For the coming days, Xiao Yan remained at the Starfall Pavilion, waiting for Xiao Yixian's return. During this period of waiting, however, he did not focus on cultivating his battle energy but instead shifted his attention to refining his soul strength. The power of one's soul directly influenced the rank of a pharmacist. Since Xiao Yan had first entered the spiritual realm, he had largely neglected soul cultivation due to his ongoing efforts in battle energy training. With his current status as an eighth-rank pharmacist, he had always considered himself among the elite—few in Zhongzhou could surpass him. Yet, after hearing the elder pharmacist's words, he realized that this level of achievement was no longer sufficient to bring him pride. In the mysterious medicinal clan, his pharmaceutical skills ranked only among the top five of the younger generation—this very fact, spoken directly by the elder, placed considerable pressure on Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan understood that, due to his relationship with the Medicinal Elder, he would likely have to interact with those so-called medicinal clans in the future. No matter what, he couldn't allow his reputation to diminish relative to the Medicinal Elder's. Therefore, at this point, he realized that his current status as an Eighth-Rank Alchemist still fell slightly short. And the rank of a cultivator of soul energy—undoubtedly a measure of one's refinement in soul power—is not something one simply attains. The four tiers of soul cultivation—Earth, Spirit, Heaven, and Emperor—do not come easily. Xiao Yan himself currently only reaches the Spirit level. Yet, in the present Central Region, few people even understand the art of soul cultivation. In Xiao Yan’s estimation, those who transcend the Spirit level and enter the Heaven level are likely no more than a handful. The three senior figures of the Dan Tower probably possess such abilities, and the current master of medicine who has ascended to the half-Saint rank should certainly be no exception. Nevertheless, even so, Xiao Yan is certain that they still remain at the Heaven level. As for the final, enigmatic Emperor level—Xiao Yan believes such a rank among cultivators of soul energy likely does not exist anywhere on this continent. "My current alchemy rank should be at the peak of the initial level of the Eighth Rank... In this quiet room, Xiao Yan appears thoughtful. Generally speaking, an alchemist capable of producing four-color lightning in their elixirs is considered to be at the peak of the initial Eighth Rank. Although Xiao Yan's lightning during the alchemy gathering displayed five colors, the final hue was not exceptionally pure, so he has settled on the initial Eighth Rank level. The difference between producing four-color and five-color lightning is significant—those alchemists who can produce five-color lightning are regarded as mid-level Eighth Rank alchemists, while those who achieve eight-color or more lightning are considered advanced Eighth Rank alchemists. However, such accomplished individuals are truly rare even within the alchemy tower." "My soul should be at the initial stage of the Spiritual Realm, yet if we consider only the strength of my soul, it is quite comparable to that of others at the mid-level of the Spiritual Realm..." Xiao Yan slightly furrowed his brows. During this period, he hadn't focused much on soul cultivation, which had resulted in a rather slow progression of his soul power. Clearly, he would need to dedicate more time to it in the future. Both qi and soul power were crucial to him, and he couldn't afford to prioritize one over the other. As he thought about this, Xiao Yan grasped his palm, and a scroll wrapped in ancient parchment appeared in his hands. The parchment was a deep yellow, immediately indicating it was not very old. With care, Xiao Yan unfolded the scroll, but no text emerged. He didn't find this surprising. Soul power gradually radiated from the center of his brow and slowly spread, fully covering the scroll. With the coverage of Xiao Yan's spiritual power, subtle, invisible ripples gently stirred on the surface of the thin paper, and then a series of intangible information streams flowed through his spirit, fully entering his mind. "Taiyi Spirit Technique..." As the information streams entered Xiao Yan's mind, they transformed into numerous intricate characters, floating deep within his consciousness. Upon close inspection, it became clear that this was a profound spiritual cultivation technique. Of course, this technique had been the reward Xiao Yan received when he won the Dan Festival championship. Since then, he had studied it regularly, though he had never formally begun practicing it. Now, as he was about to set off toward the Ancient Realm, where he knew the journey would bring unforeseen encounters, it was always wise to be well-prepared. As for this so-called "Taiyi Soul Technique," the Ye Elder has also reviewed it and holds it in high regard. Regardless, it's a relic from ancient times—ancient soul cultivation methods, compared to those of later generations, always possess certain unique qualities. Thus, he has no objections to Xiao Yan practicing this technique; his own soul cultivation method merely has its own strengths and weaknesses in comparison. Xiao Yan kept his eyes closed, his mind deeply immersed in the profound soul cultivation technique, until finally, his eyes slowly opened. "The Taiyi Soul Technique truly possesses a profound depth—no wonder it has been awarded as the championship prize at the Dan Conference. Compared to this, the few soul cultivation mantras I originally received seem rather humble and rudimentary. As I carefully study the Taiyi Soul Technique, my understanding of soul cultivation gradually takes shape. Though not a novice, I've always been a master in soul mastery. While the mantras of the Taiyi Soul Technique are somewhat obscure, they are surprisingly accessible to me. After a moment of reflection, the previously confusing aspects now suddenly become clear, as though a veil has been lifted and the moon shines through." As Xiao Yan was filled with delight, the soul energy residing at the center of his brow began to rotate slowly and automatically. A faint tingling sensation gradually spread from the brow outward. Suddenly, Xiao Yan realized that his brow was emitting an unusual suction force, causing subtle ripples in the surrounding realm, through which strands of soul energy seeped out and flowed into the center of his brow. "Ah..." Feeling this transformation, Xiao Yan was both astonished and took a deep, steady breath. This must be the effect of having a complete cultivation technique. It was no wonder that in ancient times, alchemists had reached such heights—these ancient soul cultivation methods truly possessed their unique merits. "With this complete cultivation technique, my spiritual cultivation will finally be on track. Should the right opportunities arise, I believe I could reach the mid-Spirit Realm within a relatively short time—perhaps even surpassing the mid-Spirit Realm stage. At that point, crafting Dan-Heaven Thunder Pills of five colors or above would no longer be beyond my reach." Xiang Yan's expression was filled with delight. The surprises brought by the Taiyi Soul Technique far exceeded his expectations. Only now, after experiencing these benefits, did he slightly regret not beginning to cultivate it earlier. Otherwise, his spiritual power would have already reached the mid-Spirit Realm level long ago. Of course, this regret was fleeting—no matter how well-planned things are, perfection is rarely achieved. Though he had recently neglected his spiritual cultivation, his progress in cultivating his battle energy has been remarkable. In just over two years, he has risen from the peak of the Battle Sovereign stage to his current rank of Five-Star Battle Sovereign—a pace that has fully compensated for any losses. Having firmly committed all the information of the Taiyi Huadie to memory, Xiao Yan smiled contentedly and stored it in his nianjie. Then, he once again focused his spirit and activated the cultivation method, continuing this process for nearly several hours before finally opening his eyes, refreshed and clear-minded. "Remarkably effective," he murmured, pausing briefly before grasping his palm—immediately, a crimson scroll appeared. With its emergence, a dense flow of fiery energy radiated outward. This crimson scroll had been one that Xiao Yan had seized during his exploration of the Dou Sheng's ancient sanctuary. After acquiring it, however, he had kept it chilled and stored away, as everything at the time seemed insignificant compared to the Great Tian Chao Hua Zhan. Now, reflecting on it, he realized it was undoubtedly a treasure from the Dou Sheng era—though perhaps not the most exceptional, it was certainly no mere trifle. Having an additional technique at his disposal was always a benefit. "Earth罡Inferno, an advanced technique of Earth Rank, transmits one's own Qi through the earth via a peculiar vibration, generating an intensely hot stream of Qi. It erupts unexpectedly from the very ground where the opponent stands, delivering a lethal blow with complete silence. This technique requires specific terrain conditions—its power significantly amplifies in volcanic regions." "Indeed, no wonder it's a collection from a Saint of Battle—truly extraordinary..." Xiao Yan lightly praised, knowing that in the coming days, his task would expand once more: he would now have to successfully cultivate the so-called "Earth罡Fire" technique.