In the days that followed, Xiao Yan remained in the Starfall Pavilion, awaiting the return of Little Healer Immortal. During this period of waiting, however, he did not focus on cultivating his Dou Qi but instead directed his efforts towards the cultivation of his soul. The power of the soul was closely tied to the level of an alchemist. Since Xiao Yan’s soul had entered the Spirit Stage, he had not been able to pay it much attention due to his continuous Dou Qi cultivation. After all, with his current status as an advanced Grade 8 Alchemist, there were few among his peers in the Central Plains who could match him. However, after Elder Pharmacist’s words, he realized that this achievement was not enough to be proud of. In that mysterious Medicinal Sect, his alchemy skills only ranked barely in the top five among the younger generation. This fact, spoken from Elder Pharmacist’s lips, placed a significant pressure on Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan understood that, due to his relationship with Elder Pharmacist, he would inevitably have to deal with the Medicinal Sect in the future, and he could not let Elder Pharmacist’s name be dishonored. Therefore, his current title of an advanced Grade 8 Alchemist was somewhat insufficient.
To improve his alchemy rank, enhancing his soul power was the key. However, the four stages of soul cultivation—Ordinary, Spirit, Heavenly, and Emperor—were not easily attained. Xiao Yan was currently in the early stage of the Spirit Stage, but in the Central Plains, very few people knew how to cultivate their souls. Those who had surpassed the Spirit Stage and stepped into the Heavenly Stage numbered only a handful. The three grandmasters of the Dan Tower should possess such abilities, and Elder Pharmacist, now a half-Saint, should find it effortless. Even so, Xiao Yan could confirm that they were still within the Heavenly Stage. As for the mysterious and highly revered Emperor Stage, it was likely non-existent on the continent.
“My current alchemy rank is probably at the peak of the early stage of the eighth grade,” Xiao Yan mused in his quiet room. Generally, any alchemist capable of summoning a four-colored pill lightning could be considered at the peak of the eighth-grade. Although the pill lightning he summoned at the Dan Competition had five colors, the last one was not entirely pure, so he still considered himself to be at the peak of the early stage of the eighth grade.
The difference between each color of pill lightning in the eighth grade was vast. Therefore, those who could summon five-colored pill lightning were considered mid-eighth grade. Alchemists who could summon eight-colored pill lightning were high eighth grade, but even in the Dan Tower, such figures were rare.
“My soul is probably also at the early stage of the Spirit Stage, but in terms of raw soul power, it can match the middle stage of the Spirit Stage,” Xiao Yan mused, his brows slightly furrowed. His neglect of soul cultivation had caused his progress to be rather slow. He decided that he would need to allocate more time to it in the future, as Dou Qi and soul power were both extremely important to him.
With these thoughts in mind, Xiao Yan clenched his hand, and an ancient parchment scroll appeared. The parchment was a dull yellow, indicating its recent age. Gently unrolling the scroll, he found no text on it. Xiao Yan was not surprised; his soul power spread from his forehead, gradually covering the scroll. As his soul power enveloped the parchment, invisible ripples began to form, and then, streams of imperceptible information flowed through his soul, entering his mind.
“Taiyi Soul Determination Technique…” The streams of information transformed into esoteric texts, floating deep within his mind. It was a cultivation method for the soul. Of course, this soul cultivation technique was the reward for winning the Dan Competition. After receiving it, Xiao Yan frequently studied it but had not yet formally practiced it. As he was about to depart for the Ancient Realm, having this technique would be useful preparation.
Elder Pharmacist had also inspected the “Taiyi Soul Determination Technique” and given it a good review. Regardless, it was an ancient technique, and ancient soul cultivation methods often had unique and extraordinary aspects. Thus, Elder Pharmapist had no objections to Xiao Yan practicing it. His own soul cultivation method was comparable, with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Xiao Yan closed his eyes, immersing himself in the profound soul cultivation technique. After a long while, he slowly opened them. “The ‘Taiyi Soul Determination Technique’ truly has its profound aspects, no wonder it was the reward for the Dan Competition. Compared to the simple and crude techniques I had before, this is far superior.”
Deliberately studying the “Taiyi Soul Determination Technique,” Xiao Yan began to understand the intricacies of soul cultivation. Although the techniques were complex, he, being no novice, comprehended them easily. With proper guidance, the once confusing parts became clear, bringing about a sudden enlightenment.
As Xiao Yan marveled, the soul power in his forehead began to rotate on its own. A tingling sensation spread, and he sensed an unusual force emanating from his forehead, drawing out additional soul power from the surroundings, which then funneled back into it.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan felt a sense of amazement. “This is the benefit of having a complete cultivation technique. No wonder alchemists in the ancient times were so powerful. These ancient soul cultivation methods truly have their unique merits.”
With a complete cultivation technique, Xiao Yan felt that his future soul cultivation was on the right track. If fate was kind, he could reach the middle stage of the Spirit Stage soon, and perhaps he could even create pills with five-colored pill lightning. The joy on his face was evident. The “Taiyi Soul Determination Technique” had exceeded his expectations. He slightly regretted not practicing it sooner, but this regret was fleeting. Despite the neglect of soul cultivation, his Dou Qi progress had been remarkable, rising from the peak of the Zong Dou to the Five-Star Dou Reverend in just two years.
Memorizing the “Taiyi Soul Determination Technique” thoroughly, Xiao Yan smiled contentedly and stored it in his storage ring. He then delved into his practice once more. After several hours, he opened his eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
“Unexpectedly miraculous…”
Reflecting briefly, Xiao Yan summoned a crimson scroll. As it appeared, a dense fire energy began to emanate. This crimson scroll, obtained from the Dou Saint relic, had been overlooked. Now, remembering it, he believed it to be valuable, as it was a Dou Saint item. The scroll contained the “Earthly Rigid Flame,” a high-rank earth-grade martial art. By using a peculiar vibration, it could transmit the user’s Dou Qi into the ground, creating a scorching hot stream to attack unexpectedly from beneath the opponent. This skill’s effectiveness was enhanced near volcanic areas, which posed no problem for Xiao Yan, possessing four different types of flames.
“Truly, the collections of Dou Saints are extraordinary… I must successfully master this ‘Earthly Rigid Flame’ in the coming days…”
As the days passed, Xiao Yan immersed himself in his new cultivation techniques. On the eighth day, a familiar, vast aura appeared in his perception—Little Healer Immortal’s aura. “So strong…” Feeling the magnitude of her aura, even Xiao Yan, known for his composure, couldn’t help but take a sharp breath.
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