Chapter 248: Elder Hao
"Teach me, Master!"
The cries of admiration came one after another. At this moment, the alchemy elders all gazed at Xiao Yan with awe and fervor.
In the Alchemy Department, skill in alchemy reigned supreme.
Most of the elders present were fifth tier alchemists at best. Crafting a fifth tier Windwalking Pill was already a challenging task for them, even with a cauldron. Yet, Xiao Yan had produced one effortlessly, without even using a cauldron!
The gathered alchemists could discern the quality of the pill with a single glance.
Its aroma, color, and the abundant medicinal energy it radiated were nothing short of perfection a level they could not achieve even after decades of practice.
In less than two hours, Xiao Yan had gone from a new arrival to the focal point of the department, with all the haughty elders practically groveling for his guidance.
"Who would've thought? Elder Yanxiao's alchemy skills are truly divine."
Even Su Qian, who was not an alchemist himself, couldn't help but marvel at Xiao Yan's talent. Internally, he compared Xiao Yan to Han Feng.
Though both were skilled, their personalities couldn't be more different.
Yanxiao, while confident, wasn't arrogant. He treated allies with respect and consideration.
Han Feng, on the other hand, was haughty and disdainful. He treated everyone as if they were beneath him, no matter how polite his words.
Moreover, despite spending six months at the academy, Han Feng had contributed nothing to the Alchemy Department.
Hopefully, Yanxiao can bring true value to the academy, Su Qian thought.
If Xiao Yan's claims about the Fallen Heart Flame were true, he might become one of the academy's greatest benefactors.
Su Qian smiled warmly and announced, "Since everyone recognizes Elder Yanxiao's abilities, I'll leave the task of familiarizing him with the Herb Vault to you all."
"Absolutely! Elder Yanxiao, allow me to guide you!"
One elder stepped forward but was immediately pushed aside by another.
"What makes you think you're qualified? Let me do it!"
In the end, Xiao Yan found himself escorted to the Herb Vault by a procession of elders, all eager to assist him.
Arrival at the Herb Vault
As they walked, many students gawked at the rare sight of the elders gathered together.
"What's going on today? The elders, who usually stay cooped up, are all out and about."
"Yeah, and they're escorting that young man like he's someone special. Who is he?"
"Could he be a highly skilled alchemist?"
Speculations ran wild, and many students looked at Xiao Yan with curiosity and envy.
For aspiring alchemists, the chance to receive guidance from a master was a life changing opportunity.
After traversing the complex pathways of the Inner Academy, Xiao Yan and the elders finally arrived at the legendary Herb Vault.
The structure before them was simple and ancient. Yet, as they approached, Xiao Yan could sense the denser spiritual energy in the air. A faint medicinal fragrance lingered, invigorating the mind.
"Elder Hao! Elder Hao, come out!"
One of the elders pounded on the door of a rustic little hut near the vault.
"Why are you banging like that?!"
An irritable voice came from within, followed by an elderly man stepping out.
Elder Hao's hair was white, but his eyes were sharp and his movements energetic, betraying his age.
Upon seeing the crowd of elders outside his door, Elder Hao's expression turned wary.
"What are you lot up to?"
He had long learned to distrust these elders. Though they appeared dignified on the surface, they often schemed to pilfer the treasures stored in the Herb Vault.
Elder Hao had spent over a decade guarding the vault, engaging in countless battles of wits with these "honorable" individuals.
Today, however, they had come en masse.
What are they planning now? Have they finally decided to abandon stealth and rob the vault outright?
The elder who had knocked stepped forward, cleared his throat, and gestured to Xiao Yan.
"Elder Hao, listen carefully! This is Elder Yanxiao, our new colleague in the Alchemy Department. Elder Yanxiao is a true master of alchemy he can casually craft fifth tier pills, and sixth tier pills are a breeze for him.
He's been assigned to your vault for his first post. From now on, it's your job to assist him.
And let me warn you: if Elder Yanxiao is even slightly dissatisfied, the rest of us will toss you into a cauldron and boil you!"
With that, the elder turned to Xiao Yan with a sycophantic smile.
"Elder Yanxiao, this old man is Hao Ren, the Herb Vault's custodian. He will be at your service from now on."
"Understood. You may all return now. When I have time, I'll share some alchemy insights with you," Xiao Yan said with a faint smile.
Hearing this, the elders departed reluctantly, each one looking back wistfully.
Once they were gone, Elder Hao finally relaxed and assessed Xiao Yan.
"So, you're Elder Yanxiao, huh? You must be a remarkable alchemist to earn their respect so quickly."
Elder Hao smiled warmly. He knew his place. A sixth tier alchemist held a far more prestigious position than even a Dou Huang in many circles.
"Not at all, Elder Hao. Just average," Xiao Yan replied modestly.
"Come now, don't be humble. It's an honor to have someone of your caliber here."
Elder Hao grinned. "The job here is simple: guard the vault. The only difficulty is keeping those scoundrels from sneaking in."
He handed Xiao Yan a white jade token.
"Take this. It'll grant you access to the vault. I'm sure someone of your status isn't like those opportunists who constantly eye the treasures inside."
Xiao Yan chuckled and shook his head.
"I've been guarding this vault for over a decade," Elder Hao continued, sighing. "The toughest part has always been outsmarting those crafty elders."
"Come, I'll show you around. This vault holds the academy's most valuable herbs."
Elder Hao led Xiao Yan to the ancient wooden doors of the vault.
"I hope there's something decent inside," Xiao Yan mused with a smile, following Elder Hao through the doors.
(End of Chapter)
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