44 Selecting the Cauldron (2/2)
Nodding, Lu Fengyi continued, ”I'm an official apothecary from the apothecary guild. I've recently developed a new technique for forging pills and it is an extremely volatile process that could result in cauldron explosions quite often.”
”Ahh, I didn't realise that sir was an official apothecary. Please excuse my manners.” the attendant bowed slightly towards Lu Fengyi before continuing, ”If you've just created a new technique, I can possible help you improve it if you describe the technique to me. Of course, if you don't wish to reveal the technique, just act as if I said nothing.”
”You can do that too?”
Lu Fengyi thought for a moment, weighing the pros and cons to the decision before him. While revealing the technique would mean that it would not be solely his anymore, even if he made the man swear to not tell anyone else, the possibility that the man could provide help with improving his cauldron would be quite the experience.
Before long, Lu Fengyi came to a decision, ”Alright. I'll describe the technique to you, however you must not disclose it to anyone else.”
Seeing the young man nod in assent, Lu Fengyi began, ”The main points of the technique are increase the ferocity of the flames before...”
After several moments, Lu Fengyi had finished his explanation, now looking expectantly at the young man who had his brows creased in contemplation.
”That's quite the interesting forging technique, something that I've never encountered before. Here, I can offer several tips on improving the technique, however I'll most likely need to see you forge a pill before I can tell you much. How about we go select your cauldron first?”
Agreeing to the proposal, Lu Fengyi followed the attendant over towards a set of larger, thicker cauldrons in the further corners of the shop.
”Most of the cauldrons here should match your description, however how much the user enjoys using it is the most important factor to choosing a cauldron. Of course, I can't ask you to forge with every cauldron, however you should feel some sort of affinity to the cauldrons. Close your eyes and touch the one that attracts you the most.”
Following the instructions, Lu Fengyi shut his eyes, feeling for the cauldrons from his consciousness. Initially, Lu Fengyi could only see darkness, however seconds after, his entire consciousness lit up with hundreds of small flames, each burning with different intensities. Looking around for the brightest flame like he had been instructed, Lu Fengyi found before him a flame the size of a soccer ball. While the flame itself was not giving off as much light as the others, the deepened shade of blue seemed to attract him like a magnet, willing him to take it in.
Instinctively, Lu Fengyi reached out towards the flame. As his hand contacted the burning aurora of the ball of fire, his consciousness returned to the shop, instantly lighting up his vision once more.
”That seems almost the most perfect choice for you sir.”
Lu Fengyi looked down upon hearing the words, seeing the round, bulky and almost prideful cauldron beneath his hand.
”That one has been sitting her for longer periods of time than all of the other cauldrons, however it seems that it will finally be leaving the shop.”
Lu Fengyi looked towards the attendant, ”This cauldron, I feel as if it is trying to speak to me.”