Dou Ling Pill

"Sect Master, since the medicinal herbs have already been gathered, let me refine it for you!" Seeing this, Pill King Gu He hurriedly spoke up. After all, Yun Yun getting caught in the Snake-People Tribe's sealing technique had a lot to do with him.

"Quite right! With Elder Gu He, the number one alchemist of the Jia Ma Empire, present, the Sect Master's Seal should be lifted very soon!" Yun Leng chimed in from the side.

Yun Yun turned her head slightly, looking at Gu He with a cool voice, "Elder Gu He, do you possess the Pill Formula for refining this pill?"

In the realm of alchemy, Pill Formulas were of paramount importance, for within them were hidden essential data required for refining—such as the exact quantities of medicinal herbs needed, the precise temperature and intensity of the flame, and so forth.

This data was exceptionally crucial. Without it, no matter how outstanding one's Alchemy might be, one still had to go through numerous experiments before finally having a chance to refine the pill recorded in the Pill Formula. Furthermore, such information could only be acquired by invading the Pill Formula with one's spiritual power!

Gu He opened his mouth, remaining speechless with a slightly awkward expression. In his momentary anxiety, he had actually forgotten this common-sense rule of the alchemy world, and to think he was even a Grade Six Alchemist!

"It was Gu He who acted rashly. Then I wonder which alchemist the Sect Master has found?" Gu He asked curiously, his expression returning to normal. The grade of a pill capable of lifting the Snake-People Tribe's sealing technique should not be low, and aside from him, the only alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire capable of refining high-grade pills ought to be Fa Ma, the president of the Alchemist Guild.

The people within the grand hall also looked toward their Sect Master with curiosity. In the Jia Ma Empire, those qualified to refine pills for their Misty Cloud Sect Master seemed to be limited to just those few alchemists!

"The person refining the pill for me, he is a very formidable alchemist!"

The cool voice echoed within the grand hall, and anyone with a discerning eye could detect a trace of an inexplicable emotion mixed into that tone.

Thinking of Liu Yu, a flash of affection crossed Yun Yun's beautiful eyes. A single day apart felt like three autumns!

Gu He, who had been constantly watching Yun Yun, naturally captured that emotion—one that hit him all too deeply—and felt an unprovoked pang of pain in his heart!

Taking a deep breath, Gu He asked, "Dare I ask, Sect Master, who exactly is that alchemist?"

Listening to that seemingly interrogative tone, a trace of impatience flashed across Yun Yun's beautiful eyes, and her expression also turned cold. She had long known about Gu He's romantic feelings for her and had rejected him both openly and subtly in the past. It was impossible before, and it was even more impossible now!

Before Yun Yun could speak, however, Yun Leng was the first to show displeasure, casting an unkind glare at Gu He. "Elder Gu He, mind the tone you use to speak with the Sect Master!"

The handsome man standing behind Gu He—Liu Ling—also looked at his master with considerable astonishment. What was wrong with his master today? Why was he making these low-level mistakes time and time again?

Hearing Great Elder Yun Leng's displeased voice, Gu He snapped back to his senses. He stood up, cupped his fists toward Yun Yun, and said respectfully, "Sect Master, please forgive my rudeness just now!"

Gu He did not know why, but anything involving Yun Yun was capable of stirring up ripples in the depths of his heart, especially in that regard! Just now, his mind had simply gone hot, resulting in...

"Hmph, you are dismissed!" Not bothering to bicker, Yun Yun gave a casual command, stood up, and left first.

Seeing this, Nalan Yanran at the side followed closely behind.

Stepping out of the grand hall, Nalan Yanran quickly reached Yun Yun's side and asked with concern, "Teacher, is the Seal inside your body really alright?"

Seeing that it was Nalan Yanran, Yun Yun's expression softened as she softly replied, "Rest assured, Teacher is fine. Very soon, this Seal will be lifted!"

"Is it because of that alchemist?" Nalan Yanran asked with a playful air.

Although Yun Yun was her teacher, to her, she was also like an elder sister, which allowed Nalan Yanran to easily ask questions that others wouldn't dare pose.

"You girl!" With a light flick of her jade finger against Nalan Yanran's smooth forehead, Yun Yun feigned anger.

"Teacher~ Is that alchemist your sweetheart?!" A crafty glint flashed in Nalan Yanran's eyes. She looked thoroughly youthful and adorable, completely different from the aloof persona she wore inside the grand hall. It was only in front of her teacher that she would ever reveal such a side.

"Mn!" Without any concealment, Yun Yun generously admitted it.

"It's true?!" Nalan Yanran's face was plastered with disbelief. She had only been joking, and yet... She simply couldn't believe anyone in the Jia Ma Empire was worthy of matching her teacher, not even Elder Gu He, the Grade Six Alchemist who enjoyed such renowned prestige throughout the Jia Ma Empire!

In Nalan Yanran's heart, her teacher's other half ought to possess immense strength, handsome looks, and be gentle and attentive toward her... (Gu He:?)

Perceiving Nalan Yanran's shock, Yun Yun explained of her own accord, "Him? He possesses formidable strength..."

Mittel Auction House, VIP Room.

Liu Yu had already obtained seventy percent of the medicinal herbs on the list. These herbs were all placed within a red intermediate storage ring. After roughly sensing their contents, Liu Yu noted one portion of herbs for the Sect Breaking Pill, two portions for the Emperor-Grade Pill, three portions for the Dou Ling Pill, ten portions for the Qi Cultivation Pill, and two portions for the Recovery Pill.

Liu Yu was still quite satisfied. It was just a bit regrettable that there was only a single portion of herbs for refining the Sect Breaking Pill. If there had been four portions, he could have refined one pill each for the four elders of the Elder Hall!

Yet it was also understandable. A pill like the Sect Breaking Pill was far too precious, and the medicinal herbs required for it had long since been mostly collected by the imperial family of the Jia Ma Empire and factions like the Misty Cloud Sect. That the Mittel Auction House had managed to gather a single portion for him was presumably driven by a desire to curry favor with him.

"Miss Ya Fei, the value of the medicinal herbs in this storage ring probably far exceeds the pills I gave you, doesn't it? Deduct the remaining balance from this purple gold card of mine." Looking at Ya Fei before him, Liu Yu produced the Nine-Pattern Purple Gold Card.

"Young master, the Mittel Family has already made up the difference for you. It's just that we have a tiny request: we hope to invite your master out to refine a few pills for the Mittel Family." When voicing her request, Ya Fei carefully gauged Liu Yu's expression, terrified of incurring any displeasure from him.

"Oh? Very well! But you know the rules of alchemists. However, I can offer you a discount—you only need to prepare your own portion of herbs, and the compensation won't be necessary." Liu Yu chuckled lightly. He disliked owing favors; since the Mittel Family was so tactful, he would reciprocate their gesture and forge a favorable affinity!

As for whether he refined fifth-grade or sixth-grade pills, it made no difference to him. The reason he hadn't refined sixth-grade pills before was simply the lack of suitable herbs among the Snake-People Tribe. With his current spiritual realm and cultivation base, coupled with the fact that he had memorized the refinement methods and details for almost all pills by heart, refining a sixth-grade pill was as easy as turning over his hand!

Hearing Liu Yu's words, Ya Fei's joy overflowed; the task her grandfather had assigned her was complete! She immediately chimed in with a sweet, coquettish tone of gratitude: "Young master~ This humble servant doesn't even know how to thank you. If young master has any requests, just tell me—no matter what they are!"

On this final sentence, Ya Fei deliberately thickened her tone, gazing at Liu Yu with a myriad of charms as though she were a maiden waiting to be plucked. Yet deep within, she felt exceptionally anxious. The young master before her was different from ordinary worldly men; she had no idea whether acting this way might provoke his disgust!

"A request, you say~ Well, I do have one! Go help me prepare a place to rest!" Dragging out his syllables with an inexplicable tone, Liu Yu finally gave a very serious reply.

"This servant will go prepare it for young master right away!" Biting her red lower lip softly, Ya Fei's eyes held a deep, lingering look. She had thought... and it turned out to be just this trivial matter!

Watching Ya Fei, who looked somewhat like a "resentful wife," Liu Yu curved the corners of his lips upwards. Trying to play this trick on me, you're still a bit too green!

"Right, help me check what kind of things girls like at the Mittel Auction House, but make sure they aren't common, worldly objects. If you accomplish this well, I can promise you one not-too-excessive request!"

Liu Yu spoke up abruptly, because he felt that what had happened between him and Yun Yun was somewhat unfair to his Queen Mother! Although it had already transpired, he still wanted to make some amends, which could let his heart rest a little easier.

"Any request is fine?!" Ya Fei's eyes lit up slightly, the preceding qualification having been subconsciously ignored by her.

"Nothing excessive!" Liu Yu smiled. Was she trying to play word games with him?

"Young master, you said it yourself!" Ya Fei gazed intently at Liu Yu.

"Mn, nothing excessive!" Liu Yu nodded in indication, once again emphasizing those three words. This was to prevent Ya Fei from bringing up some demand he "couldn't accomplish" when the time came.

"Very well then, young master!" Ya Fei covered her mouth with a light chuckle. She discovered that this young master wasn't as difficult to approach as she had imagined; he was still quite "approachable."

"Why doesn't young master come stay at my place? My quarters are quiet with no one to disturb you, and young master can order me to do whatever you need whenever you like. It will be very convenient."

A hint of anticipation lingered in Ya Fei's beautiful eyes. She did harbor a small agenda of her own, but everything she said was true.

"You have a heart." Liu Yu didn't refuse. His thoughts were simple: he wanted to quickly find a place to refine pills and then raise his strength.

A secluded courtyard.

Liu Yu was standing before a massive, ancient Medicine Cauldron. Although this cauldron was not of exceptionally high quality and lacked the kind of efficacy that aided alchemy, Liu Yu believed his superb alchemy techniques coupled with his Heavenly Flames were enough to make up for everything!

As one stalk of medicinal herb after another was retrieved, they happened to make up a single portion for refining the Dou Ling Pill. As a sixth-grade pill, this Dou Ling Pill allowed Dou Wang experts who consumed it to advance their strength by one star.

As a relatively "weak" existence among sixth-grade pills, the Dou Ling Pill naturally became Liu Yu's practice target.

Immediately after, a cluster of cyan flame abruptly materialized in Liu Yu's palm. Looking closely, one could discern a faint thread of blue intertwined within it, making it look utterly eerie and bizarre, while the continuously warping air in its surroundings signaled its extraordinary nature.

This "Green Lotus Core Flame" could no longer be considered a pure Green Lotus Core Flame. Under Liu Yu's cultivation with the Origin-Nurturing Art, its might had already become comparable to some Heavenly Flames ranked fifteenth or sixteenth!

And this was far from its limit. As Liu Yu's companion flame, Liu Yu poured different emotions into it, determined to cultivate it into the most powerful Heavenly Flames in this world!

Gazing at the leaping cyan flame in his palm, Liu Yu chuckled and tossed it into the Medicine Cauldron. Upon leaving Liu Yu's palm, the Green Flame suddenly surged within the Medicine Cauldron, burning fiercely while Liu Yu controlled the temperature to ensure it did not exceed the cauldron's bearing capacity.

At that moment, a pure and majestic surge of Soul Power poured from the center of Liu Yu's brows into the Medicine Cauldron, dividing the flame into several portions. Following that, Liu Yu tossed the medicinal herbs one by one into their respective flames, and under the calcining heat of the flames, their medicinal essences were refined into powder or paste.

Finally, the various medicinal essences fused together into a pill prototype with a pitted surface. As the flames refined it further, the pill within the cauldron began to grow smooth and rounded, while a rich medicinal fragrance permeated the air, spreading outward continuously.

Suddenly, ripples of energy swept out in all directions with the Medicine Cauldron at their center, followed by a small pillar of energy that shot violently from within the cauldron toward the heavens. Although the distance was relatively short, to the people of the Mittel Family, it was clearly visible!

A heaven and earth anomaly? No, it should be an energy riot! Only sixth-grade high-tier or peak-tier pills could produce heaven and earth anomalies, and this Dou Ling Pill clearly didn't qualify—even though he had elevated its quality with superb alchemy techniques and Heavenly Flames, the upper limit of the Dou Ling Pill was right there, and it simply couldn't carry that kind of spectacle! (Dou Ling Pill:...)

Deep within the Mittel Family, a white-haired, somewhat solemn-faced elder raised his head. Looking at that pillar of energy, his aged face was filled with utter astonishment: "That seems to be where Ya Fei resides. Could it be..."

The white-haired elder, none other than the patriarch of the Mittel Family, Mittel Tengshan, was well aware that today, the mysterious young master who had a terrifying alchemist standing behind him had arrived at the Mittel Auction House and later, at Ya Fei's invitation, stayed in Ya Fei's courtyard. But looking at things now, the situation didn't seem to be what they had guessed!

The Imperial Palace of the Jia Ma Empire.

In a secluded courtyard, an elderly figure dressed in coarse hemp garments stood with hands clasped behind his back. At a glance, he looked like an ordinary old man, yet at this moment, the elder was muttering to himself: "Abnormal energy fluctuations, Mittel Tengshan, what on earth is your Mittel Family up to?"

Alchemist Guild.

Inside a certain alchemy room, an old man wearing purple alchemist robes wore an excited expression. "These energy fluctuations, it's undoubtedly a sixth-grade pill!"

At Ya Fei's courtyard, Liu Yu quietly looked at the Dou Ling Pill that was about to emerge from the Medicine Cauldron, a trace of small excitement stirring in his heart as well. After all, this was the first sixth-grade pill he had ever refined, making its significance extraordinary!

Reaching out with a beckoning grab, a pill carrying a scorching aura, bearing pill patterns, and glowing in emerald green tinged with blue flew into Liu Yu's palm.

After toying with it for a moment, Liu Yu waved his other hand gently, and a surge of Azure Flame burst forth, forming a wall of fire around him that extended upward, sealing him entirely within a hemispherical protective dome.

Immediately afterward, Liu Yu retrieved the Green Lotus Seat from his storage ring, sat cross-legged upon it, and swallowed the Dou Ling Pill in his hand in a single gulp.

Surging medicinal might began to enter Liu Yu's body, where it was enveloped by Liu Yu's Dou Qi and circulated along the operational route of the Myriad Forms Divine Art. As the "boss," the Myriad Forms Divine Art then distributed a portion of the medicinal might to the Origin-Nurturing Art and the Divine Flame Art.

After one complete cycle, the medicinal power transformed into pure Dou Qi and poured into the Dantian. Liu Yu's Dou Qi kept strengthening until, at a certain moment, "Boom!" The massive Dou Qi within his body propelled Liu Yu into a brand-new realm—Three-Star Dou Wang!

And that Dou Qi pill had already been completely "squeezed dry," not leaving behind a single shred of medicinal might!

Liu Yu frowned slightly. During those three-plus months with Yun Yun, he had long since broken through to Two-Star Dou Wang. Afterward, he had absorbed over two months' worth of Dou Qi, leaving him just a short distance away from Three-Star Dou Wang. Yet this incredibly high-quality Dou Ling Pill had only provided him with "that much" Dou Qi? It had barely managed to push him to Three-Star Dou Wang—it was truly pathetic! (Dou Ling Pill:...)

Thanks to Ming Xin Ruo Xiang Yi, Tian Zui, -Ning., Book Friend 20191015035627537, Book Friend 1612071700181195, Ming Su Ming for the tipping tickets.

Thanks to Ming Xin Ruo Xiang Yi for the tip.

Then, asking for suggestions for the Queen Mother's name; calling her Queen Mother all the time feels a bit too awkward (personally I feel Cai Lin from the original work is still fine).

Lastly, thank you all for your support!