Chapter 5 Flame Master Part 5

Elder Bai Feng led Alex and Natasha deep into the inner sanctum of the Hakim Association.

"This is a treasure hidden within our Hakim Association," Bai Feng said, his voice echoing through the chamber as he opened a grand door covered in ancient seals. "It's a miniature world created by an Immortal-ranked warrior. Here, you can freely concoct medicines without any external interference."

He turned to face them, especially Alex.

"The exam for a Class-One, Emperor-level Alchemist is divided into three parts: 'Spiritual Cultivation,' 'Soul Energy Infusion,' and finally, 'Soul Purification.'"

"Spiritual Cultivation means harnessing your inner power and light so precisely that your pill gains a sliver of consciousness. Then comes Soul Energy Infusion-giving the medicine a soul. Only then does it reach a level far above common pills. But the third step, Soul Purification, is the hardest. There's no universal technique to master it across the continent, and even the most seasoned alchemists often fail. A single mistake can damage your soul-permanently weakening your strength."

Bai Feng's eyes lingered on Alex as he explained. Though the words were directed at him, everyone standing outside the testing area-elite members of the Hakim Association-were listening keenly.

"Do you understand?" Bai Feng asked with a gentle smile. His interest in Alex was no secret. After all, reaching Emperor-level soul strength at such a young age was beyond extraordinary.

"I understand. May I begin the exam?" Alex asked respectfully. He glanced between Bai Feng and Vice Leader Zhen Lei, who stood beside him silently, occasionally adding a few words. There was something unreadable in Zhen Lei's eyes.

"Begin," Zhen Lei said calmly.

Silence descended over the chamber. It wasn't every day one got to witness the Emperor-level alchemy exam in person.

"For the first stage," Zhen Lei announced, "we're providing two pill recipes. But if you prefer, you may use your own."

"Another recipe? Are you mad?" Bai Feng exclaimed. Even he seemed surprised. Recipes for Emperor-tier pills were rare treasures, their value practically priceless. And now Zhen Lei had laid two out, just like that?

"You'll understand soon," Zhen Lei replied in a level tone.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "They're playing a bold game," he muttered. "That's a Grade-Two Emperor-tier pill recipe..."

Even though the recipes were handwritten copies, their worth was immense-especially with the rare herbs provided alongside.

"You think these old foxes are fools?" a voice echoed in Alex's mind. It was Victor, the golden dragon spirit within his ring. "They're doing this to hook you in. Show your strength, and they'll want to tie you to the Association. If something threatens them in the future, they're counting on you to help."

Alex chuckled under his breath. "Free access to an Emperor-tier Grade-Two pill? Sounds like a good deal. If something happens later, we'll deal with it then."

He stepped forward and carefully opened the scrolls containing the pill recipes.

First Technique: Blazing Core Pill

Effect: Enhances mastery over fire-based elemental energy and extends lifespan.

Ingredients: Ice-Soul Root, Emperor Bamboo Leaves, Flamecloud Spring Nectar.

Second Technique: Shaping Pill

Effect: Allows mystical beasts to transform into human form without losing strength. Highly valued among beast clans for its ability to toggle forms at will.

Ingredients: Earth-Lotus, Blood-Emperor Leaf, Frostblaze Fruit.

"Choose wisely," Bai Feng said.

"Master, which one should I pick?" Alex whispered inwardly.

"The Shaping Pill," Victor replied without hesitation. "We have all the ingredients. And it'll be useful."

"Very well, I choose the Shaping Pill," Alex said aloud.

"What? That's the most difficult of all Emperor-tier pills! Even veteran alchemists avoid it!"

"Is he insane?"

Whispers filled the chamber as members of the Association looked on with awe and disbelief.

"If he pulls this off," a silver-haired girl murmured from the sidelines, "I won't even need to ask the Leader's permission..."

Alex took a deep breath. "Master once said that divine light variants are rare in this world... If I use mine to craft this pill, the outcome will blow their minds."

He raised his hand and summoned Baya from his ring. Instantly, a small white flame spirit hovered above his palm, glowing with soft brilliance.

"What in the heavens...?"

"A flame spirit?"

Bai Feng, Zhen Lei, and the others stared in stunned silence.

"How does this kid have a Fire Spirit?"

Shock was etched on Bai Feng's face.

"This furnace is amazing!" Alex exclaimed as he summoned a strange, flickering flame and poured it directly into the cauldron. Not a single flicker escaped-the fire was entirely sealed within, completely under control.

For a powerful alchemist, there were three essential things:

First, strong internal energy. Without a solid foundation of internal strength, controlling the flame was impossible. The stronger the internal energy, the better one could purify the essence of herbs without wasting their power.

Second, an exceptional cauldron. A high-grade furnace could completely contain and regulate the fire, speeding up the refining process while maintaining the potency of the medicine. Some furnaces, especially those ranked on the legendary Tian Ding Ranking, were so refined that they could even hide the very birth of the medicine from the outside world.

Third, the alchemist's own strength. The higher the grade of the pill, the more time it took and the rarer the ingredients required. Without sufficient strength and control, an alchemist could easily fail-or worse, destroy everything in the process.

If one could master all three and continue practicing with diligence, they had the potential to become a true master. But to reach the highest ranks of alchemy, relentless effort was the only path forward.

Alex called out softly, and Bai Feng, his flame companion, appeared at once. Without needing instructions, the little spirit understood what Alex wanted and began breathing fire gently over the top of the cauldron. The sight was surprisingly adorable.

With a faint smile, Alex began preparing the herbs, paying no attention to the stir he was causing outside or the reactions of the watching alchemists in the Hall.

"Is that... a Flame Spirit?" whispered someone in the crowd.

"A Flame Spirit... These are mysterious beings born from the purest energies of Heaven and Earth," another replied. "In our land of Liberia, they're divided into the five elements-Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth."

"They're as intelligent as humans from birth, incredibly powerful, and they can evolve!"

"And more than that... it's said that anyone who bonds with an elemental spirit can unlock limitless potential! But they're pure-hearted and only accept a partner they can fully trust. Once bonded, the alchemist's power increases manifold."

As the girl named Akira spoke these words, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"She's right," Master Zhen Lei said with a calm smile. "This boy not only possesses a Sovereign-grade spirit but also a rare Flame Spirit."

"Sovereign-grade spirit?" Akira's eyes widened in disbelief.

"In Liberia, there are many skilled warriors," she continued softly, "but true alchemists are rare. And top-tier pharmacists? Even rarer."

"A true alchemist must master internal strength to control the fire and complete complex refining with precision. Without strength, they cannot go far."

She turned to the chairman. "Chairman, please... let me meet him after the exam."

Zhen Lei let out a slow sigh and smiled. "Still not ready to give up, are you? Very well. Once the test ends, I'll arrange it."

"Thank you, Chairman." Akira bowed politely, then turned back, her eyes full of admiration as she watched Alex, who remained completely focused on the task before him.

Inside the cauldron, the heat had reached its peak.

"It's time." Alex lifted his finger and began placing the herbs inside. Bai Feng sat beside him, mimicking his every move like a curious child.

As the herbs entered the furnace, Alex split his flame into three separate streams.

One focused on the Earth Lotus,

The second began refining the Blood Sovereign Leaf,

The third concentrated on the Snowfire Fruit.

"What is he doing? Refining all three at once?"

"That's impossible, isn't it?"

Zhen Lei's expression turned serious. "Unbelievable... he's refining three ingredients separately with his internal flame at the same time."

Hours passed.

The tough shell of the Earth Lotus slowly burned away under Bai Feng's scorching breath, revealing its glowing crimson essence.

The Blood Sovereign Leaf unfurled on its own, releasing a crimson energy that shaped itself into a bamboo forest. A tiny green leaf detached, melting slowly into liquid form.

Finally, the Snowfire Fruit's icy outer shell began to dissolve, unveiling a golden crystal at its core. The crystal shimmered and melted into a bright, glowing fluid.

The audience held their breath. All three liquids were perfectly refined.

But now came the true challenge-combining them into one.

Alex wiped the sweat from his brow. "Splitting my flame drained a lot of energy. Now comes the real test." He took a deep breath and began merging the three essences together.

As they met, a violent energy burst erupted from the furnace.

"Did he fail?"

"The cauldron-it's going to explode!"

Zhen Lei's eyes filled with concern. "Now we'll see what this boy is really made of..."

Alex's eyes gleamed with determination. He let out a thunderous roar-

"Seal it!"