The Sacred Alchemy Sect has a history dating back around 600 years. They are mostly isolated from the wider Chinese magical community and have been researching and developing their own thods and magical ans for centuries, even prior to their formal founding, as they integrated the knowledge and ancient bloodlines of their original founders.
The founders of the sect are now figures of myth to its disciples. They were three elders who created and studied a completely different form of alchemy compared to the outside world. It is said they were blessed by three ancient magical beasts—one of light, one of dark, and one of fire.
These three elents form the foundation of the sect's teachings and alchemical practices. Fire is used to burn away all that is not required and to draw forth the essence, while light and dark are balanced to form the final product. So products require more light; so, more darkness—depending on the materials and intended effects.
The sect is located on a mountain adjacent to the Mist Plateau, ho to the ancestral mist spirit. One day, as so disciples were patrolling the area, they spotted a lady in white robes. They froze in awe and bowed deeply to her.
"Alchemy disciples greet the Ancestor," one said.
Shenlian nodded. "Guide to your elders."
The disciples glanced at one another, then back at her, and agreed.
At the summit of the mountain stood the great hall of the sect, surrounded by the courtyards of the elders and their direct disciples. Inside, as the elders discussed sothing serious, a direct disciple entered the hall hurriedly. Elder Huo noticed the young disciple and asked, "What is the matter?"
The disciple bowed. "Elder, the ancestral spirit lady of the Mist Plateau has co to visit us."
The elders were deeply surprised. They stood at once and rushed out of the hall.
Upon seeing Shenlian and the two disciples who accompanied her, they bowed in unison.
"We welco the great ancestral spirit."
Shenlian nodded in greeting and beckoned them inside.
"I've co to ask sothing of you," she said once they were seated. "So great and important figures have co to and expressed interest in learning about the magical society of China. They are of an ancient and noble bloodline, and I chose your sect to represent our traditions in a cultural exchange. Would that be acceptable to you?"
The elders lowered their gazes in contemplation.
"We would love to welco the guests with open arms," replied Elder Huo, the most senior among them.
Shenlian smiled. "Thank you for your hospitality. I will return with them in an hour."
With a flicker of lightning, Shenlian dispersed into mist and vanished.
The two disciples who had escorted her carried so magical beast parts in their hands. On the table lay dragon teeth, unicorn hair, and Graphorn horn shavings.
"Should we have told her about the situation of the sect leader?" one elder asked Elder Huo.
"No. It is of no concern to the lady and her esteed guests. And the gifts she provided will be helpful in his situation," Elder Huo replied.
He collected the gifts as the two outer disciples bowed and left.
—
"Is there any custom we need to keep in mind when eting the sect?" Simon asked.
"No, just treat them as if you were visiting a foreign noble house," Shenlian replied as they neared the sect.
In front of the sect, several elders and core disciples stood waiting to greet them.
After exchanging greetings, the elders led them to a banquet hall where a feast had been prepared. Elder Huo and Simon chatted during the al.
"Forgive us," the elder said, "that the sect master could not greet you himself. He is currently in seclusion, honing his alchemy skills."
Simon raised an eyebrow but accepted the explanation.
After the banquet, the family was offered a courtyard for their stay.
"It seems your sect is quite different. I've read that most sects in the Chinese magical society have been relegated to noble families," Simon noted during tea with Elder Huo.
"Yes. We remain quite isolated from the outside magical community as well. A treaty forbids outside interference," the elder explained.
"Please excuse —I have so potions to refine," Elder Huo continued. "You said you're familiar with the art. Would you like to accompany during the refinent?"
Simon nodded in agreent, and they departed together.
Under ordinary circumstances, the elder would never suggest such a thing. Revealing sect secrets to outsiders would be foolish. But with Simon's background, Elder Huo was willing to share more than usual.
Inside Elder Huo's courtyard, he turned to Simon and said, "Our potion refinent thods differ quite a bit from what you may be used to. We use fire as the basis for most of our potion production and alchemical transformations."
With a wave of his hand, a blue fla appeared.
"Our ancestors found a way to harness and control the flas of magical beings. We use them to refine ingredients."
"And what of those that are spoiled by fire?" Simon asked.
"That's why it takes years to master fla control," the elder explained. "The most skilled can burn away impurities without damaging the core ingredient."
The elder then produced a cauldron and placed several ingredients inside—dragon teeth, unicorn hair, and Graphorn horn shavings—the sa items Shenlian had gifted earlier. He summoned the fla into the cauldron. After a while, the ingredients began to stir, and more items—Murtlap essence and Valerian root—were added.
"This is a healing potion," the elder said. "The unicorn hair gives it a stronger affinity toward light. This is the stage where we manipulate light and dark energies around the cauldron to achieve the desired result."
Two hours passed, and a shimring silver potion sat before them.
"This... has the potential to revolutionize potion-making around the world," Simon said, clearly impressed. "It lowers the number of ingredients needed and the quality is higher. But how does one acquire a beast fla?"
"Thank you for your praise," the elder replied. "The fla is only given willingly by magical beasts, mainly those on the verge of death who no longer need them."
"Our disciples ta and care for salamanders from a young age. The creatures live short lives, so they provide their flas to those who cared for them. A ritual is required for the transfer. My fla cos from a lesser dragon I found in its last days and cared for until the end."
The elder spoke with quiet pride.
Elder Huo is the most skilled alchemist and potion-maker in the sect—more accomplished than even the sect leader. He simply never wished to lead and declined the position when offered.
Aaric also has a fla like this one, Simon thought, and his seems to be much stronger. This is a great opportunity for him.
—
A/n : I have tried my best to add so lore in the story without contradicting what J. K. Rowling has set up in her story. Tell if there are any disparities in what i have written, i appreciate your support.
Thoughts and stones please.
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