In a dimly lit secret chamber, the walls were marked with the patina of time. Unknown runes and totems seemed to be etched on the mottled stone, faintly emitting a fluorescent glow.
A strange fragrance permeated the air, like the scent of ancient forest vegetation, yet also mingled with the aroma of metal and ore. This fragrance was intoxicating, as if one could travel through time and touch the ancient mysteries. This was a secret chamber that Lin Feng had built at great expense to prevent the energy fluctuations during the formation of his elixir; it was said to be able to block the energy fluctuations of even a fourth-grade elixir.
In the center of the chamber stood an ancient stone platform. Around the corners were various strange objects, some shimmering with an eerie light, others emitting a faint fragrance.
At this moment, a young man dressed in a blue robe sat cross-legged on it, his eyes burning with fervent desire. It was time to examine the treasure.
The first thing he opened was the black iron piece that had given Lin Feng such a peculiar feeling. He held it in his hand, examining it closely, and occasionally felt a tremor in his soul. Drawing on Lin Feng's years of experience opening treasures, "Boom..." a wisp of bluish-red flame rose in his hand—the beast fire taken from the fourth-tier magical beast, the Azure-Winged Flame Beast.
"Based on past experience, I only need to melt the black iron piece with flame to obtain the engraved information. Let's begin, let me see what you truly are?" Lin Feng's heart was filled with anticipation.
"Sizzle..." The flame continued to burn, Lin Feng staring intently at the black iron piece, not daring to relax for a moment. After about fifteen minutes, under the blazing flame, the black iron piece gradually melted, until finally, only a crystalline, liquid-like ball of light floated in mid-air. "Whoosh..." Suddenly, the ball of light shot into Lin Feng's brow.
"A Yellow-Rank Advanced Soul Forging Technique—The Millstone Soul Forging Method. Visualize a millstone within your soul. Once formed, infuse it with soul power. With each rotation, the soul power becomes purer and stronger, even capable of absorbing spiritual energy from the unseen realm, laying a solid foundation for breaking through to the Soul Spirit Realm. It can be said that as long as the soul power is sufficient, one can break through to the Spirit Realm without bottlenecks. The drawback is that the process of tempering will cause immense pain over time, forcing one to stop cultivating. Otherwise, this technique should be classified as a Profound-Rank technique."
"Hahaha, with this Soul Forging Technique, coupled with my powerful soul talent from my transmigration and rebirth, I will definitely go further and further on the path of alchemist. With this, I can obtain more cultivation resources, and perhaps even keep up with Xiao Yan's cheat-like cultivation speed. Hahaha..." Lin Feng's face was filled with wild joy, his eyes gleaming, and his laughter echoed in the secret chamber.
"Hoo..." After a while, Lin Feng let out a soft breath. "I still can't keep my emotions in check. It seems my cultivation is still lacking!" This was understandable. Although he had been training alone in this world for over a decade, who could remain composed in the face of such a huge surprise? Being able to quickly regain his composure was a testament to his calm mind.
Next, he took out the various rare items he had purchased from the market and studied them for a long time. He actually discovered another wood-attribute natural treasure—the Heart of the Suzuki Wood. He found it within a huge piece of Suzuki wood, possessing the effect of calming the mind and slightly accelerating the circulation of cultivation techniques.
The Suzuki Wood is a unique tree species found only in the Tagor Desert. This tree grows horizontally, resembling a dead tree, and has no leaves, making it difficult to determine its survival. This tree grows one meter per year, and upon reaching a hundred years, it will form the Heart of the Suzuki Wood, a wood-attribute natural treasure within its body.
"Such a large Suzuki Heart, this tree must have grown for almost a thousand years. It's enough for Qinglin and me, and there's still a huge surplus. We've really struck gold. Maybe the vendor didn't know its value. After all, this tree grows deep in the desert, very close to the Snake-People tribe. I wouldn't have recognized it if it weren't for the alchemist's legacy." Lin Feng mentally praised the nameless alchemist again.
After sorting and classifying his purchases, Lin Feng stood up. He stretched, "Hmm, my mood is too volatile for cultivation. I should go for a walk!"
...The dividing line of evil...
Walking within the Crimson Fire Mercenary Group's encampment, the mercenaries he encountered along the way greeted him warmly.
Lin Feng nodded in response to each one. A few flatterers even rewarded him with first-grade healing pills. This caused the sycophantic mercenary to bow and scrape, showering him with words of utmost respect.
"Sigh, another uneventful day. The life of an alchemist is so boring." This guy's acting up.
Speaking of the Crimson Fire Mercenary Group, Lin Feng's parents worked there, and after their deaths in the line of duty, they raised him. It's just that he didn't play by the rules, quietly becoming an alchemist. Of course
, the Crimson Fire Mercenary Group's protective role when Lin Feng was weak is undeniable. Lin Feng is grateful, as evidenced by the fact that the Crimson Fire Mercenary Group now ranks second among the major powers in Stone Desert City.
Stone Desert City Power Ranking: First, the City Lord's Mansion. The City Lord was appointed by the Jia Ma Empire to be stationed here. He is said to be extremely powerful; no one has ever seen him fight, but Lin Feng sensed through his astonishing soul power that he was a six-star Dou Ling expert. This isn't surprising, given it's the border region, and a city lord who isn't strong enough risks being suppressed by subordinate forces.
Secondly, there's the Crimson Fire Mercenary Group, whose leader is a five-star Great Dou Master, and the group also boasts several Dou Shi experts and numerous high-star Dou Zhes. It was Lin Feng's contributions after becoming an alchemist that led to the Crimson Fire's rapid development.
Thirdly, there's the Sand Mercenary Group from the original story, whose leader, Rob, has just advanced to a one-star Great Dou Master. Heh heh, don't ask him how he knows.
Back then, to ensure a stable advancement, Rob bought several pills beneficial for cultivation and mental stability from him at a high price; Lin Feng really ripped him off. He still vaguely remembers the pained look on Rob's face.
After that, there are second-rate mercenary groups like Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's Desert Iron Mercenary Group. Although they have potential, those below the Great Dou Master level aren't taken seriously by major powers.
After entering a courtyard, Lin Feng heard a hearty laugh. "Haha, nephew Lin Feng, what wind blew you, such a great master, to your uncle's side?" A tall, muscular man in yellow robes approached. This was none other than Chi Huo, the leader of the Chi Huo Mercenary Group.
"Uncle Chi Huo, please don't say that. I have to thank you for your protection over the years; otherwise, I wouldn't be where I am today." After a brief exchange of compliments, Lin Feng got to the point.
"Uncle Chi Huo, I've reached a bottleneck in my alchemy skills. I plan to leave Stone Desert City soon to travel and explore other parts of the empire, improving my alchemy abilities. I also intend to see extraordinary people and events, and experience the diverse customs and scenery of different lands."
"I came here today to say hello to you." Then, Lin Feng's fingers brushed against his storage ring, and a row of jade bottles appeared on the table. "These are some pills to promote cultivation and to heal and detoxify. I don't know when I'll be back after this journey. I hope that when I see Uncle Chi Huo again, you will already be a Dou Ling expert."
(End of Chapter)