Chapter 3 Alchemy

He came outside the library and the elder was outside sleeping like he didn't care. He left straight to his room.

The Elder Librarian observed, "That boy initially wandered into a section nobody bothers with, picked up three nearly useless books, and then moved on to skim through all the yellow-rank martial arts manuals before settling on a random one. I have no idea what he's thinking.

In most sects, Compendiums are crucial, but ever since that incident left us without a pill maker or weapon refiner, those incomplete manuals have been of little use. How does he plan to cultivate any occupational skills with those? He'll realize soon enough."

In his room Xiao Chen lookes his martial book "Whispering Breeze Step" and other 3 incomplete compendium scrolls . 

Xiao Chen sorted out his thought listed all Martial arts in his mind and after understanding essesnce of each martial art. He practiced the Whispering Breeze Step . He was in need of a movement technique. There were only a few movement techniques in the sect.

The Whispering Breeze Step is a mystical movement technique that allows the practitioner to move with the speed and grace of a gentle breeze. When executed, the user's footsteps become light and ethereal, making them appear as if gliding across the ground without disturbing even a single blade of grass.

At its core, the Whispering Breeze Step harnesses the flow of Qi to synchronize the practitioner's breath and heartbeat with the natural rhythm of the wind, granting an almost supernatural agility. With each step, the user's body blurs momentarily, making it difficult for opponents to track their movements. This technique not only increases speed and evasiveness but also enables the practitioner to perform agile maneuvers, such as darting between trees or skimming across the surface of water.

It took him about an hour to achieve complete mastery of the technique. Afterward, he refined it even further by applying modern mathematical calculations and his prior science knowledge from the previous world, as he found it effortless to enhance the technique using his unparalleled intellect and understanding of modern concepts.

Now after improvement, the practitioner can channel their Qi to create illusory afterimages, confusing their enemies and allowing them to vanish and reappear like a breeze passing through the forest.

The true power of the Whispering Breeze Step now lies not in sheer speed but in its unpredictability and the ability to move as effortlessly as the wind itself, making it a rare and sought-after movement art among martial cultivators.

A sudden surge of inspiration struck him, and he instantly broke through to the peak of the 10th stage of the Qi Realm, standing at the very threshold of the next realm. 

After the Whispering Breeze Step technique underwent an upgrade, it could now be considered a mid-tier Earth-grade technique, its speed and agility reaching a whole new level.

Techniques of the same rank could be easily comprehended by Xiao Chen, and he could refine them to their utmost potential. However, the higher the technique's grade, the greater the cultivation stage required. Comprehension alone was not enough; one needed the cultivation base to perceive the profound intricacies hidden within.

For instance, if Xiao Chen wished to grasp the profound mysteries of a technique above Earth-grade, he would need to at least reach the peak stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. Only with such a cultivation base could he stimulate even 10% of the technique's true power. Without sufficient cultivation to draw out the essence of the technique, further refinement or validation would be impossible.

The next day, he visited Sect Leader Mo Yuan, who was so shocked by Xiao Chen's cultivation speed that he nearly fainted. No one could believe that someone could transition from a mortal to a peak Qi realm cultivator in just one night.

It took him a while to recover from the shock. He kept asking whether Xiao Chen had consumed any miracle drug or if he was a higher realm artist concealing his Qi and aura. He even double-checked the Qi in Xiao Chen's body.

Mo Yuan inquired, "Which martial art did you choose after visiting the library?"

"Sect leader, I am practicing Whispering Breeze Step" replayed Xiao Chen.

Stroking his beard, he said, "Ah, it's a commendable movement technique. Unfortunately, the original Whispering Breeze Step was an Earth-Grade martial technique, but the latter part was missing. I made some amendments and adjusted it to a yellow-grade technique."

"I improved the technique, It can be now considered Earth Grade technique," said Xiao Chen smilingly.

"This Young guy, even if he is a genius, shouldn't boast like that. If he continues in this manner, he'll be seen as shameless. I need to instill some morals in him."

Understanding what the sect leader was thinking, he demonstrated his movement technique.

Old Mo Yuan stood still, like a frozen rooster, his hand paused mid-stroke of his beard. "Boy, don't shock me like that again!"

"This suggests that Xiao Chen's understanding and mastery of martial arts exceed his own. How is that possible? He is currently at the 8th stage of the Nascent Soul Realm, and improving a single martial art typically requires years of experience to reach this level of comprehension. Not every martial artist has the capacity to enhance their techniques; yet here, a Qi realm cultivator has succeeded in elevating a technique to earth grade. This is unprecedented!" Mo Yuan thought.

"This can be considerd your own technique , Though bit shamless can you given this technique to sect " asked Mo Yuan with expectation

"Yes, I was thinking same and also I need know about alchemy , blacksmithing , apothecary " asked Xiao chen.

Mo Yuan glanced at Xiao Chen with disapproval and said, "Young man, it seems you're biting off more than you can chew. Even focusing on just one of those occupations would consume a great deal of your time and resources, yet you're considering all three of the most time-intensive professions simultaneously.

These occupations are resource-draining, even for a genius. It's wiser to focus on cultivating your martial arts instead."

He continued, "While every sect requires these professions to manage internal affairs, our sect is currently struggling with resources. Our primary income comes from a few affiliated shops and donations from benefactors, so we can't afford to support masters in these fields right now."

"I understand " replayed Xiao Chen.

"Good. In any case, due to your meritorious contribution to the sect by sharing your martial art, you'll receive 1,000 contribution points. Speak with Elder Le in the library - he will transfer the points to your sect token." said Mo Yuan

After receiving some guidance from the Sect Master, Xiao Chen returned to his room, only to find several senior disciples waiting for him. They, too, were stunned by Xiao Chen's rapid cultivation progress and invited him to a sparring match. The eldest, Zhou Tianchen, was currently at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm, Wei Junhao was at the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, and both Mei Ling and Yan Rong were at the 2nd stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Wei Junhao and Xiao Chen stood facing each other in the sparring arena. They decided to forego swords, as Xiao Chen had yet to master any sword techniques. Instead, Wei Junhao used the Blazing Crane Palm. Xiao Chen effortlessly evaded the attack and countered using the Whispering Breeze Step, channeling his Qi into a powerful palm strike. Despite being a realm lower than Wei Junhao, Xiao Chen managed to push him back.

Wei Junhao was astonished by Xiao Chen's use of the Whispering Breeze Step, as it seemed entirely different from the version he remembered. They exchanged several more blows, but even with his superior cultivation level, Junhao struggled to gain the upper hand due to Xiao Chen's elusive movement technique, which made him seem as if he were vanishing into thin air.

After some time, both agreed to call it a draw. Intrigued by this new version of the Whispering Breeze Step, Junhao asked to learn it. Xiao Chen gladly taught him the technique, mentioning that he planned to add it to the sect's library collection for others to benefit from as well.

"I almost forgot why we came here in the first place. We were planning to hunt a spirit beast next month on the outskirts of Crimson Maple Forest. It'll be a good opportunity for that junior Xiao Chen to gain some experience," said Junhao

The beast's realms are classified as Spirit, Profound, Earth, Sky, Heavenly, Sacred, Divine, and Primordial, and each realm is 1 to 10. Its classification is similar to the cultivator's realms.

They pass down their unique beast cultivation arts through their bloodline, with each generation inheriting this latent power. As they break through to higher realms, these ancient abilities gradually unlock, making them even more powerful as they advance.

At higher levels, Beasts possess the ability to undergo metamorphosis, taking on human form and cultivating the techniques of Humans. In this state, they can dual cultivate both beast cultivation art and human cultivation arts making them even more formidable.

There are also Demonic beasts corrupted by Demonic Qi and mythical beasts, of which only four cannot be categorized into other categories.

"Alright senior, I will join you guys," said Xiao Chen.

After parting ways, Xiao Chen returned to his quarters and delved into the compendiums of Alchemy, Apothecary, and Blacksmithing. He absorbed the knowledge like a parched land soaking in rain, methodically organizing the scattered and incomplete alchemy compendium within his mind. This compendium held vital knowledge of the herbalist's craft, allowing him to discern the types and grades of herbs essential for alchemy. However, it was merely an incomplete Grade 2 tier, containing only a condensed understanding of materials, techniques, herbs, and a few recipes—barely sufficient for a 2-star Alchemist at most.

Pills and their formulas are typically classified into grades ranging from 1 to 10,

while the quality of both the pills and their ingredients is ranked as inferior, low, medium, high, perfect, transcendent, and inscribed.

Fires in this world are categorized as Common, Earth, Heavenly, Divine 

In the Ironroot world, Perfect Grade pills are now regarded as the highest achievable quality. Pills of higher grades are rarely seen, only occasionally appearing at auctions, often sourced from ancient ruins. Similarly, many ancient pill recipes and techniques for crafting these pills have been lost over time, and some even require the use of a heavenly flame—an exceedingly rare and difficult resource to obtain.

Xiao Chen considered crafting Grade 1 Qi pills to practice alchemy. This basic pill will replenish Qi in the body. However, in the Mo Sect, pills are acquired through merchant transactions or at the auction house run by the Wang Clan in Xiyang City. Fortunately, the Mo Sect has a vault where herbs are stored but requires sect credit points to get herbs, He needs at least 10 batches of materials. 

He went to see the librarian's Elder Le. 

"Come on, little guy handover that martial art " After receiving the technique elder le smiled unnaturally and took Xiaochen's token. "Here take it back, I added 1000 contribution points".

"Elder, I like to exchange it for 10 batches of Qi pill ingredients- Spirit Herb, Vitality Root, Clear Spring Water," Xiao Chen said.

"Ah, this guy... Are you still pursuing the path of alchemy? One of your seniors from the previous generation even attempted a career in alchemy but eventually gave it up due to the time commitment and resource drain. Currently, we lack any senior guidance in that field within our sect. However, seeing the determination in your eyes, you might achieve some success in this area."

"I handle most of the internal affairs. We don't have a dedicated herbalist, but you can come with me. I'll take you to the herb vault."

"Elder, why haven't I seen any seniors from the previous generation here?" Xiao Chen asked.

"It's not surprising that you haven't. They went into the outside world for a sect mission, and it has been years since. The time limit for that mission was three years, so they won't return for another two years."

"Some of the herbs here were collected by your seniors from the previous generation."

Elder Le supplied Xiao Chen with the required materials and temporarily rented out the Alchemy room for his use, including a generic bronze cauldron for refining. This all came at a steep price of 1,000 contribution points, leaving him a beggar once again.

Xiao Chen entered the Alchemy room and was taken aback by its pristine condition. According to the compendium, he had been provided with herbs, a cauldron, and an alchemy fire, all of inferior grade. The grade of these materials directly influences the success ratio of alchemical creations, even for masters. Using inferior-level materials typically results in inferior-level pills, with a mere 10% success rate for producing low-grade pills and less than 1% for anything higher. This likelihood decreases further depending on the alchemist's skill level.

Xiao Chen ignited the alchemy fire in the cauldron which is considered a common alchemy flame, its flames dancing with vibrant intensity as he prepared for the intricate process ahead.

With steady hands, he carefully placed two stalks of Spirit Herb into the cauldron, watching as the flames flickered around them, releasing a fragrant aroma that filled the air. The herb sizzled gently, its essence beginning to merge with the heat.

Next, he added one stalk of Vitality Root, ensuring the fire was adjusted just right to coax out its life-giving properties without burning away its potency. The moment the root touched the heated mixture, a brilliant green glow enveloped it, illuminating the cauldron.

Finally, he poured in a vial of Clear Spring Water, which cascaded into the cauldron like a shimmering waterfall, softening the fiery intensity. Xiao Chen watched closely as the water mingled with the herbs, producing a soothing steam that rose and curled around him, carrying the sweet scent of the brewing concoction.

He adjusted the temperature meticulously, feeling the flow of Qi within the cauldron as he worked to maintain the perfect balance, knowing that the success of creating a Qi Pill hinged on these delicate adjustments.

With every passing moment, he focused his mind and channeled his Qi into the cauldron, allowing his intentions to guide the alchemical process. The energy radiated from his hands, intertwining with the ingredients as he visualized the transformation taking place. As the mixture began to bubble and churn, Xiao Chen felt a breakthrough in his understanding of alchemy.

After what felt like an eternity, the cauldron's contents settled, and a gentle warmth enveloped him. Xiao Chen lifted the lid, revealing five inferior grade 1 Qi Pills nestled together, their surfaces glistening with a faint sheen. Additionally, one lower grade 1 Qi Pill stood out among them, radiating a slightly brighter hue.