Chapter 779: The Most Unbelievable Refinement
Eventually, an old alchemist made an announcement before the eager crowd: "After we collectively examined this medicine, we have come to a unanimous conclusion — this is a batch of the finest quality. Regarding the medicinal strength, we have no answer for the God-Monarch and Godking realm as well as people with withered lifespans. As for those who still have some longevity blood left, if they are an eternal existence level paragon, then this medicine will be able to increase their lifespan by two hundred years. Of course, this is for the first dosage."
"Two hundred years!" Many people were moved after hearing this. For a near-death paragon, two hundred years was long enough.
There were many factors that affected the potency of these medicines. For example, cultivation; the higher the realm, the weaker the medicinal effect would be. This was because the powerful users had stronger longevity blood, so they needed a more powerful medicine to condense new longevity blood drops!
"What about if it is the second time using an emperor level medicine?" A great power's ancestor couldn't help but ask after hearing the result.
Many experts here had used longevity medicines before, so they wanted to know the exact details so that they wouldn't regret paying a sky-high price for this particular batch.
The old alchemist responded: "This is difficult to determine. Assuming that all the conditions remain the same and it is the second usage, it should be able to increase one's lifespan by fifty to eighty years. However, since this particular medicine has turned into a Heavenly Hound, it will be able to offset a certain amount of resistance so it should be able to add seventy to ninety years to your lifespan."
"What if it is the third time?" A more powerful ancestor inquired. In fact, after reaching the paragon realm, any ancestor would try to obtain longevity medicines.
All of these old paragons had used longevity medicines before. Those with great heritages would have consumed them dozens of times, resulting in complete resistance.
"The third time…" The old alchemist felt some hesitation: "One cannot determine this. If you really want an answer from me, then ten years for the third usage, or maybe even just one year. This is mere speculation as I cannot confirm it."
This had always been the case with longevity medicines and its diminishing returns after repeated usage.
"Very well, let's leave it to someone who can use it." This ancestor with an incredible background sighed disappointedly after hearing this answer. This kind of ancestor had consumed too many medicines so the effect of this type of medicine was tiny to the point of being trivial.
"In my own situation, I estimate that living for another hundred years shouldn't be a problem with this batch." One of the ancestors became quite eager to try it.
"This is a must-buy if possible. A pill in the form of a Heavenly Hound that experienced one imperial warning — an emperor level longevity medicine of this quality is hard to come by. Unless the Alchemy Kingdom or the Jianlong Clan are willing to sell from their inventory… it is best to buy it as soon as possible." More than just one ancestor was tempted.
Even those who had used longevity medicines once or twice were intrigued as well. For them, even if it was a sky-high price, they would still buy it even if it would only increase their lifespan by one year! For those who were near death like them, treasures had become worthless. Only their lifespan was worth something!
In a short moment, many people hoped that this showdown could end early so that they could begin the buying process.
After the appraisal, the happy white hair alchemist turned around to say in a deep tone: "Li Qiye, your turn."
However, after turning around, he only saw Li Qiye sleeping in his carriage. This scene infuriated him. Li Qiye's attitude was simply treating him with contempt!
Until now, everyone was preoccupied with the alchemist's pill refinement and nearly forgot about Li Qiye's presence. But now, seeing him sleeping during a duel left many of them speechless; they felt that Li Qiye was being too outrageous.
"Does he really think he can beat the White Hair Alchemy God? This is an emperor medicine in the form of the Heavenly Hound with one imperial warning!" Someone was quite annoyed with Li Qiye and snorted.
Madam Zi Yan, who was waiting by Li Qiye's side, gently woke him up. He rose and asked: "How long have I been asleep for?"
"For some time now." The madam gently helped him up: "Young Noble, it is your turn."
Li Qiye stepped down from the carriage and looked at the alchemist's emperor medicine while nodding: "Not bad, to be able to refine an emperor medicine to this level at such a young age… definitely worthy of being called a heavenly alchemist. However, claiming to be an alchemy god is too egotistical."
Li Qiye's words left the alchemist annoyed, so he responded with a scowl. The alchemist didn't know that this was already a very high evaluation from Li Qiye. This was Li Qiye showing his appreciation for talents.
"Can you start already?" The alchemist impatiently said after seeing Li Qiye's nonchalant attitude.
Li Qiye smiled and looked at Ming Yexue. He nodded his head, prompting Ming Yexue to announce: "You may begin now."
Li Qiye summoned his Myriad Heavenly Cauldron and casually threw all the ingredients inside with the exception of the longevity blood.
"Is he insane?" Many people were stunned after seeing the swift addition of the ingredients. What kind of alchemy was this? It was common knowledge that even the methods of adding the ingredients was a field of study.
When to add certain things, such as holy water, required attentiveness. One wrong step would result in the destruction of a fine batch of ingredients.
But now, Li Qiye threw everything inside besides the longevity blood. This was too much to take in. What left the crowd even more dumbfounded was that at this time, Li Qiye's cauldron seemed to be out of power. Its flame was weak and seemed like it could go out at any time as it burned the herbs.
"Is this still alchemy?" The crowd was stunned. This had no semblance to refinement but rather just a simple burning of ingredients.
Golden Spring Water, Sacred Turtle Dew, Pure Pillfruit, Silver Maplegrass… each of these ingredients was burning from the inside out. What was even stranger was that this flame was flickering as if it was burning with wet firewood. This made the spectators very worried that it might go out any time.
This simple process turned out to be very scary. The nervous spectators felt that Li Qiye was crazy for attempting such a thing with this feeble flame. It was akin to torture; some felt that Li Qiye's failure was guaranteed. They began to feel pain because this was a batch of ingredients over three million years of age. Such priceless treasures!
Eventually, something incredible happened. This weak flame that could be extinguished at any time finally burned the ingredients, leaving behind the true essences in the cauldron.
The Golden Spring Water was turned into a single golden drop of liquid. The Sacred Turtle Dew resulted in a jade-like ointment the size of a fingernail. The Pure Pillfruit was now a small cup of green water, and the Silver Maplegrass only had a little bit of watery essence left as well…
These different medicinal essences completely separated from each other, disappeared, then suddenly fused into one. In the blink of an eye, a newly refined essence emerged from within.
Again, people were astounded because no one had predicted this result, especially when essences of different affinities integrated together in harmony without the slightest signs of discord. This process was too difficult to imagine.
"This is the mythical gossamer flame." Ming Yexue emotionally stated: "A divine flame refines wondrous pills while the gossamer flame tempers heavenly essences! The vast majority of flames are easy to come by, but the gossamer flame remains elusive to all!"
No alchemist understood Ming Yexue's comments. Some even found it strange since this type of weak fire was not part of the common knowledge of a cauldron's fire.
However, Ming Yexue stared at Li Qiye in astonishment because she had heard of a particular legend, a legend that was painstakingly chased after by generations of the kingdom's best alchemists.
The gossamer flame tempers heavenly essences! This legendary secret technique had only been grasped by one person across the endless eons, the legendary Alchemy God!
Many alchemists from the kingdom had tried all this time, but no one had ever been successful. However, Li Qiye actually used the gossamer flame to force out the essences. How could Ming Yexue not be shocked by this?
"This little girl is still the most knowledgeable." Li Qiye couldn't help but voice his praise. Very few people could recognize his method, let alone see through it.
He then threw the longevity blood into the cauldron towards all the different medicinal concoctions.
When everyone thought that the longevity blood would become violent and try to escape by flipping the cauldron over, it actually galloped around like a stallion. It playfully jumped around then rolled within the essences as if it was having too much fun.
Eventually, the blood rolled around in the essence mix like a stallion rolling around in mud. It was enjoying this blissful feeling.
The whole process was not violent with howls, contrary to what the crowd imagined. It was as if this was the natural order of things.
The blood eventually joined the different essences like snow encountering spring. It slowly melted in a very warm process with no signs of fierce retaliation!
No one could describe their thoughts with words. Shock and amazement were common in those witnessing this scene like snow encountering spring, warmth… the entire process seemed incredibly natural and gave people a feeling of enjoyment!
779 TeaserEventually, an old alchemist made an announcement before the eager crowd: "After we collectively examined this medicine, we have come to a unanimous conclusion — this is a batch of the finest quality. Regarding the medicinal strength, we have no answer for the God-Monarch and Godking realm as well as people with withered lifespans. As for those who still have some longevity blood left, if they are an eternal existence level paragon, then this medicine will be able to increase their lifespan by two hundred years. Of course, this is for the first dosage."
"Two hundred years!" Many people were moved after hearing this. For a near-death paragon, two hundred years was long enough.
There were many factors that affected the potency of these medicines. For example, cultivation; the higher the realm, the weaker the medicinal effect would be. This was because the powerful users had stronger longevity blood, so they needed a more powerful medicine to condense new longevity blood drops!
"What about if it is the second time using an emperor level medicine?" A great power's ancestor couldn't help but ask after hearing the result.
Many experts here had used longevity medicines before, so they wanted to know the exact details so that they wouldn't regret paying a sky-high price for this particular batch.
The old alchemist responded: "This is difficult to determine. Assuming that all the conditions remain the same and it is the second usage, it should be able to increase one's lifespan by fifty to eighty years. However, since this particular medicine has turned into a Heavenly Hound, it will be able to offset a certain amount of resistance so it should be able to add seventy to ninety years to your lifespan."
"What if it is the third time?" A more powerful ancestor inquired. In fact, after reaching the paragon realm, any ancestor would try to obtain longevity medicines.
All of these old paragons had used longevity medicines before. Those with great heritages would have consumed them dozens of times, resulting in complete resistance.
"The third time…"
[collapse]Chapter 780: Heavenly Medicine
When the longevity blood melted, the new medicinal concoction in the cauldron slowly flowed down like a spring. It seemed that at this moment, it had its own life. While watching it flow, others could feel the blood inside their bodies flowing, resonating along to the same rhythm as well.
Many were immersed in this scene and forgot that this was a duel. Back during the white hair alchemist's refinement, the people here were also lost in the process. However, the two intoxicating feelings were completely different from each other.
People were lost in the alchemist's refinement technique and great mastery. Each of his actions was full of beauty. Even those who weren't alchemists could understand the meanings behind his movements.
Li Qiye's refinement was different. Although people were also drunk in its wonders, they forgot about Li Qiye's actions. No one paid attention to his fire mastery or how he controlled his cauldron.
At this time, the only thing in their eyes were the changes in the concoction within the cauldron. It was as if the scene playing out had turned into the most fascinating event in this world.
If one was to say that the white hair alchemist's actions were full of beauty, then the transformation of Li Qiye's medicinal concoction was a supreme work of art.
The alchemist's personal skill let people know that he was an incredible Legendary Alchemist while Li Qiye was showcasing his medicinal concoction to let people know that this newly refined essence was peerless.
As the concoction continued to change, clouds began to gather in the sky. Once the layers of clouds were thick enough, a vortex appeared above Li Qiye and emitted an increasingly louder sound.
"The imperial warning is coming." A person exclaimed in fear: "To witness two imperial warnings within such a short amount of time… This duel is truly spectacular."
People were holding their breaths to witness the attack of the imperial warning. They wanted to see if Li Qiye could withstand the warning's might or not. If he could, then another emperor medicine was about to come into existence.
"Om—" Powerful detonations resounded from within the vortex as if the grand dao was dancing. An alchemy rune had been successfully formed inside.
Another loud blast echoed. This alchemy rune came sweeping down with a ferocious momentum as if god himself sent down this warning. The rune seemed to be the culmination of the Heaven's Will!
However, when everyone thought that Li Qiye was about to having a fierce battle with the imperial warning, the Myriad Heavenly Cauldron suddenly opened its mouth and immediately devoured the imperial warning like a predator feasting upon its prey.
After it was eaten by the cauldron, the imperial warning’s sound stopped, like a clay ox drifting into a sea. 1
"Boom!" The second imperial warning descended.
"Pluff!" However, before people could react to its presence, this second warning was also devoured by the cauldron!
Devour! This scene left everyone standing there silly. Everyone knew that a cauldron under an alchemist's control could stop tribulations and fight against heavenly flames. However, no one had heard of a cauldron eating imperial warnings before.
At this moment, people seemed to have forgotten that this was the second imperial warning since everyone was still shocked from the scene of the cauldron devouring the first warning.
"Damn, even if you're hungry, you shouldn't act like this. Leave some for me!" Li Qiye couldn't help but curse after seeing the cauldron eating two warnings instantly.
"Boom!" The third imperial warning descended. Li Qiye was one step ahead of the cauldron this time. He grabbed it and soared into the sky.
With a loud roar, Li Qiye's main fate palace emerged and opened. His pillar of life flew out, towering all the way to the firmament as if it was supporting this entire world.
"Boom!" This third warning was caught by the pillar of life. A mysterious ancient rune appeared along with a strange rhythm. The rune sent out divine chains that coiled around the imperial warning and pulled it back to the pillar. Countless runes then instantly overwhelmed the warning.
The crowd was dumbfounded as their jaws dropped to the ground. A cauldron devouring imperial warnings were shocking enough, but Li Qiye was now using his pillar of life to seize the warning directly!
What was even more bizarre was that his process of subduing the warning gave birth to a peerless illusion depicting the warning as mere prey while the pillar was a spider's cave. The pillar's divine chains were webs capturing the warning and dragging it deep into the cave.
This ludicrous scene was still hard to believe even when everyone saw it with their own eyes. It was testing the limits of logic.
"Boom!" The fourth warning descended. However, the result was the same. The divine chains from the pillar of life instantly locked onto this warning and dragged it inside again.
Eventually, this warning was swallowed by Li Qiye. The clouds dispersed, signaling the end of the tribulation. This batch of longevity medicine was finally completed!
Meanwhile, Li Qiye still seemed to be unsatisfied despite having swallowed two imperial warnings. His pillar of life seemed to be changing, giving off an even more mysterious and profound feeling. There was a hint of the alchemy dao within the pillar's runes.
The spectators couldn't calm down. After a long time, someone regained their wits and realized that there were a total of four warnings, so they exclaimed: "This, this was four imperial warnings!"
By this time, Li Qiye had recalled his cauldron and handed a box that contained the medicine over to Ming Yexue.
Those who appraised his medicine were immediately astounded. This medicine had taken form, but its form was a bit strange. It looked like a piece of manure tinted yellow. Anyone would be grossed out by its appearance.
"What? This doesn't make any sense. How could it take this form after triggering four imperial warnings?" Many of them were at a loss for words after seeing its shape.
They thought that the medicine would definitely take form after triggering four warnings. In their minds, this medicine should at least be a golden dragon, a divine phoenix, or a white tiger at the very least!
However, Li Qiye's medicine seemed to be a pile of manure. No one could accept this readily as it was too illogical.
In contrast to the others, Ming Yexue's knowledge was quite vast. She startlingly exclaimed after checking Li Qiye's medicine: "Medicine morphing into a Longevity Fruit!"
Other famous alchemists also quickly gathered. After a meticulous examination, they nodded: "That's right, this is indeed a medicine in the form of a Longevity Fruit. This is the first time I've seen something like this."
"Longevity Fruit…" Young cultivators might be unaware, but the ancestors were immediately shaking with excitement after hearing this. This medicine in the shape of a fruit was unfathomable. Its ability to decrease resistance must be far stronger than the medicine in the form of a Heavenly Hound.
"Well? How much lifespan can one gain by taking this longevity medicine?" Several ancestors with frightening backgrounds eagerly inquired at the same time.
After finishing their examination, one of the alchemists finally stepped out.
Having noticed that the examination was finished, an ancestor pressed the issue again: "So?! Is this medicine really amazing?"
This alchemist cleared his throat and spoke: "After our examination, we can safely say that this longevity medicine is suitable for God-Monarchs. Even a Godking will have good results after taking it. However, if an Immortal Emperor consumes it, the effect will be minimal."
Causing four imperial warnings was more than enough for the medicine to be considered of the finest level. Legend states that when the warning sounds six times, even Immortal Emperors could use the resulting medicine.
The crowd was moved after hearing this result. A medicine for God-Monarchs that was also effective for Godkings simply meant that this medicine was of the highest quality.
The alchemist explained: "This is an alchemy Longevity Fruit. We have never seen it before, but our conservative estimate is that a God-Monarch will be able to gain six hundred to seven hundred years of life. For a normal Godking, it should be three hundred to four hundred years. Of course, these are conservative estimates since this type of longevity medicine is simply too rare."
"What?! More than five hundred years? An emperor medicine can extend life for this long?" An ordinary alchemist felt that this was simply ridiculous and questioned this evaluation.
The alchemist pondered for a moment before replying: "Generally, ordinary emperor medicines cannot break the five hundred year threshold. However, for medicines with three warnings or more, there is definitely a high chance of crossing this threshold. To be more exact, this batch is no longer within the confines of emperor medicines. It is in between the emperor and heavenly levels. If a Godking can gain more than five hundred years of life after using it, then it would be considered a heavenly medicine."
The alchemist paused for a moment before continuing: "However, this batch's effects exceed the emperor level, so we place it between emperor and heavenly medicines."
"Heavenly medicine…" An old alchemist was astonished and had to utter: "Don't people say that only Alchemy Emperors are capable of refining heavenly medicines?"
There was a reason behind its name; it meant that this was a gift from the heavens. These types of medicines can be divided into three levels: Heavenly Medicine, Myriad Medicine, and Era Medicine!
These three types were in their own league and could only be refined by Alchemy Emperors!
It was just as the alchemist had said, even emperor level medicines would not be able to increase one's lifespan by more than five hundred years. If a Godking could gain five hundred years, then the medicine would be called a heavenly medicine!
"That is why we're placing it between the emperor and heavenly levels." The alchemist said solemnly.
"How about its ability to reduce resistance?" An ancestor impatiently said: "I have used longevity medicines twice already. How many years will this particular medicine give me?"
Meaning: to disappear with no hope of returning (like a clay figurine dissolving in water. ↩Chapter 781: Crushing Defeat
This question made the alchemist contemplate for a moment. The group came together again for another exchange and finally, the alchemist mused: "In our, very conservative, opinion, Virtuous Paragons shouldn't use this longevity medicine. One should at least be of the eternal existence level to use it, or else it would be too much of a waste."
"How many years will a God-Monarch gain?" A voice came from the distant ancestral ground of the Alchemy Kingdom.
These words shocked the crowd. Without a doubt, even the kingdom who was known to have the best alchemy dao had a God-Monarch who was tempted by this medicine!
"As I have said, for a God-Monarch who has never taken longevity medicines before, it should be able to increase their lifespan by six to seven hundred years." The alchemist answered.
In reality, this was an impossible notion. Those who had reached the God-Monarch realm would have already taken countless longevity medicines. It could even be said that this type of medicine was completely useless for them.
"This is an alchemy Longevity Fruit that we have never seen before. Referencing past records, our conservative estimate for a God-Monarch who is taking this type of medicine for a second time is four to five hundred years because this is a Longevity Fruit, the ultimate form. If it is the third time, then it is hard to say. Perhaps one hundred years, or maybe only seventy to eighty years." The alchemist explained quietly.
"What if it is the fifth time?" Another ancient voice came from the ancestral ground. Needless to say, another God-Monarch coveted this medicinal batch.
After all, an alchemy Longevity Fruit was exceedingly rare. Even for the kingdom, they only had one person capable of refining such medicines. However, he had stopped refining pills for some time now!
"Hmm… we have no answer for this." The alchemist spoke: "In fact, until now, few people have had the chance to use an alchemy Longevity Fruit."
"For the fifth usage, three more years is absolutely no problem." When the alchemists here couldn't come up with an answer, Li Qiye leisurely said: "Unfortunately, my longevity medicine is not for sale to you!"
Everyone went silent after hearing Li Qiye. They all knew that he and the Alchemy Kingdom were like fire and water and understood why he wouldn't sell his medicine to the kingdom!
The God-Monarch did not respond. He knew that opening his mouth would only bring about further humiliation!
"A medicine specialized for God-Monarchs…" An ancestor from an old family asked: "Young Noble Li, what is the price for this medicine? Just set a price."
A few great ancestors were moved and salivated when thoughts of this type of medicine surfaced in their minds. Although they would not be the ones to use it, they had even more powerful ancestors back home.
Li Qiye leisurely said: "What's the hurry? The bet isn't over yet."
These ancestors didn't dare to say anything after these words came out. Li Qiye's longevity medicine refinement had astonished them. They wanted to ask him for more help, so they didn't dare to offend him!
"Now then, who is the victor?" Li Qiye stared at the white hair alchemist.
The alchemist went pale and could no longer maintain his standout demeanor. It seemed that his soul had left his body, resulting in a sluggish state. This was too big of a blow for him. He actually didn't even care for his life at the moment, such a defeat was too difficult to accept!
He had always been a heaven's proud son, an alchemy genius. Although he was not as proficient as Yuan Caihe when it came to plant cultivation or Cao Guoyao in pill refinement, he thought of himself as being untouchable in longevity medicines among the younger generation. He was confident enough to dare challenge Legendary Alchemists of the previous generation!
However, he had suffered complete defeat in the field he excelled at. His single imperial warning was enough for him to take pride in, and he was very satisfied with such a result. However, Li Qiye refined a medicine that had four warnings!
Such a blow was unbearable and simply shattered his pride. Losing to Li Qiye’s might would have been fine since even Immortal Emperors lost when they were young, let alone him. However, losing to Li Qiye in longevity medicine refinement was beyond his tolerance because it was his best area, his source of pride! This defeat completely shattered his confidence!
"Why did god give birth to me after creating you!" The paled alchemist leered at Li Qiye with forlorn eyes; his confidence was completely shot.
This quick shift in mentality from confidence to nothingness left him in despair.
Li Qiye simply shrugged: "Isn't this the nature of life? There is always a higher mountain, a broader horizon, a greater man."
"I see… A broader horizon and a greater man…" The alchemist chuckled with a mournful look: "Li Qiye, you are capable. I accept my loss today. This White Hair Alchemy God can stay true to his words even in defeat!"
Having said that, his body quivered, blood dripping down from the corners of his lips.
Eventually, he fell straight down as his eyes slowly closed. There were no complaints; he had no fear of death as it had become a form of relief for him.
"What a pity." Li Qiye lightly shook his head while looking at the alchemist's body. In fact, if the alchemist accepted his loss earlier, Li Qiye would have spared him. In his eyes, this alchemist was much more likable than Cao Guoyao.
Unfortunately, the alchemist was even prouder than Cao Guoyao and couldn't handle defeat. He preferred the peace of death over bowing down before Li Qiye.
Many people emotionally sighed while the scene remained silent. The Stone Medicine World had lost a great alchemist.
"Excessive pride leads to one's demise." An older alchemist gently sighed: "There are times when even emperors taste defeat, so why bet with your life?"
Many here still viewed the alchemist as an extraordinary genius despite losing. They all knew of his arrogant attitude, and many didn't like him when he was alive. He was too difficult to get along with.
However, after losing his life, even those who didn't like him felt mournful. The world had lost a great alchemist.
After a period of silence, a great ancestor had to inquire: "Young Noble Li, is your longevity medicine for sale?"
In fact, Ming Yexue also wanted to buy this batch of medicine for the God-Monarch in her sect. However, she didn't say anything since she understood that it would only make things difficult for Li Qiye.
Li Qiye took the two batches of medicine because the alchemist's portion had become his spoils of victory. He then shook his head as a response to the ancestor's question: "Don't ask me about this, you should be asking Fairy Yuan."
Having said that, he handed the medicines over to Yuan Caihe: "The materials were from the Serene Garden, so these two batches belong to the garden as well. Take them, it is up to you whether to sell or not."
Yuan Caihe was a bit hesitant, but under Li Qiye's gentle, insistent nod, she eventually accepted the two batches.
"Fairy Yuan, are they for sale? Just name the price." Many ancestors were happy after seeing the change of owners. This was because many great powers had friendly relationships with the Serene Garden. Moreover, Yuan Caihe was a very amiable person. Buying from her would be much easier than buying from Li Qiye.
Yuan Caihe announced to the covetous old ancestors: "Gentlemen, for the sake of fairness, the medicines will be entrusted to the largest auction house in the Stone Medicine World. The highest bidder will walk home with them."
Some were happy while others were worried after hearing this decision. A few immediately left to return to their sects so that they could tell their seniors to prepare enough funds for the upcoming extraordinary auction.
"Let us go." Li Qiye boarded his carriage to return to his quarters.
Not long after their return, many people came to visit. There was no lack of ancestor-level characters among them.
It was understandable for so many sects and even ancestors to visit. With the death of the white hair alchemist, Li Qiye had become the new alchemy prodigy. Moreover, his longevity medicine refinement skill was even better than the white hair alchemist's!
Which lineage didn't want to have a good relationship with a genius like Li Qiye? This was especially true for the ancestors. They hoped to build friendly ties with Li Qiye since they would eventually seek his assistance to refine medicines when the day that they require them came.
Li Qiye let the madam see to the visiting sects. According to his plan, the Giant Bamboo Country's status became much more prestigious.
This made others realize that in order to ask Li Qiye for help in refining medicines, they must establish ties with the Giant Bamboo Country. If the madam could put in a good word for them, then the situation would change completely.
The endless stream of guests continued for the next couple of days. Eventually, Li Qiye stopped the madam from seeing more guests and announced his closed cultivation session along with a new boundary line at the base of the mountain. No one was allowed to climb the mountain to bother them.
No one dared to make a fuss about this approach. At the moment, everyone wanted him to refine pills, so who would want to make him angry?
What's more was that they understood that Li Qiye was not the same as before. With one word, how many people would be willing to help him? Because of this, who would want to offend him?
Chapter 782: Heaven Restoration Salve
Li Qiye's announcement was also not just an excuse. Before his seclusive session, he told Tie Yi: "The materials are ready. I plan on refining a batch of ointment to cure your injury. However, you need to rest before I am finished so that it can be more effective. For the couple of next days, don't cause any trouble by stealing from others. Bring yourself to your peak state and prepare to take the medicine."
Tie Yi was ecstatic after hearing this and excitedly said: "Young Noble can rest assured, I will play nice here and won't cause any trouble. I'll keep an eye out for you during your seclusion so that no one can disturb you."
"There is no need for your protection." Li Qiye smilingly shook his head: "You should know best since you have suffered for so long. If you are not lacking money, then it is best to nourish your body right now."
Having said that, he handed a prescription to Tie Yi: "Before using my ointment, take these spirit medicines first so that the effects will be even better. After all, your injury is different from others. It is a miracle that you have lived until now."
The medicines on Li Qiye's list were all very precious and acted as great supplements.
After glancing at the medicines on the list, Tie Yi determined that he had the ability to buy them. Of course, he was not lacking money and wealth, so he could afford these precious supplements.
Tie Yi hesitated for a moment before asking: "Young Noble, can you actually cure it?"
Li Qiye responded with a smile: "I can understand what you're feeling. Being tortured for so long has left a mark in your heart. However, do not worry, this is definitely the right cure. I'm not being arrogant when I say this, but if my Heaven Restoration Salve cannot cure your injury, then nothing can cure it. You would have to sit there and await death if that were the case. I can even boast that there is no ointment better than the Heaven Restoration Salve! Even the Alchemy Kingdom's Soulrending Immortal Powder is inferior to my ointment."
"Ah, I absolutely believe in Young Noble's abilities." Tie Yi quickly replied with a smile.
Li Qiye glanced at him with one eye and said: "Don't worry, the reason I gave you this list of supplements is because I don't want you to have to use my ointment a second time. Even for me, this ointment has a price beyond your imagination, so I have to be a bit frugal."
Tie Yi was overjoyed and his spirit soared after hearing this. His injury had always been a thorn in his mind. He had used countless ointments and precious spirit medicines, but they couldn't resolve the problem at its root. But now, he finally saw a sliver of hope.
After sending Tie Yi away, Li Qiye sealed the room with the pentagate. He told the madam and Yuan Caihe to stay before taking out the prepared materials.
"Big Brother wants to refine some ointment?" After seeing the materials, even if Yuan Caihe didn't know the formula, she could still see his aim.
Li Qiye gently nodded: "That's right, I'm about to refine some ointment. I might need your help when the heavenly flame comes down. Perhaps you will have to help me control the cauldron and its fire."
"Me?" Yuan Caihe was taken aback. She slightly shook her head: "Big Brother, I'm afraid I can't do it. I am not versed with pill refinement and am much worse compared to Cao Guoyao and them."
"I believe in your abilities." Li Qiye smiled: "Not just anyone can be called an alchemy prodigy. Plus, wait until you see my technique. You will understand at that time."
"This doesn't feel right." Yuan Caihe hesitated: "Big Brother's pill refinement technique is supreme, but I am an outsider."
It was clear as day that Li Qiye's pill refinement method was absolutely peerless. For anyone else, especially alchemists, they would never be able to resist the temptation of watching it firsthand. However, it was different for Yuan Caihe. Despite being an alchemist, she was a reserved person and didn't compete with others. What would be irresistibly tempting to others was not for her.
Li Qiye gently stroked her hair: "In my mind, you are not an outsider. Moreover, the dao of alchemy is only a hobby to me. If you can actually inherit my alchemy legacy, then I would be more than happy to pass it to you."
"I have learned many things from Big Brother regarding plant cultivation." Yuan Caihe smiled calmly and spoke in a formal manner: "Since Big Brother favors me so much, I can only obey."
Li Qiye nodded and told the madam: "Zi Yan, prepare yourself as well. Maintain your peak state, I will require your help when the time comes."
"This, is it necessary?" The madam was inwardly shaken. This was an unbelievable matter to her; her Young Master was nonchalant even when refining an emperor longevity medicine, so she felt that no medicine could possibly trouble him. She couldn't imagine him requiring help during the refinement process.
"Yes." Li Qiye nodded and solemnly said: "The refinement of this ointment requires powerful energy to control the most tyrannical flame. I am not certain that I can handle this, so every once in awhile, I will need your blood energy to replenish my own depleted blood energy."
The madam took a deep breath and nodded: "Don't worry, Young Master. I will do my best."
His trust in her caused her to feel an indescribable sense of warmth.
One must know that an alchemist was most vulnerable when they were focusing all of their attention on pill refinement. At such a key period, her Young Master was counting on her — this was indicative of his trust.
"Big Brother, what kind of medicine are you trying to refine?" Yuan Caihe had planted countless spirit medicines, and few people were more knowledgeable than her in this regard. She took a careful look at the materials and asked: "And what kind of technique would require more blood energy than you can supply?"
She knew that refining emperor level medicines was as easy as turning one's hand to Li Qiye. Therefore, refining ointments shouldn't be difficult for him at all.
"With regards to the materials, this batch is not supreme at all. Although the main leading ingredients are quite rare, they aren't imperial medicines, let alone immortal medicines." Li Qiye chuckled: "There are two crucial points when it comes to this batch. The first is the formula itself while the second is the refinement technique."
"The second point is the most important." Li Qiye didn't mind teaching Yuan Caihe about the refinement process: "This medicinal cauldron of mine cannot be described with mere words. It goes far beyond myriad refinements and heavenly tempering. Each iteration of refinement and purification has to result in the most essential base of the materials. Even a single strand of medicinal effect is tempered again and again. Each transformation is mixed with a perfect ratio…"
"Big Brother, what kind of ointment is this?" After hearing a detailed explanation of the process, even the calm Yuan Caihe was moved. She immediately understood that this was a heaven-defying process.
Li Qiye smiled: "A long, long time ago, people used to call this ointment the Heaven Restoration Salve!"
"Heaven Restoration Salve!" Yuan Caihe jumped after hearing the name: "The number one medicine in all the realms, the Heaven Restoration Salve? Rumor has it that the Soulrending Immortal Powder was based on the Heaven Restoration Salve!"
Li Qiye smilingly revealed: "Actually, the old ancestors of the kingdom had never seen the formula of this salve, they only heard a little bit about the techniques. These ancestors were indeed amazing Alchemy Emperors. After hearing bits of the process, they were inspired and created their own techniques which eventually culminated in the famed powder of their kingdom."
"These are the materials for the salve?" Yuan Caihe looked at the materials in disbelief and commented: "Legend has it that the salve came from the Alchemy God. It is unbelievably supreme. Even when one's true fate is gravely injured and only a strand of their soul remains, the salve can still rescue them! Outside of complete death, the salve can cure anything."
"You can put it that way." Li Qiye gently nodded: "Of course, it isn't that easy. Refining the salve requires a supreme dao of alchemy. Moreover, if only a single strand of soul remains, the restoration process would be very difficult even with the Heaven Restoration Salve in the hands of an Alchemy Emperor. It is indeed a challenge."
Coming from the Serene Garden, Yuan Caihe knew more about the salve than Madam Zi Yan. She was completely astonished as she spoke: "Although the salve has been lost for a long time, many alchemists and even Alchemy Emperors have researched it down to this day. Many of them guessed that the materials for this supreme salve must be immortal medicines or even true immortal medicines!"
She wasn't the only one who held this notion. Anyone who knew about this salve would be in disbelief. The Heaven Restoration Salve was not refined using immortal medicines. Outside of the rare leading materials, the others could be considered precious, but they were definitely not exceedingly rare!
Compared to the fame of the Heaven Restoration Salve, these materials were far too ordinary and cheap!
"Those are just rumors." Li Qiye gently shook his head: "The salve earned its reputation not from its precious ingredients but rather from the peerless refinement technique. Endless refinement into perfection is the most appropriate way to describe this salve."
"Heaven Restoration Salve…" Eventually, Yuan Caihe commented in amazement: "The thing that is restoring the heavens is not the medicine itself, but the dao of alchemy! Using alchemy to reach the heavens is only a minor path. Using the alchemy dao to restore the heavens is the grand path."
"You have entered the dao of alchemy." Li Qiye smiled: "Let us begin. Although refining this batch will not take too long, it is definitely a complicated process."
Yuan Caihe and the madam couldn't help but take deep breaths. They were excited to be able to aid in the process of creating this supreme medicine. This was an extraordinary opportunity!