The Alchemy of Heaven and Earth was a prestigious event, facilitated by the most influential alchemist faction in Pardera: the Skyroot Faction.
This grand competition, held once every hundred years, attracted hundreds of master-grade alchemists, all at grade 5 and higher. For many, it was not only a test of skill but also a chance to ascend to greatness.
Ery had registered to participate and now had five days to prepare.
The information he had gathered revealed stark differences between this competition and the ones held at the Magus Realm Apothecary Center.
For one, Tartarus alchemists were not rely academics; they were battle-hardened practitioners trained to use their skills under duress. Most were spirit masters, wielding powerful soul force to manipulate ingredients with precision. This competitive edge often resulted in casualties during the intense contests—a detail that didn't deter Ery but, instead, fueled his determination.
He returned to the Azure Cloud Mansion, secluding himself in his private chambers. There, he activates his spatial spell to enter his Magus Domain, his mind set on one destination: the prison chambers.
The Valaeryn battle left the once-crowded prison quiet and nearly empty. Now, only two cells remained occupied, both by Grand Magus realm prisoners. The first cell held the dark elf Syltrith, a defiant figure who had yet to yield to her circumstances.
"Let go, you humans! You can't keep here forever!" she scread, her voice echoing off the stone walls.
Ery paid no heed to Syltrith's curses and threats, his expression impassive as he left her cell behind. His destination lay just ahead—a second cell that housed Baldoni, the captured alchemist.
In stark contrast to Syltrith, who was kept restrained by heavy chains and powerful magical seals, Baldoni's confinent bore little resemblance to a prison. His quarters resembled a fully equipped alchemical workshop, brightly lit and lined with shelves overflowing with rare herbs and glowing materials. Apothecary tools of the highest quality adorned the space, creating an environnt fit for a master alchemist.
This difference in treatnt was intentional. Ery had adopted a more nuanced strategy when dealing with Baldoni.
His efforts to dominate the two Grand Magus realm figures with his [Partial Soul Enslavent] technique had been fruitless. Syltrith's formidable ntal defenses were like an impenetrable wall, while Baldoni's soul had been hardened over years of alchemical mastery, making him equally resistant to control.
Forced to adapt, Ery opted for patience and strategy. Where Syltrith was subdued with strict confinent, Baldoni's cooperation was courted through calculated leniency.
As Ery stepped into the workshop, Baldoni glanced up from his workbench. His fingers were stained with alchemical residue, and his brow glistened with the sweat of concentration. Seeing Ery, the alchemist stiffened, a weary expression overtaking his face. "I've told you everything I know," Baldoni said, his voice tinged with frustration and a hint of desperation. "Please... let go."
Ery responded with a calm yet determined tone, "Not just yet. Let's try again."
With a flick of his fingers, several ingredients floated into the air, shimring under the glow of his magical energy before gently descending into the cauldron. Ery's movents were precise and deliberate as he began the process, seamlessly transitioning from the initial preparation to carefully controlling the heat.
Next, he employed a spirit concoction technique—a thod of infusing spiritual energy into the concoction. The technique was both powerful and demanding, amplifying the quality of the potion but requiring imnse precision and stability to prevent failure. Such a delicate process necessitated mastery of an advanced alchemical art.
The technique Ery employed was none other than the [Mythical Concoction Art], a divine thod revered by the alchemists of this realm. He had learned its foundational principles during his ti in Border City, but now, he pushed himself to grasp the advanced level.
Ery's relentless pursuit of knowledge had turned Baldoni into an unwilling ntor.
Over the past three weeks of captivity, the alchemist had grudgingly shared his expertise, teaching Ery the intricacies of this revered art. After hundreds of attempts and painstaking practice, Ery was finally nearing a breakthrough.
"One more ti," Ery said firmly.
The two began the process together. Ery's divine sense sharpened as he monitored the ingredients, ensuring every particle harmonized within the cauldron. He watched intently as the mixture coalesced, the spiritual energy binding the components with a near-perfect balance.
For a fleeting mont, it seed the concoction would succeed. The materials ford into the shape of a pill, their glow promising. But just as the final step neared completion, the delicate structure wavered, and the pill disintegrated into an unstable cloud of energy.
"Failed again…" Baldoni grew anxious. "I told you... the advanced stage is a cosmic-level technique. Unless you've reached the Cosmic Realm, it's impossible to control it!"
Ten attempts. Twenty.
Ery stayed silent, replaying the process in his mind, and analyzing each misstep. Then, without hesitation, he began again.
Ten attempts. Twenty.
Each failure only fueled his resolve. He pushed his soul to its limits, drawing strength from the [Prism of Light] to maintain the precision required. Yet stability continued to elude him.
Despite this, Ery's perseverance brought a breakthrough. In the midst of his efforts, a realization struck him: mastering this technique might hold the key to balancing his opposing elents—Nature and Khaos.
"I Must learn this," Ery's persistence seed to take Baldoni by surprise. Instead of conceding defeat, Ery posed a bold question, asking about the Master Level of the Mythical Concoction Art.
Baldoni's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw slackening as he stared at Ery.
"The foundational levels of the art may be widely taught, but the Master Level techniques are a different story entirely. They were created by an ancient grandmaster alchemist and have since been passed down exclusively through his bloodline. It's a secret that no outsider has ever uncovered."
Baldoni sighed, shaking his head. "Honestly, you might have a better chance trying to learn the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique instead."
Ery blinked, caught off guard by the na. "Heaven and Earth Reversal?"
Baldoni's expression shifted, revealing a mix of admiration and envy. "It's a legendary spirit concoction technique, revered even among the most accomplished alchemists.
Curiosity piqued, Ery pressed further. "How would I go about learning it?"
"The Skyroot Faction," Baldoni explained. "They're the custodians of the Heaven and Earth Reversal technique. Their supre master is said to be searching for a worthy successor to inherit the art. If you want to prove yourself, you'll need to participate in the Alchemy of Heaven and Earth Competition. Win, and you might be lucky enough to receive their blessing."
Ery just found another reason to participate and win the competition.
Over the next few days, Ery imrsed himself in rigorous training, refining his skills while gathering every piece of information he could about the Skyroot Faction and the competition. He pushed himself to the limit, determined to be fully prepared.
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