Chapter 109: First Attempt at Refining

Three days passed in a flash.

Lin Ke spent the daytime in the potion shop, learning potion packaging from Di Na.

In the evening he returned to the academy, and in the third-floor underground lab he used intelligent simulation equipment to practice what he had learned that day.

Thus, having reached a level where he could barely manage, he could try packaging some relatively ordinary potions.

Um…

The relatively ordinary potions produced by Se Lin Witch are equivalent to the six potions launched at the press conference for first- and second-level witches; they are a high standard that many potion makers cannot achieve in a lifetime.

When Lin Ke actually handled the potions, he always felt that what he held in his hands was not potion but Magic Stone.

It's scalding hot!

Fortunately Lin Ke is also bold and meticulous, and with the aid of the Brain Seal Technique, even if he stumbled a bit, he still managed to finish the packaging without waste.

This caused Di Na, watching from the side, to click her tongue in amazement.

Thinking back, when Di Na first handled the potions in practice, she ruined several bottles of precious potion base.

It was also good luck that Di Na then encountered a good boss who didn't make her compensate for the loss.

Otherwise, Lin Ke's words would really come true—she couldn't afford to pay even if she sold herself!

"I'm so envious of your talent, little Lin Ke!"

Suddenly, Di Na let out a heartfelt sigh.

Having talent means being willful; you can do as you please.

Di Na believes that before long, once the gaps in his potionology and alchemical potionology knowledge are filled, Lin Ke will become a qualified official potion maker.

And unlike her, he won't need to start from plant and herb pretreatment laborer, fine-processing laborer, packaging assistant, production assistant, apprentice potion maker, then official potion maker, climbing step by step.

She, however, had spent over two years before seizing the rare opportunity when Se Lin Witch returned from the front lines to become a packaging assistant, with hopes of becoming an official potion maker.

Otherwise, it would likely take even more time!

"Ah?"

Lin Ke carefully placed the potion into the refrigerated box, not pretending to be clueless or trying to brush it off, but speaking sincerely: "Di Na sister, what's there to envy? I envy you for graduating from the advanced academy at such a young age. I merely happen to have a little talent in botany and potionology, but whether I can even survive to become an official witch is still up for debate—the road ahead is rough!"

Those words did have a slight comforting effect, but not much.

More than that, it diverted Di Na's attention, making her recall some past events, pleasant or regrettable.

A smile unbidden appeared on her face, and her eyes flickered with a trace of memory and longing.

Anyway, those were verdant years.

Upon regaining her composure, Di Na chuckled and said, "Little Lin Ke, you might not know that the academy arranges an excellent opportunity each in the spring semester of the third year and the spring semester of the fourth year; if you seize either one, advancing to official witch is not difficult."

Lin Ke immediately became interested and pressed, "Could you elaborate, Di Na sister?"

"Cannot elaborate."

Di Na shook her head and said, "The academy has regulations; we cannot divulge too much about this. Just remember: perform well in the Two Districts Grand Comparison, then continue on your current path—do more research, publish more papers, produce more results, the more the better."

After a moment's hesitation, Di Na still emphasized: "For the academy, strong combat ability and outstanding research are always scarce and never in excess."

"Understood."

Lin Ke nodded solemnly and said, "Thank you for the advice, Di Na sister; I will keep it firmly in mind."

"Hmm. Get back to work."

Di Na guessed that Se Lin Witch would be returning soon, so she decided to stop slacking off.

Lin Ke naturally wouldn't refuse; he walked to the workstation and started working.

For the complex, high-difficulty tasks, Lin Ke continued to assist Di Na.

For the relatively simple, lower-difficulty tasks, Lin Ke estimated that if he could handle them himself, he would certainly do so.

Opportunity must not be missed, for it will not come again.

Leaving Se Lin Witch's potion shop, to have another chance to learn the entire potion-making process from start to finish is doubly difficult.

This must be cherished.

Another busy afternoon.

Midway, Se Lin Witch and the huge man Luo Ken returned to the potion shop.

As they passed the stairwell, the huge man Luo Ken inadvertently glanced at the second-floor stair entrance.

To be honest, he really wanted to go up.

However, his hands were truly clumsy, his talent in potionology insufficient, and his build overly large, causing Se Lin Witch to despise him greatly.

Therefore, he envied and was jealous of those with extremely high talent in potionology.

Unfortunately, this talent is an invisible one, unable to be transplanted onto himself like visible physical talents.

What a pity!

The horizon glowed with evening clouds, and it was time to clock off.

Leaving the potion shop, he took the light rail train, arrived at his stop, and walked back toward the academy.

Mo Li couldn't help but ask, "Lin Ke, was the new witch today giving you a hard time?"

She understood Lin Ke more and more, and could see that his reaction to Di Na's questioning at noon today was somewhat unnatural.

"No hardship."

Lin Ke thought and said, "Just something unexpected happened, a bit unpleasant, not too serious."

"Oh, as long as it's nothing, that's fine."

Mo Li consoled, "Even if there is something, you must endure a bit more, after all we only have tomorrow left."

Tomorrow is Sunday of the sixth week of vacation.

The last day of the part-time job.

After that comes a three-day rest, awaiting the start of the spring semester.

Mo Li was a little worried, given Lin Ke's past performance showing a strong vengeful heart, it would make Lin Ke, in his impulsiveness, do the foolish act of using an egg against a stone.

Although she also knew, this worry was somewhat unnecessary.

Hmm, but I'm still worried.

Lin Ke laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm not that reckless."

Hmm.

Mo Li nodded and then said nothing more.

Working as a sales guide, facing an endless stream of customers, introducing one potion after another, there was so much to say.

This made Mo Li not want to speak when it wasn't necessary, and she wasn't keen on chatting.

In the evenings, as usual, it was eating, experiments, meditation, and sleep.

The next day.

Still getting up early, still arriving early.

"Your wages."

Selin Witch was still the first to arrive at the shop, her right hand holding a hot drink and sipping, her left hand's straight, tender white index finger pointing at the two boxes placed on the counter.

One box large, one small, and the Magic Stones inside naturally varied in amount.

The large box was Lin Ke's.

Firstly, he had worked longer; secondly, the wages for pretreatment, refinement, and packaging of plants and herbs were higher.

The small box was Mo Li's; she was quite content, not upset about having less than Lin Ke.

How many first-year Storm Sea Newbloods can't even find a holiday part-time job, and can only stay in the academy, burying themselves in books to study?

Lan Ni. Tai Le, right?

"Thank you, Selin Witch."

Lin Ke and Mo Li thanked together, then each took their own box.

Changing room.

Before changing uniforms, Lin Ke opened the box and glanced inside, finding as many as 54 standard-grade Magic Stones.

After a quick mental calculation, the daily wage for pretreatment of plants and herbs was 1 standard-grade Magic Stone, while refinement and potion packaging were 2 standard-grade Magic Stones each.

This far exceeds the average wage for first-year Storm Sea Newblood holiday part-time jobs disclosed on the forum.

What Mo Li received should be around 30 Magic Stones.

Not bad—she learned many new things, put much theoretical knowledge into practice, and also gained tangible benefits.

After putting away the box, Lin Ke left the changing room full of energy and went up to the second floor.

One must see things through from start to finish.

On the last day of the part-time job, one must be even more responsible and do one's own work well.

Not long after, Tina also came to work, seeing Lin Ke busy in the potion-packaging operation room, having prepared in advance, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Little Lin Ke, you've only been here three days and you've spoiled me."

How so, Ti Na Sis?

Lin Ke placed a batch of matte-finish potion bottles needing preheating into the constant-temperature box, closed the door, turned around, and asked.

"Because you're just too capable."

Ti Na laughed, "These past few days I've been so worry-free; whatever I want, it's there, delivered right to my hand, and I don't even need to do advance preparation."

Lin Ke also smiled, but didn't respond.

A good assistant can indeed noticeably improve work efficiency.

Based on his expectations for Mo Li, the few days Lin Ke assisted Ti Na were him holding himself to those same expectations.

Do one's best to achieve perfection.

After a brief chat, the two each got busy.

The better the potion shop's business, the heavier the workload!

In the evening, after seeing off the last customer.

He closed most of the shop door, flipping the sign hanging on the door handle from "Open for Business" to "Resting".

Selin Witch called everyone to the room that housed the restaurant bar counter.

She waved her hand, and the bar counter immediately began working.

Soon, a tray holding seven cups of clear golden sparkling wine was moved onto the tabletop.

Selin Witch was the first to lift a cup of sparkling wine.

The remaining six followed suit one after another.

The hulking Luo Ken went first, then Sha Li Ya, Ti Na, Ai La, and Lin Ke and Mo Li.

That's how status is demonstrated.

Having been there less than two days, through a few small matters, the hulking Luo Ken displayed his presence and established his status.

Selin Witch raised her cup and toasted: "Linke Grand, Mo Li Ji De Man, congratulations on successfully completing your part-time work. I'm very pleased with your work, so I'm holding a brief farewell party for you."

After saying that, Selin Witch lifted her fair, delicate, slender neck and took a sip of the wine in her cup.

"Thank you, Selin Witch, thank you the three older sisters for their care these days."

Lin Ke also raised his cup, and before drinking gave his thanks.

"Thank you, Selin Witch, for giving me this precious opportunity. Thank you the three older sisters for their careful guidance and protection."

Mo Li's eyes reddened a bit; she was quite reluctant to leave just like that, and she spoke her heartfelt words.

Being a sales guide, just as Selin Witch said at the start, it's inevitable to encounter some difficult customers and inevitably to face some nitpicking.

Sha Li Ya is a gentle older sister; she always notices Mo Li in time and offers comfort and reassurance.

Even Ai La, who took a dislike to Lin Ke, didn't make things hard for Mo Li; on the contrary, she often patiently taught Mo Li some talking points and sales techniques.

Congratulations.

Sha Li Ya, Ti Na, and Ai La all raised their cups, toasting with Lin Ke and Mo Li.

First-year Storm Sea Newblood successfully completed the holiday part-time job; indeed, it is something worth celebrating.

The institute had no explicit requirements, but these performances would be recorded in the file.

Obtaining the two opportunities that Tina let slip was beneficial.

The hulking Luo Ken said nothing, merely taking a sip of wine.

Not acquainted, no friendship.

Moreover, Lin Ke might know a bit more, and Little Mo Li is not completely unaware.

Se Lin Witch spoke again, saying: 'The elementary academy, the advanced academy, and this city are merely superficially peaceful and safe; in fact, danger lurks everywhere. I hope you will advance bravely while also being wary of hidden dangers around you.'

This is because I sincerely admire Linke Grand's talent in potion-making, sincerely believe Linke Grand is worth cultivating, and also sincerely believe that Mo Li Ji De Man has some very notable strengths; thus Se Lin Witch spoke up to offer advice.

For an ordinary person, let alone receiving advice, they wouldn't even have a simple farewell gathering.

Without further ado, I wish you all a bright future!

Se Lin Witch drank the wine in her cup, ending this brief but heartfelt farewell gathering.

Everyone followed suit, also finishing the wine in their cups.

Then, everyone walked out of the room and left the pharmacy.

Whether heading north or east, whether driving themselves or taking public transport, each went their own way.

Life is like this—often gathering, often parting; few gatherings, many partings.

Is it just going to end like this?

Returning to the institute in silence, Mo Li then sighed, 'It feels like the first day on the job happened just yesterday.'

Hmm, it just ended like that.

Lin Ke said lightly, 'I've been tired this period; I should rest a few days, relax, and not push myself too hard.'

Hmm.

Mo Li nodded, let out a long sigh, and felt a sense of regretful loss.

She also didn't know where this emotion came from or why she felt it.

I only felt that this month's experience was far more complex than the previous four-plus months, and the gains were also greater.

There was a faint reluctance, and a faint bewilderment.

But soon, Mo Li expelled this emotion from her heart.

We agreed to be brave; how can we be overly sentimental?

She strode upstairs and returned to the dorm.

Indeed, we need to rest.

As for Lin Ke, let him do whatever he wants.

Anyway, I can't see through that guy, so I can't be bothered to pay attention to him.

We'll talk after we've rested.

Lin Ke left the downstairs of Mo Li's dormitory and headed to the underground third-floor laboratory of the experimental building.

In the laboratory, Lin Ke took out the previously prepared raw materials: Lixuan grass leaf extract, sleepy flower pollen, pure water, bitter root fragrance, and several other plant fragrances.

In Lin Ke's plan, drug development and drug refinement are equally important.

Having gone through the Lixuan grass series—including essential oils, fragrances, and perfumes—Lin Ke already has some experience in drug development.

But in drug refinement, Lin Ke is still a complete novice.

The Lixuan grass series gained praise and sparked a buying frenzy; aside from hype and the influence of the witch equality movement, it was because, after passing through Serafina the Witch's hands, it was elevated in every aspect.

Lin Ke hasn't yet properly refined even a single bottle of finished product.

However, after working part-time for one and a half months—from the pretreatment of plants and herbs, to fine processing, to drug packaging, and even observing Serafina the Witch refine potions a few times during idle moments—Lin Ke felt he could now try to independently refine potions.

It's better to stick with what you know.

As practice, the Lixuan grass series is most suitable.

After adjusting the parameters of several key pieces of equipment, Lin Ke poured the Lixuan grass leaf extract into the crucible and heated it to a boil.

At the same time, the sleepy flower pollen was placed into a reaction furnace engraved with an alchemical rune array; Lin Ke, as required, steadily input a certain frequency and amount of mental power and magical power.

This step is an extension and elevation of Serafina the Witch's approach in Lin Ke's thinking.

Sleepy flower is an ordinary plant; processed by conventional pharmaceutical methods, it might have some effect on witch apprentices, but not much.

Let alone for fully fledged witches.

After being elevated by the alchemical rune array, the efficacy of sleepy flower pollen is enhanced; as an auxiliary ingredient in potions, it is now fully qualified.

Sleepy flower pollen needs to undergo a relatively long alchemical reaction.

Lin Ke turned back to handle the already-boiled Lixuan grass leaf extract.

Filter out impurities, let it cool and stand, then further process it to crystallize.

Grind the crystallized leaf extract into powder, add it to the main reaction furnace engraved with a set of alchemical rune arrays, input a certain frequency and amount of mental power and magical power, and preheat for fifteen minutes first.

This step was also added by Serafina the Witch.

It can maximize the activation of the Lixuan grass leaf extract's efficacy.

Compared to conventional pharmaceutical processing, its positive effect on meditation is of a higher order.

After preheating, the sleepy flower pollen is now ready and transferred into the main reaction furnace.

Add five times the amount of pure water, patiently simmer for two hours, and you can obtain a high-concentration stock solution of Lixuan grass essential oil.

Having done these, Lin Ke took a brief rest and continued refining the Lixuan grass fragrance and perfume.

Late night, early morning.

Lin Ke finally finished the first formal potion brewing.

The original liquids of Lixuan grass aromatherapy essential oil, fragrance, and perfume were placed in three large-capacity glass jars, each set before Lin Ke.

From each of the three glass jars, one drop of original liquid was taken and sent into the instrument for testing.

Soon after, the test results came out.

Lin Ke carefully reviewed all the data, feeling both satisfied and somewhat regretful.

The satisfaction lay in that the three original liquids had already met the qualified standard, and could be diluted, bottled, and put on the market.

The regret lay in that several data indicators were somewhat lower than expected, and this problem arose because of Lin Ke's preparation technique.

"Still need to keep working hard."

He muttered to himself, and Lin Ke continued working.

He diluted and bottled each original liquid, then stored them in the refrigeration equipment.

Then he cleaned all the equipment and instruments previously used in the laboratory, and directed the intelligent puppets to clean up.

Only after the laboratory was cleaned, items sorted, did Lin Ke change his clothes and return to the dormitory.

He washed up, did deep meditation, and fell into a sound sleep.

He slept soundly until dawn.

After Lin Ke tidied his personal hygiene, he went to the study.

He spread out paper and pen, recalled the process, mistakes, errors, and insights of last night's first potion brewing, and Lin Ke began to write.

From raw material preparation, to adjusting the parameters of the brewing equipment, then to processing the auxiliary ingredients, processing the main ingredients, the required potion‑making methods and alchemical potion techniques, and finally to all the precautions and his own brewing insights, he wrote them all down.

He outlined the main points and analyzed them in detail.

oc〇

Mo Li followed the study; as long as she was willing to spend time and energy, and think, she could learn it quickly.

When one person succeeds, even the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven; roughly speaking, that's how it is.

(End of chapter)