With his mastery of the Phoenix Rebirth Flames and Celestial Phoenix Ascension, Feng Xiao felt more powerful than ever. The fierce training he'd undertaken had sharpened his skills and deepened his bond with Feng Mei. Yet he knew his journey was still in its early stages. Each day, he felt his desire to protect those he loved growing, and with it, his resolve to push through the next realms.
As he trained in the Foundation Establishment realm, Feng Xiao began to encounter the bottleneck that would lead him toward Core Formation. To advance, he would need something beyond mere training. The realization made him restless, driving him to seek new knowledge, artifacts, or allies that might aid him in his journey.
One evening, Elder Yuan approached him with intriguing news.
"Feng Xiao, there's someone you need to meet," Elder Yuan said, his tone carrying both curiosity and caution. "She's a mysterious alchemist known as Lin Yue, a figure surrounded by myths and whispers. Rumor has it that she possesses a rare elixir that can help one break through bottlenecks in cultivation. She's recently arrived in our province, setting up her alchemical shop in the town nearby."
The idea of an alchemist with such knowledge sparked Feng Xiao's curiosity. Alchemists were renowned for their rare pills and elixirs, capable of altering the path of cultivators, helping them recover faster, and even assisting in breaking through difficult cultivation stages. If Lin Yue's skills were as remarkable as the rumors suggested, meeting her might be the key to advancing his cultivation.
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Feng Xiao traveled to the nearby town with Feng Mei, where a small crowd had gathered outside Lin Yue's shop. The building was elegantly simple, adorned with intricate jade carvings, giving it a distinct charm that set it apart from the other shops.
As they entered, the scent of rare herbs and spiritual ingredients filled the air, blending in a fragrant harmony. Behind the counter stood a young woman with an air of grace and wisdom. She wore robes of soft green, and a jade pendant rested on her chest, marking her as an alchemist of considerable renown.
"Welcome," she greeted them, her voice calm and melodic. "I am Lin Yue, the Jade Alchemist."
Feng Xiao felt a sense of awe as he took in her presence. Lin Yue's eyes seemed to hold an ancient wisdom, hinting at experiences beyond her youthful appearance. She was beautiful, with long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, but it was her calm aura that truly drew him in. Feng Mei glanced at him with a slight smirk, amused at his sudden silence.
"What brings you to my humble shop?" Lin Yue asked, her gaze meeting Feng Xiao's.
"I am Feng Xiao, and this is Feng Mei," he introduced, trying to keep his composure. "I've heard that you possess an elixir that can assist with breaking through bottlenecks in cultivation. I seek guidance for my path toward Core Formation."
Lin Yue nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, I craft elixirs that can aid cultivators, but they require more than just the desire for advancement. Each elixir carries its own risks and must be tailored to the individual's body and qi."
Feng Mei leaned closer, curious. "How does it work?"
Lin Yue explained, "The Jade Rebirth Elixir is a high-level alchemical creation that resonates with the energy within one's dantian. It temporarily enhances the flow of qi, allowing cultivators to push past obstacles. However, using it recklessly could damage the soul."
The mention of the risks reminded Feng Xiao of the caution required in cultivation. Yet he felt determined to try, convinced that this was the opportunity he had been seeking.
Before providing the elixir, Lin Yue wanted to assess Feng Xiao's abilities and his connection with the elements, particularly his fire-based techniques. She led them to a secluded chamber in the back of her shop, where a small training area was set up.
"I wish to see your mastery over fire," Lin Yue said. "Control and discipline are essential if you're to handle the Jade Rebirth Elixir."
Feng Xiao took a deep breath, activating his Phoenix Rebirth Flames. Flames surged around him, bright and fierce, yet controlled. He summoned them into his palm, shaping the fire into different forms—a bird, a flower, and finally, a swirling ring that spun around him, highlighting his control over the technique.
Lin Yue watched intently, her eyes reflecting the glow of the flames. She seemed impressed but remained silent. Feng Xiao pushed himself further, unleashing his Celestial Phoenix Ascension. His flames took on a radiant golden hue, illuminating the room with an intense warmth that left a light sheen of sweat on everyone's foreheads.
Lin Yue finally nodded. "Your control is impressive, Feng Xiao. But the true test lies not just in strength but in patience and focus."
With a wave of her hand, she produced a small jade bottle containing the Jade Rebirth Elixir. It was a shimmering, emerald-green liquid, swirling with a faint, otherworldly glow. Feng Xiao felt the energy emanating from it, pulsing with a power that promised to aid him in his breakthrough.
"Drink this, but be warned," she cautioned. "Once you consume the elixir, you must enter a meditative state to guide its energy. Fail to control it, and it could harm your dantian
Feng Xiao took the elixir and sat down, closing his eyes to steady his breathing. Feng Mei and Lin Yue stood nearby, watching with anticipation. Slowly, he drank the elixir, feeling an intense warmth spreading through his body as it coursed down his throat and settled in his dantian.
The energy of the elixir was potent, like a roaring river of qi threatening to overflow. Feng Xiao focused, directing the elixir's energy inward, using his own qi to harmonize with it. The process was grueling, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he fought to maintain control.
He could feel his cultivation base shaking, the power pushing against the barrier to Core Formation. The sensation was overwhelming, and for a brief moment, he felt as if he might lose control. But then he remembered his goals, his desire to protect the clan and the people he loved. Drawing on that resolve, he channeled the elixir's energy with renewed focus.
Hours passed as Feng Xiao held on, using every ounce of his will to maintain the balance between his own qi and the elixir's power. Finally, he felt a surge, a shift in his dantian as the barrier gave way. He had broken through to Core Formation, his qi now swirling in a more refined, golden form within him.
Opening his eyes, Feng Xiao felt the difference immediately. His power had increased significantly, and he could sense a new level of connection to his techniques.
Lin Yue approached, a faint smile on her lips. "Congratulations, Feng Xiao. Few can withstand the Jade Rebirth Elixir's power without harming themselves."
Feng Xiao stood, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Lin Yue. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
Lin Yue nodded, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "I have traveled across many lands in search of rare herbs and techniques. You are different from most cultivators I've met. I sense both strength and compassion in you. I would be honored to assist you further if you'd allow me."
Before Feng Xiao could respond, Feng Mei gave him a playful nudge. "Seems like you've impressed her, Feng Xiao. Another admirer?"
Lin Yue looked unphased, her gaze steady. "Admiration comes from respect. I respect those with strength and purpose. Feng Xiao's journey intrigues me."
Feeling slightly flustered, Feng Xiao managed a smile. "I would be grateful for your help, Lin Yue. There are many challenges I have yet to face, and I could use the guidance of someone with your experience."
Lin Yue nodded in agreement, a glint of something unspoken in her gaze. "Then it is settled. I will join you on your path, for as long as our interests align."
Feng Mei raised an eyebrow but seemed more amused than jealous. "The more, the merrier, I suppose. Though I wonder how you'll handle us both, Feng Xiao."
A shared laugh broke the tension, and a sense of camaraderie grew among them. With Lin Yue's expertise in alchemy and Feng Mei's unwavering support, Feng Xiao felt more prepared than ever to face the trials ahead. Each companion brought strength and wisdom to his journey, and he realized that his path to immortality wasn't one he would walk alone.
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End of Chapter