CHAPTER 249: CHAPTER 172: ZI... KURU... NYAGG... LOTIPU..._3

3. Bloodline Modulator Certification (conducted simultaneously with Advanced Apprentice Certification)

4. Soul Steel Magic Sword Sketch Creation (ongoing)

5. Stand-In Puppet and Melting Furnace Concept Practice (ongoing)

6. Selection of Precious Ancient Books (whenever there is time)

The plan is clear, and the next step is to execute it in an orderly manner.

Just as he was about to start the first task, a gentle knock on the door echoed.

"Teacher, breakfast is ready."

Lilia’s gentle voice came from outside the door.

Ron smiled slightly. Over this period, Lilia had unknowingly become an indispensable part of the workshop.

She not only demonstrated remarkable talent in Magic Potion Making, but also meticulously and considerately managed the workshop’s daily chores with great orderliness.

From material procurement to tool cleaning, from workshop environment maintenance to paperwork organization.

These trivial tasks, which once consumed a lot of Ron’s time, have now been efficiently taken over by her.

The most commendable thing is that she has also established a comprehensive material classification and record system, making the workshop operate more smoothly.

Ron opened the door; Lilia was standing outside holding a delicate tray, on which there was a steaming cup of herbal tea and several perfectly shaped pastries.

"Teacher looks quite spirited."

Lilia said with a smile, handing the tray to Ron:

"I noticed that several critical materials in the warehouse are running low. I plan to go to the market for procurement this morning. Is there anything special you need?"

"Indeed, there are a few things."

Ron took the tray and pulled a list out of his pocket:

"These are the materials needed for Trish’s Natural Affinity Potion. Some are quite rare and may require visiting a few specific shops."

Lilia took the list, carefully read it, and nodded:

"I know where to buy Moon Orchid and Starlight Flower. As for the Forest Elf Tree Bark..."

She furrowed her brows, pondered for a moment, then regained her confident expression:

"I saw it last time at Kemp Shop, and it should be available."

Ron felt gratified by her increasingly adept professional proficiency:

"It seems you’re more familiar with the market than I am now."

"That’s thanks to your excellent guidance, Teacher."

Lilia said modestly, her face flushing faintly:

"I just try my best to remember each procurement experience in hopes of saving you more time."

Ron nodded: "You’re doing very well. By the way, also keep an eye out for any ’Star Crystal Sand,’ a special alchemy material that’s relatively rare."

"I will certainly keep an eye out." Lilia solemnly nodded, keeping this request in mind.

After seeing Lilia off, Ron began inspecting his Magic Sword design drawings.

In his conception, this "Furnace Sword" would be one of his most important power carriers.

But now, he must first fulfill the promise he made to Trish, after all, he had agreed long ago.

Ron walked to the dedicated Magic Potion work area and began preparing to refine the first batch of Natural Affinity Potions.

The formula provided by Trish was indeed precious—just seeing those complex proportions and unique refining requirements made it clear why this potion was considered a rarity.

The formula not only included conventional plant materials but also required several rare Natural Element crystals and Fairy creature essences.

For ordinary alchemists, such a formula would practically be an insurmountable chasm.

Just the precise control over those highly volatile Fairy essences would be enough to deter most alchemists.

But Ron certainly wasn’t an ordinary alchemist.

He habitually arranged various materials in exact order of use, ready to follow the familiar refining process step by step.

However, just as he was about to start, he suddenly realized that he had recently acquired the new skill "Material Transmutation."

"Perhaps it’s time to try a new approach in Magic Potion Refining. I’ve been so busy with other things that I almost forgot."

Ron took a deep breath, began activating the new Perception Ability within him, and focused his attention on the materials in front of him.

In an instant, it was as if a whole new world unfolded before his eyes.

The microscopic structure of each material, the flow trajectory of Energy in each wisp, and the interactions between each molecule—all presented themselves in a peculiar way within his perception.

"This is the true power of ’Material Transmutation...’"

Ron marveled internally, attempting to guide the Magic Potion Refining process in a completely new way.

The first step was processing the Moon Orchid.

Previously, he had to extract its essence with strict cutting methods and time windows, carefully operating the entire process for at least half an hour with full concentration.

But now, with just a gentle thought, he could sense the Energy Nodes inside the Moon Orchid.

His fingers, almost instinctively, gently pressed at specific locations, allowing a silver luminescence to effortlessly flow into the prepared container.

The entire process took less than five minutes, with efficiency increased by several times, and the purity of the extracted Moon Orchid essence far exceeded previous levels.

The same miracle occurred in each subsequent step.

In traditional refining, the most challenging Forest Elf Tree Bark required extremely complex preliminary processing and slow Energy guidance in ordinary Magic Potion refining.

The slightest mistake would cause a disruption in its Natural Elements, ruining the entire potion.

But now, Ron could directly "see" the energy network inside the bark, allowing the connection of stable links between different materials.

Three hours later, when the first bottle of Natural Affinity Potion was successfully completed, Ron couldn’t help but feel a little dazed.

Not only had the entire refining process more than doubled in speed, but the quality of the final product was also a delightful surprise.

The Magic Potion in the bottle displayed an almost transparent green hue, with fine specks of light drifting like fireflies within, emitting a fresh, vital aroma.

Its purity and stability far surpassed the standards the formula itself could achieve.

"This isn’t just a quantitative improvement, but a qualitative leap."

Ron carefully sealed the potion, contemplating the significant changes brought by this new ability.

"Material Transmutation," as a fusion of Magic Potion Making and Alchemy, not only inherited the strengths of both but also achieved a fundamental breakthrough on a technical level.

In past Magic Potion Refining, regardless of how refined the technique, it essentially remained an "external guidance."

Alchemists used Spiritual Power and techniques to guide materials to transform according to preset directions.

But now, "Material Transmutation" was an "internal resonance"—the Traits and potential of the materials themselves were directly awakened and guided, resulting in a more natural and harmonious Energy fusion.

It’s like transitioning from forcing materials to comply to having a dialogue with them, leading to natural improvements in efficiency and quality.

"With such high quality, perhaps I should ask Trish for an extra fee... hehe."

Just as Ron was reveling in awe of his new ability, Lilia returned with a basket full of materials, her face full of joy.

"Teacher, I have procured all the materials on the list!"

She exclaimed excitedly, carefully placing the basket on the table:

"Also, I found a newly opened material shop where they had the Star Crystal Sand you mentioned. I bought a small bag."

Ron raised his eyebrows in surprise: "Star Crystal Sand? Usually, that material is hard to come by. You’re quite lucky."

"Not entirely luck." Lilia explained proudly:

"Following the method you taught, I observed several shop owners’ supply channels and found that the owner of this new shop seems to have a background related to the Dwarf City-States, specializing in rare materials."

She retrieved a carefully wrapped small bag from the depths of the basket:

"They asked for a hefty price, but using your bargaining techniques, I successfully cut off about thirty percent of the price."

Ron took the bag, sensing the unique Energy Fluctuation inside—indeed, it was of high-purity Star Crystal Sand.

This material is crucial for the forging of the Magic Sword, enhancing the affinity between metal and Magic Power.

"Well done, Lilia." He genuinely praised, "Your procurement skills are now fully independent."

Embarrassed by the compliment, Lilia hastily changed the topic:

"I just followed your instructions. By the way, I saw you finished a potion. Was the progress smooth?"

She curiously looked at the potion:

"It seems very pure, much better than the samples I saw in Basic Magic Potion Theory books."

Ron didn’t respond to this, only suggesting that Lilia take some time to check on the ancient tree in the yard.

Through "Extraordinary Recognition," Ailan should awaken in a few days...