"The Creation Dao Pill Thunder Tribulation… so the legends were true."

Qin Ya's eyes flew open. He sat up, his expression one of utter shock. Immediately, two torrents of memories flooded his mind, crashing together like a clap of thunder and leaving him dizzy.

It took him a long while to recover.

He had been a peerless Pill Venerable renowned throughout the Azure Sky Realm. At only three hundred years old, he was already the undisputed master of the Alchemy Dao. And though his cultivation wasn't high, countless Extraordinary Strong People were willing to do anything for him.

But this Pill Venerable had fallen to a Pill Tribulation—the Creation Dao Pill Thunder Tribulation!

When a pill becomes an act of creation, containing the very source of the Dao, Heaven and Earth cannot tolerate its existence, and divine punishment descends upon the world.

He had thought it was only a legend, but it had actually happened to him, Qin Ya. The instant the Thunder Tribulation descended, he was obliterated, turned to dust and smoke!

But his soul had been reborn—ten thousand years in the future!

The body he now inhabited was also named Qin Ya. He was a scion of the Qin Family—one of the Three Great Noble Families of Anxing City—and was also the clan's most infamous good-for-nothing.

After ten years of cultivation, he hadn't even reached the Second Grade of the Human Element Realm. Last night, finally unable to bear the gossip and slander from his own clan, the original owner of this body had committed suicide by taking poison.

In the Azure Sky Realm, the Martial Arts reigned supreme. Cultivation was divided into the Human Element Realm, Profound Origin Realm, Spiritual Element Realm, Earth Element Realm, and Celestial Essence Realm. Each realm was further divided into nine grades.

An ordinary person, after ten years of cultivation, could reach the Human Element Fourth Grade at the very least. Yet Qin Ya, despite being nurtured with the family's resources, hadn't even reached the Human Element Second Grade. He had truly lived up to his reputation as a good-for-nothing.

'What good-for-nothing? These people are blind—they can't recognize a diamond in the rough,' Qin Ya thought, his eyes gleaming. 'This body is clearly the world-renowned Leakless Body. The poor guy who owned it before was just incredibly unlucky. If he had held on for just a few more months, the leaks in his body would have been fully sealed. After that, progressing a thousand miles a day in cultivation would have been an understatement.'

This was an incredible windfall for him. For a person with a Leakless Body, the True Essence generated during the initial stages of cultivation is automatically used to seal the "leaks" within the body. Once fully sealed, their speed of absorbing and refining Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi would be dozens of times faster than that of an ordinary person.

In his past life, Qin Ya had met an expert with a Leakless Body. Their combat prowess was Heaven-Defying; any Martial Artist in the same Realm would be utterly crushed by them.

CREAK...

A beautiful woman with a graceful figure pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing Qin Ya sitting on the bed, she asked with a concerned expression, "Xiaoya, are you all right? I heard Qin Hu and his friends were bullying you again. They didn't hurt you, did they?"

The beautiful woman before him was named Qin Yuxiang. She was Qin Ya's paternal aunt and also one of the Qin Family's Elders, her cultivation at the Profound Origin Sixth Grade.

"Haha, with you looking out for me, Aunt, Qin Hu and those little punks wouldn't dare do anything to me," Qin Ya laughed, a flicker of disdain in his eyes.

In the entire Qin Family, this aunt was the only one who was ever kind to Qin Ya. His parents had vanished without a trace around the time of his birth. As for where they went, no one in the Qin Family knew. This was one of the reasons the original Qin Ya was so often scorned.

Qin Yuxiang felt that Qin Ya seemed a little different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. Shaking her head, she gave a soft laugh. 'Perhaps I'm just imagining things,' she thought.

"As long as you're all right," Qin Yuxiang said, breathing a sigh of relief.

She had heard that yesterday, Qin Hu and his cronies had not only insulted Qin Ya, but had even cruelly mocked him about her own missing sister and brother-in-law. This had infuriated her. "Xiaoya, I've already thrown Qin Hu and the others into the confinement chamber. If they ever dare to bully you again, you tell me. I'll make sure to slap their mouths right off their faces."

Qin Yuxiang's beautiful eyes flashed with a cold, murderous light as she spoke.

"Thank you, Aunt."

A warmth spread through Qin Ya's heart. This aunt was truly good to him. Then, as if remembering something, he said to Qin Yuxiang, "Aunt, could you lend me three hundred Silver Coins? I need to purchase a few things."

Qin Yuxiang looked slightly displeased. She took out a coin pouch and handed it to Qin Ya, saying, "Xiaoya, if you need money, you just have to ask. What's all this talk about 'lending'? Here, take it."

"Heh, even better."

The two of them chatted for over an hour. After seeing Qin Yuxiang off, Qin Ya stared at the coin pouch in his hand, a sharp glint in his eyes. 'The path to power begins with this bag of Silver Coins.'

In his past life, his aptitude for the Martial Arts had been mediocre. That was why he had devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Alchemy Dao, and to his surprise, had become so successful that he eventually earned the title of Pill Venerable.

But in this life, he would reach the pinnacle of the Martial Arts. If he'd had peerless Martial Power back then, he wouldn't have been so utterly helpless against the Creation Dao Pill Thunder Tribulation.

'Last life, I was a Pill Venerable. This life, I will become a Martial Emperor.'

............

「Early the next morning.」

Qin Ya pushed open his door and walked out, only to come face-to-face with a sturdy, handsome young man. Upon seeing Qin Ya, the youth began to taunt him, "Well, well, if it isn't the great Qin, our resident good-for-nothing. I heard Qin Hu gave you some trouble yesterday. I figured you'd be hiding in your room for another week or two. Didn't expect to see you out and about today."

The young man's name was Qin Feiyang, and he was one of the clan members who frequently bullied Qin Ya.

The surrounding onlookers took notice, their expressions clearly showing they were settling in to watch a good show. For them, this was a rare bit of weekday entertainment.

Qin Ya's brow twitched. He said lightly, "Fucking hell. Step out the door first thing in the morning and I'm already being barked at by a dog."

Qin Feiyang was stunned, clearly not expecting Qin Ya to dare curse at him. His face paled with rage as he roared, "You good-for-nothing! Who are you calling a dog?"

"Whoever answers to it, I suppose."

Seeing Qin Ya's calm demeanor, Qin Feiyang raged, "A good-for-nothing like you dares to speak to me this way? You do know I could crush you with a single finger, right?"

"But would you dare? You know what happened to Qin Hu, don't you?"

"You..." Qin Feiyang was beside himself with shame and fury, his face turning deathly pale.

He was a Human Element Sixth Grade Martial Artist, capable of shattering granite with his bare hands. Dealing with a good-for-nothing who hadn't even reached the Human Element Second Grade would naturally be child's play for him.

But Qin Ya was right. He didn't dare.

It was because of Qin Yuxiang, the Profound Origin Sixth Grade family Elder. If he merely traded insults with Qin Ya, it wouldn't be a big deal. At worst, he'd be thrown into confinement for a few days like Qin Hu. But if he were to violently beat Qin Ya, that would be a completely different story.

Even if Qin Yuxiang were to kill him for it, the family wouldn't say a word. Anyone could distinguish the difference in importance between an ordinary family disciple and an Elder.

Seeing that Qin Feiyang didn't dare to make a move, Qin Ya's face filled with contempt. He strode past him with his head held high, and as he did, he muttered, "Looks to me like you're the real good-for-nothing."

"Qin Ya!"

Qin Feiyang's hands clenched into fists, the veins on their backs bulging. His nails dug so deeply into his palms that they drew blood, but even then, he didn't dare to act.

As they watched Qin Ya walk away, the crowd exchanged astonished glances. This outcome was completely unexpected.

"What's gotten into him today? It's like that kid Qin Ya is a completely different person."

"I never realized he had that kind of fire in him."

"Haha, serves that brat Qin Feiyang right for getting put in his place. How amusing."

"For a good-for-nothing to act so arrogantly… he's simply courting death."

......

Anxing City was located in Qingyu County, in the southern part of the Yunxiao Empire. With a population of over seven hundred thousand, it was neither a large metropolis nor a small town. The streets teemed with pedestrians, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Qin Ya arrived at a medicine shop called Changsheng Hall. As soon as he stepped inside, an assistant greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome, young master. What can I help you find today?"

Changsheng Hall was one of the finest medicine shops in Anxing City, known for its fair prices, high-quality herbs, and excellent reputation.

Qin Ya glanced around, his brow furrowing slightly. He was a little dissatisfied. For mortals, these herbs were indeed of the highest quality. But to meet his needs, they were still lacking.

...

'Oh well. I'm starting from scratch with nothing to my name. I can't be too demanding.'

Qin Ya gave a wry laugh. He was no longer that all-powerful Pill Venerable who could command the wind and rain and spend money like water. Everything had to start over. "Clerk, give me three taels of Golden Leaf Grass Stems, two taels of Snow Ginseng, five taels of Six Flavor Fruit..."

In total, there were seventeen kinds of medicinal herbs. After the clerk packed them up, he said with a chuckle, "Sir, your herbs come to a total of two hundred forty-two Silver Coins. I'll round it down for you to two hundred twenty Silver Coins."

The currency of the Azure Sky Realm was divided into Copper Coins, Silver Coins, and Gold Coins. One hundred Copper Coins equaled one Silver Coin, and one hundred Silver Coins equaled one Gold Coin. Two hundred and forty Silver Coins was enough for an ordinary family of three to live prosperously for a year.

After paying, Qin Ya returned to the Qin Family estate.

Qin Ya noticed the people around him were giving him strange looks. It seemed word of what happened between him and Qin Feiyang today had already spread. 'This is fine, too. Some of the ordinary family disciples should now know that I'm not to be trifled with. It'll save me some trouble.'

Sitting on his bed, Qin Ya focused his mind. A ball of purple flame appeared in his hand. Immediately, the flame blossomed into a Purple Lotus, dancing in his palm like an enchanting beauty, looking dreamlike and illusory.

'Very good. It seems the Purple Lotus Celestial Flame didn't disappear.'

Qin Ya's face lit up with pleasant surprise. The Purple Lotus Celestial Flame was a Flame he had created in his previous life by refining several kinds of Exotic Fires from heaven and earth. It was his most important partner when refining elixirs, and after being nurtured for several hundred years, it had long been deeply imprinted upon his sea of consciousness.

In this rebirth, the Purple Lotus Celestial Flame had come with him.

'Only the Fire Seed is left. But don't you worry, old friend, I'll definitely restore you to your former glory.' Although the Purple Fire hadn't vanished, its power was a far cry from what it used to be, leaving only a Fire Seed.

He took out the Snow Ginseng he had bought and applied the Purple Lotus Celestial Flame to it. The purple flame coiled around the herb, instantly melting it into a liquid.

Even as a mere Fire Seed, its power was not to be underestimated.

'Excellent,' Qin Ya thought to himself.

Next, he followed the same procedure, melting the other medicinal herbs and mixing them together, forming a fist-sized, cyan-colored droplet of liquid.

Under the control of his Spiritual Power, the cyan droplet floated in the air, emitting a faint glow as wisps of black smoke, visible to the naked eye, drifted out from it.

Those were the impurities from the medicinal herbs.

Soon, the cyan droplet solidified into three pale-cyan pills.

"Hooo..."

Qin Ya let out a heavy breath, his face deathly pale and his back drenched in sweat. 'I never thought my Spiritual Power would be this depleted. It's this exhausting just to refine a few Three Pure Ones Gathering Essence Pills.'

Withdrawing the Purple Lotus Celestial Flame, Qin Ya looked at the Three Pure Ones Gathering Essence Pills in his hand, a faint smile gracing the corner of his lips.

Assuming a meditative posture with his palms and soles facing the heavens, Qin Ya swallowed one Three Pure Ones Gathering Essence Pill.

The pill dissolved the moment it entered his mouth, turning into a warm current that coursed through his body. Qin Ya quickly focused his mind and began to circulate the Nine Heavens Shocking God Record to refine the Medicinal Power.

In his past life, Qin Ya had been a noble Pill Venerable. Martial Arts experts lined up one after another, begging him to refine elixirs for them. Since he looked down on ordinary treasures, many people offered Cultivation and Martial Skills in exchange. The Nine Heavens Shocking God Record was the most powerful one among them.

In the Azure Sky Realm, Martial Arts Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills were divided into four Grades: Holy, Earthly, Profound, and Yellow. Each Grade was further divided into five Tiers: Lower Class, Middle Class, Upper Class, Upper Class, and Top Level. The Nine Heavens Shocking God Record was a super Cultivation Technique of the Holy Grade, Middle Class tier.

As the Medicinal Power was refined, the "leaks" in Qin Ya's body were slowly repaired.

A person's body is not perfect. No matter how talented someone is, when they absorb and refine the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi, some of it will inevitably be lost.

But once a Leakless Body was formed, it could reverse this situation, achieving a state of perfect, lossless absorption.

With the help of the Nine Heavens Shocking God Record, the Medicinal Power of the Three Pure Ones Gathering Essence Pill was absorbed in no time.

Qin Ya hadn't expected the Nine Heavens Shocking God Record to be so powerful. An ordinary cultivation technique would require at least forty-five minutes to absorb the Medicinal Power of a single Three Pure Ones Gathering Essence Pill, yet he hadn't even taken eight minutes.

'The effect is beyond my expectations. It looks like I'll be able to complete the Leakless Body today.' With a faint smile, Qin Ya swallowed the remaining two pills.

Time slowly ticked by...

Qin Ya, who had been sitting on the bed as still as a stone statue, suddenly opened his eyes. Even with his normally imperturbable temperament, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

'The Leakless Body... it's complete.'

If the previous Qin Ya had been the one cultivating, it would have taken several more months to complete the Leakless Body. But now, with the help of the Three Pure Ones Gathering Essence Pills and the Nine Heavens Shocking God Record, he had done it in less than half a day!

'From this day forward, this "trash" is going to shock everyone!'

Having completed his Leakless Body, Qin Ya felt a distinct difference. It was as if the entire world had fused with him. The feeling... was beyond words.

He couldn't wait to test the wonders of the Leakless Body.

He circulated the Nine Heavens Shocking God Record, and the surging Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi flooded into his body like a torrent, scaring him into stopping at once.

'This Leakless Body is truly formidable!'

Having learned his lesson, Qin Ya calmed his mind and slowly absorbed the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi. Even so, his speed was at least ten times that of an ordinary person!

For the rest of the day, Qin Ya remained behind closed doors, completely immersed in his cultivation.

「Meanwhile, in the outside world...」

"Qin Feiyang, what am I supposed to say to you? You actually lost to a piece of trash. In my eyes, you're even more of a waste than he is."

In a large hall, Qin Feiyang, his face red and swollen, looked with some fear at the young man in brocade robes before him. This was Qin Yuncheng, the second son of the Qin Family Patriarch, Qin Hai.

Qin Yuncheng was arrogant and domineering by nature, but his aptitude was not bad. At a young age, he had already cultivated to the Human Element Realm Ninth-Grade Perfection, just one step away from breaking through to the Profound Essence Realm.

"Young Master, that Qin Ya has Elder Qin Yuxiang backing him. There was nothing I could do." After suffering a loss at Qin Ya's hands, the more Qin Feiyang thought about it, the angrier he became. But since he couldn't do anything to Qin Ya himself, he had come to find Qin Yuncheng.

Qin Yuncheng was the son of the Qin Family Patriarch, while Qin Yuxiang was an Elder of the Qin Family. Their statuses weren't too different, but in the Clan Leader's heart, his own son, Qin Yuncheng, was surely more important.

Therefore, no matter what Qin Yuncheng did to Qin Ya, the Clan Leader would protect him.

"Qin Yuxiang? Hmph. She's just an Elder of our Qin Family. What waves can she possibly make?" Qin Yuncheng said coldly.

"Of course. Qin Yuxiang is merely an Elder, while with the Young Master's talent and ability, you're destined to be the future head of the Qin Family..."

"Shut up. Where does that leave my older brother?" Qin Yuncheng snapped.

"The Eldest Young Master is obsessed with Martial Arts and is a student at Mingxin Academy. He naturally has no interest in the position of Clan Leader," Qin Feiyang said.

"Even so, it's best not to say such things carelessly."

"Yes," Qin Feiyang said respectfully.

"So that Qin Ya thinks no one can touch him just because an Elder has his back? I'd like to see what he can do in my hands!" A cold glint flashed in Qin Yuncheng's eyes as he spoke.

Qin Feiyang was overjoyed, his attitude becoming even more respectful. "Thank you, Young Master!"

'A bootlicker will always be a bootlicker,' Qin Yuncheng thought with contempt, shooting Qin Feiyang a glance.

"Human Element Realm, Fourth Grade!"

Qin Ya felt the Primordial Qi surging within his body, his heart filled with joy.

...

"Qin Ya, get the hell out here!"

At that moment, a shout came from outside. Qin Ya's face instantly turned as cold as frost. 'They've gone too far. Don't blame me for being merciless!'

Opening the door, Qin Ya's tall, slender figure slowly emerged. His gaze fell directly on Qin Yuncheng and the other man. In a detached tone, he said, "Qin Yuncheng, what business do you have here?"

"Trash! Who gave you the right to say my name? You have no respect for your elders or your betters. Did no one ever teach you any manners?" Qin Yuncheng shouted coldly.

Qin Feiyang, who was standing to the side, immediately chimed in. "Young Master, have you forgotten? This piece of trash was born to his mother and some unknown bastard. She abandoned him right after he was born. Who would've taught him anything? Haha."

Hearing this, a cold, ferocious glint flashed in Qin Ya's eyes. Like a lone wolf stalking its prey, he walked toward Qin Feiyang step by step.

A sudden chill ran down Qin Feiyang's spine, and he subconsciously took two steps back. Then he cursed himself internally. 'He's just a piece of trash. What's there to be afraid of?'

At this thought, Qin Feiyang composed himself and looked at Qin Ya with a mocking expression.

Reaching Qin Feiyang, Qin Ya took a deep breath, raised his right hand, and swung it fiercely.

SLAP...

An incredibly loud slap echoed through the courtyard. Amidst a pained cry, Qin Feiyang was sent flying to the ground. The surrounding Qin Family disciples were stunned, and the atmosphere froze for a moment before erupting into chaos.

He actually dared to make a move! That piece of trash actually dared to hit someone!

"Good heavens, what did I just see?"

"Qin Ya actually hit him. That was a really loud slap."

"He's dead. The Young Master will never let him get away with this."

...

Qin Feiyang was sprawled on the ground, his cheek swollen like a pig's head. His mouth was full of blood, and several bloody teeth lay on the ground beside him.

It was a truly miserable sight, sending a chill through the onlookers.

Qin Feiyang's face flushed red then turned deathly pale. A vicious glint flashed in his eyes as boundless shame and rage completely consumed what little rationality he had left. A murderous intent began to rise within him.

"Qin Ya... I'll kill you!" Qin Feiyang roared, lunging at Qin Ya like a vengeful demon, his fist glowing with a milky-white light.

'That's... True Essence!'

Qin Yuncheng, standing to the side, did not intervene. He had originally come just to humiliate Qin Ya, but his opponent's actions had greatly angered him.

'Qin Feiyang is my man, after all. You have to consider the master before you beat his dog, don't you?'

At the same time, a question lingered in his mind. 'Why couldn't I react to Qin Ya's attack? I'm a Human Element Ninth Grade Martial Artist. Was I just being too careless?'

Watching Qin Feiyang's frenzied attack, Qin Ya's gaze remained as cold as ever.

'His movements are too slow. Too many openings. He's... utterly pathetic.'

Qin Ya was scornful. Although he had been passionate about the Alchemy Dao in his previous life, he had associated with supreme experts. Combined with his own extraordinary comprehension, his understanding of Martial Arts was far beyond what an ordinary person could compare to.

Nimbly sidestepping Qin Feiyang's punch, he simultaneously clenched his own fist, drew in his abdomen, and surged his True Essence. He struck with a sharp, decisive punch.

With a scream, Qin Feiyang's body flew like a kite with a broken string. He sprayed a mist of blood in mid-air, flying more than ten meters before collapsing to the ground, foaming at the mouth with blood, unable to get up.

A single punch. Utterly crushed!

It was an unbelievable scene that shocked everyone present. Their deeply ingrained image of Qin Ya as trash left them completely dumbfounded.

"Holy crap, am I still dreaming or something?"

"Qin Feiyang is at Human Element Sixth Grade, for crying out loud. What's with this kid? Is he really trash?"

"Could it be that he's been hiding his true strength all this time?"

"Hiding his strength, my ass! Who would let themselves be bullied for over a decade just to hide a bit of cultivation? Besides, do you think the Clan Leader and the others wouldn't have noticed?"

"So that means he's not trash after all!"

Qin Ya had given them too many surprises today. They were all starting to wonder if they were dreaming.

Someone walked over to the unconscious Qin Feiyang, knelt to examine him, and said in a grave voice, "His internal organs are damaged, and four of his ribs are broken. Most importantly, his Qi channels have been destroyed!"

His Qi channels were destroyed!

HISS! The crowd couldn't help but suck in a cold breath. How ruthless!

For a Martial Artist, this was no different from death!

"The only reason I didn't kill him is out of the slightest consideration for us being clansmen. That was the greatest mercy I could show," Qin Ya said indifferently. His detached demeanor sent an even deeper chill into their hearts.

"Qin Ya, you're courting death!"

Qin Yuncheng said coldly, a faint fluctuation of True Essence gathering in his palm, ready to strike at any moment. "It seems you've reached Human Element Fourth Grade."

"What, are you going to make a move too?"

Looking at Qin Ya's completely unconcerned expression, Qin Yuncheng felt a strange sense of uncertainty. 'What's wrong with me? He's only at Human Element Fourth Grade, but I'm a Human Element Ninth Grade Martial Artist!'

"Hmph. Just putting on an act. I'd like to see what you're really made of." Qin Yuncheng raised his palm high, gathering Primordial Qi, just as he was about to strike.

"Stop right there!"

An enraged voice cried out. Qin Yuxiang appeared like a gale of wind, swiftly moving in front of Qin Ya and shielding him with her body.

Her Cultivation at the Profound Origin Sixth Grade erupted forth. The oppressive aura, like a mountain torrent, made Qin Yuncheng's face turn pale, and the True Essence he had gathered instantly dissipated.

"Qin Yuncheng, you are the son of the Clan Leader, yet you engage in such bullying of the weak. Have you no shame?" Qin Yuxiang, like a tigress protecting her cub, glared furiously at Qin Yuncheng with murderous eyes.

'So terrifying. I'd be completely powerless against her,' Qin Yuncheng thought in horror. 'Is this the Cultivation of the Profound Origin Realm?'

In the Human Element Realm, one circulates Qi through the meridians to gain power beyond that of an ordinary person. But in the Profound Origin Realm, one opens a Qi Pool within the body, and their True Essence is at least ten times greater than that of the Human Element Realm.

"Sixth Elder, please calm your anger."

A deep, powerful voice accompanied by heavy footsteps was heard. A man with a dignified and imposing air walked over. This was none other than the Qin Family Patriarch, Qin Hai!

"Greetings, Clan Leader." Qin Yuxiang retracted her aura and cupped her fists toward Qin Hai.

"Rebellious son, hurry up and apologize to the Sixth Elder and Qin Ya." Qin Hai first gave Qin Ya a slight smile before immediately scolding Qin Yuncheng.

"Father, this Qin Ya severely injured a clansman and destroyed Qin Feiyang's Qi channels. I was about to apprehend him and punish him according to the clan rules." Freed from the pressure of Qin Yuxiang's aura, Qin Yuncheng let out a breath and spoke with a cold smirk.

"Is that so? Qin Ya, do you admit your guilt!" Hearing this, Qin Hai raised an eyebrow and spoke in a self-righteous tone.

Qin Ya sneered. 'This father and son pair... not a good one between them.'

"To convict someone without even asking for the cause... the Clan Leader is truly worthy of his title. Such great power you have," Qin Ya mocked indifferently.

The onlookers were secretly speechless, breaking out in a cold sweat for him. This Qin Ya was way too bold, daring to speak to the Clan Leader like that.

"Hehe, young people are certainly full of fire!"

Although Qin Hai was all smiles, Qin Ya sharply caught the trace of sinister malice that flashed in his eyes.

"Clan Leader, Xiaoya can't cultivate. How could he possibly have severely injured Qin Feiyang?" Qin Yuxiang quickly argued.

"Oh, so the Sixth Elder didn't know. This Qin Ya isn't the piece of trash we always talk about. He seriously injured the Human Element Sixth Grade Qin Feiyang in a single move. Even I'm deeply impressed," Qin Yuncheng said with a strange, sarcastic tone.

"What!?"

Qin Yuxiang and Qin Hai were both surprised by this and began to probe Qin Ya's Cultivation.

"Human Element Fourth Grade!"

Both of them were Profound Origin Realm Martial Artists, so they instantly discerned Qin Ya's Cultivation Realm. The difference was that Qin Hai became thoughtful, his mind clearly occupied with something.

Qin Yuxiang, on the other hand, had a look of pleasant surprise. "Xiaoya, you've broken through to the Human Element Fourth Grade! This is wonderful! Now who will dare to call you trash?"

"Alright, Qin Ya, why don't you tell us what happened," Qin Hai said, his attitude changing to a more amiable one.

After glancing at him, Qin Ya recounted the entire course of events.

"Despicable. Absolutely despicable," Qin Yuxiang said indignantly, looking at Qin Feiyang lying on the ground in the distance with disgust.

Qin Hai pondered for a moment before saying, "Since Qin Feiyang was the one who provoked him first, then he brought this upon himself. Qin Ya is innocent."

"Father, we can't just let it go like this."

Qin Yuncheng wanted to say more, but Qin Hai interrupted him, "My mind is made up. There's no need for further discussion."

"Yes." After giving Qin Ya a resentful glare, Qin Yuncheng flicked his sleeves and left.

...

"Father, why did you let that kid Qin Ya go?" In the study, Qin Yuncheng's expression was grim.

"Hmph. A man who's been a waste for ten years suddenly becomes a Human Element Fourth Grade Martial Artist. Don't you find that strange?" A peculiar light flickered in Qin Hai's eyes as he seemed lost in thought.

"So what? He's just a Human Element Fourth Grade. I could crush him with one hand." Qin Yuncheng lifted his chin, his face full of arrogance.

Qin Hai shook his head, scolding him in disappointment, "How can you be so dense? I saw Qin Ya just three days ago. Back then, he hadn't even reached the Second Grade. But in just three days, he's a Fourth Grade. There must be a secret."

Qin Yuncheng's eyes lit up, and he said with excitement, "Father, do you think he might have suddenly obtained some kind of treasure? That would explain his rapid progress."

"Yes, that's right. I had the same suspicion, which is why I placated him for now. Find some time to investigate him."

"Alright."

............

"Xiaoya, you can cultivate now. Take these two vials of Essence Pills. You must work hard." Qin Yuxiang took out two small green vials and handed them to Qin Ya.

Taking the Essence Pills, Qin Ya's heart felt heavy. He knew that although Qin Yuxiang was an Elder in the family, she only received two vials of Essence Pills per month.

"Aunt, I won't let you down." Qin Ya didn't refuse. He accepted the Essence Pills and spoke with great solemnity.

"That's good." Qin Yuxiang's face was filled with relief.

Before she could have any children of her own, her husband had died in a battle protecting the clan. It was during that period of grief that her sister sent Qin Ya to her.

She protected him with all her might, truly treating Qin Ya as her own son.

After seeing Qin Yuxiang off, Qin Ya began his cultivation.

Two days later, Qin Ya's cultivation broke through to the Human Element Realm Fifth Grade. At his terrifying absorption rate, the two vials of Essence Pills were already used up.

For a Martial Artist's cultivation, resources were the most important thing besides aptitude. Without resources, no matter how talented you were, you would still fall behind the disciples of major powers in the early stages.

'Right, how could I have been so dense? My mind is a treasure trove.'

Qin Ya's eyes lit up. The cultivation techniques and pill formulas in his memory... any one of them would sell for an astronomical price.

Naturally, a world-shaking Martial Art like the Nine Heavens Shocking God Record couldn't be sold. However, even some lower-level Martial Arts would be enough to cause a stir in Anxing City.

As far as he knew, the most powerful Cultivation and Martial Skill in all of Anxing City were merely the Profound-Level Lower-Class Clan Martial Arts of the three great families.

But in Qin Ya's memory, any Cultivation and Martial Skill he could produce would be superior, never inferior, to these so-called Clan Martial Arts.

Qin Ya immediately found a brush and paper and wrote down a Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill called the Wind and Rain Sword Technique.

'A Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill is definitely a Top-Level Secret Technique in Anxing City. Even in the vast Qingyu County, it would be considered extraordinary. Based on current market prices, it should auction for at least five hundred thousand Silver Coins.'

Throughout the entire Yunxiao Empire, many Martial Artists never had the chance to cultivate a Martial Skill. Sometimes, even a single Yellow-Level Martial Skill would cause countless Martial Artists to fight to the death over it.

'If I were to auction off the Wind and Rain Sword Technique, I'm afraid even the Clan Leaders of Anxing's three great families would be tempted.' Looking at the Sword Manual in his hand, a playful smile touched the corners of Qin Ya's lips.

To a family, a good Martial Skill was far more significant than it was to Loose Cultivators. It was enough to strengthen the family's foundation by a large margin.

After nightfall, Qin Ya draped a black cloak over himself and prepared to leave the Qin Family estate. As he passed through the main gate, he was stopped by two guards. "Qin Ya, it's already late. Where are you going?"

"What? I wasn't aware the Qin Family had a curfew. Do you need to manage my whereabouts as well?" Qin Ya snorted coldly.

The two guards exchanged a look and said, "We're just curious. We mean no harm."

The news that Qin Ya had instantly defeated Qin Feiyang and shattered his energy meridians had long since spread throughout the Qin Family. Everyone was shocked. As two ordinary guards, they naturally didn't dare to offend this "Evil God," Qin Ya.

"Your curiosity is a bit much." Qin Ya gave the two a meaningful glance, then turned and left without looking back.

"Who does he think he is? Who knows when he'll turn back into a waste. How dare he be so arrogant? I'd like to see how long he can stay pleased with himself." After Qin Ya was a good distance away, one of the guards curled his lip and said disdainfully.

"Alright, you keep watch here. I'm going to report to the Second Young Master immediately." After speaking, the other guard immediately headed into the estate.

.........

The Martial Market was a place dedicated to trade and commerce among Martial Artists. It was located in the center of Anxing City and covered an area of one li.

Although it was night, the Martial Market was still bustling with activity. Some Martial Artists searched for goods they fancied, while others, like common vendors, had set up stalls and were hawking their wares.

"Twenty-year-old Celestial Spirit Grass! Get it while it's hot!"

"Inner Armor made from Black Rhino Hide! A life-saving tool in a critical moment! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

"Quick, quick, quick! A Divine Soldier that cuts through iron like mud! Only twenty Silver Coins! It's now or never!"

Qin Ya found it all quite novel. He looked left and right, occasionally haggling with a vendor or two, only to walk away smugly when they turned red with frustration.

The Martial Market was in the center of Anxing City, and the auction house was in the center of the Martial Market. Before long, Qin Ya arrived at an antique-looking pavilion.

Above the pavilion's entrance, a plaque was inscribed with three large, gilded words: Four Seas Pavilion. The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, grand and magnificent. That plaque alone was worth a small fortune.

The Four Seas Pavilion was an auction house with branches throughout the Azure Sky Realm. It had a branch in almost every city of the Human Race. Its financial power was immense, rivaling that of an entire nation.

Qin Ya, still in his black cloak, took out a silver mask, put it on his face, and walked inside. A beautiful attendant immediately approached him.

The attendant wasn't surprised by Qin Ya's attire. Most people who came here to auction items chose to hide their identities. She smiled politely and said, "Sir, how may I help you?"

Qin Ya altered his voice, making it sound like scraping metal, grating to the ear. "Who is in charge here?"

The attendant's brow furrowed slightly, but her excellent training compelled her to maintain her smile. "Our person in charge is Steward Yun Yushan. Sir, if you wish to auction an item, I can handle that for you."

"The item I wish to auction is very valuable. It would be best if you went and got your Steward Yun," Qin Ya said indifferently.

"Well..." The attendant looked at Qin Ya, whose face was mostly hidden by the mask. Seeing his insistence, she hesitated for a moment before saying, "Very well. Please wait a moment, Sir."

After the attendant left, Qin Ya wasn't in a hurry. He waited quietly in the main hall.

Before long, the attendant returned, leading out a short, stout old man with a ruddy complexion, dressed in a purple robe. She pointed at Qin Ya from a distance.

As a Steward of the Four Seas Pavilion, Yun Yushan's cultivation had reached the Profound Origin Fifth Grade. With a brief scan, he perceived Qin Ya's cultivation level.

'Human Element Fifth Grade.'

Yun Yushan's expression soured. He thought to himself, 'With such weak cultivation, what kind of valuable item could he possibly have to auction? Just another arrogant, conceited Martial Artist.'

But since he had already come out, there was no harm in taking a look. Of course, his attitude was far from good. Walking over, Yun Yushan asked nonchalantly, "I am Yun Yushan. And what might you be auctioning, Your Excellency?"

Qin Ya saw through Yun Yushan's thoughts at a glance, but he wasn't annoyed. He stated faintly, "A Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill, the Wind and Rain Sword Technique."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of both Yun Yushan and the attendant changed involuntarily.

...

"A Profound-Level… Lower-Class Martial Skill!!"

The handmaiden behind Yun Yushan covered her mouth, her face a mask of shock. That was a Profound-Level Martial Skill! In all of Anxing City, she had never heard of any power besides the three great families possessing one.

"Are you telling the truth?" A serious expression appeared on Yun Yushan's slightly plump face. If this was truly a Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill, the entirety of Anxing City would be shaken.

"This is the Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill, the Wind and Rain Sword Technique. As for whether it's real or fake, your auction house's Appraiser will know with a single look."

Qin Ya took out the Wind and Rain Sword Technique and tossed it to Yun Yushan, speaking in a calm, unhurried manner.

Yun Yushan hastily caught it, already partially convinced. After all, the Four Seas Auction House had enjoyed its reputation across the Azure Sky Realm for so long that few would dare come to trifle with them.

After leafing through it for a moment, Yun Yushan was even more certain. His Profound-Level Fifth Grade Martial Arts Cultivation was enough for him to discern the authenticity of the Wind and Rain Sword Technique. Still, just to be safe, he summoned the auction house's most authoritative Appraiser.

Once the appraisal confirmed the authenticity of the Wind and Rain Sword Technique, Yun Yushan's attitude did a complete one-eighty, and he became incredibly courteous toward Qin Ya.

"If I hadn't forgotten to bring money when I came out, I wouldn't have needed to sell a Martial Skill," Qin Ya said, his tone laced with frustration.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency. We will arrange a top-tier auction for you."

Yun Yushan's attitude grew even more deferential. In his eyes, Qin Ya was clearly a disciple from some great power, out to gain worldly experience.

Soon, invitations from the Four Seas Auction House reached the hands of the leaders of every prominent family in Anxing City.

Instantly, the great families began to mobilize their funds.

The Qin Family…

"A Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill… My word, to think something like this is being auctioned." Qin Hai looked astonished. One had to understand that even the Qin Family's signature Secret Technique was only at this level, and it was the very foundation of their dominance in Anxing City.

"Quickly, mobilize all our funds! I am determined to get my hands on this Wind and Rain Sword Technique."

The Li Family…

The current patriarch of the Li Family, Li Heyu, frowned. "The Wind and Rain Sword Technique, a Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill… I wonder who put it up for auction. What a power move."

"Regardless of who is selling it, they've already shaken the whole of Anxing City. The Qin Family and the Zhang Family will definitely go all out to acquire this Martial Skill," a young woman of about seventeen or eighteen standing beside Li Heyu said calmly.

The young woman was tall and slender, dressed in snow-white robes. Her skin was as smooth as cream, her eyes shone like stars, and her delicate brows held a hint of heroic spirit. This was none other than the Li Family's greatest prodigy, Li Peiyi!

"Haha! Then we'll see who has what it takes!"

The Zhang Family…

The Lin Family…

In an instant, a storm began to brew in the night-shrouded Anxing City!

...

Qin Ya waited in the VIP room the Four Seas Pavilion had prepared for him. He knew that by now, the outside world must be in an uproar over the Wind and Rain Sword Technique.

Four hours later, Yun Yushan walked in with a smile. "Congratulations, Your Excellency. The Wind and Rain Sword Technique was purchased by Patriarch Li Heyu of the Li Family for five hundred thousand Silver Coins. After deducting our commission, you will receive a total of four hundred eighty thousand Silver Coins. Would you like to exchange this for Essence Pills or silver notes?"

"Exchange it all for silver notes," Qin Ya said calmly.

'With this money, my power will enter a period of rapid growth. I'm completely confident I can reach Profound Origin Realm Perfection within three months. When that happens, very few people in all of Anxing City will be a match for me.'

"Oh, right. Li Heyu wishes to meet you. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

"I won't see him." Qin Ya refused bluntly.

"Very well. I will go and turn him away."

In another room, Li Heyu looked regretful. "Sigh. The techniques in this Wind and Rain Sword Technique are exquisite, its power far surpassing that of an ordinary Profound-Level Lower-Class Martial Skill. Not being able to meet the esteemed person who sold it is a true pity."

"Since he is unwilling to meet us, Father, there's no need to force the issue. Obtaining this Wind and Rain Sword Technique is already the greatest reward from our trip," Li Peiyi said, her eyes fixed on the manual in Li Heyu's hands, a hint of excitement in her voice.

She was a strong-willed woman, unwilling to be outdone by anyone. She had become the Li Family's number one prodigy not just because of her innate talent, but more importantly, because of her unwavering dedication to the Martial Arts.

"That's right. This Martial Skill is incredibly powerful. Peiyi, you will be the first to cultivate it. This will also give you a greater advantage at the Mang Mountain hunt a month from now."

"Mm." Li Peiyi nodded, a sharp glint in her eyes. 'With this Martial Skill, I will reign supreme among the younger generation of Anxing City.'

After leaving the Four Seas Pavilion, Qin Ya put his mask away. With a thick stack of silver notes tucked away, he cheerfully walked into a Medicine Shop in the Martial Market.

The Medicine Shops in the Martial Market catered specifically to Alchemists. The quality of the medicinal herbs here was naturally countless times better than that of the so-called Changsheng Hall that Qin Ya had previously visited.

As soon as he stepped inside, a rich medicinal fragrance wafted over him. Qin Ya nodded in satisfaction. 'Not bad. Now this is what a Medicine Shop is supposed to be like.'

"What can I get for you, young master?" The shop assistant was a little confused. The people who came to their shop to buy herbs were usually Alchemists, and none of them were particularly young. It was rare to see someone as young as Qin Ya.

'He must be some Alchemist's Medicine Boy,' the assistant thought.

"Bring out the most valuable herbs you have in the shop," Qin Ya said right away, putting on the air of a wealthy big shot.

"Er…" The assistant stared for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively. "Get lost, kid. This is no place for you to be causing trouble."

It was clear the assistant had mistaken Qin Ya for a troublemaker.

Qin Ya's brow furrowed, and he said impatiently, "Listen, I'm serious. Hurry up and bring out the herbs."

"Hey, you just don't know when to quit, do you?" The assistant was visibly angry now and reached out to shove Qin Ya.

With a simple jolt of his body, Qin Ya sent the assistant flying backward.

Qin Ya hadn't hurt him; he had merely knocked him away. The assistant fell to the ground, landing flat on his back with his limbs flailing, and cried out in pain.

"Xiaohai, what's going on?"

A weak voice came from an inner room of the Medicine Shop, and a frail-looking young woman in plain clothes walked out.

The young woman's face was as pale as paper, but that couldn't conceal her heart-stopping beauty. She looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, yet she had a full head of snow-white hair.

Far from diminishing her beauty, the snow-white hair added a unique, captivating charm that made her even more striking.

A flash of stunned admiration crossed Qin Ya's eyes. 'What an absolute, nation-toppling beauty,' he thought. 'In two lifetimes, I've never seen a young woman so beautiful.'

"Miss, why did you come out?" Xiaohai scrambled to his feet and stood protectively in front of the young woman, eyeing Qin Ya with caution. He knew what a temptation his miss's beauty was to men and had no idea what this stranger might do.

"Xiaohai, what happened?" the young woman asked, looking at Qin Ya with curiosity.

"It's nothing, Miss. Please, go back inside," Xiaohai said, still on guard against Qin Ya.

This left Qin Ya feeling rather exasperated. He touched his face. 'I may not be classically handsome, but I don't look like a depraved villain, do I?'

"I'm just here to buy herbs," Qin Ya said with a sigh. "I mean no harm."

"Xiaohai, be polite." An old man emerged from the back of the Medicine Shop. He glanced at Qin Ya and said in a neutral tone, "And what herbs might this young master be looking to buy?"

Qin Ya's pupils contracted. He stared at the old man, his expression turning grave.

According to his spiritual sense, this old man's Cultivation was unfathomably deep, far surpassing that of both Qin Yuxiang and Qin Hai.

The feeling was not unfamiliar to him; in his past life, he had often dealt with such masters. 'Yes,' he thought, 'this old man before me is very likely an Extraordinary Strong Person.'

...

In the presence of such a powerful expert, Qin Ya didn't dare be presumptuous. With a trace of respect, he said, "I need Earth Dragon Fruit, Lingyun Wood, Withered Yellow Root..."

After Qin Ya finished reciting a long list of ingredients, the old man was somewhat surprised. Though these items were nothing special in his eyes, there were very few people in Anxing City who could afford them all. 'Does this kid really have that much money?'

Furthermore, the ingredients were similar to a pill formula he recalled, yet not quite the same. It was truly strange. Filled with doubt, the old man asked directly, "Are these the ingredients for refining the Earth Spirit Pill?"

Qin Ya was surprised. 'Could this old man be not only a powerful martial artist, but an Alchemist as well?' "Mm, that's right."

Upon hearing this, the old man continued, "I know a thing or two about the Earth Spirit Pill formula, but I don't understand why you've added Lingyun Wood and Fire Cloud Fruit."

'So, this old man is definitely an Alchemist,' Qin Ya thought. At this realization, he straightened his back, a hint of arrogance in his posture. His respectful demeanor vanished, replaced by a casual air.

'Throughout the entire history of the Azure Sky Realm, when it comes to the Alchemy Dao, if I claim to be second, no one would dare claim to be first.'

"Lingyun Wood has a gentle nature and a regulating effect. When paired with the Withered Yellow Root in the Earth Spirit Pill formula, it creates a balance that increases the efficiency of the pill's formation. As for the Fire Cloud Fruit, its medicinal power is incredibly potent, but refining it over a low heat allows for better extraction of impurities, thereby increasing the elixir's quality..."

Qin Ya spoke with poise and confidence, carrying the air of a senior instructing a junior. Beside them, Xiaohai was completely dumbfounded. 'This guy is that incredible?'

The young girl's eyes sparkled with fascination as she watched Qin Ya curiously. 'In all her life, she'd never seen a young man dare to speak to her grandfather that way!'

"Brilliant! Simply brilliant! The Earth Spirit Pill is a Third-Grade Elixir. An Alchemist capable of improving the pill formula to this extent must have mastery at the Fifth Grade or higher." The old man stroked his graying beard, marveling endlessly and completely unbothered by Qin Ya's attitude.

In addition to being a powerful martial artist, the old man was also a Third-Grade Alchemist. He couldn't help but feel a sudden joy, as if he had met a kindred spirit, and his expression softened.

"I've never heard of such a figure in Anxing City. My name is Huaa Que. Might I be so bold as to ask for this Alchemist's name?"

Huaa Que introduced himself first before politely posing his question.

'A Fifth-Grade Alchemist is more than worthy of my friendship.'

Qin Ya smiled faintly and said nonchalantly, "That would be me."

Upon hearing this, Huaa Que's expression darkened. Xiaohai wore a look of utter disdain, and the girl behind them burst out laughing. Though she wasn't worldly, she knew what a Fifth-Grade Alchemist represented—they were major figures in the entire Yunxiao Empire.

'A boy who looks about my age is such a major figure? The very thought is ridiculous. If that were true, wouldn't the title of Alchemist be completely devalued?'

"Boy, are you joking?"

Huaa Que's face was grim. Forget Anxing City—in the entire Yunxiao Empire, there were few who dared to lie to him.

Especially with such a blatant lie. If it weren't for the sake of the potential Fifth-Grade Alchemist behind this, he would have thrown Qin Ya out long ago.

Qin Ya shrugged and said flatly, "Believe it or not. Now, enough idle chatter. Just give me the ingredients I came to buy."

"Hmph," Huaa Que snorted. "You ignorant whelp. Do you have any idea what a Fifth-Grade Alchemist is? They are figures that even powerful martial artists of the Celestial Essence Realm must treat with caution! With a single command from someone like that, the Three Great Noble Families of Anxing City would be nothing but a joke, easily wiped out with a wave of a hand."

Qin Ya frowned. 'Did I overplay my hand?'

'Have Alchemists really declined this much? A mere Fifth-Grade Alchemist can lord over an entire Empire?'

Qin Ya couldn't wrap his head around it. In his past life, he was already a Seventh-Grade Alchemist by the age of twenty. At thirty, he broke through to the tenth grade, and his mastery of the Alchemy Dao only grew more profound and unfathomable until he reached the unprecedented realm of a Pill Venerable.

'In his time, a Fifth-Grade Alchemist was considered merely decent!'

"I'm not a Fifth-Grade Alchemist. I've just studied the Earth Spirit Pill quite thoroughly," Qin Ya said. 'Fine.' To buy the ingredients from Huaa Que, he had to downplay his abilities yet again. He felt utterly helpless.

"Keep talking. Just keep digging that hole deeper," Huaa Que said, his disbelief turning to even greater contempt.

The girl's gaze on Qin Ya grew even more intrigued. Her sharp intuition told her that he wasn't lying, but she still couldn't bring herself to believe him.

Suddenly, the girl's expression twisted in extreme pain. Her jet-black pupils instantly shifted to an unnatural, silvery-white. The surrounding air plunged in temperature, feeling like the dead of winter as a frigid aura erupted from her body.

Huaa Que sensed it instantly. His expression changed drastically as he waved his hand, flinging Xiaohai several yards away. A thick layer of frost had already coated the spot where Xiaohai had been standing, and it was still spreading.

At the source of the frost, the girl was clutching her head in agony, her body curled up like a fragile flower bud in a snowstorm—a truly pitiable sight.

Seeing this, Huaa Que cursed under his breath. "Damn it!"

He waved his hand, gathering the Heaven and Earth Primordial Power to envelop the girl and halt the frost's advance. Simultaneously, he pressed his palm to her forehead, pouring a surge of True Essence into her body to suppress the astonishingly cold aura.

Nearby, Qin Ya froze as a piece of information suddenly surfaced in his mind.

'Pale white hair, silver pupils, a frosty aura... This is...'

'The Profound Yin Bloodline!'

Legend told that in the primordial era, the ancestors of humanity possessed all sorts of incredible and powerful talents. They commanded wind and fire, summoned rain and clouds, shouldered mountains, and plucked the stars and moon from the sky. They were nigh-divine. But over the long eons, these talents were gradually lost to time.

However, they were not severed completely. They lay dormant, deep within the bloodlines of humanity. Occasionally, someone would awaken, gaining talents far surpassing those of ordinary people and allowing them to travel much further on the path of Martial Arts.

They were called... the Awakened!

With his Leakless Body, Qin Ya himself was one of the Awakened. What astonished him was that this frail-looking girl before him was an Awakened as well.

Bearers of the Profound Yin Bloodline are almost always female. Without proper guidance during the initial stages of their awakening, the bloodline brings no benefits and will instead cause them great harm.

This girl was a textbook example, suffering from the corrosion of the cold aura to the point of unbearable agony.

The cold aura within the girl was gradually suppressed by Huaa Que, and she fainted. Xiaohai, having come to his senses, quickly helped her into the back courtyard.

Gazing at the faint layer of frost on his own palm, Huaa Que sighed. 'Alas, Shuang'er's cold aura is getting worse and worse. I'm almost unable to suppress it anymore.'

Noticing Qin Ya was still in the Medicine Shop, Huaa Que snorted, a flash of impatience in his eyes. "Boy," he said coldly, "get the hell out of here!"

Qin Ya took a deep breath and said evenly, "I never expected to see a bearer of the Profound Yin Bloodline again. How many times has this frigid outburst occurred?"

Huaa Que's expression changed drastically. "You... you know about this?" he stammered in disbelief.

Huaa Que was so stunned he didn't even notice the word "again" in Qin Ya's statement.

'Few people even know about bloodline awakenings, let alone how to name a specific one. In his eyes, Qin Ya was just an arrogant, ignorant whelp. How could he possibly know about such things?'

'Could it be that the Fifth-Grade Alchemist told him?'