CHAPTER 118: CHAPTER 108: FOREST NYMPH

Ron focused intently on the cauldron in front of him, carefully controlling the heat.

The refining of the Forge Potion was far more stringent than that of ordinary Qi Blood Potions, not only because of the special ingredients, but because every step of the refining process had to be precise to the minutest detail.

"The amount of Red Phosphorus Grass Powder needs to be doubled compared to ordinary Qi Blood Potions, but it must be added in three parts, each twelve breaths apart..."

Ron murmured the key points of the formula to himself.

Even with the professional skills and experience of an Alchemist, the refining of such an advanced potion remained full of challenges.

The liquid in the cauldron changed color with the addition of each ingredient, from pale yellow, to orange-red, and now to a dim red with a faint golden glow, like molten metal.

"Ordinary Qi Blood Potions can only promote blood circulation and enhance muscle vitality, but the Forge Potion does more than that..."

While he carefully stirred the potion, he recalled Magnus’ notes next to the formula:

"The uniqueness of the Forge Potion lies in its ability to activate the ’positive energy’ within, providing extra assistance to those practicing Yang Attribute Techniques, which ordinary Qi Blood Potions cannot achieve."

Ailan stood nearby, her vines gently extending, carefully passing over a small bottle filled with the Starfire Stone Marrow.

"Thank you, Ailan." Ron took the bottle and smiled gratefully.

He opened the cap, letting the shimmering crimson liquid inside drip slowly into the cauldron, each drop sizzling slightly upon contact with the potion, producing small puffs of golden steam.

"Starfire Stone Powder is not a material used in ordinary Qi Blood Potions; it can guide energy towards a positive transformation."

Ailan’s vines formed a few words in the air: "Need to increase the heat?"

Ron observed the state of the potion carefully and shook his head slightly:

"No, the current temperature is just right; too high will destroy the activity of the Sun Orchid, and too low won’t fully integrate the Starfire Stone Powder."

Although he followed Magnus’ formula to the letter, Ron still incorporated his own understanding into the details.

For instance, the cutting method for the Sun Orchid Root—he didn’t use the traditional horizontal cut but opted for an angled cut, which better preserved the positive energy within.

Additionally, during the addition of the Starfire Stone Powder, he stirred the potion in a specific manner.

While not written in the formula, as a Professional Alchemist skilled in Magic Potion Making, he understood that this slight change allowed for a more even distribution of positive energy.

"The last step..." Ron took a deep breath and picked up the Powdered Heart of the Volcano Lizard.

The moment the heart powder touched the potion, the entire liquid in the cauldron suddenly began to boil, emitting a nerve-wracking "sizzling" sound, the golden light becoming even more dazzling.

Ron didn’t panic, but maintained an even preparation rhythm, his right hand continuous in stirring, while his left hand used specific gestures to guide the energy flow, another of his own improvements, which was never written in the formula.

Minutes later, the boiling gradually subsided, the potion stabilized, and finally presented an awe-inspiring flowing gold, glowing as if it were liquid sunlight.

[Special Effect of the Alchemist Profession Triggered!]

[Forge Potion Successfully Refined! Effect Slightly Improved Over Original Formula]

[Magic Potion Refining Experience Points +2]

"Success!" Ron looked with delight at the perfect Forge Potion before him, filled with a sense of accomplishment.

He carefully poured the potion into several already prepared Crystal Bottles, each emitting a faint golden glow, as if containing a small piece of sunlight.

"Ordinary Qi Blood Potions expire in about ten days, but this Forge Potion can maintain its activity for at least a month, though you’ll need to check their condition frequently when you have time."

Ron explained to Ailan, who was beside him, while labeling each bottle.

Then, he poured the remaining residues into a specially made small basin:

"Ailan, these residues should provide you with plenty of nutrients, you can absorb them."

The tree spirit gently nodded, her roots stretching towards the pile of faintly glowing residue.

This wasn’t the first time.

In the recent potion refinements, Ron noticed that Ailan seemed to particularly enjoy absorbing the remaining residues, especially those containing plant essences or energy remnants.

What surprised him more was that after Ailan absorbed these residues, she seemed to undergo some subtle changes.

Initially, these changes were subtle—the color of the vines became deeper, branches more resilient, and roots extended further.

But gradually, the changes became more pronounced.

The initially light green skin became more lustrous, vines more flexible and powerful.

Ailan’s form started to slowly transform into a humanoid shape, the previously rough outline of the tree trunk gradually forming a gentle feminine silhouette.

Its branches no longer just plant tissue but began forming textures akin to hair and garments, with woven emerald leaves like a beautiful green dress.

Ron pondered as he watched Ailan absorb the residues.

The vines would glow faintly upon contact with the residues, as if performing a kind of energy conversion.

The magical power fluctuations emanating from her also became much more intense compared to when she first arrived, no longer weak and passive, but active and rhythmic, like a silent song of life.

"Could this be what Magnus meant with those words before he left?"

Ron recalled the elder alchemist saying: "Treat it well, and it will repay you more."

He remembered searching the library for information about the bloodline origins of the tree spirits. According to legend, the ancestors of tree spirits came from the Divine Era’s "Forest Nymphs."

They were transcendent beings with divine nature, known as "fairies of the forest," and while not strong in combat, they possessed many incredible talent abilities.

Forest Nymphs could communicate with plants, sense the pulse of the earth, and even foresee futures related to nature.

In some ancient texts, Forest Nymphs are described as the kin of the Earth Mother Goddess, responsible for maintaining the balance and vitality of the forest.

If these legends are true, then the changes happening to Ailan might be a return to the form of her ancestors?

"Ailan, how... do you feel?" Ron asked tentatively.

Ailan looked up, and in those once calm eyes, there seemed to be a hint of liveliness. Vines spelled out letters in the air:

"Very warm, like basking in the sunshine."

This answer was longer and more emotional than usual.

Ron nodded slightly, more convinced of his hypothesis.

Ailan was undergoing some transformation, and the energy in the potion residue was the catalyst.

"If such effects can be produced by potion residue, then what about the more compatible bloodline activation agents..."

However, the recent changes in Ailan had slowed, possibly because the energy stimulation from the residue no longer had much effect.

Thinking about it, if the tree spirit’s bloodline concentration were high enough to be easily activated, the slave merchants would not have let him get such a bargain.

However, at least this transformation proved that the tree spirit had deep bloodline potential to be explored...

Ron’s thoughts raced, and he began to form plans in his mind.

Tomorrow, he plans to enroll in new courses in the teaching area.

After all, working behind closed doors always yields limited results, and the systematic teaching provided by the school can help him master new knowledge faster.

"Alchemy Practice" and "Elemental Affinity" are the two courses he is most interested in.

With this in mind, Ron focused his attention back on the work before him.

There were still a few customer orders for magic potions to be completed today, and time waits for no one.

......

Early the next morning, Ron arrived at the school’s teaching area.

The buildings here were much more magnificent than in the dormitory area, with towering stone towers and suspended corridors connecting the various buildings, creating a spectacular sight.

He walked towards the registration area with a well-organized course list.

The center of the teaching area was an octagonal hall, where sunlight filtered through the stained glass ceiling, creating kaleidoscopic beams of light.

In the center of the hall stood a large three-dimensional star map, surrounded by registration areas for various courses.

When Ron walked to the enrollment area, he unexpectedly saw a familiar figure—Holt, a regular at the herb store since his candidate apprentice days and one of the Law Enforcement Team’s leaders.

At this moment, Holt stood at the registration desk for "Advanced Elemental Magic," handing over Magic Stone Fragments.

He wore the standard dark gray uniform of the Law Enforcement Team, with a special badge representing authority on his waist, exuding an aura that was both restrained and powerful.

Noticing Ron’s gaze, Holt turned his head, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly, then showing a hint of surprise that turned into a look of approval.

"Alchemist Ron," he approached with a courteous smile, his voice deep and steady: "I heard you recently became a Professional Alchemist. It seems the news is true."

"Lord Holt." Ron responded politely with a slight nod: "Long time no see."

Holt’s gaze lingered briefly on Ron’s Alchemist Badge, then swept over his overall magic power fluctuations, as if assessing something.

"You shouldn’t address me with such respect now."

Holt said softly: "You are now a Professional Alchemist, and as I know, certified personally by Master Magnus. In the school system, we are now equals."

This direct change in attitude surprised Ron a bit, but he soon realized that in a place like the Black Mist Jungle, strength and ability are the keys to everything.

Holt was obviously a very rational and pragmatic person.

"Alright, I intend to enroll in ’Alchemy Practice’ and ’Elemental Affinity’ courses."

Ron adjusted his approach and got straight to the point: "Does Senior Holt have any insights on these courses?"

"What a coincidence, I just graduated from the ’Elemental Affinity’ course not long ago."

Holt said, leading Ron to the registration desk with a rare warmth in his tone:

"If you’re looking to broaden your knowledge, these two are indeed excellent choices."

They arrived at the registration desk for "Alchemy Practice," where the responsible apprentice looked up wearily.

"Name, authority rank?" the apprentice asked mechanically.

"Ron Ralph, Professional Alchemist." Ron handed over his badge.

The apprentice’s attitude immediately became respectful:

"Alchemist Ron, according to the discount regulations, your tuition fee for ’Alchemy Practice’ after the discount is thirty-five pieces of Magic Stone Fragment for one month. Do you have any special requirements?"

"No special requirements, thank you." Ron replied, while taking out the prepared Magic Stone Fragments.

Just then, Holt suddenly spoke: "Assign him to Master Thompson’s class."

The apprentice hesitated as he looked at the Law Enforcement Team badge on Holt’s chest, then nodded: "Master Thompson’s class... okay, I will arrange for that."

After they walked away, Ron looked at Holt in confusion: "Master Thompson?"