Chapter 53

Chapter 53: The Teachings of Mu Yuanfeng

After dinner, Ye Shi and Mu Chen returned to the Mu residence.

To Mu Chen's surprise, the house servants showed him a significantly increased level of respect.

It wasn’t the superficial reverence due to his status, but a genuine, heartfelt respect. On his way to his room, he even encountered several maids.

With Ye Shi standing nearby, these maids continuously shot flirty glances his way, leaving Mu Chen with an awkward smile.

Mu Chen mused, "Usually, this path is deserted. What's going on today? I ran into so many of them, and one particularly bold young maid almost bumped into me. While many men might yearn to embrace such softness and fragrance, I'm an exception; I'm gay!"

Ye Shi stood to the side. Although he didn't voice any comments, his eyes were glittering with concealed emotions.

For a split second, Mu Chen thought Ye Shi might lash out and scratch the young maid's face. However, all Ye Shi did was give a slightly displeased smile, which unnerved Mu Chen.

"Father," Mu Chen respectfully greeted Mu Yuanfeng upon seeing him.

"Where's Ye Shi?" inquired Mu Yuanfeng.

"He's gone to practice," Mu Chen replied, scratching his head.

Mu Yuanfeng narrowed his eyes, noting, "Really? Ye Shi's ambition burns bright. By his demeanor, it seems he's on the verge of advancing to a four-star martial artist, isn't he?"

"So soon?" Mu Chen couldn't hide his surprise.

Mu Yuanfeng chuckled, "Indeed. In his letters, Ye He often praised Ye Shi's potential. It seems he wasn't exaggerating."

Mu Chen nodded in agreement. Ye Shi was also blessed by the author's favor. If he wasn't strong enough, he couldn't assist the main character, and his charm wouldn't be highlighted. Even though he might be a mere side character, Ye Shi stood out among them.

"Father, since I returned, I've sensed a peculiar atmosphere in the house," Mu Chen observed, blinking curiously.

Mu Yuanfeng smiled gently, "Naturally. You've become a first-level alchemist. The servants are bound to see you in a new light."

"It's just a first-level alchemist title," Mu Chen responded dismissively.

"The status of an alchemist is esteemed. On your way here, didn't you encounter several young ladies batting their eyelashes at you?" Mu Yuanfeng teased.

With a darkened face, Mu Chen asked in embarrassment, "Father, how did you know?"

Mu Yuanfeng replied with a knowing smile, "Just a guess. Remember how you used to tease the maids? They used to fear you. Now that you're an alchemist, their attitudes have changed."

Mu Chen: "... Experience truly is the best teacher. Father, you're indeed insightful."

Mu Yuanfeng patted Mu Chen's shoulder, offering fatherly advice, "My son, you should know, as long as you remain diligent in your alchemy, beauties will naturally flock to you. You won't need to make any extra effort."

Mu Chen: "..."

"Father, when can I start learning the concoction of second-level elixirs?" Mu Chen inquired.

Mu Yuanfeng replied with a smile, "Chen'er, I understand your eagerness. While first-level elixir crafting might be a breeze for you, your physical strength remains your limitation. A second-level alchemist requires considerable stamina. You've seen Lan Ruofeng, a second-level alchemist who is also a nine-star martial artist."

Mu Chen frowned, feeling frustrated. "What was the original host thinking, neglecting such potential?"

"What level do I need to attain to craft second-level elixirs?" Mu Chen asked.

After some thought, Mu Yuanfeng responded, "At least a five-star martial artist."

Mu Chen nodded, "Understood."

Mu Yuanfeng reassured him, patting his shoulder again, "Take your time. Why the sudden urgency to become a second-level alchemist?"

Isn't it because of Lan Ruofeng, whom Ye Shi originally admired in the book? Although, due to Mu Chen's intervention, Ye Shi's fate had changed. Who knows if the original storyline might still impact Ye Shi?

"This is your Elemental Stone card, containing ten thousand elemental stones. Whenever you sell elixirs in the future, the revenue will be directly credited to this card," explained Mu Yuanfeng.

"Ten thousand elemental stones? Are you subsidizing me, Father?" Mu Chen asked in surprise.

Mu Yuanfeng shook his head, "Of course not. You've earned every bit of it."

With widened eyes, Mu Chen exclaimed, "Is alchemy really that lucrative?"

Mu Yuanfeng confirmed, "Absolutely. Why else would so many aspire to become alchemists?"

Mu Yuanfeng pondered with a smirk, "Most novice alchemists face a low success rate when starting. They're fortunate if they don't go bankrupt. Who would've expected my son to be such a prosperous exception!"