Xu Tian stood tall before his father, Xu Ming, and his mother, Xu Mei, in the clan master's cultivation room. His heart raced with anticipation and nerves. He took a deep breath, meeting their eyes with unwavering determination. "Father, Mother, I have decided to become an alchemist," he declared. "Despite the challenges, this is the path I choose."

The room, a spacious area adorned with ancient scrolls and mystical artifacts, filled with the scent of incense, suddenly seemed heavier with tension. Xu Ming, a towering and imposing figure, stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Xu Mei, a serene beauty with a nurturing presence, watched her son with a mixture of concern and hope.

Xu Ming's voice broke the silence, filled with both love and authority. "Xu Mei," he began, turning to his wife, "our son wishes to pursue alchemy. This path is not without its hardships, and it requires immense resources. The other elders will likely oppose this." His words carried the weight of his son's aspirations and the clan's harsh realities. "Yet, his determination is evident. We must consider every facet of this decision."

Xu Mei's eyes filled with both pride and worry as she listened. "I understand, Ming," she replied softly, her voice laced with maternal concern. "Xu Tian's spirit essence aptitude is good, but not exceptional. Supporting him in this endeavor means diverting resources from other promising youths. I fear the elders may not agree."

Xu Ming nodded, his gaze shifting to Xu Tian. "The dynamics of our clan are intricate. As the patriarch's son, you have certain privileges, but supporting an alchemist requires immense resources. The other elders prioritize promising youths who show immediate potential."

Xu Tian felt the weight of his father's words. He knew the clan's dynamics well. Despite being the son of the clan leader, his status as a cripple had often led to him being overlooked. "I understand the challenges, Father," Xu Tian said, his voice steady. "But this is the path I choose. I believe I can make a difference through alchemy."

Unbeknownst to Xu Tian and his mother, Bao-er was hidden in a corner of the room, listening intently. Xu Ming had noticed her presence but chose to remain silent. Bao-er was an orphan, and Xu Mei doted on her as if she were her own child. Raising his eyebrows slightly at the hidden child, Xu Ming continued, seeing the hidden resolve in his son's eyes.

Xu Mei's expression softened, but worry still clouded her eyes. "I support you, Tian'er, but the practicality of our clan's constraints cannot be ignored."

With a sigh, Xu Ming revealed a secret known only to the patriarchs of the clan. "There is a way to support Xu Tian's alchemical aspirations without the clan's direct intervention," he said, his voice hushed. "An opportunity that could change everything."

Xu Tian's heart raced with excitement and resolve as he prepared to embark on a journey to the Sacred Flame Sect, one of the four most powerful sects on the continent of Tianxuan. His mission was daunting but filled with hope. "This is my chance to prove myself," he thought, determination burning within him.

He recalled the conversation with his father in the cultivation room, where Xu Ming had shared a pivotal story. "Xu Tian, years ago, our clan aided an injured core realm cultivator," Xu Ming had begun, his voice filled with reverence. "In gratitude, he left us a powerful cultivation technique—the 'Heavenly Flame Mantra.' This technique enabled me to achieve my late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation."

Xu Tian remembered the awe that had filled him. "The Heavenly Flame Mantra," he had whispered, understanding the significance. "But why tell me this now, Father?"

Xu Ming had smiled, a mix of pride and sadness in his eyes. "Because, Tian'er, this same cultivator left us a secret token—a token that promises admission to the Sacred Flame Sect, regardless of one's aptitude. With this token, you have a chance to join their alchemy division."

The city of Luminous Jade City, where their clan resided, was home to four main clans: Xu, Wang, Li, and Zhao. The highest cultivation in the city was held by the city lord, an initial core stage cultivator, while the clan patriarchs were at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. "A city filled with such power and ambition," Xu Tian thought as he prepared to leave. "And I will bring honor to our clan."

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With resolve and the sacred token from the core realm cultivator, Xu Tian set out on his journey, carrying the hopes of his family. "I won't let you down," he vowed silently, his steps filled with purpose.

As Xu Tian walked through the bustling streets of Luminous Jade City, he contemplated the stages of qi cultivation. "Qi Essence Gathering, divided into initial, middle, and late stages," he reflected. "And then the tribulation to reach Foundation Establishment—a milestone that only a few achieve."

Surviving the heavenly tribulation was essential to progress to Foundation Establishment, a critical milestone for any cultivator. "One day, I will face a similar tribulation," Xu Tian thought, determination hardening within him. "But first, I must strengthen my soul."

Xu Tian knew that achieving the core stage was nearly impossible without a core stage level technique. This explained why there was only one core stage cultivator in the city. "The path to power is long and arduous," he mused. "But I am ready for the challenge."

Suddenly, he sensed a shadow following him. His enhanced spirit essence, a result of consuming many ordinary pills, heightened his awareness. "Who could it be?" he wondered, preparing for a potential threat.

To his surprise, little Bao-er emerged from the bushes, looking both determined and worried. Xu Tian's eyes widened in shock. "Bao-er, what are you doing here?"

"Big Brother Xu, you can't go alone!" Bao-er cried, her eyes filled with tears. "I know where you're going. I overheard your conversation with Father."

Xu Tian's heart softened, but he quickly reprimanded her. "Bao-er, it's too dangerous for you to leave the clan. You must go back," he insisted, his voice stern.

"But I want to help you," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "I don't want you to face this journey alone."

Memories of the meeting with his parents flooded Xu Tian's mind. They had discussed the entry token left by the core stage cultivator, promising admission to the Sacred Flame Sect regardless of aptitude. The prospect of joining the sect's alchemy division had filled him with excitement. "This is my chance," he had thought, his heart racing.

Despite this, he had insisted on going alone, even against his father's suggestion to take clan members posing as servants. "I can't risk drawing attention," he had argued, driven to prove himself independently. Xu Ming, recognizing his son's determination, had decided to let him walk this path alone, albeit with a hidden protector.

Xu Tian sighed, realizing Bao-er's loyalty and dedication. "Alright, you can come with me," he conceded, his voice gentle. "But you must follow my instructions at all times."

Bao-er's face lit up with happiness, her determination unwavering. "Thank you, Big Brother Xu! I'll do my best," she promised.

Unbeknownst to Xu Tian, a late-stage qi cultivator followed at a distance, sent by Xu Ming to ensure his safety. This clan member was secretly sent by his father in order to take care of him from the shadows.

To avoid suspicion among the clan elders, they concocted a story that Xu Tian was on a diplomatic mission to a neighboring city. "It's a risky cover, but necessary," he thought, considering the clan's delicate politics.

With their cover in place, Xu Tian and Bao-er continued on their journey towards the Sacred Flame Sect, their hearts filled with determination and hope.

As they traveled, Xu Tian made time for meditation, focusing on the rudimentary soul cultivation technique available to him. It was a basic method to gather spirit essence through meditation. "I must strengthen my spirit," he reminded himself, sitting cross-legged in concentration.

Despite his efforts, progress was slow, and Xu Tian's frustration grew. "Why is it taking so long?" he thought, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "The gains are painfully slow."

He noted that his spirit perception had slightly improved, allowing him to sense within a 15-meter radius with clarity. "It's a small improvement, but it's something," he thought, trying to stay positive.

Suddenly, he felt his spirit essence being drawn into the broken pearl, an unexpected and unsettling experience. "What's happening?" he wondered, panic rising within him.

Intense pain overwhelmed him as the pearl absorbed all his accumulated spirit essence, leaving him feeling drained and exhausted. "I can't... I have to endure this," he thought, gritting his teeth.

The experience felt surreal as all his spirit essence was consumed by the pearl. Just as Xu Tian felt cheated and on the brink of despair, a flood of new information filled his mind. "What is this?" he gasped, overwhelmed by the sudden influx of knowledge.

Bao-er, startled by Xu Tian's cry of pain, rushed to his side. "Big Brother Xu, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with concern and fear.

The pain slowly subsided, leaving Xu Tian with a profound cluster of knowledge imprinted in his brain. "This... this is incredible," he muttered, feeling a wave of exhilaration. He didn't disclose the details but felt a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness.

"We have a lot of work ahead," Xu Tian said to Bao-er, a determined smile forming on his lips. He held the secret close, knowing that the revelation would be instrumental in his path forward.