Xia Zuo boldly rolled up the three scrolls and placed them on his seat.
Audrey approached, delicately sniffing, her petite nose brushing against Xia Zuo's collar and shoulder.
"The spicy scent has faded. Have you been in the library lately? No wonder the circus hasn't seen you around."
"Yes, indeed. What about you? Tangled up in matters like Moben and Keli?"
Xia Zuo headed for the bookshelf, searching for an illustrated book. These books were quicker to read and offered decent rewards—a high value for time spent.
"I have a few pieces left unfinished. The buyer is a regular. I couldn't bring myself to refuse."
Audrey waved her slender arm. "I'll head back to painting. It'd be best to finish before the departure."
Once the other had left, Xia Zuo unfolded the three paintings and gazed at them for a long while.
Only at noon, when Mars entered, did Xia Zuo, with reddened eyes, pack away the paintings.
With his sandy hair, Mars immediately sensed the sorrow in Xia Zuo due to the impending departure.
Glancing at the illustrated book on the table, he spoke with a cheerful tone, "The 'Chronicles of Kingdom Trees,' a remarkable alchemical blend, a cross between potion and artifact alchemy."
Xia Zuo rubbed his eyes, replacing melancholy with curiosity.
Mars took a seat, flipping the book to a page displaying brown tree trunks and some explanatory text.
"You see, it mentions the prevalence of brown trees within the kingdom's territory. It's a result of the Starry Night Kingdom clearing the wilderness a century or two ago. They replaced the white trees, prone to parasites, with more vigorous brown ones."
Xia Zuo recalled a passage: If lost in the forest, head in the opposite direction of the white trees. The more brown trees around, the closer to human habitation.
It seemed there was a historical reason behind it.
"In truth, the reality is far more complex."
Mars tousled his hair, revealing a mysterious smile.
"Brown trees are alchemical creations. First, they alter the seeds using artifact alchemy, then plant them in a potion alchemy-made nurturing solution. When the roots sprout, they are planted in the soil."
"Their purpose isn't solely for direction."
"Brown trees emit an aroma imperceptible to ordinary humans. It repels wild beasts. Eventually, they migrate south, surviving in the kingdom's southern wilds."
Xia Zuo's thoughts drifted back to those days trekking in the forest.
Apart from mosquitoes, encounters were mostly with rabbits and pheasants. There were no signs of aggressive beasts like wolves, bears, or boars.
"Mars, why is alchemy a mandatory course at the Starry Night Academy? Why not delve straight into meditation?"
Seated at the table, Xia Zuo rested his chin on his arm, perplexed.
There was a book on the shelf detailing the academy's curriculum. He had read through it but couldn't grasp this particular query.
It seemed like common knowledge, requiring no explicit explanation.
Scratching his cheek, Mars seemed somewhat hesitant.
"To be honest, I finally understand the professors' dilemma when adapting the curriculum. Introducing elements to someone born on the day after tomorrow feels like scratching an itch inside a boot, impossible to reach."
Mars stood up, pacing in place.
"Here's the thing, Xia Zuo. Elements are a complex and esoteric existence. To absorb them through meditation, one must first comprehend them."
Mars gestured with both arms, one lifted as if reading and note-taking.
"The first method is through alchemy—potion, oil, poison, and artifact alchemy. Master these four, and you'll understand what elements are like."
"It's akin to sniffing the scent of a pancake, peeking at its filling, and tasting it."
"The second method."
Mars raised his left hand, fingers grasping at an imaginary substance, drawing it into his chest.
"The Eastern Continent favors the Demon Hunt Academy. They aren't mages, yet they wield elemental power."
"The Demon Hunt Academy advocates ingesting elixirs or food imbued with elements, forcefully absorbing them with a resilient will and sturdy physique."
"It's like biting into a pancake with any filling without knowing beforehand. If disliked, spit it out and try another until finding the preferred one."
"Then I should go to the Eastern Continent! The Demon Hunt Academy's style suits me perfectly."
"My determination is high... Wait, no."
"My vitality is high, forcibly absorbing elements might just be possible."
Wide-eyed, Xia Zuo asked anxiously, "Can I transfer to the Eastern Continent?"
Mars was taken aback, then chuckled. "The Eastern Continent is thousands of kilometers away, across the sea."
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