Xiao Yan’s mind was tightly focused on the eight tiny light clusters floating within the emerald green light circle. Inside the light clusters, faint outlines of liquids and powders could be seen, which were precisely the refined medicinal fluids that Xiao Yan had spent nine days merging. Each of these medicinal fluids almost contained the potency of nearly twenty different herbs.
Heaving a deep sigh, Xiao Yan glanced at Grandmaster Phantom across from him. They then closed their eyes simultaneously as their grand soul forces surged forth, drilling into the medicinal cauldron in an instant.
Noticing their actions, Tang Zhen’s face turned increasingly serious. The success or failure of this alchemy would depend on the upcoming performance of Xiao Yan and Grandmaster Phantom…
Xiao Yan’s powerful soul force rushed into the emerald green light circle. With a nudge of his will, two drops of colorful fluid swiftly swept downward and gently touched each other…
As the two droplets made contact, ripples appeared on their surfaces, signifying the natural resistance between the medicinal powers. Xiao Yan now had to find the balance point between the two to achieve a perfect fusion. This fusion required extremely precise control of soul force; the slightest mistake could lead to its failure.
Transforming into a myriad of fine threads, Xiao Yan’s soul force spread throughout every inch of space within the medicinal droplets, ensuring that any minuscule change would be instantly detected.
This step was extremely tricky, but fortunately, Xiao Yan was experienced and possessed an abundance of soul force. As he maintained a steady pressure, the two droplets began to truly merge after about an hour. Though the process was slow, completion was only a matter of time.
Hours passed in silence, and about three hours later, the two colorful droplets finally merged completely, forming a single, vibrant and viscous liquid floating within the emerald green light circle.
Seeing the fusion succeed, Xiao Yan felt a slight relief. His mind moved once more, and another cluster of black powder drifted down, slowly mixing with the vibrant, viscous liquid.
Fusing the essence of herbs was a time-consuming process requiring immense patience. Any rashness could lead to complete failure and turn the precious herbs into waste.
Fortunately, things were going smoothly for Xiao Yan, who was extra cautious. He knew that the success of this alchemy would determine whether he could obtain the Heavenly Fire Three Profound Transformations.
As time went by, the eight small light clusters inside the emerald green circle gradually merged under Xiao Yan’s control.
On the stone platform, Tang Zhen’s eyes were fixed on the medicinal cauldron, where every movement was quickly fed back to his mind.
“Indeed, this Rock Python is extraordinary. Not only does he maintain the fusion speed, but he also ensures no mistakes. His soul force is also extraordinarily powerful, much stronger than Grandmaster Phantom.”
Tang Zhen could easily see that Xiao Yan’s soul force was much more potent than Grandmaster Phantom’s. As he thought this, he turned his gaze to Grandmaster Phantom, whose face was slightly pale. Tang Zhen’s heart sank; it seemed that the nine days of fusing herbal powers with the Nine Dragon Thunder Flame had taken a heavy toll on him.
However, despite his concerns, Tang Zhen had no choice but to hope that Grandmaster Phantom could hold out. Everyone present knew that Tang Zhen had completed his role, and now it was up to Rock Python and Grandmaster Phantom. If they could successfully fuse their medicinal powers, the alchemy had a good chance of succeeding. But if they made a mistake, it would likely end in failure.
“Let’s hope Rock Python can hold on. The nine days have surely drained his soul force considerably,” an alchemy master said, stroking his beard.
“Having come this far, any mistake would be a great pity,” another alchemist added, nodding in agreement.
“Rock Python doesn’t seem weakened, but Grandmaster Phantom’s soul force is clearly diminishing,” an elder at the front suddenly sighed.
Hearing this, the surrounding people fell silent. Could Rock Python be even stronger than Grandmaster Phantom? The idea was absurd, yet they couldn’t deny the elder’s words, given his superior expertise and keen eyesight.
Ignoring their thoughts, the elder felt a slight worry. He could sense that Grandmaster Phantom’s soul force was indeed weakening, which could lead to dire consequences.
“Hope he can hold on. Creating a high-grade seventh-rank pill is too much for him,” he muttered.
Time passed as Xiao Yan and Grandmaster Phantom neared the end of their fusion. The energy around the platform became increasingly violent, and a strong medicinal fragrance wafted out, soothing everyone’s spirits.
Sensing the change, Tang Zhen and the others felt a surge of excitement. Were the two about to complete the fusion?
Under the watchful eyes, Xiao Yan and Grandmaster Phantom’s eyes snapped open simultaneously, and a low shout echoed as their hand seals changed. The soul force in the cauldron transformed, and under the increased pressure, all the medicinal powers fully merged!
“Whoosh!” At the moment of fusion, two intense beams, one green and one red, shot out from the cauldron, reaching a hundred meters.
The sudden burst of energy coincided with a peak of medicinal fragrance. Seeing this, everyone’s faces lit up, “The fusion succeeded?”
At the edge of the square, Tang Huo’er’s tense heart finally relaxed, a beautiful smile gracing her face.
On the stone platform, Tang Zhen also stood up, unable to conceal his joy. Turning to Xiao Yan and Grandmaster Phantom, he said, “All the herbs are now fused. The next step is the critical formation of the pill!”
Xiao Yan nodded, glancing at Grandmaster Phantom, who looked pale. He hesitated, “Grandmaster Phantom, can you continue?”
Shaking off his fatigue, Grandmaster Phantom smiled, “Don’t worry.”
Though he tried to reassure Xiao Yan, his pale face didn’t inspire much confidence. But since he said so, Xiao Yan had no choice but to proceed. If not for the Lotus Heartflame, he might be in the same state…
Tang Zhen also noticed Grandmaster Phantom’s condition but had no time to consider other options. “Please, start the next step. If the fused medicinal powers sit too long, it will affect the success rate,” he urged.
Xiao Yan and Grandmaster Phantom nodded, taking a deep breath before changing their hand seals. Green and red lights in the cauldron surged, transforming into two prismatic beams that collided in the center!
“Bang!” The collision of the two droplets, containing nearly a hundred rare herbs, erupted in a low boom, releasing a powerful energy wave that crashed against the cauldron, creating a ringing sound.
The collision affected Xiao Yan, causing him to grunt and shake slightly.
But Grandmaster Phantom, already at his limit, succumbed. His face turned deathly pale as he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed!
Seeing Grandmaster Phantom fall, the entire square fell silent. Tang Zhen and Tang Huo’er’s smiles froze. Everyone knew what would happen if an alchemist failed at this stage…
“Another failure…” Tang Zhen muttered, looking older. Tang Huo’er’s face paled, and a glimmer of sorrow flashed in her eyes. Was it really her fate to fail?
Xiao Yan stared at the fallen Grandmaster Phantom, snapping back to reality. He quickly turned his attention to the cauldron. If the pill failed, he would lose the Heavenly Fire Three Profound Transformations. Could it really all be for naught at the last moment?
A fierce determination and refusal filled Xiao Yan’s eyes.
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