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As dawn light filtered through the wooden windows, Su Yang sat cross-legged before the Chopper Cauldron, his fingers brushing gently over its cold surface. Beside him, neatly laid out, were the ingredients he had carefully prepared—Moon Spirit Grass, a stalk of Tiger Root, a few sprigs of Iron leaf, and several spirit herbs he'd grown in his Spirit Land.
He took a deep breath.
> "Time to put my knowledge to the test."
Drawing from the vast alchemical knowledge burned into his memory by the inheritance, Su Yang recalled the properties of each herb, the heat levels required, and the spiritual reaction time for fusion.
He summoned a small flickering flame—red at its core, flickering gold at the edges. This wasn't ordinary fire.
It was True Qi Fire—converted from raw world energy, denser and purer than regular elemental flame.
> "This is different... this isn't just fire—this is my will made manifest."
The system chimed suddenly in his mind:
> [Ding! Host is practicing True Qi Fire. Karma Fire Body detected. Compatible elemental core found. Do you wish to create a skill?]
(Yes / No)
Su Yang didn't hesitate.
> "Yes."
Instantly, the red fire in his palm surged, and golden karmic lines spiraled along his forearm, linking with the flame. His body vibrated slightly, and the system updated:
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📜 New Skill Created: Karma Flame Art (Level 1)
Channel True Qi Fire enhanced by the Karma Fire Body. Effective against impure energy, sin-rich beings, and refining processes. Boosts flame control, purification, and pill fusion success rate.
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With a sharp exhale, Su Yang directed the Karma Flame into the cauldron. The herbs began to melt, their essence rising in fragrant vapors. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, but his hands remained steady, his mental power dancing around the ingredients, merging them delicately.
> "Focus... don't rush it."
He adjusted the flame's intensity with subtle twists of his fingers. In his Spirit Land, time flowed differently—every moment of practice here was multiplied.
After a full hour of constant focus, a fragrant wave of medicinal steam billowed upward. The cauldron rumbled softly, and Su Yang stepped back.
With a deep breath, he opened the lid.
Ten pills rolled gently into the collection tray, glimmering with faint spiritual light.
> [Ding! Host has successfully created skin Tempering Pills. Alchemy Level Increased!]
He held one up to inspect. The outer layer was smooth, the scent clean, the color even.
> "60% purity. Double my first attempt..." he muttered with satisfaction.
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🧪 Body Tempering Pill (x10)
Grade: Basic
Purity: 60%
Effect: Strengthens skin, muscle, and bone; ideal for early cultivators.
Market Value: ~1000 gold coins (due to rarity and quality)
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Su Yang's lips curled into a grin.
> "With just a few pills, I can earn more than enough to buy advanced techniques or forge contracts with merchants... Alchemy truly is a path of wealth."
The thought of reaching perfection made his heart burn—not with greed, but with ambition.
He placed the pills in a jade vial and carefully sealed it with a formation talisman. With everything packed and Max already curled up on his bedding, Su Yang stretched and walked over.
The black-furred dog wagged its tail sleepily as Su Yang pulled it into his embrace.
> "Tomorrow, we go to the city. We'll see what this world really has to offer."
With Max snoring softly beside him, Su Yang closed his eyes, drifting off.
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🌑 A Shadow Watches
Unseen by Su Yang, a tall figure in black robes stood silently outside his window, moonlight glinting off the sigil stitched into their chest.
They watched the sleeping boy with a complex expression. Pride... regret... hope?
> "You've begun the path, young master. The heavens themselves have acknowledged you. I vowed to remain hidden—but should danger come, I will protect you from the shadows."
The figure vanished into the night mist.
Silence returned.
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