With a serene expression, he raised his right hand. In an instant, a soft amber light pulsed in his palm. Several spiritual herbs materialized from thin air, each levitating gracefully—roots dangling, petals fluttering like they were caught in an unseen breeze. A subtle hum resonated in the air as the herbs floated in a slow, orbiting dance around his hand.
Blue flames sparked to life, not from firewood, but conjured directly by Zhongli's will. The flames didn't burn with chaos; they flowed with elegance and control. Each herb was enveloped in a gentle blaze, purifying and breaking down its essence.
Zhongli closed his eyes, focusing. The herbs began to spin, faster and faster, the blue flames intensifying but never wild. He extended both hands forward, and the herbs collapsed inward, their glowing essences converging.
A golden sphere of energy formed, pulsating with life. Slowly, it compressed, reshaped—until a perfectly round, lustrous alchemical pill hovered between his fingers.
He opened his eyes, their golden hue gleaming with satisfaction.
"The pill… is complete," he said softly.
The swirling flames dissipated. The courtyard fell silent once more, but the air remained rich with the scent of spiritual herbs and ancient power.
Chen Xin watched this with awe and questioned."What was that master?"
Zhongli smiled and answered."Alchemy, it is art of fabricating different Medical Pills and elixirs which is different in use and strength."
Chen Xin was in awe,while Zhongli added."Although, your talent lies with Sword. I will teach you basics of Alchemy."
Chen Xin nodded and then looking at the glowing golden pill."So Masted what is this pill?"
Zhongli showing the Golden pill explained."
This is Nine Aperture Golden Pill, it can change the constitution of the body, with it, your flesh will undergo a transformation and your bones will be refined. With this, you will be able to now get Spirit Rings with more age."
Chen Xin was now eager, but Zhongli stopped him by flicking his head with his finger.
Chen Xin muttered in slight pain."Owww."
Zhongli added."This is painful, so you must be ready for it. After all your bones are going to refined, every fibers of your muscles strengthened. "
Chen grew serious and nodded.
As Zhongli gesturing him to sit."Now sit and meditate, while eating this."
Chen Xin first sat, he took the pill and taking a deep breath swallowed it.
At first, it was a dull ache—then it sharpened, sudden and fierce. A searing pain surged through his bones as if molten iron had been poured into his very marrow. His muscles tensed uncontrollably, contracting and pulsing as invisible forces reshaped them. His skin prickled and burned, toughening like steel being tempered in flame.
Sweat poured from his forehead, soaking his robes. His breath grew ragged. A scream built at the back of his throat—but he clenched his jaw, refusing to let it out. His hands dug into the stone beneath him as pain gnawed at every corner of his body.
Zhongli observed in silence, his expression calm but watchful.
When Chen Xin's body reached the brink of collapse, Zhongli raised his palm. A soft blue radiance flowed from his hand like a gentle river, enveloping the boy in a soothing aura. The pain didn't vanish completely—but it dulled, like thunder muffled behind distant mountains.
Chen Xin's trembling slowed. His breathing steadied. The sharp torment gave way to a deep warmth, like his body was being remade in light.
Zhongli's voice echoed gently. "Endure it. This pain is the forge… and you, the blade."
And as the golden light around Chen Xin's body pulsed one final time, his form relaxed. The glow faded. His skin gleamed with new vitality, and his aura felt… changed. Stronger. Reforged.
Zhongli lowered his hand. "It is done."
Chen Xin slowly opened his eyes.
At first, his gaze was unfocused, still adjusting to the transformation his body had undergone. But as clarity returned, he looked down at his hands—faintly glowing with residual energy—and clenched them into fists.
A shock ran through him.
His strength... it had changed.
He rose to his feet, feeling a lightness in his limbs, as though the heaviness he once carried had been lifted. Every movement felt fluid, powerful. His senses were sharper. His breathing was deeper. He could feel the strength coursing through his muscles and the firmness in his bones, as if his entire body had been reforged into a weapon.
"This…" he whispered, awe-struck. "I feel… stronger. My body… it's completely different."
Zhongli, still composed, gave a slight nod. "Your foundation has been transformed. Your constitution is now far beyond that of an ordinary cultivator. Spirit Rings with higher ages will no longer threaten your life."
Chen Xin bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I will not waste this gift."
Zhongli turned, his robes flowing behind him. "Remember, Chen Xin… strength must always be guided by wisdom. What you gain through pain must be tempered by discipline."
Chen Xin straightened, his eyes gleaming with newfound resolve. "I understand."
Just as Chen Xin steadied himself, still marveling at the transformation he had undergone, he noticed Zhongli raise his hand once more.
With a quiet hum of power, a golden scroll materialized in Zhongli's palm—elegant, ancient, and inscribed with markings that shimmered like flowing starlight. The air around it seemed to still, as if even the wind held its breath in reverence.
Chen Xin's eyes widened, curiosity and anticipation brimming in his gaze.
Zhongli met his disciple's eyes and spoke in a calm, measured tone. "This is your next step."
He gently extended the scroll toward Chen Xin. "A cultivation technique—one meant only for those who walk the path of the blade. Way of the Sword Dao."
Chen Xin accepted it with both hands, reverently. The moment his fingers touched the scroll, he could feel a deep, sharp presence within—like countless swords ringing in silence.
Zhongli continued, "This technique will not only hone your body, but sharpen your mind. Your soul power's purity will increase, and your spiritual power will be refined—aligned with the will of the sword itself."
The golden scroll in Chen Xin's hands pulsed faintly, as if responding to Zhongli's words.
"It is not simply about strength," Zhongli added, his gaze steady and profound, "but about clarity. Precision. Balance. To master the Way of the Sword Dao is to become one with the blade—not merely wielding it, but being it."
Chen Xin's breath caught in his throat. He bowed low, holding the scroll close to his chest. "I will devote myself to it, Master. I swear."
Zhongli's expression softened, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Good. Then your true journey begins now."