Sunstone Ores

The cave was dim, illuminated only by the faint glow of golden crystals that extended out from its walls. Zhuan Ming treaded carefully, venturing deeper into the Sunstone Cave. He knew that Sunstone Ore typically formed in extreme heat, and with each step, the temperature rose. Beads of sweat began to form on his skin.

"Just a little further," the Qi Pill Ancestor's voice echoed in his mind. "You should be able to find some soon."

It didn't take long before Zhuan Ming spotted his first Sunstone Ore.

"Good. Now gather some more—you'll be able to sell them at the market," the Qi Pill Ancestor reminded him.

Sunstone Ores appeared roughly every five meters, but the real challenge was transporting them. With only a bag and a pouch, Zhuan Ming had limited space. He moved carefully through the cave, selecting only the highest-quality ores, knowing that size didn't matter as much as value.

As he placed the last ore into his bag, Zhuan Ming sensed some powerful spiritual energy that filled the air. His instincts sharpened, and he cautiously moved to investigate. In the distance, nestled within a rocky alcove, he spotted a Pink Firestone—a rare rank 4 material.

His eyes gleamed with excitement, but just as he prepared to claim it, his body tensed. A chilling sensation ran down his spine, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the cave had grown colder.

Slithering near the Firestone was a rank 3 Fire Serpent—a beast far beyond his current capabilities.

Zhuan Ming exhaled slowly, steadying his thoughts. "Good thing this isn't my first exploration. I'd rather not become that serpent's next meal," he joked internally.

Experience had taught him patience. The sect would grow suspicious if he stayed out too late anyway—it was time to return.

"The ore isn't going anywhere," the Qi Pill Ancestor advised. "The serpent is only here to absorb the stone's emitted energy. Just block off the passage and come back when you're stronger."

"I know, but I'm leaving it to chance that no one else finds it," Zhuan Ming muttered. "Oh well, it's not like I have a better option."

Working quickly, he gathered nearby stones and rubble, making the passage appear as if it had collapsed naturally. Satisfied with his work, Zhuan Ming turned and began making his way out of the cave, already planning his return.

Luckily, the journey back was uneventful, and he reached the sect without trouble. Pushing open the doors of his small house—which looked more like a shed than an actual home—he stepped inside. He took out a Sunstone Ore of the highest quality and placed the rest under his bed.

"Well, let's start this so-called next step of training, old man," he said, eager to grow stronger.

"Not today. There are some conditions you must fulfill first, so we'll be heading to the market tomorrow," the Qi Pill Ancestor replied. "For now, just stick to the usual."

Zhuan Ming didn't argue. Until he reached the peak of rank 1, he had no better idea of how to train. He removed his shirt to avoid drenching it in sweat and started a routine of push-ups, sit-ups, and basic calisthenics. After that, he boiled some water to take a bath.

His living situation wasn't great. He lived in a shed, his parents were dead, and the only person supporting him was an aunt who barely cared—doing just enough to keep up appearances. His circumstances were far from ideal.

"I wonder... how did I even end up in this body?" he wondered to himself.

"Hey, old man, how did I go from taking that pill to waking up as this boy?"

"..."

Qi Pill Ancestor remained silent.

"Oh, now you don't want to talk? Whatever. I don't care if you killed him or something," Zhuan Ming muttered, still trying to get an answer. But it was to no avail.

Sighing, he decided to focus on dinner instead. He planned on eating some meat—until he realized he had forgotten to hunt today.

Annoyed, he rummaged through his cupboards, finding only rice, flour, and eggs.

With no other choice, he made do.

Gathering some wood, he started a fire, then mixed water with flour to make dough. He separated some embers to lower the heat and placed the dough near them to bake. Meanwhile, he arranged several stones nad placed them in the fire, setting a thin metal pan on top. Cracking the eggs into the pan, he waited for them to cook.

When the bread was done, he brushed off the coal and used it to scoop up the eggs.

It was simple food—nothing compared to the delicacies he had once enjoyed in his past life—but survival had taught him how to make the most of what he had.