He repeated the entire procedure nine additional times, carefully preparing one batch of [Flesh-refinement compound] after another. Each batch required close attention to detail and precise control of ingredients, making the process both mentally and physically demanding. After completing the tenth batch, he allowed himself to take a well-deserved break, feeling the strain of his efforts.

The [Flesh-refinement compound] differed significantly from the [Flesh-refinement pill]. Unlike the pill, which had a fixed recipe passed down through tradition, the compound was his own unique creation, devised after extensive experimentation and countless simulated trials.

Through this process, he realized just how long and arduous the path of cultivation could be. For example, it would take someone like Son nearly an entire year to fully absorb a single [Flesh-refinement pill], and even then, some of the potential benefits would remain locked away, never fully realized.

This limitation applied to every known pill. The true skill of an alchemist, he discovered, was measured largely by how much they could reduce the time needed for a cultivator to absorb and benefit from these concoctions.

While there were certainly other factors, such as the quality, purity, and effects of the medicine, that influenced an alchemist’s ranking, the ability to shorten this absorption period was the most significant criterion he had identified so far.

However, he realized that he lacked any concrete knowledge about the specific ranks within the alchemist profession or the requirements needed for advancement. The ’endless library’ contained no references or guides about the official system for evaluating alchemists.

If he were to assess himself honestly, he would place himself at the very start of the ranking system, with much to learn and accomplish before reaching higher levels.

Still, he wondered if he might be a bit exceptional. After all, he had managed to invent the [Flesh-refinement compound] on his own, an achievement he suspected was rare among beginners lacking extensive background knowledge. This accomplishment set him apart, at least in his own eyes, as someone with potential to innovate rather than simply follow established recipes.

The [Flesh-refinement compound] was intended to be applied directly to the skin, serving as a gentle yet effective cream for the flesh-refinement stage of cultivation. When used in this manner, it provided steady nourishment and support to the body’s tissues, accelerating the tempering process.

Remarkably, he found that this compound worked about twice as quickly as the traditional [Flesh-refinement pill], making it a valuable alternative for those seeking faster progress.

’Let’s take a break.’ He stepped out of the alchemy room and came across Hundao, who had been waiting. During the refinement process, there were times he came out to ask for more resources and deliver already refined [Flesh-refinement compounds], which were delivered to Eva to effectively run the organization; the remaining ones were sold to the merchant house for resources.

At this point, Alaric had ample resources and needed to take a break.

Alaric greeted Hundao with a warm smile, observing the young man’s progress. "How are you doing? I can tell you have become physically stronger, and I also notice your skin looks much healthier and smoother than it used to." He spoke these words with genuine admiration, causing Hundao to blush in response to the praise. Over the past few weeks, Alaric felt that the two of them had developed a meaningful bond, growing more comfortable and familiar with each other through their shared experiences.

"I need a break." He stretched his stiff body, releasing pop sounds. "We should go test our martial skills against each other." Besides, he was curious about the city’s current state.

"I would like that as well. I refuse to believe your martial talent is as absurd as your alchemical talent." Hundao said with conviction. He was very confident in his martial talent; in fact, He even went so far as to invent a unique martial technique of his own, which set him apart from his peers and gave him additional confidence in his abilities. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Haha. You are in for a treat then." Alaric replied in delight.

They stepped out into the bustling streets of the thriving city. Closing his eyes, Alaric took a deep breath, taking in every facet of the city. ’I missed this.’

"Let’s get moving," Hundao said, taking the lead as they navigated through the busy streets. He continued, "Just last week, Eva managed to purchase a plot of land from the city. Our new headquarters is set up on that property, and it even includes a training ground where we can practice without interruption."

"That’s interesting. So, they actually permitted her to make the purchase?" Alaric commented, recalling that Eva had discussed this idea with him in the past, after he gave her the mission of finding out who rules this city. He was not surprised that she had followed through with her plans. "Do you know who authorized the transaction? Was it someone from the city administration?" he asked, curious about the city’s internal workings.

"The city guard handled the approval," Hundao responded. It seemed unusual that the security force, rather than a traditional city official, was in charge of such decisions.

"So, there were no city officials involved in the process at all?" Alaric asked, wanting to confirm his suspicions about the absence of a formal government presence in the city.

"No, there were not," Hundao replied, confirming that only the city guard was present during the transaction.

"That is quite revealing," Alaric mused quietly. He realized this conversation had given him valuable insight into the city’s current situation. Having gone over a month without any word from the city lord or other officials, it was only natural that cultivators would begin to question who truly held authority. Based on this information, Alaric now strongly suspected there was no formal ruler overseeing the city. Instead, the captain of the city guard appeared to have assumed control, acting as the highest authority in the absence of established leadership.

"We are heading outside the city for our spar, Hundao."

As they made their way toward the city’s outskirts, Alaric and Hundao encountered a diverse crowd. Among the pedestrians were beast people, elves, and various other demi-humans, all moving about their purpose. The city had evidently become a gathering place for people of many races and cultures, fostering a diverse atmosphere.

"Demi-humans only began arriving in the city about a week ago," Hundao explained. "A few of them attempted to cause trouble at first, but our group was able to intervene and restore order right away. Honestly, I never expected to see so many of them here."

Alaric regarded the newcomers with a thoughtful expression, analyzing the social dynamics at play. He reflected that, compared to other regions, human territories were generally more open to the presence of different races.

However, this openness was not rooted in compassion or a sense of justice. Instead, it often stemmed from a fascination with relationships between different races, especially among those in privileged positions or noble families. After all, who doesn’t like exotic beauties?

Ordinary citizens did not enjoy the same freedoms as the elite; the ability to form connections with other races was reserved for those with influence, wealth, or powerful backgrounds. As a result, every demi-human visible in the city likely came from a notable lineage or influential family.

Despite their backgrounds, these individuals would probably hold lower status within their own societies, making them more likely to be sent abroad or to less desirable locations like this city.

Hundao’s eyes narrowed as he observed the demi-humans. "They should have settled in one of the other cities instead of coming here," he remarked, his tone betraying a clear sense of disdain. It was apparent from his expression and words that he harbored little goodwill toward these newcomers and perhaps viewed their presence as an unwelcome change in the city.

Alaric considered Hundao’s reaction but focused on the facts. It was unusual for demi-humans from influential families to appear in this particular city, as there were five major cities in the region surrounding the Archive Mountain: Frigid Northern City, Scotching Southside City, Western Wind City, Eastern Earth City, and Archive City.

Archive City was unique in that it served as a haven for those lacking powerful connections or noble heritage. Typically, individuals from important backgrounds would avoid associating with people of lesser status, so their presence here was puzzling. Alaric’s mind began to work through various scenarios, weighing and eliminating different explanations before identifying the most likely motivations.

After careful consideration, Alaric concluded, ’I see, their goal could be to observe and recruit promising individuals to serve as subordinates, or perhaps to identify and keep an eye on potential rivals who might pose a threat in the future. In essence, their presence in the city suggested they were gathering intelligence, possibly because they possessed inside information about an upcoming selection or event that we had not yet learned about.’

With that, they walked out of the city.

"Forget about those things for now, you should focus on how you are going to defeat me instead," Alaric said, pulling his thoughts towards their fight instead.