Xiao Wei is unsure about the full extent of his Soul Power; however, he perceives a link between his abilities as a Shadow Monarch and his Soul Power. This instinctive understanding leads him to suspect that he has the potential to become an Alchemist.
After Xiao Wei ablaze the flame in the cauldron, he initiated the alchemical process he learnt from the text. He carefully gathered one batch of Tier 1 Spirit Power Pill and threw all the ingredients into the blazing cauldron, excluding the Tier 1 Spirit Plant.
Once the ingredients were inside the cauldron, Xiao Wei focused his Soul Power, manipulating the heat within the cauldron to initiate the refinement process. The temperature rose gradually, causing the ingredients to release their essence.
After one full hour, when all the ingredients turn into essence completely, Xiao Wei threw the Spirit Plant inside the cauldron to start the state of fusion.
As the fusion started, Xiao Wei maintained his concentration, ensuring that the temperature remained consistent throughout the procedure. Any deviation from optimal conditions could result in an unsuccessful outcome, rendering the precious materials useless.
The fusion process was slow, but Xiao Wei maintained his focus, allowing the ingredients to blend seamlessly into one another. He felt the heat, the pressure, and the energy coursing through the cauldron. Every nuance of the process was etched into his consciousness.
After another one full hour, just when Xiao Wei thought the pill was going to be formed a disaster struck. The flame within the cauldron intensified unexpectedly, causing the pill to burn before it could solidify. The precious ingredients were lost in an instant, turning into ash within the cauldron.
"It's really hard"Xiao Wei muttered to himself in disappointment.
After that he closed his eyes and tried to analyze what went wrong and he came to know that he lost his concentration at the end of the fusion due to which the temperature rose uncontrollably.
Xiao Wei felt disappointed and frustrated but he didn't lose hope. He understood that he need to improve his control over his Soul Power to succeed in Alchemy.
Xiao Wei decided to refine another batch of the Spirit Power Pill, but this time he paid extra attention to maintaining his concentration. He kept reminding himself to stay focused until the very end of the fusion process.
Again he gathered one batch of Tier 1 Spirit Power Pill and threw all the ingredients into the blazing cauldron, excluding the Tier 1 Spirit Plant.
When the ingredients turned into essence, he threw the Spirit Plant inside the cauldron to start the state of fusion.
But just like the first time, the ingredients again burnt down and turn into ashes.
Xiao Wei didn't mind the failure that much this time and start his third attempt to refine the Spirit Power Pill once again.
This time, he remained focused throughout the entire process, ensuring that his Soul Power regulated the heat within the cauldron perfectly.
As the fusion began, Xiao Wei felt the ingredients slowly melding together. Despite the challenges he faced earlier, he stayed patient and continued to concentrate.
After almost two hours, Xiao Wei finally heard a satisfying 'pop' sound emanating from the cauldron. A pleasant aroma wafted from the vessel, signaling that the pill had successfully formed.
Xiao Wei carefully retrieved the pill from the cauldron and examined it closely.
Xiao Wei expressed his astonishment at achieving success on his third attempt. He reflected on the common experience of novice Alchemists, who often need to make numerous attempts before successfully refining their first pill. But he has succeeded on his third try which suggested that his Soul Power was significantly more powerful than that of a beginner Alchemist. With a sense of exhilaration, he examined the pill closely.
"Not bad, this pill is a Middle Grade Tier 1 Spirit Power Pill. Although only one pill was produced from this batch and it took me two hours to create, this marks a promising start for me as a beginner in alchemy."Xiao Wei remarked with a sense of pride.
In the realm of alchemy, pills are categorized into ten distinct tiers, mirroring the classification system for alchemists themselves. Each tier is further divided into three categories: Low Grade, Middle Grade, and High Grade, reflecting the varying levels of potency and quality.
Xiao Wei was unaware that his success wasn't solely attributable to his exceptional Soul Power. The High Grade Tier 5 Cauldron he possessed, as well as the time he devoted to refining the pill, played a significant role. Beginner Alchemists typically struggle to acquire such a high tier cauldron, often requiring a deep and powerful background to afford it.
Nonetheless, Xiao Wei celebrated his achievement.
"From now on, I can call myself a Tier 1 Alchemist! Although I don't have an official Alchemist badge that can represent my status but it doesn't matter to me"Xiao Wei muttered to himself with a smile radiated pure joy and satisfaction.
Xiao Wei knew it was already late at night, so he decided not to return to the Xiao Clan residence. Instead, he chose to remain in the depths of the cave, where he began refining pills.
Over the course of several hours, Xiao Wei refined four more batches of the Spirit Power Pill, exhausting his Soul Power in the process. Of these four attempts, he succeeded in three, managing to produce a total of four pills. His luck held out in his final attempt, enabling him to refine two pills from the same batch.
Xiao Wei knew his Soul Power will replenish after few hours but he do not want to waste his time in resting. So he stand up and start practicing the Tiger Claw technique.
Xiao Wei waited till dawn broke across the sky before exiting the cave. He carefully stowed away all the materials back into the storage ring, making sure nothing was left behind.
As he stepped out of the cave, the Shadow Bird, which had been perched on a nearby branch, fluttered down onto his shoulder. It chirped softly, acknowledging its master's presence.
"Return to your shadows"Xiao Wei murmured, and the bird obediently disappeared into his shadow.
"Now, it's time to go back to the clan"Xiao Wei said as he set off in the direction of the Mo City.
Xiao Wei did not wish to return to the clan, but because the clan conduct daily morning training sessions and every young generation of the clan was expected to be present, missing too many sessions would raise suspicions.
While making his way back toward the clan, Xiao Wei began practicing the Water Flow Steps. Rather than letting the walk be a simple return, he used the time to train, allowing him to gradually adapt to this movement technique.
Each step was deliberate—light, controlled, and fluid—mirroring the movement of water. Though still a beginner, he could already feel his coordination improving with every stride. By training along the way, he ensured that not a moment of his journey was wasted.
In the training hall of the Xiao Clan.
Just like always, an atmosphere steeped in routine enveloped the space. The air resonated with the rhythmic thuds of feet making contact with the ground, interspersed with the occasional sound of fabric shifting as the young generation of the Xiao Clan diligently practice the Tiger Claw technique.
Under the vigilant supervision of Elder Xu, the young members of Xiao Clan were deeply immersed in the rigorous practice of the Tiger Claw technique.
Among these dedicated individuals, Xiao Wei also devoted himself to mastering the technique with unwavering focus, striving to perfect each movement while embodying the essential principles of strength.
Every day passed the same way for Xiao Wei. Each one unfolded like the last, marked by relentless practice and quiet determination. After his daily training in the Xiao Clan's hall, where he drilled the Tiger Claw technique alongside his fellow clan members, he would leave quietly and head to Tiger Mountain.
On the way, he practiced his Water Flow Steps—quick and smooth movements that helped him move faster and use his energy better. His steps were light, almost like he was gliding through the trees, making his way into the hidden cave.
In the cave, he would sit down and begin practicing his alchemy. Surrounded by herbs and the Cauldron, he carefully made pills, using his Soul Power to control the process. It was a very tough work and used up a lot of his energy, but he kept at it, knowing it helped him grow stronger.
When he had fully exhausted his Soul Power, he didn't stop there. Instead, he stood up and began practicing the Tiger Claw technique again—his strikes strong and sharp, the movements echoing through the cave like the roar of a tiger.
When the sky started to brighten and morning came the next day, Xiao Wei would head back to the Xiao Clan for the Clan morning training. Even when he was going back, he kept practicing his Water Flow Steps along the path, never wasting a moment. Though his days were simple and quiet, he trained harder than anyone, slowly but surely getting stronger.