The First Alchemical Trial
As Yang Fan prepared to return to the realm of cultivation and embark on the journey toward immortality, the opening of his medicinal clinic marked merely the first step of his grand design. Lin Zhong, a steadfast ally and cherished friend, possessed remarkable tenacity, keen insight, and a cautious demeanor. He was well-versed in the intricacies of human interaction. Were it not for the limitations imposed by his innate talents, Lin Zhong would undoubtedly rise to become a formidable force in due time.
"I hope he can overcome this trial…" Yang Fan sighed softly, his heart weighed down as he melted into the night, swiftly returning home after leaving Lin Zhong's secluded chamber. Having uncovered the true cause of Liu Manxiang's affliction, he felt a newfound sense of assurance. Though the poison was terrifying, its threat varied by rank. For a low-level cultivator like Hu Bansian, the toxins he wielded could indeed pose risks to mortals and peers alike, but to Yang Fan, a healer beyond conventional understanding, they were hardly worthy of concern.
As dawn broke, Yang Fan settled into a meditative posture, retrieving a jade-green copper cauldron, a gift from the elderly Xu during his last visit to the "Xiuyu Pavilion." Now, he stood on the brink of his first foray into alchemy!
The jade slip bestowed upon him contained invaluable insights into the art of alchemy, particularly remarkable techniques for controlling fire. During his month in Yihe Village, he also received guidance from the hunchbacked elder, further enhancing his knowledge.
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He first placed refined charcoal stones beneath the cauldron and ignited them. The dark stones glowed with a dim red luminescence, the cauldron's temperature steadily rising, causing the air within his dwelling to become stifling and restless. Refined charcoal served as a fundamental material for lower-tier cultivators; its flames reached extraordinarily high temperatures, but its value was modest. Higher-grade materials like Earth Fire Stones could produce heat approaching that of the earth's core. There also existed Earth Fire Talismans, precious items that, when activated with spiritual energy, could summon such flames.
These materials were widely used in the cultivation realm, with practitioners only acquiring foundational fire for alchemy upon reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. However, even among Foundation Establishment cultivators, the prudent refrained from consuming vital energy to expend their genuine fire—those who aspired to do so often found themselves overmatched. Hence, low-tier alchemists relied heavily on external sources of flame, using their internal true fire only for crafting unique spiritual elixirs or in moments of dire need.
As for those in higher realms of cultivation, their methods of alchemy remained a mystery to ordinary practitioners.
With unwavering focus, Yang Fan formed intricate hand seals, his spiritual essence shimmering like stars. Occasionally, he would tap the cauldron, evoking a faint green aura and a soft humming sound. After a period of concentration, a smile broke across his face. He hadn't yet added any materials to the cauldron; he had merely practiced a set of alchemical techniques derived from the "Xianhong Decision's Alchemical Chapter."
This was his first attempt at the technique, and though it felt slightly awkward, for someone embarking on the path of alchemy, this success was remarkable. After a brief respite to restore his energy and focus, Yang Fan took a deep breath and carefully added low-grade materials into the jade cauldron.
This time, his diligence and concentration intensified. He unleashed a torrent of profound hand seals, sending forth bursts of emerald light that danced around the copper cauldron, resonating with a steady hum.
As time passed, both Yang Shi and Yang Huixin rose for the day. Upon entering her elder brother's room and discovering Yang Fan engrossed in alchemical work, Yang Huixin chose not to interrupt.
An hour… two hours…
After nearly half a day, a shrill whistling suddenly erupted from Yang Fan's room. The interior of the jade cauldron glowed with a fiery crimson hue, its temperature soaring. Beads of sweat broke upon Yang Fan's brow as he finally ceased the series of alchemical techniques.
In that moment, the piercing whistling gave way to an intoxicating aroma that wafted through the air.
"Could it be successful?" Yang Fan's heart raced with anticipation as he gazed at the swirling green haze within the cauldron.
**Absorb!**
With a swift motion of his hand, he summoned several gleaming, perfectly rounded elixirs from the steam and heat emanating from the cauldron. These were the fruits of his labor—the first concoction he had ever crafted: the Qi Nourishing Pill.
The Qi Nourishing Pill was limited in its use to those in the Qi Refinement stage and was valued slightly less than the previous Spiritual Essence Pill, classified as one of the lowest-tier elixirs. Yang Fan contemplated his next move; to test the efficacy of this pill, he decided to consume one himself.
Closing his eyes in meditation, he took a moment to center himself. When he reopened his eyes, a spark of brilliance gleamed within them, accompanied by a flicker of joy. "Indeed, bolstered by the unique alchemical techniques of the 'Xianhong Decision,' this Qi Nourishing Pill possesses a potency greater than its counterparts. And this is still without mastering the technique to its fullest potential. According to the 'Alchemical Chapter,' achieving the pinnacle of this technique could double the potency and effectiveness of the elixirs."
To double an elixir's potency is no small feat. This meant that creating a low-grade Spiritual Essence Pill could yield effects rivaling those of a mid-grade one while significantly conserving the rare materials needed for its creation. Typically, the higher the grade of an elixir, the more precious materials were required, limiting their availability in the world of alchemy.
Yang Fan had only begun to cultivate this unique technique, yet he had already enhanced the Qi Nourishing Pill's effects. To reach greater heights would require extensive practice and a certain level of spiritual refinement.
"However, this technique can only be executed through the foundation of the 'Xianhong Decision.' Even if imparted to others, they might not achieve the same results." Yang Fan pondered internally.
At that moment, Yang Huixin entered, her eyes sparkling with delight as she noticed her brother's elated expression. "Brother, have you succeeded in alchemy?"
"Yes! But I must hurry to craft more elixirs." Yang Fan replied excitedly, neglecting even to eat, and instead descended into the underground chamber of their home. There, he set up protective wards and immersed himself in the alchemical process.
"Fear not, dear sister; I possess some Digestive Pills and can forgo food for several days without issue," he reassured her.
With that, he plunged headlong into his work.
This time, the quantity of elixirs he aimed to produce was significantly larger. He carelessly tossed low-grade materials from his storage pouch into the cauldron, a seemingly endless supply.
Several hours later, he emerged with over a dozen elixirs.
Yang Fan worked with abandon, his speed in crafting surpassing that of his previous attempts by more than double.
This time, he focused on concocting a higher-tier elixir, the Yuan Recovery Pill, which could restore vital energy during battle but was not suitable for excessive consumption. Two of Hu Bansian's guards had used this very pill while pursuing him near Xiuyu Pavilion.
However, upon examining his batch, Yang Fan found several elixirs deformed or cracked, and some even flattened.
Of the eighteen spiritual elixirs produced, three or four had failed, while several others lacked the desired sheen—evidence of insufficient heat.
"Alas, I forgot to account for the success rate of alchemy…" Yang Fan sighed, though he remained undeterred. He recalled that for low-tier cultivators, the success rate typically did not exceed fifty percent.
In other words, out of ten elixirs, five successful ones were quite satisfactory for those of lesser rank.