Chapter 2331

Earlier, Andrew had promised to craft a ninth-grade Soul-Restoring Pill for Sovereign’s Apothecary.

Brielle, unable to wait any longer, pushed him to fulfill his promise since she had already given him the Blackstar Crystal.

Andrew did not mind at all. The original deal required Sovereign’s Apothecary to provide him with three items, and the Blackstar Crystal was only one of them. But since he was dealing with someone as influential as Brielle, there was no need to be petty.

Whatever he gave now, he would get back eventually. For example, while refining the Soul-Restoring Pill for them, he could also make a few high-grade pills for himself.

After all, the materials were right there, so why waste them?

Driving his beat-up car alone, he arrived at Sovereign’s Apothecary and found Amari.

Amari smiled. “Andrew, make sure to put on a good show later. And let me learn a thing or two while you’re at it!”

Andrew smiled. “That won’t be a problem. But I haven’t refined anything in a while, so I need to get back into the groove first."

Amari waved a hand, unconcerned. “Then take a moment to relax. I’ll get everything ready for you.”

Andrew nodded and casually walked to the sink to wash his hands. Refining a ninth-grade Soul-Restoring Pill was a challenge even for him. Everyone knew that the higher the grade, the harder it became, and preparing for high-tier alchemy was always a complex process.

For example, at places like Mistveil Peak, where traditional alchemy was practiced, some would fast, bathe, and meditate for days beforehand.

Andrew, however, did not bother with all that. Instead, he preferred to just dive in. Still, he believed that adjusting his mindset beforehand was necessary.

Meanwhile, Amari left his small courtyard with a spring in his step. The thought of Andrew showing off his skills in Sovereign’s Apothecary filled him with pride, and his excitement was written all over his face.

“Well, well, Amari, you look like you’re on cloud nine,” said a mocking voice laced with sarcasm.

Amari’s expression darkened, and he turned toward the sound. A gray-haired old man with a long face strutted over, surrounded by a crowd of disciples.

The display of prestige was hard to miss.

Amari snorted. “Oh, I should have known it’s you, Theon."

The elder was Theon Orben, another well-known alchemy master in Sovereign’s Apothecary. With his skills and his many disciples, even Brielle usually treated him with respect.

Theon said, “Amari, who exactly is this senior of yours? Don’t think you can fool Madam Baxter with some phony. If I find out you dragged in a fraud, trust me, she won’t let you off easy.”

Hearing the hostility in his tone, Amari sneered. “Theon, aren’t you worried about biting your own tongue with such big talk? You only thrive in Chetvine because you can talk fast and shamelessly flatter people. But let me tell you, in my senior’s eyes, your little tricks are nothing.”

Theon’s narrow eyes narrowed even more. “Amari, you useless old fool. If your senior is so great, then name him! There isn’t a single master in Holtrien’s alchemy world that I don’t know. I bet this so-called senior of yours is nothing more than a con artist.”

Amari’s anger flared. “You old bastard, what did you just say?”

Theon smirked. “Oh? Struck a nerve already? I said your senior is a fraud, someone who’s here to deceive Madam Baxter. What, you don’t like the truth?”

Amari’s tongue was never as sharp as Theon’s, but he could not stand hearing Andrew belittled. His fists clenched, and he looked ready to strike.

“Enough, both of you. You’re masters under the same roof. Why spoil the peace?”

A gentle voice drifted over, and Brielle appeared, draped in a light violet veil. A faint fragrance followed her into the courtyard.

Amari’s anger melted away, and he quickly bowed. “Madam Baxter, you’re here.”

Brielle smiled softly. “Mr. Goodman, is he here already?”

Amari nodded eagerly. “Yes, he’s resting inside. We’ll begin shortly.”

Theon’s eyes flickered, and he spoke up. “Madam Baxter, I don’t think Amari’s so-called senior can be trusted. I was just gone for a few days, and suddenly, Sovereign’s Apothecary is entertaining a fraud. Think about it… Every ninth-grade master in Holtrien is famous and commands respect. Yet this one? I’ve never even heard of him!”

Brielle waved her hand dismissively. “There’s no need for suspicion. I already know Mr. Goodman’s senior. In fact, you should know him too. He’s the same one who once competed against you for the Golden Elixir.”

Theon froze, then his face darkened, and his teeth clenched. “That arrogant brat from the Lloyd family? He’s back in Chetvine?”