Dawn broke over Lin Xiao Yue's cottage as Gù Tiānháo prepared for his next round of alchemy. After a night of restful sleep and morning meditation to ensure his mind was clear and focused, he arranged his workspace with methodical precision. The iron cauldron sat at the center, cleaned and ready, surrounded by the four remaining sets of ingredients—Blood Ginseng segments glowing with potent energy, supplementary herbs measured with exacting care. His confidence was palpable; where yesterday had been a journey of discovery and struggle, today would be a demonstration of mastery.
He began the first refinement with calm assurance, his movements economical and precise. The heating phase proceeded flawlessly, his Qi control maintaining perfect temperature stability. Each ingredient was added at the exact moment required—Iron Bone Root Powder dissolving into essence, Spirit Calming Flower releasing its stabilizing energy, the Blood Ginseng segment merging seamlessly with the mixture. The Seven Star Grass was introduced at the precise peak of the third energy pulse, catalyzing a perfect fusion. The condensation phase, which had proven so challenging before, now felt almost intuitive. He guided the nascent pill with gentle, unwavering Qi control, coaxing rather than forcing the energies into alignment.
Within half the time of his previous successful attempt, a perfect Meridian Opening Pill formed, glowing with ruby radiance. Tiānháo allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before setting it aside and immediately beginning the second refinement. The process flowed even more smoothly, his confidence growing with each successful step. By midday, he had completed three perfect pills, each one seemingly easier than the last. His Qi control had become so refined that he barely needed to think about the technical aspects; his body and energy responded instinctively to the requirements of the formula.
As he began the fourth and final refinement, Tiānháo felt a subtle shift in his connection to the God and Demon Slaying Bead. The artifact seemed to be observing his progress with interest, its dormant consciousness stirring slightly as he demonstrated increasing mastery over the alchemical arts. He proceeded undistracted, focusing entirely on the task at hand. The final pill formed perfectly, perhaps the most flawless of all eight he had created. As he lifted it from the cauldron, a sense of completion washed over him—he had transformed the entire 300-year Blood Ginseng into eight Meridian Opening Pills, five of which remained unused.
The moment the final pill was safely stored with the others, Tiānháo felt a distinct pulse of energy from the Bead embedded within him. Unlike previous occasions when knowledge had been forcefully downloaded into his mind, this felt more like a reward—a recognition of achievement and a gift of new possibilities. Information began to flow into his consciousness, structured and comprehensive: the Basic Alchemy Manual and formulas for Level 1 pills of various ranks. He closed his eyes, allowing the knowledge to settle into his mind, organizing itself alongside his existing understanding of alchemy.
The Basic Alchemy Manual contained fundamental principles that went beyond the specific Meridian Opening Pill formula he had been using. It explained the theoretical foundations of alchemy—the relationship between different types of ingredients, the principles of energy extraction and fusion, the various condensation methods for different pill effects, and the importance of cauldron selection and preparation. This knowledge contextualized his recent experiences, helping him understand not just how but why each step in the process worked.
Even more valuable were the fifty pill formulas, neatly categorized by difficulty and effect. The twenty Low-Level formulas included basic healing pills, Qi recovery aids, and minor attribute enhancements—relatively simple concoctions requiring common ingredients and straightforward techniques. The ten Intermediate-Level formulas offered stronger healing effects, temporary power boosts, and minor cultivation aids, demanding more precise control and rarer materials. The ten Advanced-Level formulas promised significant healing capabilities, permanent minor improvements to a cultivator's foundation, and specialized effects for particular cultivation methods. Finally, the ten Peak-Level formulas represented the pinnacle of Level 1 alchemy—powerful effects that could meaningfully impact a cultivator's journey, requiring rare ingredients and complex, multi-stage processes.
Tiānháo's mind raced with possibilities. Many of the formulas called for ingredients he didn't currently possess, but now he knew exactly what to look for. Some could be found in forests like the Black Mist Forest, others might be purchased from specialized merchants, and a few would require specific cultivation environments or even dangerous expeditions to obtain. The knowledge transformed how he viewed the natural world—every herb, mineral, and beast part now represented potential alchemical value.
He spent hours reviewing the new information, committing key formulas to memory and noting which ones might be most immediately useful for his cultivation path. Several of the Peak-Level formulas caught his particular attention—pills that could further enhance meridian opening, strengthen his physical body beyond normal limits, or even temporarily boost his combat capabilities in emergencies. With this knowledge, he was no longer just a cultivator with a useful skill; he was becoming a true alchemist, capable of creating treasures that others would covet.
As evening approached, Tiānháo finally emerged from his deep study of the new knowledge. He felt transformed not just by the Meridian Opening Pill he had consumed, but by the expanded horizons this new expertise offered. Alchemy would be a powerful tool in his arsenal, perhaps even a path to wealth and influence beyond mere combat strength. In a world where cultivation resources were jealously guarded by sects and powerful families, the ability to create one's own resources was invaluable. The God and Demon Slaying Bead had given him yet another advantage in his journey to power.