"Doris," the matriarch said slowly. "Make arrangements for Vivian to meet Elton and become his apprentice. She will start learning from him tomorrow.”

“I understand, Madam," Doris quickly replied.

“Tell Elton that if he manages to make Vivian into a level one alchemist in the next two years, he will be given a fifty percent increase in salary. What's more, he will have a subsequent fifty percent increase for every new level that Vivian breaks through.”

“Uh, well," Doris started, concern written all over her face. "Don't you think that's too much?”

Elton was already being paid beyond handsomely. If things went as planned, and he was given all this boon, Doris worried that the Jenkins family would eventually not afford to keep him.

Besides, knowledge wasn't all there was to a breakthrough in cultivation. With alchemy, in particular, the key was to master the formulas of various high-level pills.

In other words, if Elton handed over the formulas for the third-level pills he had well understood to Vivian, she'd soon make rapid progress.

Doris wondered if this was really worth it. The price was too steep, and there was no guarantee that they would get the results that they wanted.

As she pondered it some more, Doris soon realized that it was indeed necessary. In fact, it was vital.

If they weren't going to train Maria and help her with her cultivation, then they had no choice but to focus all their efforts on Vivian.

Doris sighed inwardly.

The internal conflict of the past had really done a number on the Jenkins family. While they still remained relatively in power, it seemed like the fates were constantly toying with them. Over the Last few decades, no one had ever shown promise in the field of alchemy. Yet now, two people had appeared at the same time.

“The apprenticeship ceremony shall be held tomorrow," the matriarch declared, breaking Doris’ train of thought. "Elton is fond of lively events. Be sure to invite all of the youngsters to the ceremony.”

“Yes, Madam." It suddenly occurred to Doris that Elton was a very conceited man.

He was well over forty years old now, and had barely anything going on for him except for his position in the clan. But he never failed to boast of his so-called feats to others, and he always seemed to preen whenever someone started to speak to him, basking in their attention and praises.

Over time, most of the clansmen grew tired of his behavior and went to great lengths to avoid him unless they absolutely had to face him.

If given the choice, they would probably ditch tomorrow's ceremony. And if that happened, Elton would definitely throw a tantrum.

As it happened, even the matriarch herself was unwilling to attend, so they needed to fill the gaps with the younger members of the family. One could only hope that this would be enough to placate Elton's ego.

A ball of dread settled in the pit of Doris' stomach as she thought about the work she had to do. She lowered her head and took her leave.

In the Lemna Yard. Maria sat at the table, scribbling something on a white sheet of paper. Isla had just started her cultivation process. Whenever she had time to spare, Maria would send her to the yard to practice.

Jack hadn't left yet. He stood at attention to the side, respectfully waiting for Maria's orders.

Maria soon finished writing, set her pen down, and folded the paper. "I don't have the time to create pills while I'm here, but this is the formula for the Humanity Pill," she said as she handed the note to Jack.

“It's not as effective as the ones I just gave you, but it's easy to make and reliable enough for someone Like you

Head back and try making some. If there's anything you don't understand or have trouble with, just give me a call."