Preparations for Pill Refining
Following the basic methods in the "Pill Scripture" (Classic of Alchemy), Yan Zu placed the prepared medicinal materials into the alchemy furnace one by one, concentrating his mental energy to subtly perceive the changes in the medicinal materials through the furnace.
The Auspicious Cloud Furnace was indeed extraordinary; the Soul Power flames within it were exceptionally stable, the heat was evenly distributed, and its effect on sealing and guiding the medicinal properties was remarkable.
At first, I was a bit inexperienced and my control of the heat was slightly uneven, so the first batch of "Qi-Replenishing Pill" was dull in color.
Yan Zu was not discouraged and reflected on the matter carefully.
The second batch produced five pills, their color turning pale yellow, and their medicinal fragrance gradually intensifying, reaching the middle grade.
The third batch produced seven pills, each round and plump, with a fragrant aroma, already of superior quality.
When it came time to refine the "Strength-Restoring Pill", Yan Zu specially had Little Jade approach the furnace, releasing a wisp of auspicious energy that lingered around the furnace.
When the pills were completed, not only were nine pills formed, each one as white and lustrous as jade, but the fragrance of the medicine also subtly conveyed a sense of peace and tranquility that calmed the mind. The quality far exceeded that of ordinary high-grade pills, almost reaching the threshold of top-grade pills!
"What a fine furnace! What a magnificent Auspicious Cloud Furnace!" Yan Zu was overjoyed, his confidence in refining immortal-grade pills greatly increased.
Having finished his practice and reached his peak condition, Yan Zu began to formally plan the pills needed for Dugu Bo and his grandson, as well as for his own side, and began writing furiously at his desk.
He first recorded a detailed analysis of the environment of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and the properties of various medicinal materials. Then, combining the theory of monarch, minister, assistant, and guide, he began to conceive the prescription.
As he pondered, Yan Zu gradually developed a clear plan in his mind.
First, there's the elixir for strengthening the foundation and tempering the body: the "Ice and Fire Body-Tempering Pill!"
The principal herbs are "Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass" and "Infernal Delicate Apricot". They are used to refine muscles and bones, expand meridians, and strengthen the body. They are supplemented with "Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum" as an assistant herb to enhance the body-refining effect.
Secondly, there is the elixir that strengthens the foundation and replenishes the source of life, the "Life-Creation Pill!" Its principal ingredient is "Aromatic Silk Beauty."
Thirdly, there is a detoxifying pill specifically targeting the core venom of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison: the Jade Phosphorous Life-Transformation Pill!"
Fourthly, it targets the enhancement of mental strength. "Universe Mind-Calming Pill!"
Finally, and most importantly, the most crucial and ambitious step is to promote the Martial Soul Evolution and enhance its origin! The "Universe Creation Pill!" The principal ingredient is the core of the "Earth Dragon Golden Melon" and the heart of the "Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum." The secondary ingredients are the stamen of the "Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower" and the core flesh of the "Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma," providing evolutionary energy and life essence. The auxiliary ingredients are the essence of several top-grade immortal Immortal Herb such as the "Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass," the "Infernal Delicate Apricot," and the "Aromatic Silk Beauty."
The five sets of pill formulas are interconnected, from consolidating the foundation to eliminating the root cause of the disease, then to spiritual enhancement, and finally to the Martial Soul Evolution, forming a complete and grand improvement system.
Yan Zu attached detailed diagrams of the refining steps, heat control curves, key points of energy fusion, and emergency plans to each pill formula. The text was densely written, logically rigorous, and clearly organized.
When he finally put down his pen, a thick stack of papers covered with writing and diagrams had piled up in front of him.
The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the paper, reflecting in his slightly tired yet unusually bright eyes. Little Jade lay beside him, quietly keeping him company.
"Next, it's time to gather herbs and make preparations." Yan Zu at the tranquil and mysterious valley under the moonlight, and at the magical Immortal Herb that radiated an alluring glow.
He began carefully harvesting the medicinal herbs according to the prescription.
Each Immortal Herb is extremely precious, and the harvesting methods vary. Some need to be cut off at the root with a jade knife, some need to be harvested with some of the roots and soil attached, and some only require specific parts to be taken.
Relying on the records in his book "Pill Scripture" and his own subtle manipulation of Soul Power, Yan Zu moved gently and precisely, trying his best not to damage the source of the Immortal Herb and leaving them the possibility of regeneration.
He also encountered difficulties during the harvesting process.
Yan Zu's gaze fell upon the exquisitely beautiful "Lovesick Heartbreak Red" flower.
This flower can only be picked by someone of utmost sincerity and unwavering devotion. Yan Zu, however, feels deep affection for Xiao Wu, but also has feelings and responsibilities towards Rongrong and even Zhu Zhuqing. While his feelings are genuine, he cannot claim to be "devoted to only one," and thus may not meet the requirements for picking it. (Xiao Wu:)
Ha~ men!).
He tried to approach, and as described in the original text, he sprayed the blood from the tip of his tongue onto the flower, communicating with it through his mind. Sure enough, the flower stem did not move an inch, and even the petals closed slightly, as if in resistance.
Just as Yan Zu was shaking his head inwardly, preparing to find alternative medicinal materials, Little Jade on his shoulder let out a soft hiss, jumped into his palm, and exhaled an extremely pure, gentle, and auspicious jade-colored aura towards the direction of "Lovesick Heartbreak Red".
As that aura lingered around the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, a strange scene unfolded. The flowers did not immediately bloom or respond, but the subtle resistance and aloofness that had been present within them slowly dissipated.
Little Jade's auspicious aura didn't seem to forcefully change anything, but rather, like the purest blessing and comfort, smoothed over some invisible barrier, allowing this Immortal Herb to feel a more profound and warm sense of "cherishing" and "protection".
Yan Zu was struck by inspiration and reached out again. This time, his thoughts were no longer limited to romantic love, but rather included his protection of Xiao Wu from their humble beginnings, the tacit understanding he developed with Rongrong, the trust he placed in Zhu Zhuqing while fighting side by side, the familial love he shared with his parents, and even the nascent teacher-student bond he felt for Liu Erlong —all these emotions were sincere and pure, all stemming from his heartfelt desire to protect those he cherished.
Surrounded by auspicious omens and imbued with a profound sense of "cherishing and protecting," the Acacia Lovesick Heartbreak Red swayed gently, its petals unfurling, and he actually managed to pluck it whole.
Yan Zu realized that perhaps Little Jade's auspicious essence could communicate with all things, resolve biases, and allow this immortal Immortal Herb, which represented the ultimate emotion, to acknowledge his "protective" heart, which, though not "single-minded," was equally profound and sincere.
Just then, Dugu Bo led Dugu Yan back to the valley. They passed through the poisonous barrier and saw Yan Zu's busy figure in the distance.
As the two approached, Dugu Yan was about to greet them when Dugu Bo raised his hand to stop her.
Dugu Bo's gaze fell on the thick stack of papers covered with writing on the table. He picked up the top few at random and was immediately impressed by the rigorous analysis, complex combinations, and detailed steps within them after just a cursory glance.
Dugu Bo himself was skilled in alchemy, and as a master of using poisons and making medicines, he also had a profound understanding of the properties and pharmacology of medicines.
He could see that these prescriptions were not made out of thin air, but were based on extremely solid pharmacological foundations and rigorous logical deduction.
The relationships between each herb—its principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guiding roles—are clearly defined, the dosage and procedures are meticulously considered, and even potential contingencies and corresponding countermeasures are written down in advance—how much effort must this have taken? To what extent must one understand the properties of the herbs?
Looking again at the boy's slightly tired but focused profile, Dugu Bo was deeply moved.
He originally thought that Yan Zu only possessed unique healing abilities, and perhaps had some family-inherited elixirs.
Unexpectedly, the other party was so down-to-earth, starting from the most basic analysis and expending tremendous effort to tailor such a large and meticulous treatment plan for him and his grandson!
This sincerity and dedication go far beyond a simple "transaction" or "favor."