The journey had been long and arduous. The Valley of Azure Clouds was filled with treacherous terrain and swirling mists that obscured the path. Navigating through it required all of Marcus's concentration and skill. Each step forward felt like a battle against the elements, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the end was immense.
From there, Marcus ventured into the Valley of the Moon. This valley was a stark contrast to the previous one, with a serene, luminescent landscape that seemed almost magical. Despite the tranquility, the journey was still challenging, requiring careful navigation and a keen sense of direction to avoid getting lost.
Finally, after fifteen days, Marcus entered the Valley of Lotus, then to the home of the Righteous Sword Sect. The familiarity of this valley brought a sense of relief, signaling that his long journey was nearing its end.
As he approached the sect, Marcus saw Master Chen waiting for him. "You've done well, Yusup," Master Chen said, a rare smile crossing his face. "I see you have the Silver Moon Orchid. Keep it safe for your future alchemy training."
Marcus nodded, carefully storing the precious herb. "Thank you, Master."
Master Chen's gaze sharpened as he asked, “By the way, Yusup, did you discover anything special in the inheritance of the First Human cultivator?”
Marcus hesitated for a moment. He had indeed come across a fortune/favors and destiny telling and changing and detecting powerful mind technique even works for ones a one realm higher than him during his exploration of the inheritance, but revealing too much could draw unwanted attention.
Seeing Marcus’s pause, Master Chen's expression softened slightly. “Rest assured, Yusup, everyone has their own secrets, even I, you don’t have to say”
Marcus, responding to the name Yusup, nodded, carefully storing the precious herb. "Master, I've heard that the Silver Moon Orchid can improve one's talent in alchemy. Could you help me understand how to use it?"
Master Chen considered this for a moment. "Very well. The Silver Moon Orchid does indeed have properties that can enhance your alchemical abilities. I will help you integrate it into your practice. After that, I will provide you with a formula to create your first pill."
Master Chen led Marcus to the alchemy lab, a quiet space filled with various herbs, minerals, and equipment. The scent of dried plants and burning incense filled the air, creating an atmosphere conducive to concentration. Master Chen began by explaining the properties of the Silver Moon Orchid and the specific role it played in enhancing alchemical talent.
"The Silver Moon Orchid acts as a catalyst, sharpening your senses and improving your control over the alchemical process," Master Chen said. "This enhancement is particularly useful for beginners like you. Now, I will guide you through the process of preparing the orchid for use in alchemy."
Under Master Chen's careful supervision, Marcus prepared the Silver Moon Orchid. The process was meticulous, requiring precise measurements and careful handling of the delicate petals. Once the orchid was ready, Master Chen handed Marcus a formula. "This is a middle-grade beginner formula for a speed-enhancing pill. Follow it carefully."
Marcus studied the formula intently, determined to succeed. He began the preparation, his movements deliberate and focused. Despite his best efforts, his first attempt ended in failure. The mixture was off-balance, and the resulting concoction was unusable.
Master Chen watched with a discerning eye but offered no immediate critique. Marcus, undeterred, made several more attempts over the next few days. He failed five times, each failure teaching him something new about the delicate balance required in alchemy. Master Chen occasionally offered brief advice, but mostly observed, allowing Marcus to learn through experience.
On his eighth attempt, Marcus finally succeeded. The pill was perfect, its essence potent and its form stable. Master Chen inspected the pill and nodded approvingly. "Well done, Yusup. This pill will indeed enhance speed. You've shown patience and dedication in mastering this process. Keep these qualities as you continue your alchemical studies."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Marcus felt a surge of pride and accomplishment. This success was a significant milestone, marking his first real achievement in alchemy. Master Chen then added with a slight smirk, "Hmph, I only had one failure when I first tried this."
However, as Master Chen turned away, a thought lingered in his mind. “Dang, this Yusup is so talented. It's like a dream to get a disciple like this. But... this isn’t the Immortal World. What a piety!, If it was, everybody would be fighting to get him as a Disciple, average disciple failure to make a pill is 50 and a talented ones is 30, this guy talent is a holy monster”
Having mastered the creation of the speed-enhancing pill, Marcus transitioned into his broader training regimen. His training was multifaceted, combining physical, mental, and spiritual exercises designed to enhance his overall cultivation.
Meditation was a crucial part of Marcus's regimen. He practiced the Meditation of the Righteous Sword Sect, a technique designed to strengthen his inner energy and improve his mental clarity. These sessions often took place in the tranquil surroundings of the Valley of Lotus, where he could focus without distractions. The meditation helped him achieve a deeper connection with his qi, enhancing his overall cultivation.
Master Chen provided Marcus with a comprehensive training program that pushed him to his limits. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. Marcus rose early, often before dawn, to begin his training. The crisp early morning air of the Sect was invigorating, and Marcus found it easier to focus during these early hours. He started with meditation, sitting cross-legged in the lotus position, his mind calm and centered. The Meditation of the Righteous Sword Sect was a profound practice that required deep concentration. Marcus focused on his breathing, drawing in the qi of the surrounding nature and circulating it through his meridians. He visualized the flow of energy, guiding it with his mind to strengthen his inner reserves.
After meditation, Marcus then moved on to physical training. He practiced the Sword Heart technique, a foundational skill that emphasized the unity of mind and blade. Each movement was deliberate and precise, requiring complete focus and control. The Sword Heart technique was not just about physical prowess; it was a spiritual practice that deepened his connection to his weapon. Marcus felt his sword becoming an extension of himself, its sharpness reflecting his inner clarity.
Following this, Marcus practiced the Sword Slashing Technique. This advanced technique involved swift, powerful strikes designed to overwhelm opponents. Marcus repeated the movements over and over, each slash more refined than the last. He trained with various opponents, including senior disciples who were more experienced and skilled. These sparring sessions were intense, often leaving Marcus exhausted but more skilled. He learned to anticipate his opponents' moves, to counter swiftly and effectively. Each bout was a lesson in strategy and adaptability.
By midday, Marcus would take a brief respite to rest and eat. His meals were simple beef meat but nourishing, designed to sustain him through the rigorous training. The sect provided all outer disciples and others with meals, ensuring they had the energy needed for their demanding routines.
To eras confusion - “It all Depends if they want to eat or not, as cultivators could live without eating for foundation establishment is 10 years without food, core formation is 25 years up to voidwalker realm is forever and higher ones the same too, but each realm has there own lifespan”
In the afternoon, Marcus focused on alchemy. He would head to the alchemical lab, a quiet space filled with various herbs, minerals, and equipment. The scent of dried plants and burning incense filled the air, creating an atmosphere conducive to concentration. Master Chen had given Marcus several basic recipes to practice, and he worked diligently to perfect them. The process was meticulous, requiring precise measurements and careful timing. Marcus learned to grind herbs into fine powders, to mix liquids at the correct temperature, and to monitor the reactions carefully. Each successful elixir was a small victory, a testament to his growing skill and understanding.
Evenings were reserved for study and reflection. Marcus would read ancient texts provided by Master Chen, absorbing their wisdom and insights. These texts covered a range of topics, from advanced cultivation techniques to the philosophy of the Righteous Sword Sect. Marcus found these studies fascinating, as they deepened his understanding of the path he was on. He took notes, jotting down important points and questions to ask Master Chen later. Reflecting on the day’s training, Marcus would review his progress and set goals for the following day.
Despite the grueling schedule, Marcus found moments of tranquility and fulfillment. The sect, with its serene beauty, provided a perfect backdrop for his cultivation. He often took walks in the evening, strolling among the blooming lotus flowers and listening to the gentle rustling of the leaves. These walks were a time for reflection, allowing him to process the day’s experiences and find inner peace.
Master Chen played a crucial role in Marcus's development. The master was demanding but fair, pushing Marcus to reach his full potential. He provided guidance and support, offering insights that only years of experience could bring. Master Chen's rare smiles and words of encouragement were deeply motivating, reassuring Marcus that he was on the right path.
As weeks turned into months, Marcus's growth became more pronounced. His movements became more fluid, his strikes more powerful, and his qi more refined. He felt a growing sense of confidence, a belief in his abilities that had been absent before. The training was transforming him, not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well, he had officially reached foundation establishment realm 2nd almost bottleneck.