Battle Through the Heavens: I Can Solidify All Talents

Alchemy began!

With a thought from Old Yao, more than a dozen precious medicinal ingredients needed to refine the Spirit-Nourishing Pill flew out of his Storage Ring at once, hovering in midair.

Ordinary Tier 6 Alchemists would never dare be so presumptuous. They would carefully refine each ingredient one by one, terrified of making a mistake.

Yet, relying on his vast, ocean-like Soul Power and masterful flame control, Old Yao simultaneously manipulated the Bone Chilling Flame, splitting it into more than a dozen tiny flames. As though alive, they precisely and gently enveloped every medicinal ingredient, refining them all at once!

Tempering, removing impurities, preserving the essence...

The entire process flowed as smoothly as clouds and water. Every ingredient was perfectly refined at the most suitable temperature into crystal-clear medicinal liquid essence, without the slightest waste or damage.

In moments, a rich and refreshing medicinal fragrance filled the entire valley, soothing the mind and spirit.

Xiao Qing watched every one of Old Yao's alchemy techniques. He was deeply shaken by his teacher's near-divine methods and etched every detail into his mind.

I remember that in the original story, Teacher could even use Heavenly Flames as a cauldron for alchemy!

Immediately afterward, Old Yao changed his hand seals and, according to the unique requirements of the Spirit-Nourishing Pill formula, added the refined medicinal liquids into the Black Demon Cauldron one after another.

Runes flowed across the cauldron's body, and black light surged like living water, gently enveloping all the medicinal liquids. It miraculously promoted their fusion, allowing their medicinal properties to complement one another and merge into a perfect whole.

Fusion, purification, condensation...

The medicinal liquid churned within the cauldron. Its impurities were further removed, its volume steadily shrank, yet its color became increasingly pure.

In the end, it transformed into a small mass of viscous spiritual liquid radiating immense soul fluctuations.

The most crucial step—pill formation—had arrived!

The Pill Was Formed; Peak Mortal Realm Soul Power!

Old Yao's expression turned solemn. His Soul Power surged into the Black Demon Cauldron like a tide, meticulously controlling the spiritual liquid's final transformation.

Under the dual effects of high temperature and Soul Power, the mass of spiritual liquid slowly contracted and solidified, gradually forming a round pill embryo.

Xiao Qing, who had been watching with total concentration, held his breath. A trace of anticipation flashed through his eyes.

Finally, Old Yao's hand seals abruptly changed. He unleashed an incomparably profound pill-forming technique that shot directly into the cauldron!

Buzz!

The Black Demon Cauldron let out a clear, pleasant hum. Its lid flew open, and a gentle jade-white radiance soared into the sky!

A flawless pill the size of a longan slowly rose from the cauldron. Spiritual light flowed over its surface like ripples of water, radiating powerful soul fluctuations. It even possessed a faint, seemingly independent consciousness, as though trying to break free of its restraints!

As expected of a Peak Tier 6 Medicinal Pill specializing in the soul. Its spirituality was no weaker than that of some Tier 7 Medicinal Pills.

The instant it left the cauldron, it seemed unwilling to be restrained. It emitted a faint hum, spiritual light flashing rapidly across its surface as it attempted to fly away!

"The pill is formed!"

Old Yao gave a soft shout and made a grasping motion. He drew the pill that was trying to escape into his hand, and with a slight circulation of Soul Power, gently suppressed its restless spirituality back into the pill.

The pill immediately quieted down, lying silently in his palm. Its radiance withdrew, making it seem even more extraordinary.

"It is finally complete... I have not done this in a long time, so I have grown somewhat rusty." Old Yao looked at the highly spiritual, exceptionally high-quality Spirit-Nourishing Pill in his hand. A trace of exhaustion appeared on his face, but satisfaction outweighed it.

The pill's spirituality had faintly reached the threshold of Tier 7, and its medicinal effects far surpassed those of ordinary Tier 6 Medicinal Pills!

"Its spirituality is indeed quite strong, nearly Tier 7." Rather than being surprised, Old Yao was pleased. His Soul Power stirred slightly, transforming into invisible restraints that gently suppressed the restless spirituality back inside the pill.

The pill immediately settled down, merely emitting a gentle glow and calming fluctuations from within the jade bottle.

Holding the jade bottle, he explained to Xiao Qing, who had watched the entire process intently, "The Spirit-Nourishing Pill is a wondrous pill that nourishes the soul. The trace of spirituality it produces is not an impurity. Rather, it is the gathered essence of the pill."

"Keeping this spirituality allows the medicinal power to better match the Soul Origin, making it more effective. If one erased it merely for the sake of safety, that would instead be an inferior choice."

Hearing this, Xiao Qing's eyes revealed understanding and admiration.

He had clearly sensed the lively spirituality contained within the pill just now, as well as Old Yao's effortless control.

This was not merely a display of alchemy. It was also a profound interpretation of the Dao of medicine.

"This disciple has learned much."

Xiao Qing replied respectfully, firmly committing his teacher's words to heart.

He knew that observing this pill refinement would bring immeasurable benefits when he attempted to reach Tier 6, or even higher realms of alchemy in the future.

Old Yao handed the jade bottle to Xiao Qing. A trace of weariness showed on his face, but there was even more gratification as he said, "The pill has been formed. Its spirituality has been temporarily soothed by me, and its medicinal power is gentle. Find somewhere quiet, adjust your condition, and then take it."

"With your Late Mortal Realm soul foundation, you should have an eighty percent chance of reaching Peak Mortal Realm with this pill's aid."

Xiao Qing solemnly accepted the jade bottle. It felt cool in his hand, and he could clearly sense the vast, pure Soul Power contained within the pill.

His heart filled with anticipation. Once his soul realm entered Peak Mortal Realm, his perception, flame control, and even cultivation speed would undergo a qualitative leap!

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Xiao Qing bowed to Old Yao.

He knew that in Old Yao's current soul-body state, refining a Peak Tier 6 Medicinal Pill must have consumed no small amount of energy.

Hearing this, Old Yao waved his hand. His soul body seemed to have grown slightly more illusory as he said, "It is nothing! Paving the way for you is the duty of a teacher! Go prepare quickly, and do not waste the period when this pill's medicinal effects are at their best."

Xiao Qing nodded. He said nothing further, merely turning and walking deeper into the valley, where he found a relatively quiet place and sat down cross-legged.

He needed to adjust himself to his peak condition, then use the Peak Tier 6 Spirit-Nourishing Pill refined by Old Yao to force open the gates of Peak Mortal Realm in one stroke!

The valley returned to silence, with only Old Yao standing guard nearby, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Xiao Qing sat cross-legged atop a smooth boulder, his entire body already adjusted to its optimal state!

He took out the Peak Tier 6 Spirit-Nourishing Pill. The instant he removed the stopper, a fragrance that made his very soul seem to ascend spread forth. Spiritual light flickered over the white pill's surface, and there were faint traces of weak consciousness fluctuations.

"Peak Mortal Realm shall be reached today!"

Xiao Qing's gaze was firm as he directly swallowed the Spirit-Nourishing Pill.

The pill melted the instant it entered his mouth, transforming into a warm, cool, yet incomparably powerful mystical energy that rushed directly into his brow and poured into the depths of his soul.

This energy was not violent. Instead, it warmly enveloped him as it nourished his Soul Origin.

In an instant, Xiao Qing felt as though his soul had broken free from the shackles of his body, drifting freely through a vast ocean of souls.

Under the infusion of the Spirit-Nourishing Pill's pure medicinal power, this Soul Sea began expanding and solidifying at a visible rate!

His Soul Power rose like a tide, and his perception became clearer than ever before.

The veins of every leaf in the valley, the subtle wriggling of insects beneath the ground, and even the paths of energy particles flowing through the air were all reflected in his mind with incomparable clarity.

The precision and range of this perception far surpassed the Late Mortal Realm!

The medicinal power continued to take effect. It did not merely expand the "quantity" of his soul; it also purified the "quality" of it.

At the center of the Soul Sea, the core representing the origin of his consciousness became more radiant and condensed, emanating stable, powerful fluctuations.

Some of the obscure aspects of his past use of Soul Power suddenly became clear, especially his understanding of soul techniques such as the Soul-Extinguishing Arrow, which deepened further.

Time quietly passed during cultivation, and several hours vanished in an instant.

When the final trace of medicinal power was completely absorbed and fused into his soul, Xiao Qing's Soul Sea finally stopped expanding.

His Soul Power was full and complete, perfectly rounded and flawless. With a mere thought, he could cause the surrounding heaven and earth energy to resonate.

Peak Mortal Realm, achieved!

Xiao Qing slowly opened his eyes. At that instant, a tangible gleam seemed to flash through the depths of his pupils. His gaze became deeper and sharper, as though it could pierce through the human heart.

Even his aura underwent a subtle change!

He lightly clenched his fist without circulating Dou Qi, yet an immense confidence naturally rose within him.

This confidence stemmed from the elevation of his soul!

Now, with Peak Mortal Realm Soul Power alone, he was enough to make many Dou Emperors and even low-level Dou Zong experts feel troubled!

"How do you feel?" Old Yao's soul body drifted over. Looking at his disciple, whose aura had completely changed, his eyes brimmed with gratified smiles.

He could naturally sense the transformed soul aura emanating from Xiao Qing.

"Better than ever." Xiao Qing smiled faintly as he felt the immense yet precise power in the depths of his soul.

"Teacher, I feel that my success rate in refining Tier 6 Medicinal Pills can increase by at least thirty percent now!"

"Haha, good!" Old Yao stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

"Peak Mortal Realm Soul Power is already a realm countless alchemists dream of reaching! With this as your foundation, the realm of a Tier 7 Alchemist is no longer an insurmountable chasm for you! Once your cultivation in Dou Qi advances further, you can attempt a breakthrough! This teacher can handle the Pill Lightning of Tier 7 Medicinal Pills!"

Xiao Qing nodded heavily.

With his current Peak Mortal Realm Soul Power, Heavenly Flames, Law of Fire, and masterful flame control, he believed that even Tier 6 Medicinal Pills could be refined successfully!

His cultivation was still insufficient for Tier 7 Medicinal Pills. He needed to reach the Dou Wang realm before he could refine them.

He knew that Tier 7 Pill Lightning could be perfectly absorbed by the Heavenly Demon Puppet, transforming the lightning's power into nourishment for the puppet's evolution!

His heart filled with anticipation for the future.

The enormous increase in Soul Power had laid an even firmer foundation for his subsequent cultivation and plans.

It was time to consider solidifying new Talents and continuing to strengthen himself.

His road toward becoming a powerhouse had taken another solid step!

After exploring the cave containing the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame Fragment Map, he could head for the Tagor Desert!

[Devour]; Gu Xian'er, the Little Girl Gathering Herbs, "Xiao Yi Xian"? (3k)

On the outskirts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, the canopies of ancient trees no longer blotted out the sky as they did in the inner region.

Sunlight was able to spill down in patches, casting bright spots across the clearings within the forest.

The air also lacked the lingering stench of blood and brutality from the inner region, replaced by the fresh scent of grass and trees.

Xiao Qing walked at an unhurried pace, his posture straight. Though only eleven years old, he was already nearly 1.75 meters tall. His once slender, youthful frame had gradually been replaced by smooth, powerful lines.

He tilted his head slightly upward, narrowing his eyes as he felt the long-missed sunlight that was no longer so heavily obstructed. A faint ripple stirred in his heart.

During this journey deep into the inner region, he had slain the Snake Emperor, solidified Talents, achieved a soul breakthrough, and gained far more than expected!

What astonished him was that the Heaven-Swallowing Demon Snake's [Devour] Talent was actually Early Spirit Grade!

More importantly, the outline of his future path had become clearer.

"Roar!"

A low beastly roar accompanied by a foul wind came from his rear flank. A Tier 2 Striped Fierce Tiger that had lain in ambush for a long time suddenly pounced, its claws aimed straight at Xiao Qing's back.

This magical beast, capable of dominating an area in the outer region, had chosen what it believed was a perfect moment.

Yet Xiao Qing did not even cast it a glance from the corner of his eye.

The instant the Striped Fierce Tiger leaped into the air, a cluster of pale white flames suddenly burst forth beneath its tough fur without warning!

The flames grew with the wind, turning in an instant into a mass of icy fire that swallowed the entire tiger.

There was no scream and no struggle. The enormous body turned into a handful of gray-white ash while still carried by its momentum, quietly scattered by the wind weaving through the forest, leaving no trace behind.

Xiao Qing's walking rhythm did not change in the slightest.

Under the cover of Peak Mortal Realm Soul Power, the ambush of this Tier 2 magical beast was as obvious as a candle in the night.

Over the past few days, as he emerged from the danger-filled inner region, he had encountered far too many similar "welcoming ceremonies"!

There had even been quite a few Tier 3 and Tier 4 magical beasts. In the end, all of them became either tests of his strength or nourishment for his newly acquired Talents.

With a slight thought, he sensed the newly solidified Early Spirit Grade [Devour] Talent within his body.

Although he had yet to actively trigger its advancement, its very existence seemed to have opened a miniature black hole beside the Dou Qi vortex in his dantian. It subtly absorbed the free heaven and earth energy around him. Though slow, it never stopped.

This was only its most basic passive state. Its power when actively used was something to look forward to.

The only regret was that [Flood Dragon Snake Physique] and the other two Talents, [Venom] and [Giant Strength], had vanished when he made his choice. After all, opportunities to solidify Talents were limited.

[Venom], as its name implied, was a Talent that made one exceptionally skilled in the use of poison.

[Giant Strength] likely granted strength comparable to that of a magical beast, similar to being born with divine strength.

If it continued evolving and was cultivated to its peak, could it perhaps reach the level of "forging an emperor's body through flesh alone"?

Still, after comparing the few Talents, [Flood Dragon Snake Physique] seemed rather good as well. If it evolved and sublimated to the end, could it perhaps transform into [True Dragon Body]?

But Xiao Qing did not dare gamble. There were only so many Talents he could solidify, and he might encounter better ones in the future.

Once I break through to Dou Wang, or my soul enters the Spirit Realm, I can try raising [Devour]'s grade. The disturbance it causes can then be concealed using the breakthrough.

Xiao Qing pondered silently. The Dou Wang realm was no longer beyond his reach.