Robert steadied his breathing, then flicked two fingers. Indigo spiritual fire spiraled in a thin line beneath the bronze pot, caressing the surface until pale runes around its border blazed amber.
Stage one—Herb Dissolution.
He released the Verdant Dragon-tongue Grass first. Leaves coiled tightly, emitting jade-colored mist that pushed against the cauldron's closed top. Robert channeled a sliver of qi to press the vapor back, guiding it into the liquid base. Too much pressure would scorch the essence; too little and the vitality would dissipate. Beads of sweat formed at his temples as he balanced the flow.
