In the vast valley, where lush greenery and occasional fiery maples dotted the landscape, it was a sight to behold. At the heart of the valley lay a spacious plaza constructed from vibrant red volcanic rock. In the center stood a stone platform towering nearly ten zhang high. Around the plaza, numerous figures could be seen, most of them wearing red robes, clearly disciples of the Blazing Flame Valley.
On the other side of the plaza, there was a slightly elevated platform. Though not as high as the central dais, it provided an excellent view of the entire plaza. Standing on this platform were several people with their hands behind their backs—these were the alchemists who had been in the hall earlier.
Amidst the whispers in the plaza, the sound of rushing wind echoed. Four figures flashed into view from the distance, landing lightly on the stone platform. They were none other than the head of the Blazing Flame Valley, Tang Zhen, the red-clad woman named Huer, Xiao Yan, and the guest elder of the Pill Tower, Master Fantasy.
Tang Zhen’s appearance immediately quieted the murmurs. The Blazing Flame Valley disciples knew that Tang Zhen was about to work with two alchemy masters to refine a pill, so they dared not make any noise for fear of disrupting the process.
Tang Zhen scanned the surroundings, then turned to Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy, smiling. “Are you both ready?”
Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy nodded in response.
“This time, I will be refining the Fire Bodhi Pill, a high seventh-grade pill. Here are parts of the pill formula; each of you will have one. When we start, follow the steps outlined in the formula and do your part.”
Tang Zhen waved his hand, and two scrolls flew towards Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy. They quickly caught the scrolls and immediately channeled their soul power into them, memorizing the partial formula.
After about ten minutes, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. The formula in the scroll was incomplete, only a portion of it. Clearly, Tang Zhen did not wish to reveal the entire formula. However, Xiao Yan was unperturbed; formulas for seventh-grade pills were extremely precious and not to be easily shared.
“Even just a part of the formula is so complex. If it were complete, it would be even more intricate. This Fire Bodhi Pill truly deserves its high seventh-grade status,” he mused, recognizing the difficulty in refining such a pill from the partial formula.
“Have you both reviewed the formula?” Tang Zhen smiled as he saw Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy open their eyes.
They both nodded.
“This refinement may take some time, so prepare yourselves. There must be no interruptions.”
Tang Zhen’s expression grew serious. This was a crucial task, and failure would be a significant blow.
Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy, both seasoned pill refiners, understood this well and voiced no objections.
“I am not an alchemist, and my control over soul power is not as precise as yours. I will handle the extraction, but the fusion of the ingredients will be up to you both.”
With that, Tang Zhen pointed to two stone seats on the platform. “If everything is clear, please take your seats.”
Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy exchanged a glance, smiled, and moved to the seats, sitting down cross-legged.
Tang Zhen stepped onto another stone seat, turning to the red-clad woman. “Huer, ensure that no one disturbs us during this process!”
“Yes, Father.” Huer, the red-clad woman, nodded, cast a brief glance at Xiao Yan, and then descended to organize the disciples, securing the area.
With everything in place, Tang Zhen’s expression became serious. He waved his sleeve, and a massive object flew out from his storage ring, landing heavily in the center of the platform. Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy looked at the object, eyes widening in surprise.
It was a large pill furnace, vividly red, with patterns of erupting volcanoes on its surface, exuding a fierce aura. Xiao Yan recognized that the quality of this furnace was on par with, if not better than, his own Beast Gathering Cauldron.
“Mountain Melt Cauldron, a treasure from the Heavenly Cauldron List. I never thought it would be in the possession of the Valley Lord. Truly impressive,” Master Fantasy admired the cauldron with great envy.
“Just a stroke of luck,” Tang Zhen smiled, then waved his sleeve again. Numerous herbs began flying out from his storage ring, hovering above the platform. The number was likely in the hundreds.
As the herbs appeared, a rich medicinal fragrance filled the air. These herbs were anything but ordinary, and the sheer quantity required for the Fire Bodhi Pill confirmed its high seventh-grade status.
Tang Zhen’s expression grew more solemn as he conjured silver flames. Nine flame dragons roamed within, radiating an awe-inspiring presence.
“Master Fantasy, take this pill. It will enhance your affinity with the Nine Dragon Thunderfire, extending your endurance.”
Tang Zhen tossed a silver pill to Master Fantasy, then glanced at Xiao Yan. “Young friend Yao Xian, you don’t need this, do you?”
Xiao Yan shook his head. His soul was protected by the Lotus Heart Flame, and even the Nine Dragon Thunderfire, though powerful, could not harm him.
Tang Zhen smiled and directed the silver flames into the Mountain Melt Cauldron, where they burst into a roaring blaze. The nine small flame dragons swelled and darted around the cauldron, breathing out silver flames.
“Since everyone is ready, let’s begin!” Tang Zhen’s smile faded, and he spoke sternly as the silver flames surged in the cauldron.
He focused, and his hands grabbed the floating herbs, dropping them into the cauldron. The nine flame dragons roared, engulfing the herbs, and the cauldron’s flames intensified.
As Tang Zhen refined the herbs, Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy swiftly channeled their soul power through the flames, entering the cauldron. The intense heat inside was bearable for Xiao Yan, but Master Fantasy paled slightly. Luckily, Tang Zhen had given him a pill to help sustain him.
“Both of you, the first set of herbs is almost refined. It’s time for you to fuse them!” Tang Zhen’s voice echoed in their ears.
Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy concentrated, mentally reviewing the formula. After about twenty minutes, the nine flame dragons spat out essence-laden objects, some in powder form, some liquid, and others solid. All hung suspended in the cauldron.
“Go!” Tang Zhen instructed.
Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy took a deep breath, swept their soul power, and collected the essential components, enveloping them in their respective flames. They followed the formula, slowly fusing the essences.
The herbs, free of impurities, floated, and under Xiao Yan and Master Fantasy’s skilled hands, they were precisely fused. Despite it being their first collaboration, they worked seamlessly.
Seeing their seamless cooperation, Tang Zhen breathed a sigh of relief and drew in another batch of herbs, continuing the process.
On the nearby platform, the alchemy masters watched intently. When they saw Xiao Yan keeping pace with Tang Zhen and Master Fantasy, their faces darkened, especially that of the unfamiliar master, whose earlier words were now slapped back in his face.
At the edge of the plaza, Tang Huer watched closely, relaxing when she saw Xiao Yan’s composed demeanor. “It seems Father’s judgment is keen. This man isn’t just all talk. But can he really help Father succeed in this refinement?”
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