Inside the Alchemy Hall, Luo Chen stood before a group of twenty or so cultivators, delivering his first-day speech. His words were a blend of encouragement and criticism, pointing out their room for improvement while setting clear expectations. Once he finished, he dismissed them.0

As they left, Luo Chen muttered to himself, "Although they’re all mid-stage cultivators, most are old, weak, or frail, and a majority of them are female cultivators.0

"They must have been transferred directly from the Medicine Hall. They seem to know my sister-in-law Murong.0

With these thoughts lingering, Luo Chen made his way toward his personal residence within the Alchemy Hall.0

Unlike other dwellings located in the valley or on the mountainside, his residence was built right next to the alchemy room, nestled beside a small mountain spring and a pond.0

Upon entering, he found Mi Shuhua already waiting for him, flanked by the two Alchemy Hall stewards, Sikong Shoujia and Gu Caiyi.0

There was no time for small talk—they got straight to business, the future direction of the Alchemy Hall.0

"Fasting pills can be refined, but we shouldn’t make too many....1