The Beginnings of Pill Alchemy

In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the carved lattice windows, casting dappled shadows upon the stone floor like a living landscape painting. 

I awoke from a light sleep, still feeling the exhaustion from last night's study of the Jietian Sword Diagram lingering in every limb and bone. I gently stretched, washed up, and dressed neatly.

In the courtyard, Su Li had already been waiting; upon seeing me step out, her eyes lit up.

"Sister Wei, you finally got up!" she exclaimed with a radiant smile as she handed me an exquisite food box, from which a faint medicinal aroma drifted. "I specifically fetched breakfast from the dining hall—a porridge made with lingmi (spiritual rice), enriched with crushed millennia-old lingzhi and centennial ginseng—to boost your inner energy and steady your mind." With a playful wink, she added, "Today, Master Nanshan is demonstrating the art of pill alchemy, which is said to be particularly challenging. You can't go on an empty stomach!"

I thanked her and quickly finished my breakfast before setting off with Su Li for Qingxin Hall. Along the way, I couldn't help but glance around, subconsciously searching for that familiar white figure. Yesterday's conversation with Sister Moqing still lingered in my mind, and the dream of a wisteria sea filled me with wistful longing. For some reason, I had a premonition that I would see her again today.

Outside Qingxin Hall, many disciples had gathered in small groups, chatting amongst themselves. I scanned the crowd, searching for Moqing's figure, but did not spot that cool, white attire.

"What are you looking for, Sister Wei?" Su Li asked curiously.

"Nothing," I replied nonchalantly, though a vague sense of loss welled up inside me.

The clear chime of a bell rang out as the disciples entered in orderly succession, taking their seats. Su Li and I sat down in turn. Soon, Master Nanshan strode forward; today he wore a moon-white daoist robe embroidered with intricate cloud patterns. His hair and beard were white, and although his face radiated kindness, there was an unmistakable air of authority. In his hand, he still clutched a jade ruyi.

"Dear disciples, yesterday I explained to you the great Dao of Heaven and Earth and the foundations of cultivation," Master Nanshan began, his gaze piercing as he surveyed us. "Today, I shall instruct you in the art of pill alchemy—an indispensable part of cultivation. Miraculous elixirs not only heal injuries and cure ailments, but also help practitioners break through bottlenecks and advance their cultivation."

He waved his jade ruyi, and immediately an attendant disciple presented a delicate pill furnace. The furnace was entirely bronze, with three legs and two "ears," its body etched with intricate runes through which a faint inner energy shimmered.

"Pill alchemy rests on three essentials: the proper ingredients, precise flame control, and a tranquil state of mind," Master Nanshan explained in a calm yet firm tone. "Today, I shall first discuss the ingredients and flame control; as for the state of mind… you must come to understand that through your own practice."

With a gentle tap of his jade ruyi in the air, a three-dimensional image of several medicinal herbs materialized at the center of the hall. The images were so lifelike that even the finest leaf veins were clearly visible, and the herbs swayed gently as if stirred by an unseen breeze. Next to each herb, golden text appeared, indicating its name, origin, and primary effects.

A few disciples murmured in astonishment, and I too couldn't help but marvel at this display.

"For cultivators, making pills is different from the art of ordinary medicine. We do not simply extract the inherent medicinal properties of herbs; we also harness the inner energy contained within them. All things in nature possess their own qualities—some cold, some hot; some rigid, some gentle. The art of pill alchemy lies in balance," Master Nanshan intoned, his voice flowing like a clear spring. "Too many cold ingredients, and the pills become overly cold; an excess of hot ingredients makes them too hot. If taken improperly, a practitioner might receive only half the benefit—or worse, lose control and descend into a dangerous, demonic state."

I listened intently, mentally noting the key points. Although my father had taught me some sword techniques, he had never ventured into the profound art of medicinal theory and pill alchemy.

Master Nanshan pointed to the first herb suspended in the air, "This is Lingshen. It is warm in nature and serves to replenish qi and nurture the spirit. Lingshen takes a hundred years to take root, a thousand years to bloom, and ten thousand years to bear fruit; its abundant inner energy can help a cultivator break through bottlenecks."

Then he indicated another herb: "This is Xuanbing Cao. It is cold by nature, grows in the most frigid regions, and never withers through the seasons. It clears heat, detoxifies, and helps steady the mind."

One after another, Master Nanshan meticulously explained the characteristics, origins, harvesting methods, and precautions for each herb used in pill alchemy. His explanations were clear and accessible, ensuring even beginners could understand.

"Pill alchemy is all about balance," Master Nanshan emphasized. "The properties of the ingredients interact like the principles of the five elements. When balanced correctly, the efficacy of the pills is greatly enhanced; if not, the pills may fail or even cause the furnace to collapse and harm the practitioner."

After a pause, his expression turned suddenly serious: "Remember, controlling the flame is the key to pill alchemy. If the fire is too weak, the herbs won't break down and their essence won't emerge; if too strong, the inner energy dissipates and the properties become unbalanced. The worst is a sudden change in flame—this is what causes a furnace explosion."

At the mention of the word "explosion," many disciples looked worried and began whispering among themselves. Master Nanshan stroked his beard and smiled, "There's no need to worry—the pill furnaces are all protected by defensive formations. Even if an explosion occurs, no one will be harmed; it will only leave you covered in ashes and rather messy."

A ripple of light laughter spread through the hall, and the atmosphere immediately lightened.

"To help you understand better, today I will first impart the most basic pill formula—Huayu Dan," Master Nanshan declared. With another tap of his jade ruyi, two herbal images materialized in mid-air, one purple and one white. "This pill requires only two ingredients: Huayu Cao and Chi Ling Gen. Huayu Cao, being cold, helps to break up blood stasis, while Chi Ling Gen, which is warm, promotes blood circulation. Together, they complement each other perfectly, treating both internal and external injuries and promoting recovery. This balanced formula is the ideal choice for beginners."

He then detailed the steps of pill alchemy: first, cleanse and dry the herbs, then grind them into powder; next, mix the powders in the correct proportions and place them into the furnace; then carefully control the flame to allow the herbs to slowly fuse; and finally, extinguish the fire when the medicinal power reaches its peak, letting the pill form naturally.

After the explanation, Master Nanshan withdrew a handful of herbs from his sleeve and placed them into the furnace. He lightly tapped the base of the furnace with his jade ruyi, and a wisp of red flame immediately sprang up, dancing over the runes etched on its surface. In sync with his movements, the flame fluctuated—growing strong then weak, shifting from red to blue in a mesmerizing display. After about fifteen minutes, a crisp sound emerged from the furnace. Master Nanshan then extinguished the flame and opened the lid to reveal three translucent pills quietly resting at the bottom, exuding a faint medicinal fragrance.

"This is the Huayu Dan. The quality of a pill is determined by its clarity—the murkier and more opaque it is, the poorer its quality; the more translucent, the purer its medicinal power. The number of pills produced depends on various factors; typically, one batch yields one to three pills. Of course, there are special methods to increase the yield, but they inevitably compromise quality," Master Nanshan explained as he displayed the pills to the assembled disciples.

"This afternoon, you will each have the opportunity to try pill alchemy for yourselves in the furnace room behind Qingxin Hall. Now, I shall continue to instruct you on some common herbs and pills…"

The morning lesson concluded with Master Nanshan's clear and accessible explanations. I glanced down at my notes, having gained a preliminary understanding of pill alchemy, though I also realized that practical application is far more challenging than theory.

"The theoretical lecture is now complete; let us proceed to the furnace room for practice," Master Nanshan announced, leading us to a spacious building behind Qingxin Hall.

Inside the furnace room, dozens of pill furnaces were arranged. Each furnace, about one foot tall and made entirely of bronze, was adorned with intricate runes that pulsed with a faint inner energy. Around the room, shelves neatly held various herbs, tools, and reference books.

"Each of you will have your own furnace; the materials have been prepared. Try your hand at making Huayu Dan," Master Nanshan instructed, signaling for us to choose a furnace.

The disciples quickly dispersed, each selecting a furnace. Su Li softly said, "Sister Wei, I'm going over there," pointing toward a distant corner before cheerfully walking away.

I approached a furnace by the window and carefully inspected the runes and structure on its body. The lid featured an exquisite formation—surely the protective array Master Nanshan had mentioned. Beside the furnace lay two small porcelain bottles, one purple and one white, containing the powders of Huayu Cao and Chi Ling Gen, respectively.

Recalling Master Nanshan's instructions, I used my inner energy to assess the quality and purity of the herbs. I lightly touched the powders with my fingertips to sense their inherent energy—Huayu Cao had a slightly cool aura, while Chi Ling Gen was as warm as fire. Their distinctly contrasting energies met at my fingertips, seemingly beginning to counterbalance one another. I cautiously mixed the two powders in a one-to-one ratio and then poured the mixture into the furnace.

Sitting cross-legged, I took a deep breath, forming hand seals as I guided my inner energy along my meridians into my palms before slowly channeling it into the furnace. I carefully adjusted the flame, attuning myself to the changes within the furnace.

At first, everything went smoothly. The bottom of the furnace gradually warmed, the metal surface turning a faint red, and the powdered herbs began to melt slowly, releasing a subtle medicinal aroma. I could sense the inner energy of the herbs merging as the two distinctly different forces gradually intertwined.

But just as I was about to increase the flame in accordance with my cultivation method, my inner energy suddenly spiraled out of control, surging into the furnace like an unbridled stallion. The herbs emitted a piercing hissing sound, and the furnace shook violently, its runes flashing erratically—from blue to red, then red to purple.

"No!" I thought, my heart tightening as I frantically tried to adjust my inner energy to quell the turmoil inside the furnace—but it was too late. The energy within had become completely chaotic, like a pot of water on the verge of boiling over, utterly uncontrollable.

"Boom!"

A deafening, muffled crash resounded as the furnace lid was violently flung upward by an immense force, crashing onto the ceiling before falling back with a harsh metallic clatter. Immediately afterward, a plume of black smoke mixed with incompletely fused herb powder erupted from the furnace's opening.

I instinctively stepped back, yet still found myself enveloped in a cloud of smoke from head to toe. My eyes stung painfully, my nostrils were filled with the acrid scent of medicine, and a bitter taste filled my mouth. Fortunately, the furnace's protective formation had prevented the smoke from spreading throughout the room, but my face, clothes, and hands were blackened with soot, leaving me in a sorry state.

A ripple of snickering arose from around me as several disciples paused their work to cast curious glances in my direction.

"Ha ha ha, look at this junior sister—she blew up a furnace on her very first try!"

"Wasn't it said that she had ascended the eighteenth stone step? How can she not even manage the most basic pill?"

"Hehe, does this junior sister intend to turn herself into a lump of charcoal?" another female disciple chuckled softly, covering her mouth.

I forced myself to remain composed, wiping my face with my sleeve, taking a deep breath, and preparing to start over.

Ignoring the taunts, I concentrated on my second attempt. This time, I was even more cautious in controlling the flame, yet still lost control at the crucial moment, causing the furnace to explode once more. The third, the fourth… every try ended in failure, and the situation worsened with each explosion.

With each explosion, the mocking laughter grew louder. I began to feel a surge of frustration, yet I forced myself to remain calm and analyze the causes of my failures.

"Could it be that my inner energy is not being controlled properly?" I murmured softly as I focused intently on the flow of my energy. Indeed, while channeling energy into the furnace, I sensed a blockage—as if something were interfering with its normal course.

At that moment, Master Nanshan approached, observed my disheveled state, stroked his beard, and remarked with a smile, "How can one practice pill alchemy with a restless mind? The art of alchemy demands a calm heart."

I took a deep breath, nodded in gratitude, and said, "I have learned, Master."

Master Nanshan continued, "Everyone's spiritual root properties differ, and so does the reaction of the furnace. Some are naturally suited for pill alchemy, while others require more practice. Try again—clear your mind and focus on the flow of your inner energy."

I tried once more, this time fully calming my mind and attuning to every subtle ripple of inner energy. Yet, just as the herbs were about to fuse, the energy in the furnace once again spiraled out of control. With a resounding "boom," this explosion was even more violent than before, shaking the entire furnace to its core.

"Ha ha ha, it seems this junior sister is simply not cut out for pill alchemy!" came a burst of laughter from not far away.

"I heard she had ascended the eighteenth stone step; I thought she was a remarkable genius, but it appears not."

"Could it be that she got lucky that day?"

Amid the continual jeers, I remained undeterred, focusing solely on the furnace before me. Master Nanshan glanced at me as if he had something to say, but said nothing, turning instead to guide the other disciples.

Before long, Su Li returned to my side, looking at me with concern, "Sister Wei, don't worry; pill alchemy has always been a difficult art to master."

"Su Li, have you managed to make your pill?" I inquired.

She nodded bashfully, "Yes, I just succeeded once." She then produced a smooth, bean-sized pill from her bosom—it was slightly translucent, with a pale purple hue and a faint medicinal fragrance.

"Congratulations," I said sincerely before returning my focus to my own furnace.

Over the remaining time, I made several more attempts, yet each one ended in failure. My furnace had become deformed by the explosions, and the surrounding table was blackened with soot. After the final explosion, the furnace was completely ruined and unusable. An attendant disciple responsible for supervision approached with a troubled look, "Junior Sister Wei, there are no spare furnaces left—and you've used up all today's practice herbs… well…"

I looked around and found there were indeed no extra herbs or furnaces available. The other disciples stared at me with bewildered expressions; some whispered among themselves, while others stifled laughs. Just moments ago, I had been regarded as a promising genius in cultivation, yet now I was repeatedly failing at the most basic pill alchemy—a contrast that was truly laughable.

Master Nanshan came to my side, glanced at the ruined furnace, and sighed, "Time is up for today. Everyone may disperse. Wei Lingwei, stay behind."

The other disciples quickly tidied up and left one by one. As they departed, many cast either mocking or sympathetic glances in my direction. Su Li hesitated at the side, clearly reluctant to leave.

"Go ahead; I'll join you shortly," I told her. Su Li nodded and left with a reluctant farewell.

After everyone had dispersed, Master Nanshan surveyed the chaotic table and ruined furnace, shaking his head as he said, "For a beginner in pill alchemy, failure is inevitable. However, it is rare to see someone blow up a furnace seven times in a row, each explosion more violent than the last."

"I am a dull disciple—please guide me, Master," I said respectfully.

Master Nanshan stroked his beard and mused, "I see that your Foundation Establishment is complete and your inner energy abundant; logically, you should not lose control like this. Perhaps your spiritual root is incompatible with pill alchemy, or maybe your cultivation method is off. Now, go to the Gui Cang Peak herb garden and fetch some Huayu Cao and Chi Ling Gen, then return to continue practicing. The path of pill alchemy requires perseverance—never give up lightly."

"I shall obey," I said as I bowed and departed.

After leaving the furnace room, I patted the dust off my body while pondering Master Nanshan's words. Perhaps it was indeed that my spiritual root conflicted with pill alchemy, but more likely, my cultivation method was malfunctioning. The cultivation method my father taught me differed from that of the Tianyan Sect, and my attempt to reconcile them had destabilized my inner energy. Or perhaps it was yesterday's reverse energy circulation that caused an internal conflict.

As dusk fell, Gui Cang Peak bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, its summit tinged with gold. This mountain—located to the eastern fringe of the Tianyan Sect—was renowned for its medicinal arts and pill alchemy, with winding paths flanked by rare herbs. I ascended the stone steps slowly, inhaling the mixed aromas of the herbs—some sweet, some bitter, some spicy—woven together into a peculiar fragrance.

Reaching the mid-mountain, the view opened up to reveal a vast herb garden. Under the setting sun, countless rare herbs displayed a dazzling spectrum of colors—fiery red Huoling Cao, jade-like Yulu, a dusky purple reminiscent of twilight in Yehun Hua, and the golden hue of Jiulong Shen… They were layered one upon another, gently swaying in the evening breeze like a living tapestry spread across the mountains.

A few disciples dressed in Gui Cang Peak attire were busy in the herb garden—some picking herbs, others watering with spirit elixir, while some held jade slips to record notes. Following Master Nanshan's instructions, I made my way along the stone path to the management office at the edge of the garden—a quaint and elegant wooden house.

The wooden house was nestled under a canopy of wisteria, its eaves entwined with vines bearing clusters of purple blossoms that swayed gently in the breeze. Instantly, memories of last night's dream of a wisteria sea and that white figure flooded my mind. I took a deep breath, just as I was about to knock, when I suddenly heard a familiar voice from within—clear, cool, and unmistakable.

"…How is the injury?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively softened my steps as I approached the door. It was Sister Moqing's voice—cool as ever, yet laced with concern.

"Return, Sister—Blue Elder's injuries have stabilized, but his primordial spirit is severely damaged and will require three months of rest to recover," replied another unfamiliar male voice, filled with reverence and worry.

"Those demonic cultivators…" Sister Moqing's voice paused slightly, a trace of anger in her tone that sent a shiver down my spine, "Have you discovered any trace of them?"

"None so far," the male voice said in a low tone, "Before Blue Elder fell unconscious, he only mentioned the words 'Ziyang Mountain'."

"Ziyang Mountain…" Sister Moqing repeated the words thoughtfully, then returned to her calm tone, "I will report this matter to the sect master. Continue to take care of Blue Elder, and notify me immediately if there are any changes."

"Yes, Sister."