After a week of isolation, Michael and Elena had both made significant progress in their respective cultivation paths. Michael had used the time to meditate and refine his meridians, while Elena had studied the intricacies of her processing and pill refining by pouring over her many books.
Finally, the day arrived when they were allowed to leave their quarters. As they stepped outside, they were greeted by the warm sun and the bustling activity of the Alchemist division.
Michael and Elena exchanged a smile, relieved to be out of confinement. They headed towards the Herb Refining Room, eager to get back to work. Perhaps that was true for Elena, however Michael couldn't wait to stash more herbs in his herb garden after knowing he needed so many spirit stones.
As they entered the room, they saw that the other servants were already hard at work. Master Shen was overseeing the process, his eagle eyes watching every movement, ensuring the quality of work.
Michael and Elena approached him, bowing respectfully. "Master Shen, we apologize for our transgression last week. We have reflected on our actions and promise that it will not happen again."
Master Shen nodded, his expression unreadable. "I trust that you have learned your lesson. I will not be so lenient should there be a next time."
They bowed once more in gratitude before heading over to their workbenches under the watchful eyes of the other servants, seemingly oblivious. Michael did not even give them a glance.
Elena had already changed during her time with Michael, while she used to care about what others thought of her and had a timid personality, now she was more confident and focused on her goals. Perhaps it was because she now no longer thought of herself as a cripple.
Michael, on the other hand, was still the same but he had gained a better understanding of the cultivation world and the importance of patience and discipline. Archie had used his undivided attention to try and educate Michael on his lack of cultivation understanding.
Like a parrot that would not shut up, Archie bombarded Michael with the basics of the Qi condensation realm. The Qi Condensation realm was divided into six layers, with each layer representing a significant milestone in one's cultivation journey.
The first three layers of Qi Condensation focused on refining the meridians, which were channels that ran through the body and carried Qi, the vital energy. During this stage, cultivators would use various techniques to gather and circulate Qi throughout their bodies, strengthening and purifying their meridians in the process. This would lay a solid foundation for further cultivation.
The latter three layers of Qi Condensation focused on strengthening the body. At this stage, cultivators would refine and enhance their physical bodies, making them more durable and resilient. They would use special techniques and cultivation methods to temper their muscles, bones, and organs, making them more efficient and resistant to external attacks.
It was said that reaching the sixth layer of Qi Condensation was the threshold to enter the Foundation Establishment realm. At this stage, cultivators would have completely transformed their bodies, and their Qi would have reached a level of purity and density that could sustain the building of their foundation i.e., Foundation Establishment.
As they settled into their work, Michael noticed something different about Elena. She seemed more focused and determined, and her movements were more fluid and precise. Not to mention she began to smile and laugh more, throwing out his original impression of her.
He shook his head lightly before nudging Elena with his elbow "How can I get word to the outer sect?" he asked in a whispered tone.
Elena looked over with an annoyed expression, her focus had just been broken. "Who could you be asking for in the outer sect? You know not just anyone will help you sell materials without a huge overhead cost. They might even steal the herbs and sell them for themselves, and we won't be able to do anything about it." She said, worried about his plan.
"My brother" Michael said with a grin.
"Y-Your brother is an outer sect disciple?" she asked with a shocked expression.
"Didn't I tell you?" he scratched his head in thought, "I could have sworn I did." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and asked, "So how do I do it?"
Michael saw Elena's face scrunch up in annoyance once more, it was something he was used to by now. Elena sighed, chastising herself for being worked up by that oaf. "Outer disciples can come to the Alchemist division, however the alchemist servants can not go to the outer sect."
She continued "We'll have to ask an outer sect servant to deliver a message to your brother to meet us in the alchemy division. That should be the only way."
Michael nodded, it seemed like a solid plan. He missed his sworn brother and wondered how he was fairing after a month of not seeing each other.
"Do you know any outer sect servants we can trust?" Michael asked.
"I'm not sure about trust, but if we pay him enough maybe." Elena said unconvincingly.
"What? Pay? Am I a f***ing bank or something?" he cried. Despite currently being poor, he was forced to fork out money on everything.
'When I become a cultivator, I'll make sure never to be poor again!' he vowed in his heart.
Elena cleared her throat, almost feeling sorry for Michael… Almost. "I have 2 spirit stones saved currently, if you can provide another 2 it should be enough" she said.
"2 spirit stones…" Thinking about what the pill furnace and Earth-fire stone would cost, it didn't seem like that much. However, that was his total liquid assets which would leave him dirt poor once again.
He sighed lamentingly before agreeing to the daylight robbery. "He better not screw us over, otherwise I'll kick his ass." He said menacingly.
"You and me both" Elena agreed. If he really were to just take the spirt stones and not complete his job, she could think of many ways to make his life miserable.