Chapter 23: Refinement (1)

With a resolute decision etched on his face, Lin Yang's determined gaze fell upon the vast, imposing alchemy furnace. The radiant glow in his eyes reflected the unwavering commitment he had made. He released any lingering thoughts of nurturing the Primordial Vitality Pill further and instead resolved to consume it directly, incorporating its essence within his being to refine a Heavenly Dao Physique.

The complete recipe firmly held in his grasp, he prepared himself to refine the pill.

The alluring benefits that awaited him were not to be wasted. Lin Yang understood the paramount importance of forging a Heavenly Law Physique and improving his cultivation speed.

As his chest rose and fell with anticipation, he consciously banished any distracting thoughts clouding his mind, focusing all his attention on the monumental task at hand. Step by deliberate step, he gravitated closer to the alchemy furnace, its grandeur only amplifying his determination.

The ardent alchemist knew there were two ways to unlock the secrets of an alchemy furnace. The first involved uncovering a concealed mechanism hidden within its depths. The other, a more intricate approach, required a precise sequence of hand seals, each infused with purpose and intention.

As an alchemy grand master, Lin Yang possessed the innate ability to discern the elusive mechanisms that unlocked pill furnaces. His practiced hand deftly sought out the hidden trigger within the round mouth of the alchemy furnace. As it slowly creaked open, an air of anticipation filled the room, but no strange fragrance wafted through the air, nor did any enigmatic phenomena manifest.

Unfazed by the absence of immediate indications, Lin Yang's experience guided him. He was keenly aware that Divine Pills transcended the realm of ordinary elixirs.

They possessed their own spiritual essence, lending them an arcane quality that distinguished them from the ordinary blends of earth and heaven yuan qi. The absence of ostentatious displays did not surprise him; rather, it only reinforced his understanding of the intrinsic nature of these sacred elixirs.

Unexpectedly, as he peered into the alchemy furnace, Lin Yang discovered an absence of any visible contents. The interior was shrouded in complete darkness, with only a faint, alluring medicinal fragrance lingering in the air. Yet, his keen eyes detected a subtle presence, a dark object nestled at the bottom of the cauldron.

It appeared to be an ordinary stone, devoid of any remarkable features, its surface as black as midnight. However, its size, resembling that of a fist-sized bead, intrigued him. A flicker of excitement crossed Lin Yang's face, for his honed instincts as an Alchemy Grandmaster discerned the truth—this was indeed the long-awaited Primordial Vitality Pill.

To the untrained eye, it might have appeared as mere waste or even residue. But Lin Yang, with his profound experience and knowledge, swiftly dismissed such notions. A truly exceptional alchemy furnace, such as the one before him, would not yield any impurities upon extinguishing the flame. Any remnants of the process would naturally be channeled through additional outlets, dissipating into smoke.

Furthermore, the remarkable function of a high-quality alchemy furnace lay in its ability to nurture elixirs. Even if a waste pill were introduced, the furnace's abundant medicinal essence would purify it, gradually transforming it into a top-grade elixir. This invaluable feature highlighted the furnace's ability to refine and enhance the quality of its contents over time.

However, in the case of the Primordial Vitality Pill, the quality was so superior that it concealed itself within the dark stone bead, safeguarding its divine essence.

A sense of triumph surged within Lin Yang as he acknowledged the significance of his find. After enduring countless hardships and trials, his perseverance had finally paid off.

With the consumption of the Primordial Vitality Pill, he would obtain a Primordial Heavenly Law Physique, greatly accelerating his cultivation speed. While he might not surpass the peerless geniuses, he would certainly not be outshined by the ordinary geniuses of this era!

With resolute steps, he approached the alchemy furnace, excitement building as he prepared to retrieve the stone pill. To his surprise, at that very moment, the stone pill underwent a sudden and astonishing transformation. Bursting forth in a dazzling display of colors, it made a desperate bid for freedom, attempting to slip through his grasp.

Unfazed by the stone pill's rebellion, a boisterous laugh escaped Lin Yang's lips. He exuded a calm confidence as his movements became a blur, his claws slicing through the air and his footwork like that of a celestial meteor. The power of his iron-like fingers surged forth like a tsunami, becoming an unyielding force against the stone pill's flight.

The mighty force of his Kun Sea Subduing Fist, known for its ability to quell even the most unruly energies, bore down upon the stone pill. The struggle intensified, the stone pill retaliating with a torrent of energy that left Lin Yang's fingers burning with pain. Yet, he held on tenaciously, unwilling to release his grasp.

The stone pill seemed to possess a consciousness, aware that its chance for escape was slipping away. It yearned for the opportunity to transform into a celestial being, embarking on a path of cultivation. But Lin Yang was steadfast in his resolve, unwilling to relinquish his prize.

Enraged, he let out a thunderous shout, "Kun Sea Subduing Fist, suppress!" Channeling his inner power into his fingers, they assumed the strength and fierceness of menacing dragon talons. The ground quivered beneath his feet as his grip tightened, the battle between the stone pill and his iron will reaching a climax.

Defiant until the end, the stone pill radiated an iridescent light, flickering like a flame set amidst a turbulent sea. It had made a decision - to shatter itself rather than be consumed.

Lin Yang's expression hardened, his mind racing to salvage the precious medicine. The divine pill possessed not only its potent medicinal properties, but also a unique spirit that separated it from ordinary pills. Its destruction would result in a significant loss of efficacy.

"No! You will not destroy my precious medicine!" Determination gleamed in Lin Yang's eyes, his voice laced with a frosty resolve. He refused to succumb to the stone pill's rebellion, for he knew the value it held.

In a lightning-fast motion, he opened his mouth wide and promptly swallowed the Primordial Vitality Pill in its true form. As an esteemed alchemy grandmaster, he possessed a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring he could handle and assimilate divine objects with unrivaled mastery.

He settled into a comfortable position, crossing his legs and resting his hands on his knees. His five fingers stretched towards the celestial expanse as he exclaimed, "The Vast Cosmos is the crucible, Harmony is the furnace, Serenity is the foundation of the Craft, Stillness is the core, Life force is the elixir, Equilibrium and Insight are the merging of water and fire, Conquering desires and transcending anger are the convergence of light and shadow, Unity of Essence is the fusion of earth and metal, Purifying the heart and dissolving worries is the purging bath, Equilibrium and Insight are the three essences, Center is the portal, Pure Spirit is the realization, Communion with Universe is the culmination, Three Essences merge as one, Celestial Cosmos Refinement Art, seize the essence and refine to perfection!"