Cultivation

Leaving the bustle and glory of the Marketplace behind, Xiao Yan carried a cloth bag full of medicinal herbs. His steps were light yet eager as he hurried through the Xiao Clan courtyard. As he passed the Training Ground, he caught sight of the red lanterns still swaying from the Old Locust Tree, but he had no time to dwell on them. His mind was filled with the imminent pill refining, and he headed straight back to his room.

The moment he pushed open the door, he impatiently shut it behind him and dropped the cloth bag heavily onto the table. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the pitch-black Storage Ring on his right index finger as he softly called out within his mind, his voice full of anticipation. "Master, I bought back the medicinal herbs and the first-tier Wind Wolf Core. When do we start refining the Qi Gathering Powder?"

A moment later, Elder Yao's aged yet vigorous voice rang out in his mind, carrying a hint of satisfaction and approval. "You came at just the right time. You have just gone through a battle, and the Dou Qi circulating within your body still has some lingering momentum. Your fighting spirit is also at its peak, making this the perfect time for pill refining. However, I will take the lead this time. You will observe and learn carefully from the side. Remember every step and detail—this will be vital when you refine pills independently in the future. First, sort out the Qi Gathering Grass, Green Leaf Grass, Dew Condensing Flower, and Clematis Vine. Take out the Magic Core as well and set it aside. I will first teach you how to distinguish the quality of medicinal herbs and the essentials of pre-processing."

Xiao Yan did not dare delay and immediately took the herbs from the cloth bag one by one. He found a clean soft cloth in the cabinet and spread it over the table, then carefully placed the two stalks of Qi Gathering Grass on it—their emerald leaves still carried the dampness of morning dew, while the traces of dirt on their roots had already been cleaned away on his journey back. Their white flower buds were plump and round, giving off a faint spiritual aura. He then found three small porcelain bowls and placed the Green Leaf Grass, Dew Condensing Flower, and Clematis Vine into them separately. The Green Leaf Grass had emerald leaves with neat serrated edges and dense, soft white fuzz on their undersides. The Dew Condensing Flower's pale purple petals were as smooth as silk, while the droplets at its center were crystal-clear and gleamed faintly beneath the lamplight. The Clematis Vine had tangled dark-brown vines and hard roots, weighing heavily in his hand. Finally, he placed the pigeon-egg-sized Wind Wolf Core in his palm, sensing the faint yet pure wind-element energy within. His fingertips Clearly felt the fine patterns on its surface, as natural as the trails of the wind.

"In the art of pill refining, purity and cleanliness come first. Impurities are the greatest taboo of pills, and selecting quality medicinal herbs is the first step toward success." Elder Yao's voice turned somewhat stern. A faint strand of Soul Force slowly flowed from the Storage Ring and enveloped the herbs on the table. "Look at this Qi Gathering Grass. Its leaves have no yellow spots, its buds are full, and its roots have few fibrous strands. It is top-grade. The fuzz on the Green Leaf Grass is intact, its leaves undamaged; the Dew Condensing Flower's droplets are full and its petals have not wilted; the Clematis Vine has hard roots with no insect damage. All are excellent materials for refining Qi Gathering Powder. Next, I will teach you the pre-processing. Watch closely."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Yan saw the Soul Force become like an invisible hand, lifting the Silver Knife and precisely shaving away the remaining fibrous roots of the Qi Gathering Grass. The movements were swift yet incomparably gentle, causing no damage whatsoever to the stalks or flower buds. The Soul Force then controlled the Tweezers and slowly tore away the white fuzz from the undersides of the Green Leaf Grass leaves. Every motion was perfectly measured, removing the fuzz without harming the leaves. When processing the Dew Condensing Flower, the Soul Force transformed into a slender Silver Hairpin, gently prying open the petals and guiding the droplets at the center intact into a Porcelain Dish. The instant the droplets fell into the dish, they made a soft "drip," and a crisp fragrance spread through the air. Finally, the Soul Force wrapped around a Stone Hammer and gently struck the roots of the Clematis Vine until their hard outer shells cracked open. It then used the Silver Knife to pick out the pale yellow cores within and placed them in a bowl for later use. The entire process was Smooth and flowing. In mere moments, the herbs had been pre-processed, several times faster and far more precise than when Xiao Yan had handled them himself.

"Remember, controlling your force is the key during pre-processing. You must remove the useless portions while retaining the herbs' spiritual aura and medicinal properties To the greatest extent." Elder Yao continued, "Next, prepare the pill-refining tools. Although your room has no proper pill furnace, that Copper Small Cauldron in the corner has a thick base and passable sealing. It can barely be used to refine an ordinary pill like Qi Gathering Powder. Go clean the cauldron and dry away all moisture. I will preheat it."

Xiao Yan immediately went to the corner, carried the dust-covered Copper Small Cauldron to the table, and rinsed it thoroughly three times with clean water, ensuring there was not the slightest impurity inside. He then circulated the Dou Qi within his body and dried the moisture from the cauldron. Afterward, he placed it on the table and stepped aside. The Soul Force flowing from the Storage Ring suddenly intensified, and a gentle energy entered the cauldron. A warm sheen gradually Appeared over the Copper Small Cauldron as its temperature rose evenly. Before long, it reached the proper level for pill refining—when he placed his palm against its wall, it felt warm but not hot.

"The key to preheating is uniformity. If the cauldron walls are unevenly heated, the herbs will be heated unevenly as well, and their medicinal properties will become unstable," Elder Yao explained. "Now, we begin adding the ingredients. Pay close attention to the order and timing."

The Soul Force controlled the pre-processed stalks and leaves of the Qi Gathering Grass, slowly placing them into the Copper Small Cauldron. At the same time, a pale gold energy flowed out from the Storage Ring and enveloped the herbs—it was Elder Yao's Remaining Dou Qi. Though weak, it was incomparably condensed. "When refining pills, Dou Qi must envelop the herbs so they are heated evenly, while guiding their spiritual aura and medicinal properties to release." As Elder Yao spoke, the temperature within the cauldron gradually increased. Wrapped in Dou Qi, the Qi Gathering Grass leaves began to curl. A bitter, fresh medicinal fragrance slowly spread, faint at first, then increasingly rich as the temperature rose until it filled the entire room.

"When the herb leaves curl and the medicinal fragrance becomes rich, it is time to add the next ingredient." The instant Elder Yao finished speaking, the Soul Force sent the core of the Clematis Vine into the Copper Small Cauldron. As it fell into the cauldron, its medicinal properties slowly merged with those of the Qi Gathering Grass under the catalysis of Dou Qi. The fragrance became fuller, carrying a trace of the Clematis Vine's characteristic faint bitterness. A quarter of an hour later, Elder Yao spoke again. "The medicinal properties have initially merged. Add the Green Leaf Grass to temper the fierceness of the Qi Gathering Grass."

The Green Leaf Grass was sent into the cauldron, and the medicinal fragrance within immediately became much gentler. A moment later, the herbs gradually melted into a mass of pale green medicinal slurry. Tiny bubbles began to appear on its surface, burbling like a boiling spring. "The time has come. Add the Dew Condensing Flower droplets and the Magic Core powder. This is the crucial step for balancing the medicinal properties and strengthening the effect."

The Soul Force first slowly poured the Dew Condensing Flower droplets from the Porcelain Dish into the medicinal slurry. It then lifted the Wind Wolf Core and placed it in the Stone Mortar. As though an invisible Stone Pestle were grinding it, the Magic Core quickly turned into a fine powder that was evenly sprinkled into the slurry. "The Dew Condensing Flower droplets can neutralize the dry nature of the slurry, while the Magic Core powder can guide the Dou Qi to condense. Neither can be omitted, and the timing must be exact. Add them too early, and the slurry will not have melted; add them too late, and the medicinal properties will dissipate."

Immediately afterward, Elder Yao's Dou Qi surged into the Copper Small Cauldron again, stirring the medicinal slurry quickly and evenly like an invisible spoon. Xiao Yan Clearly felt the color of the slurry gradually changing, from pale green to dark green. A faint halo Appeared on its surface, while the rich medicinal fragrance Mixed with the Magic Core's unique energy aura and became increasingly pure. The previously somewhat murky slurry gradually became clear as well. "When stirring, you must move in a single direction and apply even force, ensuring that every part of the medicinal slurry fully merges with the Magic Core powder and droplets. There must not be the slightest sediment."

After about the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, Elder Yao's voice suddenly rose. "Condense the pill! This is the final and most critical step of pill refining. You must use Dou Qi with precise control to condense the medicinal slurry into pills." The Dou Qi inside the cauldron abruptly contracted, dividing the slurry into three portions like invisible hands. Each was wrapped and slowly compressed, condensed. Under the effects of the Dou Qi, the slurry gradually shrank and took shape. The once-fluid slurry slowly solidified, eventually turning into three round, plump dark-green pills floating within the Copper Small Cauldron. A faint spiritual aura Wreathed around their surfaces, and their medicinal fragrance was rich but not pungent. Just smelling it left one refreshed.

"It worked!" Xiao Yan stared at the three Qi Gathering Powders floating inside the cauldron, his eyes filled with amazement. With Elder Yao leading the refinement, the entire process had been Smooth and flowing. Every step had been precise to the extreme, countless times smoother than when he refined them himself.

"These three Qi Gathering Powders benefited from the quality of the ingredients and the precision of each step. Their effects are seventy percent stronger than ordinary Qi Gathering Powder, and even better than the ones you refined last time." Elder Yao's voice carried a hint of satisfaction. "Feel them carefully. The spiritual aura and medicinal properties of high-quality pills are completely different from those of ordinary pills."

Xiao Yan hurried over to the Copper Small Cauldron, and a pure medicinal fragrance washed over him. It was several times richer than the Qi Gathering Powder he had refined last time. As he inhaled it, he felt the meridians throughout his body relax slightly. He carefully removed the three Qi Gathering Powders, placed them in a porcelain bottle, and tightly sealed it. His heart was full of admiration—Elder Yao's pill-refining skill was truly miraculous.

"Now, take one Qi Gathering Powder and circulate the Blazing Art to begin cultivating." Elder Yao's voice suddenly turned serious. "This Qi Gathering Powder is highly potent and can last for an hour and a half. During that time, you must use its medicinal power to completely stabilize your Fighter One Star cultivation and strive for Fighter Two Star. I will guide the medicinal power and Dou Qi within your body with Soul Force from the side. You need only focus on circulating the cultivation method."

Xiao Yan did not hesitate in the slightest. He immediately opened the porcelain bottle, poured out a Qi Gathering Powder, and placed it in his mouth. The pill melted as soon as it entered, and a warm medicinal power several times stronger than before instantly surged down his throat and into his body. Like a rushing stream, it flowed through his meridians. Where it passed, his previously somewhat sluggish meridians became incomparably smooth, suffused with warmth that relaxed his entire body.

He immediately sat cross-legged on the bed and closed his eyes, circulating his Dou Qi according to the mental incantation of the Blazing Art. At that moment, a gentle Soul Force flowed from the Storage Ring and entered his body, guiding the medicinal power along the Blazing Art's circulation route. Pale-red Dou Qi rapidly coursed through his meridians, carrying the warm medicinal power as it surged toward his Dantian. His originally weak Dou Qi grew swiftly stronger and more condensed beneath the nourishment of the medicinal power and the guidance of Soul Force, like crops long parched by drought receiving sweet rain. Its color also deepened somewhat.

Xiao Yan Clearly felt that, as the Blazing Art circulated and the Soul Force assisted him, the spiritual aura Between heaven and earth was frantically drawn toward him and poured endlessly into his body. It gathered with the medicinal power and Dou Qi, forming a vast energy that launched repeated assaults upon the bottleneck in his Dantian. The bottleneck was like a thin membrane. Under the continuous impacts of that energy, it gradually loosened, emitting faint buzzing sounds as though it could be shattered at any moment.

Time slowly passed. The room held only Xiao Yan's steady, long breaths and the faint sounds made by Dou Qi moving through his meridians. Guided by the Soul Force, the medicinal power of the Qi Gathering Powder was absorbed and utilized to the utmost, without the slightest waste. The Dou Qi within Xiao Yan's body became increasingly powerful, and the bottleneck in his Dantian loosened more and more noticeably. He could even feel tiny cracks forming upon it.

When the medicinal power was nearly exhausted, with only its final trace remaining, Elder Yao's voice rang out in his mind. "Focus your mind. Use that final trace of medicinal power to break through the bottleneck!"

Xiao Yan suddenly opened his eyes, a fierce glint flashing through them. He gathered all the Dou Qi in his body together with the final trace of medicinal power and shouted within his mind, "Break for me!"

The Dou Qi within his body instantly erupted like floodwaters bursting through a dam, carrying the final trace of medicinal power and Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi as it slammed viciously into the bottleneck!

Boom!

A faint yet distinct Muffled Sound rang out within Xiao Yan's body. An aura several times stronger than before radiated from him. His Dou Qi stabilized in his Dantian and flowed more smoothly, becoming nearly twice as condensed as before—he had successfully broken through the bottleneck. Not only had he completely stabilized his Fighter One Star cultivation, but he had also broken through the barrier in a single stroke and stepped into Fighter Two Star!

Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. A dazzling sharp gleam flashed through them, like a Sharp sword Hidden Within its sheath finally revealing its keen edge. He clenched his fist and felt the Dou Qi gathering upon it. It was several times stronger than before and far easier to control. He could even feel that his meridians had widened somewhat. He Clearly felt that his body had become much lighter, while his five senses had grown keener. The faint rustle of leaves in the wind outside the window and the low whispers of clan members in the distant courtyard all reached his ears with perfect clarity.

"Very good! With the help of this high-quality Qi Gathering Powder and the guidance of Soul Force, you have not only stabilized your cultivation but successfully broken through to Fighter Two Star, saving yourself much time in arduous cultivation." Elder Yao's voice carried praise, but also a hint of warning. "But remember, this was through Use external force and my assistance. In your future cultivation, you must rely more upon yourself. Starting tomorrow, you must try refining pills independently every day according to the method I taught you today. Failure does not matter; the important thing is accumulating experience. At the same time, after taking one Qi Gathering Powder each day, cultivate for at least two hours. Consolidate your realm and strive for higher levels. The Three-Year Pact is close at hand. You have no time to waste. You must seize every moment to increase your strength."

Xiao Yan nodded heavily, his gaze becoming incomparably resolute. His tone held unquestionable determination. "This disciple understands! Beginning tomorrow, I will diligently practice the art of pill refining and cultivate twice as hard. I will never disappoint Master's teachings and expectations!"

He knew this was only a small step on his path to rise again. With a supreme pill-refining master like Elder Yao to guide him, a supreme cultivation method like the Blazing Art, the support of high-quality Qi Gathering Powder, and the conviction in his heart that refused to accept mediocrity and wished to protect those around him, he would surely grow stronger step by step. He would shatter the shackles of being called "trash" and, three years later at the Misty Cloud Sect, fulfill his agreement with Nalan Yanran. He would make everyone who had looked down on him and mocked him understand that Xiao Yan had returned—and that he would become stronger than ever before!

Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened. Moonlight streamed through the window and fell over Xiao Yan, coating him in a faint silver glow. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he closed his eyes once more and began circulating the Blazing Art, consolidating his newly attained Fighter Two Star realm. Pale-red Dou Qi slowly circulated throughout the room, where medicinal fragrance and spiritual aura intertwined, painting a scene of a young man's rise. Every stroke of that painting was inseparable from Elder Yao's patient guidance and selfless aid.