Sitting on the log around the fire, Xiao Chang pulled a jug of wine, along with three crystal goblets, from a brownish cloth bag that was attached to his waist and measured a little over a handspan. He knew very well that Xiao Ning was in no condition to offer these things, so he brought them from home.

  Without showing any modesty, Xiao Ning immediately poured himself a glass. With the drink in hand, he swirled the wine in a coarse, unknowledgeable manner and smelled the sweet fragrance that was released.

  "This is a good wine, Uncle Chang," he commented. "I bet it would make a good Elixir."

  "Ah, thank you! No need to hold back. Help yourself." Pleased with the compliment, Xiao Chang gave a cheerful smile. Next, he served his daughter and himself.

  Now that Uncle Chang had finally arrived, Xiao Ning, who was starving, wasted no time and cut a generous slice of the roasted meat from the Red-Haired Boar. First, he served the guests. He placed the meat on old, chipped plates—the only ones he had at home.

  Xiao Chang accepted it gladly. However, Xiao Shui, who seemed not to want to be there, turned her face and hissed:

  "I don't want that disgusting thing!" She was in a terrible mood. She had been forced by her father to come here, even though she didn't want to be near this vagabond. And now she would have to eat the food prepared by him? No way would she do that.

  "Ahaha! Don't be like that, Little Shui. Here! I'm sure you will like it." But Xiao Ning didn't mind her bad mood and, with a relaxed smile, placed the plate containing the roasted meat on the log right next to her.

  "Don't call me little!" protested Xiao Shui, enraged. She hated being called that way by someone who wasn't intimate with her, regardless of who it was. But especially by him.

  Xiao Chang looked sideways at his daughter who wouldn't stop saying rude things. He thought about reprimanding her but knew that doing so would only make things worse. He, in a way, wanted those two to get along as friends, just like it was with him and Ning's father in the past. Although, perhaps, that was something impossible.

  Lamenting this, he let out a heavy sigh, took a sip of wine, and ate a piece of the roasted meat...

  Suddenly, as soon as he swallowed the Red-Haired Boar meat, his eyes widened and he looked at the cracked plate in his hand:

  "W-What is this? Am I imagining things?" he stuttered. His face, covered by a short beard, was marked with profound astonishment.

  "What is it, did something happen?" asked Xiao Shui hastily, seeming worried, noticing the sudden change in her father's gaze. "Damn vagabond, what did you put in my father's food?"

  However, giving little importance to Shui's shrill screams, Xiao Ning cut a piece of meat for himself, ignoring her with undeniable excellence. Since he only had two plates, he had to hold the juicy and steaming steak with his fingertips, switching from one hand to the other in order to avoid burns, while sitting on the rotten wooden seat facing the father and daughter.

  At the same time, Xiao Chang, as if to be sure, took a second bite of the boar. And this time there was no doubt.

  "My cultivation increased!" he murmured in shock. "It was just a little; almost imperceptible, but my cultivation really increased." Xiao Chang raised his head, looked at Ning, and with an emotional voice that carried the astonishment he was feeling, questioned: "How is this possible?"

  Seeing her father's reaction, Xiao Shui also looked at Xiao Ning, who in turn remained seated, calm, chewing his dinner, holding it between his teeth while blowing a cold wind in an attempt to lower the meat's temperature.

  "What's strange about that? Food is for that too," he said in response, shrugging his shoulders as if increasing one's cultivation by eating was something normal. "Haven't you ever heard that you have to eat to grow?"

  "I have eaten many Red-Haired Boars throughout my life, among other Demonic Beasts, and even Magic Beasts once, but I never felt my cultivation increase while doing it." It was perceptible by the tone in his voice that Xiao Chang was deeply surprised. It had been a long time since he was surprised like this.

  However, to his astonishment, Xiao Ning answered in his usual casual tone:

  "If you think about it, Uncle Chang, you will realize there is nothing strange about your cultivation increasing after eating the meat of a Demonic Beast. On the contrary, the strange thing is that it never increased until now. You must have been eating spoiled meat. Ahaha!" he mocked, giving an amused smile.

  "What do you mean, Little Ning?" inquired Xiao Chang, who felt tempted by the boy's words, giving little importance to the mockery.

  "Look here, Uncle," Xiao Ning began to explain himself. "Monsters, be they Demonic Beasts or Magic Beasts, just like us, cultivate. Of course, their way of cultivating is different; it's natural. They don't need Spiritual Cultivation Techniques like us. But, I ask you, what happens to their cultivation, to the Spiritual Energy they spent their lives accumulating, when they die?"

  "It returns to nature," replied Xiao Chang without hesitating; he already had the answer on the tip of his tongue. This type of knowledge was common even among mortals. When human cultivators died, this also happened.

  But to his surprise, Xiao Ning shook his head denying his statement:

  "Uncle is not wrong, but he is also not right," he began to articulate an answer. "The Spiritual Energy does indeed return to nature, but that is only a part of it. A small fraction of this Energy remains impregnated in the meat, organs, and bones; so much so that it is not strange to find human and monster bodies preserved hundreds or thousands of years after their death. That is also why materials harvested from these monsters are so valuable."

  "So, are you saying that what I felt were the remnants of the remaining Spiritual Energy of the Red-Haired Boar?" inquired Xiao Chang, beginning to understand Xiao Ning's reasoning.

  "Exactly!" he confirmed, nodding.

  "But if that is the case, then why has this never happened? I have eaten many Demonic Beasts in my life, but I never felt my cultivation increase." Even though his godson's explanation was easy to understand and accept, there were still certain things that didn't make sense.

  "I don't know. Was the meat spoiled? Past its expiration date?" He shrugged. "Or it could be because of the technique. Even though many people know what I just said, most are unaware of the technique needed to extract this remaining energy. Furthermore, I used a Thief Mushroom that I found on the mountain, and that facilitates the absorption of Spiritual Energy even more, as it is an Herb that helps with digestion."

  At first, Xiao Chang wasn't very convinced. It all seemed a bit absurd and too fantastic to believe. But when a technique was mentioned, things seemed to become a little more plausible. It made sense to need something of the sort to absorb such remaining Energy. Besides, there was no reason to doubt Xiao Ning's words. After all, he was witnessing it at this exact moment.

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  "Well, I call it a technique, but it's more like a skill," added Xiao Ning, after swallowing another piece of meat.

  "Ahahaha! Impressive!" he praised with an ecstatic smile. "I had never heard of such a skill. Something so rare must be worth its weight in gold." Xiao Chang was truly happy. He never thought his friend's vagabond son would show such talents. Of course, the brat still had the same lazy face as always, but there was no denying that Xiao Ning was evolving. First, there was the fact that he had finally reached the 4th Layer of the Mundane Realm, and now this. Was it or was it not a reason to celebrate? Who knows, with luck, he would be free of that vagabond and gain a new godson, dedicated to cultivation and respectful.

  Xiao Ning gladly accepted Uncle Chang's excitement. It made him very happy to see someone get excited about his culinary skills. To be honest, there were many ways to absorb the remaining Spiritual Energy of a dead monster; some techniques were even better, more effective, but only one did it through cooking.

  However, unlike her excited father, Xiao Shui had her face marked by a grimace. She didn't doubt anything her father had said, but she firmly questioned every word of Ning's. And even knowing that food could increase her cultivation, she still refused to eat it.

  Realizing this, Xiao Ning couldn't help but make a comment:

  "Are you sure you aren't going to eat? It's delicious. Besides, maybe it will help you reach the 7th Layer of the Mundane Realm."

  Hearing him talk about her cultivation, Xiao Shui made a strange face and was about to ask him how he knew that. But she remembered that her level was no secret within the Family, so she let it go. She just turned her face, ignoring his advice.

  "Shui, you should take this opportunity. It will be good for your cultivation." Xiao Chang also tried to convince her. He knew how stubborn his daughter could be when she wanted to.

  Xiao Shui looked at her father somewhat reluctantly. She wanted to throw a flood of insults at the damn vagabond. Say she would rather die than put his food in her mouth. However, in the end, she did none of that. Because she didn't know how to say "no" to her father. So, surrendering to his words, she decided to join the dinner...

  The night passed slowly, and although there were only three people there, the Red-Haired Boar—which weighed over two hundred kilos when alive and whole—was almost completely devoured. In the end, the person who ate the most was Xiao Shui. Since she was much lower compared to her father in cultivation, the effects felt were greater. If her stomach were a little bigger, she would have devoured even the bones.

  But in the end, she was still far from managing to advance to the next level.

  Anyway, the three were happily enjoying the roasted meat along with the wine when, suddenly, Xiao Chang fell silent. He made a thoughtful expression. Scratched his chin. And finally, confessed what was bothering him:

  "Little Ning, are you really thinking about advancing to the Awakening Realm?" he questioned, assuming a serious countenance. The words spoken by Xiao Ning when they coincidentally met at the Combat and Training Arena wouldn't leave his head.

  "I am, why?" replied Xiao Ning, who by this point had his legs stretched out and arms thrown back, almost lying on the wood due to his full belly.

  "Hmph! This vagabond? Only in your dreams," sneered Xiao Shui, who didn't miss the chance to provoke him.

  "This skill capable of extracting the remaining Energy from Demonic Beasts is indeed impressive, and while you are in the Mundane Realm, it can help you level up. However, with just this, it will be impossible to pass to the Awakening Realm," confessed Xiao Chang. He knew how valuable the skill demonstrated by Xiao Ning was. However, the amount he could benefit from it was limited. "That is why I was thinking about buying one or two Low Spiritual Pills. Unfortunately, that is all I can get for now."

  "Father, you can't do that!" When she heard her father's offer, Xiao Shui—with her belly slightly rounded, stuffed with meat—gave a forced jump and immediately prepared to protest. "Low Spiritual Pills are very expensive. Besides, you already sent some Medium Spiritual Pills to Brother Chan this year; if you spend more money..."

  "That's enough, Xiao Shui!" reprimanded Xiao Chang. "We must know how to share. I will also get you some, so behave."

  "That's not the point..." insisted Xiao Shui. However, once again she was interrupted. This time, by someone else.

  "Ahaha! I appreciate Uncle's offer, but I must refuse," said Xiao Ning with a calm smile.

  "Why would you refuse? If you consumed a Low Spiritual Pill, you would certainly reach the 5th Layer before the Selection." Xiao Chang couldn't understand the reason for this refusal. Even Xiao Shui was confused. If she were in his place, she would definitely accept.

  From the way the two reacted, it seemed Ning was losing a valuable offer. And to tell the truth, he had no idea what the Spiritual Pills of the Golden Empire were like, since he had never used one. Perhaps they were indeed extraordinary, potent, and unparalleled. However, even so, he wouldn't accept.

  "You see, I already give Uncle Chang too much trouble," said Xiao Ning. And Xiao Chang looked ready to contest but had no time. "Furthermore, I was serious when I said I aimed to be an Alchemist. For that reason, from now on, I will create my own pills."

  When she heard Xiao Ning say he gave her father a lot of trouble, Xiao Shui—disregarding the rest of the speech—remembered the moment she scolded him when they were on the mountain. And now, with him refusing a generous offer like this, she began to think her words might have actually had some effect. Perhaps this dinner was his way of showing that he would no longer be the same freeloader of the past.

  Xiao Chang understood his godson's intentions well. But still, he seemed reluctant to agree. It was only after a while that he shook his head and consented:

  "If Little Ning thinks so, I will insist no more." It was evident he still gave no credit to his godson's story of wanting to become an Alchemist. But at least he would respect his will.

  Thus, the dinner slowly came to an end. Xiao Chang and Xiao Shui left much more satisfied than they thought they would be. And this was especially true for Xiao Shui, who not only delighted herself with good food but also had her cultivation increased considerably, despite having gained a few kilos in the process. But that was a worry for another day.

  After father and daughter left, Xiao Ning wasted no time and passed out. Today, with a full stomach, it was a very easy task, I must point out, to fall into a deep sleep. As always, the moment he slept, a blue light covered his body, and the surrounding Spiritual Energy was sucked in.

  The next morning, when he woke up—in a very good mood, by the way—Xiao Ning stretched and looked at the small window of the shack, through which the sun radiated a genuine joy, and witnessing such a demonstration, he couldn't help but smile along. The reason for his good mood was simple; it had nothing to do with last night's dinner. Today would be the first day he would practice Alchemy.

  Not wanting to waste a single second, Xiao Ning jumped up and immediately grabbed the Enchanted Cauldron he had stored in a corner and placed it over the fire pit in the middle of the shack. Then, he spread a cloth on the floor and poured part of the Malachi Grass onto it. He stored the rest. And with his fingers, he spread the remaining leaves over the cloth.

  Next, he took the Red-Haired Boar's spleen, which was stored in a glass jar, placed it on a board, and with the knife used at dinner, divided the organ in half. After storing the other half again, he chopped the remaining spleen into four equal pieces.

  With the spleen chopped and the grass spread on the floor right within reach, the preparations were ready. All he needed to do was start. And the first Alchemical Composition he would make now that he returned was: Mosquito Repellent Pill!

  The Mosquito Repellent Pill was an Inferior quality refining. It was, as the name suggested, a mosquito repellent. Upon taking this pill, the body would begin to exhale a smell that, although strange, wouldn't bother a human being's sense of smell but would be terrible for those little pests. Even some Demonic Beasts would stay away.

  The reason for Xiao Ning to start right away with this pill—which, let's agree, was no big deal—was very simple: Practice. Although he had all the memories of how to make pills that would shock the Golden Empire, being able to compose them was another thing.

  Refining a pill, or cooking a potion, was much more than throwing ingredients into a cauldron and lighting the Essence Flames. It was something that required practice and dedication. And even though Xiao Ning remembered the whole process perfectly, he had no practice. His Spiritual Sense was imprecise. His Essence Flames, weak and unstable. And these were things that needed to be improved little by little.

  And what better way to do this than to practice with something low-level?

  Thus, Xiao Ning placed the ingredients on the floor at a distance that would be easy to reach. He sat cross-legged in front of the cauldron. He invoked his Essence Flames and threw them into the fire pit.

  The next instant, an unpleasant smell infected the air in the cabin.

  Xiao Ning ignored the smell of leftovers coming from the burnt metal and with his bare palm touched the side of the cauldron. A warm sensation spread through his fingers, but it wasn't too hot to the point of burning his skin.

  Feeling the palm of his hand heat up, he shook his head negatively. It was common knowledge that Enchanted Cauldrons cannot let heat escape, whether they be of the Normal or Magic type.

  Next, with a movement of his hands, he increased the intensity of the flames. Then, when he was satisfied, he nodded in approval. It was time to start.