Han Yu wanted to be like Li Mei.
He wanted this level of control, this level of refinement—not just over pills, but over himself. His Soul Qi techniques gave him a path of power, but alchemy offered mastery.
Finally, the light from the cauldron dimmed, and a faint clink rang through the room—the sound of the cauldron lid settling into place.
Li Mei exhaled, long and low, and took a half-step back. She wiped her brow with the sleeve of her robe and reached for a small wooden ladle, carefully removing something from the cauldron.
A cluster of pale gold pills, still steaming faintly.
She placed them into a jade container, sealed it with a preserving talisman, and let out a satisfied hum.
"Perfect three-grade condensation," she murmured, clearly proud.
Then she blinked—and turned.
Her gaze landed on Han Yu.
"…How long have you been sitting there?"
Han Yu grinned sheepishly and gave a tiny wave. "About an hour. You were really into it."
