The first rays of dawn painted the eastern sky as Bai Yu slowly opened his golden eyes. He had remained seated in the lotus position the whole night, continuously drawing in and refining the ambient Qi. Instead of feeling tired, however, he felt more refreshed and invigorated than if he'd had a full night's sleep. The Qi circulating within him was noticeably denser, the pool in his Dantian significantly larger than the previous evening.
At this rate, he mused, a spark of excitement igniting within him, I'll reach the mid-stage of the Qi Refining Realm very soon. Maybe within a week or two. The thought was exhilarating. Progress that would normally take months, even for talented individuals, seemed achievable in days for him now.
With a satisfied smile, Bai Yu rose to his feet, dusting off his clothes. His body felt light yet powerful, brimming with nascent energy. He decided against further physical training for now; his muscles needed some recovery. Instead, another goal formed in his mind, spurred by Lord Wu Mao's suggestion and the reality of his accelerated cultivation needs.
He left his courtyard, navigating the Bai Clan grounds as the compound slowly came to life. The whispers and stares still followed him, but he paid them little mind, his focus already set. He exited the main gates of the Bai Clan estate and made his way into the bustling streets of Water Court City.
The city was already active, vendors setting up stalls, early morning commuters hurrying along the wide avenues paved with smooth river stones. Bai Yu walked with purpose, his distinctive appearance drawing curious glances, but his confident stride and the subtle aura he now carried discouraged any open approaches. His goal was the Alchemy Association. Recalling Lord Wu Mao's words and his own rapid progress, he wanted to purchase some pills to further accelerate his training.
After a brisk 30-minute walk, navigating through increasingly affluent districts, he arrived before a huge, impressive building. It was constructed from white marble veined with blue, with large, clear crystal windows and intricate carvings depicting mythical herbs and cauldron smoke. A sign inscribed with elegant calligraphy hung above the grand entrance: "Water Court City Alchemy Association."
"They sure have money," Bai Yu murmured with a wry smile, taking in the opulent structure. He straightened his posture and entered the building.
The interior was just as impressive – spacious, brightly lit by glowing formation stones, and filled with the faint, pleasant aroma of various herbs and refined energies. Polished counters displayed shimmering liquids in vials and perfectly formed pills resting on silk cushions within glass cases. Alchemists in distinctive robes moved about with quiet purpose, while customers consulted with attendants or browsed the displays.
As soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by a young woman seated behind a large, polished wooden reception desk near the entrance. She had a professional smile and attentive eyes, her own cultivation likely around the early Qi Refining stage, standard for association staff dealing with the public.
"Greetings Sir," she said politely, her gaze briefly assessing Bai Yu's unique features but maintaining her professional demeanor. "Welcome to the Alchemy Association. What may you need today?"
Bai Yu didn't waste time. "Do you have some pills suitable for training in the Qi Refining Realm?" he asked directly.
The woman laughed gently, a pleasant sound. "Sir, that's the main part of our business here! We have countless pills designed for every stage of the Qi Refining Realm and beyond. Which specific effects are you looking for? Strengthening the body? Purifying Qi? Speeding up absorption?" She gestured towards a nearby display table laden with various pill boxes and descriptive plaques.
Bai Yu walked over, his eyes scanning the options. The descriptions were concise:
Dawn Essence Pill: A foundational pill, best taken at sunrise. Enhances the body's natural affinity for absorbing ambient Qi for several hours. Made primarily from sun-dried ginseng root, white lotus seeds, and dew collected from spiritual bamboo leaves. (Price: Moderate)
Jade Essence Pill: A core Qi Refining aid. Directly infuses the user with purified Qi, accelerating accumulation, and helps purify existing Qi, increasing its density within the Dantian. (Price: High)
Iron Bone Strengthening Pill: Reinforces skeletal structure and toughens meridians, allowing the body to better withstand the strain of circulating powerful Qi flows and practicing demanding physical techniques. (Price: Moderate-High)
There were various other pills displayed – ones for faster recovery, temporary strength boosts, mental clarity – but Bai Yu focused on accelerating his core cultivation and improving Qi quality. In the end, Bai Yu decided on a combination. The Jade Essence Pill offered direct, potent Qi infusion and purification, crucial for rapid advancement, while the Dawn Essence Pill would enhance his own efficient absorption during morning cultivation.
He returned to the receptionist. "I'll take three of the Jade Essence Pills and five of the Dawn Essence Pills."
The young woman's eyes widened slightly at the quantity and value of the Jade Essence Pills – they weren't cheap – but she quickly calculated the cost, handling the transaction efficiently. She carefully packaged the pills in small, embroidered silk pouches.
"Thank you for your purchase, dear customer," the young woman said happily, handing him the pouches along with a polite bow. "Please visit us again soon."
Bai Yu left the Alchemy Association, satisfied with his purchase. The pills represented a significant investment, depleting a good portion of the personal allowance he received as the Patriarch's son, but he knew they would drastically shorten the time needed to reach the next stage. With the precious pills secured, he turned and wanted to head back home, eager to test their effects.