"Congratulations on reaching Qi Refining." Su Min stood up and addressed Prince Yong, who was watching his son's breakthrough with nervous anticipation. "Now prepare a quiet room for me—I'll be going into seclusion for some time. As for the medicinal ingredients, gather what you can and send them to me in batches. I'll provide the Qi-Inducing Pills in return."
With the young prince's advancement complete—all that remained was stabilizing and tempering his spiritual energy—Su Min had no reason to stay longer.
"Attendants! Arrange quarters for Lady Su at once!"
Prince Yong wasted no time, immediately dispatching guards to escort her away. While he couldn't restrict her movements, her willingness to remain here was advantageous. Besides, he needed to mobilize his forces urgently to scour for more Grade 3 medicinal ingredients.
No sooner had Su Min left than the young prince stirred, rising to his feet.
"Father, where is that lady just now?"
Prince Yong's eyelid twitched. Of all things, his son's first concern upon awakening wasn't testing his newfound power—but asking after a woman's whereabouts.
"She has zero interest in you," Prince Yong said bluntly. "And given her achievements, you're not even in the same league. Don't annoy her, unless you want to be beaten to death."
He had to douse his son's hormonal enthusiasm before it became a problem.
"No, Father. I can feel limitless power surging through me now. No one can rival me—except her."
"..."
For a moment, Prince Yong almost missed the hormone-driven version. Here was a stunningly beautiful woman, and all his son could think about was challenging her to a fight?
"Do not disturb her. She's a vital ally."
"...Understood."
In a Secluded Chamber Su Min finally relaxed, alone at last.
"Finally, I can focus on converting these materials into combat strength. But crafting armor is far more complex—it might take one or two months. I'll refine the Qi-Inducing Pills first."
She sifted through her materials. The monster had provided vast quantities of rare metals, which—combined with the tiger hide and other components—could forge a full suit of armor. Even with her defensive skills, physical protection was indispensable. The only issue? The crafting process was excruciatingly time-consuming.
~Edit and rewritten by Rikhi, Reiya_Alberich, ReiNyam~
For now, she'd use the remaining ingredients to refine more Qi-Inducing Pills for trade. Her prices might seem steep, but they were more than fair. Even in eras overflowing with geniuses, alchemists and blacksmiths held unshakably lofty statuses.
"I have enough for two batches this time. I'll refine one set now—and take this chance to break through to late-stage Qi Refining. Plus, I can craft a Qi-Gathering Pill too."
Crossing her legs, Su Min summoned her alchemy furnace.
[Qi-Gathering Pill: High-tier Grade 2 pill. When used during Qi Refining, it has a high probability of elevating the user by one minor stage—but cannot assist in major breakthroughs.]
Having already reached mid-stage Qi Refining, she was on the cusp of advancing. This pill offered the fastest, safest path forward. Her Nanming Lihuo flared to life. With her current soul strength, high-tier Grade 2 pills posed no challenge. After reaching late-stage Qi Refining, she could attempt Grade 3 elixirs.
—
One Day Later
"Still not proficient enough. Only one pill per batch."
Su Min chuckled dryly, examining the lone pill in her palm. Then she retrieved another vial—this one containing several round, lustrous pills.
Qi-Inducing Pills.
Enough to drive every Body Refining expert to madness. For her current skill level, refining them wasn't difficult. This batch had yielded five pills—a testament to her meticulous ingredient usage and Nanming Lihuo's potency. Still, this was Grade 3 alchemy territory.
"It seems my compendium has unlocked third-grade recipes as well. Still, soul strength alone isn't enough — I need more practice. Time to break through first."
Without hesitation, she swallowed the Qi-Gathering Pill.
Boom!
Her aura erupted, rippling across the entire Prince Yong's estate. Every cultivator present froze, sensing the surge. Prince Yong's eyes gleamed. "Once she emerges, I must ask if she's willing to leave behind her alchemy legacy—"
"Father... Is this her true power?"
His son stared, mesmerized, at the energy fluctuations. Even as a new Qi Refining cultivator, the gulf between them was vast. This proved Qi Refining was just the beginning. The surge vanished as swiftly as it came, retracting entirely. Su Min had already been at mid-stage Qi Refining's peak. Over the past year, constant battles and expenditure had solidified her foundation. With the pill's boost, advancing was effortless.
"Strength has increased again. Next step: crafting the treasure armor. At my current level, it'll take less time—but still far longer than forging the Water-Fire Staff."
In the next instant, materials cascaded from her spatial ring. The gleaming metals were instantly engulfed by her Nanming Lihuo. The room blazed with heat, forcing even the outer guards to retreat hastily. Nanming Lihuo, unleashed by a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, could annihilate Body Tempering experts with a single spark—let alone ordinary humans. Prince Yong employed many experts, but not as mere guards. These were common soldiers, utterly defenseless against such power.
—
One Month Later
The scorching temperatures finally subsided. Ironically, the prolonged heat had turned the snow-covered estate into a lush oasis. Nanming Lihuo wasn't just destructive—it carried vitalizing energy too.
"Done. A month of non-stop burning nearly exhausted me... But the results are worth it."
Su Min exhaled, eyeing the completed armor before her. As before, she hadn't pushed her limits. Though time-consuming, the process had been manageable.