Fated Encounter, Alchemist Huang Ling?

The cavern shimmered faintly with the glow of spiritual energy.

The dense, invigorating air carried a richness that seemed to enhance one's vitality with every breath.

In the center of the chamber, a jade stone bed radiated a serene yet powerful aura, while a tiny cauldron sat on a pedestal nearby, exuding an enigmatic presence.

Xian Tian Di approached the cauldron, his eyes narrowing as he examined its intricate craftsmanship.

Despite its small size—no larger than a finger—it bore ancient runes that seemed to shimmer and shift under his scrutiny.

"This cauldron…" he murmured, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"I can't seem to tell it's grade. Its aura is subtle but undoubtedly extraordinary. This might be the most valuable treasure here, interesting."

Beside the cauldron, he noticed a storage ring resting in a shallow indentation on the pedestal.

Picking it up, he infused a sliver of his Qi into the ring, allowing him to peer into its contents.

His eyes widened slightly as he surveyed the wealth stored inside—an abundance of high-quality medicinal herbs and numerous Profound-grade spirit stones, their energy radiating a brilliant luster.

"This storage ring alone is a treasure," he mused.

"With these resources, I can refine pills of exceptional quality, I wouldn't have to worry about what to use for alchemy for a very long time."

However, when he attempted to store the tiny cauldron inside the ring, he was met with resistance.

The cauldron refused to be absorbed, as though it carried a will of its own. Sighing, he decided to carry it with him for further analysis later.

Turning his attention back to the cavern, Xian Tian Di's sharp eyes quickly located a specific herb he needed to cure Ying Yue's brother. Its vibrant green leaves and potent aura confirmed its effectiveness.

"This will do," he muttered, plucking the herb carefully. As he scanned the area, he found additional medicinal materials that could be combined to create an even stronger remedy. "With these, I can concoct a pill that not only neutralizes the venom but also fortifies his body."

---

While Xian Tian Di sorted through the materials, Ying Yue wandered through the cavern, her curiosity piqued by the mystical atmosphere.

Her gaze fell on a faint glow emanating from a crevice in the wall.

She approached cautiously and discovered an odd-looking pill embedded in the stone.

The pill pulsed with a soft, rhythmic light, almost as if it were alive.

"What's this?" she murmured, reaching out to touch it.

The instant her fingers made contact, the pill emitted a blinding flash of light.

Before she could react, the pill dissolved into a stream of energy that flowed directly into her mouth and down her throat.

"Ah!" Ying Yue gasped, staggering backward in shock.

"Young Master! Help me! The pill—it went into my mouth on its own! What's happening to me?"

Hearing her cry, Xian Tian Di rushed to her side, his expression sharp with concern.

"Calm down," he said firmly, placing his hands on her shoulders to steady her. "Let me examine you."

Ying Yue's body began to heat up, her skin glowing faintly as if her blood had turned to molten fire. She trembled, her eyes wide with panic.

Xian Tian Di's gaze turned thoughtful as he observed her condition.

He was surprised by his findings because she seemed to be on the verge of awakening her beast spirit.

"This… this pill is no ordinary pill. It seems to possess the power to awaken a beast spirit."

"A beast spirit?" she stammered, her voice shaking.

"Yes," he said. "Don't resist the changes. Let the energy flow naturally. I'll guide you through the process."

Ying Yue nodded, though fear still lingered in her eyes.

Closing them, she focused inward as Xian Tian Di infused a steady stream of his Qi into her, stabilizing her chaotic energy.

In her mind's eye, Ying Yue found herself standing before an ethereal landscape filled with swirling clouds and radiant energy.

From within the mist, a magnificent vermilion bird emerged, its fiery plumage blazing brilliantly as it soared toward her.

"I see it!" she exclaimed.

"Good," Xian Tian Di said, his voice steady and reassuring. "Reach out to it. Claim it as your own."

Ying Yue extended her hand hesitantly.

The vermilion bird regarded her with a gaze both fierce and compassionate before letting out a resonant cry.

As it approached, it merged with her, sending a surge of fiery energy coursing through her body.

At that moment, her spiritual root transformed, adopting the fire attribute bestowed by the vermilion bird.

Her cultivation, too, soared, breaking through directly to the fourth stage of the Qi Refinement Realm.

The light surrounding her body gradually dimmed, leaving her trembling but unharmed.

"I… I did it," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Xian Tian Di nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You've awakened a low heaven-grade beast spirit. With this, your spiritual foundation has become far more refined. Fate has truly blessed you."

'So this is how she awakened huh? With my senses I didn't even notice the pill. Is this the power of fate?'

Despite her newfound strength, Ying Yue's thoughts quickly turned to her brother. "This is incredible, but… my brother. Have we found everything we need to help him?"

Xian Tian Di nodded reassuringly. "Yes. The herbs and materials here are more than enough. I'll ensure he's fully healed."

---

Their task nearly complete, Xian Tian Di noticed an inscription etched into the cavern wall.

The ancient script spoke of a city that had once been the hometown of the alchemist master who had left this legacy behind.

Though the name of the city was unfamiliar, it piqued his interest.

"This city…" he murmured. "It must have existed long before my past life. I'll have to investigate this further."

'But more importantly this Huang Ling, must be an incredible person if he is able to create a pill to help someone awaken a beast spirit.'

'Such pill is unheard off in the Origin Universe.'

Satisfied with their findings, Xian Tian Di retrieved the jade bed, storing it in his ring.

He then turned to Ying Yue, who was still adjusting to her newfound strength.

"Let's head back," he said.

Despite her advancement, Ying Yue struggled to use her cultivation strength effectively, especially to scale the steep cliff they had descended earlier. Blushing, she hesitated as Xian Tian Di approached her.

"Hold on," he said calmly, wrapping an arm around her.

Her face flushed with embarrassment, but she didn't protest as he leaped effortlessly, carrying her up the cliffside.

Once they reached the top, Ying Yue looked back at the valley one last time, a mix of gratitude and determination in her gaze.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Xian Tian Di gave her a small nod.

"It's nothing, I have gained a lot from this all thanks to you."

"No, Young Master. I am the one who gained a lot as there is not way I would have been able to acquire such a fortune on my own," Ying Yue shook here head

Xian Tiandi smiled faintly but didn't say anything further, as they left the area.