Chapter 124: Chapter 78: Astonishing Potential! The Alchemist of the Giant Whale Gang!_2
Cui He finally pushed the door open, and inside the room an elder sat on a recliner enjoying the cool air. The elder had a beard, kind eyes and a compassionate look, appearing aged but with a robust physique.
“Is that Cui He? Have you found another promising candidate?”
The elder said with a smile all over his face.
The elder was Gong Zheng, the alchemist cultivated by the Giant Whale Gang. Due to his age and health, he had been preparing to retire. As a condition, he needed to train a new alchemist to take over his duties for the gang.
Cui He nodded, took out the Qi Increasing Pill, and handed it to Gong Zheng with a measure of respect, “Master Gong, this is Pill Medicine concocted by a young alchemist a few days ago. Please have a look.”
The Giant Whale Gang had not only tested Su Changkong; before him, two freelance alchemists had also been evaluated, but Gong Zheng, who had high standards, found their products mediocre and did not consider them suitable to take over his position.
Gong Zheng took the bottle of Qi Increasing Pills and poured them all out, examining them closely.
“These seven Qi Increasing Pills were concocted in three batches; the success rate is quite ordinary.”
Gong Zheng had a sharp eye and could even tell that these Qi Increasing Pills were not all from the same batch.
“Hmm?” But soon, Gong Zheng let out a sound of surprise.
“What’s wrong?” Cui He quickly asked.
Gong Zheng scrutinized the seven Qi Increasing Pills with gleaming eyes, “These seven Qi Increasing Pills were concocted in three batches. In terms of quality, they can only be considered average… but there is a very obvious improvement! Almost every batch of pill medicine has significant progress!” “Does that mean he’s qualified?” Cui He also felt a surge of joy and said.
The quicker this matter was settled, the less he would have to busy himself!
Gong Zheng pondered and said, “You mentioned he’s a very young lad? He must not have had any guidance, but his talent for alchemy… probably isn’t inferior to this old man’s. With a bit of instruction, he should make quick progress! Let him come to the Giant Whale Gang… Have him follow me in concocting pill medicine for a period, and then we’ll assess his improvement.” “Good!”
Cui He nodded repeatedly. The products of the previous two alchemists were completely dismissed by Gong Zheng.
But the Qi Increasing Pills concocted by this Mr. Su made Gong Zheng believe he possessed great potential in alchemy. This was practically equivalent to half the battle won, having him directly come to the Giant Whale Gang. With some nurturing, once his alchemical skills improved, he could take over for Gong Zheng!
“I will head to Ink Forest Prefecture City tomorrow, Master Gong you rest first.”
Cui He bid farewell and left the room.
Gong Zheng stretched and murmured to himself, “I hope the kid doesn’t disappoint me. I hope his progress is fast. I’ve been with the Giant Whale Gang for decades… I don’t want to waste the rest of my time here.”
A while ago, Gong Zheng fell seriously ill and then claimed he was unfit to continue due to his health, but it was actually a ruse he concocted himself.
Having spent decades with the Giant Whale Gang refining pill medicine, Gong Zheng had grown weary of this lifestyle. Despite being in good health for his age, he yearned to see the outside world during his final years, instead of dying here, which was why he was so eager to find a successor.
“Knock knock knock!”
The next morning, the door of the manor where Su Changkong lived was knocked upon.
“Is that Cui He? So soon?”
Having just finished practicing the Five Animal Frolics early in the morning, Su Changkong heard the knocking and was surprised, as it seemed that only Cui He would visit his residence.
Su Changkong went to the door and opened it.
Indeed, it was Cui He standing outside!
Cui He said with a bright face, “Mr. Su, you’ve qualified! Master Gong appreciates your potential, he will personally guide you in alchemy. If your alchemy meets the standard, you’ll take his place and become the official alchemist of the Giant Whale Gang!”
Cui He brought good news to Su Changkong. Even though Su Changkong had been prepared, he couldn’t help feeling a bit of joy. To become an alchemist of the Giant Whale Gang meant an endless opportunity to practice alchemy using someone else’s resources to improve his own skills!
“Well, then I thank Master Gong for his regard,” Su Changkong nodded.
Seeing that Su Changkong did not show excessive excitement or lose composure, Cui He nodded to himself. This young man’s equanimity alone was quite extraordinary!
“Mr. Su, would you be available to accompany me to the Giant Whale Gang now?” Cui He continued.
“That’s fine, I’ll pack my luggage.”
Su Changkong was always quick to act. After saying this to Cui He, he began packing his belongings.
Su Changkong’s luggage was not extensive: two Iron-Cutting Swords, sleeve-crossbows, several silver notes, and some spare sets of clothes, not much else.
“Mr. Su, do you also practice martial arts?”
Cui He, seeing the outline of the Iron-Cutting Swords wrapped in cloth, couldn’t help but ask.
“Being away from home, one must know how to protect oneself. I practice when I have the time,” Su Changkong replied, not hiding the fact that he knew martial arts.
“Let’s go then,” Cui He did not pursue further, whether Su Changkong knew martial arts was not important to him or the Giant Whale Gang. What mattered was his alchemy!
With the strength of the Giant Whale Gang, it wasn’t just Body Refinement martial artists that were plentiful; even those in the Qi-Blood Realm were numerous. Whether it was the Gang Leader Sikong Yong or his son and daughter, they were among the top experts in Ink Forest Prefecture City!
After packing, Su Changkong left with Cui He, heading to the Giant Whale Gang’s headquarters.
Departing in the morning, the two arrived at the Giant Whale Gang in the afternoon..