The failure of all three attempts at refining the Mighty Huang Pill weighed heavily on Xiao Feng's mind. Although he had remained calm in front of Su Qian and Elder Huo, inwardly, he could not help but feel disappointed. A peak 6th-grade pill was indeed far more difficult than he had imagined.
For the first time in a long while, Xiao Feng did not immediately return to cultivation or alchemy. Instead, he simply walked.
He wandered aimlessly through the quiet paths of the Inner Academy, his hands clasped behind his back. The sun slowly moved across the sky as students passed by, but Xiao Feng paid them no attention. His thoughts were entirely elsewhere.
Hours passed just like that.
The usually confident and composed young man seemed unusually silent. His mind replayed every step of the refinement process—the unstable fusion, the failed condensation, the tiny fluctuation that had ruined his final attempt.
Finally, he stopped beneath a large ancient tree near the edge of the academy grounds.
He leaned against the trunk, looked up at the rustling leaves above, and let out a long breath.
"So… even I can fail this badly," he said with a faint, self-mocking smile.
For a moment, he simply stood there, lost in thought.
Then, gradually, the disappointment in his eyes faded.
In its place returned the calm, steady confidence that had always defined him.
"It's not that my talent is lacking," he murmured softly. "I simply haven't had enough time."
And that was the truth.
In just a little over two and a half years, he had risen from a mere 1st-grade alchemist to a true 6th-grade alchemist. Such a speed was nothing short of monstrous.
Moreover, during those same years, he had also been cultivating relentlessly, strengthening his body, studying formations, planning for the future, and preparing for countless dangers ahead.
Few people in the entire Dou Qi Continent could have accomplished even half of what he had done in that time.
Thinking of this, Xiao Feng could not help but chuckle.
"If that doesn't make me a genius, then what does?"
His voice carried a trace of amusement, but it was not arrogance. It was simple acknowledgment.
He had earned his confidence.
Of course, he knew very well that his achievements were not solely due to talent. His memories from his previous life, his education from a top university, and his scientific way of thinking had given him an enormous advantage.
His understanding of chemistry, energy balance, and systematic experimentation had greatly accelerated his progress in alchemy.
And then there was the strange flame—a treasure that countless alchemists could only dream of possessing.
Without these advantages, his growth would never have been so rapid.
"But from here on…" he said quietly, his gaze sharpening, "I'll have to rely more on my own true ability."
The easy stages were behind him now.
At the level of a 6th-grade alchemist, every step forward required genuine comprehension, experience, and skill. External advantages could help, but they could no longer carry him entirely.
As this thought settled in his mind, another realization suddenly struck him.
"Perhaps… my greatest talent isn't alchemy after all."
He paused, considering it carefully.
"It might actually be formations."
The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.
His soul strength, precision, and ability to analyze complex structures made him exceptionally suited for formation arts. In fact, if not for alchemy, formation mastery might well have become his strongest field.
"Alchemy first… formations a close second," he said with a smile. "Not a bad combination."
Soon, his thoughts drifted to the people most important to him.
His family in Wu Tan City.
Xiao Yan.
Xun'er.
Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yi Xian.
Each of them held an irreplaceable place in his heart.
A warm expression appeared on his face.
"I should prepare some gifts for them."
He immediately began planning.
For Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and Xiao Yu, he intended to refine Earth Core Body Tempering Pills—perfect-grade pills capable of purifying their bodies, increasing their natural talent, strengthening their meridians, and greatly enhancing their physical foundation.
Such pills would provide an enormous advantage for their future cultivation.
Especially for Xiao Yan, whose future path would be filled with trials, this stronger foundation would be invaluable.
"For Xiao Yu… this will help her catch up much faster," he said softly.
"And for Xun'er… even though her talent is already extraordinary, an even purer foundation can only benefit her."
As for Xiao Yan, Xiao Feng smiled knowingly.
"That fellow will definitely act calm on the surface… but inside, he'll be thrilled."
The thought alone made him laugh.
Over the next several days, Xiao Feng returned to his refining chamber—not to challenge another difficult 6th-grade pill, but to carefully prepare everything his loved ones would need in the future.
One pill after another was refined with exceptional care.
These were not merely medicinal pills.
They were gifts, protection, and blessings for the people he cherished.
After completing the necessary pills, Xiao Feng handed them to Han Yue.
"Please give these to Xiao Chen when he arrives in a few days," he said.
Han Yue accepted them carefully, her expression serious.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he receives them safely."
"Thank you," Xiao Feng replied with a nod.
Once everything had been arranged, Xiao Feng finally decided to give himself a well-earned break.
He found Xiao Yi Xian, Zi Yan, and even the Snow Demon Ape, who had become an increasingly loyal companion.
"How about we take a few days off?" Xiao Feng suggested with a smile.
Zi Yan's eyes lit up immediately.
"Really? No refining? No cultivation? Just fun?"
Xiao Feng laughed.
"Yes. Just fun."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled warmly, her eyes softening.
"That sounds wonderful."
Even the Snow Demon Ape let out a low, excited roar, clearly understanding the mood.
Thus, the group left the academy and headed toward the vast forest near Black Seal City.
The atmosphere was peaceful and refreshing. Sunlight filtered through the trees, birds sang overhead, and the cool breeze carried the scent of earth and grass.
For once, there was no pressure, no danger, and no urgency.
Only relaxation.
As they walked through the forest, Zi Yan darted around excitedly, occasionally chasing after small magical beasts.
The Snow Demon Ape followed close behind, acting as both guardian and playmate. Its massive frame moved surprisingly lightly through the forest, occasionally letting out a low, contented rumble as Zi Yan ran circles around it. Every now and then, she would leap onto its broad shoulders, laughing as the beast pretended to stumble dramatically before regaining its balance. Despite its fierce appearance, around them it behaved more like an oversized, loyal companion than a terrifying magical beast.
Xiao Yi Xian walked beside Xiao Feng, a gentle smile on her face. The sunlight filtering through the canopy painted soft patterns across her features, making her seem almost ethereal. For once, there was no poison to worry about, no cultivation pressures, and no dangerous enemies lurking nearby. She simply looked peaceful.
"You really needed this," she said softly, glancing at him from the corner of her eye.
Xiao Feng nodded, taking a deep breath of the fresh forest air. "Yeah… I did."
He looked up at the swaying branches overhead before turning to her, his expression warm and relaxed.
"And honestly, I think all of us did."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled, her eyes curving gently. "Especially you. You've been pushing yourself too hard lately."
Xiao Feng chuckled. "Is that concern I hear?"
"It is," she replied without hesitation. "Someone has to make sure our great alchemist doesn't work himself into exhaustion."
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Xiao Feng kept an eye out for magical beasts with good bloodlines or unusual potential. Every so often, his soul power would spread out quietly, scanning the surrounding area. If he found a beast suitable for taming or future nurturing, he would certainly consider it. After all, powerful companions were always valuable.
But today, he wasn't in any hurry. For now, he simply wanted to enjoy the rare peace.
After walking for some time, they arrived at a clear stream that wound its way through the forest. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky above. Nearby was a small open meadow surrounded by tall trees, making it the perfect place to rest.
Zi Yan's eyes immediately lit up.
"Food!" she declared, as if the word itself were sacred.
Xiao Feng laughed. "We just got here, and that's the first thing on your mind?"
"It's always the first thing on my mind," Zi Yan replied seriously, causing Xiao Yi Xian to laugh softly.
The group quickly set up a temporary campsite. The Snow Demon Ape gathered large pieces of dry wood with surprising efficiency, stacking them neatly before Xiao Feng lit them with a flick of his finger. A warm fire soon crackled in the center of the clearing.
Xiao Feng then took out several fresh ingredients from his storage ring—tender cuts of magical beast meat, wild mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a variety of seasonings he had carefully collected over time.
Zi Yan stared at the ingredients with sparkling eyes.
"You really came prepared."
"Of course," Xiao Feng said proudly. "A proper outing always requires proper food."
Xiao Yi Xian sat beside him, helping to prepare the ingredients. She carefully cleaned the mushrooms and sorted the herbs while Xiao Feng marinated the meat using a mixture of crushed spices, mountain honey, and aromatic oils.
Soon, skewers of meat were roasting over the fire. The sizzling sound was accompanied by the rich aroma of herbs and juices dripping onto the flames. The scent quickly spread through the clearing, making even the Snow Demon Ape sniff the air eagerly.
Zi Yan swallowed dramatically.
"If you don't hurry, I might eat the skewers raw."
"That would be a crime against cooking," Xiao Feng said, expertly turning the meat. "Patience."
When the food was finally ready, the group dug in enthusiastically. The grilled meat was tender and juicy, infused with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The mushrooms were smoky and flavorful, while Xiao Yi Xian had also prepared a light herbal soup using fresh forest ingredients.
"This is amazing," Xiao Yi Xian said after taking a bite.
Zi Yan, whose cheeks were already stuffed, could only nod vigorously.
The Snow Demon Ape received an enormous portion of grilled meat, which it devoured happily while occasionally letting out satisfied growls.
They spent the afternoon by the stream. Zi Yan splashed in the shallow water, trying to catch fish with her bare hands, while the Snow Demon Ape watched in what could only be described as amused confusion. Xiao Feng and Xiao Yi Xian sat on a smooth rock nearby, their feet just touching the water.
For a while, neither of them spoke. The comfortable silence was more meaningful than words.
Later that evening, they returned to Canaan City.
The bustling streets were alive with activity. Merchants called out to passing customers, lanterns illuminated the roads, and the aroma of street food filled the air. Compared to the serenity of the forest, the city felt vibrant and energetic.
Zi Yan immediately grabbed Xiao Feng's sleeve.
"We're shopping first, right?"
Xiao Feng raised an eyebrow. "Shopping? Or eating your way through the city?"
"Both," she answered without hesitation.
Their first stop was a well-known confectionery shop. Zi Yan pressed her face against the display case, admiring rows of crystal candies, honey pastries, and fruit-filled cakes.
"I need all of these," she declared.
"You mean you want all of these," Xiao Feng corrected.
"That too."
In the end, he bought far more sweets than any reasonable person would consider necessary. Zi Yan carried them like priceless treasures.
Next, Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Feng strolled through several elegant stores. They visited a herbal apothecary, where Xiao Feng purchased a number of rare medicinal herbs for future refining. The shopkeeper nearly fainted from excitement when he realized who his customer was.
"Master Xiao, these are the finest quality herbs in the city," the man said eagerly.
Xiao Feng examined them carefully before nodding. "I'll take these, and those as well."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled. "Even during a break, you can't resist buying medicinal ingredients."
"It's an occupational hazard," Xiao Feng replied.
They also stopped by a clothing boutique. Xiao Feng selected several elegant robes, while Xiao Yi Xian found a beautiful pale-green dress embroidered with silver patterns.
"You should get it," Xiao Feng said.
She looked at him. "Do you really think it suits me?"
He smiled. "It would look perfect on you."
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and she quietly accepted it.
Not to be outdone, Zi Yan somehow convinced Xiao Feng to buy her several colorful outfits—and an alarming quantity of snacks.
As night fell, they made their way to one of Canaan City's most famous restaurants. The private room overlooked the lively streets below, offering a beautiful view of the lantern-lit city.
The table soon filled with dishes: roasted magical beast ribs glazed with honey sauce, fragrant spirit rice, stir-fried mountain vegetables, steamed river fish, and a rich medicinal broth specially prepared by the chef.
Zi Yan attacked the meal with heroic determination.
"Slow down," Xiao Feng said, laughing. "No one's going to steal your food."
She narrowed her eyes protectively. "That sounds exactly like something someone planning to steal my food would say."
Even Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help but laugh.
The meal stretched on for hours. They talked about cultivation, the academy, future plans, and countless trivial things. Xiao Feng shared stories from his refining sessions, while Zi Yan dramatically reenacted her battles with various snacks. Xiao Yi Xian simply listened, occasionally adding her own quiet observations.
For once, life felt wonderfully ordinary.
When they finally left the restaurant, the moon hung high above the city. The streets had quieted, though a gentle hum of life still remained.
As they walked back toward the academy, Xiao Yi Xian moved a little closer to Xiao Feng.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?"
"For today. For making time for us… and for yourself."
Xiao Feng smiled.
"I should be thanking you. Without all of you, I probably would've gone right back to locking myself in a refining room."
Zi Yan, still munching on candied fruit, nodded solemnly.
"That would've been tragic. Especially for your cooking."
The group burst into laughter.
As they returned to the Inner Academy, Xiao Feng felt a rare sense of contentment settle over him. The disappointment of his earlier failure had long since faded.
In its place was renewed determination, tempered by warmth and peace.
He knew that the road ahead would only become more difficult. There would be greater challenges, stronger enemies, and more obstacles waiting for him.
But moments like this reminded him why he endured it all.
For family.
For friends.
For the people walking beside him.
And perhaps most importantly, for the life he wished to protect.
Sometimes, even a genius needed to step away from cultivation and ambition—not to lose momentum, but to remember what truly mattered.
And when he returned to his path, he would do so stronger than ever.