Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start

The instructor first asked Xiao Ling whether he had the talent to become an Alchemist and whether he had studied Alchemy Art before.

After Xiao Ling explained that he only possessed the attributes of an Alchemist but had never studied Alchemy Art, and tests of his Dou Qi attributes confirmed that he was telling the truth, the instructor began explaining the basics of the Alchemy Department to him.

"First, in our Alchemy Department, instructors who are Fourth-Rank Alchemists or above regularly give lectures. The classes are open to everyone, and anyone may attend. After class, you may ask the instructors questions."

"Of course, if a student's talent for alchemy is outstanding and they are accepted as an instructor's disciple, then it is another matter entirely if that instructor is willing to devote their time to teaching their own student everything they know."

"Second, every time someone advances by one grade as an Alchemist in our Alchemy Department, they can receive three Pill Recipes as a reward, and they may choose the types themselves. If you want more Pill Recipes, you will need to exchange contribution points for them. Contribution points can be earned by refining pills for the academy. Remember, Pill Recipes obtained from the academy must not be spread around freely."

"Of course, the academy provides the medicinal ingredients for refining pills on its behalf, but you must guarantee a certain success rate. In addition, Alchemists of different grades may apply to the academy each month for a set amount of ingredients for practice. Success or failure is not counted. If you succeed, the pills belong to the academy; if you fail, the academy bears the cost of the ingredients as well."

"However, you are still a beginner, so you needn't think about all that for now. Just focus on learning properly. Remember my advice: an Alchemist's growth consumes enormous resources. Buy more medicinal ingredients and practice first. Once you become a graded Alchemist, you can refine pills for the academy to obtain the resources you need afterward."

Xiao Ling nodded in understanding. Looking down at the Ring in his hand, he realized that without the academy's support in medicinal ingredients, he would likely have to desperately earn resources just to improve his Alchemy Art.

Suddenly, an old man walked out from the Alchemy Department. The moment he saw Xiao Ling, his eyes lit up. "Kid, you're the new student, Xiao Ling, right? I'm the Fifth-grade Alchemist in charge of the Alchemy Department. You may call me Elder Huo."

The academy's higher-ups had long since all learned of the eight-year-old Dou Zhe it had recruited.

An eight-year-old Dou Zhe—how outrageous was that? He had never seen such a person in his entire life.

Given time to grow, he would at the very least become a Dou Venerate.

He was who knew how many times better than Hu Gan's so-called prodigious granddaughter.

When Elder Huo had first learned of Xiao Ling, he discovered that aside from his extraordinary cultivation talent, he also possessed the talent of an Alchemist. He had immediately planned to take him as a disciple. Once Xiao Ling grew stronger, he could brag about him to his old friends.

But just as he was about to go out and find Xiao Ling, that old man Hu Gan came knocking first. He said that the child needed the guidance of Jia Nan Academy's elders together, and that if he were to take masters, he should take several. Thus, Hu Gan rejected his idea.

Out of curiosity, he had come today to see just how good this child's talent for alchemy truly was.

Though he could not take him as a disciple, Elder Huo would have to teach him alchemy personally. Then, when Xiao Ling became a high-grade Alchemist in the future, he could still say that he had taught him hand in hand.

"Greetings, Elder Huo. I am Xiao Ling." Xiao Ling stepped forward, performed a salute, and answered.

"I heard that your cultivation talent is outstanding, but I wonder how your talent for alchemy is. Come in with me. I'll first teach you some basic knowledge of alchemy." Elder Huo headed into the Alchemy Department after saying this.

Seeing this, Xiao Ling first thanked the middle-aged instructor from earlier, then quickly followed.

When they reached a study room in the Alchemy Department, Elder Huo handed Xiao Ling a Ring. "This Ring contains some cultivation methods and Dou Techniques suitable for Alchemists, as well as several books, Pill Recipes, and Medicine Cauldrons. Take them back and study them yourself. Your status in Jia Nan Academy is rather special. If there is anything you don't understand, ask me directly."

Seeing Elder Huo treat him so generously, Xiao Ling bowed. "Thank you to the academy and Elder for your guidance."

Elder Huo saw that Xiao Ling was sincere and respectful toward his elders, without the arrogance common among young geniuses. Stroking his grizzled beard, he smiled, deeply appreciating Xiao Ling's attitude.

"You have never encountered Alchemy Art before, so let me first tell you some common knowledge. To refine pills, you must first have a Medicine Cauldron. To an Alchemist, a Medicine Cauldron is like a warrior's weapon—indispensable."

"Medicine Cauldrons are divided into grades. The more fire ports a cauldron has, the higher-grade and rarer it is. These fire ports are not made by simply punching a few holes in it. The mysteries within are impossible for outsiders to discern. The fire ports are the essence of a Medicine Cauldron and require extremely precise polishing. If even the slightest mistake is made during forging, the entire cauldron will become a failed product. Therefore, Medicine Cauldrons with more fire ports provide greater assistance in alchemy. Naturally, controlling multiple fire ports requires powerful Soul Perception."

"Besides the Medicine Cauldron, the flames we use in alchemy are generally produced by catalyzing our Dou Qi. Thus, refining high-quality pills requires deep Dou Qi cultivation. Even the lowest-grade pills require the cultivation of a Dou Zhe. Fortunately, you reached that level early on."

"For us Alchemists, the best flames are naturally the Heavenly Flames, divine objects naturally bred by heaven and earth. They are born only in the most perilous and inaccessible places, so they can only be encountered by chance." Longing for Heavenly Flames appeared in Elder Huo's eyes as well. "And our Jia Nan Academy possesses one Heavenly Flame."

Not just one. There are two! Xiao Ling muttered inwardly. He knew Jia Nan Academy's secrets: one mature flame and one infant flame, both Fallen Heart Flame. Who wouldn't be tempted by that? Unfortunately, Jia Nan Academy's higher-ups had no idea about it. Otherwise, that Fallen Heart Flame that had been causing such a stir would have been refined long ago.

Seeing Xiao Ling's gaze grow fiery as he spoke, Elder Huo assumed Xiao Ling had his sights on the academy's Fallen Heart Flame and shook his head unconcernedly.

"Don't even think about that Heavenly Flame. It is the foundation upon which the academy was established. Whoever dares set their sights on it becomes an enemy of Jia Nan Academy. You will understand the specifics once you reach the Inner Academy. Also, do not tell others that the academy has a Heavenly Flame. The academy is not afraid of troublemakers, but there is no need to invite trouble."

Hearing Elder Huo's warning, Xiao Ling nodded solemnly. "Understood, Elder. I won't tell anyone."

"You needn't be disappointed just because you do not have a Heavenly Flame. Aside from Heavenly Flames, you can seek other flames as substitutes, such as Beast Fire. Their effects are quite good as well."

As he spoke, Elder Huo extended his right palm, and a dark black flame emerged from it. The space around the flame faintly warped. Even from some distance away, Xiao Ling could feel its terrifying heat.

Hearing this, Xiao Ling summoned his fused Beast Fire as well. Spreading open his palm, a cluster of blue-pink flames sprang forth, looking exceptionally nimble. "I have also refined a Beast Fire. Elder, what do you think of its quality?"

Elder Huo became somewhat interested at the sight. He carefully examined the Beast Fire in Xiao Ling's hand and gave his assessment.

"This Beast Fire of yours resembles the Beast Fire of a Blazing Wolf, but it possesses an additional hint of gentleness. Though this old man has never seen one before, its quality should be quite high—higher even than an ordinary Sixth Rank Beast Fire. Its energy is not especially powerful, but it suits your current cultivation very well. As your strength increases, the Beast Fire will grow stronger too. It will remain suitable even when you reach the Dou Zong realm."

Withdrawing his gaze, Elder Huo continued, "That is enough theory. Now it is time for hands-on practice. Come with me to the pill refining room. I will demonstrate once, then you can practice on your own. I will watch from the side, and you may ask me anything at any time." With that, Elder Huo turned and left the study.

Xiao Ling quickly followed, his heart filled with joy. His path as an Alchemist was finally about to begin.

Following Elder Huo, Xiao Ling entered the pill refining room before long.

The moment he entered, Xiao Ling felt a wave of heat sweep over his body. It was like walking into a drying room from his previous life. Fortunately, he was now a Dou Zhe. After circulating his Dou Qi slightly, most of the stifling heat faded away. Furthermore, the Fire Attribute was much more active here. Cultivating in this place should yield faster progress than usual.

Turning his gaze toward the center of the room, he saw a Medicine Cauldron nearly half a meter tall.

The Medicine Cauldron was entirely brown, with several red patterns running across it. Two ferocious wolf heads were carved near its base. Their gaping mouths formed three interconnected fire ports. The openings twisted and extended inward, narrowing the deeper they went, and their depths seemed to conceal hidden mysteries. At the top of the cauldron, a giant snake coiled into a dark-red lid. There was a special opening on the lid, intended specifically for inserting medicinal ingredients. The surface of the Medicine Cauldron was covered in exquisite Magical Beast carvings, so lifelike that they seemed alive.

"The pill refining room is a place specially used by the Alchemy Department for refining pills. The Medicine Cauldrons here are the same as the one I gave you. They are all three-port cauldrons."

Elder Huo walked to the Medicine Cauldron and waved his hand. A pile of medicinal ingredients appeared beside it. "Watch carefully. I will demonstrate only once."

What followed was Xiao Ling's first true glimpse of an Alchemist refining pills. The dark black flame entered the Medicine Cauldron, and stalk after stalk of medicinal herbs was devoured by the fire, leaving behind medicinal essences in either powder or paste form. In the end, the essences of the various herbs fused into a Pill Prototype with a pitted surface. As the flames tempered it, the pill within the cauldron gradually became round and smooth. It turned cyan, and a faint medicinal fragrance spread from the cauldron.

Normally, Alchemists required a quiet environment when refining pills and could not tolerate any disturbance. But since it was only a First-grade Pill, the process was easy for Elder Huo. Thus, he explained every step in detail. The pill was soon finished. Elder Huo circulated his Dou Qi to draw it into his hand, placed it into a Jade Bottle, and tossed it to Xiao Ling.

With a slight activation of the Suction Palm, the Jade Bottle landed steadily in his hand. Before Xiao Ling could put it into his belt, Elder Huo said, "This is a First-grade Pill, the Condensing Fire Pill. It can slightly improve the cultivation of Fire Attribute Dou Qi. The Pill Recipe is in the Ring. You can use this pill for more practice. I have demonstrated it once already, so now you should refine one yourself." He then stepped aside and gave up his spot.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Ling first emptied his mind and rid himself of all distracting thoughts.

He placed his hand over one of the Medicine Cauldron's fire ports and injected Beast Fire into it.

"Puff..."

With a muffled sound, the blue-pink Beast Fire appeared within the Medicine Cauldron, continuously surging and burning.

Xiao Ling closed his eyes and began sensing the Wood Attribute Dou Qi within his body. Ever since he absorbed the Hundred-Thousand-Year Blue Silver Emperor Torso Bone, his affinity with the Wood Attribute had greatly increased. It took him only a minute to locate that strand of green Dou Qi.

Xiao Ling extended a finger and lightly tapped another fire port. A thumb-thick stream of green energy slowly poured into it.

The moment the green energy entered the Medicine Cauldron, the blue-pink Beast Fire within seemed to undergo a chemical reaction and abruptly calmed down. Even though Xiao Ling had not yet controlled the Beast Fire, he could sense that its violent factors had already been neutralized by the power of wood. Moreover, because wood fed fire, the flames were now clearly more enduring and easier to control than before.

After recalling the ingredients required for the Condensing Fire Pill and Elder Huo's refining techniques in his mind,

Xiao Ling sent his Soul Perception into the Medicine Cauldron and began controlling the Beast Fire. Benefiting from his outstanding Soul Perception and the neutralizing effect of his Wood Attribute Dou Qi, he controlled the Beast Fire with remarkable ease.

He placed the required ingredients into the Medicine Cauldron step by step, extracted and purified them, fused the essences of the various herbs together to form a Pill Prototype, then continued tempering it with flame.

Following Elder Huo's steps, Xiao Ling carefully completed every requirement.

After seven failures, he finally refined the first pill of his life on his eighth attempt. Though its surface was pitted and uneven, Xiao Ling still broke into a wide smile.

Taking out a specially made Jade Bottle, he activated the Suction Palm and drew the pill into it, then stored it in his belt. Xiao Ling had already decided to preserve this first pill he had refined properly.

Elder Huo, standing nearby, was quite satisfied and wore a smile like that of an old father.

The facts proved that Xiao Ling's talent was not limited to cultivation. His talent in alchemy was no less exceptional.

Elder Huo said from the side, "Although the pill's appearance is poor and its surface is uneven, it is already extremely rare to achieve a breakthrough from zero to one in such a short time. I have to admit, you are much stronger than I was back then."

Hearing this, Xiao Ling felt a playful urge and asked, "Then how long did it take you to refine your first pill, Elder?"

Elder Huo's smile gradually vanished, and his face darkened slightly as he rolled his eyes.

He had thought this was an honest child, but he was actually so sly. This old man had truly misjudged him.

Clearing his throat, Elder Huo changed the subject. "Although you have refined a First-grade Pill, that does not mean you have truly become a First-Grade Alchemist. There was a certain degree of luck involved in that refining process."

"To become a true graded Alchemist, you must ensure both the quality of your pills and your success rate. Remember to practice diligently in the future. You must never slack off!"

Elder Huo still hoped that Xiao Ling would stay grounded and not become arrogant over a small achievement. Xiao Ling could be considered half his disciple, after all, and he naturally hoped Xiao Ling would travel farther and farther down the path of alchemy.

Over his many years at Jia Nan Academy, he had seen far too many geniuses. Though none as monstrous as Xiao Ling had appeared, there were countless geniuses only a level below him.

He had seen many people waste their cultivation talent through arrogance and refusing to heed advice, only to grow up unable to fulfill the potential they once possessed.

"I understand. I will practice diligently in the future."

Faced with Elder Huo's earnest warning, Xiao Ling promptly agreed. He understood the unspoken meaning as well: he could not become complacent over minor accomplishments. Besides, Xiao Ling knew that the Cao Family Demoness, Cao Ying, in the Central Plains could already refine pills at the age of seven. Xiao Ling truly did not think his talent for alchemy surpassed people like Cao Ying and Dan Chen.

Seeing that Xiao Ling had genuinely taken his teaching to heart, Elder Huo nodded in relief, stroked his beard, and waved his right hand. A large pile of medicinal ingredients appeared beside the Medicine Cauldron.

"These are practice ingredients prepared for you. If you run out in the future, go to the storeroom and give them my name. They will provide you with more ingredients."

Seeing this, Xiao Ling hurriedly bowed. "Thank you, Elder."

Elder Huo smiled as he stroked his beard, leaving behind only one sentence: "Continue practicing diligently from now on!" Then he left the pill refining room.

After Elder Huo left, Xiao Ling returned to the Medicine Cauldron and continued practicing Alchemy Art. Whenever the Dou Qi in his body was exhausted, he would sit down and cultivate. Feeling his cultivation grow stronger little by little, Xiao Ling revealed a satisfied smile.

Thus, pill refinement and cultivation alternated continuously. By the time the setting sun had dyed half the sky red, Xiao Ling walked out of the pill refining room and stretched his body deeply. A series of cracking sounds came from within him.

He reached toward the Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night at his waist and took out a Cola Bottle, then gulped down all the drink inside in one go. More than half the day's fatigue vanished, and he could not help sighing inwardly, I have never felt so Clear Mind Refreshing before.

Returning to his room, Xiao Ling took out the Ring Elder Huo had given him that day. His Soul Perception entered it as he began examining its contents one by one.

First was a cultivation method, the Earth Grade Low-tier cultivation method, Blazing Heaven Art.

Then there were Dou Techniques: the Mysterious Grade High-tier movement technique Wind Chasing Steps, the Mysterious Grade High-tier Dou Technique Heaven Burning Palm, the Mysterious Grade High-tier Dou Technique Crimson Flame Fist, and the Earth Grade Low-tier Dou Technique Blazing Meteor.

There were also several books related to alchemy: Compendium of Medicinal Herb Properties, How to Identify Pills, Medicine Cauldron Identification Manual, <Three Years of Fire Control, Five Years of Pill Refinement>, Annotations on Alchemy Techniques, 100 Tips for Becoming an Alchemist...

Looking at these cultivation methods and Dou Techniques, Xiao Ling could not help sighing. "As expected of Jia Nan Academy. They are truly generous. Thinking that I lacked a good cultivation method, they gave me an Earth Grade Low-tier cultivation method. There is also an Earth Grade Low-tier cultivation method, Nine Layered Phoenix Fire Secret, in the Library Pavilion. This foundation is far stronger than that tiny place called the Jia Ma Empire."