Book 3 Chapter 13: The Alchemy Complete - Martial God

### Chapter 13: The Alchemy Complete The Alchemist, Yao Dao Ren, didn't toss the entire no-pulp fruit into the bronze cauldron. Instead, he sliced off a portion with his hand-turned-blade, remarking, "This fruit is exceptionally rare and hard to come by. You're incredibly fortunate to have acquired it. When using it, you must be frugal." He then returned the remaining large portion of the no-pulp fruit to He Yiming. He Yiming was momentarily taken aback, then smiled, "Elder Yao, these no-pulp fruits are yours to keep." Yao Dao Ren gently shook his head, "With my level of alchemical skills, such an ingredient isn't necessary for regular pills. However, for something as rare as the Innate Golden Pill, the opportunity to use it is equally rare—perhaps only once in decades." He smiled, patting his hands and methodically placing the ingredients into the cauldron. "If I'm fortunate enough to refine another golden pill in the coming decades, I'll surely ask for more." With no other choice, He Yiming pocketed the leftover no-pulp fruit and focused all his attention on observing Yao Dao Ren's every move. Compared to his earlier days at the Xie residence, He Yiming now had a rudimentary understanding of the pharmacological arts. Although far from mastery, he had some proficiency in the art of alchemy. This was all thanks to the unique abilities of the Innate Withered Wood Technique. It was this innate miraculous ability that allowed him a clearer grasp of the vitality within herbs, providing him a significant edge in the systematic process of pill refinement. If asked to diagnose a patient, he'd be in the dark, but when it came to alchemy, he stood shoulder to shoulder with He Wude and He Wujin. Meanwhile, Yao Dao Ren had refined his craft over more than a century, making the art of alchemy as natural as eating or sleeping. This golden pill refinement was the greatest event for the Hengshan lineage in decades, crucial for the future development of their sect. Hence, Yao Dao Ren deployed his absolute best skills. His movements weren't swift or flashy, but each one was so natural, solid, and grand, evoking the feeling of a force as steadfast as Mount Tai. Watching his movements, He Yiming felt a sense of clarity, his breathing subtly aligning until it matched Yao Dao Ren's rhythm. In that moment, he glimpsed the "Dao" within Yao Dao Ren. An elusive, indescribable truth of the grand path. He Yiming practiced martial arts, but Yao Dao Ren's achievements in alchemy had formed his unique "Dao." His mind flashed back to the ruined landscape painting from that day, leading He Yiming to a realization. Everyone has their own "Dao." For Yao Dao Ren, his martial and alchemical paths merged as one. Similarly, the innate expert who painted his inner world onto paper combined his "Dao" with the art of painting. The saying "understanding one principle leads to understanding many; mastering one path leads to mastering many" might exaggerate, but it's not without truth. With a focused expression, Yao Dao Ren placed the last of the ingredients into the cauldron, then inhaled deeply and activated the control switch of the pagoda, igniting the ground fire. The temperature in the alchemy room soared, but for the two innate experts, it was not a concern. He Yiming watched silently, knowing that in the process of refining an Innate Golden Pill, neither he nor He Wujin, Yao Dao Ren's chief disciple, could assist. What they could do was ensure everything was prepared meticulously beforehand. Once the refining began, it all depended on Yao Dao Ren's mastery. Yao Dao Ren's alchemical expertise was indeed unmatched in the Hengshan lineage, and his control over the ground fire was equally adept. Throughout the day, aided by his mastery of fire techniques, the temperature of the ground fire seemed alive in his hands. Large when needed, small when needed, the fire from the pagoda's mouth almost became one with Yao Dao Ren. In He Yiming's perception, Yao Dao Ren seemed to transform into the blazing ground fire, radiating endless light and heat. Reflecting on his past duel with Yao Dao Ren, He Yiming suddenly understood. Though Yao Dao Ren hadn't experienced enlightenment, his century-long companionship with the ground fire had brought him a subtle connection with nature, allowing him to comprehend things usually grasped through enlightenment. Pondering Yao Dao Ren's lifelong dedication to alchemy, He Yiming was filled with admiration. Successful people never achieve without effort. One receives rewards proportionate to what they invest. Those like He Yiming, who had serendipitous encounters beneath a lake, were exceedingly rare. Hours later, under Yao Dao Ren's precise control, the dew in the cauldron evaporated, fully activating the vitality in the ingredients. It seemed like every move he made had been pre-calculated countless times without a single mistake. At this moment, even as an onlooker, He Yiming knew the most critical phase had arrived. Yao Dao Ren moved swiftly for the first time since entering the alchemy room. His hand swept over the cauldron, the scorching lid adhered to his palm, and the pre-prepared innate core and a small portion of no-pulp fruit were swiftly added. The cauldron lid was once again sealed tightly, as the ground fire beneath it calmed significantly. He Yiming subtly raised his eyebrows, realizing why only innate masters of both wood and fire systems became renowned alchemists. The wood system's ability to precisely sense the vitality in the cauldron made a critical difference in crafting valuable pills. If the ingredients lacked vitality, the outcome would be evident. Similarly, whatever fuel was used, controlling fire with pinpoint precision was where fire techniques were indispensable. Thus, true alchemical achievements were made by innate masters proficient in both wood and fire techniques. While manipulating the fire, Yao Dao Ren occasionally turned the cauldron above. In his hands, the heavy, red-hot cauldron seemed weightless, dancing joyfully like a sprite on the flames. Inside, the ingredients fused completely in this process. Although standing at a distance, He Yiming sensed the pill's vitality stabilizing within the cauldron. From his extensive hands-on experience and practice, He Yiming understood that a stable pill vitality signaled a successful refinement. Indeed, a hint of joy flickered across Yao Dao Ren’s face briefly before being replaced by a grave expression. The closer to success, the tighter the need for focus. A single misstep would lead to ruin, a failure devastating enough to drive one to despair. Suddenly, the revolving cauldron halted in Yao Dao Ren's grip. Grasping the scorching cauldron firmly with both hands, the alarming red heat failed to faze him. With a slight nudge of his foot, the pagoda mouth sealed shut, completely isolating the ground fire's heat. Yao Dao Ren carefully set the cauldron down, a glow in his eyes. He exchanged a glance with He Yiming, both showing signs of profound excitement. Finally, Yao Dao Ren reached out and lifted the cauldron lid. Their eyes instinctively turned to the cauldron's content. A pill, vivid as a burning flame, lay quietly inside. Yao Dao Ren retrieved a prepared jade box, tapping the cauldron lightly. A stream of inner energy passed through, propelling the pill into the air as if moved by an invisible hand, ultimately landing in Yao Dao Ren's jade box. Taking a deep breath, they were enveloped by a rich, unique fragrance, invoking a refreshing clarity. Their gazes fixed on the pill, from which this extraordinary scent emanated. Yao Dao Ren gently shook the jade box, the pill rolling inside with a hue akin to molten lava. It almost felt alive, as if ready to leap back to life at any moment. Such a miraculous pill was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime sight. He Yiming sighed deeply, "So, this is the Innate Golden Pill." Yao Dao Ren nodded with a satisfied and proud expression. Although he had seen the Innate Golden Pill before, crafting it with his own hands was a first, and the excitement in his heart was no less than that of He Yiming's. After the two spent some time admiring the pill, Yao Dao Ren suddenly smacked his forehead, "There's still one more pill to make. Let's continue." He Yiming was about to suggest taking a break, but one look at Yao Dao Ren's eyes and he sensed the near-manic excitement within the alchemist. With a wry smile, He Yiming understood that the joy of their first success had entangled Yao Dao Ren in excitement. In these moments, both his spirit and confidence were at their peak. Recommending calm might be counterproductive. After a moment's hesitation, He Yiming decided to remain a silent observer. Indeed, Yao Dao Ren's preparation this time was much smoother, as if flowing effortlessly. Within moments, all was ready. With the ground fire reignited, the second Innate Core was being refined. Time in the alchemy chamber seemed to blur as He Yiming focused intently on Yao Dao Ren's alchemical techniques, another day passing in the blink of an eye. Repeating his prior actions, fortified by the experience of success, Yao Dao Ren operated with confidence. Though his movements remained cautious, he undoubtedly worked more swiftly. Finally, when he once more extinguished the ground fire, He Yiming sensed the overflowing vitality within the cauldron. He knew the second Innate Golden Pill had been successfully crafted. As he watched Yao Dao Ren retrieve the second pill from the cauldron, He Yiming genuinely remarked, "Elder Yao, your skills are extraordinary. Congratulations." Yao Dao Ren laughed heartily. Achieving success twice in a day made him undeniably joyous. The first creation was unmistakably a fire-type Innate Golden Pill, seemingly about to burst with its vibrant red. The second, however, was a wind-type pill. Though it bore a fragrant aroma, the second pill was a near-transparent white, with delicate strands of color reminiscent of the sky's wind and clouds—remarkably unique. ※※※※ At the peak of Medicine Peak, the mountain breeze was soft, the world around silent. Yu Jinglei and Lian Yi, like stone statues, silently waited outside. Given their status, they could comfortably sit inside, assured they'd be among the first to know the results of the alchemy session. Yet, they chose to await atop the peak, indirectly safeguarding Yao Dao Ren's endeavor. Anyone who sought to disturb him had to deal with them first. Days passed with no news from the cave dwelling, creating a growing tension within them. Despite their elite status in the Xiantian realm, with Yu Jinglei as a notable master, they couldn't help but worry about the sect's future—dependent on such pivotal matters. Their unease stemmed largely from Yao Dao Ren's limited experience in crafting an Innate Golden Pill. Of course, had they known about the no-pulp fruit hidden on He Yiming and its use by Yao Dao Ren, their concerns would have diminished greatly. Suddenly, Yu Jinglei's brow twitched, and his previously closed eyes opened sharply. In an instant, Lian Yi mirrored his actions. Most of their focus rested on the cave dwelling, and they now detected the sound of the stone door opening. Exchanging glances, their anticipation grew. At last, the external doors of the cave slowly opened under their eager gaze. As the stone door swung wide, their eyes immediately sought Yao Dao Ren's face. There was no need for questions; one look at his expression would tell them everything. Despite Yao Dao Ren's obvious fatigue, his eyes sparkled with joy, the edges of his face carrying an unmistakable pride. Seeing his expression, Yu Jinglei and Lian Yi felt their tense hearts relax significantly. Yu Jinglei's face broke into a broad smile as he asked, "Elder Yao, did the pills succeed?" Yao Dao Ren's face lit up with joy, "Uncle, everything went smoothly—the wind and fire pills have both been perfected." "Excellent," Yu Jinglei exclaimed, laughing heartily, "Elder Yao, you've worked hard." With a flick of his wrist, Yao Dao Ren produced two jade boxes, momentarily narrowing his eyes. He then softly whispered, "Uncle, Elder He is still inside." Only then did Yu Jinglei recall that despite the dual success, the Hengshan sect was entitled to just one of the pills. The other was to be handed over to He Yiming. Casting longing looks at the jade boxes, Yu Jinglei sighed heavily, "Let's head inside." Lian Yi shared this reluctant sentiment. He lamented internally why he hadn't been as lucky as He Yiming, who encountered a variant Xiantian spirit beast and obtained its core in a random mountain outing, while they, the elders, roamed the woods for over a decade with no trace of such a beast. The disparity in fortune among people was indeed vast. Unable to relinquish their desire, they understood that coveting the pill and causing He Yiming's ire would be a grave mistake. A young Xiantian master like He Yiming was worth more than ten Innate Golden Pills. Upon entering the cave, they indeed found He Yiming waiting quietly in the hall. Yu Jinglei laughed, "Elder He, the pills have been successfully crafted. As per our agreement, you may take one." Yao Dao Ren placed the jade boxes on the stone table, gently opening them to reveal two pigeon egg-sized pills radiating a palpable energy. He Yiming inhaled deeply, feeling invigorated by the unique fragrance of the Innate Golden Pills. Lingering over the two pills, He Yiming asked, "Elder Yao, for a peak Houtian cultivator practicing a single elemental technique, is it necessary to consume a pill of the same element to break through to Xiantian?" Yao Dao Ren pondered briefly before replying, "Not necessarily. Any pill can aid success, but consuming the same or a compatible element's pill increases the likelihood." He paused, adding, "However, using a pill that opposes one's technique significantly decreases the chance." He Yiming nodded, asking further, "What about the wind-type pill, which isn't part of the basic five elements—who would use it?" Yao Dao Ren chuckled, "The wind-type Innate Golden Pill can be consumed by practitioners of any basic elemental technique. Moreover, if successful, the cultivator might gain the potential to harness wind-based powers without impacting their original talents." He Yiming felt a spark of realization—the wind-type pill could indeed be more valuable than the fire-type. However, Yao Dao Ren's steady voice added, "While the wind-type pill offers such advantages, the chances of successfully stepping into Xiantian with it are notably lower, even less than with an opposing elemental pill." He Yiming was taken aback, hesitating with his decision.