Chapter 139: The Yin-Yang Evil Pill

The duty steward flipped through the records again and found another pill refinement task.

"Here's another one," he said. "Luofeng County, Nanhua City. Consultant Elder Gu Zhijing requires an Inner Sect Disciple to assist him with pill refinement. The task description simply states 'assisting with pill refinement' and promises to provide the pill formula and raw materials free of charge, without specifying which medicinal pill will be refined. The reward for this task is substantial, even more generous than the second one."

Han Yi frowned. "Why aren't there any ordinary pill refinement tasks that don't require leaving the sect?"

The duty steward explained, "Junior Brother Han, you may not be aware, but these days, any simple sect tasks, whether related to pill refinement or other duties, are snatched up almost immediately after being posted."

"In recent years, the Inner Sect Disciples have become increasingly enthusiastic, displaying a greater eagerness than ever before for Sect Points and cultivation resources."

"These three tasks remain unclaimed precisely because they each have their own hurdles: requiring specific pill refinement experience, demanding travel and passing an evaluation, or lacking clear details that deter most applicants."

Han Yi immediately understood. Inner Sect missions were now highly competitive. Since the implementation of the New Policy, particularly after the launch of the escort missions and the New Peak Lord Plan, competition among Inner Sect disciples had intensified across all areas, even for missions.

Han Yi examined the three available missions again. After careful consideration, he chose the third one.

The primary reason was its proximity to Tong City. Nanhua City in Luofeng County, where the mission was located, was conveniently close. Coincidentally, He Fangwei had recently given him an invitation to an auction where a top-tier High-Grade dagger might be offered.

Originally, Han Yi had been hesitant to attend. But with this mission as a convenient excuse, he decided to make the trip.

The Gu Clan's mission was also easy to understand. They likely possessed a mysterious Pill Formula but lacked the means to refine it themselves. They were secretly seeking help from alchemists at the Profound Pill Sect, fearing the formula's exposure.

If his hunch was correct, upon arrival, the Gu Clan would first require him to swear on his Dao Heart to keep the formula confidential and prevent any leaks.

For Han Yi, if this mission proved unsuitable, he could simply decline it. Then he'd head to Tong City to attend the auction anyway. If he managed to purchase the dagger, great; if not, no harm done—at least he would gain some experience.

The entire round trip wouldn't take more than two months.

Luofeng County, one of the thirteen counties of Shu Prefecture, was unremarkable in both size and power.

Tong City, a major urban center within Luofeng County, ranked among the top five largest cities in the entire region.

Nanhua City and Daofu City, both ordinary immortal cities, were located relatively close to each other.

Hearing the name Nanhua City, Han Yi's thoughts immediately drifted to Daofu City, Luo Yunzhou's death, and the Light Gate leading to a mysterious realm within the Luo Clan's Spirit Field.

The key to opening that gate—a black plaque inscribed with the characters "Sui" and "Zhu"—remained hidden in a secret place within the courtyard on Azure Dragon Peak.

Han Yi accepted the mission without any preparation and immediately set off for White Tiger Peak. Azure Dragon Peak had no market, while White Tiger Peak, being the closest peak with a market, offered Flying Boats to Luofeng County. Han Yi secured passage on a Flying Boat departing for Luofeng County, opting for shared transport rather than renting his own, just as he had done with Luo Yunzhou on their journey to Daofu City.

Three days later, the Flying Boat landed in Feiyun City, another major urban center within Luofeng County comparable in size to Tong City.

From Feiyun City, it took Han Yi another four days to finally reach Nanhua City.

Nanhua City, Gu Clan.

Han Yi declared his identity and entered the Gu Clan's estate.

The Gu Clan was one of the three major Foundation Establishment cultivation families in Nanhua City. Gu Zhijing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the clan, had become a Consultant Elder of the Profound Pill Sect the previous year, granting him the authority to issue missions within the sect.

It was naturally impossible for Han Yi to be received by Gu Zhijing, the pillar of the Gu Clan. Instead, he was greeted by Gu Tongxuan, the current Patriarch of the Gu Clan.

Gu Tongxuan was the strongest member of the Gu Clan after Gu Zhijing, possessing a cultivation at the peak of the Qi Refining Stage. He appeared remarkably youthful, suggesting that with the aid of a Foundation Establishment Pill, his chances of reaching Foundation Establishment were considerable.

"Han Yi, a disciple of Azure Dragon Peak in the Profound Pill Sect, greets Patriarch Gu," Han Yi announced.

Gu Tongxuan responded with a refined and gentle smile, expressing great honor at Han Yi's visit to the Gu Clan and welcoming him inside.

After they settled into their seats, Han Yi inquired hesitantly, "Is Elder Gu currently at the Gu Clan?"

The "Elder Gu" he referred to was naturally Gu Zhijing, the Consultant Elder of the Profound Pill Sect.

Gu Tongxuan shook his head. "My father is away on urgent business and is not in Nanhua City. He has entrusted all pill refinement matters entirely to me. Fellow Daoist Han, you need not worry."

Han Yi nodded, then, eager to waste no time, cut straight to the point. "Very well, Patriarch Gu. Please state your pill refinement requirements directly."

Gu Tongxuan wasn't surprised by Han Yi's directness.

As expected, before revealing the Pill Formula, Gu Tongxuan had Han Yi swear on his Dao Heart not to disclose the Gu Clan's alchemical secrets. Han Yi readily agreed.

Then, Gu Tongxuan solemnly presented the Pill Formula, sliding it across the table to Han Yi. "Fellow Daoist Han, here's the formula. Please take a look."

Han Yi immediately picked it up. The material felt unique, likely crafted from some kind of animal hide. Covered in tiny, fly-like characters, the formula contained well over a thousand words.

Han Yi instantly recognized that this was a copied and edited version.

Focusing intently, Han Yi confirmed his suspicions. The formula was unnamed, and several ingredients were listed only by serial number, without specifying their exact names.

A flicker of doubt crossed Han Yi's face, and he voiced his confusion.

Gu Tongxuan explained, "Fellow Daoist Han, you see, my grandfather purchased this Pill Formula, along with the raw materials, from an outsider. At the time of purchase, some of the materials were labeled only with numbers, their exact identities unspecified."

"But there's no doubt this Medicinal Pill is essential to our Gu Clan's needs."

Han Yi remained skeptical. Gu Tongxuan's explanation seemed far-fetched.

However, this might involve the Gu Clan's secrets, and Han Yi had no intention of prying. His sole focus was refining the pills.

Putting aside his doubts, Han Yi meticulously studied the Pill Formula, reviewing it three times. After mentally calculating every detail, he finally confirmed each step of the refinement process.

The refining method outlined in the formula was quite unique.

It was a composite pill.

Composite pills required the simultaneous consumption of two or more different Spirit Pills to achieve their intended effect.

This particular formula specified the refinement of both a Yin Pill and a Yang Pill. Only by taking both pills together could one unlock the medicinal pill's full potential.

Han Yi had encountered composite pill refining methods before, though he had never personally attempted them. After analyzing the instructions in the formula, he estimated that his current level of Alchemy Technique should make the process manageable.

"Refining this medicinal pill shouldn't be too difficult," Han Yi stated, "but I can't guarantee a successful refinement on the first attempt. Failure wouldn't be unexpected. Clan Head Gu, you must consider this carefully."

Han Yi didn't want to overpromise. He felt it was essential to clearly state the potential risks involved.

Gu Tongxuan didn't hesitate; his face lit up with delight. Judging by Han Yi's confident demeanor, he was willing to accept any number of failures to ensure the successful refinement of the Medicinal Pill.

"Excellent, Fellow Daoist Han. As expected of a top disciple from the Profound Pill Sect. Please, proceed at your convenience."

Han Yi frowned. He couldn't shake the feeling that Gu Tongxuan's eagerness was excessive.

After a moment's thought, he inquired about the number of material sets the Gu Clan possessed for this Pill Formula. Gu Tongxuan replied that they had ten.

Han Yi then added a condition: "Clan Head Gu, let's agree that if I fail five refining attempts, the agreement will be terminated, and this task will be considered unsuccessful. How does that sound? As for the remaining five sets of materials, you can seek another alchemist or repost the task with the Profound Pill Sect."

This threshold was designed to prevent any potential disputes. While Han Yi wasn't afraid of conflict, it would ultimately waste time.

Once again, Gu Tongxuan didn't hesitate, nodding decisively. "Agreed. We'll proceed as Fellow Daoist Han suggests."

Han Yi simply attributed this to Gu Tongxuan's straightforward nature and didn't dwell on it further.

Next, Gu Tongxuan arranged for Han Yi to use a secluded courtyard in the Gu Clan's backyard, ensuring he could focus on Pill Refinement undisturbed.

Meanwhile, five sets of materials for refining this complex Medicinal Pill were delivered to the courtyard.

Han Yi didn't immediately begin refining. Instead, he spent a day meditating to regulate his vital energy and recuperate. The next day, after setting up a simple defensive formation in the courtyard and instructing Gu Tongxuan not to allow anyone to disturb him without his permission, he finally commenced the pill refinement process.

An octagonal golden Pill Furnace was retrieved from his Storage Pouch and placed in the center of the room.

He then proceeded with the standard preparations for pill refinement: arranging spirit charcoal, spirit sand, and spirit stones, and adjusting the Pill Fire.

Once these preparations were complete, Han Yi gathered the raw materials for the refinement.

Refining this Medicinal Pill required the creation of both a Yang Pill and a Yin Pill. Han Yi began with the Yang Pill. Its primary ingredient was a spirit plant called Blazing Soul Grass, accompanied by dozens of auxiliary ingredients. Only one item was marked with a symbol: a bottle of black liquid. As Han Yi opened the bottle and poured the liquid into the Pill Furnace, enveloping it with his Mana, he inexplicably seemed to hear an infant's scream. His hand trembled, nearly spilling the liquid.

However, upon listening more closely, he detected no further anomalies.

Given his current cultivation realm and mental fortitude, auditory hallucinations were utterly impossible.

Therefore, the problem must lie with the black potion labeled with symbols.

This substance felt deeply unsettling, almost malevolent.

A chill ran down Han Yi's spine, but he didn't stop refining.

Moments later, the Pill Furnace shook violently, and a plume of black smoke erupted from its top.

Han Yi froze, slowly withdrawing his hands. He carefully collected the failed pills from the furnace into a spirit pouch and set it aside.

After a brief period of meditation to regain his composure, he resumed the pill refinement.

During the second attempt, Han Yi heard the same piercing cry, like an infant's wail. This time, prepared for it, his hands remained steady, but his brow furrowed deeply.

What is this?!

Moments later...

The Pill Furnace trembled again, black smoke billowing forth. Han Yi flicked his sleeve to disperse it.

His expression turned utterly grave.

The ingredients are wrong. Something is definitely off. I've never seen materials like this before, but I've read about pills made from them in ancient alchemy texts. They're collectively known as Demonic Pills.

Demonic Pills were medicinal pills crafted using the flesh and souls of living or dead humans as primary or supplementary ingredients.

This type of medicinal pill, known as a Demonic Pill, defied the natural order. Upon successful refinement, it invisibly diminished the alchemist's fortune. Only those driven to utter desperation would dare to craft such a thing.

Now, Han Yi suspected that the very pill he was refining might be one of these Demonic Pills.

He retrieved the materials for his third batch of Yang Pills, a faint golden light shimmering in his eyes. With a flick of his finger, a sharp gust of wind swept away the bottle's lid.

The moment the bottle opened, Han Yi observed countless tiny bubbles rising within the dense black liquid. Invisible to the naked eye, they were starkly revealed under his Qi Observation Technique.

Within each bubble, impossibly small infants emerged, their piercing screams echoing in the air.

Then, a mysterious, irresistible force within the black liquid dragged all the bubbles back into its depths, silencing them completely.

Having clearly seen the contents of the bubbles, Han Yi's hand trembled. He flung the bottle of black liquid away, where it landed with a sizzling sound as it corroded the ground. The infants' screams erupted once more, only to vanish abruptly. Nothing remained but an empty bottle and a puddle of black sludge on the scorched earth.

By now, Han Yi's expression was no longer merely grave; it was utterly livid.

"It's definitely a Demonic Pill I'm refining."

"Damn it."

Han Yi rose to his feet, then slowly sat back down.

"How dare they? How could the Gu Clan dare?"

"Refining Demonic Pills is a capital crime under the Great Qian Immortal Law. Aren't they afraid of getting caught?"

"And they even dared to post a mission with the Profound Pill Sect? If any disciples die here, the sect will undoubtedly launch an investigation. This can't be easily covered up. Once exposed, the Gu Clan will face complete annihilation."

Han Yi took a deep breath.

Then, he retrieved the remaining ingredients and examined each one.

For the Yang Pill's refinement, the primary ingredient was fine, but one of the auxiliary ingredients—the black bottle marked with a number—was problematic.

However, for the Yin Pill's refinement, even the primary ingredient was marked with a number. As Han Yi inspected it, his anger blazed uncontrollably. A staggering nine ingredients, both primary and auxiliary, had been harvested from the flesh and Divine Souls of living beings.

This blatant violation of natural harmony wasn't just a question of whether Han Yi could refine the pill, but how he could report the Gu Clan's crimes.

That's right.

He wouldn't let his anger cloud his judgment. The Gu Clan had Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, and though he had reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement, he had never engaged such experts in combat. Caution was paramount.

For him, avoidance was the best course. But if confrontation became inevitable, he wouldn't back down.

Once he left, the raw materials and pill formula before him would serve as irrefutable evidence.

Submitting them to the Sect or directly to Great Qian would seal the Gu Clan's fate.

Han Yi retrieved a fresh backup storage pouch. He first sealed the two failed batches of medicinal pills in spirit pouches and placed them inside the new pouch. Then, he added the remaining three sets of Yang Pill ingredients and five sets of Yin Pill raw materials.

Finally, he placed the backup pouch inside his main storage pouch and stowed the pill furnace.

He settled into a meditative posture, closing his eyes to regulate his breathing.

He planned to wait until nightfall, then quietly dismantle the formation, slip away from the Gu Clan, and anonymously report their crimes to the Great Qian authorities.

However, just as he closed his eyes, a sudden knock echoed at his door.

"Fellow Daoist Han? Fellow Daoist Han?"

Gu Tongxuan's voice reached Han Yi, who frowned deeply. He had explicitly warned Gu Tongxuan not to disturb him during pill refinement, a cardinal sin for any alchemist. Gu Tongxuan had lived for so long; he couldn't possibly be ignorant of this basic principle.

Something was deeply amiss.

Han Yi didn't want to assume the worst, but the timing was suspicious. Gu Tongxuan had knocked on his door immediately after Han Yi discovered he had refined Demonic Pills. It defied belief that there was nothing suspicious about that.

Instead of answering, Han Yi replayed every detail of his time with the Gu Clan, focusing on Gu Tongxuan's seemingly generous nature.

Generous?

No, not really. When Han Yi mentioned the risk of failure, Gu Tongxuan had dismissed it without hesitation. When Han Yi suggested refining five batches, promising to stop if they all failed, Gu Tongxuan had agreed without a second thought.

Looking back, even the Pill Formula itself had been problematic. Its ingredients were labeled with coded symbols, clearly meant to conceal their true identities. These were all cracks in the facade.

Han Yi sighed softly, realizing he had grown complacent.

But he wasn't clairvoyant. Now that he had reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement, he no longer feared cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Stage. Unlike before, when he had been so cautious, his perspective had naturally shifted.

In the past, Han Yi would have meticulously pondered and repeatedly verified every detail. But now, he had only one standard: he could handle any crisis involving cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Having reached this conclusion, Han Yi broke his silence. He stepped out of the Meditation Chamber, pushed open the courtyard gate, and walked outside. He found Gu Tongxuan had already retreated over twenty meters, flanked by two Gu Clan Elders. These elders, both at the Peak Qi Refining Stage, radiated an imposing aura.

Han Yi glanced around, a fleeting golden light flickering in his eyes. His heart sank slightly.

"Formation Arts," he muttered.

The Gu Clan had deployed a formation around this secluded courtyard in their backyard, their intentions now glaringly obvious.

"Clan Head Gu, what is the meaning of this?" Han Yi demanded, his face darkening with anger. "I had just finished my meditative rest and was about to retrieve medicinal pills for Pill Refinement. If your interruption disturbs my focus and disrupts the refinement process, resulting in a failed pill, I won't take responsibility!"

Gu Tongxuan chuckled softly. "Fellow Daoist Han, why bother with such theatrics? We've been watching everything you've done in the courtyard."

With a flick of his hand, Gu Tongxuan produced a bronze mirror. Reflected within were images of Han Yi's recent actions in the courtyard.

Han Yi's heart sank further. The Gu Clan had been prepared all along. There was no hope for a peaceful resolution now.