Anthony realized that while his knowledge was vast, his body was still young and his reserves of energy were limited compared to true powerhouses. He needed resources.
"I need to refine pills," Anthony muttered. "Pills can help me cultivate faster, strengthen my meridians, and increase my mana capacity."
Using his allowance, he bought some cheap herbs from the market. They were low-grade ingredients, usually thrown away by rich students. Back in his room, he set up a simple cauldron.
"Master, how should I proceed?"
Watch the fire, Aetherion instructed. Fire is not for burning. It is for transformation. You must speak the language of the herbs, coaxing their essence out without destroying their properties.
Anthony ignited a small flame. It wasn't ordinary fire; it was "Spirit Fire," conjured directly from his mana. He threw the herbs in. Instead of boiling them chaotically, he controlled the temperature with microscopic precision. He knew exactly when to increase heat, when to cool down, and when to merge the ingredients.
The herbs melted into colorful liquids, swirling together. Within thirty minutes, the liquid condensed.
Pop.
Seven round, crystal-clear pills floated in the air, emitting a fragrant aroma that made the mind clear.
"Grade-2 Spirit Gathering Pills!" Anthony smiled. "And the quality is perfect. Top grade."
Ordinary alchemists would be lucky to get 2 or 3 pills with a 50% success rate. Anthony made seven flawless ones effortlessly. He swallowed one. Instantly, a warm energy spread through his body, washing over his meridians, making them wider and stronger. His cultivation base began to rise rapidly.