In the pharmacy, there's a world of difference between disciples and apprentices in terms of treatment.
An apprentice in the pharmacy is basically just an errand runner, ordered around by the alchemist for all sorts of chores.
Want to learn something?
Mostly, it depends on whether the alchemist is willing to teach and what mood they're in. Maybe you'll get a tip or two.
Otherwise, you can only pay close attention and figure things out for yourself while working.
Both pill formulas and alchemy techniques, not to mention spiritual power manipulation skills, are all extremely valuable.
These aren't secrets to be passed on lightly.
Even though, as an apprentice in the pharmacy, you might be lucky enough to witness an alchemist concocting pills, you can only observe the surface, not truly understand the essence.
This is why most apprentices are stuck forever at the gap between "watching" and "understanding," and spend their whole lives as mere apprentices.
But it's different for disciples.
They are the true inheritors of the craft, with a much greater chance of becoming alchemists themselves!
Qin Yu now gets to enjoy such treatment.
Just two months ago, he was one of those nobodies in Lin Xian City, unnoticed in life or death, joy or sorrow.
But now, he finally sees the faint glimmer of a future.
Only, he still needs to be cautious!
Improving spiritual power in a short time can still be disguised as talent or comprehension.
But Root Bone? That's another matter!
Root Bone is something you're born with.
This secret is one that must never be exposed, no matter what.
This is also why Qin Yu has been keeping calm, staying indoors and out of sight.
Next, he began refining medicinal liquid.
With his Root Bone improved, recovery time for both spiritual power and spiritual power has shortened. This time, Qin Yu only took a day and a half to purify the medicinal liquid successfully!
And throughout the whole process, he felt relaxed and at ease.
"A day and a half, and I've tripled my profits. No wonder being an alchemist is one of the best ways to make money."
Qin Yu was overjoyed.
Thinking back, when refining the simplest healing medicine liquid, it used to take nearly four days, and there was always the risk of failure—he almost blew up the alchemy furnace several times.
Now, even just purifying medicinal liquid takes only a day and a half.
If it weren't for some limitations in technique, he could probably purify second grade medicinal liquid!
In the past, Qin Yu wouldn't have dared to dream of such a thing.
Once he tidied up, he left the separate room.
"Ah! Husband, how come you finished so quickly?"
???
This is slander!
Lin Qianqian already greeted him, and seeing Qin Yu's slightly strange expression, she asked with concern, "Husband, did you run into trouble while making medicine? Are you hurt anywhere?"
She didn't really understand alchemy, but since Qin Yu's realm hadn't improved, and he came out half a day earlier than expected, it was probably a failed batch.
That's normal—after all, even the alchemy apprentices in the pharmacy still have the occasional failed attempt.
As she spoke—
Lin Qianqian pulled out her handkerchief from close to her skin and walked up to Qin Yu, wiping the sweat still damp on his forehead.
That tantalizing fragrance entwined with the silk cloth dangled right in front of Qin Yu's nose. Just that gentle aroma alone seeped right into his heart, making his robe already start to stir.
Qin Yu ignored her last question and pulled her into his arms, his big hand cupping a full round, bringing them even closer. "Was I really that fast?"
Lin Qianqian was dazed for a second. Then, as if understanding something, her body suddenly turned weak, clinging to Qin Yu's body almost helplessly.
Her eyes glistened with watery allure, a shy blush blooming quietly on her cheeks. She gently bit her soft lips, lips so inviting they truly made one want to devour her whole.
Right now, Qin Yu was burning up!
But Lin Shuishui was still inside watching.
Even though she seemed to be cultivating, she was secretly sneaking glances over whenever she could.
"Ahem."
Qin Yu cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Just made a breakthrough, that's all. Refining was a bit faster this time."
As he released his petite wife from his embrace, he couldn't help but give her a good squeeze.
Tsk!
She was a slender girl before, and now she's all soft and tender from his hard planting and nurturing.
Lin Qianqian looked at him, her eyes practically brimming, but she understood his concerns, so she said, "Oh, Husband, so you made progress again! That's wonderful! I'll go make us something to eat!"
Lin Qianqian's steps were graceful, a hint of impatience in her pace. Only as she bent to wash the rice did the pleats in her skirt finally smooth out.
At the table, the atmosphere was warm and happy.
Lin Qianqian picked food for Qin Yu, her eyes full of coquettish affection. "Husband, now that you spend less time making medicine, does that mean we'll have more time for... cultivation?"
Qin Yu looked at his tender little wife, made rosy from his nourishment, and felt his ire surge again.
Such a little enchantress!
Even at the table, she couldn't keep her mouth shut!
Clearly, she needs to be fed something else!
That day, night hadn't quite fallen yet, but Lin Qianqian was already pushing her little sister toward the separate room.
"Sis, it's not even dark yet!"
Lin Shuishui grumbled, her sulky reluctance written all over her face.
"Your brother-in-law is tired from making medicine. I need to give him a shoulder rub!"
"I can give brother-in-law a massage too!"
"You... Maybe next time."
In the end, a pitiful Lin Shuishui was sent into the small room.
...
Lin Qianqian's growth surprised Qin Yu.
His little wife was becoming more sensible, finally learning to share his burdens and realizing what she needed to do.
Of course, this was Lin Qianqian's first attempt, but gradually, through some practice—and some guidance from Qin Yu herself—she managed to pick up some...
"Skills."
When you want to ride something, you have to grit your teeth and stick it out till the end. Never back down halfway. Don't hesitate; don't stop at just a taste, or you'll struggle for nothing.
And once you bite the bullet and push through, enduring every rise and fall…
You'll definitely reap full rewards in the end!
[Romantic Point from Lin Qianqian +4]
[Romantic Point from Lin Qianqian +4]
[Flame Point: 11]
At night—
Qin Yu looked at Lin Qianqian, nestled in his arms, his heart overflowing with emotion.
With such a beautiful, thoughtful little wife, how could he not treasure her?!
"Qianqian, give me a little more time. I'll definitely take you and Shuishui to live inside the city. Then we won't have to live in fear anymore. And by then, we'll get a much bigger house!"
Lin Qianqian curled up like a greedy little kitten finally fed, so full she didn't want to move an inch, her jade-like toes occasionally scratching at Qin Yu.
Her eyes were sultry and bright, soaked again and again with autumn water, her heart long melted into sweet nectar. Gazing at Qin Yu, she nodded and murmured, "Husband, it doesn't matter where we live. As long as I'm with you, that's all that matters."
Words this soft and sweet—no wonder emperors often skip their morning court!
"Of course I know that, but since you're with me, suffering will be yours, and joy will be yours too."
Qin Yu spoke from his heart.
This was the first time in his life a girl had ever looked at him with such light in her eyes.
"Husband, Qianqian still wants…"
[Lin Qianqian Romantic Point: 50 (Never Leave)]