Chapter 332: Chapter 332 - Azure Fire Revealed
Witnessing this azure flame, Mya Winona’s jaw dropped in amazement!
Since she had manifested her emerald spiritual fire, she had always carried herself with immense pride!
Truthfully, Mya had never encountered anyone wielding a spiritual fire more powerful than her own!
Not just Mya, but countless alchemists throughout the chamber were murmuring and debating.
"An azure spirit fire! That explains why the Fifth Elder extended him an invitation!"
"Even within the Divine Alchemist Pavilion, surely few possess an azure spirit fire, correct?"
"My guess is only the First Elder and the Pavilion Master rank above Mason Raymond."
I withdrew my spiritual fire and grinned slightly, "Young lady, do you still believe I used connections to gain entry here?"
Mya’s expression shifted, then she offered a slight bow to me, confessing, "My assumptions were hasty."
The Fifth Elder appeared quite pleased with this outcome, an expression of unmistakable satisfaction crossing his features.
"Very well, everyone, that’s sufficient. You may all depart now." The Fifth Elder gestured dismissively.
Then, he addressed me and Mya, stating, "You two, come with me."
We trailed behind the Fifth Elder, exiting the grand hall.
The Fifth Elder guided us through the Divine Alchemist Pavilion, providing brief explanations.
This covered areas such as the Medicine Vault and the Alchemist Chambers.
"Fifth Elder, what distinguishes a regular alchemist from a Master Pharmacist?" Mya inquired.
The Fifth Elder laughed, "The primary distinction lies in their standing. Master Pharmacists hold the highest ranks among alchemists, save for the Elders and the Pavilion Master."
"Furthermore, their compensation differs. Master Pharmacists earn a monthly wage of 100,000 and additionally receive three century-old medicinal herbs."
"Ordinary alchemists, however, earn only 30,000 monthly, plus one medicinal herb."
I gave a small nod after hearing this.
The monetary aspect didn’t concern me much. What I required were the medicinal materials, even if I had to purchase them personally.
"Countless individuals visit the Divine Alchemist Pavilion seeking treatment daily. Since you both just arrived, you’ll naturally handle related duties." The Fifth Elder explained.
Next, the Fifth Elder extended his finger toward a modest building nearby. "That’s the medical facility. Most who seek treatment there are typically powerful figures."
"Naturally, you needn’t feel overly anxious. Regardless of their status, everyone must humble themselves before the Divine Alchemist Pavilion." The Fifth Elder spoke with evident pride.
Just as the Fifth Elder stated, a martial artist might appear insignificant to common folk.
Yet, an alchemist possessing exceptional healing abilities commands respect across all social circles.
After all, each person has only one life, and nobody wishes to perish.
"For the present, consider yourselves a partnership." The Fifth Elder declared.
Mya Winona quickly nodded, "Understood, Fifth Elder."
At that moment, I suddenly recalled something.
I regarded the Fifth Elder and said, "Fifth Elder, I may not be able to remain at the Divine Alchemist Pavilion constantly."
For me, I had only one objective in joining the Divine Alchemist Pavilion – accessing its resources.
Regarding the Divine Alchemist Pavilion’s alchemical methods, they held no significance for me.
The Fifth Elder didn’t appear shocked. He chuckled, "The Divine Alchemist Pavilion doesn’t mandate permanent residence. Nevertheless, when the Pavilion calls upon you, you must return."
Here, the Fifth Elder hesitated before adding, "Naturally, you must remain here for at least the initial month."
"One month?" I creased my brow.
"Is there an issue?" The Fifth Elder questioned.
I offered a rueful smile, "I... I might need to leave at any moment. A month seems excessive for me."
What absurdity. I didn’t have much time remaining.
Besides, too many uncertainties could arise within a month.
——
The Fifth Elder seemed to have understood my intentions. He examined me thoroughly, then said somewhat wearily, "I understand. So you’re requesting complete freedom to arrive and depart. Am I correct?"
I felt slightly embarrassed.
That was precisely my intention.
"My, what contempt for one’s own capabilities!" The Fifth Elder rolled his eyes.
"Mason Raymond, allow me to inform you, the Divine Alchemist Pavilion conducts monthly seminars, teaching pill recipes." The Fifth Elder noted.
I shook my head, "Fifth Elder, pill recipes aren’t necessary for me."
The Fifth Elder sighed, "Mason Raymond, you truly are peculiar."
After contemplating briefly, he went on, "This decision isn’t mine to make. You’ll need to discuss this directly with the Pavilion Master upon her return."
I quickly asked, "When will the Pavilion Master be back?"
The Fifth Elder replied, "Within the next few days, most likely."
"Excellent, thank you." I nodded.
Subsequently, the Fifth Elder instructed someone to prepare accommodations for me.
As a Master Pharmacist, my lodgings were naturally well-appointed.
While they couldn’t match the Elder’s residence, my dwelling was quite pleasant and peaceful.
Mya’s residence was conveniently adjacent, and by comparison, her dwelling looked somewhat deteriorated.
After settling into the residence, Victor Green marveled, "Mr. Raymond, the Divine Alchemist Pavilion is truly remarkable. I’ve never witnessed such abundant qi previously."
I agreed as well, "Indeed, the Divine Alchemist Pavilion’s qi far exceeds other locations."
It remained unknown how many medicinal materials the Divine Alchemist Pavilion housed. The qi emanating from these materials was revitalizing and energizing.
I didn’t delay. I positioned myself cross-legged on the meditation bed and started absorbing the Divine Alchemist Pavilion’s qi.
Before long, three days had elapsed.
As customary, I went for my morning run around the Divine Alchemist Pavilion.
Suddenly, I experienced a stabbing pain in my chest.
The pain was brief but left me in excruciating agony.
"What... What’s happening?" I grasped my chest, dropping to a crouch.
I attempted to examine my body but discovered nothing unusual.
This sensation left me troubled.
I remained motionless for an extended period, and a subtle, inexplicable anxiety settled in my heart.
"Mr. Raymond, the Third Elder requests your presence." At that moment, an alchemist approached and announced.
"Third Elder?" I furrowed my brow.
It appeared I was unfamiliar with the Third Elder, having never encountered him previously.
"Understood." I didn’t dwell on it, and after acknowledging, I hurried to the Elder’s quarters.
Upon entering the Third Elder’s residence, I discovered Mya was present as well.
And directly before Mya sat an elderly man with lengthy eyebrows.
"Greetings, Third Elder." I approached and addressed the long-browed elder.
The Third Elder slowly opened his eyes and stated, "Someone scheduled treatment today, but I’m unavailable."
"I’ve learned you’re recently arrived alchemists possessing spiritual fires. I’m assigning this matter to you both." The Third Elder explained.
I didn’t question it and immediately accepted with a nod.
We departed the Elder’s residence and proceeded toward the clinic.
The Divine Alchemist Pavilion’s clinic was massive. Though officially accessible to everyone, impoverished individuals had no opportunity to enter.
Mya Winona and I entered the clinic and seated ourselves, awaiting the patient’s arrival.
"Rumors suggest the Third Elder has a poor temperament and is extremely envious. I wonder if that’s accurate." Mya remarked expressionlessly.
I glanced at her and chuckled, "Who knows? It doesn’t concern us."
Mya looked at me and snorted quietly, "I’m simply concerned he might be manipulating us."