Chapter 5

As they gradually approached the central area of the market, Luo En's eyes began to look around constantly.

Everything here was full of freshness to him—

Various strange hawking sounds rose and fell:

"Fresh magic snake gall! Guaranteed to be taken just this morning!"

"Top-grade phantom scale powder! Imported directly from the Fairy Village!"

"Special clearance! Selling failed experimental bodies at half price!"

The stalls in the market were filled with dazzling goods, many of which Luo En had only seen in books

—glowing little people in glass bottles, colorful crystals floating in the air, magical beasts under a binding spell...

A merchant with goat horns enthusiastically waved at them: "Would the two lords like to take a look? This is authentic goblin craftsmanship..."

"Don't pay attention to him." Andre whispered, "This guy's things are all counterfeits, specifically to cheat us candidate apprentices."

Not far away, a snake-woman merchant dragging a long tail was skillfully weighing a chameleon, her slender snake tongue flicking out from time to time while speaking:

"Hiss... this batch of goods comes from the edge of the abyss, the efficacy is three times stronger than ordinary ones; buy from me, I'll give you a discount..."

"Don't look for now..." Andre patted his shoulder, "The most important thing now is to find the materials for scorching essential oil; let's hurry."

On their way through the market, a scene in the distance attracted Luo En's attention.

A middle-aged man in a white wizard robe was leading more than a dozen apprentices toward the school's central hall.

"Which wizard adult is that?" Luo En asked softly.

Andre looked in the direction of his gaze, a trace of respect flashing in his eyes:

"That is Lord Fernandez, a formal wizard, majoring in elemental spells. He regularly holds several paid consultations every month, specifically answering questions raised by talented apprentices."

"Formal wizard?" Luo En's heart tightened; he was full of awe and fear for the existence at this level.

In his cognition, a formal wizard has the power to turn apprentices into experimental materials and is a terrifying existence that is difficult to contend with.

Andre seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled slightly:

"Don't be so nervous; although formal wizards do possess terrifying power, most of them will not abuse their power. Especially those wizards who choose to serve as mentors, they are really willing to cultivate newcomers with potential."

"You mean, they won't grab apprentices for experiments at will?" Luo En was somewhat incredulous.

"Of course not." Andre shook his head:

"They only punish those apprentices who violate important school rules, or deal with dangerous targets that have already begun to distort. In fact, if you show enough talent and potential, they will be very willing to give guidance and help."

Luo En realized something; this was somewhat different from his previous cognition: "Then why is everyone so afraid..."

"Because the power gap between a formal wizard and an apprentice is too large, like a life level of different species."

Andre explained seriously: "Even a high-level apprentice is as fragile as a child in front of a real wizard."

This explanation made Luo En relax a little; at least he didn't have to worry about being grabbed for experiments because of outstanding performance.

Perhaps in such an environment, performing outstandingly and following the rules is the best way to survive.

"After we buy the materials, if there is still time, you can go see the mentor bulletin board."

Andre suggested: "It will list the directions that various wizards are willing to guide, as well as the standards for choosing students. Although you are still a candidate apprentice, it is always good to understand these in advance."

"Then thank you very much." Luo En said sincerely.

………………

When pushing open the mottled wooden door of the herb shop, various strong smells rushed to his face instantly.

The light in the shop was dim, and the flames jumping on the bronze candlestick projected the dense shelves onto the wall, forming twisted shadows.

"We need..."

Andre took out the crumpled notebook and began to look for materials according to the list: "Find red sand grass first, three portions."

He pointed to a glass jar covered with red spots, "It's this one, remember to choose the one with complete roots..."

Luo En looked at the various materials on the shelf, somewhat overwhelmed.

"What is this?" Luo En pointed to a circular container, inside which floated clusters of translucent spheres, looking like some kind of egg.

"Egg sac of moonlight jellyfish."

The golden-haired boy answered without raising his head: "Material used to make transparent potions, but the price is too expensive; one costs twenty magic stone fragments."

"Over here." Andre walked to another row of shelves, "Phoenix tail flower powder... ah, here it is."

He carefully took down a bottle sealed with golden powder, the powder flickering with fine sparks in the faint light:

"This thing is very delicate; it will fail if it touches a little moisture."

"Also need the stems of carbon breath grass..." He continued to rummage: "It's the one that smokes... yes, that one."

Luo En watched Andre skillfully shuttle between the shelves, occasionally stopping to carefully check the quality of a certain material.

"This silver mushroom looks a bit old." He frowned and checked a mushroom emitting silver light: "But it can only be used for now."

Putting the last material into the cloth bag, Andre clapped his hands: "Okay, all set. These materials are enough for you to practice configuring several times..."

Speaking of this, he looked at his waist somewhat hesitantly; the money bag was obviously a bit flatter than when he came.

Just as the two were about to leave after checking out, the shopkeeper's hoarse voice suddenly sounded: "Wait, two little guests."

It was an old woman with a face full of wrinkles, the half-exposed eye glowing with a faint green light in the dim candlelight:

"I don't know if you are interested in potion refining? I happen to be recruiting an assistant here..."

Luo En's heart moved, but Andre had already pulled him out: "Sorry, we still have things to do."

Until they walked far away from the shop's door, Andre pursed his lips and explained:

"That old woman is notoriously harsh; the assistants under her have been changed batch after batch. Although the salary offered is quite high, she is not willing to give even half a magic stone fragment during the probation period. Over time, no one is willing to waste time going there."

So that's it; this is quite consistent with her.

"Is that so?" Luo En said thoughtfully: "But since she can offer a high salary, presumably she still has some skills."

Andre saw through his thoughts: "You wouldn't be thinking of..."

"I plan to try tomorrow." Luo En nodded and then stated his plan:

"Anyway, I also need a place to practice now; instead of spending a lot of money to buy materials and fumble by myself, it's better to find an experienced master to give pointers."

"Alright then." Andre sighed, "But I have to remind you, that shopkeeper's temper is not very good. If you can't meet her requirements, I'm afraid you won't even be able to survive the probation period."

"I understand." Luo En showed a smile: "So please accompany me tomorrow."

He helped Andre start packing up various materials: "I'll go back later and make an appointment with her for tomorrow's time."

Looking at Luo En's confident appearance, Andre suddenly had a strange premonition—perhaps, the result of this application would be different from the past.

He handed the cloth bag containing various materials to Luo En, a trace of imperceptible worry flashing in his eyes.

"These materials should be enough for now." Andre said somewhat painfully, and added: "Remember, every failure is wasting materials."

Luo En took the cloth bag and saw the other party's concerns.

He is probably afraid that I won't practice well and will ask for a refund, Luo En thought secretly.

After all, fifty magic stone fragments are quite a small fortune for the current Thirteenth Prince.

Back in the room, the golden-haired boy didn't say much and immediately began to teach Luo En how to configure scorching essential oil.

The tools were very simple—a chipped ceramic pot as a stove, a few crooked iron bars as stirring rods, and even the measuring tools were replaced by rough homemade graduated cups.

"First, chop the roots of the red sand grass."

Andre leaned his head to look at the special reaction in the ceramic pot while giving guidance:

"Yes, that's it, be careful not to throw away the root hairs; that's where the most concentrated fire element is contained."

As the materials were successively put into the ceramic pot, a strange heat flow began to surge in the pot.

Small bubbles burst on the surface of the red liquid, occasionally making a slight cracking sound.

"Now add phoenix tail flower powder..."

Andre's voice suddenly raised: "Wait! Don't pour it directly in, the reaction will be very violent! Sprinkle it in slowly, let them spread evenly on the liquid surface."

Luo En operated carefully according to the instructions, watching the golden powder form a complete ring on the liquid surface, then slowly sink, stirring up ripples of firelight.

The first attempt was successfully completed under Andre's guidance; when configuring for the second time, Andre deliberately stepped aside and stopped speaking, intending to see Luo En's true level.

To his surprise, Luo En's movements were smooth and flowing, as if he had done it thousands of times.

Every step's dosage was just right, and the timing was also exceptionally precise.

Although it was far from real potion refining, Luo En believed he was capable of just adjusting this body-tempering essential oil, which had a simple process.

"Could it be that this kid really has talent in potions..."

Andre muttered to himself: "When I was guided by my father, the conditions were much better than now, but it also took many attempts before..."

Just as the second "scorching essential oil" was successfully completed, a string of translucent information suddenly appeared before Luo En's eyes:

【One refining session completed √】

【Profession change conditions met:

1. Basic Potions (Proficient 9/100) √

2. Complete one refining session √

Do you want to immediately change profession to—Potion Apprentice?】

(End of chapter)