The Lin Clan courtyard was eerily quiet the next morning, the members still reeling from the success of Tianyu's sword at the auction. Lin Feng and Jianhong avoided him entirely, their pride clearly bruised. However, Lin Zhentian's approval loomed over the clan, and it was evident that Tianyu had gained his father's cautious attention.
Tianyu sat cross-legged in his room, the warm glow of a single low-grade spirit stone in his palm. The auction had been fruitful, and now, with a small stash of spirit stones and system points, he was ready to plan his next move.
"System," Tianyu said, "show me the store again. This time, focus on alchemy-related items."
> [Ding! Opening Store. Displaying alchemy-related items…]
The familiar blue screen appeared before him, listing a dazzling array of items:
---
Alchemy Section – System Store:
1. Basic Alchemy Manual – 100 System Points.
A manual containing foundational knowledge of alchemy, from pill refining techniques to basic herbology.
2. Low-Grade Alchemy Furnace – 300 System Points.
An entry-level furnace for refining low-grade pills.
3. Beginner Herb Identification Guide – 50 System Points.
Teaches the identification and uses of common low-grade medicinal herbs.
4. Spirit Condensation Pill Recipe – 200 System Points.
A recipe for crafting low-grade Spirit Condensation Pills, essential for Qi Refining cultivators.
5. Alchemy Apprentice's Robe – 80 System Points.
Increases pill success rate by 5% when worn during refinement.
6. Low-Grade Herb Pack – 150 System Points.
Contains a variety of herbs suitable for refining low-grade pills.
7. Refinement Success Charm – 50 System Points (per use).
Guarantees success in refining one low-grade pill.
---
Tianyu's eyes gleamed as he scrolled through the list.
"Alright, System, I'll need the Basic Alchemy Manual and the Low-Grade Alchemy Furnace," he said.
> [Ding! Deducting 400 System Points. Items purchased.]
In an instant, a thin, ancient-looking book and a gleaming bronze furnace appeared before him.
Tianyu opened the manual, flipping through its pages. The knowledge within was vast, detailing everything from the basics of heating techniques to the precise timing required for pill refinement.
"Alchemy seems more complicated than forging," Tianyu muttered.
> [Ding! Host is correct. Alchemy requires both skill and intuition. However, with the system's assistance, host will master it faster than any cultivator in history.]
Tianyu chuckled. "Good. Let's make some pills."
---
In the depths of the Lin Clan's decrepit herb garden, Tianyu walked slowly, examining the rows of withered plants. The Lin Clan had all but abandoned alchemy, focusing their limited resources on forging. The few herbs that remained were neglected and barely usable.
"System, can I even use these?" Tianyu asked, kneeling to inspect a patch of low-grade Spirit Grass.
> [Ding! These herbs are of poor quality but can still be refined into basic pills with the right technique.]
"Good enough," Tianyu said, plucking a handful.
Returning to his room, he set the furnace on a stone platform and lit a small flame beneath it using spirit energy. The furnace hummed faintly, the sound oddly soothing.
Tianyu placed the Spirit Grass into the furnace and began circulating his Qi Refining Realm energy to control the flame. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he concentrated, following the manual's instructions meticulously.
> [Ding! Host's refinement progress: 50%. Keep going!]
The herbs slowly melted into a greenish liquid, emitting a fragrant aroma. Tianyu's hands moved instinctively, his focus unwavering.
> [Ding! Host has successfully refined a batch of Spirit Condensation Pills. Quality: Low-grade.]
Tianyu opened the furnace to find three small, round pills lying at the bottom. Though their quality was modest, the accomplishment filled him with pride.
"Not bad for my first attempt," Tianyu said, wiping his brow.
> [Ding! Host has unlocked the Beginner Alchemist title. Refinement success rate increased by 5%.]
---
Later that day, Tianyu called for his father. Lin Zhentian arrived with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"You summoned me, Tianyu?" Zhentian asked, his gaze falling on the alchemy furnace.
"Father, I've started learning alchemy," Tianyu said, holding up the Spirit Condensation Pills. "These are my first creations."
Zhentian's eyes widened. "You made these? But we abandoned alchemy decades ago—our resources are too poor."
"I found a way," Tianyu said simply. "These pills can help the clan's younger members progress in the Qi Refining Realm."
Zhentian took the pills, his hand trembling slightly. "Tianyu, if you can continue refining pills, it will greatly aid our clan. You may even bring us back from the brink of ruin."
"That's the plan," Tianyu said with a small smile.
---
The news of Tianyu's alchemical success spread quickly through the clan. While most were skeptical, others began to view him in a new light.
Lin Feng, however, was furious. "First forging, now alchemy? That runt thinks he can overshadow us?"
"Calm yourself," Jianhong said. "Let's see how long he can keep this up."
---
As night fell, Tianyu sat in his room, scrolling through the system store again.
"System, are there any recipes for Foundation Establishment Realm pills?"
> [Ding! There are, but host lacks the necessary materials and proficiency. Focus on mastering low-grade pills first.]
Tianyu nodded. "Fine. Show me a list of tasks related to alchemy."
---
[New Tasks – Alchemy Path]
1. Refine a high-tier low-grade pill.
Reward: 150 System Points, Advanced Herb Identification Guide.
2. Sell your refined pills at a public auction.
Reward: 200 System Points, Recipe for Foundation Establishment Pills.
3. Learn and refine a mid-tier low-grade pill.
Reward: 100 System Points, Alchemy Apprentice Robe.
---
Tianyu smirked. "Looks like I'll be making another trip to the auction house soon."
> [Ding! Host's actions will surely cause another uproar. Prepare for the unexpected.]
"Good," Tianyu said, his eyes glinting. "Let the world watch."