A year ago, young Yulan—formerly known as Barbara—joined the Heavenly Flame Sect, a decision that transformed her life and took her down paths she never imagined she would take. Since joining the sect, the intense routine of training and learning has shaped her in profound ways. That time was filled with trials and tribulations, and now, at 11 years old, Yulan exuded a quiet confidence and determination that set her apart.

On one of her rare breaks, Yulan decided to visit the sect’s outer market. It was a bustling place, full of sounds and smells, where disciples and travelers crossed paths in search of precious and trivial items. The market was always filled with both exotic and common goods: spiritual pills, rare herbs, amulets, and of course, weapons. Yulan wandered among the stalls, looking at the curious items and taking in the atmosphere. She had no specific intention of purchasing, but she wanted to see if anything would catch her eye.

Among the many stalls displaying gleaming swords and enchanted talismans, something a little further away caught Yulan’s eye. A simple spear rested on a worn wooden stand, almost hidden behind the other weapons. Its handle was made of a dark, sturdy wood, and the blade, though not as sharp as the others, showed signs of use and a subtle sheen, as if hiding a story beneath its dull surface.

Driven by curiosity, Yulan approached and touched the spear. She felt something peculiar in the touch, an unexpected connection. Even though it was simple, the spear seemed to carry a kind of energy, a strong and unchanging stillness, as if it were waiting for someone to unleash its potential. As she touched the hilt, Yulan felt a slight chill, a sensation that assured her that this was a special weapon—not because of its enchantments or precious materials, but because of its essence.

An elderly man with a gray beard and modest attire noticed her interest and approached. He regarded her with a practiced gaze and a slight smile. “I see you have found something of value, young man,” he said, his voice low and grave. “This spear has been passed from hand to hand, but few have understood its true value.”

Yulan looked up, puzzled. “What makes this spear special? It doesn’t look enchanted or made of rare material.”

The vendor nodded. "You're right. There's no enchantment on it, no precious metal. But a weapon is only as great as the person who wields it, and sometimes true power comes from the wielder. For you, just starting out, a simple weapon is ideal. It reminds you that true power is built slowly."

Yulan thought about the man’s words. Despite everything she had learned in the sect, she knew that she still had a long way to go, and that this spear could be a perfect training partner. And when she asked the price, she was surprised to hear the amount—just a few spirit stones. An amount she could afford.

Determined, Yulan handed over the spirit stones and picked up the spear, testing its weight in her hands. It was neither too heavy nor too light; it seemed to fit her grip as if they were made for each other. The spear was exactly what she had been looking for: a weapon without pretensions, but with potential that only she could unlock.

"You made a good choice," the old man said with a slight smile. "Remember to treat her with respect, and she will never fail you."

Yulan thanked him and remained in the market, browsing the other stalls and taking in the surroundings with a new perspective. The market, with its hustle and bustle and energy, was also a reminder that she had the freedom to choose her own path. Her weapon, though simple, represented a new phase, and as she walked with her spear firmly slung across her back, Yulan felt ready for the new challenges that the future held for her.

By the end of her visit, she felt satisfied and, in a way, renewed. The experience in the market, the old man’s words, and the presence of the spear had awakened in her a new sense of purpose. She knew that the journey was just beginning, and that each small decision—like this one—was taking her a little closer to her true power.

With her newly acquired spear securely strapped to her back, Yulan walked through the market stalls with a new sense of purpose. The simple weapon she had acquired felt light, but its presence brought her a peculiar comfort, as if it carried with it the promise of future battles and challenges to overcome. Among the familiar faces that crossed the market, she spotted a long-time friend, Mister Wu, who stood at the head of his small stall selling talismans and formations.

Lord Wu had been a familiar and welcoming figure to Yulan ever since she first started visiting the market. With his silver hair and ever-watchful expression, he had been selling talismans for many years, earning the respect of the merchants and disciples who passed by. Seeing Yulan approach, the old man smiled kindly and bowed his head in greeting.

“Ah, if it isn’t little Yulan, our alchemy prodigy!” he teased, giving her a curious look. “I see you’re now acquiring a taste for weapons as well. This spear seems to suit you.”

Yulan smiled shyly, pleased with the praise. “I bought it at a good price, Lord Wu. It’s still a simple weapon, but I feel like I can grow with it.”

Lord Wu nodded thoughtfully and gestured for her to sit beside him. “You know, there are things on the market that have no material value but are worth more than any treasure, and potential is one of them. This spear may not have any enchantments, but weapons, like people, reveal their true power over time.”

That wisdom echoed in Yulan’s mind. Ever since she had entered the Heavenly Flame Sect, she had learned the value of patience and dedication, and what Lord Wu said seemed to align with everything she had experienced. He had always been a sort of guide to her, offering valuable advice, especially regarding trade.

As Yulan stood by his side, the old man began to tell him stories about the market, mentioning the risks and secrets hidden around every corner. “You see, young man, in a place like this, where the value of goods is measured not only by spirit stones, but also by the reputation and track record of those who sell them, it is easy to be deceived. Remember not to buy items that are too cheap; they are often stained with blood or cursed.”

He paused and pointed to a nearby stall where exotic, glittering wares were displayed. “That vendor, for example, is known for sourcing his wares from… shall we say, dubious sources. They are powerful items, yes, but they carry the weight of the people who were taken from him to sell them.”

Yulan listened attentively, recording every piece of advice. Her skill in alchemy had progressed, and Lord Wu himself had witnessed the success of her pills, which sold quickly whenever she passed by the market. He even frequently commented on how her clientele was growing, with many seeking out her strengthening or fasting pills, valuing their quality.

After a while of silence, observing the movement around him, Lord Wu turned to her and smiled. “Remember, Yulan, true strength comes from patience and deep understanding, not only of the items we carry, but of ourselves. And I believe that this spear, as simple as it is, will help you find that understanding.”

The young woman thanked Lord Wu, feeling that this conversation was exactly what she needed to reaffirm her goals. With a respectful bow, she bid her old friend farewell and resumed her path, the spear firmly strapped to her back and a new glint of determination in her eyes.

As she left the market and headed back to the sect, Yulan knew that this encounter with Lord Wu was no ordinary occurrence. His words, as always, echoed within her, reminding her of the value of every choice. Once again, she felt empowered, not by the spear or the items she had acquired, but by the silent wisdom the old man had imparted to her.

Yulan's journey continued, and now, with spear in hand and the words of a wise friend in mind, she prepared herself for whatever came next.

Within the magical space of her secret garden, where the air seemed to vibrate with a vital and welcoming energy, Yulan settled into the small hut she had carefully constructed. Around her, ancient books and alchemy tools rested on makeshift shelves, while the alchemy furnace, a rare find she had discovered alongside the alchemist’s skeleton, glowed softly in the natural light of the space. This was a place where time seemed to stand still and where Yulan felt in complete harmony with her alchemy and cultivation practices.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Today, she was focused on a particularly important formula she had found in one of the time-worn books. It was the recipe for the Body Purification Pill , a pill that promised more than superficial benefits; it would remove impurities from the body, improving the purity of one’s Qi, and helping the cultivator advance through the cultivation realms with greater stability and strength.

With careful movements, Yulan began to sort out the necessary ingredients, many of which she had grown in her own magical garden. The herbs glowed with a faint light, as if they knew they had been chosen for a special purpose. There were leaves and roots with purifying energies, crushed spiritual stones that would serve to stabilize the mixture, and a small amount of pure, crystal-clear water that she would add at the right time to bring all the elements together.

As she heated the alchemy furnace, the space filled with a comforting warmth. She knew the preparation process well, having studied every detail in the alchemist's book. The pill required patience and precision, as one mistake could turn the elixir into an inert substance or, worse yet, dangerous to one's health.

Yulan began the process of heating and grinding the ingredients, mixing them carefully. As she added the elements to the furnace, each ingredient released a distinct aroma, filling the air with a fragrance that was both light and invigorating. She focused her spiritual energy, guiding the Qi through her fingers, infusing each portion of the mixture with a touch of her own life force. This process not only increased the purity of the pill, but also created a unique connection between her and the medicine she was concocting.

After long minutes of absolute focus, she removed the mixture from the oven, now molded into small, glowing spheres. The pills were perfectly formed, with a faint green luminescence, a sign that they had achieved the necessary balance to be effective.

Taking a deep breath, Yulan decided to test one of the pills. She knew that the Body Cleansing Pill was known for its strength; many cultivators avoided using it frequently due to the intensity of the cleansing process it caused. But Yulan was ready to face any discomfort, as advancing in her cultivation required such dedication.

As she swallowed the pill, she felt an intense heat spreading through her body, as if a wave of spiritual energy was coursing through every cell, unearthing accumulated impurities and flushing them out. Discomfort soon set in—a heavy, tingling sensation washed over her as her body expelled toxins, but Yulan held her ground, breathing deeply and focusing on the clean energy that remained.

The process ended after a few minutes, leaving her exhausted but refreshed. She could feel the Qi within her flowing more smoothly, like a clear river, without any obstacles or blockages. The experience proved more intense than she had expected, but it brought with it a clarity and a sense of lightness that she had never experienced before.

As she cleaned and organized her space, Yulan looked at the other pills she had created with a proud smile. Each of those glowing spheres represented a small achievement, a step forward in her journey as a cultivator and alchemist.

At dawn, Yulan prepared for a special visit. With the newly produced Body Purification Pills carefully stored in a small bottle, she headed to the hall where Elder Li Mei usually received disciples. The day was bright, and a gentle breeze blew, bringing with it the scent of the flowers that grew around the sect. The young woman knew that Li Mei was one of the most respected figures in the sect, not only for her skill in alchemy, but also for her patience and willingness to guide anyone who showed true dedication.

As soon as she arrived, Yulan asked to see the elder, and Li Mei promptly welcomed her, flashing a warm smile that reflected the serenity of her nature. The soft sunlight illuminated the hall, creating a welcoming ambiance, and Yulan could feel her anxiety dissipate as the elder watched her with a watchful gaze.

Yulan, feeling a mixture of pride and nervousness, took one of the pills out of the bottle and handed it to the old woman. It was a small, luminous sphere, its light green color revealing an unusual purity and quality.

“ Elder Li Mei ,” Yulan began, hesitant but determined, “this is a Body Purification Pill that I managed to concoct. I used ingredients that I bought from the market.

Li Mei carefully picked up the pill, examining it closely. Her eyes widened slightly as she analyzed the luster and consistency of the sphere. She turned the pill over in her hands, realizing that the quality was high, especially for such a young cultivator.

“ Amazing! ” Li Mei exclaimed, almost whispering, but with a tone of astonishment that was difficult to hide. “You did this… by yourself?”

Yulan nodded, containing the emotion of triumph that was beginning to bubble up within her.

— Yes, elder. I trained hard and used the ingredients I got from the market. The pills… well, I never thought I could make something like that.

Li Mei now looked at Yulan with a new look, as if she saw her in a new light. Up until now, she had always imagined Yulan as a promising young lady with much to learn. Yet here was a disciple who, at the age of eleven, could already concoct high-grade pills on her own. Something rare and truly remarkable.

“You are excelling at an astonishing rate, Yulan,” Li Mei said, her smile filled with pride and affection. “It takes many disciples years to achieve the control and skill that you have already demonstrated. I can see that your dedication to alchemy is genuine, and that there is immense potential within you.”

She continued examining the pill, now with more scientific curiosity and enthusiasm.

“This purification pill is invaluable to any cultivator. Purifying one’s body and Qi is an important step toward advancing in the cultivation realms, especially for those who have difficulty eliminating accumulated toxins. And the fact that you’ve achieved this level of precision…” Li Mei shook her head, still in awe. “I’m sure many disciples would benefit from your creation.”

After a long pause, Li Mei returned the pill to Yulan with a contemplative look.

— Yulan, if you wish, I can guide you even more closely in alchemy. You have long since mastered it, but I can help you hone advanced techniques, refine your production, and even explore even rarer formulas. It is a challenging path, but I believe you are ready.

Yulan smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. Li Mei’s proposal was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she knew that a new stage in her learning was beginning. But in her heart, Yulan decided to keep her magic garden, alchemy furnace, and alchemist’s skeleton book a secret. These discoveries were her personal treasure, and she wanted to preserve them for now. Alchemy was a vast field, and the young girl knew that there was still much to learn.

— I accept, elder, — she replied with conviction. — I am ready to learn and take my alchemy even further.

Li Mei nodded in satisfaction. With one last word of encouragement and a soft smile, she let Yulan know that from now on, she would be keeping an eye on the progress of her young disciple, who displayed a unique talent worthy of recognition. And so, as the day wore on, Yulan left the hall, feeling more determined than ever to explore the limits of her alchemy skill.

The sun was rising over the horizon, illuminating the Heavenly Flame Sect with a golden light that reflected off the leaves of the surrounding trees. Yulan, her short, green hair fluttering lightly in the wind, walked determinedly toward the sect’s contribution area. Her heart was pounding in her chest, filled with a combination of nervousness and excitement. After months of dedicating herself to alchemy, she finally felt that her efforts were about to be recognized.

The contribution area was a large, well-organized space, filled with disciples and elders appraising goods, discussing which items could be exchanged for contribution points. These points were extremely valuable, as they could be used to purchase resources, equipment, and perhaps even a little attention from the sect masters. Yulan knew that by making a donation, she would not only be contributing to the sect, but also solidifying her own reputation as a promising alchemist.

Upon arriving, she stopped in front of the donation table, where an elder with a long, white beard, known for his wisdom and experience, was evaluating the items brought by the disciples. Yulan took a deep breath, adjusting the small box she was holding, containing the pills she had concocted. These pills were no ordinary ones; they were Body Purification Pills, made from herbs and ingredients she had collected and carefully concocted. Each pill was a masterpiece, a testament to the progress she had made in her alchemy journey.

“Good morning, young Yulan,” the elder said, looking at her with a curious expression. “What have you brought to the sect today?”

With a confident smile, Yulan opened the box, revealing the pills neatly arranged inside. They glistened under the light, reflecting a vibrant green that promised quality and efficacy.

“I would like to donate these Body Purification Pills,” she announced, her tone firm and resolute. “I believe they can help other disciples purify their Qi and advance in their cultivation.”

The elder examined the pills, a look of surprise flashing across his face. He picked up one of the pills and examined it closely, sensing its spiritual energy. The other disciples who had been waiting their turn began to approach, curious as to what was going on.

“Impressive!” the elder exclaimed. “The quality of these pills is really high. Did you make them all by yourself, without supervision?”

Yulan nodded, a proud smile spreading across her face. However, deep down inside, there was a secret she held tightly: the magic garden and the alchemist’s furnace. She had never mentioned these items to anyone, as she was afraid that their discovery would bring trouble or make the other disciples jealous. Thus, Yulan chose to keep her source of success a secret, focusing instead on the recognition her dedication was about to bring her.

“So for these high-quality pills, you will receive a total of 150 contribution points,” the elder announced, smiling with satisfaction. He knew that every point counted, and Yulan was beginning to stand out in her community.

Yulan could hardly believe her ears. 150 points was a significant amount, a testament to her skill and hard work. She thanked the elder and recorded the transaction in a small contribution book, her heart overflowing with joy.

With the donation made and the points in hand, Yulan left the contribution area, a sense of accomplishment accompanying her. She had taken a significant step forward in her journey, contributing not only to the sect, but also to her own growth as a cultivator and alchemist. As she left, she decided that she would continue to concoct pills and hone her skills, for beyond a desire for recognition, there was a deep passion for helping others on their path of cultivation.

As she walked back, a new determination formed within her. Not just for herself, but for all those who were fighting for their dreams, just like her. Yulan felt that with each passing day, more and more doors were opening for her, and the future seemed brighter than ever.