The Immortal Spirit Pill!
Upon hearing the name, the Pill Master of Hai State’s pupils contracted sharply. “Master Sun, this pill is among the most challenging of the ninth-grade pills. It can only be refined using a cultivator’s pill fire. If the Fire-Power is insufficient, it may even burn away one’s lifespan. Are you certain you want to choose this pill?”
Nan Yan quietly stepped back and asked Ji Yang, “What kind of pill is this?”
“The Immortal Spirit Pill. The name is a bit exaggerated, but essentially, it’s a pill that allows the dead to speak,” Ji Yang explained.
“Such a heaven-defying item exists?” Nan Yan marveled.
Ji Yang’s expression turned intrigued as he elaborated, “Legend has it that a person leaves behind a fragment of their soul just before death. As long as the body remains intact and uncorrupted, this pill can summon the true spirit, temporarily ‘reviving’ the deceased. However, the dead cannot truly be brought back to life. Moreover, using this pill exhausts the last remnants of the soul, causing the body to disintegrate. Thus, this method is typically reserved for major sects in dire situations, summoning the spirits of their ancestors to combat enemies.”
Nan Yan’s knowledge expanded, understanding why the upper States held such unshakeable status. If they were to attack the Heavenly Evil Path, bringing out the remains of their ancestor Shen Luo would not only halt their advance but might even lead to their total annihilation.
Master Sun chuckled, “I’m getting on in years, and I’ve always wanted to refine a supreme-grade Immortal Spirit Pill. That would make my life worthwhile. I’ve heard that Fellow Daoist Jiang is a newly ascended Pill Master, with a spirit fire far surpassing his peers. That’s why I’d like to challenge him.”
“Very well,” Jiang Daoyu’s competitive spirit was ignited. He extended his right hand, summoning a two-foot-tall purple flame that engulfed the hall, nearly melting the ceiling murals.
The Hai State alchemists proudly boasted, “Master Jiang’s pill fire has been unmatched since his Core Formation. He once continuously refined pills for seven days and nights. After becoming a Pill Master, no one could surpass him. Master Sun may have been too hasty in challenging his Fire-Power.”
The Longqi Pavilion alchemists looked troubled. While cultivators specializing in alchemy typically had greater Fire-Power than ordinary practitioners, even the most exceptional rarely exceeded nine inches. Jiang’s two-foot flame was unprecedented.
“This ‘Purple Wood Earth-Fire’ allowed me to refine the ninth-grade Beast Transformation Pill, helping our Hai State lord’s thousand-year ghost python evolve into a demon race, earning me the title of ninth-grade Pill Master,” Jiang explained. “I accept this pill refinement duel, but what does Master Sun offer as a stake?”
Master Sun smiled faintly, producing a worn notebook. He caressed its dog-eared corners lovingly and said, “This ‘Pengyun Medicinal Notes’ contains my lifetime of alchemical insights, from first to ninth grade, detailing 433 pill formulas. It even includes three ninth-grade formulas I’ve created in the past three years. Whoever wins this duel shall claim these notes.”
The assembled alchemists’ eyes blazed with desire at the sight of the notebook—a priceless treasure in the world of alchemy.
As everyone focused intently, a voice laced with amusement suddenly asked, “While I dare not speak frivolously of a duel between Pill Masters, isn’t the pursuit of alchemy about learning? Might we younger disciples have a chance to participate in this pill refinement contest?”
Jiang Daoyu sneered, “Very well. My apprentices seem eager as well. All alchemists may attempt it. However, let me be clear: ninth-grade pills are treacherous. One misstep could lead to a furnace explosion and self-injury. Those who wish to participate should know their limits to avoid embarrassment. Master Sun, do you object?”
Master Sun appeared unfazed, showing no sign of having wagered his life’s work. He smiled and said, “Of course not. Longqi Pavilion has over a hundred refinement rooms. Let the young ones try if they wish. However, failing to refine a ninth-grade pill will certainly result in a furnace explosion, with power equivalent to a seventh-rank fire dragon talisman—enough to instantly kill a late Core Formation cultivator. Remember to wear proper protective gear.”
With that, the Hai State alchemists followed Jiang Daoyu upstairs.
Mu Zhanting, noticing Ji Yang, greeted him and then pointed at the disguised Nan Yan, asking, “Who’s this young lady? A potential sister-in-law you found in the outer sect?”
Ji Yang chuckled at his words, while Nan Yan struggled to explain, “Not a sister-in-law, I’m your sister.”
Mu Zhanting retorted, “How is that an insult?”
Nan Yan exclaimed, “I am your sister!”
Recognizing the familiar tone of the insult, Mu Zhanting quickly realized who it was. Delighted, he said, “I knew it was you guys. Is this candy for me? Let me have some. I had no idea that a 3000-year-old bitter gentian could be so terrifying. Come on, let’s gather some people and block their way out. How dare they show off in Dragon City…”
As Mu Zhanting rambled on, preparing to leave, he suddenly felt a tug on his collar. Master Sun had silently hooked him with his cane.
“Old man Sun, what are you doing?” Mu Zhanting asked.
Master Sun sighed softly, “Are you planning to let this old man be bullied by youngsters from other States alone? Many of the formulas in those notes are unique to Chen State. If cultivators from other regions see them…”
Mu Zhanting suggested, “What should we do? Should I kidnap that Pill Master?”
Master Sun replied, “Although they’re looking for trouble, it’s because you offended them. You must participate in this pill refinement contest.”
Mu Zhanting had intended to gather people to teach these arrogant Hai State alchemists a lesson. Hearing this, he protested, “But I don’t know how to refine pills. How can I help?”
Master Sun sighed at his stupidity, “Can’t you think a bit more? Why do you think I chose a pill that only requires pill fire?”
Nan Yan, understanding the implication, reminded him, “Elder Sun wants you to inherit his legacy.”
Master Sun smiled, “I’ll go participate in the contest now. Take this formula with you. Consider it an old man’s dying wish.”
Mu Zhanting was stunned, his earlier frivolity fading. He took the formula and said dejectedly, “You stubborn old man, always making things difficult for me.”
Ji Yang reassured him, “It’s fine. I was planning to refine a batch of Appearance-Fixing Pills anyway. I’ll prepare the medicinal paste; you just need to follow the refinement process.”
With that, they headed to the upper floors of the pill refinement rooms. The doors were incredibly thick, reinforced with numerous arrays. The fragrance of medicinal herbs permeated the air as they walked.
Soon, the Longqi Pavilion staff arranged for them to use an empty refinement room.
The room was about seven zhang square, with beast-head fountains on all four sides, flowing with spirit spring water. In the center stood a nine-foot-tall pill furnace, surrounded by arrays to prevent damage from potential explosions.
Among them, only Ji Yang knew how to refine pills. As he explained the intricacies of controlling the fire for the Immortal Spirit Pill to Mu Zhanting, he skillfully divided, ground, and prepared the herbs provided by Longqi Pavilion, then added them to the furnace.
“Condensing medicine into pills is like forming a core. The fire burns away impurities in the herbs, and by controlling the flames according to the recipe, the medicinal properties merge and coalesce into a pill. I’ve prepared ten batches of raw materials for you to experiment with.”
“What if I fail?”
“Master Sun isn’t demanding success. Throughout their lives, alchemists not only pursue the path of medicine but also wish to pass on their skills. If not to a favored person, even passing it to a rival is acceptable.”
Mu Zhanting’s expression flickered with uncertainty. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and entered the pill furnace formation. “It’s just pill refining, right? Let’s do it!”
Meanwhile, Ji Yang led Nan Yan to a nearby refining room and sat down.
Nan Yan worriedly asked, “Will my brother manage? He doesn’t seem reliable.”
“He’s highly talented but usually too carefree. When truly pushed, he’ll outperform anyone. Moreover, with the Great Solar Fire Essence at his disposal, his pill fire can regenerate almost infinitely. It would be a waste if he didn’t pursue alchemy and tool refinement,” Ji Yang replied. As he finished speaking, the raw materials for the Face-Fixing Pill were ready. Before putting them into the furnace, he asked hopefully, “Can I add four ounces of Fat Jade Flower?”
“What’s Fat Jade Flower?” Nan Yan inquired.
“One ounce can add ten pounds of flesh—”
“Don’t you dare?”
Perhaps due to Nan Yan’s fierce expression, Ji Yang reluctantly placed the raw materials directly into the furnace. He said regretfully, “Thinking back, your adorably chubby appearance as a child must have been due to your mother deliberately giving you Fat Jade Flower. It wasn’t until you built your foundation that your body naturally transformed, reverting to its original state.”
Nan Yan recalled that she had always been plump since she could remember, but strangely, her weight remained constant regardless of how much she ate. She said, “Perhaps my mother feared my face would attract enemies. Making me look like a chubby caterpillar seems a bit extreme.”
With a flick of his finger, the ground fire rose, and the furnace glowed red, indicating that the Face-Fixing Pill was being refined.
Ji Yang continued, “It might not just be about appearance. Long-term consumption of Fat Jade Flowers can also conceal one’s spiritual roots. Typically, a person’s spiritual roots should follow one of their parents. If I’m not mistaken, your spiritual roots should be from your birth father.”
Nan Yan was shocked. “But when I checked myself, I only found ordinary five-element roots, yet my cultivation speed isn’t inferior to those with heavenly roots like my brother.”
Ji Yang stood up and knelt before her. His eyes, dark as the night sky, reflected her worried face. “I know the properties of Fat Jade Flower well. Would you… allow me to touch you?”
…
Meanwhile, news of the alchemy competition at Longzhi Pavilion reached the central Dragon Court in Long City.
As the lanterns were lit, noble guests from outer regions took their seats, discussing the Pill King’s competition as a topic of conversation.
“… Even we, the rulers of our regions, can’t interfere in alchemy disputes. Whoever wins, don’t we all end up serving them? The pill-making will take at least a day, so we can go watch the excitement tomorrow.”
“I heard the prince of Chen Region is participating?”
“My disciple said this prince’s first attempt at pill refining resulted in three explosions. The last time he came out, he was bleeding from his head.”
“Ha! With that explosive temper, he does resemble the Dragon Lord.”
At that moment, someone entered the hall with forceful steps, hardly befitting a host. Those who had joked about the Dragon Lord quickly fell silent. Although they were all rulers of their regions, none dared to confront the notoriously temperamental Dragon Lord face-to-face.
Ao Guanghan ascended the throne platform, his cold gaze sweeping across the assembly. With a wave of his hand, the doors of the Dragon Court closed, and the atmosphere turned tense.
“You all know why you’re here. The Lord of Yin Region died unjustly in the mortal realm, and his body was stolen. Our overseas regions have lost face. This matter won’t rest until it’s resolved. Everyone present had something to say about the Linglong Capital bloodbath in my Chen Region twenty years ago. Today, we’ll question each of you one by one.”
The nine Nascent Soul cultivators from other regions showed anger at these words. “Dragon Lord, watch your words. Is our honor, not honor?”
Ao Guanghan sneered, “It’s not your turn yet. As I said, we’ll questions one by one. Today, we’ll start with… Zi Region!”
Zi Region?!
Everyone knew whose territory Zi Region was and who resided there.
For a moment, all the Nascent Soul cultivators were shocked, thinking Ao Guanghan had gone mad… after all, that was the place known as the birthplace of the Dao.
Suddenly, a light screen appeared above the hall, revealing a misty celestial mountain connected by iron chains, floating in mid-air. Above it, a river of stars flowed like a silk scarf, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Moments later, a spatial rift opened before the celestial mountain, and a figure emanating murderous intent appeared. He raised his right hand, gripping a bronze sword imbued with forbidden power.
“Ying Zewei, come out and face me!”
This was Daoshengtian, the highest sacred ground for cultivators seeking the great Dao. As the swordsman appeared, an old man’s blurry face emerged from the clouds.
“I am Zhu Sui, the law enforcement elder of Daoshengtian. Sword Hero, why do you challenge our sect? If there’s a misunderstanding, please sheathe your sword, and let’s talk!”
Meng Xiaolou coldly replied, “I only have one question for Ying Zewei. Let him come out!”
“No one can make demands before Daoshengtian! Sword Hero, if you persist in this disrespect, don’t blame me for taking action!” The old man’s face contorted with anger, transforming into a giant palm reaching for Meng Xiaolou.
The latter didn’t dodge or evade. He didn’t even unsheathe his bronze sword. With a cold glint in his eyes, he simply swung downward.
Instantly, the phantom of a colossal bronze sword appeared in the night sky, cleaving through clouds and heavens. It split the elder’s giant palm in two and continued its descent, crashing into the main peak of Daoshengtian with a thunderous boom!
“Your sword intent has surpassed the second decline?!” The elder’s voice roared. The giant sword struck the protective barrier of the floating mountain, causing it to flash brilliantly. Three of the six floating mountains couldn’t withstand the sword’s might and sank three zhang.
“I just want to see Ying Zewei. Let him come out and talk!” Meng Xiaolou shouted sternly. With a wave of his right hand, thousands of sword shadows appeared in the sky, falling like a torrential rain.
“How dare you!” As the elder howled, the sword shadows suddenly slowed, and an elegant, indifferent voice emerged.
“Stand down.”
With these words, everything fell silent. The sword shadows dissipated, and the three sunken mountains rose back to their original positions. Then, the highest and smallest floating mountain of Daoshengtian slowly approached. Meng Xiaolou could hear the soft patter of rain falling on a paper umbrella as someone emerged from a bamboo grove.
The figure wore hemp clothing and walked leisurely. As he left the bamboo grove, he rested the oil-paper umbrella on his shoulder, casually twirling it to shake off the raindrops. Half of his face visible beneath the umbrella’s edge smiled silently.
“Brother Meng, what brings you here in such anger during this festive season?”