Chapter 003: Dual Solution Equations

He closed the book, removed his glasses, thought for a moment, and said: "Today we will not have a lesson; we will have an exam"

The five steps are interlinked and indispensable. Regardless of the level reached, one must adhere to these five steps in cultivation. Ge Zheng has already attained the state of sitting in forgetfulness, daily cultivating tranquility and vital energy, allowing his spirit to roam beyond the material world, sensing the principles of heaven and earth, observing the nuances of the five elements, refining his energy, strengthening his muscles and bones, and with a single punch, he can strike down a large tree.

Today ... ... Paracelsus opened a yellowed ancient book, donned a pair of crystal glasses, and prepared to begin today's lesson. The pages rustled in his hands, and occasionally familiar symbols leaped into Ge Zheng's sight. The old gentleman continued flipping to the last page, chuckling softly: "Ge, I have nothing more to teach you; you are like a vampire, having absorbed all my knowledge in just three years."

Ge Zheng nodded slightly: "Indeed, if it is calcined silver, the product will be..." He turned his palm over, and a piece of magical light was imprinted on the work on his left sleeve. A layer of faint golden text floated in the air: The Forge of the Lone Wanderer, Level 7 Alchemical Item, Alchemist Exclusive, Success Rate Increase of 20 Percent

During this period, Paracelsus visited Ge Zheng several times. Each time, Ge Zheng was busy solving equations. Paracelsus looked outside the window, nodded in satisfaction, and left.

After each meditation session, Ge Zheng's mood would always be low for a period of time, only recovering when Paracelsus began to explain alchemical knowledge to him

... ...

He took something out of his left sleeve and placed it on the table. Paracelsus's face lit up with joy, but immediately afterward, Ge Zheng took something out of his right sleeve and placed it on the table as well

The python suspension ladder is divided into three levels

The inner alchemy cultivation method of the Ge Men is primarily divided into five steps: inhalation and exhalation, energy absorption, energy circulation, energy refinement, and embryonic breathing. Although these are gradually categorized into five steps, there are actually nine realms: entering tranquility, forgetting oneself while sitting, inner observation, guarding the orifices, guarding the one, focused contemplation, preserving thought, refining the spirit, and heart fasting

Ge Zheng felt somewhat embarrassed: "Sir, wasting such precious materials to only produce a level 7 item, I truly feel ashamed." Paracelsus laughed heartily: "Do not forget, this is your first practice in alchemy. To be able to produce a level 7 item is already an excellent achievement. You know, when I practiced for the first time, I failed three times before I managed to create a level 3 item. My mentor praised me as a rare genius."

The entire temple is not built on the ground, but is carried by a giant tortoise, floating on the surface of the water

Paracelsus was astonished to find that he could not identify the work of Ge Zheng, his eyes widening in surprise: "Could this be a divine artifact?" Ge Zheng shook his head, as he too was uncertain.

Another month had passed, and on this day, Ge Zheng did not conduct the morning class. Early in the morning, he arrived outside Paracelsus's door, smiled apologetically, and said, "Sir, I have some matters to attend to today; let us pause for a day." Without waiting for Paracelsus to respond, he turned and returned to his wooden cabin, closing the door and not coming out for the entire day

The sun and the moon represent gold and silver, which is the most basic common knowledge. However, I believe the equations of the Dragon Alchemist are not so simple. The sun, bathed in spring water, should symbolize a precious metallic mineral associated with sulfur. (Spring water can represent sulfur, mercury, etc.)

Paracelsus continued to explain: "The ancients categorized equations into three types: synthesis, decomposition, and substitution. No matter how complex an equation may be, it can be classified into one of these three categories. Just like the creature you see, it is a magical alchemical being, belonging to the highest level of equations in alchemy, yet it also falls under the category of synthesis: the merging of the imprint of life with the physical body." The creature, DoDo, was dozing off with its ears drooping. Upon hearing Paracelsus's words, it let out a few dissatisfied murmurs. Paracelsus chuckled and corrected himself: "She." Just like the creature you see, it is a magical alchemical being, belonging to the highest level of equations in alchemy, yet it also falls under the category of synthesis: the merging of the imprint of life with the physical body. The creature, DoDo, was dozing off with its ears drooping. Upon hearing Paracelsus's words, it let out a few dissatisfied murmurs. Paracelsus chuckled and corrected himself: "She."

Paracelsus could only shake his head and let out a sigh as he observed it all

Identification techniques can identify items of a higher level. Level 1 identification techniques can identify items of level 2 and below. Level 11 identification techniques can identify items of level 12 and below. Level 12 items are considered quasi-artifacts

In the world of Star Refinement, the spiritual energy is abundant, and the life force within the creatures is much more substantial than that on Earth. Over the past few months, Ge Zheng has been absorbing the life force from the forest behind his house, which has also accelerated the growth of the forest. When he first arrived, some small saplings have now grown to the thickness of a bowl.

First, you must understand the basic principles of alchemy. The ancients believed that the world is composed of four elements: earth, fire, air, and water—this differs somewhat from the elemental theory of wizards. There are four symbols representing these four fundamental elements... He spoke while drawing on the ground with a twig. The symbol for fire is an upward-pointing equilateral triangle, while the symbol for water is the exact opposite, a downward-pointing equilateral triangle. The symbol for air is an upward-pointing equilateral triangle with a horizontal line added in the middle, and the symbol for earth is a downward-pointing equilateral triangle with a horizontal line added in the middle. The symbol for fire is an upward-pointing equilateral triangle, while the symbol for water is the exact opposite, a downward-pointing equilateral triangle. The symbol for air is an upward-pointing equilateral triangle with a horizontal line added in the middle, and the symbol for earth is a downward-pointing equilateral triangle with a horizontal line added in the middle.

Ge Zheng did not realize that he had gradually been assimilated by this world, becoming a part of it.

Paracelsus possessed a vast collection of books, comparable to that of a small library on Earth. The sheer volume of his collection compelled Paracelsus to invest considerable effort in crafting a quasi-artifact level storage ring, capable of holding the equivalent of forty rooms, to accommodate his extensive library

Untie that grass rope, and this alchemical equation unfolds before Ge Zheng. It is yet another strange pattern, and indeed, as Paracelsus stated, no alchemist would write down their equations in such a direct manner

... ...

When speaking of the cornerstones of the world, what first comes to mind is no longer technology, but rather magic and martial energy

Ge Zheng flipped the scroll, and beneath the knot of the grass rope, he discovered a special mark: a circle of flames encircling a roaring dragon.

The spire on the right, entwined with vines and the moon, leads me to believe that the moon cannot simply represent silver. The vines under the moonlight, during the era of the Dragon Alchemist, were once prominent in the teachings of the Moses sect. Although they have now faded into obscurity, I still found some information in your think tank. In the legends of the Moses sect, the vines under the moonlight symbolize a pure and indomitable quality—this raises a question, as there is more than one type of material possessing such qualities. I thought of two.

Ge Zheng realized that his child had been born, and suddenly he became enlightened. He understood that his own despair would not hasten his return to the world he once knew. To untie the knot, one must find the one who tied it. Since he was brought to this world because of alchemy, if he wished to return, he must start with alchemy. There was an alchemy master by his side, and he needed to cherish this opportunity.

Compulsory courses: Alchemy, Magic, and Appraisal; these three subjects cannot be overlooked. Among the elective courses, Ge Zheng only wishes to return home and never considers why warriors forge weapons or similar matters, naturally disregarding martial skills and fighting spirit. He has never excelled in the esoteric subjects such as Mysticism, Astrology, Divination, Theology, and Witchcraft, so he simply chooses not to study them. The remaining subjects, including Medicine, Philology, and Cryptography, require thorough research.

It had been three years since the last year-end examination, when Paracelsus suddenly announced that there would be a test. In a daze, Ge Zheng found himself flying back to the "Palace Examination Pavilion" of Ge Men. The window panes were covered with white paper, and the paper in the bottommost pane had been tampered with by himself, filled with copied texts. The ink was specially concocted by him, and with his tea-colored crystal glasses, he could see clearly. Thus, he always sat in that position.

A standard scroll is simply a piece of parchment rolled up and tied with a string. A more upscale version is made from the hide of a magical beast, which is more sensitive to magical detection. However, the scroll before us is clearly not of such low quality: it is contained within a gilded metal cylinder, with flame-shaped caps on both ends. Upon unscrewing the cap, a scroll is poured out, featuring intricate leather patterns and a grass rope woven from highly magical luminescent grass. Ge Zheng held it in his hand, looking inquiringly at Paracelsus. Upon unscrewing the cap, a scroll is poured out, featuring intricate leather patterns and a grass rope woven from highly magical luminescent grass. Ge Zheng held it in his hand, looking inquiringly at Paracelsus.

This symbol represents a person who is renowned in the history of the Star Refining world: Albert, the Alchemist of Dragons. He is the founder of the Alchemist Guild, and under his leadership, the guild grew from nothing to prominence, becoming one of the three major guilds in the Star Refining world, on par with the Magic Guild and the Warrior Guild

The background of the pattern is a massive temple, which differs from the typical single-roofed temples of the Star Refining World; it features two towers of approximately equal height. From the left tower, a fountain erupts with the sun, while the right tower is entwined with vines that bind the moon.

Since the reasons are already known, Paracelsus no longer had the patience to listen further. He quickly stated: "The griffin here should represent the wind, while the small hill actually forms a triangle, representing fire. The meaning of this half of the tower's peak is to be refined in the midst of wind and fire. The final outcome of both tower peaks is an alloy, with the sea turtle symbolizing the furnace, while also hinting at the form of the final product. The ocean signifies the use of a water bath to heat the furnace and control the reaction temperature. This way, the two alloys can react, with a portion of the material from the alloy on the right exchanging with a portion of the material from the alloy on the left, resulting in the final product. The final outcome of both tower peaks is an alloy, with the sea turtle symbolizing the furnace, while also hinting at the form of the final product. The ocean signifies the use of a water bath to heat the furnace and control the reaction temperature. This way, the two alloys can react, with a portion of the material from the alloy on the right exchanging with a portion of the material from the alloy on the left, resulting in the final product. Then, the final product is shaped and released in the form of the sea turtle."

These annotations are the simplest part of the entire equation, and Ge Zheng temporarily disregarded them, focusing instead on deciphering the equation.

The old gentleman's eyes sparkled with excitement when he saw the work in Ge Zheng's left sleeve; he knew that Ge Zheng had passed the exam for the *Tu* book. He asked so many questions merely to find out at which step Ge Zheng had encountered a "problem," resulting in the creation of two different works.

The ring, known as "The Think Tank," now lies before Ge Zheng. Paracelsus has granted him access to all the materials, and naturally, this ring has been left behind.

Everything is difficult at the beginning. Paracelsus was not merely comforting Ge Zheng; what he said was indeed a fact. Ge Zheng, possessing the true teachings of Eastern mystical alchemy, is only slightly behind him in terms of their refining abilities, not limited to the scope of alchemy. What he lacks are the right conditions and experience

... ...

The concept of the python ladder is somewhat difficult to comprehend; however, based on the annotations of the surrounding Islamic incantations, I believe that the meaning of this pattern is to achieve a layered 'red dyeing' through the three steps of separation, calcination, and waxification. 'Red dyeing' refers to the production of the final product. The red stage holds significance as the final phase in the alchemical process. Clearly, this equation is quite complex, containing many smaller equations within it.

However, since that day, Ge Zheng seemed to have suddenly gained a new perspective, and his entire demeanor was revitalized. He became even more diligent in his study of alchemy than before. Paracelsus looked on with satisfaction, and naturally, his teaching became even more dedicated.

Mr. How could you forget about the dragon bones of the Radiant Holy Dragon

Ge Zheng's rapid progress in alchemy can also be attributed to the parallels drawn from Eastern elixir arts to alchemy

Now, let me take a look at the final product crafted from the bones of the Radiant Holy Dragon! Paracelsus actually felt a glimmer of anticipation. After all these years, as the foremost alchemist under the stars, there have been very few alchemical creations that could evoke such expectation in Paracelsus.

When it comes to means of transportation, what first comes to mind is no longer cars or airplanes, but rather horse-drawn carriages and long-distance teleportation magic circles

He arrived in this world in September of the year 2742 of the Star Origin Era, and it has already been nearly nine months since then

Paracelsus finally understood: "So you refined two final works using different materials in two stages." "Indeed," Ge Zheng replied with a wry smile. Paracelsus, moved, said: "What I guessed was calcined silver; its strength is exceptional, and it can easily cut through diamonds when made into tools. Moreover, it is a metal of the light attribute, aligning with the quality of 'sacred and unyielding.' What else is there?"

Paracelsus carefully picked up this "artifact," looking at it from left to right. There was not a trace of fluctuation on it, and it did not appear to be the legendary artifact that could shake the heavens and the earth. He felt somewhat uncertain and cast an identification spell again, but the result was the same, with no reaction at all. Paracelsus shook his head and returned the item to Ge Zheng, as he truly could not grasp its depth and could only remind Ge Zheng: "Handle it with care."

Around the pattern, there are also some annotations marked with ancient Islamic incantations

"Ge, Ge?" Paracelsus saw that he had lost his train of thought and had no choice but to awaken him. Ge Zheng came back to his senses, and before him lay a scroll.

This ... ... '' Paracelsus also found it somewhat strange: `` You produced two works at once? ''

However, a surge of ambition rose within Ge Zheng: Alright, let me see what I have truly learned during my three years in the Star Refining World!

Three days passed quickly. Paracelsus sat in his wooden cabin, and it wasn't long before Ge Zheng knocked on the door and entered. "Sir," he said as he sat down, first placing the precious formula and the think tank ring on the table. "Please take these two items back first." Paracelsus did not reach for the items on the table and asked with a smile, "How is it?"

Only when lying on the lawn alone, chewing on a blade of grass and gazing at the starry sky, does one remember that their child is already over two years old. Before embarking on the journey down the mountain, my junior sister once told me, "Wait until you return to name the child." Ge Zheng smiled bitterly: this wait, I do not know how many years it will take.

Two thousand seven hundred years ago, the last mono-ethnic state on the continent, the Northern Empire of the Demon Race, perished, marking the official completion of the great ethnic integration of the continent. That year was designated as the Year One of the Star Origin Era, thus commencing the Star Origin calendar of the continent

As the time drew nearer, Ge Zheng's mood became increasingly despondent. Perhaps due to the bond of blood, even though Ge Zheng was in another world, he seemed to clearly sense an ever-growing urgency— that day was approaching, and Ge Zheng's heart grew heavier with sorrow.

Ge Zheng scratched his head, feeling somewhat confused: "The result has left me a bit bewildered." "Oh," Paracelsus couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed: "Did you fail? Well, that's nothing to worry about; after all, the equations of the Dragon Alchemist are not so easily solved." Ge Zheng shook his head: "I don't know whether I succeeded or failed."

Unknowingly, Ge Zheng has been living in the Star Refining World for three years. In this time, Paracelsus has trained him to become an outstanding alchemist. He has gradually adapted to life in this world, and his thinking has slowly become "Star Refining World-ized". When it comes to races, he no longer first thinks of yellow, white, or black people, but rather humans, demons, orcs, and elves.

Paracelsus first introduced him to the universal symbols of alchemy, followed by the fundamental theories of alchemy, and then some classic equations of alchemy, covering all three major categories of equations. Only after completing these studies did the actual training course for becoming an alchemist begin

Paracelsus trembled all over and suddenly realized: "Indeed, you are right. My thinking has been too narrow. In searching within minerals, I actually forgot about biological materials. The bones of the Radiant Dragon are equally hard and possess the same radiant attribute."

Ge Zheng looked at the strange symbols drawn by Paracelsus and thought to himself: this is somewhat similar to the yin and yang of the Bagua, both consisting of two basic symbols that are then transformed.

The latter smiled faintly: "This is an alchemical formula. From the extent to which I have kept it, you can see how precious it is—of course, this alchemical formula is not as simple as the one you saw three years ago. I will give you three days; you may consult any materials you wish. If you can produce the substance in the formula, you will have passed. " After Paracelsus finished speaking, he took off a ring from his hand and placed it in front of him, encouraging him with a smile before leaving. I will give you three days; you may consult any materials you wish. If you can produce the substance in the formula, you will have passed. " After Paracelsus finished speaking, he took off a ring from his hand and placed it in front of him, encouraging him with a smile before leaving.

Every morning, according to the Ge Men method, he practices internal alchemy, and after the morning class, he listens to Paracelsus and lectures on alchemical knowledge. It has been nine months since Ge Zheng arrived in this world, and Paracelsus has noticed that Ge Zheng's mood has been increasingly low. He often sits alone on a large stone in front of the house after the lectures. The afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden-red hue over the forest, and a gentle breeze stirs the leaves, creating a rustling sound. The stone and the person on it become a single entity, with shadows stretching long, evoking an indescribable sense of loneliness. Paracelsus has observed that Ge Zheng's mood has been increasingly low, often finding him sitting alone on the large stone in front of the house after his lectures. The afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden-red hue over the forest, and a gentle breeze stirs the leaves, creating a rustling sound. The stone and the person on it become a single entity, with shadows stretching long, evoking an indescribable sense of loneliness.

Paracelsus smiled: "You guessed correctly, it is mithril, and then?"

Ge Zheng shook his head: "It was divided into two parts, resulting in two different works." He spread out the alchemical equation: "Sir, from this equation, it can be seen that the two spires are parallel, of equal height, and neither has ultimately disappeared, which indicates that this is a substitution equation." Paracelsus nodded: "Indeed, and then?"

On the lower level of the temple, to the left lies a gigantic python, its body coiling upwards to form a suspended ladder, with steps carved out as well. To the right stands a small hill, on the slope of which is a griffin.

Paracelsus was taken aback; he was the only living alchemical master with a title, a demigod master! Appraisal techniques, like magical combat energy, are also divided into twelve levels. However, just as the twelfth level of forbidden magic is merely a legendary existence, the twelfth level of appraisal techniques is also said to be a myth. Even the titled alchemical masters have never heard of anyone mastering appraisal techniques to the twelfth level. This means that the eleventh level of appraisal techniques is essentially the pinnacle.

Ge Zheng twirled the petiole of a leaf between his fingers, the leaf spinning rapidly. Calculating the time, it seems that the child in his junior sister's womb is about to be born.

The Dragon race is also one of the six major races in the Star Refining World. Furthermore, the Dragon race is known for its narrow-mindedness and vengefulness, and they are extremely angered by the act of using the bodies of their companions for alchemy. As a result, it has been a long time since items such as dragon bones and dragon blood have been regarded as alchemical materials on the continent

The range of the Cloak of the Goddess of Wisdom is quite extensive, even encompassing the forest behind. Ge Zheng practices his internal cultivation and refines his inner elixir daily, often gathering the vital energy of living beings from the forest behind his house. In a daze, it feels as if he has returned to the time of the daily morning lessons at the Ge Sect. Only the continuous influx of abundant vital energy allows him to maintain clarity of mind and discern that he is already in another world

The equation of such a master is undoubtedly challenging

Paracelsus is truly an encyclopedic scholar; no matter what Ge Zheng wishes to learn, he is exceptionally knowledgeable. It seems that the first alchemist under the starry sky is indeed not just a name without substance

Ge Zheng is no longer the person who knew nothing about this world three years ago; he is well aware of what this mark represents

Ge Zheng smiled faintly and said, "It's nothing much, even if the material has changed, the subsequent process remains the same. It's just that this work..." Paracelsus cast a beam of magical light, and the level 11 identification spell fell upon the object that resembled a grayish-white turtle shell, yet it showed no reaction at all

Every year, there is a year-end examination at the Ge Men. Although Ge Zheng consistently ranks third or fourth, everyone knows that this individual never puts in the effort to memorize the classics of the sect. Even so, being able to achieve such a ranking truly makes his peers go from envy to jealousy.