Wang Hao also knew he needed to put the Jade-Bone Ice Body Technique into practice. He pulled out the prescription for the initial stage of medicinal liquid and examined it carefully. The number of spirit herbs required wasn't large, and their properties were relatively mild—after all, using a powerful concoction too early would be too harsh on a cultivator's body.
However, the preparation process was extremely intricate. Some herbs had to be steamed, others boiled, each for a precise duration, with exact heat and flame intensity. A single mistake could drastically reduce the medicine's effect or even turn it into poison. Meticulous care was essential.
Fortunately, as an experienced alchemist who had refined countless elixirs, Wang Hao found the process straightforward—if a bit time-consuming.
He gazed at the huge vat of dark-brown medicinal brew and nodded with satisfaction. Testing the temperature with his hand, he confirmed the liquid was scalding. According to the cultivation method, it had to be hot so the medicine could penetrate the body properly.
Removing his magic robe, Wang Hao slowly stepped into the vat.
"Ah! It's hot!" he exclaimed, as the herbal potency, aided by the heat, streamed through his skin. Within moments, his flesh reddened and the refinement began!
Wang Hao initiated circulation of his technique, guiding the medicinal energy along the prescribed meridians. The medicine stimulated his skin and superficial tissues.
Body refinement follows stages: first the skin, then the bones, next the internal organs, and finally the brain. Once fully refined, the practitioner's flesh becomes so tough that ordinary magic weapons can barely pierce it.
After an hour immersed, Wang Hao could no longer endure and climbed out. The brew had noticeably lightened in color—he estimated he could use it two more times. A fourth use might still help, but for someone as wealthy and generous as he, the return on that final dose wasn't worth the cost.
Taking advantage of the lingering potency in his skin, he continued to circulate his cultivation technique until every trace of burning sensation vanished and the medicine was fully absorbed. His flesh felt both smoother and tougher!
Thus, Wang Hao spent an entire month completing his skin refinement before beginning the bone phase. For most cultivators, this would take one to two years, but his resources were exceptional. While others could only prepare three vats a year, he had already consumed ten vats in this single month!
Now, Wang Hao's flesh rivaled steel—only magic weapons could leave marks, and his regenerative ability had greatly improved.
Bone refinement took more than a year. The medicinal baths at this stage were far harsher than the initial ones. Wang Hao sat cross-legged, his face contorted in pain as he absorbed the brew's deep healing energy. This technique boosted one's chances of Foundation Establishment because as the bones—and indeed the dantian and meridians—were strengthened, the body could better withstand the massive spiritual impact. Though slow, the process was undeniably effective.
Patiently he continued. As the medicine penetrated deeper, his bones and meridians glowed with a faint white sheen. Even his dantian tingled under the stimulation.
Inspecting with his spirit vision, he saw the outer shell of his dantian growing markedly tougher.
Elated, he guided the medicinal energy to envelop his dantian completely. When the infusion ended, the usual pressure in his dantian—felt whenever he absorbed spiritual energy—vanished entirely.
"Heh, success!" Wang Hao exclaimed, delighted to have completed the first dantian refinement. Yet mindful that excess could harm, he refocused on refining his bones. He observed the bones in his legs shimmer, almost translucent.
"Jade-Bone Ice Body… the name truly fits!" he sighed in awe.
After draining all remaining brew, he emerged from the vat, performed a cleansing spell, and donned a fresh magic robe. Stepping outside, he saw the high moon—it was dawn.
He shook his head and smiled: "I've lost track of time… no wonder I'm not sleepy. Better press on!"
He was now on the brink of the seventh level of Qi Refinement, and the strengthened dantian and meridians primed him for his next breakthrough. Determined, he entered seclusion to complete the process once and for all.
Back in his chamber, he circulated the Illusory Lotus-Heart of Wood cultivation method. As his technique flowed, ambient spiritual energy streamed in, and he realized he could now store far more mana than before. Whereas he once felt his dantian swell painfully under heavy intake, now even a massive influx caused almost no pressure.
He took a Yellow Dragon Pill, the choice for advanced Qi refiner stages. Previously he'd dared not use it, but now his confidence soared.
The moment the pill touched his tongue, an explosion of medicinal energy enveloped him, filling his dantian and forcing open previously dormant meridians. His entire energy network expanded.
"Boom!"
His body trembled; he opened his eyes and felt an overwhelming release of pressure.
"Seventh level of Qi Refinement! Over seven years since I came to this world, I've finally reached the Advanced stage!" he proclaimed, beaming with joy.
He spent two more days in meditation to stabilize his new foundation before emerging.
Current Status
Name: Wang Hao
Age: 26
Cultivation: Qi Refinement – 7th Level (381 / 569)
Cultivation Method: Illusory Lotus-Heart of Wood – 3rd Level
Mana: 379 / 381
Skills & Proficiencies
Alchemy: 1st Order Alchemist – High Grade
Talismans: 1st Order Talisman Craft – Low Grade
Spells: Fireball, Entangling Roots, Wooden Shield, Earth-Boring Technique, Attraction Technique, Light-Body Technique, Keen Sight
Body Refinement: Jade-Bone Ice Body – Level 2
Divine Abilities: None yetFarm: 20 plots (9 in Red Earth), stable harvestsWealth: Considerably increased!Still no sign of the Essence-Condensing Fruit!
Over the past year, Clan Wang's Miao Dan Pavilion was an unqualified triumph. Every day long lines formed before opening; it became the hub for errant cultivators, many of whom began making a living solely on herb-gathering contracts.
Seeing the constant crowds, Wang Hao realized he had to spin off the herb-gathering service from the elixir shop—and not limit it to just herbs. With ample capital, the pavilion could handle all sorts of commissions. He decided to open a third venue: a gathering place and rest stop for errant cultivators to negotiate business and relax.
With so many clients on hand, he would offer "convenience services." Some contracts were elaborate and required teams; while waiting, clients needed refreshments—tea, wine… and once teams formed, it was customary for the leader to treat everyone to a banquet.
Thus was born Clan Wang's Restaurant! He didn't bother with rare spirit-ingredients or refined dishes; cultivators couldn't afford such luxuries. The goal was simple: hearty, inexpensive, and accessible meals.