Elian frowned slightly as he continued refining the pills. Shortly after, another wisp of green smoke rose, leaving only two droplets of medicinal liquid still under refinement.
Fortunately, no further accidents occurred. The last two pills successfully formed in the flames, flying out of the furnace. Elian caught the two Vitality Replenishing Pills and smiled with satisfaction. Successfully crafting true second-tier pills on the first attempt, and achieving a 20% success rate, was a feat many alchemists would envy.
"Finally, I've become a second-tier alchemist," Elian thought, a hint of pride surfacing.
"It seems I do have some talent for alchemy."
He carefully stored the two pills in a jade bottle and left the alchemy room.
Outside, Chen Qinghao was already waiting. When he saw Elian emerge, his face lit with anticipation.
Elian nodded slightly in affirmation.
"It's done."
Handing one of the Vitality Replenishing Pills to the Third Elder, Elian advised, "Uncle Qinghao, focus on recovering in seclusion first. Once your injuries heal, I'll have the Gathering Essence Pills ready. You can come to me for the pills before attempting your Foundation Establishment."
"Oh, and I made two pills this time. Send the second one to the Second Elder," Elian instructed.
Years ago, during the battle with the demon ape, the Second Elder had sustained severe injuries that not only shortened his lifespan but also left him with lasting ailments. While the Vitality Replenishing Pill wouldn't restore his lost lifespan, it would heal his injuries and alleviate his suffering.
After delegating these matters, Elian didn't linger and flew directly toward Linghu Isle.
The Fiery Void Sword lived up to its reputation as an exceptional natal immortal sword. Riding on its three-zhang-long sword light, Elian covered 5,000 miles in just one day, reaching Linghu Isle.
As he descended, a wave of joy surged within him.
"You're back!" Chen Changyan, his uncle, greeted him warmly.
"Feeling surprised?"
"A bit," Elian replied with a nod. After a year and a half away, the spirit vein on Linghu Isle had advanced in rank, now classified as a lower second-tier vein.
His uncle's face was beaming as he led Elian to the Spirit Peach Tree. Unlike past years when the tree was laden with peaches, it bore only thirty-six fruits this year.
"At the beginning of the year, the Spirit Peach Tree advanced to lower second-tier, and its feedback enhanced the spirit vein, forming a Spirit Spring and raising its grade," his uncle explained with a pleased smile.
"I was right—this tree is no ordinary plant but a precious natural root."
Gesturing toward the tree, his uncle added, "Though there are only thirty-six peaches this year, their value far surpasses previous years. These are second-tier peaches, each worth far more than first-tier ones."
Elian quickly grasped their significance. This natural root tree, now second-tier, produced its thirty-six peaches once every three years, aligning with the number of heavenly constellations.
Unlike ordinary second-tier peach trees, the natural root's fruits contained a trace of mystical essence, making them rare and highly beneficial to Foundation Establishment cultivators, enhancing cultivation significantly.
Typically, each peach was valued at over 200 spirit stones. With thirty-six fruits per cycle, the harvest was worth over 7,200 spirit stones. More importantly, such fruits were rare in the market and nearly impossible to purchase with mere spirit stones.
"With these peaches, my cultivation speed will far surpass that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators," Elian mused, feeling elated.
Foundation Establishment cultivators typically faced slower progression. For dual-spirit-root cultivators supported by a clan, adequate resources often allowed for small breakthroughs every ten or so years.
Hardworking cultivators could reduce this time to eight to ten years. However, unaffiliated cultivators often struggled for resources, relying on hunting beasts or odd jobs, which could delay breakthroughs to 20 years or more.
Despite the enhancements of Primordial Purple Qi, Elian's cultivation aptitude was still akin to a triple-spirit-root cultivator. His rapid advancement to Foundation Establishment was largely thanks to his family's annual stipend of 30 spirit stones and the Spirit Peach Tree's bounty. However, without additional resources, his cultivation would slow significantly in this stage.
Elian estimated that relying solely on his annual stipend of 300 spirit stones (current stipend) would take 15 years to achieve each breakthrough—possibly 20 years considering the need to nurture his natal immortal sword. But with the second-tier peaches, his cultivation rate would accelerate considerably.
Tempted to consume a peach immediately, Elian restrained himself. "I should refine Gathering Essence Pills first."
Suppressing his excitement, he harvested the peaches and returned to the alchemy chamber to prepare for pill refinement.
Unlike the diluted version he had previously made with first-tier peaches, this time Elian aimed to craft authentic Gathering Essence Pills using the second-tier peaches.
Each batch required twelve peaches, costing 2,400 spirit stones. However, the pills' effectiveness justified the expense, as they significantly replenished energy and increased Foundation Establishment success rates by 10%.
With prior experience and his current status as a second-tier alchemist, Elian found the process smoother this time. After half a month of meticulous work, he successfully crafted three Gathering Essence Pills, a result that brought him immense satisfaction.
Storing the pills carefully, he left the chamber and flew back to Qingyuan Mountain.
Upon his return, Chen Qingbai took her Foundation Establishment Pill and an Gathering Essence Pill, retreating into the mountain's Spirit Spring to begin her seclusion for Foundation Establishment.
...
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