Meng Yirou had a lot on her mind.

She couldn't see through the true strength of the young man before her. She didn't know if he was a powerful alchemist or just an ordinary person running a Medicine Hall that seemed to have nothing, living a difficult life.

Even though Meng Yirou was the Divine Medical Saintess of the Divine Medical Palace, a status that no sensible cultivator or Hidden World Master would easily offend, she couldn't act rashly. What if she angered him?

So, it was better to play it safe, be a bit humble, and not reveal her identity as the Divine Medical Saintess. If this senior was truly a Hidden World Master, she would be willing to make friends; if he was just a short-sighted mortal... hmph, then there was no need to be polite.

She still felt that this "Hidden World Master" was one part real, nine parts fake.

The one part real was probably because Bai Fei'er's Sacred Grade Divine Weapon was hard to explain, or rather, she thought it was hard to explain, but it was unlikely that this young man could produce such an item.

"Miss Yirou, your name is quite lovely."

Gu Heng looked her over, thinking that this mortal girl was quite pretty, but it was strange for a mortal girl to be running around at night with her cultivator bestie. She must have a big heart.

But Bai Fei'er seemed capable enough to protect her, so she wasn't worried.

However, Gu Heng had noticed Miss Yirou's "little actions" earlier.

"But Miss Yirou, you came to my Medicine Hall and started rummaging through my medicine cabinet. Were you planning to steal my herbs?"

His voice was calm, yet carried a hint of authority.

Meng Yirou's face finally showed a look of astonishment, which Gu Heng caught completely, confirming his suspicions.

Hmm, this mortal girl's hands aren't very clean.

This novel is available on "pawread.com".

Although she hadn't expected her actions of touching his medicine cabinet to be noticed, Meng Yirou quickly adjusted her expression.

"Apologies, I am also skilled in alchemy. When I entered this Medicine Hall and saw familiar things, I couldn't help but touch them. I apologize for the offense."

Meng Yirou said, bowing slightly to show her apology.

"Oh? You know alchemy too?" Gu Heng raised an eyebrow.

He didn't change his tone, mainly because he didn't quite believe it.

This mortal girl was dressed in such luxurious attire, her robe looked like something a common family couldn't afford. To be besties with a young lady of wealth, she was likely another wealthy young lady, unable to cultivate, but certainly from a rich family.

Could such a wealthy young lady understand alchemy?

Alchemy is no easy task. Gu Heng had mastered "medical skills," prescribing and diagnosing patients daily, working himself to exhaustion. Alchemy itself is also time-consuming.

You have to watch the fire, some herbs can't just be thrown in all at once, they need to be added in batches. Alchemy requires patience, otherwise it won't succeed.

Gu Heng knew he had seen that arrogance on Meng Yirou's face.

After all, she was a treasure of a wealthy family.

Could such an impatient wealthy young lady endure the tediousness and solitude of alchemy?

Most likely, she was just dabbling, certainly not proficient.

But hearing the phrase "you know alchemy too," and seeing the skeptical expression on Gu Heng's face, a fire ignited in Meng Yirou's heart!

This "Hidden World Master" probably didn't care about worldly affairs, so he didn't know her as the renowned Divine Medical Saintess, but to question her alchemy skills!

At fifteen, she had already shown an astonishing talent for alchemy, on par with her cultivation talent, even attracting the Palace Master of the Divine Medical Palace to personally take her as a disciple!

In just four years, Meng Yirou had reached the rank of Sixth Grade Alchemist!

Sixth Grade!!

In the Sunflare Empire, the highest rank for an alchemist was Sixth Grade, and even the royal cultivator was mediocre in precision and control of alchemy, whom she easily surpassed!

Most alchemists spend a lifetime struggling to surpass the Fourth Grade, yet she had reached the Sixth Grade in just four years.

Even within the Divine Medical Palace, many believed she was a "once-in-a-millennium talent," capable of breaking through the current Ninth Grade barrier and surpassing the "Mortal Rank."

And now, she was being questioned by this young man, "you know alchemy too"...

Honestly, Meng Yirou thought she had a good temper. Regardless of whether he was a Hidden World Master, daring to question her was not only damaging her reputation but also that of her master, the Palace Master of the Divine Medical Palace!

If her master heard this, he would definitely be furious enough to come and demand an explanation... if this "Hidden World Master" was real.

But now, Meng Yirou increasingly felt that he wasn't some master, just a short-sighted, ignorant mortal.

Though angry, being questioned meant Meng Yirou had to use her "achievements" to slap him in the face!

She had to!

"Well... I was fortunate to learn from a great master, so I have some skills in alchemy. Although it's just a fraction compared to my esteemed teacher, it's still reputable."

She raised her head slightly with some pride, casually taking out a small jade bottle and handing it to Gu Heng.

Gu Heng took it, looking at the translucent jade bottle and the pale purple pill with spiral patterns inside. After examining it for a moment, he asked, "Did you make this pill?"

"Indeed."

Meng Yirou appeared full of pride, and she had every reason to be.

This was a Sixth Grade Soul Separation Pill!

A peak Out-of-Body cultivator only needed to take one to step into the Divided Spirit stage! The effect was simple and direct, but even a Seventh Grade Alchemist might not succeed in making it on the first try.

She, Meng Yirou, at eighteen, had successfully made this Sixth Grade Soul Separation Pill at the Five Regions Alchemy Tournament, astonishing all the alchemists present, including her master who was judging from the high platform.

Meng Yirou felt quite proud of herself.

Not to mention, this Sixth Grade Pill would surely shock this guy!

She wasn't afraid he'd think she was lying. Every alchemist had their unique "mark," making it impossible for others to impersonate their pills. The spiral pattern on the pill was her mark.

Gu Heng looked at her for a moment, seeing her looking down her nose at him, and a smile tugged at his lips.

Look at her, so proud.

Is this even a pill? At best, it's just a candy with a bit of refreshing effect!

Gu Heng's alchemy skills were maxed out. He might not recognize a cultivator's pill, but a mortal trying to show off in front of him was like showing off one's skills before an expert. Better to just wash up and go to sleep!