SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

Kulu Capital City…

The sun had barely risen above the tall towers of the Royal Academy when Kent made his way through the mist-veiled alleys behind the merchant district.

Following Ai Ping's directions from last night, he moved towards a secluded courtyard known to few—a hidden garden said to belong to a rising alchemist who worked in the shadows of the prestigious Royal Pearl Store.

The gate was old but enchanted, opening without a sound as Kent pushed against it. Inside, soft purple flowers swayed in the morning breeze, and spirit butterflies glowed faintly under the wide branches of a moonleaf tree. In the center of the garden, seated on a carved jade bench, was a young woman dressed in sky-blue alchemist robes, her sleeves marked with three pale golden stars. Her black hair was tied in twin loops, and her pale eyes held the clarity of a quiet lake.

Mei Lin.

She didn't look up immediately as Kent approached, busy feeding fire-energy to a floating pill with her fingers—flames dancing like petals.

"You're early," she said calmly, finally glancing up with a sideways smirk. "That's a good sign. But being early doesn't mean you'll get what you came for."

Kent bowed respectfully. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Senior Mei Lin."

She waved her hand. "Spare the flattery. Ai Ping asked. Otherwise, I'd never waste my morning on a combat brute."

Kent smiled faintly but didn't reply to the provocation.

"I came," he said after a pause, "to ask you for something bold. I want to meet your master—7-Star Potion Master Hua Ran. I want to study alchemy under him."

Mei Lin's laughter was like glass bells shattering in the wind.

"You?" she said, leaning back, one brow rising. "You think Master Hua Ran will even look at you, Kent King?"

"I have potential," Kent said, standing firm. "I'm willing to prove it."

"You have guts. I'll give you that," she said with a sigh. "But no. Impossible. My master is over 17000 years old. He's in secluded cultivation, declared me as his last disciple, and hasn't seen anyone outside the Royal Pearl inner circle in years."

Kent's brows drew down slightly. "Then… is there another way?"

Mei Lin tapped her chin thoughtfully, then replied, "Maybe. But you won't like it."

"I'll hear it."

"I could introduce you to my elder sister," she said finally. "Lin Lin. She's a 3-Star Alchemist, one of Master Hua Ran's earlier disciples. She doesn't work at the Royal Pearl store, but she's talented. And strict. She's helped me refine several rare-grade potions."

Kent nodded slowly, but his expression betrayed a hint of disappointment.

"A three-star… I was hoping to learn from the best."

Mei Lin's eyes immediately sharpened. She stood up, her calm voice turning cold.

"Listen here, Mr. Arrogant Sword Boy," she snapped. "You should be on your knees thanking me for even considering letting you speak to Lin Lin. Do you think three-star alchemists grow on trees? She has noble families begging to take their sons in as her disciples."

Kent blinked. "I didn't mean disrespect. I just… want to catch up faster."

"Well, Lin Lin might not even accept you. And frankly, I'll be shocked if she does," Mei Lin continued, folding her arms. "She has no time for half-trained warriors trying to learn alchemy just to make a quick fortune."

Kent exhaled deeply, adjusting his robe. "I understand. But still, I ask… please. Help me. I'll follow whatever tests she gives. I'll earn my way."

Mei Lin stared at him for a long moment. Her expression softened just a bit, but her tone stayed sharp.

"I'll arrange a meeting," she said. "But you better bring more than that stubborn face. Lin Lin doesn't care about names or bloodlines. If you fail to impress her, don't come crawling back to me."

Kent smiled lightly. "Understood."

Mei Lin pointed toward the far end of the garden. "Come back here tomorrow. If she's in a good mood, she'll be there. If not… well, better luck learning how to boil spirit tea."

Kent chuckled. "That would be a loss to the entire combat world."

Mei Lin rolled her eyes but didn't suppress the faint smirk tugging at her lips.

"Don't get your hopes too high, Kent. She might burn your robe before the day ends."

Kent turned toward the gate, pausing once.

"I'm willing to take the burns. If I can reach the flames of mastery."

As he walked out into the golden light of morning, Mei Lin watched his back thoughtfully, spirit butterflies fluttering around her.

"Interesting man," she murmured. "Let's see if Lin Lin decides to turn him to ash."

-

Next Day…

The morning air was sweet with the scent of spirit blossoms as Kent followed Mei Lin through the inner city of Kulu Capital. They passed through streets of glowing cobblestone and floating lanterns, arriving before a beautiful palace nestled in a hill of rainbow-colored trees. The garden around the palace was bathed in soft sunlight, blooming with rare spirit flowers and humming with silent elemental energy. The aura of the place was gentle yet refined, just like the woman who lived within.

Two guards in black and gold robes stood at the gate. As Mei Lin approached, they immediately bowed in deference.

"Lady Mei Lin," one greeted. "Please, enter."

They didn't even glance at Kent. Mei Lin gave them a nod and signaled Kent to follow.

Kent looked around as they entered through the pearl-carved archway. It was like stepping into another world. Water flowed through crystal channels alongside the paths. Spirit birds flew low between flower trees. Beautiful statues of goddesses holding cauldrons stood on either side, emitting faint alchemical fragrance into the air.

"This… is where your sister lives?" Kent whispered.

Mei Lin smirked. "She prefers quiet beauty to loud cities. Try not to get distracted."

Kent was about to speak when the inner doors opened with a low chime, and a young woman stepped into view.

And in that moment, Kent's words died in his throat.

She was breathtaking.

Lin Lin walked forward softly, her floral spirit skirt swaying like petals in the breeze. Her skin was milky white, smooth like silk woven from moonlight. Soft pink dimples framed her gentle smile, and her baby-pink cheeks seemed to bloom with innocence. Her voice, when she spoke, was so meek and graceful it made Kent's skin tingle with a strange heat.

"You've arrived," she said, bowing slightly to Mei Lin.

Then her gaze moved to Kent.

Her eyes held a curious spark, but she remained quiet.

Mei Lin cleared her throat. "Sister Lin Lin, this is the one I mentioned yesterday. His name is Kent. He seeks to learn alchemy."

Lin Lin nodded and offered a shy smile to Kent. "Greetings, Mister Kent…"

Kent immediately bowed with seriousness. "Lady Lin Lin. I'm honored to meet you."

Her voice was soft as wind over petals. "Do you have any prior experience in alchemy?"

Kent straightened and replied confidently, "Yes. I've learned basic refining and potion blending. I'm not a complete novice."

"Oh?" Her head tilted slightly. "Where did you learn?"

Kent smiled faintly. "Mostly self-taught."

Lin Lin blinked once, then slowly frowned. "Self-taught?"

The disappointment in her tone was as clear as a slap.

Mei Lin chuckled to herself.

"I see," Lin Lin said gently, her tone turning cool, though still polite. "That's… admirable. But self-taught techniques can lead to dangerous habits."

"I understand," Kent said. "But I'm willing to unlearn what's wrong, and relearn the right way."

Lin Lin gazed at him for a moment, as if reading the truth in his eyes. Then, slowly, she nodded.

"I cannot promise anything strict or structured. My schedule is not… regular," she said. "But if you're sincere, I can occasionally guide you when I am free."

Kent's heart lifted.

"That would mean a lot to me," he said sincerely. "I'll learn patiently, and not trouble you unless invited."

Lin Lin gave a soft nod, the pink on her cheeks deepening. "Then… we shall see. Alchemy is not a path for the impatient."

"I'll prove myself," Kent said with a smile.

Mei Lin folded her arms. "Let's see how long your smile lasts after your first failure."

Kent chuckled. "Even if I fail a hundred times, I'll still return to learn."

Lin Lin gave a soft, amused smile, then turned back toward the inner garden.

"I will inform you… next time I prepare herbs. For now, observe silence and patience. The world of pills begins not with fire, but with stillness."

Kent bowed deeply. "Yes, Lady Lin Lin."

As she walked away, her steps barely touching the ground, Kent watched her figure disappear into the floral haze of the inner palace.

Beside him, Mei Lin gave him a sideways look. "Still breathing?"

Kent exhaled with a sheepish grin. "Barely."

"You better not fall in love with her," Mei Lin muttered. "She burns more hearts than she heals."

Kent only smiled. "I just want to learn… for now."

"Good. Let's keep it that way."