Ian took out his unexpected prize: the Rock Bear Potion formula.
The Potion's main ingredients were 100 milliliters of a Rock Armor Demon Bear's Blood Essence and 10 grams of Thorny Vine bark...
Its effect was a significant boost to one's Physique and Power upon the first dose, with diminishing returns on subsequent uses.
A permanent boost!
'Simon, I don't even blame you for leading them to me anymore.'
Physique Potions of the bloodline variety were extremely rare, far less common and varied than Meditation Potions, but every single formula was precious.
Ian's brow furrowed as he read the description of the main ingredient.
'Blood Essence?'
Blood Essence required a unique form of Witchcraft to obtain: the Bloodline Purification Technique.
This was beyond his current knowledge; he had never encountered it before.
This type of Witchcraft wasn't common. It was a High Tier course for those on the path of bloodline modification.
'Isn't Kenna a Bloodline Wizard? A pity his Realm is too low, but I'll ask him about it later.'
According to the rules of the Shadow Moon Tower, the exchange of Witchcraft between Apprentices was limited to Mid-Low Level techniques.
He didn't know if this particular Witchcraft fell into that category.
'Also, Rock Armor Demon Bears are not easy to hunt.'
He had been here for two years, after all, so he knew some basic facts.
Rock Armor Demon Bears typically lived in rocky mountains, on the outskirts of mines, and in hilly areas rich with Metal Vein Ores.
A Rock Armor Demon Bear's lair was usually a cave it carved out itself. They were extremely territorial and almost always lived alone.
It was a High Level Demonized Fierce Beast. Ordinary Mid-Low Level Apprentices were no match for it at all.
Ian had no intention of venturing into the wilderness to gather materials just to refine a Potion.
'I'm a Magic Potion Alchemist. A dangerous task like this is best left to others.'
He needed to gather the materials for the Rock Bear Potion as soon as possible to enhance his Physique.
He had already arranged a meeting with Kenna's team and would be seeing them shortly for an initial discussion.
Now that he was cooperating with Star Leaf, he wouldn't be short on Magic Stones for the time being.
He could also slowly collect other forms of Witchcraft to expand his arsenal.
Just after noon, Kenna was already standing outside Ian's door, his three teammates with him.
"Ian, I've brought them."
After Ian invited the four of them inside, a man in Leather Armor was the first to step forward.
"Hello, Ian. I'm Wade. It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can work together often in the future."
"Hello, I'm Robert."
"My name is Monica. I don't have many skills, I study Life System Witchcraft."
As the three introduced themselves, their demeanor and tone were somewhat formal.
The situation felt oddly familiar to Ian, like a job interview from his previous life.
It seemed they were taking this meeting very seriously.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Ian, a Magic Potion Alchemist who's just starting out."
Once everyone was seated, Kenna spoke up. "You didn't come back after going to the High Tower yesterday. I was worried you might have run into Simon, but it looks like you're okay."
Ian thought for a moment and decided to tell them part of the truth.
"Don't worry, the matter is resolved for now."
But on second thought, with Simon and the other person dead, the Shadow Society would likely investigate. They would definitely start by looking into his known enemies, and Kenna had clashed with them before.
"But it seems Simon wasn't willing to let things go, so there might be repercussions. You should be careful."
"Alright." Seeing Ian's serious expression, Kenna took the warning to heart.
If Simon did come looking for trouble again, even though his Power wasn't a match for Kenna's, he had been a Middle Level Apprentice for several years. It was best to be wary of some underhanded tricks.
Hearing them mention the Shadow Society, Wade, who was sitting nearby, suddenly recalled something.
"The Shadow Society? A friend of mine heard some news that they've been expanding recently. It's a bit strange, you hardly see anyone out and about anymore."
Wade didn't know much; he had only heard his friend mention it briefly.
He was the legitimate son of a major noble and was well-connected. In Kenna's team, he was the most informed.
As they talked, Ian secretly observed the three newcomers.
Monica spoke timidly and didn't seem to have strong opinions.
Wade was straightforward and bold, speaking his mind without fear of offending anyone.
Robert was quiet and reserved. He specialized in Fire Witchcraft, yet he lacked the fiery temper typical of a Fire Wizard.
Ian felt that Robert was the calmest, smartest, and also the strongest member of the team.
The others, in turn, were subtly trying to gauge Ian's attitude.
Seeing that they had talked enough, Ian pulled four Awakening Potions from a cloth pouch he kept close.
"I happened to have just finished refining some before you arrived, so I brought them along."
He didn't say he was giving them away for free; their relationship hadn't reached that point.
He also desperately needed a large amount of resources to sustain his own Cultivation.
Ian now had a clear understanding of his own abilities and felt he could reveal a little of his Talent for Alchemy.
The four of them exchanged glances, a hint of pleasant surprise in their eyes. Ian's gesture clearly showed his intention to cooperate.
"Haha, I'll go first." Wade was the first to take a potion, handing over five Magic Stones.
The other three also took out their Magic Stones and expressed their thanks.
"Wade, do you know where to find a Rock Armor Demon Bear?"
"I do. There are a few in Gale Fjord. They shouldn't be too hard to find."
Wade's expression was excited. This was the first cooperative task Ian had offered them.
"I need a Rock Armor Demon Bear's blood for Alchemy. I hear they're tough to deal with."
"If we prepare properly, we have a good chance. What do you need besides the blood?"
When Robert spoke and the other three didn't object, Ian felt a sense of relief.
It seemed he could start working on the new formula very soon.
"Near a Rock Armor Demon Bear's lair, there's usually Thorny Vine. I need its bark."
"No problem. Give us some time to prepare. We should be back in about ten days, round trip."
Ian nodded. "For payment, would you prefer Magic Stones or Potions?"
Robert looked at the other three, who nodded in agreement.
"We'll take the full payment in Awakening Potions, if that's not too much trouble for you."
Ian preferred paying with Potions as well. It saved him the hassle of exchanging them, making it the most profitable deal for him.
"I'm also buying Moonlight Grass. If you have any in the future, you can sell it to me."
He briefly explained the situation with the Star Leaf Magic Pharmacy and changed the delivery location to Nightfall Town.
After hearing this, Kenna and the others looked extremely envious.
"Actually, we have quite a bit on hand right now. We were just waiting for you to say that."
Kenna brought out a bundle from an inner room and handed it to Ian.
"This is what the four of us collected together. See how many Awakening Potions it's worth?"
Ian took it, finding the situation both funny and exasperating. It seemed they had come prepared.
Working with the Star Leaf Magic Pharmacy didn't forbid Magic Potion Alchemists from taking on private jobs, as long as they completed their assigned tasks.
An idea formed in Ian's mind, but he would have to wait until he had established a firm foothold at the pharmacy.
"Kenna, I also need the Bloodline Purification Technique. Do you have any leads?"
"I haven't learned that Witchcraft myself. I heard it's incredibly profound and difficult to master. The modified bloodline I have was purchased. But I know who has that Witchcraft."
Ian was overjoyed. "Can you ask for me how many Magic Stones it would cost? As long as it's not an outrageous price, I can accept it."
"No problem."
Kenna agreed immediately. He dealt with that person often and was very confident.
After finalizing the cooperation with Ian, even the lines of stress on his face seemed to ease.
His teammates felt much the same way.
Being able to cooperate directly with a Magic Potion Alchemist was a rare and fortunate opportunity.