A month into his sword practice, Li Yun discovered something interesting while sorting herbs in the medicine hall. Among the old manuals and records, he found a worn text on basic alchemy principles. Most clan members ignored such foundational books, preferring to study more advanced techniques.
"The simplest pills require three things," the text read. "Proper ingredients, precise timing, and understanding of how elements wish to combine."
The last part caught his attention. Through his practice with herbs and the sword form, Li Yun had begun to grasp how things naturally wanted to move and flow. Perhaps the same principle applied to medicine making?
"Young Master Li," Second Aunt's voice interrupted his reading. "Since you're here, you can help prepare the basic Spirit Gathering Pills. They're simple enough—even those without strong qi can manage the process."
Li Yun accepted the task gratefully. Spirit Gathering Pills were the most basic medicine the clan produced, used by young disciples beginning their cultivation. The process was considered so elementary that even failed cultivators could assist in their creation.
As he ground the herbs according to the instructions, Li Yun noticed something through his enhanced awareness. Each ingredient had its own natural pattern of breaking down, its own way of wanting to release its properties. Working with these tendencies rather than against them, he found the grinding process became more efficient.
"Interesting," Second Aunt mused, examining his first batch. "The color is more uniform than usual. Your herb-tending experience shows in your preparation technique."
Over the next few days, Li Yun divided his time between sword practice, herb tending, and studying basic alchemy. The pearl's warmth seemed to approve of this balanced approach, helping him notice small details that others might miss.
"Your sword form has improved," Old Chen commented during a morning session. "You move like you understand the purpose of each stance, not just mimicking the motions."
It was true. Through patient practice, Li Yun had begun to grasp how the 'Seeking the Root' form wasn't just about moving a sword through air—it was about understanding how blade, body, and space worked together naturally.
In the medicine hall, his pill preparation continued to show subtle but consistent improvements. He wasn't using any special techniques or forcing results with qi. Instead, he simply worked with how the ingredients naturally wanted to combine.
"Cousin," Li Mei found him one evening as he studied the alchemy text. "I heard Second Aunt praising your pill preparation. And now I find you studying medicine texts?"
"Just the basics," Li Yun replied modestly. "Understanding foundations seems important."
Li Mei picked up the worn manual, thumbing through it. "Most would consider these teachings too elementary to bother with. Yet..." she paused, considering. "The clan records speak of ancient alchemists who achieved remarkable results through perfect understanding of basics."
Later that night, in his quiet room, Li Yun reflected on his progress. The pearl's influence hadn't given him dramatic powers or sudden breakthroughs. Instead, it helped him perceive and understand natural principles that others rushed past in their quest for greater techniques.
His wooden practice sword lay beside him as he meditated, and on his table sat the herbs for tomorrow's pill preparation. Both simple tools, considered too basic to merit attention from proper cultivators. Yet through them, he was learning truths about how the world actually worked.
The pearl pulsed gently in his dantian, and Li Yun felt his awareness deepen slightly. He began to notice how air moved differently around various objects, how space itself seemed to flow in subtle patterns throughout his room.
These weren't great insights that would shake the cultivation world. They were small truths, fundamental principles that most overlooked. But Li Yun was beginning to understand that true power might come from grasping these basics perfectly rather than rushing to learn advanced techniques poorly.
Let others chase dramatic breakthroughs and powerful methods. The weakest son of the Li clan was building his foundation one careful observation at a time, learning to read the natural laws that governed all things.
And somewhere beyond mortal sight, ancient powers watched with growing interest as a young man chose to understand rather than command, to learn rather than force, to grow naturally rather than seek shortcuts to power.