Chapter 47: Within the Cycle of Reincarnation

Ever since that day he visited the academy and absent-mindedly brought back a pile of books, Qin Chengming had locked himself in his room, relentlessly reading. By the third day, when it was time to return to the academy, he had only skimmed through the books, retaining a vague impression of their contents. Memorizing them was impossible—even with a photographic memory, such vast material demanded another review.

This time, even fewer people attended the academy than before. Elder Qin was the only one seated at the front, quietly writing and drawing. Scattered below were eleven or twelve students, all diligently scribbling away. Qin Chengming thought he had arrived early, but apparently others had beaten him to it; he had no idea when they had come.

He casually chose a seat close to Elder Qin, took out his books, and began flipping through them again, hoping to answer any questions if called upon. However, Elder Qin was unpredictable; he did not speak a single word to Qin Chengming all day, let alone ask any questions.

Seven days passed before Elder Qin finally spoke: “These books I gave you are the fundamentals of alchemy. You must memorize them thoroughly within a month. After that, you’ll learn other things. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask me now.”

Qin Chengming was bewildered. Elder Qin hadn’t said this before. He remembered being told that a check would happen the day after next. He had spent this period relentlessly memorizing the material, grateful Elder Qin hadn’t asked anything, and by yesterday could recite all the contents backwards. Yet the medicinal herbs were merely sketched in the books; without seeing the real thing, he was unsure.

Wiping his face, Qin Chengming said, “I can recite everything you gave me, Elder. I just need to see the actual herbs outside, and then there won’t be any problem.” After all, he had once studied alchemy. Even though the herbs’ names and effects differed here, how great could the gap be?

Elder Qin was surprised. Though he’d seen Qin Chengming with his nose in a book everywhere these past days, he hadn’t expected him to remember things so quickly. Skeptical, he randomly picked a book from his desk and had Qin Chengming recite from it.

Qin Chengming was nothing if not practical—the result of the test was impressive. Elder Qin’s interest was finally piqued; the books were substantial, covering detailed explanations of all materials used in alchemy below the sixth rank. There were not only comprehensive data on the effects of various parts of herbs, but also medicinal minerals and beast materials. Just looking at that pile of books was daunting.

When the assessment was over and it was confirmed that Qin Chengming could progress to the next stage, the other children in the academy stared at him, mouths agape.

Elder Qin nodded with satisfaction and returned the book to him. He then produced two thin booklets from somewhere and handed them over: “These are basic recipes for some fundamental pills. Get familiar with them first. Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll take you to identify the herbs.”

Qin Chengming accepted the booklets respectfully. “Thank you, Elder Qin!” Only after Elder Qin nodded did he sit down.

In recent days, he’d heard from his subordinates about contribution points needed for various books. Those containing pill recipes required even more points. Elder Qin, however, gave them to him freely—an invaluable favor he could only hope to repay once he had the means.

He expected to visit the herbal garden the following afternoon. Yet before noon, most of those who’d gone to explore the “Immortal Island at Sea” returned. Though they came back disheveled—some severely wounded—fortunately, none lost their lives, and they brought back a bounty of herbs and minerals.

Due to this incident, the academy closed for the afternoon, granting all students a half-day holiday.

It was Butler Song Yu who went out to gather information and told Qin Chengming that something had gone wrong with the “Immortal Island at Sea”—suddenly, everyone on the island had been expelled. Some unlucky ones landed directly among beast packs, meeting disastrous ends.

Luckily, the Qin family hadn’t sent all their people to the island; they had left a contingent outside as a precaution, enabling them to rescue everyone thrown out. Now, the entire island was shrouded in a barrier, inaccessible to all. Though many had previously gone up, the lingering maze formations restricted exploration, but the gains were still considerable.

Those who knew about it—families and individuals alike—were unwilling to abandon this yet unmined “gold mountain.” Only when the barrier surrounding the “Immortal Island at Sea” began indiscriminately attacking all living creatures nearby did the watchers finally withdraw.

But these matters were only stories to Qin Chengming; as someone who had not even begun cultivation, he could do nothing, even if he wanted to see it with his own eyes—it was impossible.

The next day, the butler at the ancestral home came to inform him that the day after tomorrow was an auspicious day. Since most people would be home, they would open the ancestral hall early for a memorial ceremony.

Qin Chengming was unfamiliar with the local customs. In the Eighth Realm, though he seldom attended the Qin clan’s memorials, he remembered clearly: unless something extraordinary happened, the family’s memorial rituals were held at fixed times every year. The ancestral hall, however, was opened irregularly, whenever a significant event occurred in the clan, whether good or bad, to record it in the genealogy.

Previously, Old Master Qin had said he would have Qin Chengming change his surname and record his name under the second branch. Qin Chengming had assumed this meant merely opening the ancestral hall to amend the genealogy—he hadn’t realized it would be such a grand occasion, complete with a memorial ceremony.

Two days flew by. During this time, many people came and went in his courtyard. Finished clothes, shoes, and various accessories were carried in by the crate. Thankfully, he had attendants now and didn’t need to handle it all himself.

Early that morning, before dawn, Butler Song Yu woke him. Maids and matrons—whom he’d scarcely seen before—streamed in, bustling around him to help him get ready. It was a novel experience; to dress, he only needed to extend his arms, and someone layered his clothes on him. To put on shoes, he simply stretched out his feet, and someone fitted them perfectly. In moments, he transformed from an ordinary child into a glittering, extravagantly dressed noble youth.

Qin Chengming had never worn such elaborate attire—nine layers from inner to outer. Gold crown and jade belt, ornaments of precious stones and jade weighed him down, making him feel several pounds heavier. Even his shoes were adorned with gems and pearls, making him hesitant to walk. Just before leaving, he was handed a jade-carved fan.