I Shatter My Bottlenecks Through Dual Cultivation, Stunning Even Immortal Maidens - Chapter 4:

Chapter 4: Azure Spirit Minor Alchemy

As midday approached, Zhou Kai slowly woke.

The jade-like beauty beside him was still asleep, her breathing even and gentle. Zhou Kai looked at the snow-white skin before him, savoring the memory of last night, then glanced at the completely empty [Available Exchange Interaction Points].

“So this is my path of immortal cultivation. Such a narrow path, yet so exhilarating,” he thought.

The woman in his arms let out a soft murmur and slowly opened her eyes.

Chen Ziyi’s gaze still carried the lingering shyness of last night’s intimacy, along with undisguised attachment. Her cheeks flushed as the memories surfaced, and she instinctively nestled closer into Zhou Kai’s embrace.

She forced herself to sit up, enduring the discomfort, and picked up his outer robe to help him dress.

“Lord…” she said softly, her voice barely audible.

Zhou Kai responded with a quiet “Mm,” enjoying her careful service.

Seeing her like this pleased him greatly. He lifted her chin with his finger and lightly kissed her lips.

Chen Ziyi trembled, her face turning even redder as she lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

A knock sounded at the door.

A slightly sharp voice called from outside, “Guest Elder Zhou, the Fifth Elder requests your presence. Please come with me.”

Zhou Kai’s brows furrowed briefly, then smoothed out. He patted Chen Ziyi’s hand and said, “Wait here for me.”

He adjusted his robes and stepped out.

Outside stood a young attendant in green. Upon seeing Zhou Kai, the servant bowed and led the way.

They arrived at the cultivation grounds of the Fifth Elder, Chen Heming.

“Guest Elder Zhou, please sit,” Chen Heming said, raising his hand in gesture.

Zhou Kai sat as instructed.

“I have heard that you have broken through to the 4th stage Qi Refining Realm. Congratulations,” Chen Heming said calmly. “Guest Elder Zhou is an honored guest of the Chen family and possesses considerable potential.”

Zhou Kai cupped his fists and replied, “It was a fortunate breakthrough, all thanks to the family providing a stable environment.”

“Good.” Chen Heming nodded. “Now that you are in the Middle stage Qi Refining Realm, your allowances shall naturally be increased. From today onward, your monthly allowance will be raised to 30 spirit stones.”

With a wavex of his hand, two jade bottles appeared on the table.

“These contain two Low-Grade Qi Gathering Pills and some Clear Spirit Grass for your supplementary cultivation.”

Zhou Kai rose and said, “Many thanks for the Fifth Elder’s generous gift.”

Chen Heming gestured for him to sit again, then changed the topic. “You have now taken my Chen clan’s daughter, Ziyi, as your concubine. That makes you half a member of the Chen family.”

Zhou Kai sneered inwardly. Half a member of the Chen family? They simply see that I have some use and have bound me with a woman.

Outwardly, he remained composed and said, “Being accompanied by Sister Ziyi is Zhou Kai’s blessing.”

“Mm.” Chen Heming seemed satisfied. “Since you are half a member of the Chen family, the family’s honor and disgrace are closely tied to you. From now on, you must devote yourself fully to the family and not slack off.”

So here comes the warning, Zhou Kai thought.

“Zhou Kai understands. I will not fail the family’s expectations,” he replied.

This place cannot hold me for long. Once my wings are stronger, I will find a way to leave. The Chen family’s waters are shallow, yet muddy. His thoughts raced, and his resolve grew firmer.

Chen Heming continued, “Now that you are in the Middle stage Qi Refining Realm, you must shoulder greater responsibility. Each month, you are required to hunt fifty Red-Eyed Snakes and ten Horned Boars to supplement the clan’s meat supply and materials.”

Zhou Kai’s mind turned quickly.

As expected, the moment I break through, work follows. Hunting demonic beasts is the duty of those in the Middle stage Qi Refining Realm. Hard to refuse. I might as well use this chance to ask for a legacy.

He showed a faint, helpless smile and said, “Fifth Elder, it is not that Zhou Kai wishes to refuse, but…”

Chen Heming looked at him. “Oh? What difficulty do you have?”

“Fifth Elder, you are aware that I have a damaged dantian,” Zhou Kai said with a sigh. “Circulating spiritual energy brings unbearable pain. Even reaching the 4th stage Qi Refining Realm took considerable time. Though the beasts are low-grade, their number is significant. Zhou Kai fears he may lack the strength, delay the family’s affairs, and incur blame instead.”

Chen Heming tapped the table lightly, remaining silent.

Zhou Kai continued, “Rather than that, I humbly request permission to attempt learning Alchemy. If I am fortunate enough to achieve even minor success, I may one day refine basic pills for the family, making up for my inability to serve outside. If I prove untalented, I will accept any arrangement from the Elder without complaint.”

I was worrying about lacking a proper source for Alchemy, and this old fox has delivered the opportunity himself. Perfect, Zhou Kai calculated.

A trace of surprise flashed in Chen Heming’s eyes. “Alchemy?”

He studied Zhou Kai carefully.

His aptitude is indeed poor, and the damaged dantian is a heavy shackle. The 4th stage Qi Refining Realm may well be his limit without extraordinary fortune.

Sending him to hunt beasts would yield little efficiency. If he were injured, we would lose a seed capable of producing spiritual roots.

As for Alchemy, though resource-intensive, if he truly enters the path, even a 1st Grade Alchemist refining low-grade pills would be of some value to the Chen family. Moreover, those devoted to the alchemical path tend to be simpler in mind. Less risk of future betrayal.

However, this boy was once a rogue cultivator. Better remain cautious.

Chen Heming weighed his thoughts.

After a moment, he spoke, “The path of Alchemy is vast and profound. It consumes time, effort, and resources. Have you thought this through?”

“Zhou Kai has already made up his mind,” Zhou Kai said with a bow. “I ask the Elder to grant me this opportunity.”

Chen Heming pondered briefly, then took out a green jade slip from his storage bag.

“Very well. Since you have such resolve, the family will give you a chance,” he said, handing the jade slip to Zhou Kai. “This is the upper half of the Azure Spirit Minor Alchemy from the family’s collection. It contains methods for refining ungraded and 1st Grade pills. Study it carefully and do not disappoint the family.”

The jade slip felt cool in his hand.

“If you can refine a qualified 1st Grade pill, you will no longer need to hunt demonic beasts and may focus solely on Alchemy. If you fail…” Chen Heming left the sentence unfinished.

So I still have to go out if I fail? I thought they would let me study Alchemy within the family. Though he thought this, Zhou Kai showed gratitude on his face and said, “Many thanks for the Fifth Elder’s guidance. If Zhou Kai lacks talent in Alchemy, I will submit the required number of demonic beasts in full.”

“Mm. You may leave.” Chen Heming waved his hand, sending over a storage bag. “It contains low-grade medicinal herbs.”

Zhou Kai bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Back in his small courtyard, Chen Ziyi immediately stepped forward.

“Lord, did the Fifth Elder summon you to hunt demonic beasts?”

Her eyes were filled with concern. As a member of the Chen family, she clearly understood that cultivators in the Middle stage Qi Refining Realm were usually assigned to hunt demonic beasts.

Spirit Beasts were docile and could be domesticated, holding mostly culinary value and thus relatively cheap.

Demonic beasts, however, were fierce and brutal. They were difficult to handle and valuable not only for their meat but also for their hides and blood, which produced talismans superior to ordinary ones. Their bones and scales were also materials for refining weapons.

“It’s nothing,” Zhou Kai said, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Silly girl, why worry so much? It’s a good thing.”

“The Fifth Elder took pity on my damaged dantian. He knows that circulating spiritual energy is not smooth for me, and fighting is truly forced. So he allowed me to switch to studying Alchemy.”

Chen Ziyi clutched his sleeve and said, “Alchemists are much safer than hunting beasts outside, and they are respected.”

“And they earn more,” Zhou Kai added.

He returned to the room eagerly, sat cross-legged, and sank his spiritual sense into the green jade slip.

A flood of information poured into his mind.

Foundations of Alchemy, medicinal theory, control of fire, alchemical hand seals, and several pill formulas.

Fasting Pill, Qi Recovery Powder, Clear Spirit Pill, and the Qi Gathering Pill he needed most.

The contents of the jade slip were detailed, yet certain key points were vague. The recorded techniques were somewhat crude, as though lacking the core essence.

“As expected, it is only the basics, and incomplete,” Zhou Kai muttered as he withdrew his spiritual sense.

Comparing it with the understanding granted by the system’s [Alchemy (1st Grade 25/100)], the jade slip’s contents immediately became clearer. The previously vague sections now revealed faint directions.

The system enhances proficiency and understanding of the essence of Alchemy, but specific formulas and operational procedures still require reference. This jade slip is perfect. With it, I can begin refining pills openly and legitimately.