Third-grade Pill

Autumn in Wutan City descended like a thin veil, silently shrouding the entire city. Morning dew had condensed on the Xiao Clan courtyard's bluestone slabs, reflecting a faintly cool light. Stepping on them produced soft rustling sounds; beneath the osmanthus tree in the corner lay scattered petals, and a faint sweetness lingered in the air. Yet none of it could dispel the tension in Xiao Yan's room—the Copper Small Cauldron that had accompanied him for many days now glowed with a warm luster. A faint azure halo wreathed its body, making it seem more spirited than usual. Through the fire vents at its base, flickering Dou Qi flames could vaguely be seen. Today was Elder Yao's critical moment in attempting a third-grade pill.

The stone table beside the cauldron held the ingredients for refining the "Qi Gathering Pill," arranged with meticulous care. Every item was rare: three century-old stalks of Qi Gathering Grass, their thick leaves resembling emerald jade soaked in water, gleamed with a lustrous green light. Their veins were clearly visible, as though every leaf contained flowing vitality. With the lightest touch, one could feel the pure spiritual energy contained within; two Demonic Cores from peak second-tier Ironback Bears were black as ink, their surfaces covered in fine patterns—the marks left by Beast Dou Qi condensing over long periods. They felt heavy in the hand, and one could faintly sense the vast Dou Qi sleeping within, as though the slightest activation would unleash power capable of tearing the air apart; and then there was the most crucial ingredient, Green Vein Ganoderma. Its cap was as wide as a bowl's mouth and covered in web-like green patterns that shimmered with a mysterious glimmer in the sunlight. After Xiao Yan had auctioned the Recovery Pill last time, he had spent fifteen hundred Gold Coins and asked the Miteer Auction House to acquire it from the depths of the Black Rock Mountain Range. Throughout all of Wutan City, there were very few Green Vein Ganoderma of such quality.

"Kid, watch closely. Third-grade pills and second-grade pills are worlds apart." Elder Yao's voice rang out in Xiao Yan's mind, carrying a trace of gravity and an almost imperceptible expectation. "Second-grade pills only require 'spiritual infusion,' allowing spiritual energy to adhere to the pill. But third-grade pills must undergo 'soul shaping' on top of that—giving the pill its own path for circulating spiritual energy. Once consumed, the pill can actively guide spiritual energy into the meridians, saving the effort of refinement. In this soul-shaping step, a slight error in heat will reduce the medicinal effect by thirty percent. A tiny deviation can lead to a thousand-mile error." As his voice fell, Elder Yao's soul force transformed into countless invisible threads, densely winding around the copper cauldron like an unseen net and firmly controlling the flames inside. Under his control, the flames assumed a strange rhythm, sometimes bright as gold, sometimes dim as fireflies, precisely maintained within a delicate temperature range.

Xiao Yan held his breath and focused, staring unblinkingly into the cauldron, scarcely daring to breathe. He could clearly see Elder Yao manipulating the Dou Qi flames and keeping the temperature within an extremely demanding range—it could not be too high, or it would burn away the ingredients' source spiritual energy and ruin the hard-earned treasures; nor could it be too low, or the essence of the medicinal liquid could not be fully extracted, rendering all their earlier efforts futile. As the flames rose, Elder Yao first used his soul force to slowly place a stalk of Qi Gathering Grass into the cauldron. With a soft sizzle, the grass quickly softened under the intense heat and turned into a mass of emerald-green liquid, releasing a fresh herbal fragrance. The scent was not strong, but it was extraordinarily pure, spreading through the entire room and invigorating anyone who inhaled it. Even the Dou Qi in their bodies seemed to become lighter.

Next, an Ironback Bear Demonic Core was tossed into the cauldron. The black core gradually melted in the flames, becoming a thick black liquid that merged with the green juice. The two colors swirled and collided within the cauldron, ultimately forming a strange dark green. Fine bubbles appeared upon the liquid's surface, making it resemble a mysterious treasure born from nature itself. Finally, the Green Vein Ganoderma was carefully placed inside. Its cap slowly dissolved into the medicinal liquid, while its green patterns seemed to come alive, moving and stretching through the mixture. They sorted the originally somewhat mixed spiritual energy into clear order, like streams of crystal-clear water flowing along separate paths while invisibly responding to one another, forming a perfect whole.

"Condense!" Elder Yao suddenly shouted, his voice carrying unquestionable force. The soul force winding around the cauldron abruptly tightened, like countless hands squeezing the medicinal liquid within at once. The liquid instantly began to churn like boiling magma. Bubbles continuously rose and burst, producing sizzling sounds mixed with faint crackles. Xiao Yan could clearly feel Elder Yao's soul force gradually stripping the impurities from the medicinal liquid—gray impurities carrying a murky aura were wrapped in soul force and slowly seeped out, eventually clinging to the cauldron walls. Meanwhile, the medicinal liquid grew increasingly pure, its color gradually shifting from dark green to a lustrous pale gold.

Half an hour later, the medicinal liquid's churning gradually calmed, and three round pills slowly took shape in the cauldron. A faint golden halo appeared on their surfaces, as smooth as fine gold polished like jade. More astonishingly, a thin layer of spiritual energy wreathed the pills, flowing slowly like mist, sometimes gathering and sometimes dispersing, as though alive. The medicinal fragrance they emitted was clear and rich. After taking a breath, Xiao Yan felt the Dou Qi throughout his body stir restlessly, as though it wanted to break free from the meridians' restraints and eagerly merge with this spiritual energy.

"It's done! Third-grade Qi Gathering Pills!" Elder Yao's voice carried some exhaustion, yet he could not conceal his irrepressible joy. "These pills are thirty percent more effective than ordinary third-grade Qi Gathering Pills. Any cultivator at the peak of the Dou Zhe stage who consumes one will certainly break through to the Dou Shi Realm within three days, without leaving behind any hidden dangers. In Wutan City, these would absolutely be finale auction items that every major faction would fight desperately to obtain!"

Xiao Yan carefully reached out and placed the pills into the Warm Jade Bottle he had prepared earlier. The jade bottle felt faintly cool in his hand, and he could clearly sense the warm spiritual energy radiating from the pills. Through its jade walls, he seemed able to see the flowing halo surrounding them. He gazed at the bottle with excitement filling his eyes, his hands even trembling slightly—this was the first time he had personally witnessed the birth of a third-grade pill. The miraculous alchemy process made him yearn even more deeply for the path of alchemy. In his mind, he could already see the glorious image of himself becoming a top-tier alchemist one day, refining high-grade pills beneath countless watching eyes.

"Same old rules—send them to the Miteer Auction House." Elder Yao's voice sounded again, full of certainty. "These Qi Gathering Pills are anything but ordinary. They will certainly sell for a high price, enough to cover your upcoming expenses for cultivating the Blazing Art and practicing alchemy. Besides, it is time for the people of Wutan City to know that the Xiao Clan does not merely have capable fighters—it also has someone capable of refining third-grade pills."

The next morning, Xiao Yan changed into a clean Blue Robe. Xun'er had specifically asked the steward to make it for him. The fabric was soft and smooth, while faint cloud patterns were embroidered around the collar and cuffs, making his originally somewhat slender figure appear straighter. He placed the Warm Jade Bottle containing the Qi Gathering Pills into a Brocade Box embroidered with dark patterns. Soft silk lined the box, preserving the pills' spiritual energy as much as possible. Once everything was ready, he headed toward the Miteer Auction House.

Unlike last time, the moment he arrived at the auction house entrance, one of the attendants recognized him. A respectful smile immediately appeared on her face. She hurried forward and bowed slightly. "Young Master Xiao Yan, you have arrived! Miss Ya Fei specifically instructed us that if you came, we were to take you directly to the appraisal room on the second floor." Clearly, after the matter of the Recovery Pills last time, the people at the Miteer Auction House had already regarded him as an important client. Beyond respect, a trace of barely perceptible awe showed in the attendant's eyes.

Following the attendant upstairs and entering the familiar appraisal room, Xiao Yan found the gray-haired old man already waiting there. At the sight of him, the old man hurriedly rose, his face covered in an enthusiastic smile. "Young Master Xiao Yan, it has been a long time. Have you brought more fine goods for auction today?" Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Without saying much, he directly opened the Brocade Box in his hands.

A rich, pure medicinal fragrance instantly spread through the room, cleansing it like a clear spring. The old man's clouded eyes abruptly widened, his pupils shrinking sharply. The magnifying glass in his hand nearly fell to the floor. Trembling, he reached out and carefully picked up a Qi Gathering Pill. He first held it beneath his nose and sniffed lightly, then carefully rubbed the pill's surface with his fingers, sensing the flowing spiritual energy around it. His expression gradually changed from surprise to shock, before finally taking on a hint of fervor. "This... this is a third-grade pill! And of such exceptional quality—the spiritual energy is so pure, and the pill body has even formed a flowing layer of spiritual energy! I have been in this trade for thirty years and seen countless third-grade pills, but this is still the first time I have seen such an excellent third-grade Qi Gathering Pill in Wutan City! Even in the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, such a pill would sell for an astronomical price!"

At that moment, the appraisal room door was gently pushed open, and Ya Fei entered. She wore a pale purple long dress embroidered with exquisite silver patterns along its hem. As she walked, the skirt swayed like flowing water, accentuating her graceful figure. Her cool temperament carried a touch of elegance, like a celestial maiden who had stepped out of a painting, making others reluctant to look directly at her. Since the last auction of the Recovery Pills, Ya Fei had paid more attention to this seemingly ordinary youth who continually brought out rare treasures. Early that morning, she had heard that an honored guest had delivered high-grade pills, and her curiosity had brought her here in person. Yet she had not expected that this "honored guest" would be Xiao Yan.

"Miss Ya Fei." Seeing her, the old man quickly suppressed the fervor on his face and respectfully handed her the Qi Gathering Pill, his tone filled with amazement. "Please take a look. This is the third-grade Qi Gathering Pill brought by Young Master Xiao Yan. Its quality is outstanding, and its effect is likely far stronger than every third-grade pill our auction house has auctioned before!"

Ya Fei accepted the pill. The instant her fingertips touched it, she felt its pure and vast spiritual energy, as though a warm current spread from her fingertips throughout her body. She raised an eyebrow slightly, and something unusual flickered through her beautiful eyes—this youth was merely fifteen or sixteen years old. It had already been astonishing for him to produce a high-quality second-grade Recovery Pill last time, yet now he had brought out a third-grade pill of such remarkable quality. There had to be an unknown secret behind him. More importantly, she saw a steadiness and resolve in Xiao Yan's eyes that did not match his age. There was not the slightest trace of a young man's impatience or arrogance. Faced with the old man's amazement and her own gaze, he remained calm, as though he had merely brought out an utterly ordinary item. That bearing made her unable to help feeling favorably toward him.

"Young Master Xiao Yan, how do you intend to consign this Qi Gathering Pill for auction?" Ya Fei suppressed her doubts and revealed a professional smile, though her tone was much gentler than before, carrying even a hint of barely noticeable softness.

"Set the reserve price at fifty thousand Gold Coins." Xiao Yan spoke calmly. This was the price he and Elder Yao had discussed—an ordinary third-grade Qi Gathering Pill had a reserve price of only ten thousand Gold Coins. Even one of good quality rarely exceeded twenty thousand. Yet this pill's medicinal effect was exceptional. A reserve price of fifty thousand Gold Coins both matched its value and would establish its importance from the beginning. There was not the slightest hint of boasting in his voice, only unquestionable confidence.

The old man drew in a sharp breath, his face filled with shock. "Fifty thousand Gold Coins? Young Master Xiao Yan, this... this price may be too high. Wutan City has never seen a third-grade pill with such a high reserve price. What if it fails to sell..." Before he could finish, Ya Fei raised a hand to stop him. Looking at the Qi Gathering Pill in her hand, then at Xiao Yan's calm expression, she nodded without the slightest hesitation. "Very well. This Qi Gathering Pill deserves that reserve price. We will make it the finale item of this auction. And as a gesture of sincerity, we will waive two percent of your commission and charge only three percent. What do you think?"

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, then immediately understood. Ya Fei was taking the initiative to show goodwill. The Miteer Auction House had always charged a five percent commission on third-grade pills, and it rarely granted reductions. Waiving two percent now clearly meant that she wanted to build a good relationship with him—or rather, with the Xiao Clan. He smiled and nodded, speaking sincerely. "Thank you, Miss Ya Fei."

Ya Fei watched Xiao Yan accept openly, yet neither humbly nor arrogantly, and felt all the more that this youth was extraordinary. She pondered for a moment, then spoke as if she had suddenly remembered something. "Young Master Xiao Yan, I heard that the Xiao Clan has recently been preparing to expand its Alchemy Workshop. You must have a great demand for alchemy ingredients. Are there any shortages? Our Miteer Auction House happens to have a batch of herbs transported from the capital of the Jia Ma Empire. Among them are many rare varieties needed for refining third-grade pills, including century-old Qi Gathering Grass, second-tier Demonic Cores, and even several rare Purple Leaf Orchids. If the Xiao Clan needs them, we can sell them to you at thirty percent below market price and guarantee a stable supply."

Xiao Yan's heart stirred. He had been worrying about how difficult it would be to find herbs for the next round of alchemy, especially Purple Leaf Orchids. They were the key ingredient in refining the third-grade Purple Heart Pill and were nearly impossible to buy in Wutan City. Ya Fei's proposal was undoubtedly timely help. He looked up at her and found genuine sincerity in her eyes, without the slightest sign of calculation. Unable to resist, he asked, "Miss Ya Fei, why are you willing to help the Xiao Clan? The Miteer Auction House also cooperates with the Jia Lie Family. Doing this may offend them."

Ya Fei gave a soft laugh. Her beautiful eyes shifted, carrying a hint of deeper meaning. "I understand Wutan City's situation better than anyone. The Jia Lie Family acts tyrannically and will stop at nothing for profit. They have expanded over the years by suppressing other factions, and they have long provoked the dissatisfaction of many. It is only because of their strength that no one dares oppose them openly. But the Xiao Clan is different. With someone as talented as you, your future is promising. Rather than cooperate with a Jia Lie Family that is steadily losing the people's support, it is better to choose the Xiao Clan, which has greater potential." She paused, her gaze falling on Xiao Yan, her tone candid. "Besides, I believe in your character, Young Master, and I think highly of your future. The Miteer Auction House has always dealt only with those worthy of cooperation. I believe both you and the Xiao Clan are worthy."

Xiao Yan understood that Ya Fei's actions were both goodwill and an investment, as well as recognition of him personally. He did not offer any more polite formalities. Instead, he said solemnly, "Thank you, Miss Ya Fei. The Xiao Clan will remember this favor. If the Miteer Auction House ever needs anything in the future, so long as the Xiao Clan can do it, we will never refuse."

That afternoon, the Miteer Auction House's monthly auction was held as scheduled. The auction house was packed. The ordinary auction area on the first floor was crowded with merchants, cultivators, and members of small families from Wutan City, while the VIP area on the second floor was filled with the heads and core members of every major faction. Even the city lord's steward had come in person, demonstrating how much importance everyone attached to this auction.

The auction proceeded very smoothly. Items were sold one after another, and the atmosphere grew increasingly heated. When the auctioneer announced that the finale item was about to appear, the entire hall instantly fell silent, every gaze focusing on the auction stage. A female attendant wearing a red formal dress walked onto the stage carrying a tray covered in black velvet. Resting atop the tray was the Brocade Box containing the Qi Gathering Pills.

"Distinguished guests, the next item up for auction is the finale item of this auction—the third-grade Qi Gathering Pill!" The auctioneer's voice carried a touch of excitement. He deliberately paused, waiting until everyone's curiosity had been drawn to its peak before continuing. "This Qi Gathering Pill is of exceptional quality, with pure spiritual energy and medicinal efficacy thirty percent stronger than ordinary third-grade Qi Gathering Pills. A cultivator at the peak of the Dou Zhe stage who takes it will certainly break through to the Dou Shi Realm within three days! According to our appraisal, this is the finest third-grade Qi Gathering Pill ever to appear in Wutan City!"

The moment his words fell, the hall erupted.

"What? A third-grade Qi Gathering Pill—and the finest quality at that?"

"A peak Dou Zhe can break through to the Dou Shi Realm in three days? Its effect is far too incredible!"

"No matter the price, I must obtain this pill! My son has been stuck at the peak of the Dou Zhe stage for half a year. This pill is exactly what he needs to break through!"

Amid the discussion, the auctioneer loudly announced the reserve price. "This third-grade Qi Gathering Pill has a reserve price of fifty thousand Gold Coins! Each bid increase must be no less than five hundred Gold Coins. The bidding begins now!"

"Fifty-five thousand Gold Coins!" The instant the auctioneer finished speaking, a middle-aged man wearing a Brocade Robe impatiently raised his bidding plaque. He was Old Master Wang, a wealthy Wutan City merchant who had always been willing to spend heavily to help his son break through.

"Sixty thousand Gold Coins!" Immediately after, a burly man raised his plaque. He was the leader of the Wolf Fang Mercenary Group outside the city. The mercenary group was soon heading into the depths of the Monster Beast Mountain Range for training, and they urgently needed high-grade pills to increase their strength.

"Sixty-five thousand Gold Coins!" In the second-floor VIP area, a stern-looking elder raised his plaque. He was the patriarch of the Lin Family, a second-rate Wutan City family. His voice was calm and carried an unquestionable aura.

The price soared all the way upward, breaking eighty thousand Gold Coins in only a few minutes. The hall's atmosphere grew more and more tense, and everyone stared fixedly at the auction stage, afraid of missing an opportunity to bid.

"Eighty-five thousand Gold Coins!" Old Master Wang gritted his teeth and raised his plaque again. Fine sweat beads had already appeared on his forehead. This was nearly all the savings he could produce.

"Ninety thousand Gold Coins!" The Wolf Fang Mercenary Group leader refused to yield. His eyes were filled with determination. For the mercenary group's future, he was determined to obtain this pill.

At that moment, from the innermost seat of the second-floor VIP section, a mysterious figure in a black robe slowly raised a bidding plaque. His voice was low but powerful. "One hundred thousand Gold Coins!"

The moment this price was called, the hall fell silent. Everyone turned to look at the mysterious figure, their faces filled with shock—one hundred thousand Gold Coins had far surpassed the normal price of a third-grade Qi Gathering Pill. Even in the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, it would count as a high price. Old Master Wang and the Wolf Fang Mercenary Group leader exchanged glances, seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. One hundred thousand Gold Coins exceeded what they could afford, and they could only lower their hands unwillingly.

The auctioneer was so excited that even his voice trembled. Raising the Golden Hammer high, he shouted, "One hundred thousand Gold Coins, going once! One hundred thousand Gold Coins, going twice! One hundred thousand Gold Coins, going three times!"

"Bang!"

The Golden Hammer came down heavily with a dull thud.

"Sold! Congratulations to this honored guest!"

Xiao Yan sat in a corner on the first floor, watching the scene with deep emotion—this was the allure of a third-grade pill, as well as the confidence that strength brought. He knew that these one hundred thousand Gold Coins would not only solve the funding problem for the expansion of the Xiao Clan's Alchemy Workshop, but also raise the Xiao Clan's standing in Wutan City to a new level.

After the auction ended, Xiao Yan went to the settlement desk. Ya Fei was already waiting there, holding a heavy Money Pouch and a detailed Herb Inventory List. Seeing Xiao Yan, she smiled and handed him both the pouch and the list. "Young Master Xiao Yan, this is ninety-seven thousand Gold Coins after the commission has been deducted. Please count them. We have already prepared the herbs on the list according to the varieties and quantities you may need. If anything is unsuitable, it can be exchanged at any time. I will have someone deliver the herbs to the Xiao Clan shortly, ensuring that your alchemy will not be delayed."

Xiao Yan accepted the Money Pouch. It felt heavy in his hand, and the Gold Coins struck against one another with pleasant jingling sounds. He then looked over the Herb Inventory List. It contained not only century-old Qi Gathering Grass and second-tier Demonic Cores, but also five Purple Leaf Orchids, along with several other rare herbs needed for refining third-grade pills. Every item had been supplied in ample quantities. He looked up at Ya Fei and said sincerely, "Miss Ya Fei, great kindness needs no thanks. The Xiao Clan will remember this favor."

Ya Fei smiled softly and waved her hand. "There is no need for courtesy, Young Master. This is merely our cooperation. If Young Master Xiao Yan has more pills to auction in the future, the Miteer Auction House will always welcome you, and we will offer you the most favorable terms."

After leaving the Miteer Auction House, Xiao Yan carried the Money Pouch with light steps. Rather than returning directly to the Xiao Clan, he first went to the Marketplace, where he bought some Body Tempering Fluid and low-grade Demonic Cores urgently needed for the clan disciples' cultivation. He also bought Xun'er a Jade Hairpin she had always wanted before slowly making his way home. Along the way, he could feel many respectful and awed gazes directed at him—since the Competition Pill Victory and the Medicine Interception Incident, the Xiao Clan's reputation had steadily risen. And he, the "genius capable of refining second-grade pills," had now produced third-grade pills as well. The name "alchemy genius" had long spread throughout Wutan City. Even members of small families who had once looked down on the Xiao Clan now took the initiative to greet him on the street.

Upon returning to the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan went straight to the council hall. Xiao Zhan and several elders had been discussing the expansion of the Alchemy Workshop. When they saw Xiao Yan return, they immediately stopped their discussion. Xiao Yan handed the Money Pouch and Herb Inventory List to Xiao Zhan, smiling as he said, "Father, this is the money from auctioning the third-grade Qi Gathering Pills, along with the herbs the Miteer Auction House sold to us."

Xiao Zhan accepted the Money Pouch and weighed it in his hand, his face filling with surprise—by its weight, there had to be at least tens of thousands of Gold Coins inside. When he opened the list and saw the dense entries of rare herbs, especially the Purple Leaf Orchids, he was so shocked that he could not speak. His fingers trembled slightly as he pointed at the list, and after a long while, he finally forced out a sentence. "Xiao Yan, this... this was all exchanged for with your pills? And these herbs—why would the Miteer Auction House be willing to sell them to us at such a low price? Miss Ya Fei, she..."

Xiao Yan smiled and relayed Ya Fei's words, including her willingness to support the Xiao Clan and her decision to draw a clear line from the Jia Lie Family. After Xiao Zhan heard this, his eyes filled with relief and excitement. He suddenly patted Xiao Yan heavily on the shoulder, his voice even choking up. "Good! Good! Miss Ya Fei's willingness to stand with us is a tremendous blessing for the Xiao Clan! Xiao Yan, you have rendered great service to the clan! With this money and these herbs, our Alchemy Workshop will not only be able to expand, but also train more disciples who understand alchemy. The Xiao Clan's revival is just around the corner!"

The elders in the council hall crowded around as well. Looking at the herbs listed on the inventory and the heavy Money Pouch, their faces were full of excitement.

"With these herbs, our clan's Alchemy Workshop can truly begin operating! The clan disciples will never have to worry about pills again!"

"This child Xiao Yan is truly the Xiao Clan's lucky star! With him here, our Xiao Clan will surely restore its former glory!"

"Isn't the Jia Lie Family trying to suppress us? Now that we have the Miteer Auction House's support and so many herbs, let us see how they can remain so arrogant!"

Seeing the joyful expressions on his clansmen's faces, Xiao Yan felt warmth fill his heart as well. He walked into the courtyard and lifted his head toward the sky. The setting sun was slowly descending, coating Wutan City in a warm golden glow. A breeze brushed past, carrying the sweetness of osmanthus blossoms and a faint medicinal fragrance, soothing the heart. Elder Yao's voice sounded in his mind, carrying a trace of satisfaction. "Not bad. This time, you not only made money but also won over the Miteer Auction House, paving the way for the Xiao Clan. Next, use these herbs to attempt pills of even higher grades! Once you can refine fourth-grade pills, every force in the Jia Ma Empire will look at you in a new light."

Xiao Yan nodded heavily, a blazing light shining in his eyes. He knew this was only the beginning. In the future, he would refine even better pills and make the Xiao Clan one of the foremost families in Wutan City and even the Jia Ma Empire. He would make all those who had once looked down on and bullied the Xiao Clan gaze up at its existence. As for himself, he would follow the path of alchemy step by step toward the pinnacle, becoming an alchemist renowned across the entire Dou Qi Continent! At that thought, he clenched his fists, strength filling his heart. He seemed able to feel the stirring resonance between the Dou Qi and spiritual energy within his body—the heartbeat of a strong man, and the hope of the future.