Chapter 69: Beginning the Brewing

Li Xuan carefully observed the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus in the water basin for a while, confirmed that the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus would not encounter any major problems, and only then placed the basin in the corner of the dormitory.

The Filthy Flame Yin Lotus naturally dislikes sunlight, so a dim corner is most suitable for its growth; as long as the water in the basin does not dry up, the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus will be fine.

This Filthy Flame Yin Lotus is the key to Li Xuan's breakthrough to Level 20, after all, at this stage it is unrealistic to look for an Immortal Grade spirit plant, so Li Xuan tends to the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus with such seriousness.

After settling the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus, Li Xuan lay on the bed and began to daydream about the future.

Now the cultivation technique is complete and the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus has been cultivated; next Li Xuan only needs to wait patiently for the Filthy Flame Yin Lotus to break through Thousand-Year Cultivation, after which Li Xuan can attempt to absorb it.

But during the next ten days, Li Xuan felt a bit lost, not knowing what he should do.

"By the way, I also got a Wine Recipe; I happen to be free now, so I can brew some wine to pass the time," Li Xuan suddenly recalled the Wine Recipe he had purchased in the System Mall.

He hurriedly opened the Void Pearl, rummaged through it, and finally found the Wine Recipe.

【Item: Copper Bell Wine Recipe】

【Grade: First Grade】

【Effect: Temper the flesh, strengthening skin, muscles, and tendons simultaneously】

【Materials required for crafting: Gold and Silver Flower, Copper Iron Grass, Jade Vein Spirit Plant, Iron Wood Leaf, Glutinous Rice】

【Crafting method: …】

"Tempering the flesh and strengthening sinews and flesh works quite well, though I don't know how it tastes; the crafting difficulty isn't high, so after class tomorrow I could give it a try," Li Xuan folded the Wine Recipe and put it back into the Void Pearl.

Li Xuan had been busy crafting Alchemy Pills during this period, so the Wine Recipe had been gathering dust.

He glanced out the window; by the time, it was already early morning, and Li Xuan felt a bit weary.

Li Xuan simply washed up, then lay on the bed and fell asleep after a short while.

…

Early the next morning, Li Xuan slowly opened his eyes, washed up briefly, changed clothes, and went to class.

From then on Li Xuan didn't want to skip classes, after all, skipping too many would get him expelled from the academy.

During class, Li Xuan didn't listen attentively; instead, he took out the Wine Recipe and examined it carefully, simulating and scrutinizing it.

Although Alchemy and wine brewing are unrelated, Spiritual Wine does require crafting, but the technique is completely different from Alchemy.

Thus Li Xuan could only hold the Wine Recipe, study it meticulously, and think seriously, since switching fields is like crossing a mountain.

Just as class was about to end, Li Xuan suddenly heard other students chatting.

"Young Master Afa Er, there are only a dozen days left until the end‑month auction; are we attending this year's auction?"

"Of course we're attending; it's said that this year's auction will have treasures that help break through soul power levels. If I can get one, I'll be able to enter the Advanced Class earlier."

"Certainly, young master, that treasure will surely be yours."

"Alright, stop flattering me; help me pack on Monday, we'll return to Tian Dou City and attend the auction."

"Got it! Young master!"

…

Li Xuan raised an eyebrow after listening to the two's conversation.

"An auction? That's interesting, but I don't know what could raise soul power levels. It's a pity Alchemy Pills can't be sold; otherwise they would surely become popular across the Douluo Continent," Li Xuan nodded, then muttered to himself.

Moreover, the timing of this auction is perfect; it doesn't clash with his schedule for absorbing Soul Rings. Li Xuan feels a strong affinity with this auction, so fate has decided he must go see it.

"If I attend the auction, my Soul Coins certainly won't be enough. Looks like I'll have to think of a way to earn money," Li Xuan rubbed his bare chin and muttered.

Li Xuan now has less than 50,000 Soul Coins left, since during this period he only has expenses and no income, meaning he's been dipping into his savings.

So Li Xuan is looking for a way to make some money.

The only rule is that Alchemy Pills cannot be sold.

Suddenly, Li Xuan's gaze fell on the Wine Recipe before him.

Alchemy Pills can't be sold, but Spiritual Wine can.

Alchemy Pills are powerful and have never appeared on the Douluo Continent, but similar items to Spiritual Wine have.

Many food‑type soul masters with special abilities create all kinds of special foods, wines, and drinks… and sell them.

Li Xuan selling Spiritual Wine wouldn't attract much attention.

The only worry Li Xuan has is whether Spiritual Wine will be favored by the Tian Dou Aristocracy.

Li Xuan shook his head, decided not to think about it, and thought that once the Spiritual Wine is brewed, he could taste it himself to see if it's popular.

When the dismissal bell rang, Li Xuan stood up, saluted the teacher, and headed straight out of the classroom.

After leaving the classroom, Li Xuan rushed to the Fire-type Simulated Cultivation Environment, where the soul power can accelerate his recovery, so he intended to craft Spiritual Wine there.

Arriving at the familiar corner, Li Xuan hung a sign on the Xiao Mu Wu, then took out the materials for crafting Spiritual Wine and began the process.

Spiritual Wine differs from Alchemy Pills; its crafting temperature must not be too high, otherwise the Wine Paste would evaporate and lose its original flavor and taste.

Thus Li Xuan sat cross‑legged in the Xiao Mu Wu, adjusted his state, and prepared to craft Spiritual Wine.

After a few minutes, Li Xuan felt relaxed enough to begin crafting Spiritual Wine.

Li Xuan first prepared the various herbs, then identified, weighed, and ground each of them.

Soon, five different colored herb powders appeared before Li Xuan, along with a large sack of Glutinous Rice.

These are what Li Xuan needs for the upcoming wine brewing.

Li Xuan took a deep breath, extended his hand, and the Lotus Furnace formed from the Nine Hearts Nine Flame Lotus, ready to begin the alchemy.

First, the essences of these herbs are extracted via low‑temperature extraction, then the essence of the Glutinous Rice is extracted, mixed together, and left to ferment naturally, allowing the herbs' properties and the wine to merge completely.

Li Xuan controlled the flame's temperature to an extremely low level before adding the herbs.

Li Xuan discovered that keeping the flame temperature low is far more difficult than raising it!

Normally Li Xuan doesn't sweat while crafting Alchemy Pills, but after only half an hour of brewing Spiritual Wine, his face was already covered in sweat.

At this moment, the six herbs before him were finally all tempered.

The final step is the tempering of the Glutinous Rice.

Li Xuan pours the Glutinous Rice into the furnace cauldron, bakes it over a low flame, then adds spring water to blend the two.

As Li Xuan slowly roasts over the low flame, the Glutinous Rice and water become a pot weighing over a hundred jin of Glutinous Rice…

Dear readers, my time is short; this chapter and the next will be thoroughly revised. Apologies, dear readers, I'm on night duty and a bit busy.

(End of chapter)