What do you mean I'm a cultivator?-Chapter 30

As dawn broke over the Falling Star Sect, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Five years had passed since the last major assessment, and the Testing Grounds were once again prepared to measure the progress of outer disciples.

The stone arena gleamed under the morning sun, its ten pillars standing tall and imposing.

Jiang Cheng, now nineteen, closing on twenty sat quietly among the gathered disciples. His posture was relaxed yet alert, his eyes taking in every detail of the proceedings.

The past five years had changed him. His frame had filled out and grown as he aged, his features had sharpened, and there was a quiet confidence in his bearing that hadn't been there before.

"Look who's still here after all this time." a familiar voice sneered from behind him.

Jiang Cheng didn't need to turn to recognize Liu Wei. Five years had done little to temper the man's resentment.

"I thought for sure you'd have washed out by now." Liu Wei continued, moving to sit beside Jiang Cheng. "Or at least stopped pretending you're special."

Jiang Cheng merely glanced at his direction, his silence only fueling Liu Wei's irritation. The older disciple had filled out as well, his shoulders broader, his face harder. But the petty jealousy in his eyes remained unchanged.

"You know, I've been waiting for this day." Liu Wei said, leaning closer. "Five years watching you waste away in that old fool's workshop. Five years of proper cultivation for me. Today, everyone will see who the real talent is."

Seems like despite Jiang Cheng not telling anyone, word had traveled anyways, be it from disciples watching him go back and forth to the weapons shed.

"We are both of the outer sect. So I don't think you can speak about talent." Jiang Cheng spoke, causing Liu Wei to grit his teen in anger, wanting nothing more than to smack Cheng, but restrained himself, knowing causing trouble at such a time was asking for a beating.

Or worse.

The first groups were called forward, and the familiar ritual began. Disciples approached the pillars, channeled their Qi, and the stones glowed in response. The colors told the story of their progress or lack thereof.

In the elder's pavilion, the same faces watched with palpable disinterest.

The white-bearded elder in green robes was there again, occasionally making notes on a jade tablet. Elder Feng sat beside him, his stern expression unchanged by the years.

"Group Twenty Three, approach the pillars!" called the inner disciple overseeing the assessment.

Liu Wei stood, shooting Jiang Cheng a final contemptuous glance. "Watch carefully, prodigy. This is what real talent looks like."

He strode confidently to his assigned pillar, fifth in the row. The other disciples in his group took their places, some with confidence, others with visible nervousness.

"Begin!"

Liu Wei took a deep breath, his face contorting with effort as he channeled his Qi and struck the pillar. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the stone began to glow, first red, then orange, brightening to yellow. The color stabilized at a bright yellow, indicating the sixth stage of Qi Condensation.

A satisfied smile spread across Liu Wei's face as he turned to look at Jiang Cheng in the bleachers. Even from this distance, his expression was clear. "Beat that."

The murmurs from the other disciples confirmed the achievement. Sixth stage was respectable. Above average for an outer disciple who had been in the sect for a decade, give or take.

It placed Liu Wei firmly among the senior disciples, eligible for better missions and resources.

As Liu Wei returned to his seat, he made a point of walking past Jiang Cheng.

"Six stages," he said quietly. "Let's see you match that, woodcutter boy."

Jiang Cheng remained silent, his expression unreadable. He continued watching the proceedings, group after group stepping forward to have their progress measured.

Seems like, with new people Joining and dropping, he was not fated to be on stage along Liu Wei.

The morning wore on, and more groups were called. Some disciples showed impressive progress, others disappointing stagnation. The elders watched it all with practiced detachment, occasionally exchanging remarks when something noteworthy occurred.

"Group Thirty Seven, approach the pillars!"

Jiang Cheng stood, brushing off his robes as he made his way down to the arena. He could feel Liu Wei's eyes boring into his back, hungry for the validation he'd been anticipating for five years.

Clearly, the boy now man, had not gotten over being bested by Cheng, and getting his ass handed back to him when he tried to ambush him one day.

As he took his position before the seventh pillar, Jiang Cheng allowed himself a moment of reflection. Five years of quiet work with Master Liu, of studying materials and refining his understanding of Qi. Five years of steady progress, careful not to draw undue attention while never ceasing to move forward.

And most important. Almost losing his life from what? A foundation establishment equivalent monster?

That was nothing. Cheng knew, that he would keep pushing, and someday, such beasts would be nothing but ants.

Just like how right now, for these elders, he was one as well.

The inner disciple gave the command: "Begin!"

Jiang Cheng centered himself, feeling the Qi in his dantian. His method was different now. More refined, more efficient. He didn't strike the pillar with a easily telegraphed punch as the others did. Sure, technically they punched normally, not using a technique, since that wasn't really the point.

But then again, what was the point, if you just threw a punch without really properly using your body? this was a chance to impress a elder, be it quick cultivation progress, or a high aptitude of martial art understanding. As that wasn't really tested, like cultivation talent, the latter far more important in the eyes of the sect than the first one, It gave the chance to outer sect disciples to show their worth.

Too bad most just thought it as a test of Stage, and not Truly their cultivation.

Jiang Cheng stood before the pillar of the testing array, breath steady, Qi thrumming through his body. Last time, he had only used his arm. This time, he would use everything.

He inhaled deeply, drawing Qi from his dantian, guiding it through his arm, down his legs, up his spine, filling every fiber of his being with Qi.

His foot slammed into the ground as he twisted his waist, transferring force through his shoulder, down his arm, and into his fist, his other hand loose in a open palm stance, Performing the first move of the Blossom fist.

Apparently what was once a Profound technique, now remained as mere fragments of a better technique. In the book, it read that the true blossom fist, could make fists fall like petals in autumn, Gentle and beautiful, yet full of mighty strength.

And then, as his fist landed on the pillar, nothing happened. Not some Boom! or Kapaw!

The pillar didn't budge at all. like he just caressed it, instead of throwing out fist with all his strength.

Just like that senior disciple had told them five years prior, these pillars were far above what someone like him could break.

The pillar responded immediately, glowing red, then orange, quickly brightening to yellow. But it didn't stop there. The yellow deepened, shifting to green, then blue. The color stabilized at a deep, vibrant blue that illuminated outwards.

Silence fell over the Testing Grounds.

Light Blue . The tenth stage of Qi Condensation. Just one step away from the breakthrough to late stage.

In the elder's pavilion, there was a subtle shift in attention. The white-bearded elder with the green dress leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Jiang Cheng. Elder Feng's perpetual frown deepened, and he exchanged a glance with the rest of the elders.

Despite their apparent disinterest, their memories, very powerful thanks to their cultivation stages, took note of Jiang Cheng

Before, he was just a kid ahead of his peers. Now? he was still that same kid to them, a squirt not even of age twenty. But it was a squirt that had kept his rapid advancement.

"Tenth stage." someone whispered, the words spreading through the crowd like wildfire. "He's at the tenth stage at that age?"

As the blue light faded, Jiang Cheng stepped back from the pillar, his expression still calm. He bowed respectfully to the elders per courtesy, then turned to return to his seat.

Liu Wei sat frozen, his face a mask of shock and fury. His triumph had been completely overshadowed. Six stages had seemed impressive until compared with ten. Five years of what he considered "proper cultivation" had left him four stages behind the very disciple he'd been determined to surpass.

No. The same disciple that he always had put under him in his mind. Jiang Cheng couldn't be better than him! he was the best in the outer sect!

"Impossible." Liu Wei hissed as Jiang Cheng passed him. "You must have cheated somehow. There's no way that-!"

"Silence during the assessment!" barked the inner disciple, cutting off Liu Wei's accusation.

Jiang Cheng took his seat, aware of the changed atmosphere around him.

The looks he received were different now, once again. Some filled with awe, others with calculation, and a few with undisguised envy.

And some, like our good friend Liu Wei that were livid.

Arrogant fools was the only way Cheng could describe them.

All of them here, were at the outer sect. Practically trash when compared to the inner sect disciples.

Why did they think they had the right to be arrogant?

Up in the pavilion, the elders continued their conversation, occasionally glancing in Jiang Cheng's direction.

Their interest was noticeable but measured. Tenth stage was impressive for an outer disciple, especially one so young, but they had seen promise before. They would watch, wait to see if he could maintain this pace, if he could take the step into the peak of Qi condensation, and even the final step to Foundation Establishment.

Liu Wei's hands were clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white. "This isn't over." he mumbled, barely audible.

"You think you're so special, hiding away in that shed all these years. I'll show everyone what you really are."

Jiang Cheng didn't respond. He didn't need to. The pillar had spoken clearly enough.

Nor did he want to speak to Liu of all people. Well, he didn't really fancy speaking to people in general, but he was a special case.

As the assessment continued, Jiang Cheng's thoughts turned to Master Liu. The old craftsman would be pleased with the result, though he'd probably hide it behind his usual gruff exterior. Likely worried that his newfound fame might get to his head, or something.

Despite being a grumpy old man, he was the nicest person around here to him.

Not like he was his master or something.

The blue light of the pillar had confirmed what Jiang Cheng already knew. He stood at the threshold of a new stage. Foundation Establishment was within reach, and with it, a new set of challenges and opportunities.

Well, if within reach was a huge ravine, waiting for him to fall in. Daring him to cross.

As the assessment continued, Jiang Cheng found himself drifting into contemplation about his next steps. The crowd had begun to settle after his demonstration, returning their attention to the ongoing evaluations. Most performances were predictable.

A majority hovering around the fourth or fifth stage, with a few reaching the sixth or seventh.

At least for his age group. age wise, older disciples in their early thirties hovered around the seventh to eight.

One notable one, was a old man, likely in his sixties, in the eleventh stage of Qi condensation, his light a dim indigo.

"Group sixty-five, approach the pillars!"

Jiang Cheng's attention snapped back to the arena as a familiar figure stepped forward among the disciples. His eyes sharpened in recognition.

Fang Lin.

She moved with a quiet confidence, her steps measured and deliberate. Her features had matured further, showing a serene calm that hadn't been there before.

Or perhaps, it was just his last memory of her, where she was understandably, quite shaken.

They hadn't spoken at all since that day. Unlike him, she had taken mission after mission, leading him to try to sense her current stage. No result.

Distance aside, likely a dozen Zhang give or take, she was clearly stronger than him, making him not able to guess her stage accurately. Just that she was stronger than him.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Liu Wei, still seething beside him, noticed Jiang Cheng's attention shift. "What are you looking at now?" he sneered. "Another disappointment about to happen?"

Jiang Cheng spoke, his eyes fixed on Fang Lin as she took her position before the fourth pillar.

"It would do you good to use your eyes Liu, instead of having as decoration."

"You...you'll regret that. You're just a frog in a well!" Liu Wei muttered, his closed fist twitching.

The inner disciple's command rang out, cutting their dialogue short.

"Begin!"

Fang Lin closed her eyes briefly, centering herself. When they opened again, there was a clarity in them that spoke of perfect focus. She drew a slow breath, her stance shifting subtly. Unlike the forceful displays of most disciples, her movement toward the pillar was fluid, almost gentle.

Her palm struck the surface with what appeared to be minimal effort.

For a heartbeat, nothing happened.

Then, light erupted from the pillar.

Red, orange, yellow. The colors cascaded rapidly, shifting through green, blue, indigo. But they didn't stop there. The indigo deepened to purple, then brightened to a brilliant golden hue that bathed the entire arena in its radiance.

A Golden light. To the testing array, it represented the fifteenth stage of Qi Condensation.

The pinnacle, the threshold where one could attempt the breakthrough to Foundation Establishment.

Sure, two stages technically existed above this, but they might as well not for standard cultivators.

The Testing Grounds fell into absolute silence, followed by a collective gasp.

"Fifteenth stage..." someone whispered, voice trembling with awe.

"That's... that's impossible for an outer disciple!" another exclaimed, his face weathered with age.

Truthfully, it had been quite a while since a outer sect disciple had reached this high. typically, the strongest hovered around Jiang Cheng's stage, before either leaving the sect to establish villages in the vicinity of the sect, a perimeter of around fifty thousand Zhang(around 166km).

Such a territory might seem big, but the world was even bigger. Cheng had read in one of the few history books, that once upon a time,

The Sky heaven sect once had a territory of around a million Zhang. And that was supposedly around a third of the world, cementing it's reign for over seven millennia.

Liu Wei's face had gone completely pale, his earlier rage at Jiang Cheng forgotten in the face of this new shock, as who he thought to be ordinary at best, be someone once again superior to him.

In the elder's pavilion, the change was dramatic. All pretense of disinterest vanished as they leaned forward, their eyes fixed on Fang Lin.

The white bearded elder in green robes actually stood up, stroking his beard with undisguised interest. Elder Feng's perpetual frown had transformed into a calculating stare.

Jiang Cheng could see their lips moving, though no sound reached the audience. Yet the subtle shifts in their expressions, the quick glances between them, told him enough. They were indeed communicating, likely through some high-level cultivation technique that allowed for telepathic exchange.

And if not telepathic, some kind of unheard wind.

More food for thought.

As for the elders? They were deciding who would claim her.

It was always the same. The elders would ignore the outer disciples, leaving them to struggle on their own with minimal resources and guidance. Then, when one showed exceptional talent, defying their fate to remain in the outer sect, they would swoop in, offering "mentorship" while taking credit for a success they had no hand in creating.

And of course, you didn't have a choice in picking. Or refusing for that matter. who's to say refusing, wouldn't cause you to suffer a incurable disease?

Fang Lin stepped back from the pillar, her expression serene despite the commotion her display had caused. She bowed deeply to the elders, maintaining perfect composure even as the golden light gradually faded.

The crowd's attention had completely shifted. Jiang Cheng's tenth stage display, impressive just moments ago, was now utterly overshadowed by Fang Lin's achievement.

He found himself not minding in the slightest. If anything, a subtle smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he watched the other disciples gape at her.

And of course, seeing Liu Wei's mouth agape like a fish in the water was quite refreshing.

Was this why people liked to slap faces? sure was nice. What did that even mean? perhaps he should start writing down any weird thoughts that he had.

As Fang Lin turned to leave the arena, her eyes briefly met Jiang Cheng's.

There was recognition there, and something else. A quiet acknowledgment between two people who had faced death together and emerged stronger for it. She gave him a slight nod before returning to her seat, surrounded immediately by fawning disciples who had never given her a second glance before.

"Did you know?" Liu Wei asked, his voice lacking its usual venom, replaced by genuine shock. "Did you know she was this... advanced?"

Jiang Cheng finally broke his silence. "The better question, is why couldn't you see it."

Liu Wei looked at him, confusion and anger evident on his face, though hesitant to speak, not wanting to look any more foolish.

Despite his arrogance, he was still just a kid. Well, one in his early twenties that is. And as Wei clenched his hands, deep in thought, in the elder's pavilion, the discussion appeared to grow heated.

Elder Feng was gesturing emphatically, while the white-bearded elder remained calm but firm. Three other elders had joined the conversation, each clearly staking their claim.

"They're arguing over who gets to take her as a disciple I bet." someone nearby commented. "Elder Feng has been looking for a suitable successor to his Swift Wind technique for decades I heard."

"That's not how it works idiot. Elders only take inner disciples."

another one countered.

"You fool. If she breaks through to the foundation establishment, she will be one."

A different one spoke, causing the second one to flush red amidst quiet mocking laughs.

They sure are having fun. Cheng thought, focused at the elder's pavilion.

He watched the spectacle with interest. The elder's quarrel for Fang Lin reminded him of vultures circling a prize. None had shown any interest in her struggles before today.

None had offered guidance when she was fighting her way up from the bottom ranks.

Just as none had offered him any help when he was nearly killed on that mission.

If not for his quick thinking, being the one to first run away, he might not have been here today.

But right now, he wasn't the important one.

Fang Lin was.

Clearly, the elders had something to gain from taking her in. Perhaps some kind of pill of their realm, or some reward for raising up a outer sect disciple, strengthening their sect.

Perhaps, one of them really just wanted a successor.

The inner disciple overseeing the assessment seemed unsure how to proceed, glancing nervously at the elder's pavilion, where the silent argument continued. Finally, he cleared his throat.

"We will... continue with the assessment. Group sixty six, approach the pillars!"

But few were paying attention now. All eyes remained either on Fang Lin or on the elders still engaged in their silent debate.

Liu Wei slumped back in his seat, all the fight gone out of him.

"Fifteen stages." he muttered to himself.

"And I thought six was impressive."

He laughed hollowly. " What Wei am i?"

He muttered, clearly feeling like the world was crashing down. Sure, he thought he was ahead. But not only Cheng, but now Fang Lin being ahead of him gave him a harsh reality check.

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To see a arrogant guy like him wonder if his name really meant great, was quite the amusing sight to Cheng. Maybe the guy would come around. Who knows?

The assessment continued, but the energy had shifted irrevocably. Fang Lin's display had cast a shadow over everything else, leaving the remaining evaluations feeling like mere formalities.

As the final groups were called, Jiang Cheng noticed a messenger approaching the elder's pavilion. The young man whispered something to Elder Feng, whose expression darkened immediately. The elder with a white rose design embroidered on his blue robes, exchanged a few quick words with his peers, and departed with haste.

Something was happening. Something significant enough to pull an elder away from the assessment, and from the debate over Fang Lin.

Jiang Cheng's instincts, told him that whatever it was, it would affect them all.

But hopefully, he was just being paranoid.

All one thousand of the disciples in this chunk of the outer sect were now tested. That made Cheng remember that his outer sect wasn't his only one. Perhaps there were ten. thirteen? no. I had to be symbolic, so fifteen right?

"This concludes today's assessment." The inner sect disciple announced, snapping Cheng out of his thoughts, his voice carrying easily across the arena despite its low tone, Showing the fruit of his foundation establishment cultivation.

"All disciples are to return to their quarters immediately. Tomorrow's assignments will be posted as usual."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the gathered disciples before settling briefly on Fang Lin.

"Disciple Fang Lin, you will report to the Hall of Elders at sunset. Disciple Jiang Cheng, you will accompany her."

A murmur ran through the crowd. Being summoned to the Hall of Elders was rare enough for a single disciple. But for two to be called together?

"Two disciples? that's rare. was some kind of event coming?"

One of the disciples guessed.

Jiang Cheng was asking himself the same question. His display, while impressive for his age, was nothing compared to Fang Lin's.

There was no reason for the elders to take interest in him alongside her.

The Pharmacopoeia of a Wanderer

Lan Yuefeng. Wandering Cultivator

Chapter 0: A Drifter’s Guide to Herbs

Alchemy’s a craft of patience and precision. You won’t get far mixing roots and leaves like some mortal apothecary. A real cultivator knows that the right herb at the right time can mean the difference between breaking through a bottleneck and coughing up blood in failure.

This record isn’t some high-society scholar’s manual. It’s what I’ve learned on the road, from the forests of Yunhe Province to the riverbanks of the Jadeflow Delta. The herbs listed here won’t make you immortal overnight, but they might just save your life, fuel your next breakthrough, or help you barter your way out of trouble.

A fresh herb is a potent herb. A keen eye and steady hand are worth more than any golden cauldron. If you don’t understand that, you may as well stop reading now.

Remember. Herbs and Alchemical creations are separated into grades, depending on their purity.

Namely, Standard, Profound and heavenly.

Lastly, remember that this book contains information about the plant life of the Yunhe Province. But, I'm sure that it will help regardless.

Chapter 1: Mortal Grade Herbs

1. Moonshade Grass

Silvery-blue blades that grow only in the shadows cast by moonlight. When dried and ground, it serves as a stabilizing agent in the Summer Heart Cooling Elixir.

2. Copper Vine

Metallic-looking tendrils with small orange flowers that climb stone surfaces. Its sap can be rendered into a binding agent for the more potent ingredients in Cloud Step Pills.

3. Ghost Whisper Root

Pale white tubers that emit a faint whistling sound when unearthed. Often used as a substitute for rarer spiritual roots in basic healing elixirs.

4. shimmering Starleaf

Five-pointed leaves with luminescent edges that glow faintly at night. When properly fermented, it can replace Phoenix Plume in lower-grade Spirit Awakening Pills.

5. Dusk Thistle

Purple thorned stalks with black blooms that open only at sunset. Used as a carrier medium for more potent spiritual essences that would otherwise dissipate too quickly.

6. Morning Dew Clover

Four-leaved clovers that collect an unusual amount of dew, regardless of climate. The distilled dew serves as a purifying base for numerous pill recipes when superior waters are unavailable.

Chapter 2: Qi Condensation Grade Herbs

These twenty-six herbs resonate with spiritual energy and can significantly aid cultivators in the Qi Condensation realm. Their proper application can mean the difference between stagnation and breakthrough. Of course, that relies in one finding some.

7. Azure Skyroot

Blue-tinted rhizomes that grow toward the sky rather than downward. Forms the core ingredient in Sky Affinity Pills that temporarily enhance one's connection to air element Qi.

8. Crimson Heartflower

Vibrant red blossoms with precisely seven petals shaped like drops of blood. Used in Blood Purification Pills that cleanse impurities and poisons from a cultivator's meridians.

9. Sunset Lotus

Orange-gold aquatic flowers that close at dawn and bloom at dusk. Essential for brewing Dream Walking Elixirs.

10. Whispering Willow Bark

Bark from ancient spiritual willows that seems to murmur when peeled. Primary component in Voice Cultivation Pills that change one's voice.

11. Thunder Mushroom

Bulbous purple fungi that grow only where lightning has struck. Can be processed into Lightning Attraction Pills that help cultivators perform lighting techniques easier.

12. Frost Jade Flower

Crystal-like blooms that remain ice-cold even in direct sunlight. The main ingredient in Cold Core Pills that allow cultivators to withstand extreme temperatures. It is said that the permafrost pill, can allow even a mortal to be submerged in lava, and come out unharmed.

13. Nine Lives Grass

Cat-tail shaped stalks that regenerate exactly eight times when cut before wilting permanently. Forms the base of Regeneration Pills that accelerate healing of physical wounds.

14. Dragon Whisker Fern

Long, serpentine fronds that move subtly even without wind. Used in Sensory Enhancement Elixirs that sharpen a cultivator's perception.

15. Phantom Orchid

Translucent white flowers that become nearly invisible when spiritual energy flows nearby. Critical component in Concealment Pills that mask a cultivator's Qi signature.

16. Sunfire Seed

Bright yellow seeds that feel warm to the touch regardless of ambient temperature. Primary ingredient in Inner Fire Pills that help cultivators attune to the fire element easier.

17. Moon Tear Mushroom

Silver cap fungi that exude a luminescent liquid on full moon nights. Used in Night Vision Elixirs that allow perfect sight in darkness.

18. Spirit Binding Vine

Green vines with unusual pentagonal leaves that naturally grow in complex patterns. Essential for Qi Stability Pills that help novices maintain consistent energy flow.

19. Memory Moss

Soft blue-green moss that retains impressions of whatever touches it. Primary component in Mental Clarity Pills that enhance recall and focus during cultivation.

20. Shadowstem Flower

Black blossoms that seem to absorb light around them. Used in Shadow Pills that temporarily suppress a cultivator's Qi emission for stealth.

21. Yearning Heart Herb

Plants with heart-shaped leaves that pulse rhythmically when near spiritual energy. One of the only herbs recommended to be ingested in it's raw form. Allows one to draw in Qi easier.

22. Mountain Root

Gnarled brown roots said to extend deep into mountains' spiritual veins. Forms the base of Stability Pills that ground a cultivator's foundation during advancement attempts. It can also be used as a weak substitute when forming the Foundation establishment pill.

23. River's Breath Reed

Hollow stems that produce a musical note when spiritual energy passes through them. Used in Lung Expansion Elixirs that increase breath capacity.

24. Starfall Flower

White blooms speckled with luminescent dots that mimic the night sky. Primary ingredient in Astral Awareness Pills that enhance spiritual perception.

25. Phoenix Tail Grass

Red and orange blade-like leaves that resemble burning feathers. Essential component in Fire Affinity Pills that attune cultivators to flame energies.

26. Ancestor's Beard Moss

Grey-white hanging moss that grows only on trees older than a century. Used in Longevity Elixirs that slow the aging process for mortal and cultivators lower than the mid stage Qi condensation.

27. Jade Marrow Plant

Plants with translucent stems revealing a glowing green interior core. Forms the base of Bone Strengthening Pills that reinforce a cultivator's skeletal structure, provided one is lower than the late Qi condensation.

28. Midnight Fruit

Black berries that ripen only during the darkest hour of night. Primary ingredient in Shadow Stepping Pills that grant temporary stealth, even to mortals. This pill hides the physical. Shadow pills hide one's Qi.

29. Dawn Petal Flower

Flowers that bloom with the first light of day, petals shifting from pink to white as the sun rises. Used in Awakened Mind Pills.

30. Soul Echo Mushroom

Grey fungi that produce faint sounds mimicking nearby conversations. Essential for Spirit Communication Pills that allow limited telepathy between compatible cultivators, provided not a large gap in stage.

31. Wind Listening Leaf

Broad leaves that tremble in specific patterns, seemingly responding to distant atmospheric changes. Used in Weather Prediction Elixirs that grant limited foresight of natural phenomena.

32. Heart of the Mountain Flower

Red blossoms that grow only at the exact peaks of tall mountains. Primary component in High Altitude Adaptation Pills that allow weaker cultivators to function normally in thin air.

Chapter 3: Foundation establishment Grade Herbs

Now we’re talking real treasure. These aren’t just herbs, they’re the kind of things sect elders hoard and rival cultivators kill for. If you find one, guard it well or use it fast.

33. Immortal's Tear

Crystal-like drops that form on certain ancient spirit trees once every sixty years. The cornerstone ingredient in Sea Breaking Pills that when thrown in water, absorb mass amounts of it, up to many jin's of weight(around 5 tons).

34. Divine Beast Blood Flower

Crimson blossoms that only grow where the blood of a Auspicious beast has soaked into the earth. Essential component in Beast Essence Pills that temporarily grant cultivators aspects of such beasts, like enhanced smell.

35. Celestial Dew Leaf

Leaves that collect spiritual energy from the stars, appearing to hold droplets of liquid light. Forms the base of star Expansion Pills that gather mass amounts of Qi from the surroundings when ingested.

36. Nine Transformations Grass

Plants that cycle through nine distinct forms throughout the year, each with different properties and appearances. Used in Soul Foundation Pills that stabilize a cultivator's dantian after the establishment of their foundation.

Final Words

You can know every herb in existence, but if you don’t trust your hands, your instincts, and your timing, it won’t mean a thing. Some plants must be picked in silence, others need a prayer, and some demand a bloody price. Keep your wits sharp, and your knife sharper.

May your path be clear and your elixirs pure.