In this world when one finally breaks into the Foundation Establishment realm, only then he is considered a true cultivator.

  To everyone, Qi Refining practitioners are just people who were lucky to be born with a spiritual root. There are also other reasons, for example the lifespan of a Qi Refining cultivator is the same as a mortal, that is 80-100 years.

  Also many Qi Refining cultivators lack the mentality of a cultivator. They rarely care about the profound way and choose to coast through their lives. But no one can break into Foundation Establishment without being serious, diligently cultivating step by step.

  There isn't much difference with the mortals. They can just somewhat refine the spiritual Qi from the surroundings into their true Qi and use it for their paltry techniques. Given favourable conditions, a mortal can kill a Qi Refining cultivator. Infact news of mortals ganging up on a poor cultivator, robbing and killing them still comes to this day. But there has never been a case of mortals being able to kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator ever, no matter the numbers.

  One of the major differences between a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a Qi Refining is the divine sense. It is a type of supernatural perception, a sixth sense that helps to see things invisible to naked eye.

  Unless they practice certain arts, Qi Refining cultivators can only use their five basic senses but Foundation Establishment cultivator at a certain field of range can perceive everything, even a tiny speck of dust in pitch black darkness with their eyes closed.

  The biggest upside of divine sense is in the perception of the flow of Qi. The difference the divine sense makes is heaven and earth. Understanding the flow of spiritual Qi makes its manipulation much easier.

  After he had hit the bottleneck in the Heart of Flame art, Ling Yun realised that his freak like comprehension is too fast that his cultivation isn't able to keep up. The same thing will happen to his practice of alchemy and spiritual culinary arts sooner or later. Rank 2 pills could never be refined without divine sense.

  "Guess there is no point in wasting time in doing this excercise."

  With little Bai wrapped around his neck, Ling Yun left the traning room to go study alchemy.

  ***

  The whirlpool in his Qi lake was rotating frantically, pushing at the edges struggling to expand. Ling Yun could feel an invisible barrier limiting him.

  He had been cultivating the whole night and could feel the barrier weakening bit by bit. He was getting tired but he kept on relentlessly pushing forward. If he gave up at this point, it would be more difficult in the future.

  As the first rays of dawn passed through open window illuminating him with their soft warmth, Ling Yun smashed against the barrier in a final struggle. After a few breaths, it finally gave in and his Qi lake started rapidly expanding before stabilizing.

  At the age of seventeen years, three months and fifteen days, Ling Yun broke into the sixth realm of Qi Refining, first witnessed by the rising sun. He was very happy at this achievement but little did he know that this day would forever be remembered by him for an entirely different reason for the rest of his life.

  ***

  "Brahma is there any way to improve the quality of my spiritual root?"

  The environment provided for Ling Yun's cultivation was the best he could ask for. He was in a third rank spirit land rich in spiritual Qi and wasn't lacking any pills.

  The only thing holding him back was his fourth grade spiritual root. It was above average by worldly standards but Ling Yun's greed wanted to speed up the process even more.

  "There is a thing called Heaven Defying Spirit elixir which can enhance the quality of the spiritual root." Brahma answered in a monotone voice, raising his hopes before dashing it.

  "But you better forget about it. It is an extremely rare resource. I believe in this world maybe only the top most powers would have it in their treasuries.

  "Ling Yun, you've been enjoying all kinds of comfort under her roof but never forget that your alchemist master is not the pinnacle. She is just a reclusive late stage Foundation Establishment cultivator with her only connection being the Hundred Treasures Pavillion. She is just a big fish living contentedly in her small pond."

  What Brahma said was true. Although he knew that there were far stronger and bigger people out there, after spending so much time living with her, the image of Mu Feixue had overshadowed his heart.

  She had her own mansion in one of the four Immortal cities and was respected by even the highest city officials. She lived a life of luxury, doing whatever she wants. With her all his needs were fulfilled before even asking and all of his demands were met with yes. He had truly never lacked anything here.

  Her life was something Ling Yun couldn't even hope to ever achieve before. But after hearing what Brahma said, he tried but failed to imagine what was beyond her.

  Sure he could say things like crushing a mountain with a single finger but in the end these are all childish things. Why would he ever want to destroy a mountain? Right now if honestly asked that would he be satisfied with becoming an alchemist like her, he would probably say yes.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  This birthed a strange unease in his heart. He wished to surpass her but didn't understand what it actually meant.

  Right now, I'm too weak to think about this stuff.

  Shaking his head, he went to the kitchen and decided to make something special to celebrate this achievement.

  ***

  "Young master, a guest is asking for you." The head of servants informed him in the evening when he was busy going through the scrolls in his room.

  Someone asking for me? Don't tell me it's another challenger like Jin Hao

  It turned out to be Jin Hao himself. Ling Yun had never expected to see him again so he was surprised. He bid the servant to welcome him in the guest room while he prepared some tea and snacks. After a while he entered the guest room with another servant with him.

  "Friend Yun! I'm so glad to see you in good health."

  Jin Hao's booming voice echoed in the room as soon as he saw Ling Yun. The bodyguard was also with him and gave him a small bow. Ling Yun put on a friendly smile and took his seat after ordering the servant to prepare the table.

  "Not much as me friend Hao. Looks like your injuries have all healed properly."

  While he exaggerated a little, it was true. The sight of him fully recovered removed the final traces of guilt in his heart.

  "You aren't wearing your alchemist robes this time?"

  Ling Yun noticed him wearing a green robe so he pointed that out to make some small talk. But Jin Hao's reply shook him.

  "Friend, I have decided to quit alchemy. That was the last time I wore those robes." Jin Hao stated this with a sombre smile.

  "Why? Is it because of the accident in that duel?"

  Due to his dishonourable methods, an innocent person is giving up his dream. The guilt started to creep back in his heart again.

  Looks like I'm not that mentally strong.

  But Ling Yun knew in his heart that it was a temporary emotion. Even if Jin Hao came with his face half blown away, he still wouldn't admit anything and any unease he would've felt would fade away within two days.

  He didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this.

  Seeing his troubled expression, a ball of friendly warmth burst into Jin Hao's heart. He mistakenly believed that his friend was so much worried for him and was blaming himself.

  Ling Yun you really are a great man.

  He frantically waved his hands trying to explain, "No it isn't about that. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't play any part in my decision but the main reason I have given up was because I finally decided to let go of my childish dream."

  He looked at Ling Yun with a serious expression. "Friend Yun, you know the reason I decided to walk on the path of alchemy was because one night I had a dream. In my heart I knew it was impossible but still I couldn't help but chase after it.

  "But after meeting with you helped me to finally accept the truth. Now my heart is free from the burden."

  "Can I ask what that dream was?" Ling Yun couldn't supress his curiosity. He wanted to know what a young master of an esteemed clan would dream of.

  "Friend please don't ask me this. In all my life I have never told anyone about it and will never in the future." Ling Yun saw a little red flush on his chubby cheeks. Whatever it was, it must be something embarassing.

  "Oi! Li Wei how could you forget about it. Quickly bring the presents."

  Jin Hao shouted at his attendant to change the topic. His attendant produced a small pouch and put it on the table.

  "Here friend Yun. Please accept this as an apology from me and my clan for causing trouble to Senior Master Mu. I hope your master will forgive this matter."

  Ling Yun reached his hand to check inside it. There were a lot of sealed packets and fruits inside it.

  "My Jin clan excels in spiritual planting. There are lot of high quality tea leaves in here. Also consider the spiritual fruits my personal apology for my rude behaviour. You will really like them. Why don't you taste the moon peach?"

  With Jin Hao's eager eyes boring into him, Ling Yun took it out. It was bigger than the size of his palm and its colour was a shade of light pink.

  He took a bite and a sweet juicy flavour erupted in his mouth. Manners were prevented him from digging into like a wild monkey as he reluctantly put it aside.

  "It's quite good." He tried to keep a straight face but his tongue involuntarily licked his lips tasting the sweet juice.

  "Hahaha! That took twenty years to completely ripen, you won't find it in common markets. It is from my own private orchard. Feel free to ask me more."

  "Now that you have said it I won't hesitate in the future."

  After that they chatted about alchemy and other mundane things drinking tea. In between their conversation, Brahma's voice reverberated in his head.

  "Ling Yun, you should form a good relationship with this fatty."

  Alarm bells rang in his head. Getting Brahma's attention is not a simple matter. What did Jin Hao do?

  "Can you tell me the reason for this sudden interest?"

  "He is a young master of an esteemed clan so this connection can help you greatly in the future. But now I'm mainly interested in the spiritual fruits."

  Ling Yun looked at the half eaten moon peach by his side and the image of a little girl happily munching on a juicy peach came in his mind.

  Does Brahma likes peaches?

  "Hey! Whatever you're imagining is wrong!" The fuming Brahma muttered under her breath about Ling Yun not showing proper respect to his master.

  "The spritual fruits could be used to make wine. Have you forgotten that you have to learn the esteemed art of spritual brewing?"

  Oh that. Ling Yun had really forgotten about it and frankly he could care less about wine brewing.

  "Ling Yun making spiritual wine is the topmost priority. Even more than alchemy!"

  "Yes I remember." Ling Yun somehow placated her. He had found out that the only thing that could make Brahma this excited was wine.

  ***

  "What? All this time you have never stepped outside the mansion?" Jin Hao looked at Ling Yun with an aghast look.

  While talking he had asked his friend about his favourite spots in the city, when he learned this sad truth.

  "I am too busy studying alchemy so I never had anytime to wander about." Ling Yun responded with a simple shrug.

  No don't make that face as if you don't see anything wrong with it.

  But seeing his friend's confused face, another wave of sadness crashed against his heart.

  A seventeen year old boy is being made to live as an ascetic. Oh! Now I understand.

  Senior Master alchemist Mu is a woman so she wouldn't understand. My friend came from small village with no friends in this city. He must be so lonely with no one to hang out with and show him how to have fun.

  Poor lonely Ling Yun

  Jin Hao held back the tears in his eyes.

  "Don't worry my friend. Now that I am here, everything will be fine. Come with me."

  "Huh! What are you talking about?"

  Jin Hao didn't answer him and with the help of his attendant, he forcibly dragged Ling Yun outside to his carriage.

  "Hey wait! Where are you taking me?"

  Ignoring Ling Yun's protests, he ordered his servant. "Take us to the Thousand Fragrance Palace."

  You must have been silently suffering for a long time. I, as your sworn friend, promise that this would be the most unforgettable night of your life.