Epic Of Caterpillar

Chapter 2787 2788: Learning True Alchemy

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I asked, ”Did species other than humans discover Cultivation or Martial Arts?”

”Of course, but they couldnʼt Cultivate the way we do because they never really discovered or invented Alchemy. They didnʼt need to,” he replied. ”For example, Ancient Fae could absorb the Spiritual Essence of the world or extract it from Spirit Beast Cores or corpses, gradually growing stronger by cultivating and refining this essence within their Spiritual Hearts, Spiritual Souls, and Spirit Bodies. Saurathi could also grow stronger by simply devouring the blood, flesh, bones, and skin of creatures and refining their Saurian Spirit. Their Espers had an even easier method, as they could practice Psychic Arts endlessly to refine and expand their Consciousness through various techniques. Dwarves, naturally strong and long-lived, focused their Martial Arts on wielding heavy, massive weapons.”

”I see. So the human race was the weakest, yet it became the most dominant, all thanks to Alchemy?” I asked.

”Itʼs a combination of factors, but Alchemy contributed at least fifty percent to our rise,” he answered honestly, avoiding excessive praise for Alchemy. ”Without it, we might have remained at the bottom of the food chain, enslaved by other intelligent species or crushed and turned into compost or food.”

”Euuk!” Franky shivered upon hearing this. ”Father, thatʼs too gruesome!”

”Hahaha! Well, humans do the same even to other humans,” Frankenstein laughed. ”We grind and crush them into bits to make wonderful pills and elixirs that aid our Cultivation! Hahaha!”

”Ah…”

Yes, the Chaos Gate is a Criminal Organization, after all. Everyone is so kind that I often forget that, in Xianxia terms, weʼre akin to a ”Devilish Cult” that uses unorthodox methods to grow stronger while exploiting our power to expand our territory and secure more resources.

”I prefer using those already dead, though. I assemble them into marvelous creations, though Iʼve only crafted two nearly perfect ones, which I call my children. Iʼve also modified my own body using Alchemy, so Iʼm not a coward who wouldnʼt experiment on himself to achieve his goals and dreams. As a talentless human born without any aptitude for Magic or Martial Arts, I had to find a way to extend my lifespan, right?” he said.

”I remember when we fought, I saw your body grow larger and more muscular, like a giant! There were mechanical parts inside you, and your skin was all stitched…” I muttered. ”Um, Doc, how much of your real self remains in your body?”

Riddled with mechanical parts and armed with a dozen hidden weapons, he was likely concealing even more, as my dad had hinted earlier. Perhaps he could transform beyond the muscular form I saw. I bet heʼs far stronger than he lets on.

”Haha, youʼre asking too many unnecessary questions, young lady. Donʼt trouble yourself with my personal matters,” he chuckled loudly. ”Now, letʼs return to the main topic.”

”Yes,” I nodded. ”Alchemy is many things, and youʼve taught me its history and more. Can we get to the part where I practice Alchemy?”

”Yes, Dad, we need some practice!” Franky said. ”If you only teach verbally, the young lady wonʼt retain everything forever…”

”Hmm, alright,” Frankenstein nodded, closing the book. ”Letʼs begin, shall we? Come here, young lady. Iʼll teach you the basics. Alchemy encompasses many aspects. First, Synthesis, the foundation of Alchemy. Some compare it to cooking, and I donʼt blame them. You use materials gathered from the world and other living beings, processing them in various ways. Sometimes you must cut, shred, or crush something into dust before itʼs usable. Placement is critical, and the order in which you add each material matters greatly in Synthesis. Never forget this, young lady. A small mistake could easily cause a disaster or yield an entirely different result.”

”I understand. Iʼll keep that in mind,” I nodded.

”Then thereʼs Imbuing, Disassembly, Duplication, Assimilation, Formation, and Eradication Alchemy,” he explained with a pleased smile. ”Imbuing involves infusing a materialʼs supernatural properties into existing equipment. Disassembly breaks down a material or object into its most basic components for separate use. Duplication allows you to replicate an item using an equal amount of resources and energy, adhering to the law of equivalent exchange in Alchemy. Assimilation enables materials to merge and evolve into a different type of object or item, applicable even to living beings or parts of the world itself. Formation, an advanced form of Assimilation, uses Alchemy and materials to alter the environment, distinct from Domain Creation, which the World often aids. Lastly, Eradication Alchemy.”

”Whatʼs that one?” I asked.

”The destructive aspect of Alchemy, used offensively,” he explained. ”By employing materials, you destroy rather than create, altering the environment and triggering various reactions. True Alchemists combine this with constructive Alchemy to achieve its highest forms.”

”So, only by balancing destruction and creation can one truly master Alchemy?” I asked.

”Indeed,” he nodded with a kind, easy smile. ”Now youʼve grasped the basics. Weʼll start with the basic Synthesis Method. Here are the materials youʼll use.”

He offered me simple materials: green grass, a purple-leafed herb, orange mushrooms with tiny eyes, a radish with a screaming face, a mummified human arm, and three types of blood in a bottle.

”Franky, assist her in creating her first item,” Frankenstein instructed. ”Young lady, choose from these five options in this book.”

He handed me a book of Alchemy Recipes, and I read them. There were indeed five options: Blood Potion, Evergreen Tonic, Lifeforce Pill, Sanitizing Potion, and Ghastly Antidote.

”Huh, what should I choose?” I wondered.

”I recommend the Blood Potion. Itʼs the easiest,” Franky said. ”You simply mix all three bloods with herbs cut into tiny pieces, boil them together, and compress them with Synthesis.”

”Compress them?” I asked.

”The Cauldron is for that,” Frankenstein explained. ”Eventually, youʼll need a catalyst. Since ancient times, people have used necklaces, bracelets, rings, or other items as catalysts. These must be infused with Mana to forcefully channel Mana and create magical reactions.”

”Thatʼs fascinating…” I nodded. ”Okay, letʼs do that then, Franky.”

”Yaaay! Iʼm finally working with the young lady! Hehehe! Iʼm so happy!”

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