Chapter 53: Detection Device

A few days later, they returned to their small courtyard in the capital, where Shi Chan handed Wu Hongyuan a list. Less than two hours later, Jugu sent someone over with the medicinal herbs Shi Chan needed, along with the spiritual plant obtained from Tuling Mountain.

“Gugu—”

Ever since the spiritual plant arrived, the little chubby bird had been acting as if it had taken a stimulant, hopping excitedly around the safe and affectionately rubbing against Shi Chan from time to time.

It probably thought the spiritual plant was meant for it.

“So dumb.” Shi Chan chuckled as he once again picked up the little chubby bird from the safe. “It’s definitely not for you to eat.”

After shooing the bird outside, Shi Chan tried a fingernail-sized leaf of the spiritual plant—unfortunately, it had no healing effects.

However, spiritual plants with wood attributes contained gentle energy. Even if they didn’t have healing properties, they could still enhance one’s cultivation, making them highly sought-after supplements among rogue cultivators.

Of course, all cultivators preferred pills, but not every rogue cultivator could afford them regularly. Shi Chan, at least, was a poor cultivator who could only afford them occasionally.

Due to his constant struggle with limited cultivation resources, Shi Chan had developed considerable expertise in efficiently extracting and utilizing the spiritual energy stored in plants.

Xi Ming’s condition had improved compared to when he first arrived on this planet—at the very least, he no longer had to spend most of his time bedridden.

At the moment, Xi Ming was sitting in his wheelchair, watching Shi Chan skillfully mix various herbs with the supposedly unique spiritual plant, brewing a pot of something with a rather unpleasant smell.

In interstellar society, medications came in the form of pills or liquids. Xi Ming had never seen this kind of herbal stew before—it looked like an unfinished product.

However, as time passed, the smell changed, becoming much more pleasant. The mixture in the pot, once chaotic, gradually turned more uniform, though it was still a large pot.

Seeing that Shi Chan was wrapping up, Xi Ming’s expression turned conflicted. “Are you going to eat all of that?”

“Mm.” Shi Chan knew the concoction didn’t look appetizing, but this was the best he could do. Refining and concentrating the essence of medicinal herbs and spiritual plants was an alchemical technique, and without a teacher, he couldn’t perform true alchemy.

“That’s a lot. Can you even finish it?” Although Xi Ming knew Shi Chan was different from other omegas, he hadn’t fully detached his perception of Shi Chan’s appetite from that of a typical omega.

This pot was probably enough to feed an average omega for three days.

“It’s fine. I refine it while eating.” Even with his large appetite, Shi Chan couldn’t physically consume such a huge pot of medicinal herbs all at once. However, he could digest and refine them gradually as he ate.

“Is it dangerous?” Xi Ming asked worriedly, glancing at Shi Chan’s stomach.

Shi Chan shook his head. “Don’t worry. If I can’t handle it, I’ll stop.”

Still, Xi Ming couldn’t put his mind at ease. He remained beside Shi Chan, unmoving. “I’ll watch you eat.”

Cultivators practiced in seclusion to avoid disturbances and prevent sneak attacks while focusing on their cultivation.

But for Shi Chan, Xi Ming wasn’t just anyone—he trusted him. Having Xi Ming guard him during cultivation actually made him feel safer.

Except for the early days when Xi Ming’s radiation was still severe, Shi Chan had never avoided him while cultivating. This time was no different.

When Shi Chan finally finished the entire pot of medicinal herbs, Xi Ming still wasn’t reassured. He reached out and gently pressed Shi Chan’s stomach, worried he might have overeaten.

Fortunately, Shi Chan’s stomach remained flat, without any sign of bloating.

Once again, Xi Ming witnessed the miraculous nature of Shi Chan’s cultivation. Unfortunately, Shi Chan had already told him that due to his spiritual roots, he couldn’t help others cultivate the same way.

Once Xi Ming moved his hand away, Shi Chan spoke, “Ming-ge, I’m going into seclusion for a few days. Don’t let anyone into our room during this time.”

Shi Chan needed to fully absorb the spiritual energy and convert it into his own cultivation.

Xi Ming agreed, allowing Shi Chan to focus on his closed-door training.

At first, Xi Ming found it unsettling. Usually, Shi Chan was the one who talked more in their conversations. Now that he had gone quiet, the entire room fell into silence.

But as he watched Shi Chan sit in meditation, his expression calm and serene, Xi Ming felt the urge to keep him hidden away, protected from the world. He remembered Shi Chan’s request and didn’t get too close, but his gaze remained fixed on him.

Seeing the two scars marring Shi Chan’s face, Xi Ming’s brows furrowed once again. He wished he had the power to overthrow the entire Federation Empire, allowing his omega to reveal his true appearance without fear—so he wouldn’t have to disguise himself while hiding away with a crippled alpha.

Xi Ming had protected so many people, yet he had failed Shi Chan.

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While meditating, Shi Chan also contemplated the best time to undergo his tribulation.

If he successfully advanced, the heavenly tribulation would reward him with divine rain—a celestial gift with potent healing properties capable of restoring injuries caused by the tribulation lightning and improving the cultivator’s physique.

Advancing from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment would likely be the only successful breakthrough in Shi Chan’s lifetime. Even in his past life, he had failed to survive the Core Formation tribulation. He had even less confidence in achieving it this time.

Since this planet had spiritual plants, he could take the opportunity to prepare thoroughly. If he shared the celestial rain with Xi Ming after his breakthrough, it might heal most—if not all—of Xi Ming’s injuries.

However, tribulations weren’t something he could undergo at will. At the very least, he needed to find two more usable spiritual plants—one to boost his strength before the tribulation and one to replenish his energy during it—to raise his success rate to ninety percent.

After fully refining the energy from this spiritual plant, he would have to venture out again.

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Seven days later.

As Shi Chan awakened from his meditative state, he stretched his stiff body, his joints emitting crisp popping sounds. His entire being radiated vitality.

He had reached the eleventh level of Qi Refining.

Xi Ming, who had been keeping watch, immediately spoke up upon noticing the movement. “You’re awake.”

“Yes.” Shi Chan stood up, feeling the abundant energy coursing through him. He had the sudden urge to run outside or even engage in a sparring match.

The Qi Refining stage had a maximum of twelve levels, and cultivators could attempt Foundation Establishment anytime between levels ten and twelve, depending on their state.

For Shi Chan, the eleventh level was the most optimal—waiting until the twelfth level would make the tribulation harder to overcome. Of course, it would also offer greater benefits, supposedly aiding in future Nascent Soul breakthroughs. But Shi Chan didn’t think he could reach the Nascent Soul stage. Advancing at the eleventh level was good enough.

“Don’t go out yet.” Just as Shi Chan was about to rush outside, Xi Ming stopped him. “The scars on your face are gone.”

Shi Chan’s injuries had healed during his meditation, as spiritual energy had continuously nourished his body.

Now, he had regained his original stunning appearance—exquisite and radiant, yet paired with clear and gentle eyes.

As Shi Chan touched his face, Xi Ming quickly stopped him. “Don’t cut yourself again. You can use illusion techniques to disguise yourself.”

“I won’t cut myself again,” Shi Chan reassured him with a smile.

With a wave of his hand, his features slowly transformed back to his pre-meditation appearance.

Xi Ming, testing it with a touch, found the illusion seamless. “This energy is truly miraculous.”

Shi Chan grinned. “All my spiritual energy is yours to use.”

Xi Ming’s lips quirked slightly. Then, looking at Shi Chan, he asked, “Are you hungry after all these days?”

“I feel great,” Shi Chan said, shaking his head.

Nonetheless, Xi Ming ordered a feast of Shi Chan’s favorite dishes.

Over their meal, Shi Chan brought up his plan to heal Xi Ming’s injuries after his tribulation.

Xi Ming frowned. “Tribulations are dangerous.”

Shi Chan reassured him, “This stage isn’t life-threatening if I prepare properly.”

When Shi Chan mentioned gathering more spiritual plants, Xi Ming hesitated but eventually agreed—on one condition: Shi Chan had to first teach the soldiers to improve their martial arts before venturing out again.

Shi Chan found the logic sound. Furthermore, he came up with an idea: a device to detect spiritual energy fluctuations.

Xi Ming agreed. “If you can create it, I’ll support you with the necessary technology.”

Shi Chan nodded. “I’ll study it. But I’ll need your help.”

Xi Ming immediately agreed.