Level Up in Martial World

Lu Zhen yawned, his expression bored as he continued to comprehend the two mental powers Jui Luli had given him.

One was the "Mental Sword Heart", and the other was "Manipulation".

He had already grasped the first, which involved converting Mental Power into a string and using it to control a sword. Though he hadn't tested it with a mage's mindset yet, this step wasn't difficult, and he was confident he could complete it soon.

However, what intrigued him more was "Manipulation", as it allowed him to imbue his Mental Power with attributes.

In the future, when he attacked using Mental Power, he could manipulate and combine it with attributes to enhance its strength.

He could mix it with the **Plant Qi** in his body, granting his Mental Power both tenacity and regeneration. However, due to that unknown force still restricting his power, he remained helpless for now.

"Maybe I could use my **Lightning Body** and add the attribute to it," Lu Zhen murmured, his eyes lighting up.

This **Lightning Body** was something he had gained during the divine tribulation, but he hadn't found the opportunity to use it yet. He still lacked a combat art related to the lightning attribute.

Even if he managed to acquire one, there was still the issue of controlling **Lightning Qi**—a task far more difficult than it seemed. Until now, his **Lightning Body** had been practically useless.

"Sigh."

While Lu Zhen was lost in thought, the competition had already begun, and Jui Luli was vigorously tugging at his sleeve.

"What is it?"

"All the alchemists have already started."

"Oh."

Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Lu Zhen casually walked forward and raised his hand.

"Hey, referee, I have a question."

The referee, an old man, narrowed his eyes. A flicker of fear flashed across his face as he glanced at the bulky figure before him. After all, this was the same man who had just killed people earlier.

"What is it?" the old man asked cautiously.

"I don't have the Yang Strengthening Pill formula, so can you give it to me?"

"..."

The old man stared at Lu Zhen in disbelief.

Before he could respond, the surrounding alchemists erupted in protest.

"This isn't the place to complain about such things! How dare these bastards ruin something so sacred?"

"Does he think that just because he has a little power, he can do whatever he wants?"

"Hmph, ignorant bastard."

The alchemists scoffed without hesitation. These people couldn't be underestimated—they were all First-stage Martial Artists.

Though their combat power was naturally much weaker than warriors of the same rank, their influence and connections were not to be taken lightly.

The disparity within the First-stage was terrifying. Even among those at the same level, some could defeat five others of equal cultivation and still only be considered barely a genius.

"Here it is."

Though shocked and somewhat speechless, the old man still handed the recipe to Lu Zhen.

Without a word, Lu Zhen sat cross-legged, took out a giant normal furnace, and began reading through the recipe.

The alchemists beside him sneered:

"This ignorant bastard is actually going to make a pill in a normal furnace, haha!"

Lu Zhen turned to the purple-robed man, his expression perplexed.

"Then what kind of furnace is needed?"

The purple-robed man flinched slightly. Seeing how polite Lu Zhen was, he felt a little embarrassed and coughed.

"Although you can make the pill in that, the chances of success are very low, actually," he reminded him, speaking with the tone of a senior guiding a junior.

"I see. Thank you, brother."

"I, Ren Qi, have no problem with it," the man said proudly.

At the front, the old man began the countdown. Every alchemist focused, their minds sharp, while the audience held their breath, contemplating who would emerge victorious.

"I bet Master An will win—he won last time too."

"Hmph, Master An, is already almost three hundred years old and at the end of his lifespan. The young and talented Master Wei, who recently became an alchemist at just a hundred, will definitely take the victory."

"What about that youth?"

"Fool! That guy didn't even know the basic recipe for the Yang Strengthening Pill, and yet he's trying to refine it the fastest? What a joke!"

"Still, his background must be terrifying if he got off scot-free after killing someone in front of the entire world."

The spectators voiced their speculations, their whispers filling the air.

Amidst the noise, Lu Zhen remained completely undisturbed.

He hadn't even started yet—his gaze was still calmly scanning the formula.

Previously, he had already been able to refine paste with precision, and back then, he didn't even have the mind of a mage. Now, with his newfound strength and an aura that was more commanding than ever, his abilities had reached another level.

He could directly modify the formula based on his past experiences. For an ordinary martial artist, this might have been akin to ascending the heavens, but for him, it wasn't even as difficult as the spells he had created to burn Fe Cai.

Ten minutes passed. The alchemists had already refined their materials and were in the process of formulating the pill, yet Lu Zhen was just beginning.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. His expression remained serene, as calm and unshaken as stone.

He began placing the materials into the furnace, using his mental energy to subtly manipulate them instead of his Qi, wary of potential backlash.

Within a minute, he had refined the materials. Now, it was time for the final step—inscribing intent into the pill.

This was where he had failed countless times before, simply because he hadn't reached the First-stage of Martial Arts.

From the corner of his vision, he sensed something—his Alchemy had risen by a level. Along with it, faint images surfaced in his mind.

"This…"

Lu Zhen was momentarily stunned, nearly losing control of the flames and almost destroying the refined materials. He hurriedly regained focus, steadying the fire just in time.

He looked at the image in shock—a picture of a swan.

Gradually, his mind began to clear in a way he had never experienced before. With this newfound clarity came full control over his thoughts, as if nothing in the world could faze him.

Lu Zhen attempted to control the intent, but an omnipotent force obstructed him. Yet, he remained undeterred and determined.

As he pressed on, injuries began to accumulate, and golden blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.

What was even more terrifying was the pain. Despite having Adaptability, this pain wouldn't subside. It felt like it was tearing through his soul.

But even in the midst of it all, as long as he held the image of the swan in his mind, he was able to remain calm.

Without even realizing it, a Lotus appeared behind him, and the sky above began to shine with a golden light.

"Look, what's that…"

The audience gasped, their eyes wide in shock. Even the people in the booth were stunned, with serious expressions gradually forming on their faces.

"Is that the Harmony of Alchemy?" Kong Jiang's eyes grew solemn. The other four followed suit, their expressions equally serious.

"Unfortunately, it's just a Yang Strengthening Pill."

There was a tone of regret in his voice, and his eyes even welled up with pity. The other four shared his sentiment, their faces filled with regret.

"Harmony of Alchemy?" The pink-haired girl, confused, turned to ask her grandfather.

"The Harmony of Alchemy is a special state where the mind cannot be disturbed by anything. Very few alchemists can achieve this state, and it's a rare and precious opportunity," he explained, his voice soft as he coughed.

"Why?"

"Because once one reaches this state, nature itself assists the cultivator, and the pill being refined cannot fail."

Her mouth opened in a big "O" as she murmured in disbelief.