The Price of Power

Liu Zhihao stared at the collection of herbs in front of him. The instructions for the concoction he was attempting were clear, but he couldn't help feeling uneasy. He had been studying alchemy for months now, but he was still far from mastering it.

He took a deep breath and began grinding the herbs, following the instructions to the letter. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he focused on the task at hand. Finally, he added the last ingredient and poured the mixture into a vial.

He examined the finished product with a sense of accomplishment. This potion would give him a significant boost in his cultivation, and he could feel the power coursing through his veins just from holding it.

But as he lifted the vial to his lips, he hesitated. Was the price of this power worth it? He had heard rumors of alchemists sacrificing their own health for their creations, and he couldn't help but wonder if he was putting himself in danger.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Zhihao steeled himself and drank the potion in one gulp. The effects were almost instantaneous, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. He grinned, feeling like he could take on the world.

But as he stood up, his vision began to blur, and he stumbled, clutching at his head. The power was too much for him to handle, and he collapsed onto the floor, unconscious.

When he woke up, he was lying in his bed, feeling weak and drained. He realized that the price of power was indeed high, and he would have to be more careful in the future.

From that day forward, Liu Zhihao made a vow to himself to never take his cultivation for granted, and to always be aware of the price he paid for his power.