Cultivation: Starting from a Mortal Bone

"Come in."

Su Xihe’s voice was melodious, devoid of any ripple, betraying neither joy nor anger.

Qin Yu pushed the door open and entered.

Instantly, a rich and intense elixir fragrance rushed forth, invigorating his spirit with a single breath.

Stepping into the Alchemy Pavilion, the arrangement before him was simple yet elegant.

At the center stood an Alchemy Furnace, blazing flames rising beneath it. Around it, shelves arranged in orderly disorder displayed a myriad of Spirit Medicines and Spirit Fruits, all lined up in immaculate rows.

At this moment, Sect Leader Su Xihe sat upright upon a meditation cushion before the furnace.

She was draped in a radiant, exquisitely tailored gown. Her every gesture revealed the extraordinary nobility and elegant bearing befitting a Sect Leader; even amidst the drifting haze of the Alchemy Room, she was stunning beyond mortal measure, a beauty untouched by the mundane world.

Upon this Sect Leader, seemed to gather the myriad charms of all creation.

There was the ethereal purity of Fairy Xiyue, transcending the common realm.

And the alluring enchantment of Demoness Leng Ruyu, captivating the soul.

And more, the mature grace of a beauty master, enchanting yet ever gentle... All these qualities found their most perfect embodiment in her alone.

Just gazing at her, a melody sounded in Qin Yu’s heart—

What need for kingly splendor?

What fear of strict codes?

Why seek true scripture, when one could wed a queen!

Without reason, Qin Yu recalled last night’s breathtaking glimpse, and his heart surged uncontrollably.

Already so perfect, and still as flawless as white jade.

How could anyone withstand this?!

This was exactly why he was feeling so heated this early morning.

For the Cyan Mountain Sect, Qin Yu was staying for certain; no one could drive him away!

In the next moment, Su Xihe’s gaze swept toward him, and Qin Yu immediately lowered his head.

The Sect Leader’s brows lightly furrowed.

With her perception, she naturally sensed Qin Yu’s look, but it was merely a fleeting glance; he quickly withdrew his gaze, standing respectfully and anxiously, awaiting instruction. Su Xihe could not make much of it.

She intended to be a strict teacher.

But strictness did not mean nitpicking over minor issues.

Such callousness would only drive people away!

According to what Qin Yu said, if his Root Bone were far beyond Lower Grade Spirit Bone, combined with his talent in Spiritual Power, in the future he would almost certainly become the foremost Alchemy Master of Yunlan Domain.

Wait a moment—

Unbidden, Su Xihe thought of her younger sister’s Root Bone.

Why could Qin Yu’s Root Bone be improved as well?!

Was it truly due to severe trauma in childhood?!

Though Qin Yu’s explanation made sense logically and sounded reasonable, at this moment, she felt something was not quite right.

But Qin Yu was ultimately just a junior cultivator from Loose Cultivator City—could he really possess the ability to elevate a Top Grade Spirit Bone to Dao Bone?

Absolutely impossible.

Su Xihe quickly adjusted her emotions, then spoke, "From today onward, I will personally teach you the essence of Alchemy and methods for cultivating Spiritual Power."

"Thank you, Sect Leader... thank you, Master, for imparting your teachings!"

Qin Yu hurriedly bowed.

Now that the transmission of teachings had begun, he must change his form of address.

Calling her Sect Leader is so formal!

Master and disciple, they are inseparable.

He already knew that the Sect Leader’s attainments in Alchemy were second to none in Yunlan Domain; to receive her guidance was an honor countless cultivators could only dream of.

"No need to thank me ahead of time. Should you fail to meet my standards, our relationship as master and disciple will have to end here."

Su Xihe’s words had no warmth, none of her former gentleness remaining.

In an instant, Qin Yu grew nervous.

Was this Master truly so strict in her requirements?!

Upon reflection, it made sense; after all, Su Xihe was the Lord of the Immortal Sect, so strictness was normal.

The truth was, Qin Yu himself was uncertain whether his powers of comprehension were high or low.

His strength in Spiritual Power was all accumulated by raising his Flame Point, so a little nervousness was unavoidable.

"At present, how many grades of Spirit Liquid can you refine?"

Although Su Xihe knew Qin Yu’s Spiritual Power was High Tier Entry Level,

Spiritual Power’s strength and Alchemy Skill are two completely different matters.

"Disciple can currently purify Third Grade Spirit Liquid, Master."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yu’s expression was sincere as he answered honestly.

These words even eased Su Xihe’s expression a shade.

According to Qin Yu himself, his Spiritual Power broke through to High Tier Entry Level only a month or two ago; to already wield and utilize it so proficiently was quite impressive.

She nodded slightly, and said, "The Spirit Medicines here are at your disposal. Do not be restrained. Now, refine a portion of Medicinal Liquid."

After some thought, she took out a small alchemy furnace from her Storage Ring.

After all, Qin Yu’s Cultivation Realm was only Qi Refining Fifth Layer—he could not directly handle the main Alchemy Furnace.

His Spiritual Power and Spiritual Power were insufficient even for proper alchemy.

"Yes!"

Qin Yu answered in a clear voice, understanding this was a trial from the Sect Leader, did not dare slacken in the least, carefully selected Spirit Medicines, and began refining at once.

He first sat cross-legged before the small furnace, and after sensing his own Spiritual Power and Spiritual Power were both full, he opened his eyes.

Next, he started placing ingredients into the furnace.

His movements, though not so fluid as to be called effortless, were practiced; even after some time away from alchemy, he was not rusty.

Yet, in Su Xihe’s eyes, her brows knitted sharply.

In her opinion, Qin Yu ought to have spent all his energy and time mastering Alchemy Skill—otherwise, possessing a Spirit Bone, how could he still be only Qi Refining Fifth Layer?

Thus, his alchemy techniques seemed somewhat disappointing.

One could even call them mediocre.

Of course, that was only in comparison to his talent with Spiritual Power.

At thirty bone age, if he did not awaken Spiritual Power from a young age, his journey from entry-level to High Tier Entry Level would have taken even less time—

At most, a decade or so.

But these alchemy techniques and methods barely surpassed apprentice level.

Su Xihe naturally did not know Qin Yu had only made Medicinal Liquid a handful of times after mastering the basics.

Now, she even wondered if Qin Yu was truly suited for alchemy.

After all, there was Talisman, Array, Beast Taming, and more to choose from.

She did not doubt Qin Yu could achieve great things in other fields, yet the Alchemy Dao was of critical importance.

Because cultivators depended on elixirs for advancement.

Moreover, what Cyan Mountain needed most at present was a top-level Alchemist.

She could not really follow through on her earlier words about dissolving their master-disciple bond; it was merely meant to spur Qin Yu on.

Even so, some disappointment was inevitable.