Chapter 49: Crafting the Elixir - Nine-Rank Purple Gold Pill - Douluo's spirit bead sword
Chapter 49: Crafting the Elixir - Nine-Rank Purple Gold Pill It had been about a month since Tian Lin arrived at the Yin Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire. During this time, he had prepared all the necessary remedies for detoxifying poison. The key ingredient was his blood, having consumed both the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Fiery Delicate Apricot. Since ingesting these two rare herbs, Tian Lin's body had become impervious to both fire and water, immune to a hundred toxins, and his blood held potent detoxifying properties. Tian Lin's method for detoxifying Du Gu Bo mirrored that of Tang San in the original story, which involved finding a vessel within the body to contain the toxins. Conveniently, Du Gu Bo possessed a Medusa's Skull, perfectly suited for storing venomous substances. Every day, utilizing the Holy Breath Barrier, the detoxification medicine he'd crafted, and the toxin-guiding method developed by Cao Gu, Tian Lin aided in purifying Du Gu Bo's body. Within a mere month, progress was visibly significant; the once verdant green hair and beard of Du Gu Bo were now transforming toward gray, indicating the gradual fading of toxins. Mysteriously, Du Gu Bo's spirit power had also unexpectedly risen to level ninety-two, a feat Tang San originally only achieved after complete detoxification. Tian Lin had initially estimated it would take six months, but at the current rate, it would only require three or four months. Next to the Yin Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire, two figures—one old and one young—emerged from their meditation. Du Gu Bo inhaled deeply, feeling the increasingly surging spirit power within and exclaimed, "You little monster, just where did you get this meditation method? It's way too advanced. Don't tell me you created it yourself. I don't believe that. Not even a Titled Douluo might be capable of such powerful methods." "That's a secret I can't tell you!" Tian Lin chuckled. What could be shared, he already had, but certain things he resolved to keep buried in his mind. "Fine, then. I don't care to know either way." Du Gu Bo turned his head with an air of pride but wasn't truly offended. Everyone has their secrets; Tian Lin had shared much with him—his twin martial souls, extreme attributes, and external spirit bones—except for this. It simply meant this was even more important to Tian Lin than the rest. To continue probing would've been discourteous. The meditation method Du Gu Bo was practicing had been partially assimilated by Tian Lin from the Nuwa's meditation techniques and integrated with the methods developed by Cao Gu. Technically, calling it Tian Lin's creation wasn't entirely inaccurate, as it was perfectly suited for Du Gu Bo’s cultivation. It improved his control over internal toxins and, since Nuwa is a deity with a human head and snake body, the technique matched Du Gu Bo's snake-based martial soul harmoniously. With its aid, Du Gu Bo fully believed Tian Lin could help him break through to above level ninety-five. In one short month, reaching level ninety-two was the best evidence of this. "Alright, old monster, I'm off to continue my alchemy. Feel free to do as you wish. Today's treatment is complete." Tian Lin rose and approached the spring of fire in the Yin Yang Eyes. There, a pill furnace hung, leveraging the extreme heat of the spring to craft the elixir. Given it was his first attempt in alchemy, Tian Lin dared not use celestial-grade herbs immediately. Instead, he chose two Nine-Petal Purple Zhi herbs, a valuable treasure outside but fairly common here. Unlike celestial herbs, which are singular in quantity, these served well for experimentation. "Little monster, what pill are you crafting? It's been almost a month, and it's still not done?" Du Gu Bo, idle and curious, sat beside Tian Lin and inquired. "The Nine-Rank Purple Gold Pill—an elixir using the Nine-Petal Purple Zhi as the base, supplemented with other herbs. Not only does it harness the essence of the Purple Zhi for reinforcing primal vitality and boosting energy, but it also extends life expectancy, purifies internal spirit power, and makes future breakthroughs easier," Tian Lin explained. "It takes about a month to complete. I estimate it'll be ready in a few days. I'm just not sure how many we'll get. According to my book, two Nine-Petal Purple Zhi can make up to six pills." Du Gu Bo was stunned—what kind of miraculous elixir increased prowess, extended life, purified spirit power, and aided in overcoming bottlenecks? It truly lived up to the name "celestial pill." "Little monster, you must give me one of those treasures once it's finished," Du Gu Bo unabashedly requested. "Old monster, why do you need one? I've got something even better planned for you. Look over there," Tian Lin pointed to the center of the Yin Yang Eyes, where he'd placed a fruit. "That's a Serpent Scale Fruit. Although not celestial, it's more potent than Purple Zhi, especially ideal for someone with a snake-based martial soul like yours. I'm nurturing it in the center; in about six months, it'll evolve into an Icefire Serpent Scale Fruit, with effects rivaling any celestial herb. Upon consuming it, your martial soul might even evolve!" "Martial soul evolution!" At this, Du Gu Bo was instantly excited. If true, this was far more precious than the Purple Gold Pill, as the pill only enhanced quantitatively, while the Icefire Serpent Scale Fruit promised a qualitative leap. But soon, another thought arose, "Little monster, it seems there is only one Icefire Serpent Scale Fruit." Tian Lin nodded, "Yes, just one. The Serpent Scale grows on a serpent-shaped tree, and without this special site, it would've taken hundreds of years for another to come to fruition. Picking it now means the next one, even in this unique environment, will still take decades to mature." "In that case, I won’t take it. This fruit should be for Yan Yan; she needs it more." Du Gu Bo, after all, chose to prioritize his granddaughter over celestial medicine. Tian Lin wanted to say he'd prepared an even stronger item for Du Gu Yan, namely the Lovesick Heartbroken Red, considering she and Yu Tian Heng were a couple. However, on second thought, the requirement for consuming the flower was notably high. While Du Gu Yan greatly loved Yu Tian Heng, it likely wasn't at the life-and-death devotion level shown between Xiao Wu and Tang San in the original tale. It wouldn't necessarily move the flower. Thinking this over, Tian Lin replied, "If that's your decision, old monster, then I'll give you a Purple Gold Pill instead. In addition, I'll find another gift for you." "No need, little monster. You've already performed a great deed by detoxifying me; I won't be greedy," Du Gu Bo responded with a smile. Tian Lin countered, "No, old monster, you might not realize this, but many herbs in the Yin Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire are more precious than life itself. Since you've allowed me free reign over them, it's only right I repay the master of the place with such a token. At the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, we always believe in reciprocating kindness." Du Gu Bo felt a sudden epiphany, "Loyalty and integrity, indeed the foundation for a force's prosperity. Little monster, under your future leadership, your clan will surely reach unprecedented heights." "Ah, thinking about Yan Yan getting married into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan someday, this old man should also find a quiet place to spend his days in peace. Little monster, if I come to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, would you take care of me in my old age?" Du Gu Bo genuinely considered the option, and Tian Lin immediately replied, "Certainly. If you decide to join us, I'll ensure your twilight years are comfortable." "Perfect then, hahahaha..." The night air echoed with Du Gu Bo's uncontrollable laughter.