After arriving at his designated cave, Wang Wei saw that the entrance had a formation, so he just stood in front and waited. He knew that the owner would be aware of his arrival.
A few minutes later, the formation was activated and someone came out. Wang Wei knew that person was a servant, so he just nodded his head to him and followed the latter.
Soon, he was led into one of the rooms inside the cave. As soon as he entered, Wang Wei felt that Heaven and Earth changed; it was like he was in a different place where the laws were completely different.
The feeling was similar to when he first arrived at the Academy.
'A small world?' thought Wang Wei as he continued to follow the female maid. Although this was not the first time that Lou Cheng came here, he did not notice the difference between this small world and outside.
After a few minutes of walking, he saw a vast field of land where countless medicinal herbs were planted; some people were taking care of these plants. He even saw a few mortals taking care of some of the plants.
With a little surprise, he looked at the plants that they were in charge of. With just a look, he realized why their presence was necessary. These mortals were taking care of a rare herb called the "Untouchable Flower" that could not be touched by cultivators.
As long as the lowest Body Refining Realm cultivator touched them, the energy inside their bodies would be immediately absorbed, and the flower would instantly change properties; it would change from yin and water nature to yang and fire nature.
Based on the nature of the herb, different pills can be made, and as the yin nature can make more valuable pills, alchemists usually used formation or mortals to cultivate this herb for them. Sometimes a combination of the two.
Wang Wei had to follow a specific path to not interact with the herbs. Of course, he knew that it was no use to approach as he could feel all the formations protecting the different patches of fields.
After walking for almost half an hour, he soon reached a small pavilion with a beautiful woman dressed in a green robe. She sat cross-legged on a futon with a small table with two cups and a pot on the side.
As soon as Wang Wei approached the girl, the faint scent of medicinal herbs drifted to his nose. However, the scent was not repugnant or bitter, it was more soothing, refreshing, and calming; it seems to display her temperament perfectly.
Wang Wei cupped his hand, "Third Senior Sister."
"Little Fifth, how have you been?" responded Lan Ling with a smile as she motioned for him to sit down. Her movement was slow, yet elegant at the same time.
Immediately, Wang Wei felt his heart skip a beat, and he almost blushed. Fortunately, he rushed to control his body's reaction.
'Well, this Lou Cheng had such a major crush on his senior sister that it even affected my consciousness.'
After sitting down, Lan Ling poured the tea for both of them. In the process, she used the perfect tea ceremony. The process was so beautiful that Wang Wei once again felt his mind and spirit peaceful and refreshed.
This showed that she had cultivated her tea ceremony to the point of attaining the Dao.
In return, Wang Wei also used proper etiquette. Whether it was him or Lou Cheng, they also learned about tea ceremonies. The only difference is that Wang Wei had to learn as a part of his aristocratic education, while Lou Cheng learned to have a topic to discuss with his senior sister.
As Lan Ling watched Wang Wei drink the tea, she was slightly surprised. The reason for that was that his movements were perfect and had no flaws. In the past, her little junior brother did try to look more sophisticated and noble when drinking tea with her.
However, she could see at a glance that he was trying too hard. But now, his movements were natural, more fluent; it was as if he trained since he was young.
Although his movement did not have the charm of people who studied the Tea Ceremony deeply, there was nothing to complain about.
"I have recently entered the Supernatural Realm and had some understanding about Alchemy. As such, I would like to ask senior sister to give me some pointers."
Lan Ling smiled gently and nodded to his request. She was aware of her little junior brother's fondness for her. However, her approach to the situation is to let nature take its course.
Although she did not feel the same way, she was not repulsive to him as well. Plus, their master did not forbid fellow disciples from getting together.
Wang Wei began to ask Lan Ling questions about refining Low-level Earth Pills. His questions started simply before going more in-depth. However, despite this, his focus was not on the conversation.
He was secretly observing her.
The first thing he noticed was her cultivation level: Void Shattering Realm. And he could see that she was quite young for her realm. After realizing this, he also understood where the small world where the garden is located came from.
Most likely, she made herself. With her cultivation level, it should not be a problem to create it with the necessary resources.
After that, Wang Wei checked her Fate Line, and he was shocked. To be exact, he was shocked for two reasons. One, he saw a red string from her attached to his body.
This can only mean that she has a fated marriage with Lou Cheng. If nothing unexpected occurs, these two will eventually get together.
After seeing this, Wang Wei's first instinct was to cut the line. After all, he did not want any emotional entanglements. However, he quickly changed his mind. Lou Cheng was not dead, and once he finished with his mission, he could return his life to him.
And the many benefits that Wang Wei will acquire during that time will serve as a way to repay karma to him. After making a decision, he focused on the second thing that secretly shocked him.
He saw a lock on Lan Ling's fate line preventing his reading. Intrigued, he immediately studied the lock more closely, then he understood what was happening.
Most likely, many people were aware of his technique after he used it in the Secret Realm of Dao Tablets back in the Emperor Enlightening Academy. So, they created artifacts and cultivation techniques to block his method.
After all, no one would like to have their Fate read and reveal all their secrets.
After seeing the lock, Wang Wei knew that he could use force to break and still read her fate. However, he could not do it sneakily and will alert her without a doubt.
He even guessed that this was one of the reasons people came up with this method. If they know this technique is being used, they can use other methods to try to stop it.
'It seems that I have to use another method to accomplish my goal," thought Wang Wei, then said: "Third Senior Sister, I've been pondering about refining a Middle-Level Earth pill recently, but I'm not confident.
"I wonder if I could watch you refine one so that I could learn from you."
Lan Ling was a little surprised by this sudden request. Usually, his little junior is very reserved when meeting with him. And maybe due to some sort of inferiority complex, he rarely discussed high-level Alchemy with her, and usually used it as a request to start a conversation, then changed the subject.
But now, he even asked to refine pills for him. Albeit surprised, she still acquiesced; she thought that his confidence had increased after entering a higher realm of cultivation.
So, Lan Ling took out a cauldron from her space ring along with a few spiritual herbs, then she concocted a Fortune Enhancing PIll in front of him. This pill could help Divine Body Realm cultivators increase the strength of their Good Fortune Flame to accelerate the pace at which they refine their bodies.
For the next three hours, Wang Wei pretended to focus on Lang Lin's every movement. Once she was done, there were 7 pills inside the cauldron, with 5 of them being superior and 2 perfect quality.
Considering that she placed enough material to make 9 pills, this was a great feat.
This showed that she was quite talented, and if she did not refine the pill on the spot and prepare more, there would be more and the quality would be better.
After seeing her refinement, Wang Wei thanked her and left with the excuse that he wanted to return to his cave to digest his new understanding.
While walking away, Wang Wei only had one thought in his mind:
'I was right.. She also cultivates the [Flame Controlling Art].'