dmims 707. Working Together
707. Working Together
The term "ninth-grade pill" itself represents an unattainable pinnacle in the art of alchemy. The immense medicinal power contained within any ninth-grade pill is a qualitative leap compared to that of an eighth-grade pill.
Throughout the vast history of the Dou Qi Continent, alchemists who could refine pills of this caliber were all exceptionally talented and legendary figures who left their mark on history.
Now, Xiao Yan wouldn't be too worried if any eighth-grade pill were placed before him. However, the mere mention of a ninth-grade pill still stirred a strong emotion deep within him. It was an instinctive awe when facing a higher realm, along with an eager excitement.
"A ninth-grade pill requires quite a bit of preparation, senior."
Huo Zhen's face darkened, and he said in a deep voice, "Not only that, our time is also very tight; we must complete it within thirty days!"
After saying that, he flicked his finger without hesitation and sent a spatial scroll to Xiao Yan.
"Here are the pill formulas. Although you only need to do the refining work, it will still be beneficial for you to understand them first."
Xiao Yan gripped the scroll, its surface warm yet slightly cool to the touch. He was genuinely impatient. He had never seen a ninth-grade pill formula before, and at this level, the value of a formula was self-evident. Obtaining any one of them would be an astronomical price.
As Xiao Yan's soul power stirred, a vast and profound torrent of information instantly flooded into his mind, leaving an indelible imprint.
"The Creation Rejuvenation Pill is a top-tier elixir capable of reviving the dead and restoring flesh and bone. It uses the most yang and yin elements of heaven and earth as a guide to create a refined medicinal spirit. Upon its completion, the universe changes color, possessing the immense power to reverse life and death. As long as there is a breath left, it can reclaim life. Furthermore, it stimulates one's limits, breaking through shackles!"
"The required herbs are: Nine Netherworld Resurrection Grass, Ninth-Tier Magical Beast Essence Blood, Thousand-Year-Old Green Lotus Heart..."
After reviewing the pill formula, Xiao Yan couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief. Although there was only one word separating ninth-grade pills from eighth-grade pills, their effects were worlds apart.
No wonder the threshold for the ninth rank is so high, keeping out countless talented and experienced alchemists.
"So, are you confident?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan didn't hesitate at all, straightening his back immediately: "Senior is the one primarily responsible. Since Senior has such courage, how can Xiao Yan lag behind?"
"Excellent! That's great! I haven't refined a ninth-grade pill in decades. Today, let's work together to refine another ninth-grade pill!"
Then, Huo Zhen used the storage ring sent by Yan Chao, spreading out over a hundred colorful herbs, which were then suspended in mid-air by Huo Zhen's battle qi. In the next instant, the entire space seemed to be filled with an overwhelmingly rich medicinal fragrance and surging life energy.
Seeing this scene, even though Xiao Yan was used to seeing rare and precious herbs, he still felt slightly dizzy. Because even the worst of these herbs could be used as the core ingredient in pills of grade seven or higher!
Huo Zhen clearly already knew everything. With a slight flick of his finger, he precisely divided nearly a third of the herbs in front of Xiao Yan.
Looking at the medicinal herbs floating in front of him, radiating astonishing energy fluctuations, Xiao Yan pondered for a moment and then took the initiative to ask, "Senior, after the herbs are refined, your consumption will be considerable. Why not give me some more herbs?"
"No." When it came to alchemy, Huo Zhen's tone left no room for compromise.
"Refining is also one of the biggest differences between you and a true ninth-grade alchemist. I've calculated that this is your limit. As for the reason, I will explain it to you in detail after the refining is successfully completed."
After listening to Huo Zhen's clear and logical analysis, Xiao Yan's last trace of doubt vanished. He no longer insisted; he was extremely receptive to advice.
This pill-refining process was extremely important to him. Although he had heard of ninth-grade pills more than once, he had never actually seen one. Xiao Yan naturally had his own ambitions in alchemy and wanted to strive for ninth-grade. However, he would have to find a way to overcome the hurdles involved.
Witnessing the creation of a ninth-grade pill firsthand was the most important and top-tier lesson for an eighth-grade alchemist like him. Xiao Yan believed that even just watching this process would be incredibly beneficial. He was even more certain of the rewards he would gain from participating in it himself.
"Let's begin!" Kama extended two of his fingers, and wisps of crimson flame gradually ignited. The flames were not violent, but they moved entirely at his command.
After observing, Xiao Yan was able to confirm that although Huo Zhen's power was not weak, Huo Zhen's flames were actually not any special strange flames.
Xiao Yan then turned his thoughts around, exhaled a breath of turbid air, and adjusted himself to his peak condition. He also entrusted Huo Zhi, who was in the arms of Sanqian Leihuan, to Yan Chao's care. The transfer of Dou Qi was almost complete. After all, Huo Zhi was a Dou Zun-level expert, and as long as he rested enough, he would be able to wake up smoothly.
The Crimson Lotus Star Flame, re-fused from the four great flames, reappeared, accompanied by a terrifyingly high temperature that sent chills down one's spine. With a flick of his palm, Xiao Yan drew in a crimson-gold herb shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings, which, under the pull of an invisible force, fell into his palm and entered the medicine cauldron along with the flame.
In fact, Xiao Yan had many ways to increase his refining speed, but he didn't plan to use any of them. After all, it was a ninth-grade pill, and Xiao Yan didn't want any flaws to appear due to his own mistakes. He wanted to refine it in the safest way possible. This was Xiao Yan's highest respect for the ninth-grade pill he was involved in making!
Then, the medicinal garden, where the fragrance was so strong it almost solidified, fell silent once more. Yan Chao dared not disturb the two, only standing guard alongside Huo Zhi to protect them. This pill was of extraordinary significance to the Yan Clan at present, and it absolutely could not be allowed to be disturbed by any unexpected circumstances.
Only the low hum of the rising flames and the subtle hissing sound of the herbal essence being slowly refined intertwined and echoed.
Two medicine cauldrons, two flames, and two figures were constantly repeating the refining process.
Xiao Yan is the newly crowned champion of the Pill Refining Competition, an eighth-grade alchemist. Huo Zhen is the number one alchemist of the Yan Clan, a genuine ninth-grade alchemist.
These two generations of top alchemy masters displayed breathtaking skill even in the seemingly initial step of refining medicinal herbs. Even simply observing the fluid refining process with the naked eye from the sidelines, one could clearly sense the artistry—a mastery of power, fire, and the properties of the herbs—that had reached an extremely high level!