Xu Tian woke with the first rays of dawn seeping through the window. The soft light bathed his room in a warm glow, and for the first time in years, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. A faint smile traced his lips. "I'm not done yet," he thought, his heart swelling with an emotion he had nearly forgotten—hope. The realization that his path of cultivation might not be over brought a joy he hadn't felt in a long time. The broken pearl, a remnant of his nightmare, had given him new hope, a spark that ignited a fire within him.

"Perhaps cultivating my soul isn't such a far-fetched idea," Xu Tian mused, reflecting on his long-held belief that soul cultivation was an impractical path chosen only by the utterly desperate. "I've always dismissed the possibility. But with my meridians shattered, this might be the only way forward. I need to adapt or accept failure." The prospect of cultivating his soul seemed daunting but also thrilling. It was a chance to redefine himself, to transform his fate.

Alchemists, he realized, had long forged their own unique paths through soul cultivation, using their powerful spiritual sense to blend the qi of the world with natural flora to create potent pills for qi cultivators. "If they can do it, so can I," Xu Tian thought, determination hardening his resolve. "Becoming an alchemist is no easy feat. It demands vast resources to perfect pill refinement and requires a spiritual sense ten times stronger than that of qi cultivators." He shook his head slightly, considering the enormity of the task.

Yet, the broken pearl presented an unprecedented opportunity. It whispered ancient secrets, detailed pill recipes, and techniques directly into his mind. "With the broken pearl, I have access to knowledge that could take a lifetime to learn. But..." his thoughts trailed as the reality hit him, "knowledge is useless without the right materials and resources. Alchemy is both an art and a science, demanding precision and rare ingredients."

His mind drifted to the basic pill he had refined the previous day. Xu Tian reflected on its simplicity and effectiveness. "It didn't even require an alchemist's furnace, yet its results were promising," he thought. "This basic pill was merely the beginning. More complex processes lie ahead, and for those, I'll need better equipment and rarer materials."

The intricate structure of the Xu clan weighed heavily on his mind. As one of the four main clans in the city, the Xu clan held significant power and influence, each family within it driven by their own ambitions. "The competition within our clan is fierce," he admitted. "Navigating the politics here is as crucial as any cultivation technique."

Despite being the son of Xu Ming, the clan leader, Xu Tian often found himself sidelined due to his crippled state. "I'm more of a burden than an asset now. The clan expects strength, and I haven't been able to provide that," he thought bitterly. "How can I make them see my value? How can I prove I'm still worthy?"

The allocation of resources within the clan was a meticulous and often ruthless process, overseen by the respected elders. "Even with Father's position, getting significant support for my alchemical pursuits is unlikely," Xu Tian mused. His father, Xu Ming, held power, but the clan's resources were reserved for the most promising youths, those who showed immediate potential. "I need to prove my worth before they'll invest in me. I must rise above my current weakness."

The secrecy surrounding the pearl became paramount in Xu Tian's thoughts. "If anyone discovers the broken pearl and the knowledge it holds, I'll become a target for both internal and external enemies," he realized. Rival clans and even ambitious members within his own clan would stop at nothing to seize such a treasure. "The pearl is my secret weapon, and it must remain hidden. I can't afford to trust anyone with its existence."

Xu Tian reassured himself of the necessity for caution. "Soul cultivation is promising but fraught with risks. I need to proceed with utmost secrecy and precision," he reminded himself. "A single misstep could cost me everything." The thought of achieving even the smallest success in this new path invigorated him.

Allowing his imagination to roam, Xu Tian daydreamed about achieving an unquenchable soul—the pinnacle of soul cultivation according to ancient legends. Such a soul was said to grant immortality and unparalleled power. "To be untouchable, immortal... it's a dream worth pursuing," he thought, a light of longing illuminating his eyes. "Imagine a life where I am no longer at the mercy of fate."

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His musings were interrupted by a booming, affectionate voice. "Tian'er!"

Xu Ming, his father, entered the room. His presence was commanding, his figure tall and imposing. The stern yet kind demeanor that Xu Ming carried filled the space with an air of authority and warmth. "I'm glad to see you're recovering, my son," Xu Ming said, his voice a blend of joy and relief.

"Father," Xu Tian greeted with deep respect, acknowledging the towering figure before him. Xu Ming was not just his father but also the most powerful warrior in the clan, a legacy that Xu Tian respected deeply. "To live up to his expectations... can I do it?"

Reflecting on his father's achievements, Xu Tian felt a renewed sense of awe. Xu Ming had reached the late stages of Foundation Establishment through qi cultivation, a feat that commanded respect and reverence. "Father is truly the pillar of our clan," he thought, admiration shining in his eyes. Only three other elders in the clan came close to his power, all at the middle stages of Foundation Establishment. "Power dynamics within the clan are delicate and constantly shifting. Father has navigated them masterfully."

Xu Ming's expression grew somber as he recalled the beating Xu Tian received from Xu Rong, the first elder's son. "How could they do this to my son?" Xu Ming's concern was palpable. "Rest assured, Tian'er, Xu Rong has been punished. Ten lashes for injuring you." This could be consider a light punishment for what could be consider a murder attempt, bet it was all he could achieve.

Xu Tian saw the frustration in his father's eyes. "Father fought for me," he realized, gratitude swelling in his chest. However, the clan elders had outvoted Xu Ming, arguing that the fight was agreed upon by both sides. "Their reasoning is sound," Xu Tian thought, though it didn't lessen his anger. "Technically, they're right. I did agree to the fight despite knowing I would lose."

Clenching his fists, Xu Tian struggled with the fairness of it all. "If only I were stronger," he thought, the weight of his helplessness and frustration heavy upon him. "I wouldn't be in this position if I had the strength to protect myself."

Confronted with these reflections, Xu Tian felt a surge of determination. "I won't allow this to be my fate. I will find a way to rise above," he vowed silently.

As the initial wave of frustration ebbed, Xu Tian found some semblance of acceptance. "The elders' argument is valid," he reflected, inhaling deeply to steady his emotions. "The fight occurred because both sides agreed to it, even if it feels unfair."

Humiliation and pain clawed at his memory. "I endured that beating because I had no choice," he thought angrily, the memories of that day fresh and raw. "A man can only take so much before he must stand up for himself." The decision to fight had been an act of defiance in a life marked by helplessness, a declaration that he would not be easily broken. "But I must be smarter in the future," he considered.

However, regret mingled with his anger. "I didn't consider how my actions would affect Mother and Father," he realized, guilt gnawing at his conscience. "They've suffered enough because of me." The thought of his mother's worried eyes and his father's troubled expression weighed heavily on him.

Looking solemnly at his father, Xu Tian bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Father. I take full responsibility for my actions." The apology was sincere, coming from a place of deep remorse. "I shouldn't have let pride drive me into a hopeless fight."

Xu Ming was taken aback by Xu Tian's seriousness and fierce resolve. "There's a new determination in his eyes," he thought, seeing his son in a new light. "Perhaps this ordeal has forged him stronger."

"Tian'er, your strength doesn't only lie in your body," Xu Ming advised gently, placing a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Sometimes, true strength is in the mind and heart. Remember that."

Xu Tian took a deep breath, meeting his father's gaze with unwavering determination. "I've learned my lesson, Father. I will no longer act recklessly," he said with resolve.

His voice took on a resolute tone as he announced, "I intend to focus on cultivation—specifically soul cultivation, despite my crippled state in qi cultivation." The declaration was bold, filled with conviction.

He continued, revealing his plan. "I will become an alchemist and cultivate my soul. This is my path to strength and redemption." The words were a promise, not just to his father, but to himself. "I need to believe in this path," he thought. "It's my only chance."

Xu Ming listened intently, recognizing the maturity and determination in Xu Tian's voice. "There's a new fire in him," he realized, his paternal heart swelling with pride and hope. "Perhaps my son is destined for greatness after all."

"Tian'er, if this is the path you choose, pursue it with all your heart. I will support you as much as I can," Xu Ming said, his voice filled with encouragement.

Strengthened by his father's words, Xu Tian felt his resolve harden. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down," he promised.

As Xu Ming left the room, Xu Tian stood by the window, gazing out at the rising sun. The world beyond was filled with challenges and opportunities. He felt a determination burn within him like never before. "This is just the beginning," he thought, clenching his fists. "I will rise. I will prove my worth. The broken pearl isn't the end of my story; it's just the beginning"