The third attempt has been progressing smoothly so far. Each ingredient dissolved into the cauldron exactly as intended, their essences merging perfectly.
Liam's movements were unhurried, deliberate, carrying none of the eager confidence that had characterized his first attempt or the tension of his second.
He knew what awaited him now. He knew the exact moment where everything could go wrong. But he also knew how to prevent it.
The first twelve ingredients integrated flawlessly. The mixture inside the cauldron swirled with perfect balance, yin and yang dancing together in equilibrium so precise it seemed almost crystalline in its structure.
The spiritual energy radiating from the liquid had grown dense enough that it created visible ripples in the air, like heat shimmer rising from sun-baked stone.
Liam reached for the crystal vial containing the Emperor Jade Toad Essence. His hand was steady as he uncorked it, no tremor of doubt or hesitation.
