Year 327 of the Azure Sun Cycle
Entry 14: Day 12 of the Seventh Moon
The forest hums, a discordant chorus to my thoughts. The usual rustling leaves and chirping insects are… distractions. I’ve established my laboratory within the secluded cave system – its natural dampness a boon for preserving certain volatile components. The initial refinement of the Phoenix Feather essence went as expected; the 7th batch yielded the most potent concentration, almost perfectly aligned with the theoretical models. Still, the resulting elixir lacks the… spark. Something I must rectify. I made a new petition after Crimson Lotus renagaded on the trade deal. I'll take revenge at a later date. For now my new petition to the Sect of Azure clouds is for the acquisition of a mature Cloud Serpent’s heart is underway. That blasted old fool of a Head Alchemist keeps dragging his feet. He will learn.
(Research Notes: Phoenix Feather Elixir – Batch 7)
* Raw Material: Phoenix Feather Essence (refined, 7th batch).
* Base Component: Moon Dew (100ml).
* Catalyst: Crushed Night Bloom petals.
* Process: Triple-distillation under a low-intensity flame, followed by absorption into a crystalline base.
* Observation: Increased potency compared to previous batches. Still, the elixir lacks vitality. Requires further investigation into the ‘Life Force’ component.
Entry 17: Day 18 of the Seventh Moon
The petition has been granted, albeit with much unnecessary scrutiny. The Head Alchemist dared to lecture me on the “ethical implications” of my research. A laughable concept. Ethics are a luxury I can ill afford. The Cloud Serpent’s heart arrives tomorrow. I’ve prepared the purification array; the initial cleansing of its residual energies must be meticulous. The serpent has a powerful aura, and this will be a crucial ingredient for the next experiment. I grow weary of the petty politics within the sect. Soon, my work will elevate me beyond their grasp.
(Research Notes: Preliminary Purification Array – Cloud Serpent Heart)
* Array Focus: Neutralization of elemental energies.
* Components: Sixteen Spirit Stones (Grade 3), Seven Sigils of Binding, and one Dragon Bone Ingot.
* Process: Sequential activation of the Sigils, followed by the gradual infusion of power through the Spirit Stones. The Dragon Bone acts as a conduit for the expelled energies, directing them safely away from the laboratory.
* Observation: Ensure accurate stone placement. Discrepancies will result in an uncontrolled elemental surge.
Entry 22: Day 26 of the Seventh Moon
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The heart was… robust. The array functioned perfectly. The power contained is… tantalizing. Today, I have initiated the preliminary trials for the “Soul Infusion” experiment. It is imperative to isolate the core life force of the serpent and intertwine it with the Phoenix essence. My initial subject was… problematic. A simple village urchin, caught in the forest's outskirts. His frame proved too fragile; the process failed to achieve its purpose. There was some mild… leakage, and the resulting dissolution was inconvenient. I require a more substantial vessel. I need to explore my options.
(Research Notes: Soul Infusion Experiment – Initial Trial)
* Subject: Unidentified Beast (male, approx. 12 years).
* Process: Extraction of Serpent ‘Life Force’ via purified extract infusion; direct injection to the subject’s meridian points. The Phoenix Feather Elixir used as a temporary stabilizer.
* Observation: Complete disintegration of subject’s core life force. Subject’s body unstable and rapidly decaying. The ‘Life Force’ transfer resulted in a severe backlash. Hypothesis: inadequate vessel strength. Future tests must utilize a more resilient subject.
Entry 28: Day 6 of the Eighth Moon
My new research notes are going well. I have formulated a way to infuse a cultivator, who has undergone core formation, with the serpent core essence. This might be the key to creating a perfect vessel, I can see a faint shimmer of possibility on the edges of my current experiments. I need to test this theory immediately. I do not have time for the slow and arduous process that most cultivators go through, I have to be faster. I cannot wait for the opportunity to manifest itself. I need to expedite the process. The village I have established here, they are not strong, but they are plentiful. I should start the process tomorrow. A more advanced version of the array is needed. I shall start designing it tonight. I do not have time to waste.
(Research Notes: Array Diagram - Advanced Soul Infusion)
* Components: 32 Spirit Stones (Grade 5), a blood diamond, 10 Sigils of Binding, and 1 Dragon Bone Ingot.
* Process: Similar to the Purification Array, but with a new function of core essence injection. The blood diamond acts as a conduit for the subject's energy, allowing for a smoother infusion process. The Dragon Bone ensures stability during the fusion.
* Observation: Should the array reach critical mass, activate 'Safeguard Sigil' to prevent a catastrophic release of energy.
Entry 33: Day 14 of the Eighth Moon
The forest is silent. Even the creatures seem to shrink away from my work. The array… it sang. Tonight, I have finally achieved a breakthrough. The process is close to perfection. I made one mistake, and it cost the vessel dearly. However, I have learned from this. There will be no more mistakes. No one can stop me. They will fear me. The Sect will bow before my might.
(Research Notes: Soul Infusion - Final Results)
* Subject: Crimson Lotus cultivator, early-foundation Formation.
* Process: The Advanced Soul Infusion array was activated. The Serpent Core infusion was successful, alongside the Phoenix Feather Elixir.
* Observations: A successful fusion of the serpent and phoenix essence. The subject has achieved an exponential increase in cultivation speed, however, there is a lingering instability. More observation is required. The path has been laid, the journey has begun.