Perhaps Huo Yuhao had Fortune on his side, or perhaps his foundations in alchemy were solid enough. Either way, refining this batch of Transfiguration Pills tailored for the Snow Empress went more smoothly than he had imagined.
The pill flame never ran wild, the medicinal properties never fell into disorder, and not a single precious ingredient went to waste. The entire process flowed like drifting clouds and running water, with his control of the heat precise to the slightest degree.
As the pill furnace's lid slowly opened, a streak of deep black light shot into the sky. Yet it carried not a trace of baleful energy. Instead, it was suffused with warm, rich waves of life essence.
Several smooth, jet-black pills hovered quietly at the center of the furnace, faint red patterns flowing across their surfaces. Their fragrance was subdued, their potency deep and substantial. The Transfiguration Pills were complete.
In the Sea of Consciousness, the Howling Celestial Dog, who had been sprawled out and shirking his duties, instantly sprang to attention. His eyes locked on the black-glowing pills, and he gulped hard.
"Th-this... you refined these Transfiguration Pills?" Xiaotian's voice rang with utter astonishment, his tone almost unsteady.
Huo Yuhao raised a finger and caught a pill steadily on its tip. He looked puzzled. "Yes, Martial Uncle. What's wrong? Is something off? I checked the medicinal properties, the ingredients' ages, and their proportions. It's perfectly suited to a Soul Beast's transformation and the remaking of its body."
He was certain his refining process had been flawless. He couldn't find the slightest fault with it.
But at those words, the Howling Celestial Dog's fur stood on end. Panic filled his eyes, as though he had seen a flood or a savage beast.
The next instant, black light flashed.
The black