Chapter 39: Alchemy Guidance

Lin Shilu looked around cautiously and said,

"Brother Ye, my grandson and I have traveled thousands of miles to Qianchuan Market to seek your help in refining a specific pill. Rest assured, the payment will definitely satisfy you."

"This pill is not of a high grade, but it is of utmost importance. This matter must not be publicized, and I hope you can keep it confidential."

Ye Pinghai, seeing Lin Shilu's serious demeanor, curiously asked, "What kind of pill requires such importance from your family?"

Lin Shilu took out a beast-skin pill recipe and handed it to Ye Pinghai. The recipe was for the "Minor Foundation Establishment Pill" that Lin Tianming had found in the ancient cultivator's cave.

Ye Pinghai carefully examined the recipe, calculating its authenticity for a full quarter of an hour.

Shocked and amazed, he found it hard to believe. The Minor Foundation Establishment Pill was indeed a valuable item in Qingzhou, and its refining process and ingredients were relatively easy to obtain while its effects were significant.

Ye Pinghai judged that this recipe was indeed ancient and likely came from the central regions of the human world, Xuanzhou or Yunzhou. It was highly authentic and incredibly valuable in a remote place like Qingzhou. No wonder Lin Shilu was so cautious.

"Brother Lin, rest assured. Brother Shigong saved my life, and I swear by my inner demons that I will keep this matter confidential. If I leak anything, may I suffer the tribulation of inner demons and die."

Lin Shilu was pleasantly surprised. He hadn't insisted on such a serious oath, but Ye Pinghai took the initiative to swear, proving his trustworthiness.

The Lin family, lacking a second-tier alchemist, couldn't afford to wait decades and spend massive resources to nurture one. It was a risk they couldn't take. Fortunately, Ye Pinghai was trustworthy.

Feeling relieved, Lin Shilu took out a storage bag and handed it to Ye Pinghai.

"Brother Ye, your great kindness is beyond words. You have helped our family many times. The family council has promised that within our capabilities, we will assist you whenever needed. The storage bag contains materials for fifteen batches of Minor Foundation Establishment Pills. Regardless of the quantity produced, you will receive a generous reward after the refinement."

In the cultivation world, the standard practice for refining pills or crafting artifacts was that the alchemist or craftsman would keep 30% of the final product as compensation. If the refinement failed, the alchemist would only need to compensate 50% of the value of the materials in spirit stones. Other arrangements could be negotiated in advance.

Ye Pinghai checked the materials in the storage bag, confirming their completeness, and said,

"The Minor Foundation Establishment Pill isn't too difficult to refine, but it isn't easy either. I'll need to prepare and adjust my state to maximize the yield. The entire process will take at least six months."

"You should stay in the market for the time being. Also, let Tianming assist me. I'll guide him as well. How much he learns will depend on him."

This gesture greatly benefited Lin Tianming and reassured Lin Shilu. Having a second-tier alchemist's guidance would significantly enhance his pill refining skills.

Lin Tianming, excited by the opportunity, thought of refining the Bone Refining Pill, Barrier Breaking Pill, and crucial training pills like the Body Refining Pill and Spirit Strengthening Pill. These were all high-grade first-rank pills. With Ye Pinghai's guidance, his chances of success would greatly increase.

"Thank you, Senior Ye. I will work hard and not disappoint you," Lin Tianming said sincerely.

As night fell, they finalized their arrangements. Lin Shilu and Lin Tianming bid farewell to Ye Pinghai and returned to their rented courtyard.

On the way back, Lin Shilu was delighted. This trip carried the family's hope for growth. If they could bring the Minor Foundation Establishment Pills back, they would have fulfilled their mission.

Back at the courtyard, they each returned to their rooms. Lin Tianming slept soundly, preparing for the next day's alchemy.

The following morning, Lin Tianming appeared at the entrance of a small courtyard and sent a message inside. Moments later, he walked in.

The courtyard was slightly larger than Lin Shilu's rented one, decorated simply. Ye Pinghai was already waiting.

"Greetings, Senior Ye!" Lin Tianming bowed.

Ye Pinghai nodded and smiled, "What pills can you refine now? What's your success rate?"

"Senior, I can refine mid-grade first-rank Spirit Yuan Pills, Return Yuan Pills, and Solid Yuan Pills with a 40% success rate, yielding about four pills per batch."

Ye Pinghai, impressed by Lin Tianming's talent, thought his pill refining skills were rare in Wei Kingdom and might only be surpassed by geniuses from Yunzhou or Xuanzhou.

"Come to the alchemy room. I'll guide you for a few days, and then I'll focus on refining the Minor Foundation Establishment Pills. You can observe a few batches and then leave to practice on your own."

Lin Tianming gratefully followed Ye Pinghai into the alchemy room.

"First, refine a batch of mid-grade first-rank Spirit Yuan Pills. Adjust your state, and I'll guide you."

Lin Tianming took out his Four Elephants Furnace and the required materials. He habitually meditated, ignited the earth fire, and spent half an hour controlling the furnace and fire's temperature.

Once ready, he began melting and purifying the ingredients. After an hour, a fragrant aroma filled the room.

Opening the furnace lid, he saw five bright and perfect Spirit Yuan Pills inside.

Delighted, Lin Tianming was pleased to see five pills. Previously, he had mostly produced four per batch, with five being rare. The improvement was likely due to his higher cultivation level, stronger divine sense, and the upgraded Four Elephants Furnace.

Ye Pinghai examined one of the pills, occasionally nodding and shaking his head, his thoughts unclear.

"You've done well, but there are areas for improvement. Many ingredients vary in age and quality, requiring different purification times. The opening time also needs to be adjusted based on actual conditions to enhance the success rate and yield. Try again."

Lin Tianming listened carefully, pondering for a moment before starting another batch.