Cultivation begins with alchemy and collecting runes.

Before we knew it, more than half a month had passed.

Inside the underground fire room, Li Xiuyuan and the other man stared intently at Du Wuxin on the high platform.

But Du Wuxin looked solemn and couldn't hide his exhaustion.

Li Xiuyuan quickly scanned his surroundings but found no trace of spiritual essence. He sighed inwardly and continued to monitor the movements of the alchemy furnace.

Three days ago, Li Xiuyuan and Du Wuxin stopped casting spells together.

More often than not, they were there to protect him from the sidelines.

At this moment, Du Wuxin also intensified his movements.

All three of them sensed that the spiritual herbs inside the alchemy furnace seemed to have reached a critical moment.

Once you take that final step, you'll undergo a complete transformation.

"Splash!"

The fire inside the furnace surged and churned incessantly, sometimes gathering into a ball, sometimes dissipating unpredictably.

The frequency of the alchemy furnace's vibrations increased rapidly, as if a powerful change was about to occur inside.

The next moment, Li Xiuyuan raised his head, lifted his eyes, and stared intently at the alchemy furnace. He felt an inexplicable aura gathering.

Yan Xinyou, located due north, also sensed it, and a look of excitement appeared on her usually cool and elegant face.

The next moment, the earth fire inside the alchemy furnace suddenly contracted, and a vigorous spiritual energy flowed wildly, compressed, and finally transformed into streams of warmth that enveloped the three of them like a spring breeze.

"It's done!"

Du Wuxin laughed loudly, made a hand seal, and used his magic power to open the alchemy furnace.

Inside the alchemy furnace, a pearl-sized elixir, shimmering with emerald light, was emitting a faint fragrance.

"Twelve runes—truly a top-grade elixir!"

In the cultivation world, the standard for classifying pills is the number of pill patterns contained in the pill after it is formed.

One to three red patterns indicate a low-grade pill; four to six red patterns indicate a medium-grade pill; and so on, with top-grade pills containing no fewer than eleven red patterns.

Du Wuxin withdrew the special magical power from Li Xiuyuan and the other person, and said loudly, "Thank you for your help, fellow Daoists. Now that the pill is ready, why don't you go to my manor to recuperate and rest for a while?"

Li Xiuyuan and Du Wuxin felt as if a layer of restraint had been removed from their bodies. They glanced at each other and, seeing that Du Wuxin was in a very good mood, nodded in agreement.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother! It won't be long before you make another step forward in your understanding of alchemy!"

Li Xiuyuan congratulated him, noting that Du Wuxin had gone to great lengths and used up so many spiritual materials to refine the top-grade Qingxin Pill.

It was definitely not just to rescue Wang Dali's grandson; there must have been other motives, but none of that had much to do with him.

This joint practice of alchemy truly gave him a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Dao of Alchemy.

Yan Xinyou was certainly not a stupid person. Although she was aloof by nature, she had seen this kind of scene before.

He said softly, "Congratulations, senior brother," and then walked to the side and closed his eyes to rest.

Guided by Du Wuxin, the two arrived at a secluded and tranquil courtyard.

Although the spiritual energy here is not as abundant as that of the pavilion where the three met, it is far superior to Li Xiuyuan's residence.

After refining the control token for the courtyard's array restriction, Li Xiuyuan activated the restriction.

He then began his seclusion, turning his gaze to the panel deep within his sea of ​​consciousness.

【Qingxin Dan (Beginner) 1/50】

"In the joint refining of the Heart-Clearing Pill, although I did not contribute much, I wholeheartedly focused on refining the medicine and controlling the fire."

"Just this slight improvement in proficiency, allowing me to master the Qingxin Dan technique, makes this trip worthwhile!"

He carefully recalled every detail of the alchemy process, and even experienced the various operations Du Wuxin performed when practicing the combined alchemy technique.

After repeated reflection, I found that my understanding of Daoist alchemy had reached a new level, and I felt that I had benefited greatly.

"Senior Brother Du said that the 'Combined Refining' alchemy technique damages the physical body, but the innate fire spirit energy within my body has not changed. I only feel a slight decline in my qi and blood, which has little impact!"

He examined his internal body's meridians and bones, and felt that one-tenth of the qi and blood in his lower abdomen's dantian had been consumed.

If he hadn't practiced body training, it would probably have taken him several years to recover his vital energy.

But he also cultivated the Yi Jin Jing, and his strength was far beyond what ordinary Qi Refining cultivators could match.

Even if he were to refine pills ten or a hundred more times, it would not cause any damage to his physical body.

"This body-refining method is truly the right one! I didn't feel tired at all while refining the top-grade Mind-Clearing Pill. It really is my lucky star!"

Fire Control (Minor Mastery), 150/300

"After half a month of intense fire control techniques, I've increased my proficiency by a full forty points, but I still haven't gotten the rune."

Li Xiuyuan had a sudden thought: "I'll use up all my luck on the Misty Valley Rat, and then I won't go out again when I get back. I'll try to get rid of this bad luck for a while!"

The next day, after he had carefully recorded his gains from the alchemy, Li Xiuyuan came out of seclusion and saw Steward Luo waiting outside.

"Has Fairy Yan left?"

Li Xiuyuan asked.

Butler Luo replied, "Fairy Yan is still a guest in the mountains at the master's invitation."

Li Xiuyuan nodded, knowing that Yan Xinyou also shared the same idea and wanted to learn the "Combined Refining Elixir Technique," so he did not leave.

"Then Fellow Daoist Lao Luo will lead the way!"

"Fellow Daoist, this way please!"

Following Butler Luo, Li Xiuyuan arrived at a small island in the lake, a place with magnificent mountains and beautiful waters, and abundant spiritual energy.

If Du Wuxin hadn't been one of the disciples of the Blazing Fire Sect stationed here, he probably wouldn't have been able to occupy such a beautiful and precious place.

Putting everything else aside, this place is a great place to relax and unwind.

Li Xiuyuan followed Steward Luo to the foot of a mountain, where he saw Du Wuxin and Yan Xinyou sitting along the stream.

A row of spiritual fruits and fine wines were laid out in front of them, supported by wooden trays placed over the spring.

A scene of floating wine cups on a winding stream, its beauty is extraordinary.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Du, and Fairy Yan!"

Li Xiuyuan quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Junior brother has finally emerged from seclusion. Come, come, Fairy Yan just asked me to send someone to find you."

"Thank you for your kindness, Fairy Yan!"

Li Xiuyuan bowed to Yan Xinyou in thanks, and Yan Xinyou nodded slightly without saying a word.

Then, under Du Wuxin's guidance, Li Xiuyuan sat down next to him.

"Now that everyone's here, I'll begin explaining the 'Crimson Fire Pill Technique'!"

Li Xiuyuan and Yan Xinyou exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. Their purpose in staying here was precisely for this alchemy technique.

Du Wuxin first recounted his gains from this alchemy session, and Li Xiuyuan and the other man listened intently, not daring to miss a single detail.

A moment later, they all realized that Du Wuxin had almost nothing to hide, and they were deeply moved and grateful.

Du Wuxin's voice was like a mountain stream, or the sound of bells and drums.

This made the two forget about tasting the fine wine and spiritual fruit. Until Du Wuxin finished speaking, his words lingered, and the two were so immersed in them that they could not forget them for a long time.

Li Xiuyuan and Yan Xinyou then shared their insights from the alchemy session.

Yan Xinyou's thinking was very clear and quite ingenious. At every crucial point, he could always provide profound yet simple examples and evidence, making it very easy for people to understand.

Each person shared their experience of alchemy and then explained their personal insights into the Dao of Alchemy.

Moon sets and sun rises.

The three of them verified each other's knowledge of alchemy, completely losing track of time.

Several days passed without us even realizing it.

In the end, Du Wuxin finished the job by inscribing his understanding of the "Crimson Fire Pill Technique" into two jade slips with his divine sense, and then handing them to Li Xiuyuan and the other person respectively.

"Our connection began with the refining of the Heart-Cleansing Pill. The process of refining the pill involves burning crimson flames, as if we were in a sea of ​​fire. The use of secret techniques makes us feel as if we are of one mind and body. Furthermore, each of us has our own insights into this method. Simplifying it, how about we call it the 'Crimson Heart Fire Technique'?"

Du Wuxin glanced at them and saw that both of them nodded in agreement, so he accepted the jade slip.

Having obtained the "Art of Elixir Ascension," Li Xiuyuan was about to leave when he decided to find an excuse to depart.

Du Wuxin spoke up: "Junior Brother Li, you have gained a lot this time. I imagine you will be able to try refining entry-level pills in a few years."

"Once you become an entry-level alchemist, your menial servant status will be automatically waived. With your talent, breaking through to the first-tier low-grade alchemy realm will be a piece of cake."

"As far as I know, your situation in the Dan Ding Sect is similar to that of a rogue cultivator. If you are interested in joining a cultivation force, you can consider Fairy Yan's White Tiger Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan's expression shifted. In the Dan Ding Sect, he was more like a "laborer" in his previous life.

Joining a powerful cultivation faction to find another way out was naturally his goal.

Li Xiuyuan had read many ancient books in his spare time and knew how vast this world was.

The vast land beneath his feet is called "Beiluzhou".

The Northern Heron Continent is dotted with hundreds of ordinary countries of varying sizes, each controlled by major cultivation forces and families.

The state of Chu, where he was born, was no exception.

The immortal cultivation family that holds core power in the Chu Kingdom is the "Chu Family".

In addition, many other forces are also vying for control of the Chu Kingdom's advanced spiritual lands.

The "wealth, companions, land, and methods" required for cultivating immortality, with "land" referring to the spiritual land for entering a higher level, which is an indispensable resource for cultivators.

For rogue cultivators like him, if they want to enter a spiritual land for cultivation, they can only join a major power and be driven by it in order to obtain the right to use the spiritual land.

In order to make further progress on his cultivation path, Li Xiuyuan was naturally willing to join a faction.

He naturally had no objection to joining White Tiger Mountain.

After all, the White Tiger Mountain lineage has a fake Core Formation cultivator in charge, occupying a spiritual land.

Although joining would mean losing some freedom, it would provide him with a spiritual cultivation ground and the background of a fake Core Formation cultivator, so he wouldn't lose out no matter what.

Furthermore, if he wants to establish his foundation or even form his core, he must have powerful channels and backing to gather resources or a stable environment to use for his purposes.

Joining the White Tiger Mountain lineage would obviously make it much easier for him to collect cultivation resources.

At least from his perspective, the Fairy Yan in front of him was quite good.

He is a kind-hearted monk with a cold exterior but a warm heart, but he has a cool temperament and is not good at forming personal relationships.

For him, joining White Tiger Mountain was the best option if he wanted to survive in the thousands of miles of territory of the Blazing Fire Sect.

With his mind racing, Li Xiuyuan smiled and said, "Senior Brother is right. I was just thinking the same thing. I wonder if Fairy Yan could introduce us?"

"Can!"

Yan Xinyou's tone was cool yet revealed a hint of approval.

During this time, she had been observing Li Xiuyuan's alchemy process and had gained many new insights from his discussions.

Although there is a fake cultivator in charge of the mountain, the resources for cultivating immortality are still limited.

Moreover, her master had nine direct disciples, and the competition among them was fierce.

She is currently accumulating foundational resources, but has no one to rely on.

She observed that Li Xiuyuan was quick-witted, resourceful, and exceptionally capable.

If someone could handle the miscellaneous affairs in the mountains for her and manage all the people, it would save her a lot of trouble.

Her cultivation level was a bit low, but it was just enough for her.

Yan Xinyou's mind raced for a moment, but she quickly made up her mind.

A flash of light appeared on her wrist, and she took out a jade pendant with the character "燕" (Yan) engraved on it, which resembled two fish, and handed it to Li Xiuyuan.

"If you become a mid-grade first-level alchemist, you only need to infuse your inner energy, and someone will naturally come to guide you."

After Yan Xin finished her persuasion, she stood up, bowed to Du Wuxin, and left.

"Thank you, Fairy Yan!"

……

"Thank you very much, Senior Brother Du. Xiu Yuan once again thanks you for your guidance!"

Li Xiuyuan was extremely grateful and quickly stood up and bowed to Du Wuxin.

"Oh, junior brother, there's no need for such formalities. I simply don't want my precious gem to be tarnished."

Li Xiuyuan picked up a cup of spiritual wine, drank it down in one gulp, and said many words of thanks before stopping.

……