as if he had practiced them countless times.
“Innate Grass, Purple Cloud Flower, Golden Veined Ganoderma, Phoenix Tail Bamboo…”
When Qin Xiao looked through the materials required, he felt his head pounding. While common herbs were manageable, the main ingredients for both pills were unavailable in Lingfeng City. They simply couldn’t be found.
He rubbed his temples. It seemed he had to go to Xuanfeng Commandery, or perhaps Tianyang Prefecture if necessary, to search for them.
Just then, the system reminded him, [Host, don’t worry. The system has all these herbs available for purchase.] This chapter was copied from novelping.com without permission.
“Really? How is the cost calculated?” Qin Xiao asked with excitement. These rare herbs were usually snatched up by major forces the moment they appeared. Even if he wanted to buy them, it was nearly impossible. If the system could provide them, it would be a blessing.
[One set of materials to refine an Innate Pill costs 1,000 Fortune Points. One set of materials to refine a Fayuan Pill costs 800 Fortune Points. Does the host wish to purchase?]
Qin Xiao was dumbfounded. “System, are you serious? Why are the materials so expensive? A single Innate Pill costs only 1,500 Fortune Points, but a set of materials already costs 1,000? Isn’t this too much? Are you taking me for a fool?”
The system calmly replied, [The materials provided by the system are all premium quality, hence the high cost. If the host feels it’s too expensive, you don’t need to buy.]
“Fine, then I won’t buy. Don’t think I can’t find them elsewhere!” Qin Xiao flung his sleeve in annoyance. Without this butcher, would he starve without pork? He refused to believe it.
Qin Xiao was a man of action. Once he made a decision, he acted on it immediately. He planned to go out the next day to gather herbs himself and return to refine the pills.
Just as he stepped into the backyard, Ye Suxin arrived with Yang Qingwu. “Husband!” she called, then walked forward, linking arms with him as they strolled through the garden.
Qin Xiao said, “Wife, I have something to do. I plan to go out for some time.” He needed to purchase herbs, since he refused to buy from the overpriced system.
Ye Suxin nodded softly. “I understand. Husband, be careful while you’re away.” She didn’t press further into his affairs, only gently reminded him to stay safe.
Hearing her concern, Qin Xiao felt a warmth in his heart. The feeling of being cared for was truly wonderful.