Winning Hearts

An hour later, Qian Renxue had her maid drain the water from the tub and closed the bedroom door.

"Master, we are alone now. We can begin," she said, walking to the table.

"Watch closely. You must master the art of alchemy in the future," Chen Qingxuan's voice fell, and Qian Renxue felt her hands move beyond her control, brushing across the jade pendant Soul Tool.

The next moment, two pieces of Whale Rubber radiating rich energy flew out first, followed by over a hundred rare herbs—the crystal-clear Ice Spirit Flower, the Blood Ginseng entwined with blood-red threads, the metallic-sheened Black Iron Vine... They hovered or piled up, casting a brilliant, colorful glow across the tabletop.

"Hum—" A cluster of pale cyan flames appeared out of thin air in Qian Renxue's palm.

Under Chen Qingxuan's guidance, each herb was fed into the flames, instantly refining into pure medicinal liquid.

Using Qian Renxue's spiritual power, Chen Qingxuan drew in the surrounding heaven and earth spiritual energy, injecting it into the flames to keep them burning with increasing stability.

This time, Chen Qingxuan deliberately slowed the refining process, making every step crystal clear.

Qian Renxue held her breath, eyes locked on the changes in every herb within the flames, carving the details of extraction, purification, and fusion deep into her mind.

Her hands continuously formed profound hand seals.

Guided by these seals, medicinal liquids of different attributes either fused together, bursting with new luster...

...or suddenly separated to purge the final impurities; or were condensed by ice to lock in pure energy.

Or they were steamed by intense fire, concentrated to the absolute limit.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the mixed liquid was divided into five portions. Three were poured into prepared jade containers, while the remaining two continued to hover in the flames, undergoing final tempering.

Half an hour later, as the final seal was cast, the two clusters of liquid suddenly contracted and solidified into pills.

The cluster on the left transformed into thirty-six crimson pills, each the size of a pinky finger, with fine, flowing patterns on their surfaces.

The cluster on the right condensed into thirty-six pale cyan pills, radiating a gentle, warm aura.

Chen Qingxuan controlled Qian Renxue's hands to retrieve two jade bottles from the Soul Tool. The pills seemed to possess a life of their own, flying automatically into the bottles with a crisp clinking sound.

Qian Renxue took the bottles and pulled out the stoppers. A refreshing medicinal fragrance instantly filled the air, invigorating her spirit.

She brought her nose to the bottle opening and sniffed, a hint of intoxication flashing in her eyes: "Master, it smells wonderful! What are the uses of these two types of pills?"

"The one in your left hand is a Mortal Grade Tier 2 High-Quality Body Tempering Pill," Chen Qingxuan explained. "It can slightly increase physical strength, activate Bloodline Power, clear meridians, and enhance your physical constitution. It is most suitable for your current stage of body tempering."

He paused, pointing to the bottle on the right: "The one on the right is a Tier 2 Low-Quality Qi Nourishing Pill. Consuming it will significantly increase your Qi cultivation speed. The effect lasts anywhere from three months to a year; the stronger the practitioner, the shorter the duration."

"You have not yet stepped into the Qi Cultivation Realm, so it is useless for you, but you can give them to your two subordinates."

"Uncle Snake Lance and Uncle Pufferfish?" Qian Renxue blinked.

"Exactly," Chen Qingxuan said. "They are considered top-tier experts in this world, but unfortunately, they are too old. Their bloodline is fading, their meridians are stiff, and their cultivation has long since stagnated."

"Such people care little for wealth or power; only the desire to improve their strength is their most urgent need."

Qian Renxue nodded, picked up the bottle containing the Body Tempering Pills, and pointed to the three containers on the table: "I understand, Master. What are these three portions of liquid for?"

"Every medicine has its poison; these are the 'poisons' extracted during the process," Chen Qingxuan said casually.

"They are highly toxic and can kill without a trace, but they can also assist in body tempering."

Qian Renxue's eyes widened, her small face turning slightly pale as she subconsciously took half a step back: "Master, you... you aren't thinking of replacing your disciple, are you?"

"You don't mean to have me use this poison to temper my body, do you?"

"Physical strengthening is, simply put, the constant destruction of the body followed by its reconstruction, making each rebirth stronger than the last," Chen Qingxuan explained patiently.

"These poisons can accelerate the rate of bodily destruction. As long as the dosage is controlled properly, they can stimulate your physical potential, assist in cultivation, and simultaneously improve your resistance to toxins."

Qian Renxue bit her lip, looking at the three containers of dangerous-looking liquid. A moment of hesitation flashed across her face, only to be replaced by determination: "Master, I understand. Since it helps with cultivation, I shall try it."

She took a deep breath, walked to the door, opened it, and instructed the waiting maid: "Go invite Elder Pufferfish and Elder Snake Lance. Tell them I have an urgent matter to discuss."

"Yes, Young Mistress," the maid bowed and turned to hurry away.

Half an incense stick later, Snake Lance Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo walked into Qian Renxue's bedroom side by side.

Seeing Qian Renxue, they quickly bowed: "Young Mistress, did you summon us?"

Qian Renxue looked at them and smiled: "Uncles, you have worked hard during this time."

"Ever since I arrived in Heaven Dou City, you have guarded me without leaving my side. Whether it is daily life or collecting herbs, you have put in so much effort. I have always kept this kindness in my heart," she said, nodding slightly with a sincere tone.

Snake Lance Douluo quickly waved his hand, his tone respectful: "Young Mistress, you are too kind. Protecting you is our duty; it is our responsibility, and we do not deserve the word 'hard work'."

Pufferfish Douluo echoed: "Indeed. It is our honor to serve you, Young Mistress. Please do not take it to heart."

"You two are too polite," Qian Renxue said with a smile, shaking her head. She picked up two prepared jade bottles from the table and handed them over.

"I have a gift for you both. Each bottle contains two pills that may be of some help to your cultivation."

Snake Lance Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo exchanged a glance, surprise flashing in their eyes. They took the bottles with both hands, clearly sensing the energy fluctuations contained within.

"This... we thank you for your grace, Young Mistress!" The two bowed again in thanks. Though they did not know the exact effects of the pills, they could guess they were no ordinary items.

"Consume them here. I would like to see the results," Qian Renxue said, recalling Chen Qingxuan's instructions—the Qi Nourishing Pill and the Body Tempering Pill could be taken together for better results.

"Yes, Young Mistress." Without a moment's hesitation, the two walked to the side and sat cross-legged.

They had absolute trust in Qian Renxue—given her status, there was no reason for her to harm them, and besides, there were very few poisons in this world capable of downing a Title Douluo.

The two pulled out the stoppers simultaneously and poured out the two pills.

As soon as the pills appeared, they emitted a rich medicinal fragrance that was refreshing to the soul. They looked at each other, seeing pleasant surprise in each other's eyes, and without further delay, they swallowed the pills.

The pills melted upon contact with their tongues, turning into two streams of warm energy that flowed down their throats and rapidly spread through their limbs and bones.

The two quickly closed their eyes and channeled their soul power to refine the medicinal strength. Their soul power fluctuations grew increasingly intense; their previously stagnant auras became fluid, and a faint luster even appeared on their skin.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Snake Lance Douluo and Pufferfish Douluo opened their eyes simultaneously. A sharp light flashed in their eyes as they felt the surging power within their bodies, their faces filled with wild joy.