The Soul Saint Empire, Sleeping Giant Region
Time flowed like a relentless river; springs came one after another, and just like that, six years had passed. In this time, not much had changed in Silverberry Village.
"God damn it, that old bastard really tricked me," Xue San muttered in frustration for the thousandth time.
That night six years ago, after the banquet celebrating his older brother's engagement, Xue San had snuck out into the quiet darkness. He unearthed the book the old man had given him, took a candle, and slipped into the chicken shed. Lighting the candle, he began to read.
The Compendium of Alchemy: Volume One
The first thing he saw on the opening page was an intricate pattern of furnaces. Beneath the symbol, written in golden letters, were the words:
"Alchemy is the most ancient and noble profession a cultivator can pursue. Only a select few can walk the path of this most exalted calling. We alchemists defy the heavens with our concoctions; we are the ones who can turn mud into gold and gold into mud. Young alchemist, remember: on the path of alchemy, nothing is impossible."
Xue San trembled slightly after reading that passage; he was already shaking with excitement. Turning the page, he continued to read.
"**The path of alchemy is arduous. To become an alchemist, one must be chosen by the heavens and born with the innate talent for it. They must be able to control the fire element, the wood element, and the water element.
In Alchemy, the fire element is used to melt all the ingredients; the wood element harmonizes all the melted elements together; and the water element controls and tames the wild nature of fire. No matter how refined one's control over fire is, when it becomes necessary to temper and subdue its ferocity, the water element—as its opposite—is the final component in this heavenly triad to become a true alchemist.
The art of alchemy demands immense spiritual power from the alchemist; thus, the higher the rank of the alchemist, the greater their level of cultivation must be. There are weak cultivators, but no Alchemists are weak.
Only when a cultivator is at the peak of Qi Condensation can they begin to dip their toes into the art of alchemy. Before that, one must start by memorizing all the ingredients that exist under heaven. Of course, this would be impossible for someone at the level of Qi Condensation. Even those at the level of Nascent Soul are unable to achieve such feats. That's why it is necessary to study all the most basic materials for alchemy that are detailed in The Compendium of Alchemy: Volume One—for those who embark on the path to becoming an alchemist.**"
There were still pages ahead but for some reason when Xue San tried to read them his head hurt and he didn't understand a thing
Reading up to this point, Xue San's face fell. "Wait, so immortals are called cultivators? Qi Condensation...? Nascent Soul...? What the hell? I need to be a cultivator first to become an alchemist. That old bastard tricked me! How am I supposed to become an alchemist if I can't cultivate? And how can I cultivate if I can't be an alchemist to make pills for myself?" Xue San roared in his heart.
Beyond that introduction, Xue San flickered a few pages and saw some of the material the book contained. Extensive information about plants and other materials—their descriptions and uses.
Moonlight Grass
Appearance/Uses: Moonlight Grass is a slender plant with delicate, blade-like leaves that shimmer with a silvery sheen, especially under moonlight. Each blade stands about a foot tall and appears almost translucent, giving off a faint luminescence in the dark. Tiny dew-like droplets often collect on its surface, reflecting light like miniature stars scattered across the grass. It contains traces of solar Qi, making it ideal for concocting warming pills that boost energy and vitality.
Spirit Ginseng
Appearance/Uses: Spirit Ginseng is a small root that remarkably resembles a tiny human figure, complete with limb-like protrusions and a central body. The root has a pale, creamy color with fine, hair-like tendrils extending from its "limbs." When freshly harvested, it exudes a soft, ethereal glow, and a faint mist seems to surround it, adding to its mystical allure. Spirit Ginseng is prized for its ability to restore Qi and is a staple ingredient in many rejuvenation pills for beginners.
The list went on and on, and with nothing better to do Xue San decided to at least memorize this long list of ingredients, to at least be prepared for the eventual future when he will need them, in the hope that someday they will become useful.
Understanding that he had been deceived, Xue San found little else to occupy his time. From that night onward, he devoted every spare moment to poring over The Compendium of Alchemy: Volume One.
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And so six years slipped by. Life wasn't glamorous or exciting for him or his family; one might say that existence in Blueberry Village was as stagnant as the still waters of a forgotten lake.
The only tiny ripples came when the merchant arrived to trade goods, offering a fleeting glimpse of his elder brother and his now-wife, Cai Jin. But even those visits dwindled over time. One summer, Xue Yi informed them that Cai Jin was pregnant and wouldn't be coming to visit anymore, as she needed to care for herself and the baby. Yet Xue San noticed that whenever she did visit, there was something in her eyes—a glance of disdain—that suggested she'd rather be anywhere else. Even his brother began to wear that same forlorn look.
Two years ago, on a quiet night, Xue San slipped out under the guise of joining the other children in the village square to listen to the merchants' tales. Instead, he retreated to his secret spot to study his book. It was then he overheard a heated argument between his brother and father.
Apparently, Xue Yi had urged the family to sell everything and move to Dragon Fort City, insisting they would have better lives there. He claimed that in this village they lived practically like animals—that the ignorance and underdevelopment were so severe that there seemed to be something really wrong here.
But his father would hear none of it and steadfastly refused.
Enraged, his brother stormed out, vowing never to return until their father came to his house and apologized. After that incident, their mother spent much of her time in tears. His father tried to console her, but each time she would respond, "You two are like two drops of water—from the tip of your noses down to the way you think, act, and speak. You're both so stubborn that neither of you will back down, and I'll never be able to see my grandchild."
And so the days drifted by, one after another, in Blueberry Village.
Back to the present.
"Ahhhh... I've memorized almost everything there is to know about the plants and materials in the book," Xue San sighed to himself. "As for the other part, I can't even understand what's written."
He carefully wrapped the book in the same piece of cloth, returned it to its hidden hole in the ground, and covered it with dirt.
Early the next morning, all the villagers gathered to receive the merchants. Xue San went with his father and little Xue Si to see what news the merchants brought and to trade for some tools and necessities.
"Dad, Dad, do you think Big Brother will come?" asked Xue Si, now ten years old.
At the mention of his elder son, Xue Chang's face clouded slightly. Noticing this, Xue San quickly interjected, "Hey Father, don't you think there are a lot more people than usual with the caravans?"
Indeed, it was true. Typically, the caravans consisted of only five or six carriages pulled by horses and a handful of men. This time, there were twenty carriages and at least several dozen men clad in leather armor with swords hanging at their waists.
"Oh my goodness, I've never seen so many people coming to our village before," murmured one villager.
"I don't like this—so many people, and they're armed," said another.
"Why do you think so many have come this time? Ever since I was little, I don't recall seeing a caravan this big," another interjected.
Hearing their whispers, Xue San felt a mix of apprehension and excitement. Perhaps something significant was about to happen.
After a while, the caravan halted outside the village and began setting up camp. A few merchants approached to meet with the villagers.
"Hahaha, Mister Wang!" called out a merchant—a shrewd, middle-aged man with a round face and a neatly trimmed beard. His keen eyes darted between potential buyers and goods, always calculating. Dressed in fine yet practical silk robes adorned with modest jewelry, he projected both wealth and caution. A jade ring rested on his finger; his tone was smooth and persuasive.
"Hahaha, welcome, welcome, Mister Jin Fu!" replied the village chief, a sturdy elderly man with graying hair and a weathered face etched by years of leadership and toil. His eyes were wise and compassionate, reflecting his deep care for the villagers.
"Village Chief Wang, I have excellent news," announced Merchant Jin Fu.
Hearing that the merchant bore good tidings, the villagers' tense expressions eased slightly.
"Oh... and what might that be?" asked the village chief.
"You see, this time, a very special guest has accompanied me. She is the young daughter of the Long clan from Dragon Fort City, and she has come because she is seeking something," Jin Fu said with a slight grin.
"Someone from the city came all the way here?"
"Wow, she must be really important to have so many people protecting her!"
Amid the murmurs, Jin Fu continued, "We are looking for a specific plant—it is called the Phoenix Fern."
Everyone stood in silent anticipation, waiting for him to elaborate, but Xue San's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets.
"What? The Phoenix Fern?!" he thought, his mind racing to the page in The Compendium of Alchemy: Volume One detailing the plant—a rarity among rank three plants.
Phoenix Fern
Appearance:
The Phoenix Fern is an elegant plant with fronds that unfurl like fiery wings. Its leaves transition through vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, reminiscent of phoenix feathers. The fronds are broad and lush, with a slight iridescence that catches the light, creating a mesmerizing display of colors. The base of the plant is sturdy, with thick, charcoal-black stems that contrast beautifully with the brilliant fronds. Tiny, ember-like spores occasionally drift from the leaves, glowing softly in dim light.
The Phoenix Fern is revered for its unparalleled ability to regenerate and revive even without being refined into a pill. Contact with its fronds can heal severe burns, regenerate lost limbs, and restore overall physical strength. Additionally, it possesses the unique ability to rejuvenate a cultivator's inner energy, replenishing depleted reserves and enhancing vitality. The plant's spores, when inhaled, can cleanse the respiratory system and invigorate the spirit.
Then Xue San heard something that sent a shock through his entire being.
"For the one who finds the plant," Jin Fu proclaimed, "the young lady promises to give 1000 gold coins, and a residence in the Dragon Fort City, but that's not all, she also promises that the person who finds the Phoenix Fen will be given a spot as an outer sect disciple of the Soaring Sword Sect. Do not look down upon the position of an outer sect disciple; many would kill for such an opportunity. Even as an outer sect disciple, you would be able to learn immortal techniques, and with a bit of luck and hard work, become immortal cultivators yourselves."
Upon hearing the news, the villagers erupted with excitement, eagerly inquiring about the plant's appearance, its location, and other intricate details.
Only Xue San wore a deeply contemplative expression.
"What are you pondering so intensely?" his father asked.
"Oh, nothing, Dad," Xue San replied hurriedly.