As a matter of fact, he did know that. He was, after all, tutored in alchemy by a genuine medicine woman from a remote village before he entered the sect. She was so traditional, in fact, that she scoffed at the name 'alchemy' and referred to her craft strictly as 'elixir making.'
But that wasn't the sort of thing you wanted people to know, for a wide variety of reasons.
"If you don't shut up right now I won't let you partner with me anymore," Wei Zian told him seriously.
"Hey!" protested Bai Ning. "Who's going to help me with this stuff then? I'm terrible at this!"
"I don't know," said Wei Zian innocently. "Maybe you should find some female disciple to help you."
Fortunately, the instructor was currently too busy marveling over Zhao Hong's newest creation to pay attention to Wei Zian's table, somehow the young master had managed to make some kind of spirit enhancement elixir out of the provided ingredients, and that was apparently very impressive. Elder Lin didn't appear to mind that Zhao Hong completely ignored the assignment to make spirit adhesive and did his own thing instead.
Wei Zian shook his head and tried to concentrate on his own work. He wondered whether he would have gotten the same reaction if he had done something like that, or if he would be accused of showing off. The few times Wei Zian tried to impress the instructors, he was simply told to focus on his basics and not to get arrogant, because pride comes before the fall. Was it because Zhao Hong was the heir of the prestigious Zhao Clan? Or something else?
It was in moments like these that he understood exactly how Ao Jiao felt about all this.
⋆⋆⋆
"And that concludes today's lesson," said Senior Sister Yun Xia. "Before you leave, however, I have an announcement to make. As some of you know, the sect traditionally organizes a Celestial Connection Ceremony on the eve of the Phoenix Renewal Festival. This year is no exception. The ceremony will take place in the Grand Hall next Saturday. For those of you who are unaware, attendance is mandatory this year."
Wei Zian groaned, slamming his forehead into the table in front of him, causing the rest of the class to snicker. Senior Sister Yun pointedly ignored his reaction.
"For those of you who don't know the proper ritual movements, practice sessions will be held every day at the Hour of the Rooster in Training Hall Six. Those of you who do know the movements still have to attend at least one of these sessions to demonstrate your proficiency, I will not have you embarrass me during the ceremony. Dismissed. Disciple Ao Jiao, Disciple Wei Zian, please remain after class."
"Oh great," Wei Zian mumbled. He probably should have restrained himself from reacting so strongly to the announcement. Truthfully, he intended to skip the ceremony, regardless of how mandatory it was. Did Senior Sister Yun realize that? No, he could detect no disapproval in her posture, and he was pretty sure she'd be rather annoyed if she sensed his plans.
"Now then..." Senior Sister Yun began when he and Ao Jiao were the only disciples left. "I assume you both know the proper ritual movements?"
"Of course," said Wei Zian.
"Umm..." Ao Jiao fidgeted. "I'm not very confident in my technique."
"No matter," Senior Sister Yun said. "We'll correct any flaws you may have easily enough. The reason I asked you to stay is that I want you to help me with the practice sessions."
Wei Zian considered refusing outright, it wasn't something he wanted to waste his time on, but he figured this could be a favor that would make Senior Sister Yun forgive him a transgression or two. Like, say, not showing up to the mandatory ceremony? Before he could express his tentative agreement, however, Ao Jiao decided for him.
"How can we assist you?" she said, clearly pleased they were chosen for this 'honor'. Wei Zian raised an eyebrow at the way she presumed to speak for him, but let it slide for the moment.
"We only have five days to teach everyone the ritual movements," Senior Sister Yun said. "That's why we're going to use qi techniques to help."
"Puppet technique," Wei Zian guessed.
"Yes," Senior Sister Yun said, then quickly moved to explain for Ao Jiao's benefit. "There is a technique that will guide a person's limbs and body through whatever movements it is designed for. It's not really suitable as a substitute for proper training, but if you practice while under its effects, you will learn much faster than you would otherwise."
"How does that work?" Ao Jiao asked curiously.
"The technique controls you like a puppet master pulling strings until you learn how to move along with it, if only to make the feeling of something jerking you around go away," said Wei Zian. "Eventually you no longer need the technique to perform the movements correctly."
"I see you have personal experience with this method," Senior Sister Yun said with a smile.
Wei Zian resisted the urge to scowl. Being subjected to that technique by Wei Dai was one of his childhood traumas. It wasn't amusing at all.
"I sincerely hope you intend to give disciples a choice to refuse," Wei Zian said.
"Of course," Senior Sister Yun agreed. "Though, those who refuse this method will have to attend at least three sessions instead of one, so I expect most will choose this option instead of the traditional method. In any case, I want you two to help me perform the technique on people during the practice sessions. I expect I'll have to dispel and recast it frequently, and I could use some assistance."
"And why did you choose us specifically?" Wei Zian asked.
"You both have excellent control over your qi and you seem responsible enough to be taught such a technique. Puppet techniques targeting people are restricted knowledge, after all, and not something normally available to third-tier disciples."
Hmm. So how did Wei Dai get access to it then? In his second year, no less? Well, whatever. At least knowing how to perform the technique will make it easier to counter it in the future.