Regarding this, Adam Bennett understood. During the three years when he became a “waste,” his father, out of impatience, had tried several times to forcibly infuse Dou Qi into his body, but each time stopped at the last moment. So, Adam Bennett was well aware of the risks involved.

Alchemist Sage glanced at Adam Bennett, whose young face was calm, nodded in satisfaction, and smiled, “For others, that’s indeed the case, but you are different. The foundation within your body was already solid and reliable three years ago, and over these years, your character has been steadfast—you’ve never missed a single day of training. So now, I can say without reservation, your foundation is excellent!”

“Are you planning to boost my strength with external means? Like taking pills?” Adam Bennett rolled his eyes.

“Something like that. However, with the current toughness of your meridians, you can’t withstand the impact of any kind of pill energy—not even the lowest grade Qi Gathering Powder!” Alchemist Sage said with a faint smile.

“The lowest grade Qi Gathering Powder…” Adam Bennett’s fingers trembled, and he almost rolled his eyes. That miraculous medicine, which fetched sky-high prices in the Jia Ma Empire, was now called the lowest grade thing by his mysterious teacher. The difference between the two was truly astonishing to Adam Bennett.

“So, what’s your method?” Taking a deep breath, Adam Bennett regained his composure and asked in a low voice, frowning.

“Hehe, the effects of pills are too strong and can easily damage the meridians, so we must use a gentler method!” Alchemist Sage smiled slightly and said, “Tomorrow, prepare three whole stalks of Purple Leaf Orchid—the older, the better. Also, two Bone Washing Flowers, any age will do. Oh, and one level-one wood-type magic core. These are all low-grade materials; I’m sure you can get them… Someone’s coming up, I’ll return to the ring for now! Also, don’t let anyone know of my existence, not even those closest to you.” With that, Alchemist Sage ignored the increasingly wide-eyed Adam Bennett and dove straight into the black ring, which trembled slightly and fit snugly onto Adam Bennett’s finger.

“Three whole Purple Leaf Orchids? Two Bone Washing Flowers? One level-one wood-type magic core? Old man, are you kidding me? Do you think I’m some royal prince? These things together cost at least a thousand gold coins! After years of scrimping and saving, I’ve only managed to save four hundred gold coins, just enough to buy a single level-one magic core!” Adam Bennett held the ring, glaring and cursing.

“That’s your problem. Hehe, the nourishing spirit liquid I’m going to make can’t be bought even if you have money. I’m only asking you to pay for the materials, and you’re already this upset…” Alchemist Sage’s teasing laughter echoed in Adam Bennett’s mind.

“Damn, things made by alchemists really are only for the rich.” Adam Bennett gave a helpless, bitter smile. His monthly allowance from the Xiao family wasn’t small—twenty gold coins, enough for a common family to live comfortably for a year. But to buy the materials Alchemist Sage mentioned, it was just a drop in the bucket. That’s the difference!

“Sigh, I’ll just have to borrow from someone…” With a frustrated sigh, Adam Bennett slowly calmed his emotions, his young face returning to its usual calm. He turned to look at the mountain path, where a purple figure, graceful as an elf, was leaping lightly toward him.

Main Text Chapter 10: Borrowing Money

With a light tap of her toes on the rocky cliff, Emily Bennett soared up like a purple butterfly, her graceful figure tracing a captivating arc as she landed lightly atop the mountain. Tilting her head slightly, her gaze swept toward the boy at the edge of the cliff.

Looking at the boy, Emily was slightly taken aback. Though it had only been half a day since they last met, she felt that Adam Bennett seemed to have gained something new…

As their eyes met in the mountain breeze, Emily finally realized what was different about the boy—confidence!

After three years, the brightest aura that once surrounded the boy seemed to have finally returned.

A little entranced by the faint smile at the boy’s lips, Emily Bennett’s pretty cheeks dimpled adorably as she smiled softly, “Looking at Adam Bennett brother now, it seems you don’t need Emily to comfort you anymore?”

“People have to grow after setbacks, don’t they?” Adam Bennett shrugged and smiled.

“She’ll definitely regret it.”

Emily pursed her lips and chuckled, her tone full of conviction, as if passing judgment.

Adam Bennett smiled faintly, casually straightened his clothes, and walked toward the girl.

As he got closer and saw that Emily Bennett was now almost as tall as he was, his gaze swept over her still slightly youthful but beautiful face, and Adam Bennett suddenly felt a bit dazed. The little one who used to run around behind him with a runny nose and bare bottom had now grown into such a lively and lovely girl…

With a gentle smile, the boy’s eyes were warm as he unceremoniously pinched the girl’s delicate cheek in her surprised gaze, laughing, “Emily has grown up too, but it’s good you haven’t forgotten how your Adam Bennett brother used to get all bruised up picking fruit for you when we were kids.”

Stunned for a long moment by Adam Bennett’s affectionate gesture, Emily stared into those pure, jet-black eyes, and a gentle smile blossomed in her heart.