Fifth-grade Pill

At the edge of the Tagor Desert, fierce winds swept up fine grains of sand like countless flecks of gold, carving fleeting shallow marks across the ground before the following gusts smoothed them away, as though this endless sea of yellow sand were making one final attempt to hold back those about to leave. Xiao Yan stood atop a dune, holding Qing Lin's hand. Behind them stretched the rolling desert, like a golden ocean beneath the sunlight, its surface reflecting a dazzling sheen. In the distance, the Ink Iron Mercenary Group's camp was faintly visible, several dusty gray tents pitched beneath a sandy slope. On the high ridge, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li still stood tall like two silent guardian statues, waving toward them from afar.

Xiao Ding wore his familiar coarse linen shirt, its cuffs somewhat bleached from wear and still stained with a few grains of sand he had not brushed off. The wind lifted the hair over his brow, revealing a face marked by a little hardship yet always gentle. His wave was slow but firm; each lift of his arm seemed to carry an elder brother's instructions. Xiao Li retained his carefree, uninhibited manner, one hand on his hip and the other waving vigorously. The Muscle Lines on his arm stood out clearly beneath the sun. He even shouted several words at Xiao Yan, but the howling wind and sand tore his voice apart, leaving only indistinct syllables drifting through the air. Still, from the movement of his lips, it was clear that he was repeatedly telling Xiao Yan to take care of himself and Qing Lin, and not let his brothers worry.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, go back!" Xiao Yan called in response. His voice pierced the dry, scorching air, carrying the clarity and resolve unique to youth, like a stone thrown into a still lake, sending ripples of sound outward. "Once I've finished refining Elder Hai's pill and settled the trivial matters here, I'll bring Qing Lin back to the Jia Ma Empire to meet up with you! Then we'll figure out how to strengthen the mercenary group together!"

The two on the ridge seemed to have heard him clearly. Xiao Ding froze for a moment, then a Relieved Smile appeared on his face. He nodded firmly and waved to show that Xiao Yan need not worry about matters behind him. Xiao Li clenched and swung his fist, as though encouraging him and answering his promise at the same time. Only then did he turn around and pat Xiao Ding on the shoulder. The two walked down the ridge side by side, their figures gradually vanishing behind the camp tents, leaving only two shadows lengthened by the wind and sand. Xiao Yan watched them depart until their figures had fully merged into the outlines of the desert, blending with the yellow sand and tents. Only then did he slowly withdraw his gaze and look down at Qing Lin beside him.

The little girl's hair had been blown into disarray, several soft black strands sticking to her sweat-dampened cheeks, Stained with tiny grains of sand like a layer of crushed diamonds. Her clear, stream-like eyes gazed deep into the desert, and no one knew what she was thinking. Her tiny brows were slightly furrowed, carrying traces of confusion and reluctance. Xiao Yan reached out and gently brushed away the stray hair on her forehead. When his fingertips touched her cool skin, Qing Lin snapped back to her senses like a startled fawn and looked up at him. Her previously dim gaze instantly brightened like stars being lit, as though she had found her only pillar of support in an unfamiliar place.

"Qing Lin, it's time for us to go." Xiao Yan's tone carried soothing warmth as his fingers gently brushed the sand from her cheeks, his movements as careful as though he were handling a fragile treasure. "Elder Hai is still waiting for his pill. He has waited quite a long time to recover his strength, so we can't make him wait any longer."

Qing Lin nodded hard, her little head bobbing like a rattle drum. Her small hand tightly gripped the corner of Xiao Yan's clothes, His knuckles turned white from the force, creasing the fabric deeply as though she feared that the moment she let go, she would be unable to keep up with him and would be left behind in this unfamiliar desert. Ever since leaving the mercenary group's camp, she had followed Xiao Yan closely all the way. They had traveled from a wasteland filled with yellow sand, where even breathing felt gritty, to plains where green gradually appeared and the air carried an Herbal Fragrance. The scorching sand beneath their feet, hot enough to fry an egg, had become soft grass that could swallow half a foot. The whistling wind at their ears, once laden with sand, had gradually gentled, carrying the scents of grass and wildflowers. Along the way, she rarely spoke, yet her actions always expressed the utmost dependence—when Xiao Yan started walking, she would hurry after him in small steps; when Xiao Yan stopped to rest, she would quietly stand behind him, both hands clutching his clothes like a docile little animal, treating him as her only reliance and harbor.

"Mhm! Qing Lin will go wherever Brother Xiao Yan goes!" She raised her little face. Her voice was soft and carried a hint of timidity, yet it also held incomparable resolve, as though declaring the belief she clung to most stubbornly. Sunlight fell upon her face, casting a faint halo around her long lashes and making her look especially adorable.

The two headed west side by side. Xiao Yan deliberately slowed his pace to match Qing Lin's short legs, occasionally stopping to point out roadside wildflowers or birds flying past, speaking with her a little more to ease the unease in her heart. The scenery along the way unfolded like a painting. The desert's gold was gradually replaced by the grassland's emerald green, and in the distance they occasionally saw antelope grazing leisurely and heard their clear calls. Several startled wild rabbits darted through the grass, leaving behind a rustling sound before vanishing into the thick undergrowth. After roughly half a day, a manor hidden among the valleys appeared within their Line of sight, like a secret realm forgotten by the mortal world.

The manor was surrounded by dense ancient trees. The towering trees were lush with branches and leaves, their Tree trunks so thick that two or three people would be needed to encircle them. Their branches and leaves Intertwined, forming a natural green barrier that completely shut the manor away from the outside clamor. The manor's wooden gate was made from the exceedingly rare Black Ironwood, hard as iron, its surface carved with simple yet grand cloud and beast motifs. Weathered by time, it had taken on a deep Dark red hue. There were no guards at the gate, yet it exuded a low-key, imposing weight, as though silently Telling of its owner's extraordinary nature—this was Hai Bodong's residence, a place far from worldly noise, suited for recuperation and cultivation.

Just as they reached the courtyard gate, the tightly closed wooden doors opened inward on their own with a creak. Along with the groan of their hinges, an aged yet vigorous voice came from within the courtyard, carrying urgency and barely concealed anticipation, like emotions brewed for a long time finally finding an outlet. "Brat Xiao Yan, I've finally been waiting for you! I've been longing for this Fifth-grade Pill so desperately that I've come to look toward the courtyard gate several times every day!"

Xiao Yan led Qing Lin into the courtyard and saw Hai Bodong standing with his hands behind his back beside a bluestone table in the center. A pot of freshly brewed tea sat atop the table, steam curling upward and giving off a faint tea fragrance. He wore a deep blue Brocade Robe, its fabric smooth and fine, embroidered with Dark Gold cloud patterns that glimmered softly in the sunlight. Though his face still bore some of the age left by the years, and his hair and beard were frosted white as though dusted with fresh snow, his eyes were much brighter than when they had met in the desert, like polished stars. His aura was also far steadier than before, no longer as weak, showing that his recuperation over these past days had been quite effective.

Hai Bodong's gaze first fell upon Xiao Yan. He examined him from head to toe and, seeing that his aura was steady, his spirit full, and his face free of the slightest weariness from travel, nodded with satisfaction as a trace of approval flashed through his eyes. Then his Line of sight shifted to Qing Lin beside Xiao Yan. Seeing the little girl timidly hiding behind Xiao Yan, revealing only a pair of round eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of caution like a startled kitten, he was slightly taken aback. Surprise flashed through his eyes, as though he had not expected Xiao Yan to bring a little girl along. Yet he Deeply knew Xiao Yan's temperament and would never ask what he Should not have. He merely lifted his chin toward Xiao Yan and pointed at a stone room on the courtyard's eastern side. His tone was casual, though it could not conceal his inner anticipation. "I prepared the alchemy room long ago. The furnace inside was forged from Thousand-Year Purple Copper, and its fire-gathering effect is excellent. I had people collect the medicinal ingredients from all over the Jia Ma Empire, and every herb was carefully selected. I also arranged a Spirit Gathering Array and a Sound Insulation Array inside and outside the room to stabilize the spiritual energy and isolate outside interference. Everything was set up according to the requirements for a Fifth-grade Pill, so use it without worry."

Xiao Yan looked in the direction he indicated. The stone room was built entirely from Bluish-Gray granite, its walls polished smooth and even without the slightest seam, clearly crafted with great care by skilled artisans. A ring of ancient Flame Pattern was carved around the doorway, and faint spiritual energy fluctuations still lingered within the pattern like sleeping fire. A rich medicinal fragrance drifted from inside, mingled with the warmth left by the preheated furnace. The scent was mellow and lingering, carrying the bitter freshness of vegetation and the sweet richness of spiritual energy—this was clearly a top-grade alchemy chamber that had undergone special modifications. Whether in spiritual energy concentration, soundproofing, or fire-gathering ability, it was exceptionally suitable for refining high-grade pills. It was evident that Hai Bodong had put considerable thought into this alchemy session.

"Thank you for your trouble, Elder Hai. With preparations this thorough, Xiao Yan has been spared quite a bit of work." Xiao Yan cupped his hands to Hai Bodong, his tone respectful and sincere. "The 'Spirit-Restoring Purple Pill' we will be refining requires the precise balancing of the medicinal properties of more than ten ingredients, including Purple Leaf Spirit Grass, Ice Crystal Lotus Seed, and Earth Dragon Saliva. Several of them have clashing properties, so the demands on Soul Power are extremely high. I fear I cannot complete it alone and will need my teacher's Soul Power to assist me. The process may take some time, so I may have to trouble Elder Hai to wait a while."

"No need for formalities." Hai Bodong waved a hand, a broad smile appearing on his face and easing the wrinkles at the Corner of the eye. "As long as it can restore my strength, never mind waiting a moment—even if I have to wait several days and nights, I'll be more than willing. You two go about your work. I'll stay in the front hall, brew a good pot of tea, and await good news. If you need anything during the refinement, whether you lack medicinal ingredients or need me to stabilize the arrays, just call for me." After saying this, he gave Qing Lin a meaningful glance before turning toward the front hall on the other side of the courtyard. His footsteps were steady and strong, without the slightest trace of old age, and he soon disappeared at the end of the corridor, leaving only an unrestrained silhouette behind.

Only Xiao Yan and Qing Lin remained in the courtyard. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, casting mottled shadows across the ground like scattered fragments of gold. A breeze passed through, rustling the leaves and bringing the scent of grass and trees, while making the medicinal fragrance in the air even richer as it Wreathed around their noses. Xiao Yan lowered his head toward the little girl beside him. Qing Lin was looking up at him, her eyes filled with dependence and unease. Her small hand still gripped his clothes tightly, His knuckles turned white as though seeking a sense of safety. Her feet unconsciously shifted closer to him, nearly pressing against his leg.

Xiao Yan reached out and gently stroked the top of her head, his fingertips passing through her soft hair and feeling its fine, silky texture like the touch of superior silk. His voice became even gentler, like a warm spring breeze. "Qing Lin, refining pills requires absolute silence. There can't be the slightest disturbance. Even a tiny sound could disrupt the circulation of spiritual energy, causing the pill refinement to fail, or even trigger a spiritual energy backlash and injure me. So you need to wait outside this chamber for me, all right?"

He knew that Qing Lin had always been attached to him, especially in an unfamiliar environment like this, where she lacked a sense of security even more, like a fledgling bird separated from its nest that could only rely on the one familiar person. Thus, he deliberately slowed his speech, his eyes full of reassurance and patience, Afraid of making the little girl feel uneasy or wronged.

When Qing Lin heard that she could not go inside with him, her eyes immediately dimmed slightly, like stars obscured by Dark clouds. She instinctively tightened her grip on Xiao Yan's clothes, and clear reluctance appeared on her little face. Her lips pressed together slightly, as though she was about to cry. She looked at Xiao Yan's gentle eyes, then at the tightly shut stone door of the chamber, which carried an air of solemnity and mystery. The Flame Pattern on the door gleamed coldly in the sunlight, making her somewhat afraid. Yet she still bit down hard on her lower lip, forced out an obedient expression, and nodded. "All right, Brother Xiao Yan. Qing Lin will wait at the door. I won't make noise or cause trouble. I definitely won't disturb Brother Xiao Yan while you're refining pills, so Brother Xiao Yan can rest assured."

As she spoke, she edged closer, her little hand gripping him even tighter, her fingertips pressing down slightly as though confirming that he would not suddenly disappear. She raised her little face, her eyes filled with expectation and worry, and pleaded in a soft voice, "Brother Xiao Yan, you have to come out quickly. Qing Lin will wait for you here the whole time and won't go anywhere."

"Mhm, I'll be done soon." Xiao Yan answered with a smile. He gently patted the back of her hand, the warmth of his palm passing through the thin fabric to reassure her. Then he turned, reached out, and grasped the bronze ring on the stone door. The ring was cold and hard, carved with delicate patterns. He pushed inward with force. The heavy stone door rumbled like rolling muffled thunder as it slowly opened inward. An even richer medicinal fragrance rushed toward them, mingled with the warmth of the preheated furnace, instantly enveloping them both. The fragrance was so thick it seemed almost Condensed into substance, invigorating anyone who smelled it.

The scene within the chamber came clearly into view. At its center stood a Purple Copper Furnace half a man tall, its body carved with intricate and exquisite Flame Patterns. Tiny fragments of spirit stones were embedded in those patterns, emitting a faint but constant glow beneath the light like stars in the night sky. Three fist-sized low-grade spirit stones were likewise embedded at the furnace's base in a triangular formation, releasing steady, rich waves of spiritual energy. They were clearly the core used to maintain the furnace's temperature and spiritual energy supply. On the stone table beside the furnace were dozens of crystal-clear jade boxes arranged neatly. Each box bore a label written in cinnabar, clearly marking the name and age of its medicinal ingredient. The herbs within were brightly colored and gleamed with a lustrous sheen, evidently carefully chosen premium ingredients. Whether in quality or spiritual energy content, they were superb, without the slightest flaw.

Xiao Yan stepped into the chamber, whose floor was paved with smooth Bluestone Slabs that felt firm beneath his feet. He turned and waved to Qing Lin at the entrance, his eyes full of reassurance and encouragement, signaling that she need not worry. Qing Lin also waved her little hand forcefully, trying hard to form a sweet smile, her eyes curving into crescents. Only after Xiao Yan slowly turned away and closed the stone door bit by bit, and the sound of the lock clicking shut rang out as though separating two worlds, did she stop waving. She obediently walked over to sit on the stone steps outside the chamber, moving as lightly as a feather for fear of disturbing the person inside.

She placed her little hands on her knees, her back straight as though she were a child obediently listening to a teacher, her gaze fixed intently on the closed stone door without daring to look away for a moment. Like a small animal guarding its nest, she was quiet yet persistent. Sunlight fell over her, stretching her tiny figure long across the stone steps. Intertwined with the shifting shadows around her, she looked especially obedient and sensible.

Inside the chamber, Xiao Yan walked up to the furnace and took a deep breath, gradually calming his mind and casting aside all distracting thoughts. In his mind were only the steps and details of alchemy. Refining a Fifth-grade Pill was exceedingly difficult, and its success rate was already low to begin with. The Spirit-Restoring Purple Pill in particular concerned Hai Bodong's recovery of strength, leaving no room for the slightest mistake. Any carelessness would not only render all previous effort futile, but could also waste these precious medicinal ingredients. He slowly closed his eyes and softly called out in his mind, his voice carrying respect and dependence. "Teacher, refining this fifth-grade Spirit-Restoring Purple Pill will be extremely difficult. I'll have to ask for your help again."

A moment later, an illusory soul figure Slowly emerged from Xiao Yan's body. It was Elder Yao. He floated beside the furnace. Though his form was illusory, he exuded a steady aura. There was a hint of relief on his aged face, clearly showing that he was pleased by Xiao Yan's growth, but there was also a trace of solemnity. He Dare not be careless in the slightest. "Xiao Yan, a Fifth-grade Pill is entirely different from a fourth-grade pill. The precision required in controlling Soul Power, the range of flame temperature adjustment, and the timing of adding ingredients are all extremely demanding. A tiny deviation can lead to a vast difference. This Spirit-Restoring Purple Pill requires harmonizing the medicinal properties of more than ten ingredients. Ice Crystal Lotus Seed is cold in nature, while Earth Dragon Saliva is fiercely potent, and their properties clash. You must use Soul Power to thoroughly sort through and fuse their medicinal properties, while also borrowing the power of Heavenly Flames to neutralize the conflict. One small mistake will cause the furnace to explode and all efforts to be wasted. Steady your mind, focus completely, and follow my instructions. Do not be impatient. Understand?"

"Yes, Teacher! This disciple understands!" Xiao Yan opened his eyes, and his gaze instantly became sharp and resolute. His former gentleness and tenderness were replaced by absolute concentration, like a Sharp sword drawn from its sheath, its edge fully revealed. The Golden-Purple Exotic Flame within his body slowly surged, circulating through his meridians like a rushing stream before finally gathering at his fingertips, condensing into a gentle flame Contained with immense power. The flame flickered with an even color and showed no sign of rampaging, clearly demonstrating his precise control and his ability to wield it freely.

Xiao Yan reached out and gripped the furnace handles on both sides. The Heavenly Flames at his fingertips, like a docile pet, slowly flowed into the base of the furnace. The instant the Golden-Purple Exotic Flame touched the Purple Copper Furnace, its body was dyed with a brilliant golden-purple halo. The previously motionless Flame Patterns seemed to awaken and began to flicker faintly, as though coming alive and releasing an agile aura. As the Heavenly Flames continued to flow in, the temperature within the furnace gradually rose. The jade boxes on the stone table were affected by both temperature and spiritual energy, giving off a faint glow that illuminated the chamber as brightly as day. The medicinal fragrance in the air Intertwined with the scent of fire, creating a unique atmosphere. Thus, an alchemy ceremony concerning Hai Bodong's restoration of strength Began.

Outside the chamber door, Qing Lin was still sitting obediently on the stone steps, completely motionless, like a tiny statue. Occasionally, a breeze passed by and stirred the loose strands of hair on her forehead. She would only raise her little hand and gently tuck them behind her ear, her eyes still fixed on the stone door without the slightest shift. From time to time, she would reach out and lightly touch the surface of the door, feeling the faint Vibrated and gentle warmth coming from within. The vibration was like a heartbeat, the warmth like sunlight—traces released by the operating furnace. They told her that Brother Xiao Yan was inside doing something important with great care and had not forgotten her.

She did not dare speak or even breathe too loudly, Afraid that her movements would travel through the air into the chamber and disturb Xiao Yan's pill refinement. Whenever she was truly bored, she would raise her head and look toward the courtyard, watching birds hop and play amid the branches, listening to their crisp chirps, and watching butterflies dance among the flowers. Yet before long, she would lower her head again, returning her gaze to the stone door. Her little hand lightly drew circles on her knee as she whispered silently in her mind, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. Brother Xiao Yan, do your best. You have to refine the pill successfully. Qing Lin will keep waiting here for you. I absolutely won't leave, and I definitely won't cause you any trouble.

The sun gradually sank westward, changing from dazzling brightness into soft warmth, as though draped in a thin veil of gold. The shadows in the courtyard changed with it, becoming increasingly long and gentle from their earlier scattered patches, stretching Qing Lin's figure even farther. Qing Lin sat on the stone steps, her small body appearing especially thin in the silent courtyard, yet carrying a stubborn determination. Her stomach had long been growling, like a little mouse constantly running around inside, making rumbling sounds. She unconsciously pressed a small hand against it, embarrassment appearing on her face, but she never left the steps even once. She would only occasionally touch her stomach, then immediately place her hand back on her knee and continue waiting quietly, like a tiny seedling rooted before the stone door, stubbornly awaiting the sunlight and rain that belonged to her, awaiting the person she depended on more than anyone else.