Brielle was said to be the younger sister of the Divine Alchemists’ grandmaster, already well into her mid-50s. Moreover, her martial cultivation was unfathomable, and Andrew could not see through her strength at all.

Ten years ago, she had looked exactly the same, and now, a decade later, she still appeared youthful. Andrew was certain this person was absolutely extraordinary, so he had always maintained proper etiquette around her.

Brielle smiled. “I’m just glad you came back safely. With your return, Sovereign’s Apothecary has gained another prodigy.”

Andrew shook his head and replied, “I won’t be working at Sovereign’s Apothecary for now. I came here because I’m looking for some medicinal herbs.”

Brielle stared deeply at Andrew for a moment before saying, “Making demands right off the bat? You can’t just act so casually just because I spoil you, you know? Sovereign’s Apothecary can source almost any ingredient that still exists in this world. I can bring them out, but very few can walk away with them in hand.”

Andrew grinned. “I understand the rules. I’m not asking you to bleed for nothing… At the very least, I’ll make sure you bleed less.”

Brielle’s cheeks seemed to flush faintly as she muttered, “Bleed less? You’ve got more nerve than Reginald ever did.”

Amari, standing at the side, could hardly believe his ears. Only Andrew had the guts to tease Brielle this way. For most, joking with her was a death sentence. He still remembered when a nobleman had made a crude remark here, only to have his tongue cut out. His powerful clan had not even dared to complain afterward.

In Chetvine, Brielle was more feared than entire dynasties.

Eventually, she said, “Alright, tell me what good stuff you want. I knew when you, this disaster magnet, came back, it wouldn’t be good news knocking at my door.”

Andrew smiled and said, “Well then, thank you for your generous favor. I don’t need much, just three things. First, century-old Vampire Fangs. Second…”

Before Andrew could continue, Brielle raised her hand to interrupt him. “Wait, hold on a second. What? Right off the bat, you’re asking for vampire fangs, such a rare item, and hundred-year-old ones at that? Where in the world do you expect me to get something like that? Don’t you realize the dark races from the West have gone into hiding? And isn’t that because of you and your damned organization? Vampires and werewolves barely dare set foot here anymore after what you did to them.”

Andrew felt a little guilty because she was not wrong. What he asked for was nearly impossible to acquire. He said, “As long as you give me what I need, I’ll craft a ninth-grade supreme elixir for Sovereign’s Apothecary.”

The room went dead silent. Sovereign’s Apothecary’s treasures were never easy to obtain, but Andrew had just placed a heavy card on the table.

At the mention of a ninth-grade supreme elixir, Brielle’s veil trembled slightly. “What did you just say? Ninth-grade? Are you certain?”

Amari nearly choked. “Andrew, don’t joke like that, or you’ll give me a heart attack. Ninth-grade? You mean you can really refine one? Are you telling me your alchemy has reached that level?”

His eyes nearly popped out of his head as he stared at Andrew.

Andrew only smiled and nodded. “Do you think I’d bother lying about something like this? Whether I can or not, just give me your answer. If Sovereign’s Apothecary can’t provide what I want, then I’ll simply go to the black market.”

Brielle snapped, “Over my dead body! You’re not allowed to waste your talent in that cesspool. If you can make a ninth-grade supreme elixir, I’ll take it. And whatever you ask for, I’ll agree to.”

Amari looked at Andrew for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh. “I’ve spent all these years pushing myself to the brink, desperate to catch up. I nearly worked myself into the grave. Yet you still leap ahead, reaching ninth grade before me."

"Andrew, when our master took you in during his final years, it felt like a slap in my face. Damn it, you entered later than me, but you’ve crushed me time and time again, even forcing me to call you senior. You’re a monster! I can’t take this anymore!”