"According to the Chip's simulations and calculations, the basic Meditation Method is most effective when constructing
"No wonder even a fifth-tier aptitude apprentice has to linger at the third-tier threshold for so long!"
Leilin Farell stared at the formulas and results, lost in thought.
"I've been at the Academy this long and haven't heard of any apprentice who has an advanced Meditation Method. Besides, the personal disciples of other mentors all spend at least several years stuck at Second-rank Apprentice. It seems even mentors can't help much with Meditation Methods—I can drop that idea!"
"As for material assistance, there are a few formulas among the elementary potions that can boost Spiritual Power, but they're pricey. The raw materials are even more expensive, and the success rate is pitiful…"
"But I have the Chip! My success rate will definitely be higher than other apothecaries. This path of boosting Spiritual Power is still feasible!"
Leilin made his decision. "Next step: collect potion formulas that enhance Spiritual Power, sell potions outside to exchange for resources to refine them!"
"But the Academy grounds aren't safe right now. How am I supposed to go out and find the black market or small exchange gatherings?"
He furrowed his brow again. "With these problems, the Academy mentors surely won't just sit idly by. If I wait a while, things should settle down. I'll focus on getting the Spiritual Power potion formulas first."
If even a full
Early the next morning, Leilin stood before Mentor Guofate.
"Potion formulas that enhance Spiritual Power?" Guofate looked somewhat surprised. "The success rates for crafting those potions are too low, the resources required are extremely expensive, and many apothecaries have bankrupted themselves over them. Only heirs of major families could possibly afford…"
Despite Leilin's impressive apothecary talent, Guofate still felt this disciple was aiming too high.
"Mentor, as you know, my aptitude is only third-tier. Between a third-tier apprentice and a full Wizard, there's an even bigger threshold. The younger you are when you attempt to become a Wizard, the higher the success rate. I want to take that gamble!"
Leilin spoke softly.
"Sigh… you!" Guofate sighed and slowly sat down. "I do have a few formulas for elementary Spiritual Power potions, but when I obtained them, I signed a contract with the seller prohibiting any resale. And the formulas I've improved myself are absolutely beyond what you could afford…"
"How many Magic Stones?" Leilin's heart sank, but he asked anyway.
"Heh! I knew you wouldn't give up. Five thousand Magic Stones—only because you're my student!"
Leilin sucked in a cold breath, then gave a bitter smile. "Looks like I don't have a chance."
"An improved Spiritual Power potion formula requires an apothecary to experiment continuously for over a decade, even decades. The cost during that time is naturally enormous. And once you possess a signature potion formula, that's often the beginning of an apothecary's fortune. The high price is perfectly reasonable," Guofate explained.
Monopoly is where the real profit lies. Leilin nodded slowly.
But that also depended on the person. If some ordinary apprentice held a precious formula, not only full Wizards—even Leilin himself might entertain some dark thoughts. But Guofate was a full Wizard, backed by the Black Bone Forest Academy, and well-connected. Only someone like him could afford to have no worries.
"However, if you truly have your heart set on it, there isn't no way at all!"
Just as Leilin, disappointed, was about to take his leave, Guofate spoke up again.
"Looks like there might be a lead!" Leilin felt a secret thrill and quickly bowed.
"I can't give you my improved formulas, but I have a few formulas from the ancient era—Wizards of old. I obtained them during several expeditions. You can take them and give them a try!" Guofate said slowly.
"Ancient Wizard formulas?" Leilin was puzzled.
"That's right! The ancient era was the most glorious age of Wizards. Not only did they establish the Ancient Byron Empire that spanned the continent, but they also set their sights on distant other worlds, conquering one plane after another!" Guofate's face flushed with passion, clearly filled with admiration for the might of ancient Wizards.
"Sadly, due to unknown reasons, the Ancient Byron Empire perished overnight, and the ancient Wizard lineage was severed. We only recently began the rise of modern Wizards by recovering ancient documents and research from scattered ruins…"
Guofate slowly recounted a piece of hidden history—something never mentioned in the Academy's history of Wizardry.
"I wonder just how powerful the ancient Wizards truly were?" A look of longing appeared on Leilin's face. He then asked:
"So these formulas—do they have some kind of defect?"
"Correct! You're sharp. These ancient formulas, while more effective, contain many ingredients that are already extinct. At least in my two hundred years of life, I've never heard of anyone finding…"
Guofate continued slowly: "But many apothecaries still have a special fondness for ancient formulas, because they hope to find substitutes. Even if the result is only a fraction of the original's effect, it's still extremely useful for us!"
Leilin felt a surge of joy. With the Chip's help, his research in this area would be far less effort than any other apothecary's.