"A Mystic-tier cauldron really makes a difference. This time, besides herbs, I need to collect a large amount of ore to forge my armor—and prepare a few extra sets of clothes while I'm at it."
Su Min examined the fiery-red cauldron before her, musing to herself. She had purchased some ordinary fabrics earlier, keeping a small portion as backup and turning the rest into several sets of practical, neutral-style outfits—far from the typical flowing dresses favored by women.
Though these clothes weren't magical treasures, they could resonate with spiritual energy. No matter how dirty they got, a single thought from Su Min would cleanse them instantly. The material was also durable enough to withstand minor battles—at least she wouldn't have to worry about her wardrobe for a while.
"Vein-Melting Sword Pill—Grade 4 lower-tier, activates sword meridians in the body. Water-Fire Spirit Pill—boosts potential for those cultivating water-fire dual techniques, also Grade 4 lower-tier. These formulas have been modified; the effects are vague, but the refining steps seem solid."
After a brief pause, Su Min ignited Nanming Lihuo in her palm. Alchemy didn't require extreme heat—precision control was far more important. The Solar True Flame of the Three-Legged Golden Crow, for instance, was too violent for delicate refining. It was better suited for forging large weapons rather than intricate work.
"Let's begin."
Since she'd already received her payment, Su Min didn't bother pondering the pills' exact uses. She tossed the ingredients into the cauldron one by one.
Outside the Chamber…
"Any leads on her background? A Golden Core tribulation isn't something that goes unnoticed. That alchemist's foundation is rock-solid—even compared to our sect's sealed geniuses, she's on another level."
Sect Leader Mu Jiansheng questioned Yun Kong, who stood respectfully beside him. Though their earlier conversation had been brief, he'd sensed danger from Su Min.
He wasn't a prodigy himself—his vitality had begun declining shortly after reaching the Golden Core stage, leaving no hope for further advancement. Yet even armed with his sect's top-grade treasures, Su Min's unrevealed strength had unnerved him.
"Nothing yet. She's likely another self-sealed expert, emerging now to prepare for the upcoming Golden Core Avenue. Just look at the materials she's demanding—none of them can be found in the current environment. We had to dip into our reserves."
"True. But a Grade 4 alchemist won't appear again for centuries. We must secure enough pills for our disciples. Her prices are steep, but acceptable. More importantly… the other sects will have to bleed for her services too."
"Should we try to prevent her from contacting them?"
"Impossible. She's a Golden Core expert—and a top-tier alchemist at that. The best we can do is stay on her good side. Double the guards—no disturbances allowed."
"Understood."
Yun Kong bowed and left. In truth, even Mu Jiansheng himself was standing guard to ensure Su Min's seclusion remained undisturbed.
One of the ironclad rules of alchemy: The client must provide absolute peace. Any interruption leading to failure is their responsibility.
"HAHAHA! Old Man Sword! Hiding in a ladies' boutique in my Sky Summit City—have you taken a liking to rouge and dresses?"
A thunderous laugh boomed outside, startling Mu Jiansheng so badly he nearly jumped.
"Hmph."
A displeased snort echoed in his ears—Su Min's voice. Despite the soundproofing arrays, the intruder's Golden Core-level voice had pierced through.
"You damned Water Freak! One more shout and I'll fight you to the death!"
Mu Jiansheng exploded in rage, donning his armor and brandishing his sword like a madman. All pretense of dignity vanished—he looked ready to brawl on the spot.
"Such intense heat… You've got another Golden Core expert here? A newly unsealed genius? Their vitality is terrifying!"
The intruder—dubbed "Old Man Water"—frowned, sensing the residual energy in Su Min's voice. A Golden Core early-stage cultivator wouldn't have fazed him in the past, but now? A warrior with such vigorous vitality could overwhelm old-timers like them at the same level.
"Why is he hiding someone like this in our territory?"
Old Man Water's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by wariness as spiritual light flickered around him.
"She's not from our sect—just an unsealed Grade 4 alchemist gathering materials. She's refining pills for us now. Disrupt her, and there will be consequences."
Mu Jiansheng's tone carried both explanation and threat.
"I see… Could you introduce us? Our Sky Summit Sect is also seeking alchemists of her caliber. Compensation won't be an issue."
Old Man Water's voice dropped to a whisper, all earlier boisterousness gone.
"Here's her price list—two materials per commission. But she's busy until after the tournament."
Mu Jiansheng rolled his eyes. He'd done his part—Su Min's actions were beyond his control.
"Understood. I'll prepare the materials."
After scanning the list, Old Man Water nodded and vanished, leaving Mu Jiansheng fuming.
"Whew. Two pills down. The gap between Grade 3 and Grade 4 is real—no wonder they accepted my outrageous fees."
Su Min examined the two flawless pills in her hand. While she could produce multiple Grade 3 pills per batch, Grade 4 allowed only one—partly due to her inexperience, but mostly because of the sheer complexity.
~Edit and rewritten by Rikhi, Reiya_Alberich, ReiNyam~
The Golden Core stage was known as the Barrier Between Immortal and Mortal. Grade 4 pills were no different.
"The tournament's about to start. Time to make the other four sects compete for my services."
A sly grin spread across her face.
"Your pills are ready. Payment settled."
She handed the carefully inspected pills to Mu Jiansheng, pocketing the leftover ingredients—valuable in their own right.
"Oh, and here's an invitation to the Great Luo Tian State tournament. All the young elites will be competing for a chance at Heavenly Foundation Establishment."
"Oh?"
Su Min accepted it with a smile. She had two motives: Study the top sects' techniques—even if their disciples were weak now, their heritage skills would be invaluable intel for future battles.
"How soon does it start?"
"Tomorrow."
"Perfect. I'll prepare—this is going to be fun."
With a flick of her wrist, Su Min vanished in a crackle of lightning, leaving Mu Jiansheng gaping at the residual heat in the air.
"Such speed!"
~
The next day, Sky Summit City buzzed with excitement.
The triennial tournament was akin to the World Cup of the cultivation world—a spectacle that drew crowds from all corners.
For mortals, watching high-level cultivators fight was dangerous (imagine gods brawling while ants scurry beneath). But Qi Refining battles were perfect—flashy yet contained, thrilling without catastrophic fallout.
By dawn, crowds surged toward the arena. The guards were already overwhelmed—until they spotted Su Min.
Before the first match began, she'd set up a stall right at the entrance, complete with a bold banner:
[FRONT-ROW SALES!]
-Foundation Establishment Pills
-Qi Gathering Pills
-Qi Inducing Pills
[NO CASH, NO SPIRIT STONES—ONLY TREASURES ACCEPTED!]
[Grade 4 Custom Refining Available—Inquire Within!]
The guards' faces twitched. If not for her top-tier VIP pass (reserved for sect leaders), they'd have dragged her out immediately. But then they saw the pills on display—and their mouths went dry.
Foundation Establishment Pills were unobtainable for most. Even their sect's lone alchemist had a 20% success rate—only core disciples got them. And now? A stranger was selling them openly.
The crowd erupted.
~
Within minutes, Su Min's stall was swarmed. The Great Luo Tian State had thousands of times more cultivators than Wei Wu State—and the competition was cutthroat. When a Foundation Establishment cultivator tried to snatch a pill, Su Min slapped him into the pavement, instantly calming the mob.
"Try stealing again. I dare you."
Her Golden Core aura flared, silencing all greed.
But her prices made jaws drop.
"This is daylight robbery!"
Su Min smirked. "Take it or leave it."
She wasn't picky—rich or poor, all wallets were equal in her eyes.
Then, a breakthrough.
"MOVE! LET ME THROUGH!"
A desperate cultivator shoved forward, presenting a golden-glowing fruit.
"Golden Mystic Fragrance Fruit!"
Su Min's eyes lit up—one of her missing ingredients!
"What do you want?"
"One Foundation Establishment Pill!"
"Eat it here. Otherwise, you won't live to see tomorrow."
Gratefully, the man swallowed the pill on the spot—breaking through to Foundation Establishment instantly—as the crowd lost their minds.
Meanwhile, in the Arena…
The five sect leaders stepped onto the stage, baffled.
"Where is everyone?"
The stands were empty.
All the disciples had vanished—lured away by a certain alchemist's stall.