Chapter 46: The Nine Turn Golden Pill
"Not bad, your soul power has reached the level of a mid tier 7th rank alchemist," Yao Lao said with satisfaction, stroking his beard as he looked at Xiao Yan with a smile.
"With mid tier 7th rank soul power, combined with the progress you've made in refining pills over the past three months, I believe your efficiency in crafting Huangji Pills has greatly improved. You should also be capable of refining peak 6th tier pills now. If you manage to obtain a Heavenly Flame, there's hope for you to advance to a 7th rank alchemist. Even without it, your talent should allow you to reach the 7th rank within a year."
As Yao Lao thought about this, his old face lit up with a grin as bright as a blooming chrysanthemum.
"A 7th rank alchemist at sixteen years old... That would likely be one of the most terrifying records in a millennium," he murmured to himself.
"Heavenly Flame? I'll just take out my senior brother and swallow his Sea Heart Flame," Xiao Yan said with a sinister chuckle.
"Why do you harbor such strong killing intent toward your senior brother?" Yao Lao asked, his brows furrowing.
"That guy has been scheming to get his hands on the Flame Mantra for a long time now. Old man, trust me, if someone offers him enough benefits, he won't hesitate to sell you out even after you've treated him like your own son," Xiao Yan replied coldly.
"Han Feng may have strayed, but he's someone I raised personally. He wouldn't stoop that low," Yao Lao said, shaking his head.
"Besides, are you so pure of heart yourself?"
If Han Feng was a schemer in the shadows, Xiao Yan was a bandit in plain sight. If he wanted something, he'd take it whether by asking or by force.
Xiao Yan gave a sly smile but refrained from saying more. After all, Han Feng was Yao Lao's disciple, and their bond ran deep. Xiao Yan knew that his words wouldn't easily sway Yao Lao's feelings.
Still, Xiao Yan had made up his mind Han Feng had to go. Not only was the Sea Heart Flame a significant temptation, but Xiao Yan had never liked Han Feng. Eliminating him would solve several problems at once.
Kill the saint, embrace the devil only then can great things be achieved.
After three months of foundational training in theory, the alchemists in training at the Pill Tower's youth program were transitioning to practical work.
"Dear students, after three months of studying the theoretical foundations of alchemy, I'm sure you've gained a strong understanding of the principles involved. Now, it's time to put those principles to use. Your next task is to create an original pill formula," announced a stocky middle aged man in white robes, standing on the alchemy grounds with a kind smile.
The man, despite his muscular build, exuded an air of authority and deep scholarly wisdom, reminiscent of a respected academic leader.
He was Elder Li, a pinnacle 7th rank alchemist renowned for his vast knowledge of pill formulas. It was said that he was only one step away from breaking into the 8th rank a prominent figure within the Pill Tower.
Upon hearing Elder Li's assignment, many students frowned.
Everyone knew that creating a pill formula wasn't a simple task. It required countless experiments and meticulous adjustments in everything from flame control to ingredient ratios. A single misstep could turn a potential medicine into poison.
Even Xiao Yan found himself frowning at the difficulty of the task.
"Take your time to think deeply about this, students," Elder Li said, his confidence unwavering. "If you come up with an idea, feel free to experiment boldly. I'll be here to guide you, and you can ask me questions whenever you encounter difficulties."
His voice brimmed with authority, underscoring his profound expertise. Although he wasn't an 8th rank alchemist, his knowledge of the properties of mid and low level pills was unparalleled, rivaling even some 8th rank alchemists. This alone showcased the profound heritage of the Pill Tower.
As the students wracked their brains, Elder Li's lips curled into a mysterious smile.
"I rarely get the chance to teach these classes. I might as well flaunt my talents a bit. Who knows? If some of these geniuses admire my skills and decide to become my disciples, I might just strike gold!"
As Xiao Yan pondered, a sudden whoosh drew everyone's attention. Turning his head, he saw that he had already ignited the furnace without anyone noticing.
"Xiao Yan, have you already come up with an idea?" Elder Li's eyes lit up. If he could guide Xiao Yan, it would be something to brag about in the future.
Imagine, when Xiao Yan eventually became a 9th tier alchemist, Elder Li could boast, "Back in his youth, I was the one who mentored him while he was developing pill formulas." What a badge of honor that would be.
Xiao Yan nodded politely and glanced at Dan Chen, flashing her a smile. Then, without hesitation, he tossed a 6th tier magical beast core into the furnace.
Elder Li's expression changed drastically. "Xiao Yan! I only asked you to create or improve a pill formula. Why on earth are you using a 6th tier magical beast core for an experiment?"
A 6th tier beast core wasn't something one casually tossed into a furnace. While Pill Tower elders each had a few in their possession, they weren't exactly as common as roadside cabbage. Even if a 7th tier alchemist failed while using one, they would still feel the sting of its loss.
"Teacher, I'm refining an upgraded 6th tier pill, so naturally, I'll need to use a 6th tier core," Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile.
"A... 6th tier pill?" Elder Li's mouth twitched involuntarily. His original plan was to have these students tinker with 2nd or 3rd tier formulas, giving him ample opportunity to show off. But Xiao Yan had gone straight to experimenting with a 6th tier formula!
In his 200 plus years of life, Elder Li had only created two original 6th tier formulas and successfully modified three others.
As Xiao Yan continued tossing rare ingredients into the furnace 6th tier beast cores, Xue Yue Qing, Huangji Xianteng, and Qingyun Yuhua Leaves Elder Li's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
The combined value of these ingredients was enough to refine a 7th tier pill, yet Xiao Yan was using them for experimentation. It was simply extravagant.
While Elder Li looked on in pained silence, Dan Chen's expression was one of pure joy. Her crystal clear peach blossom eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at Xiao Yan.
In the past three months, she had completely fallen for him.
The pill Xiao Yan was refining was an upgraded version of the Huangji Pill, one they had discussed together many times. This made her feel valued and cherished.
On the other hand, Cao Ying, watching coldly from nearby, wore a frosty expression. Over the past three months, while Xiao Yan was no longer as distant as before, he still hadn't returned to his initial teasing ways.
For reasons she couldn't understand, Cao Ying found herself longing for the days when Xiao Yan would brazenly flirt with her without restraint.
As Xiao Yan focused on his pill refinement, the other students gradually began lighting their own furnaces. Most of them opted to work on 2nd or 3rd tier pills, which finally brought a smile to Elder Li's face.
At last, my moment to shine!
His expression turned calm and profound once more, exuding the aura of a wise and benevolent teacher. He moved around, offering pointers to the young alchemists, radiating an air of scholarly grandeur.
"Shi Hao, what kind of pill are you working on?" Elder Li asked warmly, addressing a chubby boy with thick eyebrows and bright eyes.
Despite his slightly plump build, Shi Hao was adorable and well loved by the class, especially by Xiao Yan, who took particular care of this boy destined for greatness.
"Elder Li, I'm trying to modify the Nine Revolution Qi Circulation Pill formula to upgrade it from a 1st tier to a 2nd tier pill," Shi Hao replied in his childlike voice, as he hadn't yet gone through his second growth spurt.
"Haha, very good! Even improving a 1st tier pill is quite impressive for someone your age. Tell me, have you thought of a name for this new pill?" Elder Li smiled approvingly, patting Shi Hao's round head.
Now this is the kind of student that gives me a chance to shine. That Xiao Yan... he just leaves me speechless, Elder Li thought.
"I'm going to call it the Nine Revolution Golden Pill!" Shi Hao declared proudly.
Elder Li's smile froze on his face.
(To be continued…)
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