"Since you've mastered both Dou Techniques, you can continue practicing them," Xiao Zhitian said to the Little Fairy Doctor.
"Then what are you going to do?" s
.he asked.
"To—" Xiao Zhitian paused.
"To what?" she tilted her head.
"Cough, cough… I'm going to refine medicine," he said awkwardly.
Her eyes immediately lit up.
"Can I watch? I've never seen alchemy before."
"You can. But once I begin refining, you must remain quiet. Alchemy cannot be disturbed, or the pills will be ruined."
The Little Fairy Doctor happily made a zipping motion across her lips.
"I promise! I won't make a sound!"
Xiao Zhitian walked toward a cliff beside the forest and carved out a simple mountain cave.
After both entered, he sealed the entrance, leaving only a small air passage.
Xiao Zhitian sat at the center, while the Little Fairy Doctor stood quietly several steps away.
With a thought, a half-person-tall cauldron appeared before him.
The cauldron was purple-black, streaked with purple-gold lines.Its surface was engraved with the sun and moon, mountains and rivers, spirit beasts and ancient patterns.It radiated an ancient and noble aura.
The Little Fairy Doctor stared in fascination.
"It's beautiful… Can I touch it?"
"You can."
She gently placed her hand on it.
"It's warm, like jade… What kind of cauldron is this?"
"It's called the Purple Heaven Cauldron, ranked second among the Heavenly Cauldrons."
"Heavenly Cauldrons?" she asked curiously.
Xiao Zhitian smiled and explained patiently.
"The Heavenly Cauldron Ranking lists the thirteen most powerful cauldrons on the Dou Qi Continent. Each one is coveted by countless alchemists. More importantly, they greatly increase the success rate of pill refinement."
Her eyes widened.
"Then even Pill King Gu He would go crazy over this… You're truly favored by heaven. But you must be careful. If others discover it, they will covet it."
Seeing her concern, Xiao Zhitian nodded gently.
"I'm going to begin. Step aside for now."
She obediently moved back.
With a wave of his hand, piles of poisonous herbs appeared beside him.
After sorting them, Xiao Zhitian activated his flame.The Life Spirit Purifying Devouring Fate Lotus Flame flowed smoothly into the cauldron.
The temperature inside rose instantly.
One by one, the herbs were tossed inside.They quickly melted into essence under the terrifying heat.
Xiao Zhitian controlled the flame with extreme precision, merging the medicinal liquids into a single mass.
Soon, the mass divided into small portions.
Moments later, several dark-purple pills were formed.
He opened the cauldron, guiding the pills into a jade box, then handed it to her.
She caught it with both hands, eyes shining with happiness.
Xiao Zhitian continued refining the remaining herbs.His hands moved smoothly, his expression focused and calm.
Half an hour later, he retrieved a final purple-black pill, stored it inside a jade bottle, and withdrew the flame.
The cauldron vanished.
Seeing him finish, the Little Fairy Doctor quickly approached and gently wiped the sweat from his face.
"What pill is this? It smells so fragrant… It's hard to believe it's made from poison."
"This is the Purple Fiend Poison Spirit Pill, a fourth-grade pill," Xiao Zhitian said calmly.
"It can help you break through two or more realms. Take it now. I'll guard you."
She didn't hesitate and swallowed the pill.
Instantly, violent poisonous mist erupted around her, filling the cave.
Xiao Zhitian calmly summoned his flame around himself, isolating the poisonous aura.
A quarter hour later, the mist slowly returned into her body.
Her aura surged.
Four-Star Dou Shi.
Xiao Zhitian smiled.
"Congratulations."
The Little Fairy Doctor rushed forward and hugged him tightly, planting a light kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you."
He chuckled softly.
"Between the pills I gave you before and these, you should reach around Eight-Star Dou Shi eventually. But you must consume them slowly. Rushing will destabilize your foundation. For the next few days, I'll personally train you."
She nodded obediently.
"Mhm. I'll listen to you."
Three Days Later — Deep in the Forest
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The sound of impacts echoed repeatedly.
"Too slow! Faster! Connect your techniques properly! If your vines are slow, your enemy won't wait for you!"
Xiao Zhitian's voice rang sharply.
The branch in his hand continuously struck her body, breaking through her defenses.
The two had been sparring for three whole days.
Now, even when Xiao Zhitian suppressed himself to the peak of Nine-Star Dou Shi, the Little Fairy Doctor could still exchange several moves with him.
That alone showed how terrifying her growth had been.
Xiao Zhitian finally stepped back.
"That's enough for today."
The Little Fairy Doctor was holding her backside, wincing.
"Does it still hurt? Want me to massage it? My technique is ancestral. Guaranteed effective."
"Hiss—no need!" she glared at him."You did this on purpose!"
"If I'm not ruthless, how will you grow?" he said seriously."Your foundation is stable now. We've stayed here long enough. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, we continue our journey."
She looked at him softly.
"Mhm. Wherever you go, I'll go."