Winning People Over

An hour later, Qian Renxue had a maid empty the bathtub and closed the door.

"Master, there's no one here now. We can begin." She walked to the table and spoke.

"Watch closely. You'll need to master the art of alchemy someday, too." As Chen Qingxuan's voice fell, Qian Renxue felt her hands slip out of her control once more. They brushed over the Soul Tool pendant.

The next moment, two pieces of Whale Rubber, brimming with energy, flew out first. More than a hundred rare herbs followed close behind: the crystal-clear Ice Spirit Flower, the Blood Ginseng wrapped in scarlet threads, the Black Iron Vine gleaming with a metallic sheen... Some floated in the air, while others piled up, casting a dazzling glow across the tabletop.

"Hum—" A pale green flame appeared out of nowhere in Qian Renxue's palm.

Under Chen Qingxuan's control, one herb after another was sent into the flame, instantly turning into pure medicinal liquid.

Using Qian Renxue's Mental Power, Chen Qingxuan drew in the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth, pouring it into the flame without pause until it burned ever more steadily.

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

Qian Renxue held her breath and focused, watching every change in the herbs within the flame. She etched the details of extraction, purification, and fusion into her mind.

Her hands formed one profound seal after another.

Under the guidance of the seals, medicinal liquids with different properties either fused together, bursting with a new radiance,

or suddenly separated, shedding their last impurities; or froze into ice, locking in their pure energy;

or were steamed by fierce flames, condensed to the utmost.

After the time it took an incense stick to burn, the mixed medicinal liquid was divided into five portions. Three were poured into the jade containers prepared beforehand, while the other two continued floating in the flame, undergoing the final tempering.

Half an hour later, as the final seal fell, the two masses of liquid suddenly contracted and condensed into pills.

The mass on the left became thirty-six scarlet pills, each about the size of a little finger, with fine patterns flowing across their surfaces.

The one on the right condensed into thirty-six pale green pills that gave off a gentle aura.

Controlling Qian Renxue's hands, Chen Qingxuan took two jade bottles from the Soul Tool. The pills seemed alive, flying into the bottles on their own with a crisp clatter.

Qian Renxue took the bottles and pulled out the stoppers. A heartening medicinal fragrance instantly filled the air, lifting her spirits.

She brought her nose to the opening and took a light sniff. A hint of intoxication flashed in her eyes. "Master, they smell so good! What do these two kinds of pills do?"

"The one on your left is a Mortal Grade Tier 2 High-Quality Body Tempering Pill," Chen Qingxuan explained. "It can slightly strengthen the body, invigorate your blood, clear your meridians, and enhance your Bloodline Power. It's perfect for your current stage of body tempering."

He paused and pointed to the jade bottle on the right. "The one on the right is a Tier 2 Low-Quality Qi Nourishing Pill. Taking it can greatly increase the speed of Qi cultivation. Its effects last anywhere from three months to a year; the stronger you are, the shorter they last."

"You haven't entered the Qi cultivation realm yet, so it would be useless for you. You can give it to your two subordinates instead."

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

"Exactly," Chen Qingxuan replied. "They're among the strongest in this world, but they're already quite old. Their blood has begun to wane, their meridians have stiffened, and their cultivation has long since stagnated."

"People like them care little for wealth or power. What they desire most is a way to improve their strength."

Qian Renxue nodded. She picked up the bottle of Body Tempering Pills, then pointed at the three containers on the table. "I understand, Master. What are these three portions of medicinal liquid for?"

"Every medicine carries some poison. These are the 'poisons' extracted from the herbs," Chen Qingxuan said casually.

"They're highly toxic and can kill without a trace, but they can also aid in body tempering."

Qian Renxue's eyes widened. Her little face paled, and she instinctively took half a step back. "Master, you—you aren't planning to replace me as your disciple, are you?"

"You're not going to make me use this poison to temper my body, are you?"

"Strengthening the body, simply put, means repeatedly damaging it and then letting it rebuild, so that each time it recovers, it's stronger than before," Chen Qingxuan patiently explained.

"These poisons can speed up the damage. As long as the dose is controlled, they can stimulate your body's potential and aid your cultivation while also improving your resistance to poison."

Qian Renxue bit her lip as she looked at the three portions of medicinal liquid, which gave off a dangerous aura. Hesitation flickered across her little face, then gave way to resolve. "Master, I understand. If it'll help my cultivation, I'll give it a try."

She took a deep breath, went to the door, and opened it. "Go invite Elder Pufferfish and Elder Snake Lance. Tell them I have something important to discuss."

"Yes, Young Mistress." The maid bowed in response and hurried away.

Half an incense stick later, Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo entered Qian Renxue's bedroom side by side.

When they saw Qian Renxue, they immediately bowed. "Young Mistress, did you summon us?"

Qian Renxue smiled at them. "Uncles, you've worked hard all this time."

"Ever since I came to Heaven Dou City, you've stayed by my side to protect me. Whether it was looking after my daily needs or gathering herbs, you've gone to so much trouble for me. I've always remembered your kindness." As she spoke, she gave a small nod, her tone sincere.

Snake Lance Douluo hurriedly waved his hand, his manner respectful. "You think too highly of us, Young Mistress. Protecting you is our duty. It's only right, so we don't deserve your thanks for working hard."

Porcupinefish Douluo echoed him. "Exactly. It's our honor to serve you, Young Mistress. You needn't keep it in mind."

"You're both too modest," Qian Renxue said with a smile and a shake of her head. She picked up two jade bottles already prepared on the table and handed them over.

"I have a gift for you both. There are two pills in each bottle. They might help with your cultivation."

Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo exchanged a glance, surprise flashing in their eyes. They hurriedly accepted the bottles with both hands, clearly sensing the energy within.

"This... Thank you for your kindness, Young Mistress!" They bowed again to express their gratitude. Though they didn't know exactly what the pills did, they could tell they were no ordinary items.

"Take them here. I'd like to see how well they work," Qian Renxue said, remembering Chen Qingxuan's instructions: the Qi Nourishing Pills and Body Tempering Pills could be taken together for better results.

"Yes, Young Mistress." Without the slightest hesitation, the two went to one side and sat cross-legged.

They trusted Qian Renxue completely. Given her status, she had no reason to harm them. Besides, there were very few poisons in this world capable of bringing down a Titled Douluo.

They pulled out the stoppers at the same time and poured out the two pills inside.

As soon as the pills appeared, they gave off a rich medicinal fragrance that refreshed the spirit. They exchanged a glance, delight visible in each other's eyes, then wasted no time before putting the pills in their mouths.

The pills dissolved as soon as they entered their mouths, turning into two gentle streams of energy that flowed down their throats and quickly spread throughout their bodies.

They hurriedly closed their eyes and used their Soul Power to refine the medicinal energy. The Soul Power around them grew stronger and stronger. Their previously sluggish auras became smooth, and even a faint sheen appeared on their skin.

After the time it took an incense stick to burn, Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo opened their eyes at the same time. A sharp glint flashed in their eyes. Feeling the surging power within them, they were ecstatic.