Chapter 13

Several materials were simultaneously refined by the true fire, emitting a faint glow.

The so-called refinement by true fire does not mean melting these materials into liquids, but rather stimulating the magical energy within the materials to make them more active and easier to blend with other materials. However, this process takes a considerable amount of time and requires extremely strong control. If not handled well, the materials can easily be damaged.

When Ji Ran first learned alchemy in the game, he made many such mistakes, resulting in the loss of a lot of materials. But now, with his alchemy skill at a high level, refining these low-level materials was as familiar as eating and drinking.

However, this was his first real alchemy attempt after crossing over, so he couldn't afford to mess up. He focused all his attention on the materials in front of him, not daring to be careless.

Lai Si and the others sat at a distance, not daring to make a sound, holding their breath as they watched Ji Ran. Lai Si had initially suggested that they all leave to avoid causing any trouble, but Ji Ran told them it was fine, as his alchemy technique was not something that could be learned just by watching. The others were also very curious about what real magic item creation looked like, so they stayed.

Ji Ran was not afraid of them stealing his techniques. Alchemy was not the same as alchemy in the game, where paying attention to the proportions of materials and the process could teach you everything. Alchemy was far more complex than that.

First, the materials needed to be refined to a state where they could easily blend together. This step alone was not something that could be learned just by watching, as true fire was a unique and unparalleled existence in this world. Of course, alchemists could use other methods to activate the materials, but the next step was beyond the understanding of anyone in this world.

The next step was for Ji Ran to inscribe arrays on the materials.

In "Immortal Cultivation Freedom," various magical artifacts were activated by arrays. The pseudo-artifacts used for skill practice were much simpler, but their effects were poor and their lifespan was very short. Truly array-inscribed artifacts, on the other hand, could last a long time and were incredibly powerful.

Arrays were not something that could be easily learned in the game. The system provided some pre-set arrays for players to choose from. Of course, different levels of materials could accommodate different levels of arrays. Inscribing a high-level array on a low-level material would result in the material exploding. The materials Ji Ran chose were around level 25 to 30, so he selected arrays within this range.

Ji Ran had long memorized these arrays. He could draw the lines with his eyes closed. The quality of the artifact after its creation was closely related to how well the arrays were inscribed. Not only the individual arrays but also the arrangement of multiple arrays was crucial. Many players who focused on alchemy in the game found that the more geometrically beautiful the array pattern, the better the final quality.

This was a trial run, and Ji Ran did not plan to inscribe too many arrays. Just two, overlapping and influencing each other, would be enough.

His mind focused on the materials in front of him, the true fire flowed slowly within them as he watched. In Ji Ran's eyes, a beautiful hexagon with several circles gradually took shape. Within it, symbols representing the properties of the materials added complexity, yet the pattern had a symmetrical and elegant feel.

As the pattern took shape, Ji Ran's mana consumption increased. Noticing this, he sighed inwardly, realizing his current level was still too low. Creating a single-attribute artifact was manageable, but a multi-attribute artifact consumed mana exponentially. His current mana was barely enough to complete this artifact, and it was truly insufficient.

True qi was used for sword techniques, and mana for creating artifacts, both of which felt somewhat lacking. If they could complement each other, it would be ideal... As parts of the same body, why were they so incompatible?

The materials now emitted a dazzling light, blinding to look at. Lai Si and the others gaped in amazement, unable to hide their shock. They had never imagined that alchemy could be so miraculous. Creating a magic item could be such a grand spectacle.

They had never heard of alchemists releasing so much light when creating magic items! The flowing, flame-like substance and the strange, faint lines... What were these?

Alchemy was indeed a mysterious profession...

Regardless of what others thought, Ji Ran was nearing the final step. The final step was to blend all the materials together, finalize the shape, and then activate the arrays. Then the task would be complete.

The red-tailed fire wolf's skin formed the main body, while the wind-speed long-toothed rat's magic crystal served as the power source. The armored mountain cat's scales were embedded, and the silver light python's tendons connected everything.

The light grew brighter, eventually enveloping Ji Ran entirely. At this point, the appearance of the materials, the flowing fire, and the faint lines and symbols all disappeared. From Lai Si and the others' perspective, Ji Ran had transformed into a glowing ball, illuminating the entire cave.

At the same time, Ji Ran felt a special, pure energy from the nearly completed artifact flowing into his body. The artifact seemed to be slowly merging with him. For a moment, he felt as if he and the artifact were one...

Although this feeling was clearer than the first few times, it eventually faded. However, Ji Ran felt that if he could fully understand this energy, he would undergo a significant transformation. This opportunity lay in the creation and use of the artifact.

"Done!" Suddenly, Ji Ran growled, clapping his hands together. All the light instantly disappeared, compressed between his hands. As his hands moved quickly, the light ball flickered, and with a flash, the light vanished, revealing the object in his hands to everyone.

It was a pair of boots, exceptionally beautiful boots. The fire-red leather was adorned with mysterious patterns, and the edges were decorated with neat tassels. On each side, two armored mountain cat scales were embedded, and at the front, a translucent crystal was partially exposed. The refined shape and patterns formed a beautiful and intricate design.

Of course, the patterns and designs on the boots had nothing to do with the arrays; they were purely decorative. Just by looking at the appearance, these boots would fetch a good price among noble ladies and madams.

Leaping Swift Boots: High Quality. Moderate to low defense, increased movement speed, increased jump height, increased air time, reduced stamina consumption during movement.

Water Walking: Activates the ability to run on water without falling in.

Leaping Swift: Significantly increases jump ability and movement speed, duration depends on the energy input.

Powerful Kick: A powerful strike that can be charged, the longer the charge, the more damage to enemies.

Using skills consumes both personal energy and magic crystal energy. Once the magic crystal energy is depleted, it must be recharged to use again.

This was a true magical artifact! The added attributes were numerous and practical, and the three skills were incredibly useful. Any adventurer would be hard-pressed to refuse such a pair of boots... Increased movement speed and jump height were universally useful.

Who would complain about being too fast or jumping too high? Moreover, the attribute that reduced stamina consumption during movement allowed one to move faster and farther! The activated effects were perfect for short bursts of combat, and a person with significantly enhanced movement speed and jump ability would be a nightmare for their opponents. Water walking was a powerful tool for escape or pursuit, allowing one to run where others had to swim.

And the powerful kick... it was a bonus. But in certain situations, it might prove incredibly useful.

In short... this was undoubtedly a good item, but the activation condition was energy, not true qi or mana. Was this a change brought about by the crossover in alchemy?

Never mind, no point in overthinking it. The crossover was already strange enough, so any changes were not surprising. Ji Ran weakly smiled at everyone, "It's done. These boots look pretty good, right?"

In fact, Lai Si and the others were already stunned.

So quickly, a real magic item was created? This was not scientific... The low-level alchemists in the city, who were so proud, took days, even over a week, to create a magic item! And here, in less than two hours, a magic item appeared?

Moreover, this was not a simple necklace or other accessory, but armor! Armor was generally not made by alchemists alone but by specialized blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and tailors who created the base items, which were then enchanted by alchemists. This was a one-step process!

And the appearance of these boots was stunningly beautiful! Of course, alchemists' works were always beautiful, but these boots were exceptionally so. Even if they had no magical attributes, they would still be a rare and exquisite item among the upper nobility!

They never imagined Ji Ran had such talent?

A group gathered around, marveling at the boots. Everyone could see that these boots were designed for women. Of course, men could wear them too, but not all men had the courage to do so... At least Lai Si and Ban didn't. Beck... well, that was uncertain.

Ji Ran explained the attributes of the boots to everyone, and each one he mentioned increased their surprise. A pair of boots with so many attributes?

Of course, these attributes were basic and not particularly high-end, but they were very practical. Combined, they made this a high-quality low-level magical armor! The materials used were not of high grade, with the highest being level 3. The people who would wear these boots likely wouldn't be much stronger... If they were too strong, the attributes wouldn't be as important. For level 2 or 3 professionals, these attributes were almost entirely useful, with no waste!

Lai Si and the others were not stingy with their praise. Even the alchemists in the city might create strange magical attributes, turning a magic item into a joke. But Ji Ran's creation was all practical! Was it luck or skill? Lai Si and the others were guessing.

Only Ji Ran knew that this was the result of his superior skills. Choosing the materials was straightforward, all focused on speed, except for the red-tailed fire wolf's skin. But the red-tailed fire wolf's skin mainly provided defense and helped blend the other materials, so its attributes were not as important.

Besides the materials, the choice of arrays was crucial. Ji Ran combined two arrays to stimulate and blend the properties of the materials, ultimately determining the attributes of the Leaping Swift Boots. It sounded simple, but it was the essence of his high-level alchemy experience!

If these boots couldn't satisfy everyone, Ji Ran didn't know what the state of alchemy in this world was...

Words were not enough, so everyone decided to have Aileen try on the boots. Aileen didn't hesitate, turned her back to the group to put on the boots, and then ran and jumped a few times in the spacious cave. She closed her eyes, savoring the feeling, and then suddenly opened her eyes, looking at Ji Ran, "I like these boots."