Fatherly Asura

-to which are pertinent.

[Force Qi] naturally contained the most unaligned element to successfully refine materials within alchemy, yet to be bereft of this is no failure.

The Heavens are vast, and no one path stands most righteous.

Of note is [Fire Qi] and its allegiant cousins of heat, and ice. All necessary in the maintenance of temperature during the refinement process, of which a more profound flame oft produces immensely differing products were one to rely solely on the mechanisms inherent to any particular furnace or cauldron.

The standard [Qi Manipulation] techniques that a modest amount of cultivators are bequeathed on the path of [Mind] are, however, of paramount use.

Those who are reliant on [Inner Qi] as the medium for their refinement, such as [Body] or [Spirit] cultivators - as it pertains to [Foundation Realm] or early stage [Core Formation] cultivators, are unlikely to produce even the most base of elixirs.

Thus we will state from our collated experience that any should refrain from attempts on the great path of alchemy until such a time as their external Qi control is of adequate, or indeed, peak [Initiate] levels.

Failure to properly control one’s process will always result in solutive disasters that far exceed the devastation that even mundane materials might be able to independently create.

• “Twenty Eight Figurations, a Bastardisation” - Scribes of the Cherry River Alchemist

“A byproduct of your experiences,” Zhu finally arrived, in full earshot of the wisened master. “A mortal life violently inducted into circumstances that continually pit you under cultivators and seniors of incredible disparity. You’d have been best to travel as a wandering cultivator, there you’d find not all you come across wish to betray or kill you.”

The contribution exchange held three spatial trinkets upon its counter, with the fourth held beneath an inspecting gaze.

Fu had braced, both in expectation of their opening and for the retaliation that would come as swift as thunder. For Zhu to speak so openly, and with such an implication of the Cloudy Serpent Sect and its traditions…

He took a step back, fearing the Heavens wrath might be delivered at the hand of this Senior.

“Junior, I am fond of the disciple’s propriety. Do not dissuade him from it,” he said, an eye behind the ring’s neck. “If diligence is observed disciple Gao need fear not, though the same cannot be said for impetuous youths such as you!”

“This junior gives his lacking apologies for his fellow’s insults,” bowed Fu.

The senior looked… fondly at both, quite the change from Fu’s recollection. “I see the Elder’s favour has not made you lenient. Good.”

The clouds recede.

Then, with returned thunder, the man poured the first ring’s contents into the air. A shattering of fragments blew forth, and curiously, the dust and detritus poured only atop Zhu before revealing the suspended contents above.

By Fu’s lacking count, one hundred pills lined the air, organised in rows between several tomes and lesser artefacts. A radiation of Qi escaped the ‘supplies’, if mortal terms could be applied, for linens, bowls, and equipment of various sizes appeared.

“Your senior is curious,” the man said flatly.

“A [Mystic Realm], senior,” bowed Fu. “During this junior’s personal time.”

Each wrinkle upon the man’s brow sharpened. “Multiple treatises on strategy, formation and a [Cultivation Manual] aligned to [Mind Qi]. Among other insignificant trinkets. If that plum-eyed fool had delivered this, I would question its origin. Four yet pulls much into question.”

Fu only lowered further.

“The Clouded Court Squads do not seek glory. Or is your [Dao Oath] forgotten?”

“This junior merely wished to test his own cultivation so he might not embarrass the Sect,” replied Fu.

“My wall remains thick with contracts,” came the reply. But here the crotchety man delivered a disinterested hum. “You, the Zhu boy. Do not lead him further astray.”

Zhu clasped his hands, dust spilling from his hair. “As you say, senior.”

“The usual tithe is levied. State how you wish your Points,” the man continued. “The disciple’s standard agreement was previously all. Yet, with present company, and the stench of spirit wine thick, it gives me cause to wonder.”

“This junior wishes only for the Contribution Points,” said Fu, and in a moment the donations vanished to bring about a great unsteadiness in his legs.

As though he were a youth, standing atop a deck for the first time.

---