Text-based martial arts: A nighttime rendezvous with the gang leader's wife in a dilapidated te

Location: Danfang Courtyard, Shen Family Residence, Eastern Suburbs of Jinling City

[Time: 1:15 PM, August 2nd, 4th year of Tianwu]

Elixirs are an essential item in the entire martial arts world.

Every powerful family and major sect has experts in this field!

[And the old ghost before them was clearly no less formidable.]

[The forbidden method of refining medicine with blood makes it seem like a vengeful ghost.]

[You weren't paying attention to any of that; your entire focus was on this very moment, on the old ghost's actions.]

Alchemy is a vast and profound field of knowledge.

However, Physician Cao didn't seem to mind your watching at all. But within this alchemy room, in these precarious times, it seemed no one else cared about his actions.

Under these circumstances, you decide...

[1. Go back and rest: The loss of blood has left your body extremely weak. You learn from your 'colleague' that Old Ghost only draws blood from each person once a day! So if you leave, he won't cause you any trouble.]

(Defying Fate: The ending of the adventure is "Useless": Doctor Cao no longer pays attention to you and treats you as just an ordinary blood-drawing boy.)

[2. Continue watching: Even in adversity, you don't give up on learning and the chance to survive, even if it's futile. A good opportunity is right in front of you.]

(Defying Fate: Triggers the subsequent 'Observational Learning': Based on one's own comprehension, one gains the special life skill 'Alchemy' learning process and receives corresponding level experience!)

In an instant, Chen Xuan's eyes lit up!

as predicted!

There is always a way out!

What else is there to say?

Without a second thought, Chen Xuan immediately pushed himself to his maximum potential!

The attribute modification ability that defies fate is activated, transferring all three attribute points increased by the mysterious jade pendant to 'Comprehension'. In fact, in a desperate attempt to revive a lost cause, he silently recited the mental technique of the Fish Leaping Over the Dragon Gate!

To his surprise, it actually worked.

[Hidden Flow in the Abyss: When learning and cultivating any martial arts or abilities related to 'water' and the true essence of martial arts, gain +2 points to Comprehension and +2 points to Constitution.]

Is alchemy related to water?

Yes!

Alchemy follows the principle of the five elements' mutual generation! It involves metal, wood, water, and fire!

Naturally, this also meets the requirement of "a fish leaping over the dragon gate, hidden in the abyss"!

In an instant, Chen Xuan's comprehension level reached five points!

Keep in mind that the maximum amount of points you can initially allocate to the Comprehension attribute is six.

Among the five attributes, comprehension and fortune are definitely the most difficult to improve!

This talent, while not exceptional, certainly meets the requirements for many studies!

You feel your mind is completely clear.

Although physical weakness had some impact, your unwavering will kept you focused, memorizing every single movement of Dr. Cao.

[Amidst the flames, you have gained a certain understanding of alchemy!]

Your alchemy experience has increased. Your current alchemy level is 0.2%.

(Note: After breaking through level 1, you will officially master the basic life skill: alchemy.)

Your obsession and focus drew a slight glance from Dr. Cao, who was standing nearby.

Then, whether it was your imagination or not, you felt that his movements seemed to slow down slightly.

Your alchemy experience has increased; your current alchemy level is 0 at 6%.

Your alchemy experience has increased; your current alchemy level is 0 at 10%.

Your alchemy experience has increased; your current alchemy level is 0 at 17%.

【…】

The lines of subtitles stirred Chen Xuan's emotions at that moment.

Most importantly, to his surprise, Dr. Cao's attitude actually changed.

Could it be that this old ghost isn't actually that bad?

Chen Xuan raised his eyebrows, but he was also extremely nervous.

The fire in the furnace gradually subsided, and the intense heat emanated a strange, indescribable medicinal fragrance from the dark alchemy furnace.

At that moment, Doctor Cao stood up, took the bowl of fresh blood he had just collected, and poured it directly into the alchemy furnace.

A foul, bloody stench, combined with the medicinal aroma, now gave rise to the strange, pungent smell you had detected earlier.

The fire in the stove was still burning, and the indescribable stench became even more pervasive at this moment.

Inside the alchemy room, all the other alchemy apprentices had already left.

Only you remained in the alchemy room, your eyes fixed intently on the alchemy furnace.

However, you didn't notice that even as the stench began to permeate the air, Doctor Cao's gaze had already shifted away from the alchemy furnace.

Instead, she was watching you with great interest from the corner of her eye.

Your alchemy experience has increased; your current alchemy level is 0 at 38%.

Your alchemy experience has increased; your current alchemy level is 0 at 49%.

【…】

Finally, the foul-smelling smoke gradually dissipated, and only a few embers remained of the firewood beneath the alchemy furnace.

The alchemy is finished.

You let out a long sigh of relief.

Turning your head, you realize that Dr. Cao's eyes, sharp as a hawk's, are fixed intently on you.

[You know, although the alchemy process is over, your trial is not over!]

【"Sir...sir!"】

Under his scrutinizing gaze, you instinctively lowered your head.

"How did you control the heat when you were refining the pills?"

A chill ran through you; you knew the real test was just beginning!

The player in the game felt a chill, while Chen Xuan in reality felt a sense of relief!

Sure enough, this old devil still had some compassion.

[After carefully recalling what had just happened in response to Dr. Cao's question, you finally spoke...]

【1. "I forgot..."】 (Defying fate: Triggers the adventure ending "Useless". Doctor Cao no longer pays attention to you and treats you as just an ordinary blood-drawing boy.)

2. "First simmer over low heat, then reduce the sauce over high heat!"

(Defying Fate: Triggers the adventure ending "Nonsense". Doctor Cao is furious and slaps you directly! If your cultivation level is "Acquired", you can block the slap, after which a battle will be triggered. If not, you will die.)

[3. "First, boil it over a high flame, then simmer it over a low flame, and finally bring it back to a full simmer to collect the elixir."]

(Defying Fate: This option unlocks when your Comprehension is ≥3 points while watching. Enters the next step of the "Alchemist's Trial" adventure stage. Also, Doctor Cao's favorability increases by 5.)

Faced with this option, Chen Xuan didn't even think twice and immediately clicked on the third one.