Chapter 32: Cultivation, Companionship, and the Forest Path
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🌤️ Crafting Realm – Alchemy Basin Chamber
The glow of the Crafting Realm's morning sun had no true source, yet it bathed the land in a golden hue. Inside the Alchemy Basin Chamber, Tianzun sat cross-legged atop a jade cushion. His body pulsed faintly with heat, the residual energy from the Seed of the Emperor Flame radiating from his core.
Above his Dou Qi vortex, a crimson sphere spun gently—the partially absorbed seed. Threads of fire danced across his limbs, occasionally flaring with brilliant arcs before receding into his meridians.
He checked his internal system:
[Absorption of Seed of Emperor Flame: 84% Complete]
> "Still not enough. But every cycle brings me closer."
He exhaled slowly and pressed his palms together. The flames gathered, swirling around him in a calm spiral. The heat didn't burn—it nourished. Every breath aligned his energy further with the seed's potent essence. Every flicker increased his synergy.
His thoughts drifted to his goal:
[Unlock Legendary Pack at Da Dou Shi]
So close. Once reached, new powers, features, and commands would flood into his system. He had tasted mastery, but now he sought transcendence.
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🔹 Break for Companionship
Later that day, Tianzun found himself back in the Xiao Clan courtyard. The sky was clear, and the scent of plum blossoms lingered in the air.
Xun'er and Yoru were already seated by the pond, chatting quietly. As he approached, both looked up.
"Still training that hard?" Xun'er asked with a knowing smile.
"Discipline builds empires," Tianzun replied, sitting between them.
Yoru rolled her eyes playfully. "You sound more like a sage than a three-year-old."
He smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
For a while, the three talked of lighthearted things—how Xiao Yan was still being swarmed by admirers, how the plum trees were blooming too early, and how Yoru claimed to have seen a squirrel with a white flame tail (which no one believed).
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🌳 Forest Excursion Begins
By late afternoon, Tianzun stood at the threshold of the western forest that bordered Wu Tan City. Today, he would gather herbs—not because he needed them desperately, but because exploring helped him recalibrate.
With a soft flick of his sleeve, he activated his internal herb detection compass, a creation from his crafting realm. The pointer glowed and swung left.
The forest welcomed him with rustling leaves and filtered sunlight. Shafts of gold streaked through dense green canopies. The air smelled of earth, moss, and distant flowers.
Bird calls echoed. Tiny beasts scurried beneath fallen branches. Tianzun moved with practiced stealth, every footstep placed with intent.
He reached a glade surrounded by moonleaf trees. In its center, a glowing herb—Silverdew Root—glistened like frost in the sunlight.
> "Rare. High-grade stimulant. Perfect for Qi amplification elixirs."
He collected it carefully, wrapping it in silk parchment. The forest rewarded his patience.
Further in, he found:
Firestem Vine (excellent for pill heat regulation)
Purplemist Thorn (venom suppressant)
Dewdrop Mushroom (soul clarity enhancer)
As he moved through the terrain, the scenery shifted:
Tall cliffs blanketed in emerald ivy
A brook bubbling over luminous stones
An ancient fallen tree, large enough to walk through, covered in spirit moss
Each location seemed like a painting brought to life. And within it, Tianzun walked—a solitary figure with fire in his blood and purpose in his gaze.
Hours passed.
As the sun dipped low beyond the forest edge, Tianzun stood atop a ridge. He looked out over the trees, horizon kissed by amber light.
> "The world is vast. But I will surpass it."
He turned and made his way home, pockets full of herbs, mind sharpened, and a strange peace lingering in his soul.
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End of Chapter 32