With the success of the Grand Auction and the newfound wealth it had brought him, Li Wei felt it was time to invest in a crucial tool for his cultivation journey: a cauldron for making cultivation pills. He knew the benefits these pills could bring, especially with the unique properties of his Dream Qi, and he was eager to start experimenting.
Li Wei made his way back to the old man’s stall. The elderly merchant looked up as he approached, a smile of recognition on his face.
“Back so soon, young cultivator?” the old man greeted him.
“Yes, I need a cauldron to make cultivation pills,” Li Wei replied. “Do you have one, or do you know where I might find one?”
The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. “A cauldron, eh? I don’t have one myself, but I know just the place. Follow me.”
He led Li Wei through the winding streets of Greenbrook, eventually stopping at a hidden store tucked away in a quiet alley. The sign above the door was faded, but the shop emanated an aura of mystery and power. They stepped inside, and a middle-aged woman greeted them, her eyes sharp and calculating.
“This is Madam Liu,” the old man said, introducing her. “She deals in rare and valuable items, including cauldrons for alchemy.”
Madam Liu assessed Li Wei with a glance, then nodded. “I have what you seek. Follow me.”
Madam Liu led them to the back of the shop, where a selection of cauldrons of various sizes and designs was displayed. She pointed to a medium-sized cauldron made of a dark, lustrous metal.
“This cauldron is ideal for beginners,” she said. “It’s durable and highly conductive to Qi, perfect for making cultivation pills.”
Li Wei examined the cauldron, feeling a sense of connection with it. “How much?” he asked.
Madam Liu named a price, and Li Wei handed over the necessary silver without hesitation. He also bought several glass bottles for storing the pills he planned to make. Madam Liu packed everything carefully, and Li Wei thanked both her and the old man before leaving the shop.
Back at the inn, Li Wei set up his new cauldron and prepared to begin his alchemy practice. He had gathered various herbs from the Forbidden Forest, and now it was time to put them to use.
Li Wei started by meditating to focus his Dream Qi, then began the process of refining the herbs. The first few attempts were challenging, as the precise control of Qi and the correct combinations of ingredients required practice and patience. But with each failure, he learned something new, improving his technique and understanding.
After several days of intense effort, he finally succeeded. The cauldron glowed with a soft, ethereal light as the herbs dissolved and reformed into small, round pills. The Dream Qi infused the pills, enhancing their potency by an astonishing 500%, effectively making each one a 5-in-1 pill with a qualitative difference.
Li Wei carefully bottled the first successful batch, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. He had made 100 pills in total, storing them in the glass bottles he had bought earlier, ten pills in each bottle.
Li Wei decided to show his gratitude to those who had helped him. He took one bottle of pills and returned to the old man’s stall.
“These are for you,” Li Wei said, handing the bottle to the old man. “Thank you for your guidance and trust.”
The old man examined the pills, his eyes widening in surprise. “These are remarkable! You have a talent for alchemy, young man. Thank you.”
Next, Li Wei visited Madam Liu’s shop. He handed her a bottle of the pills as well. “Thank you for providing the cauldron. These pills are my way of expressing my gratitude.”
Madam Liu took the bottle, her eyes gleaming with interest. “You’ve done well. These will be very useful. Thank you, Li Wei.”
Finally, Li Wei made his way to Su Mei’s shop. She greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes curious as she noticed the bottles he was carrying.
“I have something for you,” Li Wei said, handing her two bottles of the pills. “These are cultivation pills I’ve made. They should help with your cultivation.”
Su Mei’s eyes widened as she examined the pills. “These are incredible, Li Wei! The energy within them is astounding. How did you manage this?”
Li Wei smiled modestly. “It’s the result of a lot of hard work and the unique properties of my Dream Qi. I’m glad you like them.”
Su Mei’s expression softened. “Thank you, Li Wei. These will be a great help. You’ve proven yourself to be a valuable ally.”
With his debts repaid and his allies strengthened, Li Wei returned to the inn, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. The process of making the cultivation pills had not only enhanced his skills but also deepened his understanding of the Myriad Dreams Scripture and the potential of his Dream Qi.
As he meditated that night, he felt the Dream Qi within him flowing more smoothly and powerfully than ever before. His journey was progressing well, but he knew there were still many challenges and opportunities ahead.
He thought about the Forbidden Forest and the rare herbs it contained, realizing that it would continue to be a valuable resource for his alchemy. He also considered the connections he had made with Su Mei, the old man, and Madam Liu, knowing that these relationships would be crucial in the future.