Three months have passed since the assassination incident, and Lu Yan immerses himself completely in alchemy and talisman refining. Both arts are far from simple. Alchemy alone demands knowledge of over a thousand types of spiritual herbs, trees, and fruits, not to mention countless heavenly materials. Each must be melted at a precise temperature, then mixed in exact ratios and timings to produce pills with miraculous effects. One misstep, and the entire process fails. It is a path that tests talent as much as patience—an art reserved for those born with exceptional aptitude.

  Lu Yan wants this power for his future plans. Every morning, he focuses on alchemy and talisman techniques until afternoon, then dedicates his nights to cultivation.

  Talisman refining is even more exacting. One must possess spiritual energy, Qi and channel it through specially prepared materials into a small sheet of paper. Every symbol etched onto this sheet must connect perfectly. Only then does the sheet become a true talisman. Black-level talismans, the standard for mid-tier experts, require memorizing four thousand symbols. Lu Yan spends hours committing each one to memory, refining the flow of Qi through the talisman, until it responds perfectly to his will.

  After three months, his efforts bear fruit. He can now craft Black-level talisman sheets and pills. These creations are divided into lower, middle, upper, and prime grades. Lu Yan currently produces middle-grade pills and talismans—potent enough to be effective, but leaving room for further mastery. His talismans serve various functions: some defensive, some offensive, others to enhance speed. He even begins to understand the larger concept of formations. While a single sheet is a talisman, arranging these symbols over a wider area creates a formation. A true array master must memorize not only individual symbols but countless combinations—a challenge far exceeding standard talisman mastery.

  Lu Yan is only seven years old, yet his cultivation reaches the fifth stage of the Body Refining Realm. Lu Qui, at eight years old, has advanced to the third stage. Despite their youth, they train with the intensity of warriors, their bodies and minds hardened through persistent practice.

  The village itself is undergoing rapid development. Buildings rise, roads expand, and the village headquarters is nearly complete. Lu Yan occasionally steps outside, but never without protection. Under his guidance, thirty Shadow Feet members carry out assigned duties while cultivating according to their abilities. Each member has a specific role, ensuring the village runs smoothly while remaining prepared for unforeseen events.

  One morning, a Shadow Feet member approaches Lu Yan. “Your Highness, some people from the Western Village are arriving shortly. One of them is connected to the assassination incident. We have verified their identities. They are here to offer compensation to the village head and recognize your guardians’ efforts. They should reach the village headquarters within thirty minutes. Any instructions, sir?”

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  Lu Yan’s eyes narrow. “Stand by. Do not reveal yourselves. I will not appear in this meeting.”

  The young cultivator does not want to meet these visitors personally. Instead, he calls his third uncle. “Prepare the meeting as I instructed. Handle everything,” he says.

  His third uncle frowns. “How… how do you know about this meeting, Yan? Did someone inform you?”

  Lu Yan shrugs lightly, concealing a faint smile. “I have my ways. Trust me. Just follow my instructions.”

  The meeting proceeds without incident. The representatives from the Western Village offer compensation to the third uncle. Despite the serious context, the mood remains cordial. They acknowledge the village’s strength and leave on a friendly note. The third uncle senses Lu Yan’s silent influence over events, though he cannot fathom its extent.

  Even as these formalities conclude, Lu Yan’s curiosity turns inward, toward the forest. Since childhood, he has wondered what lies beyond the familiar boundaries of his village—the mysteries of the wild, the unseen creatures, the strange herbs, and spiritual formations hidden in the trees. He summons his fourth uncle.

  “I wish to explore the forest for a walk,” Lu Yan says calmly.

  The fourth uncle glances at him carefully. “You don’t know the dangers that lurk there. I advise patience. Wait a few days. I will ensure security so your walk does not bring harm.”

  Lu Yan nods, understanding his uncle’s caution. He says nothing further, choosing to bide his time. Curiosity burns within him, but patience is a tool as valuable as cultivation itself.

  Back in his room, Lu Yan returns to his studies. He selects a handful of rare spiritual herbs from his collection, placing them into a refined alchemy furnace. The furnace glows with a steady, golden light as he begins the melting process. Each herb releases its unique energy, and Lu Yan’s mind guides them, adjusting temperatures minutely, sensing the changes in Qi as the materials transform. After several hours, he pours the fluids together, timing each addition precisely. When the pill solidifies, he examines it critically. Its essence resonates with his Qi—stable, potent, and ready for use.

  Satisfied, he shifts focus to talisman practice. A blank sheet of special paper lies before him. His fingers trace the first symbol carefully, channeling spiritual energy into every line. Hours pass as he meticulously forms each design, connecting symbol to symbol, until the sheet vibrates faintly with power. Lu Yan leans back, his young face calm but determined. This is his world—one of precision, patience, and growing mastery.

  Outside, the village continues to grow. Workers carry materials, overseers direct construction, and Shadow Feet members patrol the perimeter. Each day brings small changes, and each night, Lu Yan studies further. He knows that strength is not merely about personal cultivation, but also the protection and growth of those he values.

  Three months of disciplined practice have transformed the boy from a novice into a cultivator capable of producing effective middle-grade pills and Black-level talismans. Yet he knows this is only the beginning. There are countless symbols to memorize, countless combinations to master. The forest calls to him, whispering secrets of the unknown. One day, he will venture into it, fully prepared, ready to uncover what lies beyond the borders of his village.

  For now, he waits, studies, and practices. Each pill, each talisman, each symbol etched is a step toward mastery—a step toward the destiny he alone can shape.