Despite not fully understanding the products made from another line of thinking, Ge Zheng's success proved that his other line of thinking was also correct. Ge Zheng said, "Sir, I now understand what you said to me three years ago: the joy of alchemy lies in this!" Parachel Succus laughed heartily and exclaimed, "Albott, you old fox, you've managed to come up with a dual solution. It seems I have to surpass you!"
During these three years, Ge Zheng not only taught Parachel Succus alchemy but also shared some alchemical techniques from other sects. Ge Zheng, who initially possessed profound knowledge, had greatly benefited in these three years. However, he had yet to fully digest the new knowledge acquired. Nevertheless, he was close to surpassing the Dragon Alchemist.
"Even the equations commonly used on the continent may have alternative solutions," Parachel Succus said. "Ge, you must remember this." The equation is a puzzle, and each person may arrive at a different solution.
Parachel Succus retrieved the alchemical equation but did not take back the ring. He advised Ge Zheng, "Go out and continue to stay here. You cannot make any more progress here. Alchemy primarily requires practice, and the world outside is vast. There are hidden talents on the continent who can aid you." Ge Zheng was taken aback and hesitated. Parachel Succus waved his hand and said, "I can tell that although you are happy here with me, you still carry an underlying sorrow. I don't know why, but I feel you will find your answers. I no longer need this ring, and I've memorized the information within it, so I'm giving it to you as a parting gift. Also..." He dug into his pocket and retrieved a badge. "This is the alchemist badge I wore in my early years. Although it's only a badge for a level-six alchemist, it is recognized by the Alchemist Guild. You won't need to have your alchemy skills assessed at the Alchemy Association if you have it." Ge Zheng's prowess was complex. Based on his qualifications that could place him on par with Parachel Succus, he was worthy of the title of Grand Master. However, his alchemical skills only reached the level of a level-seven Alchemist.
"I have written a letter recommending you to teach at one of the five major academies on the continent, the East Victory Academy," the Master presented a magic letter to Ge Zheng. Despite his reluctance to teach, Ge Zheng accepted the letter. He appreciated the Master's gesture and decided to consider whether or not to go to the East Victory Academy later.
He continued, "After you leave, I plan to travel the three continents. It's been decades since I've been active. It's time for me to go out and see old friends. I have all your works with me. Your theories are profound, and they will help me understand them." Parachel Succus stayed in the Flowing Tassel Mountains with the sole purpose of finding someone to inherit his alchemy. Now that his wish had been fulfilled, he had no reason to stay. He took Ge Zheng's works to assist his understanding. Ge Zheng did not object. After all, these were products made hastily, and nearly every one had its flaws. Moreover, these products were all made using Parachel Succus's materials. He left behind a flying sword for self-defense, handing the rest over to Parachel Succus.
Parting always evokes feelings of sadness. Ge Zheng had lived under the Cloak of the Goddess of Wisdom for three years, and he had developed an attachment to every blade of grass and tree here. Although he felt reluctant, he bid farewell to Parachel Succus and Doudou. He needed to find a way back to Earth, where his beloved and children were waiting. His first step would be to recreate Doudou's summoning magic circle, but he needed to find the rare materials: a half bag of Black Marsh Nine-Seed Grass, at least one Crooked Tooth Dragonfish eye, and two kilograms of the Gallant Rhinoceros Snake's gall. These materials were all very rare, and even Parachel Succus only had a small amount. Furthermore, they had been squandered by Doudou.
The Cloak of the Goddess of Wisdom lived up to its name, possessing lifelike wisdom. As Ge Zheng stepped out from the thin blue film, he felt a sticky sensation on his body. He turned back and smiled, patting the light blue film, "You don't want me to leave? Don't worry, I will definitely come back and visit you."
The Star Alchemy World consisted of three continents: the Starry Wilderness in the south, the Star River in the east, and the Starry Sky in the north. Parachel Succus's wooden house was built in the southeastern foothills of the Flowing Tassel Mountains, facing the Star River continent across the sea.
Facing the sea on the southeast side of the Flowing Tassel Mountains, and the inland on the northwest side, the mountain's steep cliffs effectively blocked the humid sea breeze from penetrating the southern foothills of the mountains. It was covered with lush vegetation and was a narrow, fertile plain near the coast, inhabited by ferocious magical beasts. In contrast, the inland, due to the lack of sea breeze, was always arid, forming a small desert area. Despite the aridness, the desert produced a species of meaty and delicious sandworm called the Fat Worm. One kilogram of live Fat Worm could fetch three gold coins, making it a delicacy on nobles' tables.
At first, the desert had no name. However, as the value of the Fat Worm increased, it came to be known as the Fat Worm Desert.
With magical beasts to the south and Fat Worms to the north, the Flowing Tassel Mountains quickly became an adventurer's paradise. At the northern foot of the Flowing Tassel Mountains, a small town gradually formed. Due to the numerous adventurers and the frequent fights over the mountain's resources, the merchants in the town formed an alliance and elected a chairman to adjudicate various disputes.
After several hundred years of development, the town became increasingly prosperous. The merchant who became the leader, Zoyue Er Feier Jinsey, was ambitious. About a century ago, he promoted the town to a city, naming it Wangshan City. He constructed massive stone walls, produced large quantities of weapons and armor, purchased warhorses, established an army, and levied various taxes through the tax officials. He also bribed the Duke of Sarego, one of the three major principalities outside the Fat Worm Desert, to secure hereditary title as a count for himself.
When Ge Zheng crossed the Flowing Tassel Mountains and arrived at the foot of the desert city named "Wangshan City," the Earl of Wangshan had been in power for two generations. In these two generations, the Earl's family accumulated significant wealth through the entry taxes from passing adventurers.
Although the Feier Jincheng family was under the protection of the Duke of Sarego and had to pay the annual "alliance tax" of one million gold coins, over these hundred years, they had amassed great wealth. This relatively unknown family in the border town managed to accumulate enough wealth to rank among the top hundred families on the continent.
Ge Zheng had already changed into a loose alchemy robe that was like a cape, with a badge hanging on it, making him look less out of place in this world than before. Thus, the soldiers at the city gate did not question him much, only pointing to a magic box at a side, saying, "Two gold coins as an entry tax."
The magic box could only be opened by the Earl himself. If someone attempted to force it open, the self-destruct spell within would activate and shatter the box and the one attempting to open it.
After Ge Zheng hesitated, a soldier beckoned and whispered, "We can let you in privately for just one gold coin, but you don't need to put it in the box." Ge Zheng was surprised by the offer and handed over a gold coin to the soldier, who let him enter the city.
After Ge Zheng left, the soldiers gathered around. "Hey hey, I knew alchemists were wealthy. Dick, you are clever. The entry tax increased from one silver coin to two gold coins, and that fool obediently paid a gold coin..."
After being labeled a fool, Ge Zheng couldn't help but smile. In his mind, he declared a "Best Fool" award for the Lord of the City: setting an unopenable box at the city gates in a futile attempt to prevent corruption among his subordinates. In reality, by adding monitoring magic to the box and combining both types of magic on a single item, it could effortlessly oversee his subordinates and prevent the Lord's gold coins from flowing into the soldiers' pockets. However, the average alchemist could only inscribe one magic array on an article. To inscribe two or more magic arrays, one would need the abilities of at least an eighth-level alchemist. Of course, Ge Zheng, this oddity, was beyond common reasoning.
When he came out, Parachel Succus gave him a bag of gold coins. Although it was only one bag, it contained over two hundred coins, enough for him to spend for a while.
He opened the door and unknowingly found himself standing in front of a store. Looking up, he saw the sign: "Uncle Hans's Alchemy Shop." Ge Zheng was delighted and walked in, asking, "Do you have Black Marsh Nine-Seed Grass, Crooked Tooth Dragonfish Eyes, and Gallant Rhinoceros Snake Gall?"
Behind the counter stood a tall and skinny elderly man. Ge Zheng's voice was full of confidence, and the old man could tell. He was a rookie alchemist, noticeably disdainful as he looked at Ge Zheng. "How much for these materials?" asked Ge Zheng. Hearing this, the old man immediately realized that this person sounded significant. In reality, he was just an ignorant alchemist. The old man looked at him with disdain and said, "How much? Hmph, any one of those materials would cost over ten thousand mana crystals per gram!"
"..." Ge Zheng stuck out his tongue. One mana crystal, when exchanged, was equal to one hundred gold coins. This meant that ten thousand mana crystals were worth one million gold coins, and that was just for a single gram. To gather enough to match Doudou's daily consumption, he would likely need to sell an entire minor principality.
Ge Zheng felt dejected. Not only was it uncertain whether he could find these materials, but he also couldn't afford them even if he had. He needed to earn money—a top priority now. Ge Zheng had never worried about money before, but now, he needed a substantial amount, and he felt lost. Parachel Succus had already left the Flowing Tassel Mountains, and even if he could find him, would he really ask him for money? Making money was one thing, but he had no idea how to do it.
Just then, someone rushed into the store and called out, "Uncle Hans, please help me with this question." A well-dressed young man with brown hair rushed in, holding a piece of paper. Hans was commended, then proceeded to push Ge Zheng out of the store. Ge Zheng had other ideas: "How much reward will I get if I answer this question?" Hearing this, the young man showed a glint of hope as he looked at Ge Zheng. Seeing an opportunity, he quickly extended a polite noble's gesture and offered, "Respected alchemist, if you help me solve this question, I am willing to pay you two hundred gold coins."
Ge Zheng compared "two hundred" to "one million" in his mind and lamented inwardly. It was quite meager, but at least something was better than nothing. "Deal, but the materials will be provided by you," Ge Zheng declared. "No problem," agreed the young man.
The young lord's father was a renowned merchant in the city and held a position in the Lord's residence. With a large family business, they were in an entirely different league compared to that of old Hans's small shop.
Holmes respectfully invited Ge Zheng back home. Following Ge Zheng's instructions, he prepared the materials and laboratory. After just two hours, Ge Zheng handed a dual-attribute knight sword with the attributes of water and fire to Holmes.
Although Ge Zheng's alchemy techniques are essentially alchemy, the essence is the ancient Chinese elixir path. The Taoist philosophers had the thoughts of Tai Chi and Yin-Yang of the Five Elements, with thousands of years of Eastern wisdom, profound theories deeply rooted. And alchemists, with their various instruments and intricate operations, also had their own merits. For example, the furnace used for heating was subdivided into seven kinds: calcining furnace, sublimation furnace, distillation furnace, fusion furnace, dissolution furnace, solidification furnace, and crucible.
In the Star Refining world, every person, whether a magician or a warrior, has their own physical attributes, generally single in nature. When a person's abilities reach their limits, they can integrate external elements and gradually develop their second attribute, and even a third or fourth attribute.
Parachelthus had a fire attribute physique, making him most suitable to be an alchemist. It was only after he became a master that he began to integrate external elements and develop his second attribute: gold.
Therefore, dual-attribute magic weapons are rare in the Star Refining world. Solving this alchemical problem actually requires at least an eighth-level power. Generally, dual-attribute magic weapons in the Star Refining world are mostly complementary. For example, gold and fire, water and wood, and so on.
Merging two completely different attributes in a single weapon is absolutely rare. Ge Zheng's alchemy, essentially rooted in Chinese alchemy, naturally believes that the integration of water and fire, the balance of strength and flexibility, is the key to dual attributes. Combined with ancient Chinese dualism, yin within yang, yang within yin, creating a knight sword with dual water and fire attributes is not difficult. However, because he felt that Holmes's reward was too low, he didn't put in much effort. He just met the basic requirement of the dual attribute problem. As for whether the sword is sharp and convenient for the knight to use, Ge Zheng was too lazy to consider. You get what you pay for.
Even so, when young master Holmes saw a water ball and a fireball fly out of the knight's sword, he was still excited and trembling. Without saying a word, he handed a bag of gold coins to Ge Zheng.
Holmes ordered a delicately decorated long box and wrapped the unsheathed knight's sword in it with a cloth, eagerly leaving. Ge Zheng took the reward and left on his own.
Holmes's carriage stopped in front of an inconspicuous building in the city. As he stepped out, a warrior in black armor, holding a long spear, intercepted him. Holmes smiled and said, "Lord Kunta, I am Holmes. I have completed Master Aquinas's problem."
Although the warrior was impolite, Holmes didn't dare to argue. The master inside was one of the top ten alchemists in the entire continent and the mentor of the alchemy department at the Eastern Excellence Academy, Master Thomas Aquinas. Just one step away from the non-human master Parachelthus.
Master Aquinas quietly came to the town of Wishmountain for an unknown purpose. Although the master's visit was secret, some influential families got wind of the news and continuously sent lavish gifts, begging the master to teach their children. Master Aquinas was annoyed by the attention, so he set a problem. Whoever could solve the problem would become his student and could continue studying at the academy with him.
The problem's difficulty was far from trivial, even eighth-level alchemists might not be able to solve it. Sure enough, this problem thwarted all the "seekers." Master Aquinas finally had time to handle his true purpose in Wishmountain.
After a short while, Kunta emerged from the building holding the box. Holmes was about to speak when Kunta lifted him and walked inside. Holmes's attendant exclaimed, but his power was at the ninth level.
Holmes was anxious, but he remained composed. He assured his attendant and was soon out of sight. Inside, Master Aquinas sat with his student, Esger, an eighth-level alchemist. The table before them held the knight's sword with dual water and fire attributes.
After straightening his attire, Holmes greeted the master. Master Aquinas pointed to the sword and asked if it was Holmes's creation. With a sweaty forehead, Holmes said it was. The master asked him to create another sword like it and added that he could do it right there without needing material.
Appalled, Holmes stood still, hesitant to move. Master Aquinas chuckled, patted his shoulder, and assured him that although he wasn't suited to be an alchemist, he could recommend Holmes to study for another department at the Eastern Excellence Academy.
Delighted, Holmes forgot to say goodbye before rushing to find Ge Zheng. Meanwhile, Esger realized that someone in a small town like Wishmountain could solve the difficult problem.
Master Aquinas handed the sword to Esger, who swung it, infusing it with magic. A water veil and a firebird flew out from the sword, shocking Esger. Master Aquinas was also surprised that he couldn't figure out how the sword was made. He passed the sword to Kunta, who critiqued it, concluding it was a mediocre sword, despite featuring two opposing magical elements.
Master Aquinas acknowledged that the sword was a useless artifact, but it was still an artifact. Esger understood and pointed out that the alchemy represented an invaluable skill for an alchemist. Kunta agreed, and the conversation revealed the master's true interest in finding the person behind the sword's creation.
Though Kunta and Esger had other intentions, Master Aquinas was fixated on the sword. He played with it longingly, showing a deep affection like a romantic consumed in passion.
Upon returning home, Holmes learned that Ge Zheng had left. He was distraught and cursed his servants for letting him go without recouping his gold coins.
Meanwhile, Ge Zheng, with a considerable sum of gold, realized that being an alchemist was a lucrative profession. He decided to stay and open an alchemical shop in the town, starting from scratch.
Ge Zheng's shop would primarily offer potions and equipment, such as warrior berserk potions, healing potions, and magic potions. Although he knew the basics of the items, he still had a lot to learn about refining weapons into magical ones.
Unable to find Ge Zheng, Holmes searched tirelessly. However, he was unable to gather any valuable information from the locals. Holmes was disheartened as he realized that his chance to enter the Eastern Excellence Academy might slip away silently.
Renting a small courtyard, Ge Zheng was engrossed in refining magical weapons, knowing that this expertise might open new doors for him in the alchemy world.
Magical weapons varied in levels, with the lowest being ones that sealed magic within and higher-quality ones embedding magical arrays that boosted its capacity. Ge Zheng was determined to work his way up and establish a successful alchemical store.
As the pursuit of Ge Zheng yielded no results, Holmes realized that the alchemist had already fled with the reward.
Higher-level magic weapons can replenish magical power on their own, without needing expensive magic cores or magic crystals to provide magical power. They are called "magical power armaments".
Moving up, there are also weapons that fuse two or more magical elements, capable of emitting multiple types of attribute magic, known as "magic spirit armaments".
Of course, there are even higher-level magic weapons, which are the legendary artifacts.
The dwarves are very united. Dwarven artisans who emerge from the Dwarven Hills never compete with each other. In a big city, there is only one dwarven arms shop in a block. In small cities such as Wangshan City, there is only one dwarven weapons store. If other dwarven artisans wander here, they will not open another arms shop and compete with their own people. They will continue to wander until they find a piece of land that belongs to them.
The famous "Dwarven City-State Arms Shop" in Wangshan City is renowned for its outstanding quality and high prices. The shopkeeper, Feiore, is a skilled dwarven master craftsman, and it is unknown how many years he has lived, but his beard is longer than his height. Feiore firmly believes that you get what you pay for, as dwarven weapons are expensive, but definitely worth it.
This aligns with Ge Zheng's perspective, so he has been loitering in the city-state arms shop these past days. A double-bladed battle axe for twenty gold coins, a knight's spear for forty gold coins, a cross shield for fifteen gold coins...
But it is indeed worth it. Any adventurer who has patronized this place, when their life was at stake, saved their lives with excellent equipment, and without fail, would cut back on alcohol and courtesan expenses to patronize this small shop again.
Ge Zheng ordered a total of ten commonly used weapons by adventurers, including battle axes, two-handed greatswords, one-handed broadswords, and shields. After bargaining with Feiore, and displaying the skill "Praise Feiore's Beard," he successfully lowered the price from three hundred gold coins to two hundred and fifty gold coins.
Every adventurer dreams of owning a "magical power armament," but the price of such an armament is beyond the means of most adventurers. So Ge Zheng focuses on inexpensive and practical mana-storage armaments in his business.
In Wangshan City, the selling price of a mana storage armament ranges from seventy to one hundred gold coins. After deducting the cost of the weapon itself, the profit is approximately one hundred and fifty percent, a truly profitable industry.
Ge Zheng's alchemy always inadvertently incorporates some Ge's alchemy techniques. In fact, the production of mana-storage armaments is very simple. Through a simple synthesis formula, a magic array is sealed within the weapon. This magic array has no other use, only to store magic and is not picky about the magic's attributes.
The magic array sealed by high-level alchemists can store more magic, but who is willing to create such a simple magical weapon? Therefore, ordinary mana storage armaments can usually only store three to five spells.
Ge Zheng found that the magic array was too complicated, and it was really troublesome to depict the chaotic lines, so he found Ge's "Naling Array" more convenient. With a simple incantation, he could easily draw out a Naling Array. Moreover, the storage of Naling Array's mana was much greater than that of the magic array.
Ge Zheng experimented and made some slight modifications to the Naling Array, enabling it to store mana instead of storing the spiritual power of heaven and earth, which greatly increased his efficiency. Being a high-level alchemist himself, making these low-level magical weapons was a breeze. In half a day, he had transformed all ten weapons into mana-storage armaments.