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He believed this was how scholars felt when they came across philosophical poems.

‘To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy’s first law of Equivalent Exchange.’

Song Qing muttered under his breath, “Yes. That’s correct.”

Whenever he successfully produced something, the materials would disappear or transform into a side product.

It was a phenomenon that few noticed, and those who did never bothered to think deeper.

‘The mentor had said alchemy lies in transformations, not transfigurations. Equivalent exchange, that’s what it means…’

The simple quote elicited a shudder from the alchemy fanatic.

When the intense feelings died down, Song Qing began to decipher the unknown words, ‘Edward Elric’.

Was it a name?

It sounded nothing like what he had known.

Perhaps it was a secret word? A secret language of alchemy?

He could not make sense of the words—the mystery haunted him.

Song Qing took a deep breath to calm down. He flipped the page and spent all his mental focus deciphering the ugly handwriting.

The book’s main text began with the words: ‘Entering the world of alchemy!’

Was this an introductory lesson to alchemy?

‘Ridiculous!’ Song Qing thought.

Alchemy knowledge had always been taught through words and examples. The gifted could join their ranks after one and a half years of practice while the untalented could spend 35 years learning and still achieve nothing of note.

To this date, the Imperial Astronomers had never issued any standard education material.

Doubt needled at his heart but the profound quote from the previous page convinced him to read on.

‘Chapter One: There exist many natural phenomena in the world that embody the transmutation and transformation of matter, hidden from the naked eye. Matter interactions are all around us…

‘These can be classified into chemical changes and physical changes…’

Song Qing studied the text and fell into deep thought.

‘What is chemistry? What is an atom? What am I reading? How is it that I can read the characters and yet understand nothing?

‘When I had the chance to read the Confucian scripture, I could at least glean some things. This alchemy book gave me nothing.’

Although Song Qing struggled to understand the contents, his intuition told him the blue book was one of its kind.

It spoke about the basic building blocks of the world—the atoms and its arrangements.

Song Qing felt a shiver down his spine. He felt the urge to destroy the book—the knowledge it contained was too obscure and could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

However, his heart was tempted by the forbidden fruit. Curiosity was the driving force of advancement.

Silence fell over the Red Room.

The disciples in white exchanged looks but made no sound. The expressions that flashed across Song Qing’s face worried them.

“He must be thinking about some forbidden experiments that’ll shock the world.”

“You’re right. Last year, he tried to transmute a cat’s flesh into a tree. His theory was that a beheaded creature could still regrow. He was in isolation for a month when the Principal Imperial Astronomer found out.”

Song Qing was immersed in the blue book. Fear was mixed with enthusiasm as he perused the pages. Suddenly, his eyes lit up—the fake silver transmutation process was described in detail.

‘Step one: Filter the salt water to obtain pure sodium chloride (pure salt).

‘Step two: Evaporate the water to obtain the sodium chloride crystals. Melt the crystals at 800 degree Celcius.

‘Step three: Pay attention! This step will determine the outcome of the transmutation process.’

Finally, the question that had plagued Song Qing and his disciples for many days will be answered!

A miraculous book!

Song Qing drank in the words hungrily. Realizing he was at the end of the page, he quickly turned the paper.

Emptiness.

The page was empty.

There was nothing written on the pages to come.

Where was the third step? Who wrote this book? Song Qing wanted to chop the author into pieces for releasing a half-written book like this.

He was downright frustrated.

Song Qing’s jaw was agape as his mind went blank. After some time, he asked, “Who delivered the book?”

“Wasn’t paying attention.”

“Didn’t hear.”

“I forgot.”

The answers were surprisingly honest.

Song Qing descended the stairs. He found the disciple who delivered the book and questioned him.

The blue book was an exchange offer, Song Qing concluded.

His disciples came running after him. “Brother Song, what’s going on?”

“Is there something wrong with the book?”

...

An intense expression was on Song Qing’s face as his eyes swept past every disciple in the room. “Listen up, this is an opportunity for the Imperial Astronomers to rise above the clouds and achieve greatness. With this, alchemy will herald a brilliant future.”

…

Nearby the Sheep’s Pavilion, two horse carriages made their way down the path. The carriages held the two established Confucian scholars who had finally ceased their quarrel.

Xu Xinnian and his peers trailed behind the carriages on their horses.

‘I shouldn’t have told the truth.’ Xu Xinnian regretted his words.

The argument between the two elders had nearly escalated into a brawl when Xu Xinnian spoke up, “Honestly, this whole argument is over a dedication poem that might last the turn of the century.”

His frankness gave rise to awkwardness.

Although his remark stopped the fight from happening, the truth was a bitter pill to swallow.

Xu Xinnian pondered about his manners. ‘Mother is right, I have to be more tactful with my words.’

His fingers rubbed the recently-acquired jade accessory. He smiled and looked upon the horizon—a galloping horse was heading their way.

Moments later, Xu Xinnian recognized the silhouette of the rider—it was his father.

...

Sensing trouble, he nudged his horse forward.

“Father, why are you here?” As the question left his mouth, Xu Xinnian frowned. Up close, he saw the panic and distraught written all over his father’s face.

Xu Pingzhi summarized the events that happened.

Assistant Minister Zhou’s son harassed Xu Lingyue… Nearly trampled Xu Lingyin with his horse… Xu Qian was dragged to the Ministry of Justice… Xu Xinnian felt the blood rush to his head.

“Little Nian, your brother’s life depends on you.”

“Father, stay calm.” Ideas flashed through his mind and Xu Xinnian turned his horse around. He rode onto the path of the horse carriages and called out, “Master! Elder Mubai! Please hear me out.”

The drapes of the carriages opened and the two elders poked their heads out. “What’s the matter?”

“My brother is in trouble. I wish to request for your assistance.” Xu Xinnian narrated the events to Zhang Zhen and Li Mubai.

Zhang Zhen’s eyes were wide when he asked, “This is the man who crafted the poem we heard?”

The elder’s voice was grave.

Xu Xinnian nodded and replied, “Yes!”

Before Zhang Zhen could continue, Li Mubai cut in from the other carriage. “Cijiu, leave the matter to me. You and your mentor can head back to the academy.”

Zhang Zhen huffed and retorted, “Bystanders should head back. I will personally handle my student’s problems.”

Xu Pingzhi was glad to witness his son’s influence with the elders of the White Deer Academy.

Agitated, Xu Xinnian said, “My brother is at the Ministry of Justice. Please hurry, his life is at stake.”

It was not the time for a squabble.

Author’s note: The poem dedicated to Yang Gong is a complete seven-character quatrain—a seven-character poetry format. The seven-character octave has four lines, while a quatrain has two lines. As the earlier chapters won’t be re-edited, this footnote will serve as a clarification.