Legacy of Hatred-Chapter 178: Research

In a different, long-lost life, the Alchemy Elder would have faced the impossible problem with all the stubbornness and grumpiness that had made his figure famous, or infamous.

That was how Horace Rauret dealt with problems. He was a bull, always charging ahead, completely captivated by the noble art of alchemy, resorting to all kinds of ploys and sacrifices to obtain the resources needed to get to the bottom of the issue.

And the Elder knew what that bottom was. It was the same crossroads every problem arrived at. Either he found a solution, or he accepted that his skills weren’t great enough to find it yet.

However, that wasn’t Horace Rauret’s issue. It was his disciple’s, which complicated everything, adding genuine concern and anxiety, especially after the guilty expression he had witnessed.

The Elder had to find a solution there and now, and not just something temporary like a miraculous cure. After all, he had reached Liam’s same conclusions far earlier than he did.

Horace knew that his disciple needed a proper, reliable method to overcome the impossible challenge that was bound to reappear at each bottleneck.

Of course, the Elder had never heard of such a thing. The sole idea that a cultivator would need resources from a higher stage to grow was ludicrous, going beyond any idea of natural order.

Liam’s talent might be miraculous, but putting such a steep requirement behind his growth was just insane. It was no different than asking an ant to kill a lion.

Sure, the ant’s potential was immense, ridiculous even, but the requirement was simply impossible, and such things didn’t exist in the world, not in that way.

A foundation expert needed rank 1 resources. That was a natural rule, so the Alchemy Elder had to believe that he had missed something, something that the old him would have never forgotten, but that might have been lost after his injury.

Hence, research became mandatory. The Scripture Hall might have something that would awaken what the Elder had forgotten, or at least point in its direction.

Still, reaching the plateau halted the Elder’s steps, almost making him groan in annoyance. He didn’t know how long it would take him to find a solution, and his disciple had looked more depressed, heartbroken, and sad than ever.

Leaving Liam alone in that condition wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t only his body that needed to recover. His spirit had, too, and the Elder was too grumpy to provide emotional support in a way that would benefit his disciple.

Luckily, the Sect had someone who could.

It was late afternoon, almost night, so the plateau was empty, and the Elder basically teleported on the rising path, pouring Qi into the number beside a specific cave.

"Disciple Liam is taking a break," The Elder announced, "But he is open for visits."

That was the most the Elder’s grumpiness could muster, so he disappeared right afterward, already diving into the passage into the mountain from the Inner Hall.

Much of the Sect expanded inside the mountain. Its most valuable locations could only be accessed through intricate passages that stretched into it, even requiring special permissions at times.

The Scripture Hall fell in that category. The Alchemy Elder had to dive deep into the mountain before the corridor expanded into a vast underground chamber, which represented the biggest structure in the Sect.

Rocky surfaces covered in shelves expanded on three different, open floors connected by wooden staircases. Desks also littered the first level, with braziers and candles shining a flickering warm light everywhere.

Moreover, that was only the public section. The Scripture Hall had more private areas that required contribution points or other privileges to access.

The Elder ignored the disciples studying on the desks to climb to the upper levels of that silent environment. He quickly reached the section that dealt with cores and spiritual roots, only for his rare public apparition to attract unwanted attention.

It was no exaggeration to say that the Alchemy Elder was the most important figure in the Pale Moon Sect, only below the Sect Leader, and not by much.

Most of the Sect’s economy and status came from what the Alchemy Elder could concoct, so his friendship was quite the sought-after currency. He had managed to avoid giving anyone opportunities through his constant seclusions and sheer grumpiness, at least until now.

"Alchemy Elder," A middle-aged man called from behind the Elder, whispering, caressing his long black beard before joining his hands under his long sleeves. "It is rare for you to grace our Scripture Hall with your presence."

"Good day to you, too, Elder Lewis," The Alchemy Elder greeted, not bothering to turn as he retrieved a scroll, only to put it back on the shelf after a single look.

The Alchemy Elder had kept his voice down, too, but a partial scoff had leaked out anyway. He had never cared much for those pleasantries, especially after being forced to retreat to the Outer Circles, and he had no time to waste in those now more than ever.

Sadly, Elder Lewis didn’t get the message. Actually, he did, but purposely ignored it since the opportunities to befriend that valuable figure were extremely rare.

"Are you looking for something concerning your disciple?" Elder Lewis asked, using the section’s name written above those shelves to start a conversation. "I know our Scripture Hall can be dispersive. If you told me the issue, I’d be glad to help."

"It’s nothing major or deserving of your time," The Alchemy Elder replied, managing to remain polite since the matter involved Liam as he went for another scroll. "I’m just checking something."

The Master-disciple relationship was private on many levels. The Elder would never reveal the challenges Liam was facing. Besides, he was convinced Elder Lewis would be of no help anyway.

"Allow me to disagree," Elder Lewis insisted. "Alchemy Elder, I never congratulated myself with you. Disciple Liam has truly stayed true to his talent and is of utmost importance to the Sect."

The Alchemy Elder employed some of the concentration his long career had taught him, almost cutting off that nuisance entirely as he kept checking scrolls.

"Of course, I’m certain his success is in no small part thanks to you," Elder Lewis continued. "I can’t believe I had the arrogance to offer him a place in the Scripture Hall."

Those praises fell on deaf ears. They felt no more than annoying buzzes that couldn’t distract the Alchemy Elder from his search.

"I still remember that day," Elder Lewis chuckled softly. "How could I even forget? The test sphere radiated a light so bright I almost thought a tenth spiritual root was about to appear."

The Alchemy Elder’s concentration was a true masterful skill. He could ignore his surroundings while letting his subconscious record them anyway.

And, at that last statement, the Alchemy Elder stopped retrieving a scroll mid-way, as if his entire being had frozen to focus on those words.