Chapter 18: The world of Alchemy

Tang Jian was engrossed in reading an old book in the academy's library.

Year 19855, Imperial Calendar.

The Imperial calendar is used not only by the people from the Thousand Dao Realm but also by immortals, mortals of the immortal world, and other small realms connected to it.

This calendar has been in use since the time of the calamity that occurred a million years ago. However, it currently only has around 19,000 years in it because the calendar gets reset every 20,000 years. The reset is based on the duration of the calamity in the Immortal world.

Each time the Imperial Calendar is reset, a grand festival is held in the immortal world and all the realms connected to it. This celebration includes a competition between the small realms to compete for the resources in a secret realm left behind by the immortal ancestor.

While Tang Jian was immersed in his reading, a wise-looking middle-aged man approached him and interrupted, "Young boy, it's time for you to go back to your dorm room. Students who haven't even reached the Body Forging Stage aren't allowed to stay in the library for more than one incense stick's time." The wise-looking man was none other than the librarian.

Upon hearing the librarian's words, Tang Jian respectfully put down his book and left the library. The book he was reading was "History of the Thousand Dao Realm." Even though he had studied the geography and some aspects of this small realm, not all the information was covered in his studies. The library served as an important place where students could explore topics they hadn't learned about in their classes.

However, Tang Jian could only read on the first floor of the library for about one incense stick's time, which was approximately 40 minutes in the Thousand Dao Realm. Access to the upper floors required higher cultivation stages, and those floors contained martial techniques.

This served two purposes - motivating students to work harder and rewarding them with more techniques as they advanced in cultivation.

Tang Jian looked at the bright sun in the sky and wondered if this world had a similar solar system to the one in his past life. He found it curious that the sun here was bigger, and the days were shorter for some reason. This discrepancy puzzled him because logically, if the sun is bigger or closer, the days should be longer. Once again, Tang Jian was perplexed by how this world differed from his previous one.

With a sigh, Tang Jian proceeded to attend his classes in the Alchemy Hall. When he arrived, he was greeted by Senior Zhang Wei, who was sitting at the counter reading her books as always. "Nice to meet you again, Junior Tang. So, today is your first day attending Alchemy classes, right?" Senior Zhang Wei spoke with a gentle smile.

"Yes, Senior. I came to attend my first Alchemy class," Tang Jian replied, forcing a smile, and then took his leave to ensure he wasn't late on his first day at the Alchemy Hall.

Tang Jian entered the Elixir Refining Room where today's class was scheduled. There were only about three students present. Among them was Chen Hao from the Chen family, and two other students who were selected for the advanced course despite having intermediate spiritual roots due to their talent in alchemy.

Tang Jian found an empty seat in the corner of the class, folded his legs, and took a seat. After a while, a haggard-looking instructor entered the class, yawning, and stood in front of the students. "Ahem! Nice to meet you, young ones. I am Instructor Xiyan. No need for introductions as I have already obtained your information. Let's proceed with today's class." Instructor Xiyan introduced himself, looking like he had been staying up all night.

The students couldn't help but feel disappointed, expecting someone with more elegance and dignity to be their teacher instead of a haggard man with dark circles. Nevertheless, Instructor Xiyan started explaining the world of Alchemy.

According to him, the Thousand Dao Realm had eight tiers for Alchemists, ranging from the 1st tier to the 8th tier. These ranks were determined by the Alchemy Guild located in the Central Continent, which is a branch of the Thousand Treasures Pavilion. Instructor Xiyan himself was a 2nd tier Alchemist with great potential.

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Every Alchemist starts at the 1st tier and advances their rank over time. The advancement in rank greatly depends on their wood spiritual root, with the soul power of the Alchemist playing a slight role.

As Instructor Xiyan continued explaining, a senior brother entered the room carrying a huge pill cauldron on his back, surprising everyone except Chen Hao. They were reminded once again that anything is possible in the world of cultivation.

Instructor Xiyan thanked the senior brother for bringing the cauldron and took out some raw herbs from it. He then explained that Alchemists used elemental stones, such as the one he showed them, to start the fire for refining elixirs since they didn't have fire spiritual roots. He mentioned that those with dual fire and wood elemental spiritual roots wouldn't need these stones, lightening the mood.

The students were completely absorbed in Instructor Xiyan's explanation. Suddenly, Instructor Xiyan used his Qi energy to ignite the elemental stone, creating a powerful fire that Tang Jian could feel even from his seat.

Instructor Xiyan showcased his psychic power by levitating a herb in the air, explaining that it allowed Alchemists to control non-living things without physical contact. He emphasized that refining their souls properly would increase this psychic power. He placed the floating herb into the pill cauldron, further explaining how Alchemists used psychic power to refine elixirs with precision. They controlled and confined the essence and spiritual energy released by the herbs when they came into contact with the fire inside the cauldron. By doing so, they preserved the essence and spiritual energies, transferring them to the refined elixir.

Tang Jian now understood why soul power was required for elixir refining. Without psychic power, one would only obtain an elixir without any essence or spiritual energy.

Curiosity sparked in Tang Jian's mind, and he quickly asked Instructor Xiyan about spiritual roots. "Instructor Xiyan, I know what soul power is, but I'm not familiar with the concept of spiritual roots. Could you please elaborate?"

Instructor Xiyan smiled upon hearing Tang Jian's question. "You're quite interesting, Young Tang. It's the first time someone has asked me about this. Usually, people only ask me about elixirs that can enhance their spiritual roots," he replied, pausing the refining process.

Instructor Xiyan then proceeded to explain spiritual roots to the students. According to him, most people in this world are born with spiritual roots, and those without them cannot embark on the path of cultivation. Spiritual roots are responsible for storing and refining the spiritual energy gathered by individuals. Different types of elemental spiritual roots store and refine specific elements from the spiritual energy, which is why people above the Nascent Soul Stage build their abodes in places surrounded by elements they have an affinity for.

Seeing Tang Jian eagerly absorbing the information, Instructor Xiyan further explained an additional aspect related to spiritual roots. "Do you know that spiritual roots play a crucial role in the growth of children your age?" Everyone shook their heads in disapproval. "You may have noticed that some children grow faster while others don't. This is because when spiritual energy is gathered in small amounts inside our bodies, it starts to affect our growth," Instructor Xiyan elaborated.

Chen Hao, intrigued by the explanation, asked another question, "Instructor, why do some children develop their physique faster while others enhance their wisdom?"

"That's because spiritual roots affect the physique, and the soul affects wisdom," Instructor Xiyan responded, taking a sip of the tea the senior brother had just brought. "The higher level one's spiritua root is, the faster their physique develops, and the same goes for soul power. This process continues until you're fifteen years old. That's why people strive to enter the Qi Condensation Stage before the age of sixteen."

Instructor Xiyan's explanation resonated with the students, who now had a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between spiritual roots, soul power, and overall growth. Tang Jian found himself fascinated by the intricate dynamics at play in the world of cultivation. It sparked a newfound determination within him to uncover the depths of his own spiritual roots and cultivate his soul power.

As the class continued, Instructor Xiyan delved into the various types of elemental spiritual roots and their corresponding affinities. He explained that individuals with different elemental spiritual roots would have varying strengths and weaknesses in their cultivation paths. Some would excel in fire-based techniques, while others might have an affinity for water or earth.

Instructor Xiyan concluded the class by imparting words of encouragement and advice. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, diligence, and continuous self-improvement in the pursuit of alchemy. The students left the Elixir Refining Room with newfound excitement, eager to apply the knowledge they had gained and embark on their own alchemical journeys.

Outside the Alchemy Hall, Tang Jian crossed paths with Senior Zhang Wei, who had been waiting for him. She congratulated him on completing his first day of Alchemy classes and offered some words of wisdom. "Remember, Junior Tang, true mastery of alchemy requires not only knowledge but also practical experience. Embrace every opportunity to refine elixirs and learn from your mistakes. Trust in your abilities and never lose sight of your goals."

Tang Jian thanked Senior Zhang Wei for her guidance and headed back to his dorm room. Reflecting on the day's events, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to become a skilled Alchemist, to uncover the mysteries of his own spiritual roots, and to make a significant impact in the world of cultivation.