39: Chapter 39 Joining the Dan Hall

Qinghe Bigu Pill was not considered a Medicinal Pill, but rather extracted essence from qinghe rice, supplemented with minced monster beast meat, kneaded into a pill shape. It contained spiritual energy and could provide three days' worth of satiety.

Although it was a skill assessment for Disciples entering the Dan Hall, it also had certain tricks. Those without outstanding Alchemy talent could not precisely control the dosage, and the Qinghe Bigu Pill they made could not lock in its spiritual energy and nutrients, failing to achieve the effect of three days' satiety.

Although Chen Jiancang had never refined Qinghe Bigu Pill before, among the rewards for harvesting qinghe rice was the experience of refining Qinghe Bigu Pill, which gave him a bit more confidence facing this assessment.

He took a deep breath, circulated his spiritual power, and condensed a soft spiritual light at his fingertips.

This spiritual light was like a nimble thread, first probing into the pile of selected qinghe rice.

Each grain of qinghe rice, touched by the spiritual light, trembled slightly, releasing its unique spiritual energy fluctuations.

Relying on the experience in his mind, Chen Jiancang precisely screened out the qinghe rice with the richest spiritual energy and the plumpest grains, placing them separately in a jade bowl.

Immediately after, he turned his gaze to the basin of minced monster beast meat.

This minced meat came from a First Order Ironblood Pig; its flesh was firm and contained a large amount of vital energy.

Chen Jiancang quickly formed hand seals, transforming his spiritual power into fine blades to meticulously cut the minced meat.

Each cut was accompanied by the penetration of spiritual power, making the spiritual energy in the minced meat increasingly active, preparing it for subsequent Fusion with the qinghe rice.

When extracting the qinghe rice essence from the grains, Chen Jiancang did not use the usual rough grinding method.

He used spiritual power as a gentle wrapping layer, softly enveloping the qinghe rice within, and then slowly applied pressure, guiding the essence to seep out like a trickling stream.

This process required extremely high concentration and exquisite control of spiritual power, but Chen Jiancang did it with ease, as if he had practiced it countless times.

When the qinghe rice essence and the minced monster beast meat began to fuse, Chen Jiancang became even more focused.

He used spiritual power as a link, allowing the two to slowly rotate and blend in the bowl.

His eyes were fixed on the bowl, and the hand seals he formed constantly changed, sometimes strengthening the spiritual power output to accelerate the Fusion, and sometimes slightly weakening it to adjust the ratio of the two, ensuring the balance of spiritual energy and nutrients.

Qing He, who was standing by, originally had some doubts, but at this moment, she couldn't help but be drawn in by Chen Jiancang's operation.

Her eyes widened, watching Chen Jiancang's every move without blinking, occasionally letting out exclamations: "Your technique is too skilled!"

Chen Jiancang smiled slightly but did not get distracted to respond.

He knew that the critical stage of refining Qinghe Bigu Pill had just begun, and the subsequent kneading process would be an even greater test of his skill.

He slowly took out the well-mixed Materials and placed them on a workbench made of cold jade.

Chen Jiancang's hands were empty, and spiritual power gathered in his palms, then gently covered the Materials.

He began to knead the Materials according to the experience in his mind, with a specific rhythm and force.

As time passed, round and plump Qinghe Bigu Pills gradually took shape, and were then placed in an Alchemy furnace to be baked and finalized.

They emitted a soft and stable spiritual energy glow, their surfaces smooth and delicate, as if meticulously carved.

Although Qinghe Bigu Pill was not listed among Medicinal Pills, the quality of these Qinghe Bigu Pills at this time was already top-grade.

Chen Jiancang picked up a Bigu Pill and handed it to Chen Youyun: "Uncle-Clan, this is the Qinghe Bigu Pill I refined, please appraise it."

Chen Youyun took the Bigu Pill, gently sniffed it under his nose, and then used spiritual power to sense the spiritual energy and nutrients within.

A satisfied smile gradually appeared on his face: "Jiancang, the Qinghe Bigu Pill you refined is of superior quality, with spiritual energy and nutrients perfectly integrated. It can not only achieve the effect of three days' satiety but even last longer."

"I have been immersed in this path for many years, and I definitely don't have such skilled techniques. You are so young, you must have extraordinary talent."

"Your assessment is simply perfect."

Chen Youyun continued: "Jiancang, from today onwards, you are a Disciple of my Dan Hall. You can freely enter and exit the Dan Hall's scripture library to select Alchemy classics suitable for your study."

Chen Youyun then looked at Chen Jiancang with a serious expression, detailing the benefits and obligations of the Dan Hall: "As a Dan Hall Disciple, you can receive 5 Low Grade spiritual stones from the Dan Hall each month as cultivation resources."

"If you can successfully refine First Order Low Grade Medicinal Pills, the Dan Hall will also provide you with an exclusive Alchemy room, equipped with a First Order Medium Grade Alchemy furnace and various commonly used Alchemy tools, making it convenient for you to practice Alchemy at any time."

"Every three months, the Dan Hall will hold an internal exchange conference. At that time, you will be able to share your Alchemy insights with other Disciples and also gain a lot of valuable experience from them."

"Those who perform exceptionally well will even have the opportunity to receive high-grade spiritual plants and rare Pill Formulas as rewards." Chen Youyun's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he patted Chen Jiancang's shoulder.

"As for obligations, first, you need to refine ten furnaces of Qinghe Bigu Pill for the Dan Hall each month. This is both a consolidation of your skills and a way to replenish the Dan Hall's supplies."

"If there are special tasks, you must also fully cooperate. In addition, the Dan Hall will occasionally organize Disciples to go to the Qingya Mountain Range to collect spiritual plants. You must also participate in this, which will allow you to become familiar with the growth environment of various spiritual plants and also replenish the Dan Hall's Alchemy Materials."

Chen Jiancang listened attentively, silently noting down every benefit and obligation, then cupped his hands in salute and said firmly: "Uncle-Clan, please rest assured, I will definitely abide by the Dan Hall's rules, fulfill my obligations, and not fail the Dan Hall's cultivation."

Chen Youyun nodded in satisfaction, turned to look at Qing He, and said: "Qing He, take Jiancang to collect the Dan Hall attire and familiarize him with the various areas of the Dan Hall. He is now a member of our Dan Hall."

Qing He's eyes lit up, and she excitedly responded: "Okay, Master! Junior Brother Jiancang, come with me." Saying that, she pulled Chen Jiancang towards the Dan Hall's storage pavilion.

Along the way, Qing He chattered like a cheerful little bird, introducing the layout of the Dan Hall to Jiancang.

"Junior Brother Jiancang, look, that's our Alchemy furnace room. It stores all kinds of Alchemy furnaces, from Low Grade to high-grade, but only Disciples who can refine Medicinal Pills of the corresponding grade are qualified to use high-grade Alchemy furnaces. Further ahead is the spiritual medicine warehouse, which is full of various spiritual plants and medicines, all essential Materials for Alchemy. All the Materials needed for Alchemy need to be collected here."

Soon, they arrived at the Supplies Pavilion.

An elderly man with white hair sat inside the pavilion, leisurely flipping through an ancient book.

Qing He stepped forward and respectfully said: "Uncle-Grandfather Lin, this is the newly admitted Chen Jiancang, here to collect the Dan Hall attire."

"Greetings, Uncle-Grandfather."

Chen Yinlin raised his head, sized up Chen Jiancang, and a kind smile appeared on his face: "Not bad, the Chen Family has another new Disciple joining the Dan Hall. Come with me."

Saying that, he got up and led Chen Jiancang to a large wooden cabinet.

Opening the cabinet door, rows of dark purple robes were neatly stacked inside, with golden pill patterns embroidered on the cuffs and collar, shimmering under the faint light.

Uncle Lin took out one and handed it to Chen Jiancang: "This is the attire for our Dan Hall Disciples. Wearing it means you are a member of the Dan Hall. You must cherish it well and become an Alchemist soon."

Chen Jiancang received it with both hands. Upon touch, the fabric was soft yet resilient, and faintly emitted a gentle spiritual energy fluctuation.

He quickly changed into it, and immediately felt his whole being's spirit and energy were different.

Qing He clapped her hands and cheered from the side: "Jiancang Ge, you look so good wearing it! This Dan Hall attire is not only a symbol of status, but also a First Order Low Grade magic tool. It has the effect of clearing the mind and refreshing the spirit, which is very helpful for Alchemy. This is also a benefit that only we Dan Hall Disciples have; other halls are very envious."

"If you can advance to a higher-level Alchemist in the future, there will be even better benefits."

Chen Jiancang changed his attire and walked out of the storage pavilion with Qing He, following the winding bluestone path towards the outside of the Dan Hall.

Sunlight filtered through the lush spiritual plant branches and leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground.

"I'm familiar with this place, Junior Brother Jiancang. I'll take you to see our Dan Hall's spiritual plant cultivation area; it's very interesting." Qing He skipped along, enthusiastically introducing things.

Just as they reached the entrance of the Dan Hall, a burst of noise came.

Chen Jiancang looked up and saw a crowd gathered around the Dan Hall's notice board, seemingly discussing something.

Among the crowd, a young woman wearing a light pink dress was particularly eye-catching. Her willow eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and a hint of disappointment showed in the corners of her eyes.

"Yao'er, don't be disheartened. Failing to enter the Dan Hall this time is just a temporary setback."

Chen Jianyu raised his hand and gently patted Su Yao's shoulder, his expression concerned and full of encouragement.

"You just need to concentrate on your studies, thoroughly master the techniques of refining Qinghe Bigu Pill, practice diligently, and strive for precision in every operation.

With your talent and effort, as long as you gain more experience, you will definitely succeed.

When the next assessment comes, with my guarantee, you will surely enter the Dan Hall and become one of its members."

Chen Jianyu lightly patted Su Yao's delicate shoulder. After his hand fell, his fingertips curled slightly, as if lingering on that brief touch, yet he tried his best to restrain himself from overstepping.

His eyes were full of cautious concern. He quickly took out an exquisite small jade box from his storage bag and handed it to Su Yao, his voice gentle, almost fawning: "Yao'er, this is the Mind-Clearing and Spirit-Calming Incense I specifically found for you. Light it when you are studying Alchemy; it can help you get into the state faster, and maybe it will help with refining Qinghe Bigu Pill."

Su Yao frowned slightly, a hint of undetectable aversion flashing in her eyes, but she still politely took the jade box, her voice soft but with a sense of distance: "Jianyu, you've gone to too much trouble, thank you."

After speaking, she gently pursed her lips, her gaze fixed firmly in the direction of the Dan Hall entrance.

"Isn't that Chen Jiancang? Why is he wearing the Dan Hall attire?" Seeing the figure at the entrance, Su Yao couldn't help but exclaim.

Everyone's gaze was drawn over, turning towards Chen Jiancang and Qing He.

A trace of surprise flashed in Chen Jianyu's eyes, but he quickly regained composure, a gentle smile hanging on the corner of his mouth as he politely nodded towards Chen Jiancang.

Su Yao's gaze lingered on Chen Jiancang's Dan Hall attire for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, including envy and a hint of unwillingness.

Seeing everyone's gaze, Qing He excitedly pulled Chen Jiancang forward, saying like a proud little peacock: "That's right, Junior Brother Jiancang just passed the assessment today and is now a formal Disciple of the Dan Hall! Even Master praised the Qinghe Bigu Pill he refined!"

A burst of exclamations arose from the crowd, and their gazes towards Chen Jiancang held a bit more admiration.

"This is too amazing, to be recognized by Elder Chen Youyun right after entering."

"Yeah, it seems the Dan Hall is going to produce another powerful Alchemist in the future." Everyone discussed among themselves.

Chen Jianyu walked forward with a smile, extended his hand, and said: "Jiancang, congratulations! Yao'er will also enter the Dan Hall in the future. I hope you will take good care of her in the Dan Hall."

Chen Jiancang quickly cupped his hands in return, humbly saying: "Miss Su's talent is outstanding, and she has a Second Order Alchemy inheritance. She will definitely pass the next assessment smoothly. In the Dan Hall in the future, it is I who should rely on her."

Chen Jiancang's humble response warmed Su Yao's heart, and the annoyance she felt towards Chen Jianyu's excessive eagerness earlier was slightly diluted.

The corner of her mouth curved slightly, revealing a sincere smile, and she said: "Senior Brother Chen is too modest. Since you can enter the Dan Hall, your strength must not be underestimated. I will have to ask you for more guidance on the path of Alchemy in the future."

Chen Jianyu watched Su Yao's smile from the side, a hint of bitterness rising in his heart, but he still forced a smile and said: "Yes, Jiancang, you must share your insights generously. Maybe it can help Yao'er grasp the essence of refining Qinghe Bigu Pill faster."

As he spoke, he subconsciously looked at Su Yao again, his eyes full of anticipation for her response.

Qing He's clear voice suddenly rang out in the crowd: "If Miss Su Yao wants to learn, she can find another time. Junior Brother Jiancang doesn't have time today."

She blinked slyly, the silver bells on her waist jingling with her movements.

The spring sunlight filtered through the glazed tiles on the eaves of the Dan Hall, casting scattered light spots on the young woman's rosy cheeks.

Before Chen Jiancang could speak, Chen Jianyu's sleeve billowed without wind.

His fingertips gently rubbed the jade pendant on his waist, the warm mutton-fat white jade emitting a faint spiritual light: "No need, Jiancang must be mentally and physically exhausted from the assessment today. We won't bother you. If there is an opportunity in the future, please don't hesitate to give guidance."

Chen Jiancang seemed to sense his Uncle-Clan's intention and smiled, nodding in farewell.

"Senior Brother Jiancang." Su Yao suddenly took half a step forward, her goose-yellow skirt sweeping over the mottled moss on the bluestone slab.

When she raised her face, the tassels hanging from the jade hairpin in her hair gently swayed, casting fine light and shadow on the side of her neck, "If Senior Brother has time, could you tell me how to effectively lock in spiritual energy when refining Qinghe Bigu Pill?"

Chen Jiancang frowned slightly and looked at Chen Jianyu, only to see his expression fluctuating between clear and cloudy.

"Alas!"

Chen Jiancang sighed. As someone who had transmigrated, he knew exactly what Chen Jianyu was thinking.

It was nothing more than unrequited love, a desire to be accepted and recognized, fear of rejection, low self-worth, excessive giving in exchange for attention, psychological sensitivity, and inner conflict.

Chen Jiancang steadied his mind, looked at Su Yao, his eyes carrying a hint of apology and sincerity: "Miss Su, today's assessment required full concentration in every step. I did expend too much mental effort. My mind is currently muddled, making it truly difficult to explain the method of locking in spiritual energy clearly."

He paused slightly, looked up at the setting sun on the horizon, and continued, "It's getting late today. Actually, there aren't too many tricks to the Qinghe Bigu Pill. Practice makes perfect. Practice a few more times, gain some experience, and you will naturally be able to refine it."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Su Yao's eyes. She gently nodded: "It was my oversight. Refining Alchemy requires full concentration. Senior Brother has been working hard all day, you should rest early. If I have questions in the future, I hope Senior Brother will not refuse."

Chen Jianyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief from the side, but a concerned smile hung on his face: "Jiancang, you should go back and rest well. I will take care of Yao'er here."

Saying that, he subconsciously moved a little closer to Su Yao, as if declaring a protective stance.

Chen Jiancang cupped his hands in thanks, turned around, and left with Qing He.

Along the way, Qing He chattered complainingly: "Chen Jianyu is too strange. Miss Su Yao clearly wanted to hear you speak, but he kept stopping her."

Chen Jiancang just smiled and didn't say much. He knew in his heart that matters of the heart were difficult for others to interfere with; only the people involved could resolve the knots in their hearts.