Cultivation begins with alchemy and collecting runes.

After much persuasion, Li Xiuyuan finally acquired the [Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique] for 190 spirit stones.

"It's only the price of a few dozen Qi-Nourishing Pills, so it's a good deal."

Li Xiuyuan returned to his cave, his expression shifting unpredictably.

He already knew that the Blazing Fire Sect had many Qi Refining experts, and that Foundation Establishment cultivators had all learned this ancient divine skill.

Not many cultivators have actually mastered the elixir, so there must be a lot of shady dealings involved!

Now he regrets it somewhat, wondering why he listened to Pang Dehai's instigation and let him get away with it so carelessly.

Now, although Li Xiuyuan knows that this technique has many problems, he can only grit his teeth and continue practicing it.

Hopefully, the runes appearing on this proficiency panel will resolve the hidden dangers of the technique.

He then thought that although other cultivators had not cultivated in depth, most of them had developed one or two supernatural abilities, and he had not heard of anything unusual.

From this perspective, it seems that there's no problem for him to cultivate a little.

With a self-comforting mindset, Li Xiuyuan began cultivating the Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique.

He followed the method and gradually changed the internal energy of the Forging and Refining Fire Technique.

He then swallowed a high-grade Qi-nourishing pill, and his cultivation technique circulated automatically throughout his body.

The next moment, Li Xiuyuan felt a sudden jolt in his mind.

Millions of colorful, fiery hands descended from the sky, the scene fleeting in an instant.

The medicinal power within Li Xiuyuan's body was rapidly refined, reaching three times its previous level.

The surge of magical power made him cry out in pleasure!

[Mana +1]

[Mana +1]

[Mana +1]

……

[Realm: Qi Refining Level 4: 65/100]

[Technique: Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique, Initial Understanding: 1/100]

Immersed in this pleasant feeling, Li Xiuyuan unconsciously circulated the magic technique again and again.

His divine senses had already soared beyond the heavens, unaware of what was happening here.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Xiuyuan finally absorbed the last bit of medicinal power from his body.

Finally, I snapped out of that wonderful feeling.

Li Xiuyuan, who was now fully conscious, was stunned for a moment.

He then subconsciously stood up and raised his hand to launch a crimson fireball towards the corner.

boom!

But then they saw that the iron walls of the training room had cracked, splinters were flowing out, and when the smoke and dust dissipated, a hole the size of a bowl appeared.

Seeing this, Li Xiuyuan not only did not feel sorry, but instead burst into laughter!

Then, with a flick of his finger, a crimson fireball flew out, its crimson light suddenly surging, almost piercing through the refined iron wall!

"The quality of magical power gained from transforming ancient divine techniques far surpasses that of forging and refining fire! Without experiencing a drop in cultivation level, the power of spells increases by more than three times!"

A hint of joy appeared on Li Xiuyuan's face. "It was indeed the right decision to focus on this divine skill."

Li Xiuyuan was all smiles as he cleaned up the house, planning to find time to renovate it.

After leaving the training room, Li Xiuyuan repeatedly practiced the Fireball Technique and the spells that accompanied the Qi Refining Stage of the Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique in the martial arts arena.

There are three most outstanding spells: Fire Release Technique, Fire Sword Technique, and Fire Shield Technique.

These include transforming into flames to escape, summoning flaming flying swords to fight enemies, and conjuring a flaming shield, similar to a golden shield talisman, which can resist the magical attacks of cultivators.

Fireball +1

Fireball +1

Fireball +1

……

The days passed by.

Li Xiuyuan did not slack off in the slightest. Every morning, he would get up early to purify spiritual energy with the Golden Spirit Bowl and refine the Spirit Gathering Powder.

I had a simple lunch of rice with meat and then rested for half an incense stick's time.

After dinner, play with the Migu Mouse to build a closer bond.

In the afternoon, I will refine Qi-Nourishing Pills and Mind-Clearing Pills;

In the evening, I practiced Qi cultivation and studied the techniques until I completed several major cycles each time, and only stopped to rest when I felt a slight tingling sensation in my meridians.

During this time, Li Xiuyuan would occasionally go out to exchange the pills for spirit stones, and also to gather intelligence inside and outside the market.

Three months later.

When Li Xiuyuan unleashed his 998th fireball spell, this technique finally underwent its final qualitative change.

Fireball +1

[Spell: Fireball (Perfect) 1000-]

Fireball [White Rune]: Infinite Power x10 (Refineable)

Fireball [White Rune]: Firepower Regeneration x5 (Refineable)

Li Xiuyuan looked at the two runes that had surfaced deep within his sea of ​​consciousness with great envy.

He raised his proficiency in Fireball to the perfect level.

He had obtained and tested both [Regeneration] and [Infinite Power], and both could double the power of spells.

The first one focuses on the continuity of the spell, similar to taking a powerful elixir of life; the latter shortens the spell's casting time, allowing him to cast spells faster and better.

The two complement each other, directly raising his combat power to a higher level.

Judging solely from the quality of mana, the power of spells, and the casting time, a fourth-level Qi Refining cultivator is not at a disadvantage against a sixth-level Qi Refining cultivator.

……

Li Xiuyuan realized that he hadn't visited Du Wuxin for a long time since he left his job as a servant in the Dan Ding Sect.

He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards his senior brother, Du.

Putting everything else aside, the extra spirit stones Du Wuxin gave him in addition to the rewards for submitting tasks every month helped him get through those difficult days.

They even guided him in refining advanced-level pills and gifted him the "Detailed Explanation of Alchemy," which greatly helped his alchemy skills.

Li Xiuyuan always kept these kindnesses in his heart.

His cultivation has progressed rapidly in recent days, and he feels that breaking through the bottleneck of the fifth level of Qi Refining is just around the corner.

Li Xiuyuan planned to spend some time reflecting and comprehend the [Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique].

He planned to break through the five barriers in one fell swoop without the help of elixirs, relying solely on his own enlightenment.

……

When Li Xiuyuan arrived at Wuxu Villa, he was greeted by the same steward, Luo.

He greeted Li Xiuyuan with a smile and told him that Du Wuxin was meditating and that he would go and inform him, asking Li Xiuyuan to wait a moment.

Half an hour later.

Du Wuxin, dressed in the robes of an outer disciple of the Blazing Fire Sect, slowly walked over.

The moment he saw Li Xiuyuan, he suddenly sensed something and smiled.

"Junior brother is indeed a late bloomer. In just a few years, his cultivation has become even more profound. He will break through to the fifth level of Qi Refining in less than half a year!"

"Congratulations!"

"Senior Brother Du, I did indeed manage to break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining by sheer luck!"

Li Xiuyuan bowed respectfully and said with a light smile.

Du Wuxin gestured for the steward to leave, and then he led Li Xiuyuan to stroll around the manor.

As they walked, they inquired about Li Xiuyuan's recent cultivation and alchemy progress, offering occasional pointers.

This made Li Xiuyuan's previously vague or incomprehensible cultivation secrets suddenly clear, and he gained a lot.

Li Xiuyuan naturally wouldn't reveal everything, but he did tell the other party about refining high-grade pills and joining the Tongxin Society in detail.

After all, given Du Wuxin's methods and status, he could easily find out about these things with a little investigation.

Du Wuxin listened attentively, occasionally offering words of advice.

"Junior Brother Li, you can produce a high-grade Qi-Nourishing Pill at the mid-stage of Qi Refining. You are truly gifted. Such alchemy aptitude would be considered 'extraordinary' even in the Dan Peak of the Blazing Fire Sect."

"It's truly a pity that he's now a contracted alchemist at the Lingbao Pavilion."

Du Wuxin and Li Xiuyuan were already very familiar with each other, so Du Wuxin spoke directly and frankly, without hiding his admiration for Li Xiuyuan, and even showing a hint of regret on his face.

"Junior brother, your fortune is shallow, and you have long since given up on joining a sect. As a rogue cultivator, you feel that the world is vast and you can go anywhere without any restrictions. You only wish to go further on the path of immortality."

Li Xiuyuan spoke calmly and resolutely.

"However, Junior Brother Li, since you are able to refine high-grade Qi-Nourishing Pills, it's only a matter of time before you break through to become a mid-grade alchemist."

"In that case, if you have any questions in the future, just send me a message. Don't worry about bothering me. I really can't bear to see such a gem go to waste."

Du Wuxin said sincerely.

"Thank you, senior brother!"

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyuan's expression shifted, and he spoke from the bottom of his heart.

"It's nothing. After all, I am also a practitioner of alchemy. Helping younger generations is the fundamental principle of alchemy. It's just a small favor."

Du Wuxin waved his hand dismissively.

Next, Du Wuxin gave Li Xiuyuan a detailed explanation of the things he needed to pay attention to when breaking through to the intermediate-grade alchemist level, and Li Xiuyuan nodded repeatedly as he listened.

After Du Wuxin finished speaking, the sky gradually darkened. He instructed the servants to prepare a meal, and Li Xiuyuan finally couldn't help but ask him about the "Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique".

"Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique!"

A hint of speechlessness flashed across Du Wuxin's usually composed face.

He gazed deeply at Li Xiuyuan, but did not press for further questions. He pondered for a long time before speaking.

"I have indeed heard of this Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique, and I have even cultivated the first three levels."

"This cultivation technique is not a complete inheritance. It was obtained by a True Person of the Blazing Fire Sect from a ruin. Moreover, it was not originally nine levels, but thirteen levels."

"Hundreds of years ago, the True Person of this sect fought a great battle with the Core Formation True Person of the Demon Flame Sect of the Qin Kingdom. When the cultivation technique was about to be destroyed, the True Person of this sect intervened in time and forcibly seized half of the cultivation technique from the Demon Flame Sect. It is said that the other half was lost."

"Therefore, the Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique passed down in our sect is only an incomplete version. At most, it can be cultivated to the Core Formation stage, and there are no further cultivation methods."

"The complete cultivation method is said to lead directly to the Nascent Soul stage, but I, your senior brother, do not know if it is true or not."

Du Wuxin spoke with a touch of emotion, casually picking up the teacup in front of him and taking a sip.

He then continued, "The Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique, lacking subsequent cultivation methods, is slightly inferior to other top-tier techniques, but it is still an ancient divine technique that leads directly to the Nascent Soul stage, and its power is astonishing."

In particular, its crimson flame light and the instantaneous effect of its flame-infused robes have made it highly sought after by many Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect.

"If it is relatively easy to cultivate, there are quite a few cultivators who would be willing to make this their main cultivation method. After all, the Nascent Soul and even the Divine Transformation stage are too ethereal and unattainable for us."

Du Wuxin paused here, a look of regret on his face, and continued, "Unfortunately, to cultivate this technique to a deeper level, one needs to supplement it with rare and precious natural treasures as cultivation resources, and even needs to devour the spiritual fire of heaven and earth to advance!"

"If cultivation only required rare spiritual materials, it wouldn't be a problem; cultivators could compensate somewhat by refining spiritual pills and stones. But requiring the absorption of heaven and earth spiritual fire is far too demanding!"

"The Heavenly Spiritual Fire is far more precious than any Foundation Establishment Spiritual Object. This thing is naturally born and nurtured by the earth, and can enhance a cultivator's spiritual root aptitude and even increase their chances of breaking through to the next realm. The Northern Kingdoms have not heard of this thing appearing in the world for nearly a hundred years."

"This method, beyond its sixth level, can only be cultivated by cultivators who have reached the Core Formation stage. The spiritual fire of heaven and earth is extremely beneficial to Core Formation cultivators in their Nascent Soul formation. How could such a rare item for Nascent Soul formation be obtained by ordinary cultivators or rogue cultivators?"

"Furthermore, this method requires a strong physical body; otherwise, one cannot withstand the tempering of the meridians and dantian during the process of refining the spiritual fire into the body for advancement."

"Since the 'Celestial Change,' the path of body refinement has gradually declined, and precious medicines for body refinement and even spiritual pills for body tempering have become extremely rare."

"Furthermore, once you reach the Core Formation stage, every step forward in cultivation is incredibly difficult. This method has many limitations and demanding cultivation conditions, requiring these Core Formation cultivators to expend decades or even centuries searching for spiritual fires to break through their realms. No one would do that!"

"Moreover, this method is incomplete and not some kind of magical immortal technique, so cultivators naturally have enough motivation to study it."

"However, it would be a real pity to give up the effectiveness of this method's crimson flame light and protective robe. Many cultivators in our sect only cultivate the first three or middle three levels, using it as an auxiliary method for cultivation. This way, they don't have to suffer the difficulty of finding spiritual fire to break through the ranks, and they can still use the sword light and the robe's supernatural powers."

"Of course, if these cultivators want to master two supernatural abilities, they will need to spend at least eight or nine years cultivating this method in seclusion."

Li Xiuyuan stood there dumbfounded after hearing Du Wuxin's long speech.

When he turned around, his heart was filled with melancholy.

He has already cultivated this technique to the second level!

If he decides to give up, it's not too late.

But his spiritual root aptitude was originally ordinary, so how could he easily give up this method of rapidly improving his cultivation?

As Du Wuxin said, only those who advance their cultivation to the Golden Core stage need to devour the spiritual fire of heaven and earth.

He was still a minor cultivator at the Qi Refining stage, a far cry from the Foundation Establishment stage.

He knew in his heart that if he missed this method, he would have no hope of even reaching the Core Formation stage, let alone the Nascent Soul stage!

Moreover, the current chief disciple of the Blazing Fire Sect, Chi Lianxin, also cultivates the Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique, which demonstrates the merits of this method.

The future is still uncertain, and he currently has no powerful techniques to rely on. If he finds a better and more profound technique in the future, it will not be too late to switch to it.

Li Xiuyuan's mind raced, but Du Wuxin's next words solidified his resolve to cultivate this method.

"The Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique has such huge flaws, but it is not without its unique aspects. Otherwise, my sect's True Person would not have gone to such great lengths to fight with the True Person of Qin and incur their enmity."

Du Wuxin took another sip of tea to moisten his throat and said.

"Our sect has recorded that without the aid of fire-elemental spiritual materials, this method is indeed incredibly slow to cultivate. However, with each level of advancement, it can temper the vital energy and expand the Qi Sea, allowing cultivators who practice this method to have more than twice the magical power of those of the same level!"

"It is said that the only senior who cultivated this technique to the sixth level said that the senior who cultivated to the sixth level and reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment had twice the magical power of his peers, and this magical power was exactly the same as the amount of magical power that was produced by refining spirit stones and pills. It has to be said that this technique is indeed quite wonderful."

Du Wuxin seemed to have a deep understanding of this technique, and the more he talked, the more interested he became.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't help but dance and gesticulate wildly with joy.

This prompted Li Xiuyuan to quickly change the subject and stop discussing the matter.

This allowed Senior Brother Du to regain his normal serious and composed demeanor.

No matter how mysterious the technique was, Li Xiuyuan didn't care.

What he valued most was the advantage of rapidly improving his cultivation level and having magical power that was twice that of others of the same level.

After all, his alchemy skills were no joke; all he needed was to find some elixir recipes.

It's not hopeless for him to form his core in this lifetime. With a proficiency panel, even the most difficult and slow cultivation techniques for others are just a piece of cake for him.

As for needing spiritual fire to break through the core and condense the nascent soul, that's not something he's considering right now.

Li Xiuyuan stayed only after Du Wuxin had persuaded him to stay, and after a hearty meal and drinks, he drifted away.