Late Spirit Realm

Xiao Yan was surprised by Li Changqing's words. It sounded as though Li Changqing knew what Yao Chen needed to be revived.

Yao Chen's illusory figure drifted out of the Bone Flame Ring. He looked just as surprised and asked:

"I've long sensed something strange about you. You seem to know a great deal—even what I need to be revived. I found this method in an ancient ruin and told no outsider but Xiao Yan. How did you learn of it?"

The Amethyst Winged Lion King and his son immediately regarded Yao Chen with wary eyes, as if afraid he might harm Li Changqing.

Li Changqing did not introduce Yao Chen to them. He chuckled. "Does that matter? What matters is that I've helped you."

Yao Chen thought for a moment, then said gravely, "Tell me what you want."

"Nothing much. I only want Venerable Yao to tell me how to strengthen Soul Force and explain the precise process of refining an Eighth-Tier Pill." Li Changqing spoke calmly, yet his words struck like thunder from a clear sky.

"What!" Yao Chen exclaimed. "Have you already become an Eighth-Rank Alchemist?"

Li Changqing shook his head. He did not claim that title, saying instead:

"No. I can refine Seventh Grade pills without much trouble, but I haven't tried an Eighth-Tier Pill yet. I know refining one requires at least Spirit Realm Soul Force. So I'd like you, the continent's foremost Alchemist, to assess me."

Xiao Yan looked puzzled. "Teacher, what is Spirit Realm Soul Force?"

Yao Chen stroked his illusory snow-white beard and explained:

"As an Alchemist, you should know that the higher the grade of a pill, the stronger the Soul Force needed to refine it."

"Soul Force has four realms. From lowest to highest, they are the Mortal Realm, Spirit