Arc 3: Part 44
Can one practice both alchemy and artifact refinement?
Of course, you can.
Unlike the dichotomy of Daoist cultivation and demonic cultivation, where each negates the other and can't coexist, alchemy and artifact refinement are founded on the same basis of heterogeneous flames, supported by formations and incantations. They belong to different systems, with no conflict. (Note: Daoist cultivation = righteous path. I'll be using both terms depending on which one fits the context better, but they mostly refer to the same thing.)
But...
Wen Qing and Xuan Yan both solemnly said, "Although there won't be a conflict, a human's energy is limited. If you wish to practice both simultaneously, you'll need to dedicate a lot of effort. For at least a few years, you'll scarcely have any free time. Can you handle this kind of busy-ness?"
Xuan Yan also nodded, expressing some worry, "I may look down on this surnamed Wen, but she makes a lot of sense—"
"What did you say, Xuan Yan?" Wen Qing angrily interrupted.
Xuan Yan ignored her, "— if you only practice one, you can relax and have fun in your spare time. The cultivator city is vast, filled with many entertainment spots. You're so young, why not indulge in fun? Can you really hold back?"
Bai Tong smiled slightly, "If Bai Tong did not possess this determination, I wouldn't have specially come to the City of Independent Cultivators. What are you concerned about, seniors?"
"Good!" Both Xuan Yan and Wen Qing laughed loudly in unison, with raised eyebrows, "Then why do you still call us seniors?"
Tong Su quickly followed suit, performing a student's salute and said with a smile, "Bai Tong greets both of my teachers."
The others looked at Tong Su with some regret. They naturally wanted a diligent student as well but knew they couldn't compare to Xuan Yan and Wen Qing.
However, even if she wasn't their disciple and studied here, her success would bring glory to the city.
The crowd shook their heads and laughed.
"Hahaha... Wonderful! At my age, being able to accept such a good student is indeed a blessing in my later years!" Elder Xuan Yan exclaimed.
Wen Qing laughed and said, "Bai Tong, let me tell you beforehand: if you want to practice both arts, I won't slacken in my guidance. If you get tired, don't cry."
"Of course I won't, teacher. Please don't worry."
Xuan Yan grinned and took out a storage pouch from his sleeve, handing over several jade boxes to Tong Su as a gift. "Here you go, these are your teachers' welcoming gifts. Keep them well!"
Initiation for cultivators is different from that in the mortal world. While mortal students present gifts to their teachers upon entering school, it is the master who gives the disciple a welcoming gift and rewards in the world of cultivators.
Xuan Yan was quite generous, giving high-quality alchemy ingredients – Three Qi Luo Qing Root, Thousand Year-Old Reishi Mushrooms, Supreme Spring Water, Flying Rainbow Cinnabar – every item a rare treasure. He even prepared a top-quality alchemy furnace for her.
Naturally, Wen Qing also gave Tong Su a welcoming gift. As she already had a Li Huo Cauldron, Wen Qing changed her gift to valuable tool-refining materials instead of furnaces.
Precious ores, beast bones, claws, teeth, heart of crystal stones, and jade marrow – all were top-quality materials that are hard to find.
The grand figures who failed to take Tong Su as their disciple also gave their own gifts and advised her to study well with a heavy heart.
Tong Su nodded seriously in acknowledgment.
Although the gifts presented by these figures were not as exquisite as those from Xuan Yan and Wen Qing, they were still valuable.
The disciples on the side were envious, but there was no jealousy in their hearts. They had even secretly prepared their own welcoming gifts for their new senior sister, and handed them over to Tong Su after the teachers had given theirs.
Overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm, Tong Su felt warm inside.
She had experienced situations where disciples from the Ziwei Heavenly Palace would be jealous and fight over treasures. So, she was inevitably surprised and touched when facing the warmth and enthusiasm of the senior brothers and sisters.
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