Three weeks passed in a blur. Driven by an intense work ethic and dedication, Jonathan's progress was nothing short of remarkable. Under Liriana's meticulous guidance, he had broken through to the level of a three-star disciple, a feat that filled him with both pride and astonishment.
With each day, Jonathan felt his confidence in his abilities growing. He had also begun his training in medicine refinement, steadily gaining an understanding of this intricate art. Now, he sat cross-legged on the floor, a massive cauldron before him. Liriana had spent these weeks teaching him precise control over his internal energy and had helped him refine the purple crystal she'd obtained from the rhino. Together, they had extracted its essence, which now allowed him to summon purple flames at will—a critical asset in his path to mastering medicinal refinement.
Jonathan moved his hands carefully, directing a handful of herbs that hovered over the open cauldron. His focus was intense, his movements fluid, as he began to extract the herbs' essence for a tier-one medicine he was crafting to treat external injuries. The process demanded meticulous control, and Jonathan executed it with a precision that belied his limited experience.
Once the herbs were extracted, he unleashed the purple flames which was obtained from the essence that was extracted from the purple crystal they got from the magical Rhino, weaving them around the cauldron to fuse the ingredients, carefully coaxing them to merge into a single, round pill. He maintained the heat evenly, preserving the quality of the mixture and allowing the pill to take shape. Slowly, the pill began to solidify, forming a sphere marked with streaks of yellow and purple—a testament to his growing mastery.
The air around them shifted as the pill reached its final stage, the subtle energy stirring like a breath. Watching him work, Liriana allowed herself a rare smile, pride gleaming in her eyes.
Finally, with a quick movement, Jonathan extended his hand, summoning the pill from the cauldron to hover toward him. He caught it, his heart pounding with satisfaction as he inspected the flawless result.
He turned to Liriana, holding out the pill with a look of pure excitement. She examined it, her smile widening as she nodded her approval. "This is indeed a pill of top quality," she said softly. "Your progress in these weeks has been astounding. I believe you'll be refining second-tier pills in no time."
Jonathan's excitement grew at her words, his eyes bright with the promise of further challenges. "Thank you, Master. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Just then, Liriana's expression turned serious. Without a word, she rose and stepped toward the cave's entrance, her movements brisk and purposeful. Sensing the shift in her mood, Jonathan followed close behind.
"Is something wrong, Master?" he asked.
She paused, her gaze focused on the horizon. "Tell me, Jonathan… have you ever wondered about my true name?"
The question caught him off guard, and he hesitated, surprised by her sudden openness. The truth was, he had often been curious about her past but had never dared to ask.
"I… I have, Master," he admitted. "But I feared it might be too personal to ask."
Liriana's lips curved in a faint smile, sensing the excitement in his voice despite his attempt to hide it. "My name is Liriana Solp."
He repeated her name, the syllables foreign yet striking. It resonated with an air of mystery, convincing him that she was indeed unlike anyone he had met.
Liriana seemed to notice his reaction. "I am not from this realm," she continued, her voice soft yet unwavering. "I come from another dimension entirely—a world where spiritual energy flows like breath, where spirit and strength are intertwined."
"Another dimension?" Jonathan's voice was filled with wonder, his understanding of the world shifting as he listened.
She watched his puzzled expression, understanding that her revelation was overwhelming. She drew a deep breath, bracing herself to explain further.
"When our master first came to this realm, he saw a rare potential," she began, her tone growing solemn. "This world… it's hollow, Jonathan, lacking the natural energy that defines mine. Here, spiritual energy didn't exist—until he created it."
Jonathan's mind spun with the weight of her words. "You mean… he brought spiritual energy here?"
"Yes," she replied. "In our world, he faced countless rivals and restrictions. But here, he could draw strength freely, unnoticed. He cultivated a form of energy unique to this realm, hidden from both worlds. And now, with him gone, I am here to complete his work, to carry forward his vision."
Jonathan felt as if his very understanding of reality was unraveling. "So all this power... it's not natural?"
"No, it's a gift. One that he left behind." She looked at him with a fierce intensity. "And now, it's our duty to carry on his legacy."
She extended her hand, a silent invitation to share in the purpose that connected them, a promise that would shape his destiny.
Jonathan reached out, feeling the weight of her vow settle on his soul. He grasped her hand, sealing his place in this mission.
"Then show me, Liriana," he whispered. "Teach me how to continue his work."
Liriana's smile held a quiet pride. In the soft light of dawn, their fates entwined, bound by a legacy that stretched across realms, echoing with the unspoken promise they had now taken upon themselves.