A Gift from the Core Formation Alchemist
The choice of name was obvious yet far from simple.
Giving the name Yeon Biwon would allow immediate use of the identity jade token, but it carried the risk of encountering acquaintances whose existence he couldn’t confirm. Besides, once the Central Prohibition Array was restored, the chances of being exposed were high.
On the other hand, using his real name or any random alias would make presenting an identity token difficult, yet it might still be better than getting caught while impersonating someone else.
“I am Yeon Biwon.”
Nevertheless, Han Yujin answered that way. Since he had already decided to make use of Yeon Biwon’s identity, he intended to see it through to the end.
He planned to visit this place again in the future, so it was worth confirming just how useful this identity could be.
— Having passion is commendable, but are you certain you properly understood my lecture before coming here?
“I believe I have understood everything you have taught so far.”
— Everything?
A faint trace of disbelief appeared on the face of the Core Formation cultivator, Won Baekryeong.
It was the fourth day since the lectures began, so naturally Han Yujin had been able to learn her name and background without any particular effort.
Won Baekryeong was a Core Formation cultivator who possessed the skills of an alchemy master and boasted an impressive background as the direct disciple of Bok Changgwang, the Grandmaster Alchemist at the late Nascent Soul stage.
The Taeqing Palace to which Bok Changgwang belonged as an elder was, from what he had overheard, a colossal and supremely powerful orthodox cultivation sect that extended its influence across multiple worlds. After all, it was said to house a Body Integration Supreme Elder.
After Qi Condensation came Foundation Establishment, then Core Formation, Nascent Soul, Soul Formation, and finally Body Integration.
Depending on the cultivation method, there was sometimes an additional Void Refinement stage between Soul Formation and Body Integration. In any case, beyond that lay only the Dao Tribulation and True Immortal stages. A Body Integration cultivator held an absolutely lofty status within the entire cultivation world—an overwhelmingly terrifying existence.
— Why is the Fire Essence Dissolution Technique required when processing fire-attribute spiritual herbs?
“First, because it shares the fire attribute, it can minimize energy loss during processing. Second, among the Fire Essence Dissolution Techniques, this one and this one…”
Though he felt slightly troubled, Han Yujin calmly began his explanation. Following the method the lecturer used, he drew simple lines of light in the air with applied dharma patterns.
The question itself could have been answered simply, but Han Yujin guessed her intention and recited the related lecture content in full.
“…Therefore, during the subsequent fusion process, this dharma pattern may conflict with the two purification patterns used earlier. However, if it collides with this particular pattern, combining them in this way can intentionally trigger an additional opposing effect to stabilize the unstable spiritual power fluctuations. One thing to note during this combination process is that if the fire-attribute spiritual herb possesses toxicity…”
— That is enough. It seems you truly understand.
The Core Formation cultivator waved her hand, cutting off Han Yujin’s answer. She already looked thoroughly satisfied.
Many of the Foundation Establishment cultivators around them, and even some Core Formation ones, were now sending quite intrigued glances in his direction.
— You appear to be no more than mid-Qi Condensation. When did you accumulate such knowledge of alchemy patterns?
“My junior had an interest, so I have been studying whenever I had the chance.”
— Show me your identity jade token.
Slightly tense, Han Yujin removed the jade token from his waist and sent it flying over with a simple manipulation technique. The Core Formation cultivator caught it smoothly, glanced at him once, then took something from her sleeve and sent it back along with the token.
It was a book. The title was simply Elementary Alchemy Primer. It looked brand new and clean, yet somehow gave the impression that it had been well-used.
A primer personally studied and annotated by Won Baekryeong during her Qi Condensation days. Contains detailed personal notes and insights.
— This is the book I studied during my Qi Condensation stage. It contains my own annotations, so if you manage to master everything within it, come find me then. Or you may come directly to Taeqing Palace. I will accept you as an outer disciple.
“Huk…”
The sharp intake of breath had not come from Han Yujin. It belonged to a nearby Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The gazes that had previously held only interest and mild admiration toward him instantly transformed into intense looks mixed with envy and jealousy. Since everyone present was an extraordinary individual, the pressure was almost palpable.
“Th-thank you.”
Han Yujin unconsciously stuttered a little in his bewilderment. However, perhaps because his reaction appeared genuinely moved, Won Baekryeong wore a rather satisfied expression.
— You are still young and possess talent as an alchemist. Giving you something of this level is nothing much. Do not grow complacent and continue to cultivate diligently.
“I will keep it in mind.”
— Then… I shall continue the lecture, everyone. My apologies for taking up time.
After offering a courteous apology, Won Baekryeong resumed her lecture as usual. Han Yujin focused immediately, yet on one side of his mind he couldn’t help but fall into idle thoughts.
‘A book that a Core Formation cultivator studied and annotated during her Qi Condensation days…’
Though it was merely content studied at the Qi Condensation stage, that very fact might make it even more valuable. He was almost suspicious whether it was appropriate to hand over something like this to someone with whom she shared no close relationship, simply because she saw a bit of talent.
‘Did I perform that well?’
Perhaps he had. He needed to consider again the fact that he was the only Qi Condensation cultivator present in this vast plaza.
‘The rarity of alchemists must have played a part as well.’
If she could win favor with nothing more than an annotated primer, she might have judged that it would not be a loss.
Just from this situation alone, it was clear that learning alchemy was worth the effort.
Finishing his stray thoughts, Han Yujin focused even more intently on the lecture.
* * *
The Elementary Alchemy Primer that the Core Formation cultivator Won Baekryeong had given him was truly worthy of being called a treasure. Compared to this, the alchemy-related books he had obtained from the Ohaeng Sect ruins were nothing but trash.
If calling them trash felt a bit harsh, they could be politely described as children’s learning books. That was how superficial and shallow their content was.
Precisely because of that, Han Yujin was able to grow steadily by reading the primer even during times when there were no lectures. Although it couldn’t compare to listening to the lectures directly, the annotations placed throughout left no gaps in his understanding.
‘With this level of knowledge, I should be able to consume the many spiritual materials in the Primordial Forest far more efficiently.’
Above all, he would now be able to properly utilize the Bloodwood Essence Yang Nourishing Technique he had previously acquired.
He had chosen it merely for the convenience of harvesting with the Bloodwood Essence, never expecting such additional benefits.
He would need to examine once more what ingredients were available in the Primordial Forest to be certain, but even if he failed several times, completing even a single recipe would provide tremendous help going forward.
It would likely remain quite useful even after he reached Foundation Establishment.
Another four days passed like that.
The difficulty of the alchemy lectures had now risen to the point where even a significant number of Foundation Establishment cultivators were falling behind.
Thanks to his transcendent comprehension, Han Yujin had barely managed to cram the content into his head, but every time he recalled the lecture material, everything became jumbled and confusing. It seemed it would take more time before he could fully internalize it.
Even so, the mere fact that he had kept up to this extent was impressive enough. Won Baekryeong now frequently glanced at him and occasionally smiled as if proud.
Even though he knew she was a Core Formation monster who could erase him with a single flick of her finger, and that she was likely well over a hundred years old, there were moments when his heart fluttered.
That was how exceptional her beauty and aura were. Applying mortal standards of age to cultivators was ridiculous anyway.
‘At least one in ten of those attending here must be coming just to admire her appearance.’
He even entertained such frivolous thoughts at times.
But all good things must come to an end. As the lecture concluded and he was on his way back, Han Yujin suddenly felt his skin tingle as a certain vast spiritual wave spread outward.
“Oh… It looks like the Central Prohibition Array has finally been restored!”
“It’s fortunate that the Yao race didn’t attack while it was down.”
Hearing the conversation of the cultivators passing by, Han Yujin instinctively looked down at the jade token hanging at his waist.
‘The results should come out soon.’
Now that the Central Prohibition Array—which functioned as a central information processing system—had been restored, could he continue maintaining this identity?
Or would he be discovered despite his caution and suspected as a spy?
With a mixture of slight worry and curiosity, he was about to resume walking when—
A vastly more powerful wave, similar to the previous one but incomparably stronger, struck him. It was so shocking it felt like being hit in the head with a rock, an overwhelming energy that made one’s blood run cold.
Then, a dharma spell warning tone he had never heard before erupted from all directions, only to be instantly crushed and shattered by a heart message that resounded directly inside Han Yujin’s mind.
As if it had been waiting for that declaration, the waves of the recently restored Central Prohibition Array began to tremble strangely, and the blue protective barrier that had been covering Cheonwon Castle started turning into an eerie yellow hue.
“Wh-what is that?!”
“The prohibition barrier…?!”
Shouts of extreme confusion rose from the surrounding cultivators.
Naturally, the barrier wasn’t simply changing color. As the discoloration progressed, Han Yujin felt the surrounding spiritual energy distorting along with it, making even breathing difficult.
‘Is this… the so-called Yao Qi I’ve only heard about?’
There was clearly something wrong with the Central Prohibition Array. Given the suspicious timing, it was highly likely to be part of a scheme by the Yao race that had just unleashed that monstrous heart message.
Since none of them were fools, they seemed to have realized the danger of the situation.
Yet even while panicking and looking urgent, they moved frantically to prepare for battle. Naturally, Han Yujin had no choice but to observe the atmosphere and move along with them.
In any case, if he didn’t want to die, running away from here wasn’t an option—he had to join forces with them and fight.
Thus, deploying his Wind Riding Technique, he flew alongside a group of cultivators until they reached the vicinity of the castle walls.
Beyond the protective barrier—which had not only turned yellow but was now riddled with holes like tattered rags and transforming into a bizarre shape—a single winged dragon appeared in the far distance. Despite the great range, its enormous size made it clearly visible.
Of course, it was no ordinary winged dragon. Adorned with precious metals across its body, it radiated such immense Yao Qi that merely looking at it felt like it could burn one’s eyes.
The Yao race being wasted no time with roars or theatrics and immediately launched its attack.
As it flapped its wings and opened its maw wide, a golden orb began condensing in front of its mouth. It rapidly swelled in size before plummeting toward Cheonwon Castle.
Even though it was still far from impact, all moisture in the area evaporated in an instant, and heat like that of a blast furnace engulfed everything. The air could be seen rippling and boiling like a heat haze.
Han Yujin urgently cast his Jade Skin Technique and covered his body with the water-attribute prohibition patterns of the Five Elements Sword, yet he couldn’t hold back a scream. The boiling water only made the sensation feel even hotter.
‘It might be better to just die right away. I don’t think I can survive this anyway.’
The transcendent heat and pain were so severe that the thought genuinely crossed his mind. Just before he could act on it—
From the center of Cheonwon Castle, a human cultivator shot forward like a beam of light.
“Did you truly believe such petty tricks would work?!”
This heart message also reverberated powerfully inside his head, yet it felt refreshingly clear, sweeping away all confusion and fear in an instant.
The moment the human cultivator’s figure collided with the falling golden flame orb—
An indescribable explosion rang out.
A ring-shaped shockwave spread at a speed that seemed impossible to surpass, leaping across the horizon. The clouds that had already been pushed back by the golden orb’s appearance were completely torn apart and scattered.
Along with a wave that made the entire sky tremble, it felt as if heaven itself had been overturned like a stormy sea.
‘Gu Sobo, Lord of Cheonwon Castle.’
It was undoubtedly a Soul Formation cultivator displaying his true power.