Chapter 316: Chapter 316: Reciprocity and Shearing the Sheep

Princess Lan Yue watched Yang Chan, who was surrounded by a crowd, and felt no particular surprise at his promotion to Intermediate Pharmacist.

While she was Refining Elixirs in the Earth Fire Institute, she had also seen Yang Chan at work. Although his technique wasn’t particularly brilliant, his Pill Formation Success Rate was still very high. This was an indirect testament to Yang Chan’s Pharmacist Ability.

After all, they could both refine the Cyan Spirit Pill, so their abilities were naturally on a similar level.

’The potential he’s displayed is quite good. He has a shot at becoming a Top Level Pharmacist, which only puts him a little bit behind me.’

’That’s right. In my eyes, Yang Chan is just "not bad." Naturally, he can’t compare to me.’

After all, her Alchemy Ability was even stronger than Yang Chan’s. Her master, Xu Chuan, had told her in private that she had the potential to become a King-level Pharmacist, though he also warned her to be careful and not expose her full capabilities.

Even members of the Imperial Family had to understand that standing out would make one a target.

Within the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, there were remnants of the previous dynasty and assassins from the Empire, all of whom targeted the Great Zhou Imperial Family.

As soon as one group was eliminated, another would appear, seemingly in an endless stream.

However, Yang Chan’s promotion to Intermediate Pharmacist was also beneficial for her. It would be more justifiable to have certain other Elixirs refined, and she could now acquire them through him.

At the same time, she could also use Yang Chan’s status within the Cyan Yuan Sect to obtain even more precious Superior Spirit Medicines. The benefits were obvious.

Thus, a rare smile appeared on Princess Lan Yue’s face.

Although she wore the Thousand-Faced Treasure Artifact, her expression was extremely natural and not at all stiff—such was the power of the Treasure Weapon.

"I’m in a good mood today. Your monthly pay is doubled for this month."

Yang Chan hadn’t actually felt much about his promotion to Intermediate Pharmacist, but the joy from Han Bingyu and the others was infectious, and he found himself feeling happy as well.

The reward of silver coins was nothing to him.

Such was the influence of emotion.

Yang Chan hadn’t enjoyed the quiet in Yuanqing Courtyard for long before, just as he’d expected, people began arriving to congratulate him on his promotion. Among them were Pharmacists like Zhao Yi, along with several Elders from the Cyan Yuan Sect.

Before long, Yang Chan’s courtyard was bustling with people.

Seeing this, Yang Chan had no choice but to greet his well-wishers and exchange pleasantries.

It had been the same when someone in the Cyan Yuan Sect was promoted to Inner Master. At that time, he had also gone to offer congratulations and brought Elixirs as a congratulatory gift.

Now the tables were turned, and it was these people bringing him congratulatory gifts.

Yang Chan had Han Bingyu and the others entertain the guests while also recording the gifts they brought.

Since these people had brought him gifts, he would be expected to return the favor the next time they had something to celebrate.

This was the nature of reciprocity.

One had to go through these motions in life. Blending in was the best option; being too reclusive would only draw unwanted attention. Yang Chan was well aware of this.

Whether in his past life or in this world, some truths were eternal.

...

"Phew... they’re finally all gone. Xiaoxiang, can you give me a massage tonight? Your technique is excellent."

"I’ll return the favor afterward."

Xiaomei watched the last wave of people leave. The sky had already grown dark, and they had been busy for a long time.

"Okay, I’ll help you in a bit, but I have to go tidy up first."

Princess Lan Yue nodded, then walked toward the study.

Inside the study, Yang Chan sat alone, surrounded by the many gift boxes he had moved there.

"Pharmacist Yang!"

Princess Lan Yue called out, her eyes scanning the room.

"Among these congratulatory gifts are several Superior Spirit Medicines. We have all the materials for the Divine Growth Pill and the Three Revolutions Nourishing Viscera Pill now. Do you want to do another round of Alchemy in the next couple of days?"

Princess Lan Yue asked, having first confirmed that she and Yang Chan were alone.

The reason she was so proactive was that her Cultivation of the Emperor’s Shocking Book was highly draining, and she needed to replenish her reserves.

It wasn’t as convenient for her to perform Alchemy as it once was, so she had no choice but to find Yang Chan. She could only tag along if he agreed.

"We can, but it will have to be the day after tomorrow."

"More people might come by over the next two days. Besides, I have to pay a visit to the Hall Master, so we’ll have to postpone it."

Yang Chan nodded.

Among the congratulatory gifts, some were quite substantial. More importantly, they were items he actually needed, which was a great help. Yang Chan made a mental note of those who had sent them.

For them to send gifts he needed, they had clearly heard about his previous Alchemy sessions and were being considerate. ’If these people were to ask me for a favor in the future, I might be willing to help, within reason.’

’Under normal circumstances, they’d probably be asking me to refine Elixirs for them. I’m not opposed to that; in fact, it’s a good opportunity. I could earn a generous reward and maybe even get my hands on some Pill Formulas with unique effects. That would be helpful.’

’After all, I still want to increase my Daily Potential Point Collection, and those unique Pill Formulas are one of my targets.’

"All right."

For Princess Lan Yue, all that mattered was confirming a time for the Alchemy.

She needed more Elixirs to advance her Martial Arts Cultivation. Performing Alchemy also helped her maintain her touch, keeping her skills from getting rusty, which was very important.

As for advancing her Pharmacist Level, she wasn’t in a hurry. Such Advanced Elixirs wouldn’t be very useful to her right now; with her current Cultivation level, forcing their use wouldn’t accelerate her progress. A steady, methodical pace was her best option.

"You’ve seen the gifts we received. More will arrive over the next two days. Take a look then and see what other Elixirs we can refine. We can continue our work."

Yang Chan continued.

’I naturally have to fleece this sheep, Princess Lan Yue, for all she’s worth. It would be a waste not to.’

"Of course, Pharmacist Yang. I understand. I will sort through them carefully."

Princess Lan Yue heard him and didn’t refuse. If she found any suitable Pill Formulas, especially those useful to her, she certainly wouldn’t hide them. In fact, she would be even more eager to refine them than Yang Chan.

She could share these without any issue, as long as she kept the most crucial knowledge to herself.

She had also heard that the Cyan Yuan Sect was about to bring back a batch of Superior Spirit Medicines from a Secret Realm in Silver State. When that happened, she would be able to refine even more Elixirs.

"Alright. Is there anything else?"

Yang Chan asked, looking at Princess Lan Yue.

It was already late. Between his promotion to Intermediate Pharmacist and entertaining all the well-wishers, he still hadn’t completed his daily cultivation regimen.

’If Princess Lan Yue hadn’t come looking for me, I’d be soaking in the Dragon Bone Medicine Bath right now, enjoying a massage from Han Bingyu.’

’Can’t miss out on my Daily Potential Point Collection.’