That evening, after returning home and sharing the good news with his parents that he had successfully advanced to Dou Zhe, Liu Xi immediately returned to his room to examine the gift prepared for him by Xuan Hao.
His eyes burned with excitement as he slipped the storage ring onto his finger. From between his brows, his Spiritual Power surged forth, probing into the space within.
The inner world of the ring was about five cubic meters in size. Inside, books were neatly stacked, accompanied by a pile of gold coins.
Ignoring the coins for now, Liu Xi focused on the books, retrieving them one by one.
A Mid Xuan Class Qi Method – Heavenly Flame Refinement.
A Low Xuan Class Dou Technique – Blazing Flame Sword Technique.
A Mid Xuan Class Body Technique – Soaring Swan Step.
Seeing these Xuan Class techniques, Liu Xi licked his lips with excitement. "All good stuff… and some thicker tomes too. Let's see what else Teacher prepared."
He pulled out several other volumes: "Compendium of Introductory Herbs for Alchemists,"
"The Mutual Reinforcement and Restraint of Medicinal Properties,"
"Introduction to Alchemy."
Liu Xi chuckled. "Teacher really prepared everything for me… how thorough."
Carefully setting aside the alchemy texts for later study, he drew out Heavenly Flame Refinement and began memorizing its meridian routes and hand seals. After committing them to heart, he closed the book, recalled them once more, then sat cross-legged on his bed, forming seals to circulate Dou Qi and begin his practice.
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The next day, Liu Xi arrived at his teacher's residence. He saluted respectfully. "Disciple greets Teacher."
Xuan Hao's usually proud face softened into a smile. Stroking his beard, he said warmly, "My good disciple, sit. Today, we begin your alchemy training."
He began explaining patiently. "First, you must understand some basics. To refine medicine, an alchemist must have a cauldron. A cauldron to an alchemist is what a weapon is to a warrior—indispensable. The better the cauldron, the better the quality of the pills produced."
"Second, our flames are typically conjured through Dou Qi. Thus, to refine high-quality pills, one must have deep cultivation. Never neglect your Dou Qi training."
"Of course, the best flames are the Heavenly Flames born of heaven and earth. They arise only in the most perilous places. Rare treasures—encountered by chance, never sought." As he spoke, a flash of yearning flickered in Xuan Hao's eyes. Seeing Liu Xi's gaze grow heated, he shook his head and continued.
"In the refining process, each herb has a different tolerance to fire. To extract their essence, precise control of the flame is crucial. During pill formation, only when medicinal properties are harmonious can a proper pill take shape. If they clash, the result will be either an explosion or a useless failure."
He stood. "Enough talk. Seeing is better than hearing. Come, I'll show you once."
As they walked, Xuan Hao added, "Alchemy requires absolute focus. If you are disturbed mid-process, failure will not only waste herbs but bring backlash upon your body. Always find a quiet place to refine."
They entered the pill room, where a crimson three-legged cauldron stood a meter tall. Exquisitely carved with birds, beasts, and insects, it radiated an ancient aura.
Before Liu Xi's eyes, Xuan Hao began. Flames of Dou Qi surged into the cauldron. Herbs were fed in one by one, each engulfed by the fire. Residue was burned away, leaving powders and pastes of pure essence. Gradually, these merged into a green liquid. With a wave of Dou Qi, Xuan Hao condensed the liquid and stored it in a jade vial.
"Teacher, this is…?" Liu Xi asked curiously.
"This is Blood Replenishing Powder, a 1st-grade pill. Applied externally, it excels at healing wounds from blades or beast claws," Xuan Hao explained calmly.
Then he produced a pill recipe and several sets of herbs from his ring, handing them to Liu Xi. "This is the recipe. The herbs are inexpensive—perfect for your practice."
"Thank you, Teacher." Liu Xi bowed and studied the formula intently before beginning his first attempt.
But as the flames burned, one herb after another was reduced to ashes. His expression turned embarrassed.
"Each herb has its own tolerance. You must learn to control the heat," Xuan Hao corrected patiently after a second failure.
After repeated attempts and countless mistakes, Liu Xi finally managed to condense a clump of Blood Replenishing Powder—albeit with some impurities.
"Not bad. To grasp the essentials so quickly… you truly are talented," Xuan Hao said with satisfaction.
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From that day on, Liu Xi's life grew ever more disciplined. Nights were spent cultivating, days divided between practicing Dou Techniques and studying alchemy. Step by step, he was laying the foundation to stand tall upon the Dou Qi Continent.
(End of Chapter)
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