Chapter 51

Chapter 51: Post-Certification

Within the Alchemist Association, an elder observed Mu Chen's retreating figure, deep contemplation evident in his eyes.

"Grandfather, even Mu Chen has become a first-level alchemist, and I still haven't gotten the hang of it," a young girl lamented beside the elder.

"Be patient. Sometimes, enlightenment comes in an instant. Reflect deeply, and you might just successfully concoct a pill," the elder consoled.

"Has Mu Chen consumed some miraculous elixir recently? He's transformed so rapidly," the girl mused with knitted brows.

The elder, lost in thought, responded, "This Mu Chen is not to be underestimated. It seems the Mu family might soon have another alchemist in their ranks."

The young girl tilted her head and remarked, "I initially thought he was just throwing away the certification fee. Who could have imagined he'd actually succeed in alchemy? It's truly astonishing."

"A person can change greatly in just a few days. Recognize their worth!" The elder, having witnessed Mu Chen's alchemical prowess, declared appreciatively.

"He only wasted one set of herbs to produce the pill. Either he's incredibly lucky or his success rate is genuinely impressive," the girl pondered aloud.

The elder squinted, speculating, "His alchemical skills may surpass his father's in the future."

"Grandfather, you're giving him too much credit. Who knows if his old issues might resurface?" the girl responded skeptically.

...

Mu Chen asked guardedly, "How did you get involved with Lan Ruofeng and Zhuang Yu?"

"I didn't want to talk to them. They just wouldn't leave me alone," Ye Shi replied with a frown.

Mu Chen narrowed his eyes, warning, "Lan Ruofeng is a creep. Stay away from him."

Ye Shi hesitated, "...Lan Ruofeng is a creep? He's a bit strange and annoying, but calling him a creep seems a bit excessive."

Grinning, Ye Shi teased, "Are you just jealous of Lan Ruofeng?"

Mu Chen admitted with a nod, "Yes, I'm jealous of Lan Ruofeng."

In the book, Ye Shi had risked his life multiple times for Lan Ruofeng. Lan Ruofeng's distant yet intimate behavior towards Ye Shi was described by the author as his unique gentleness. Even if Lan Ruofeng had no intentions for Ye Shi, he could never bring himself to hurt him.

Initially, Mu Chen didn't think much of this. However, seeing the real-life Ye Shi changed his perspective on the fictional Lan Ruofeng. What gentleness? Lan Ruofeng was merely stringing Ye Shi along.

"Are we heading back now?" Ye Shi asked Mu Chen.

Mu Chen shook his head, "No, we're going to the Sky Crane Tavern first."

"Why? Didn't you always prefer the tavern where I used to work?" Ye Shi asked, puzzled.

"Tianhe Tavern makes the best chicken dishes. Don't you love chicken?" Mu Chen answered with a hint of a smile.

Ye Shi blinked, saying, "When did I?"

Mu Chen gazed at him, "Don't you love chicken?"

Ye Shi puffed out his cheeks, adding, "I'm not really fond of it either, but if you want to eat, I can accompany you."

Mu Chen: "..."

"I really enjoy chicken. Shi, will you come with me?" Mu Chen earnestly asked.

Ye Shi agreed with a nod, "Alright."

...

"Good news! Young Master Mu Chen has successfully passed the Alchemist Guild's level one certification, becoming a first-level alchemist," the steward rushed in to announce.

Upon hearing the steward, Mu Yuanhai looked at Mu Yuanfeng with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Mu Yuanfeng sipped his tea, his expression cool and unaffected, without a hint of surprise.

Everyone knew Mu Chen was learning alchemy from Mu Yuanfeng, but Mu Yuanfeng had never disclosed Mu Chen's progress. Mu Yuanhang had always assumed Mu Chen lacked the aptitude.

"Little brother, you kept this well-hidden. I never expected Chen to be able to produce a first-level pill so soon," Mu Yuanhang commented.

Mu Yuanfeng lightly smiled and said, "Chen'er has just started learning. The success rate is low, and the value of the pills produced doesn't match the wasted herbs. It's not a big deal."

Mu Yuanhai managed a smile, saying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For Chen'er to pass the level one certification in such a short time shows his exceptional talent in alchemy."

"Far from it, brother. You give Chen too much credit," Mu Yuanfeng said, even though the pride in his eyes was impossible to hide.

Mu Ke observed Mu Yuanfeng, a hint of surprise in his eyes. While he'd heard of Mu Chen's change, he'd thought it was just a passing phase. Now, knowing Mu Chen became a first-level alchemist, he looked at him with new respect.

"Where's Mu Chen? Has he returned?" Mu Ke inquired.

"It seems not," the steward replied sheepishly.

Mu Ke furrowed his brows, asking, "After he obtained the level one alchemy certification, where did he go?"

"He went to dine with Young Master Ye," the butler reluctantly answered.

"Which Young Master Ye?" Mu Ke asked.

Mu Yuanfeng casually mentioned, "It's Ye He's grandson."

With evident surprise, Mu Ke remarked, "Mu Chen truly has a taste for that."

Mu Yuanfeng nodded, adding, "It seems Chen'er really likes him."

…………

"Mu Chen, long time no see!" Chen Moran walked into the tavern, fixing his gaze on Mu Chen.

Mu Chen, upon seeing Chen Moran, raised an intrigued eyebrow. It looked like Chen Moran had been having some misfortunes lately.

Chen Moran's obsequious behavior towards Zhuang Yu has drawn the ire of the Chen family elders. He was not only confined but also had his allowances cut.

The poor fellow was slowly veering off the path of becoming a mere side character, while Chen Moran seemed to be getting deeper into troubles.

"Brother Chen, is that you? Why not join us for a meal?" Mu Chen invited with indifference.

Chen Moran smiled faintly, saying, "Since you've invited me so warmly, Brother Mu, it would be rude to decline."

Ye Shi made a face, thinking: This guy sure doesn't stand on ceremony.

Chen Moran eyed the alchemist robe on the table and the golden seal on it, and asked, "What's this?"

"It's the level one alchemist certification seal! This is the robe for a level one alchemist. I've heard it's not just a casual attire," Ye Shi said with a touch of pride.

Chen Moran, with a hint of surprise, said, "You've become a first-level alchemist."

Mu Chen nodded in agreement, "Indeed."

"You've been studying alchemy with your father?" Chen Moran questioned with a dark expression.

"Yes," Mu Chen replied nonchalantly.

"Are you still the same Mu Chen I knew?" Chen Moran asked with a furrowed brow.

Tilting his head, Mu Chen responded, "Of course I'm still Mu Chen. If not me, then who?"

"Mu Chen, you once told me that alchemy is tiresome, boring, and you'd never touch it in your life. You also confessed your feelings for Zhuang Yu, swearing to stay single if you couldn't win his heart," Chen Moran said, staring intently at Mu Chen.

Mu Chen thought, "What nonsense did the original say? Stay single forever? No wonder he chased Zhuang Yu so desperately."

Ye Shi looked at Mu Chen, puzzled.

Mu Chen gave a light chuckle, remarking, "Brother Chen, haven't we all said things in our youth that we don't really mean? Such words shouldn't be taken to heart."

Chen Moran squinted, "You're really considering giving up on Zhuang Yu?"

"Absolutely," Mu Chen replied without hesitation.

With a displeased expression, Chen Moran remarked, "Mu Chen, when did you become so spineless? Just because Lan Ruofeng is by Zhuang Yu's side, you're thinking of backing down without a fight?"

What exactly is Chen Moran trying to do with his exasperation?

Mu Chen looked puzzled at Chen Moran, resting his chin on his hand, "Chen, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Chen Moran's face darkened a little, finally admitting begrudgingly, "Zhuang Yu seems entirely smitten with Lan Ruofeng now."

Mu Chen shrugged nonchalantly, "And...?"

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Chen Moran pressed, his face grim.

Mu Chen shrugged again, "What do you expect me to say?... Wait, are you asking for my help to pursue Zhuang Yu?"

Chen Moran snorted, "Not for me, for both of us. We can team up, drive away Lan Ruofeng, and then compete fairly."

What is Chen Moran thinking? Forming an alliance of underdogs to separate the fated protagonists, they're just hastening their doom, right?