They dropped anchor, the shimmering shield billowing forth to protect the ship before they followed Lu Tao aboard the Alchemist’s vessel.

  Yu Chen glanced around as they leapt aboard, seeing a multitude of people all going about their work.

  Some leaned over the side, hauling up water from the river down below, while others stood around, practicing their techniques on deck.

  Many were busy dealing with the spirit herbs he’d seen before, that lay scattered across the deck in great big piles. He watched as they sifted through them, determining what to hang up and what to keep, packing some of the leaves into netted bags they hoisted into the sails and carrying bundles of the others below deck.

  Lu Tao glanced over, seeing him observing the cultivators hard at work.

  “The largest piles are just regular spirit grasses,” he said, nodding towards the biggest piles of herbs that were being bagged up and hung. “They aren’t very powerful, but they are absolutely integral for the creation of most pills.”

  The plump man raised a finger before wagging it in the air.

  “Some of the cheaper alchemists try to skimp on them to save a few coins, but that never works out.” He said, a smile crossing his round face as he noticed he had Yu Chen’s full attention. “It always costs more in the end. Spirit grass plays a pivotal role in slowing down the reaction between the various reagents. Without them to temper the pill, the energies become too chaotic, destroying all of your hard work.”

  Lu Tao shook his head, before waving at the other herbs aboard the vessel.

  “As you can see, there’s nothing too dramatic this time around. Some Iron-leaf Ferns,” Lu Tao said, pointing towards a medium sized pile of featherlike fronds, greenish grey in color. “They work amazingly well as a blood restorative. If properly processed they can even be used to mend broken bones and cure all sorts of bodily ailments.”

  “And of course we had to purchase a bunch of Azure Clover.” He said, pointing towards one of the largest piles of herbs other than the spirit grass. They were small bunches of heart-shaped leaves that were tinged sky blue around the edges. “The clover grows best in areas dense with water qi, so you see a lot of it along the river. It’s a helpful herb for qi absorption.”

  For a moment his voice took on the tone of a lecturer.

  “It’s a tricky herb to refine, however. You have to properly balance the water qi, or it’ll run rampant and ruin the whole batch.”

  “But spirit gathering pills always sell,” Lu Tao‘s eyes gleamed with greed as he licked his lips.

  “Where did you get them?” Yu Chen asked curiously.

  “At auction of course.” The alchemist said, running a hand through his oiled beard. “I told Bo Wei years ago he’d be better off selling it to me directly, but the old fool insists.” He couldn’t stop the delighted chuckle that escaped from his lips. “His loss, there wasn’t much competition this time.”

  Yu Chen absently nodded, turning his attention towards the other cultivators on the vessel.

  Most of them were alchemists, and he assumed they were apprenticed to Lu Tao. They were a mixed group of men and women, all wearing similar green robes, lashed tightly with a many-pouched belt from which hung a jade pendant engraved with their rank.

  They were novices, but at least one among the group had the markings for journeyman. He stole a glance at Lu Tao’s pendant, seeing it marked him as an adept.

  Other cultivators, such as the tanned man helming the vessel, clearly didn’t follow the alchemical path. He not only lacked the pouched belt and pendant, he also appeared to have eschewed both his inner and outer robes. He cut a dashing figure standing there with one hand on the wheel, his sun kissed skin bare to the world.

  Two more men sat in a distant corner of the ship, far removed from the others. They appeared to be quietly chatting amongst themselves, but Yu Chen could sense a sharp aura rising from them, and whether they were guards or passengers he couldn’t say.

  It appeared the alchemist had a full ship, and Yu Chen counted nearly a dozen cultivators milling across the deck.

  The three of them followed Lu Tao as he ushered them below deck, leading them towards his personal chambers, although they had to dodge an artificer who stumbled out of a side room, mumbling to himself as he headed towards the deck.

  The alchemist's chambers turned out to be as flamboyant as his robes. It was a lush picture of indolence and ease; all soft surfaces that were covered with the finest silks and satins money could buy. The room exuded an air of decadence, the floor covered by plush carpets that sank beneath their feet, while fine tapestries covered the walls, intricately patterned in all the hues of the rainbow.

  “Sit, sit.” The large man said, gesturing towards a silk divan that stretched in a half circle around part of the room. They piled onto the lavish couch, more than large enough for all four of them to sit around comfortably. Lu Tao waved his hand, and a flagon of wine appeared on the table between them, alongside four fine cups of a gleaming, mystical metal.

  “Let us drink and discuss what has happened since the last time I saw you.”

  The elder said, including them all in the gesture as he looked towards Sun Yuan.

  Yan Ziqi leaned forward and began to serve them, perhaps out of habit. Picking up the flagon he poured out a glass for each of them, starting with the large alchemist. Lu Tao nodded in thanks as he accepted the cup, but his eyes never left Sun Yuan’s.

  Yu Chen waited for the older cultivator to drink before taking a sip. He let out a violent cough as an explosion of qi took place in his belly, sending fiery lines of energy racing through his veins.

  He raised a hand, his eyes watering.

  “I’m good.” He croaked out, his cheeks flushing red as everyone looked his way.

  The others began drinking, and Yu Chen took another sip, more reserved this time. Another small blast of energy filled him, and he couldn’t help but feel inwardly shocked at the powerful drinks these Golden Core Cultivators loved to consume.

  He’d be even more shocked if he knew the price tag just one flagon of the wine commanded.

  “Last time I saw you,” Lu Tao said affectionately. “you didn’t even reach my waist.”

  “Your waist was much thinner the last time I saw you.” Sun Yuan replied dryly as he looked towards the older man.

  The large man laughed, raising his cup to that.

  “Indeed it was. I enjoyed serving with your father, but it turns out you eat much better if you captain your own ship.”

  Sun Yuan’s face clouded over at the mention of his father, and Lu Tao's own face dropped as he sensed the change in mood.

  “It’s a shame what happened to him, my boy.” The large alchemist said, wringing his hands in angst. “And at the hands of that worm as well! Your father was only ever kind to little Zhu, giving him a home when he had none, and helping him advance up the ranks year after year. I could scarcely believe my ears when I heard of his betrayal.”

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  Sun Yuan didn’t speak, his knuckles going white as he gripped the cup he still hadn’t drank from.

  Yu Chen looked back and forth between the two, comprehension dawning on him as he pieced the puzzle together. “The little worm turned out to be a clever one.” Lu Tao said bitterly, swallowing the rest of his cup with a gulp. “A thief in the night. As if he could fight Sun Wudi in broad daylight, when he stood on the deck of his own ship.”

  “Coward.” Lu Tao stated, snorting angrily.

  Sun Yuan abruptly sat down his cup, spilling wine over the side. The parrot let out a disapproving squawk, but Sun Yuan ignored it, the words tumbling out one after the other as they fought to escape his mouth.

  “It wasn’t just my father, but Zhao Feng and Cao Zhi, and Li Wei, and, and…”

  He cut off, his voice breaking as he clenched his robes in a hard grip.

  “I know lad.” Lu Tao said, leaning over the table and placing a meaty hand on the boy’s shoulder.

  “But it wasn’t you.” He said, squeezing hard as he pushed Sun Yuan back, raising his face to meet his eyes. “It wasn’t you. Your path still lies before you, and you’ll be a greater man than your father ever was, I know it.”

  “As for that little worm Zhu, if he still breathes, he will get his due.” Lu Tao said, his eyes locked on Sun Yuan’s. “I swear it.”

  Sun Yuan nodded, his grip relaxing as he unclenched his robes, and the atmosphere in the room grew a touch lighter.

  Lu Tao gestured, and Yan Ziqi poured them all another round, the talk slowly shifting to more enjoyable topics. Lu Tao listened as they told him the exploit of stealing the ship, laughing hysterically at the plight that befell Pirate Zhu when the other pirates had turned on him.

  “Betrayal for a traitor, how fitting!” The alchemist yelled, his wobbly cheeks a touch red from the drink.

  Yu Chen didn’t know how long it carried on for, but the world felt a bit hazy by the time the alchemist pulled himself up.

  “Now, I believe I promised you all a reward.” Lu Tao said, running his bejeweled fingers through his oiled beard.

  He turned to look at Yan Ziqi first, regarding him with eyes that were surprisingly clear.

  “You’re an artificer, unless I miss my mark.”

  Yan Ziqi opened his mouth, but the large alchemist cut him off, speaking over him.

  “No need. The calluses across your thumb and along your inner finger give it away, they never came from wielding a weapon.”

  Not to mention all those tiny creases around your eyes.” Lu Tao said, pointing at the artificer’s face.

  “You are too young to squint so much. You should consider investing in some skin-smoothing pills, they aren’t just for women you know.” Lu Tao admonished.

  “Well, you also mentioned you were Elder Ming’s apprentice.” The man said with a sly wink.

  He twisted his hand and like a magic trick, a small golden orb appeared, perched upon his fingers.

  “This is a Spirit Forge pill, suitable only for those who pursue a path of refinement. I can’t help but notice that you haven’t properly cultivated your body. That is a grave mistake if you wish to join the Immortal Fate Assembly.”

  “How did you know we were headed towards the Immortal Fate Assembly?” Yan Ziqi asked, a note of amazement in his voice.

  The alchemist snorted.

  “Three young cultivators, traveling upriver? Where else would you be headed? Besides, Elder Ming sent you off. I know that old fool and his tricks.”

  Yu Chen was fascinated by the pill in the alchemist's hands, but Yan Ziqi stared at it with open thirst.

  “Using your spirit as the forge and your will as the hammer, iron out all the impurities in your body!” Lu Tao loudly recited, holding the pill high in the air before handing it to Yan Ziqi, who accepted it with trembling hands.

  “I’ll have to talk to Elder Ming,” The alchemist grumped, “You really should have taken something like this before stepping into foundation establishment. Just be glad that it’s not too late.”

  “I rushed it, entering without the elder’s knowledge.” Yan Ziqi said with a blush. “He was furious when he found out the pills he’d prepared for me were no longer suitable.”

  The alchemist snorted, but he didn’t say anything else, turning his attention towards Yu Chen.

  “I can sense that you’ve already cultivated your body, using a technique that’s quite powerful.” The alchemist said, praising Yu Chen. “Perhaps you could use a pill to help you step into Foundation Establishment? I can sense you’re not far from it.”

  Yu Chen paused, hesitating briefly before he shook his head.

  “Senior, this one’s body cultivation isn’t yet finished. I still need a strong source of Earth-aspected energy.”

  The alchemist sat back, sinking into the sofa at these words. Rubbing his chin, he looked towards Yu Chen.

  “Strong earth energy, and suited for tempering?” He muttered, absently playing with one of the jeweled rings on his finger. “There’s the Stonehide Pill… No, no, that won’t do. Earthroot Vitality perhaps? Hmm… That’s more focused on healing though, perhaps if I made a few changes to the formula?”

  “Ah!” He said, beaming as he sat straight up. “I know just the thing!”

  “You just need earth qi, right?” He flexed his fingers, and a dense brown marble appeared, emitting a shocking aura. “This…” He said, drawing the words out slowly, “Is a Petrification pill. Imbibing it will engender a permanent state of petrification, at least until the energy of the pill wears off. If you truly need a dense source of earth qi, I can provide nothing better.”

  Yu Chen’s eyes widened as he observed the pill the older man held out. Dangerous, he thought, but with the Tempering Technique to utilize the energy…

  Ducking his head, Yu Chen thanked the man as he accepted the pill.

  “Now for you,” Lu Tao said, turning his attention towards Sun Yuan. “The only son of my dear friend.”

  He twisted his fingers, and another pill appeared, this one radiating with an incandescent light.

  “This is no reward for saving the ship, but rather payment for a debt owed. Your father supported me when no one else would, giving me a place to practice my cultivation in peace. For that I am forever thankful.”

  He leaned forward, placing the pill in Sun Yuan’s palm and clasping his hand around it.

  “Your father commissioned this pill from me, as a gift for when his son was preparing to step into Foundation Establishment.” He locked eyes with Sun Yuan as he continued speaking.

  “He never got the chance to pay me for it, but it has always been intended for you. Take it now, as a gift from us both, and use it to go further than either of us ever could.”

  Sun Yuan regarded the glittering pill with wide eyes.

  “What is it?” He couldn’t help but ask.

  “A Heavenly Transmutation Pill, the only one in existence.” The alchemist let out a wry smile as he leaned back in his seat once more. “If I presented that to the Alchemist Hall In Baixian city they’d give me my Masters mark, see if they wouldn’t!”

  He let out a soft sigh, his gaze one of contentment as he looked at the pill in the young man’s hands.

  “You’ll never find another like it. That pill has been infused with my own understanding, and its efficacy is unmatched.”

  “Take it when you go to step into Foundation Establishment, and it will reform not only your qi and your body, but your spirit as well. It is truly a heavenly pill that will transform you into a higher state of being.”

  Sun Yuan appeared shocked at the words, and even Yu Chen couldn’t help but feel impressed. Xiao Huang’s tempering technique was nice and all, but it had never promised to elevate him to a higher state of being.

  “Now, let’s drink!” The alchemist declared, raising his glass back up.

  “Another one!” The parrot on Lu Tao’s shoulder suddenly squawked, and they all looked towards it in surprise.

  The alchemist was the first to recover, smiling towards Yu Chen.

  “You have a friend as well, don’t you? Don’t be shy, bring her out. I sensed her long ago.”

  Yu Chen nodded his head, scratching a spot that bulged near his waist. Come out. He thought.

  Lan She hissed in his mind, an unwilling sound. Still, she responded, slithering across his back as she twisted her way up his body. She poked her head out of his robes near the chest, where she eyed the parrot in trepidation.

  “I suppose a gift is in order for you as well.” Lu Tao said as he gave the parrot on his shoulder a rueful look.

  For his part the parrot was unbothered, ignoring both his master and the snake that gazed at him cautiously.

  “A gift!” He squawked, paying them no mind as he preened himself.

  The alchemist tugged at his beard, his brow furrowed in thought. It was the space of half a moment before he lifted his head and snapped his fingers, causing another pill to appear.

  “Beast’s Ascension. It’s a transformative pill to help stimulate her bloodline. Feed it to her when advancing a stage and her chances of having an adaptation will dramatically increase, strengthening her natural abilities and potentially bringing forth new ones.”

  Yu Chen gave a deep bow, accepting the pill on Lan She’s behalf.

  “Enough!” The alchemist exclaimed, “Come now, let’s enjoy the night!”