Chapter 630: Treasures in the Trivial

Lu Yuan looked at the carefully arranged materials in his hand and nodded satisfactorily.

He had grown accustomed to this tedious work, and even began to like it.

As time passed, under Elder Huang's strange yet superb guidance, he not only learned how to manage the medicine hall, assist senior alchemists in preparing materials, and other basic tasks; more importantly, he learned how to adapt on the fly and find his footing in the complex and ever-changing Xiuzhen Jie.

"Lu Yuan, only by standing at the most basic level can you better understand Xiuzhen Jie."

Elder Huang said earnestly.

Lu Yuan nodded to show he understood.

During this time, he missed no detail.

He realized that every step is crucial for an alchemist.

Elder Huang gave Lu Yuan a deep look and asked, "Do you know?"

"Every task contains endless mysteries."

"For example, when organizing materials, a piece of kindling could be a key component of a fire-attribute medicinal herb; when cleaning the alchemy room, a tiny speck of dust could cause the entire pill-refining process to fail; when dealing with waste pills, you need to use your insight to discover any hidden value they might contain."

Lu Yuan listened attentively and felt Elder Huang's emphasis on these trivial tasks.

Elder Huang smiled and said, "Only through constant observation and reflection can you fully utilize your observational skills and practical experience."

"The art of pill refining is the same; you must learn to adapt on the fly and find your footing in the complex and ever-changing Xiuzhen Jie."

Lu Yuan couldn't help but recall the time he spent in the medicine hall.

From initially being clueless and bored with these petty tasks, to now being full of confidence and anticipation, he gradually understood the qualities he would need to become an outstanding alchemist in the future.

He had begun to understand the meaning behind Elder Huang's unusual yet superb guidance.

Through accumulated observational skill and practical experience, he could anticipate problems others hadn't noticed and take timely action.

"Elder Huang, may I ask what I should do next?"

Although Lu Yuan knew that only through personal practice could he reach a higher level, he still wanted to hear Elder Huang's advice on his future development.

Elder Huang smiled and patted Lu Yuan's shoulder: "You have reached this stage; next you can try assisting senior alchemists in preparing materials and observe their entire pill-refining process."

"By learning their techniques and insights, you will gain a deeper understanding of immortal arts and medicines."

Lu Yuan listened with relish, knowing this would be a rare learning opportunity.

After seeing Elder Huang off, he began seeking opportunities to observe the senior alchemists' procedures.

That day, when Lu Yuan stood beside the senior alchemists, he felt a vast and ancient power.

Every movement, every infusion of spiritual power, held infinite possibilities.

Lu Yuan observed silently and carefully recorded every detail.

He focused on the medicinal herbs dancing in the furnace fire, the uniquely glowing vessels, and that powerful, mysterious aura.

He tried to merge himself with it, taking in all sensations. Like chanting a wordless heavenly book, Lu Yuan's heart overflowed with excitement.

In the days after his examination in the Medicine Hall of Profound Spirit Gate, everything began to get on track.

Following Elder Huang's guidance, he continued to faithfully and conscientiously complete various trivial tasks.

At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight spilled into the medicine hall, Lu Yuan was already preparing materials.

He carefully sorted each piece of kindling and each medicinal herb, categorizing them by their properties and storing them properly.

He knew that these seemingly trivial tasks were of non-negligible importance to his cultivation progress and his understanding of the Medicine Dao.

After finishing organizing the materials, Lu Yuan began cleaning the pill room.

He prepared warm water and a gentle cleanser, and carefully wiped every vessel and piece of equipment.

In this process, he could sense the faint spiritual energy emanating from the vessels, and tried to better understand the subtle connection between immortal arts and matter by observing their changes.

In the afternoon, when Lu Yuan helped handle waste pills, he displayed keen insight.

Even the tiniest pill residue, he could uncover hidden potential through meticulous observation.

He gradually mastered the techniques to reprocess and utilize these waste pills.

Each successful attempt let him deepen his understanding of the medicines' properties and the marvels of immortal arts.

In his daily work, Lu Yuan was not limited to learning pill-refining techniques; he also began to grasp survival skills such as adeptly handling interpersonal relations and mastering principles of conduct.

He learned how to maintain confidence and composure when interacting with fellow disciples from other sects, how to display his intelligence before crowds, and to avoid unnecessary quarrels with others as much as possible.

Lu Yuan gradually solidified his standing in the sect, gaining recognition and praise from his senior fellow disciples.

Everyone began to be willing to communicate with him and ask him questions.

Lu Yuan answered each question humbly and candidly, sharing to the best of his ability his understanding and insights into Xiuzhen Jie.

Time flew by; as Lu Yuan continually strove to learn and grow, Elder Huang silently observed his progress.

He knew well that this young man possessed extraordinary potential and talent.

After a period of effort, Lu Yuan had already gained much inspiration and guidance from Elder Huang.

He felt deeply moved, thinking, "Elder Huang taught me how to find treasure in these trivial tasks, whether it concerns my understanding of pill-refining techniques or my own growth—both are immensely helpful."

By the stream, Lu Yuan and Elder Huang had a profound and extraordinarily meaningful conversation.

Elder Huang, through the reflection of his stern yet calm face in the water, said: "Lu Yuan, you have done very well."

"What you have learned in the medicine hall is not only pill-refining techniques, but also the way of handling affairs and insight into interpersonal relations."

"Only when you have mastered these survival skills can you truly cope with the complex and ever-changing Xiuzhen Jie."

Although Lu Yuan understood in his heart, he still earnestly asked: "Elder Huang, may I ask what I should do next?"

Elder Huang smiled and patted Lu Yuan's shoulder: "Next, you can try assisting senior alchemists in pill refining, personally witnessing their procedures and thought processes."

"This will be a precious opportunity on your path of development."

Lu Yuan nodded excitedly, his heart full of anticipation for the future.

He is growing, stepping toward a higher realm.

"Thank you, Elder Huang!"

Lu Yuan said gratefully, "I will do my utmost to learn and comprehend." (End of chapter)