Chapter Sixty-One: The Flame of the Primordial Spirit

“Fire constitution?” Both Ye Cheng and Nangong Xue looked puzzled, unsure why this refined man was seeking someone with a fire constitution. But recalling that he was a top-tier alchemist, they quickly realized his intent.

“Senior, are you searching for someone to inherit your skills in potion-making?” Ye Cheng asked, and in his mind, the image of a lively young girl appeared. That spirited lass, always tailing after him like a little shadow, came to mind. “It’s a pity Ling’er isn’t here. Otherwise, this could be a great opportunity for her.”

Nangong Xue’s beautiful eyes shone with anticipation; clearly, she too was tempted by the idea of learning from a master alchemist. Although the owner of this ancient cave was seeking someone with a fire constitution to inherit his craft, the path of alchemy was not limited to such individuals; anyone with talent could pursue it. The question was only how far they could go. Those born with a fire constitution, however, could truly grasp the mysteries of pill refinement—a rare gift indeed.

It was well known that the difference between pill refining and potion-making, though only a single word apart, was in fact worlds apart. A skilled pill refiner could produce medicines that rivaled the finest concoctions of even the best potion masters. Perhaps the cave’s owner hoped that by finding someone with a fire constitution, his legacy might reach even greater heights.

The four pairs of eyes fixed on him made the refined man smile lightly. “Indeed, I wish to find someone to inherit my alchemical arts. Ideally, someone with a fire constitution—though such people are exceedingly rare, I still held a sliver of hope. But it seems it is not to be.”

“I do know someone with that gift,” Ye Cheng said regretfully, “but she isn’t here.”

“How long would it take to bring her?” the man asked.

“I’m afraid not less than ten days or half a month. When I traveled here from Luoyang Town, it took a good deal of time.” Ye Cheng gave a wry smile.

“So be it—fate cannot be forced. In my current state, I doubt I could hold out that long,” the man replied.

“Senior, is it possible to inherit your legacy even without a fire constitution?” Nangong Xue asked in a low voice, her brows slightly furrowed.

The refined man smiled at her question. “That is true. But do you know why I met my end here? Understand that those in the Ancient Pill realm can live for centuries.”

Seeing Ye Cheng and Nangong Xue both shake their heads, he continued, his tone calm, as though recounting an ordinary tale. “In my prime, my alchemical skills had reached their peak, and I sought the path of pill refinement. Alas, due to the limitations of my constitution, I could not create higher-tiered pills. I had already reached the pinnacle of the Ancient Pill realm, just a step away from the Soul Origin realm. I knew I could take that step at any time, and eventually, I did. But as I was condensing the Soul Origin Flame, a sudden idea struck me.”

At this point, a hint of emotion crept into the man’s voice. “The idea was to use the Soul Origin Flame to transform my own body, to kindle a spark within and thus acquire a fire constitution. If I succeeded, I would naturally gain the qualifications to refine pills. The idea was sound, but in my initial attempt, I made a misstep and ultimately brought disaster upon myself.” He gave a self-deprecating smile.

A lifetime spent chasing the pinnacle of pill refinement, only to meet ruin because of it.

He turned to Ye Cheng and Nangong Xue, his expression grave. “That is why I hope to find someone born with a fire constitution.”

“Throughout history, many top-tier potion masters have attempted this method—using the Soul Origin Flame formed at the moment of ascension to transform themselves. It is a defiance of the natural order, fraught with unimaginable risks. Some have succeeded, but most have failed,” Old Mu’s voice echoed in Ye Cheng’s mind.

Ye Cheng looked at the refined man, his eyes full of respect. Though the man had failed, his spirit was awe-inspiring. To have the courage to attempt such a thing—he wondered if, in the same position, he would have chosen any differently.

“It seems that neither of us fit your requirements, senior,” Nangong Xue said quietly.

“Not necessarily.” The refined man extended his palm, and suddenly, a small blue flame appeared upon it. “This is the Soul Origin Flame I once condensed. Knowing my life was forfeit, I preserved it, hoping to use it to transform the constitution of whoever inherits my craft. If you wish to learn my art, I can use this Soul Origin Flame to help you.”

“But senior, if even you perished trying to transform yourself, how could we possibly succeed?” Nangong Xue pressed anxiously.

Ye Cheng nodded in agreement. If a master at the verge of forming a Soul Origin could not survive, what hope was there for two who hadn’t even reached the Origin Realm?

The refined man chuckled. “I did not die because of the transformation itself, but because I attempted it at the very moment of condensing the Soul Origin. In order to draw the Soul Origin Flame into my body and kindle the fire element, I failed to complete the condensation, and my soul dispersed. You, however, are different. You have no such danger—if you can endure the pain of forging a spark within, and though nothing comes without risk, your danger will be much less.”

“What are the odds of success?” Ye Cheng asked.

“Less than ten percent,” the man replied with a calm smile. “That is why I so desired to find someone born with a fire constitution. My remaining consciousness will soon dissipate forever; I have little time left. Whether you choose to try is up to you—I would never force it.”

“Less than ten percent…” Nangong Xue’s lovely face showed her inner struggle. Her eyes fell, teeth biting her lip. After a moment’s hesitation, she spoke: “I must decline. As tempting as the path of a pill refiner is, I cannot risk it for such slim odds.”

Seeing her clear refusal, the refined man nodded and turned to Ye Cheng, watching him with a smile. Inwardly, he mused, “This young man’s body is unusual indeed. He has fully mastered the Blood Qi realm, yet his vitality is astonishing—truly rare.”

At that moment, Ye Cheng was privately conferring with Old Mu. “Teacher, do you think I should try?”

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