I Tame Beasts by Feeding

The Spirit Platform represents more than just a Realm; it represents potential.

Each Spirit Platform carries a Cultivator’s foundation of the Great Dao. It is the vessel for one’s strength, talent, Magic, and even luck.

The Spirit Platform serves to communicate with heaven and earth and bear Dao Rhyme. The stronger a person’s potential and the greater their talent, the taller and more substantial their Spirit Platform will be, allowing them to go further in the future. Generally, the Spirit Platform one can construct is determined at the very moment of Foundation Establishment.

However, certain fortuitous encounters can increase the number of Spirit Platforms later on.

But regardless of how many are added, nine Spirit Platforms is the absolute limit—a feat only achievable by those of peerless, heaven-sent talent.

Theoretically, even a Cultivator with a single Spirit Platform can attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm. However, the success rate is so low as to be negligible. Even if they succeed, they would only form the weakest possible Golden Core, rendering the achievement meaningless.

Those with three Spirit Platforms are considered mediocre, with a minuscule chance of reaching Core Formation. Those with six are considered quite outstanding; with diligent Cultivation, their chances of reaching Core Formation are high. As for those with more than six, they are almost certain to form a core through steady Cultivation, barring any accidents.

Seven platforms mark a genius, while eight signify a heaven-sent prodigy. As for a person with nine Spirit Platforms...

Across the entire Wanxiang Sect, only the once dazzlingly brilliant Cao Jinxian ever possessed nine Spirit Platforms. His talent was rare not just in the Wanxiang Sect but throughout all of Wuzhou. In all the years since, no one has matched him; even Wei Zhenggui, the founding ancestor of the Beast Taming Peak, only had eight.

Naturally, everything Sun Shihan had just told Yu Changsheng piqued his interest. But it was what she said next that made him focus with all his attention.

"So, the number of Spirit Platforms determines how far you’ll go. I imagine someone as gifted as Junior Yu wouldn’t want to rush through Foundation Establishment."

Sun Shihan said with a charming smile, her lovely eyes seeming to ripple like autumn waters.

Yu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Senior Sister Sun, what are you implying? Could it be..."

"Oh, it’s nothing. Just a random thought." Sun Shihan shook her head. After taking a sip of her tea, a smile touched her eyes. She leaned forward, closing the distance between them, and a subtle, sweet fragrance wafted into Yu Changsheng’s nose.

"Once you’ve reached Foundation Establishment, come find me. We’ll have something good to discuss."

Yu Changsheng froze for a second, then turned his head away, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Seeing his reaction, Sun Shihan’s smile widened. Her finger traced a light path across his shoulder. With a slight, smiling shake of her head, she rose and departed.

Yu Changsheng’s body went slightly rigid. He watched her retreating figure and rubbed his shoulder.

’What was all that about?’

’She doesn’t want to... dual cultivate with me, does she?’

Yu Changsheng muttered and shook his head as a flurry of thoughts raced through his mind.

’Foundation Establishment is the true beginning of Cultivation. I wonder how many Spirit Platforms I can build...’

Shaking his head, Yu Changsheng’s anticipation for Foundation Establishment grew even stronger. He checked on his three Spirit Pets, who were still deep in slumber.

’Once the three Spirit Beasts awaken, I can attempt Foundation Establishment. I already have two Foundation Establishment Pills, and if I have Master refine more for me, it should be enough.’

With that thought, Yu Changsheng stood up and headed for the Alchemy Hall.

When Gongsun Yang saw Yu Changsheng arrive, he set aside the task at hand.

"You’re here for me to refine Foundation Establishment Pills, aren’t you?"

Gongsun Yang smiled warmly. As he looked at Yu Changsheng, an unreadable emotion flickered in his eyes—a mix of wistful sentiment and fond remembrance.

"As expected, I can’t hide anything from you, Master. This disciple’s Cultivation has reached Qi Refining Peak. It’s time for Foundation Establishment."

"I humbly request that Master help me refine a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills. I’d also like to observe closely and learn."

"Of course. We are master and disciple. There’s no need for such formality."

Gongsun Yang waved his hand dismissively. As he spoke, he suddenly looked up to study Yu Changsheng and sighed softly.

"Come inside with me. Watch carefully. This might be the last time I teach you Alchemy."

"With your talent, you’ve already entered the Inner Sect. After you reach Foundation Establishment, I will recommend an Inner Sect Elder to you. Only he can continue to guide your learning."

Yu Changsheng’s heart tightened, a bitter feeling suddenly welling up inside him.

"Master, what are you talking about? I still have a long way to go."

Gongsun Yang paused. A look of relief appeared on his face. He patted Yu Changsheng’s shoulder and smiled, but said no more. He led Yu Changsheng into the room, where a wave of intense heat washed over them.

Inside the Alchemy Room, Gongsun Yang’s Pill Furnace was ready. A collection of medicinal herbs was arranged neatly to one side. Clearly, Gongsun Yang had prepared everything in advance.

It didn’t take long. After steadying his breath, Gongsun Yang’s eyes snapped open, a sharp light glinting within them. He slapped both hands down on the Alchemy Furnace.

The Pill Furnace rang out, and Flames surged to life.

"Watch closely. There are many Techniques for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, but all paths lead to the same destination."

"These ingredients are precious, so I will only demonstrate this once. I won’t deliberately slow down. You will have to perceive the finer details for yourself."

Gongsun Yang formed a hand seal as he spoke, his Divine Thought spreading out as he focused his full and complete attention.

Yu Changsheng nodded, not daring to make a sound for fear of disturbing Gongsun Yang. He released his Golden Core Divine Sense, enveloping the Pill Furnace and sensing every detail.

"First, you must pay attention to the intensity of the flame. The Foundation Establishment Pill is volatile, yet its ingredients are all gentle in nature. Therefore, controlling the heat at each stage of the alchemy process is especially important."

"Use Colorful Flower Nine Vein Grass and Spirit Stone Flower as the base ingredients. They will neutralize and support the herbs that follow. Simmer them slowly over a low flame..."

"The Jade Marrow Mushroom and the Purple Monkey Flower have gentle medicinal properties that are difficult to integrate. They are inherently tricky ingredients, so we need to add a bit of Celestial Spirit Fruit as a catalyst..."

Gongsun Yang continued to explain as his hands moved without pause. One by one, the herbs were refined, and soon the Alchemy Room was filled with a rich, medicinal aroma.

Yu Changsheng stood by, not daring to let his focus waver. His Divine Sense meticulously recorded every single detail, and he felt he was learning a great deal. Concepts that had once been confusing were rapidly becoming clear. From time to time, he would wipe the sweat from Gongsun Yang’s brow or pour him a cup of water.

Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye. The preparatory stage for refining the Foundation Establishment Pill was now complete. With a sharp cry from Gongsun Yang...

...vials of medicinal essence were poured into the Pill Furnace in a precise sequence, merging together within the flames.

"The Crystal Flower is a mutated yin-type plant, while the Red Light Leaf is a common yang-type. Although their natures are opposed—and logically, they shouldn’t be combined directly—the reality is quite the opposite. Under a specific flame intensity, these two herbs can achieve a state of temporary balance."

"This is one of the key points in refining a Foundation Establishment Pill. Many who attempt it for the first time overlook this, which results in either complete failure or a pill whose effects are not fully realized."