“Alright, today’s your first lecture as Longbow Sect’s new disciples. Some of you clearly already have more talent than the rest, while some of you are just beginning your journey. That is fine, and for those who are further ahead, our Elders will guide you separately.”

The 388th batch disciples gathered in a hall. Elder Hulong was right in front, and all 30 sat on small little chairs made for children. All of them were around Mingwei’s age, around 10. Some looked young, some looked older. But all children.

“At this point, you must have a lot of questions, but allow me to briefly explain how things work in our Sect. One, obey your elders. That’s rule number one. Now, we have 5 elders. I am Elder Hulong, I am the chief overseer of all of you, and so, if you have a problem between disciples, approach Core Disciple Ke-ying. She’s Elder Sister Ying, for all of you.”

Sister Ying was a mid-twenty something girl with long flowing dark brown hair. She was rather plain looking, but she had an air of authority around her that was unmistakable. She stood at the corner, and she stared at the disciples fiercely.

“Alright, each elder has a different focus, and for all of you new disciples, it’s best to remember that.” Elder Hulong then briefly introduced all the other elders. Introductions to the new disciples was one of the few times all the elders would be gathered together. There were a total of 5 elders, including Elder Hulong, the other 4 were Elder Ma, Elder Ke, Elder Fang, and Elder Qing. Each of them were at least 5-star and each had a focus. Hunting, combat, gathering and lastly, alchemy.

Elder Hulong paused.

“As for me, I’m your chief disciple-watcher, and I’ll handle most of your affairs. Also, now is the time for you to choose which one you want to focus on. If it’s hunting and gathering, stand with Elder Ma and Elder Fang. If it’s combat, stand with Elder Ke. If it’s alchemy, stand with Elder Qing.”

One disciple raised his hand. “Elder, why do we choose our focus so early?”

“Because our resources are limited, young man.” Elder Hulong was blunt. “So for all of you junior disciples, the resources you receive will be based on the focus you choose right now.”

Mingwei wondered what ‘limited’ meant in the context of this world.

“Alright, stand up and choose.”

The group of 30 stood up, and almost 25 went to Elder Ke. 4 disciples went to Elder Ma and Elder Fang. The last one was Mingwei, and after a while, he walked to Elder Qing.

Elder Qing was an old lady that reeked of the smell of herbs and spices, and when she saw Mingwei come over, her eyes almost popped out. In fact, all the elders were surprised too. Elder Hulong laughed, “Well, sister Qing, it seems that your record of no alchemy disciples for the past 5 batches is finally broken!”

Elder Qing stared at Mingwei. “Young man, are you sure you want to be an alchemy focused cultivator?”

Mingwei, of course, found that question entirely strange. If no one wanted to do alchemy, who’s going to be making pills. In fact, who are the ones making pills these days? Still, Mingwei nodded. “Yes, Elder Qing. I have little talent for combat, and I desire the more academic aspects of cultivation.”

Elder Qing laughed like an old granny.

Elder Hulong just clapped his hand. “Alright. Let’s break out to smaller groups with your chosen elders. They will pass you some cultivation resources and get you started.”

Elder Qing led Mingwei to a small room next to the hall. “Well, honestly...”

“I have questions, Elder Qing.”

“Oh?”

“Why do people look down on alchemy?”

Elder Qing had a look of confusion on her face. She took a long, deep breath, and then smiled. “Well, there’s just not much money in it.”

“Why? Do people have no need for pills and materials?”

“They do.” Elder Qing. She looked every bit like an old granny, but she didn’t need any walking stick. Mingwei could faintly detect some body-enhancement technique, so she’s probably very strong despite her looks. “But, if you asked me why there’s no money for alchemy, it’s a very complicated answer.”

“I want the complicated answer, Elder Qing. I may look like a ten-year old, but I wish to know the truth.”

Elder Qing had a granny laugh again. “Very amusing. First, your cultivation resources, do you want it?”

“Yes.” Elder Qing smiled and passed him some a scroll, a pouch filled with pills, and fifteen gems. “These gems are cultivation formations, do you know how to use them?”

Mingwei looked at them, and noticed that they would give about 150-200 Qi a day. Not a bad amount, and good for the earlier ranks. Together with his new cultivation method, the Longbow Junior Defense Style, he should be able to do 250 Qi per day, and that’ll get him to 2 star within 40 days, and 3 star slightly over a year.

“I see you seem to understand them.” Elder Qing nodded. “Now, your earlier question... there are many reasons. Together, these suppressed the value of alchemy goods. One, is that the quality of alchemy goods generally are poor. Our world, for generations, have looked at alchemy with a look of disdain. As a result, most alchemists, even though they may be 5-6 star cultivators, are not focused and do it more as a chore, rather than a passion.”

Mingwei nodded.

“Then, there’s the naturally occurring cultivator resources. Like the Candela Forming Seeds, which pretty much makes all lesser cultivation pills obsolete because of how good it is.”

“What’s that?” Mingwei had never seen one, and Elder Qing opened a small drawer and took out a small pouch. Inside, were round dark brown seeds. He looked at it, and he understood. These were naturally forming cultivation resources! It’s effects were comparable to a fully perfectly processed Wormliver Pill! He took a seed and sniffed it, and he could tell it would boost Qi absorption and cultivation by almost one thousand! “How common is this?”

“Common enough!” Truly, it made a lot of sense. Availability and supply reduced a need for competitive pricing, and so, pressed down demand. It let to a feedback loop of cultivators not working on alchemy since it didn’t give exceptional incremental returns, and discouraged lower level alchemist.

“Then... why did you do it, Elder Qing?”

“Same like you, I too, do not favor combat all that much. High tier combat is frightening, and someone still has to heal all the wounds! So I’m also the Sect’s chief healer. Now, on the topic of alchemy, healing is one of the areas where it’s relatively stable. Good healing materials do fetch a good price, but again, the market is saturated with natural variants. Still, cultivators get into fights so regularly that the supply of healing resources is often overwhelmed!”

“My roommate bought lesser healing pills for 20 silver.” Mingwei wondered. “That’s still cheap, no?”

“Ah, yes. But the pricing is better once you get to 3-4 stars.” Elder Qing smiled.

“Ah. Do you also dabble in crafting and formations?”

“Of course. I do all of that. Alchemy and healing won’t justify my pay!” Elder Qing laughed. “So, young man, do you regret your choice?”

“No.” Mingwei smiled back and bowed properly. “Will be an honor.”

“Tell me, young man. Is there something in alchemy you are looking for?”

Mingwei paused. “Sorry?”

“Children who are so focused on a particular topic have a story, a cause. Perhaps to heal a sick father, or a sick mother, so they work in alchemy to get there. What is your story?”

“Uh...” He couldn’t tell her the truth, of course. “I’m looking to master all types of alchemy, formations, and crafting.”

Elder Qing smiled. “Alright, alright. I won’t push if you won’t tell me. You can go now. I’m usually in the alchemy workshop, you can look for me there if you don’t understand the contents of the scroll.”

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