141: Chapter 141 Alchemists, Recruiting

As soon as these words were spoken, the area fell silent for a moment.

Although these people hadn't had much contact with demon cores, they could tell from the appearance that the quality of the demon core held by this mysterious man was definitely not low.

Boasting like this was one thing if he could actually refine it.

But if the refining failed...

Thinking of the terrifying strength of that Ghost-Faced Man, everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

Hu Han's expression changed slightly: "Alchemist Fang, think carefully before you speak."

This Fang Yi was a Fifth-rank Alchemist; he was usually decent at refining some basic Medicinal Pills.

But if he were to refine such a top-tier Medicinal Pill and accidentally destroyed the Alchemy Materials, everyone present would likely be buried along with it.

Thus, Hu Han was naturally unwilling to let Fang Yi touch it, even subtly hinting for him to refuse.

Chen Ran handed the demon core in his hand to the man in the wheelchair:

"Since you say you can refine it, then refine it right here for me to see."

"Yes," Fang Yi nodded in response. He had noticed something was wrong from the reactions of those around him.

No matter who this Ghost-Faced Man was, his status was definitely someone even Hu Han couldn't afford to provoke.

If I can curry favor with this person...

Fang Yi took a deep breath, feeling that this was the only opportunity of his life.

He said in a low voice, "Bring me my Pill Furnace."

Hearing this, the people around could only take out a furnace about half a meter tall from the shop.

The furnace wasn't large; it was quite dirty with several cracks, and the runes carved around it had faded significantly.

But even though the surface was so filthy, one could still tell from the patterns that it had once been an exquisite Cauldron.

"Azure Spirit Grass, Dragon Flower Leaf, Qi Gathering Powder..."

Fang Yi quickly recited the names of several medicinal ingredients, and someone soon brought them over.

As soon as he got the Pill Furnace, Fang Yi's Aura changed.

Chen Ran's gaze fell upon the thin man; this was his first time seeing the process of refining Medicinal Pills.

Soon, a raging fire ignited beneath the Pill Furnace.

Chen Ran saw the man simply perform a few hand seals, and unexpectedly, True Qi surged, making the already burning flames even more vigorous.

Boom, boom, boom.

With the addition of the medicinal ingredients, a dark green medicinal liquid gradually began to build up within the Pill Furnace.

After about half an hour, the medicinal liquid in the Pill Furnace was completely and evenly mixed.

Fang Yi threw the scarlet demon core from his robe; it fell into the Pill Furnace, and in an instant, the surrounding medicinal liquid began to boil.

Clatter, clatter.

The entire Pill Furnace began to sway from side to side, as if it were about to collapse.

Every sway made those around him gasp, fearing the furnace would explode halfway through the refining.

...

Another half hour passed.

The swaying Pill Furnace slowly came to a halt. Fang Yi's face was covered in sweat, and his eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at the Pill Furnace before him.

Gurgling.

True Qi flashed in his hands, beginning to wrap around the Pill Furnace in layers, and the medicinal liquid inside the entire furnace began to shrink accordingly.

The medicinal liquid gradually disappeared, the lid of the Pill Furnace popped open with a bang, and an extremely rich medicinal fragrance wafted out.

Fang Yi's brow relaxed; at this stage, this batch of Medicinal Pills was considered completely finished.

He opened his hand, the steam from the Pill Furnace dissipated, and a pitch-black Medicinal Pill emitting a fragrance appeared in view.

Fang Yi put the Medicinal Pill into a small green bottle and then spoke respectfully to the Ghost-Faced Man:

"My Lord, I have fortunately fulfilled the mission. This batch refined is a fourth-rank ningyuan pill, concentrating most of the essence from the demon core you provided."

Chen Ran's eyes brightened slightly. He didn't even check the quality of the Medicinal Pill but continued to ask:

"What is the highest rank of Medicinal Pill you can guarantee to refine?"

Hearing this, Fang Yi's eyes fell into reminiscence:

"The highest I have ever refined is a fourth-rank Medicinal Pill, while the success rate for third-rank Medicinal Pills is very low; I have only succeeded twice."

"Fine. Tell me how you ended up here..." Chen Ran interrupted, his gaze lingering on the other's legs for a moment.

"This injury of yours shouldn't be Innate, right?"

A few minutes later, Chen Ran finished listening to Fang Yi's entire story.

Chen Ran fell into a deep silence.

Alchemist Fang's story was also quite simple.

It was about a few Disciples from famous Schools who had just entered the Jianghu, planning to travel far and wide to promote their Schools.

As it turned out, they encountered a group of bandits on the way who were all poisoned and on the verge of death.

Fang Yi couldn't bear to watch, so he distributed his portable Detoxification Pills and helped the bandits neutralize the poison.

But instead of being grateful, these bandits coveted his status as an alchemist.

During a farewell banquet, Fang Yi drank the wine they offered, but it contained a knockout drug that weakened True Qi.

The eventual result was what he saw now; the alchemist had been imprisoned by them to refine Medicinal Pills for three years.

It wasn't until now that he happened upon him.

Although Chen Ran knew that the Great Wei Dynasty was in its final years and the outside world was in misery.

Seeing this dark scene with his own eyes now, he couldn't help but feel a bit stifled.

Chen Ran spoke indifferently, looking at the pale-faced Hu Han.

"Is what he said true?"

"Forget it... I can't be bothered to ask you."

Chen Ran's voice suddenly turned cold, and a terrifying pressure emanated from him, filling the surroundings with an oppressive atmosphere.

Chen Ran leaned down to look at the man in the wheelchair:

"Are you interested in working for me?"

Seeing the man in the wheelchair nod, Chen Ran clapped his hands.

"Good, then I'll leave the rest to you..."

Clap.

Hu Han's face changed drastically. He made a move to turn and flee, but suddenly heard a cold voice in his ear.

"Everyone, destroy your own Dantians!"

This voice turned into rolling sound waves, crashing into everyone's ears.

Hu Han's eyes bulged. He felt his body becoming numb, until finally, he had no sensation at all.

"How is this possible?!"

Hu Han wanted to open his mouth to question, but couldn't; his mouth had also lost control.

In the end, he could only watch helplessly as his body, as if being manipulated by someone, raised its right fist and smashed it ruthlessly toward his Dantian.

Squelch.

The same sound came from the surroundings; clearly, he was not the only one experiencing this.

Chen Ran watched this scene coldly, picked up a dagger from nearby, and placed it in the wheelchair man's hand.

He said indifferently, "I'll give you the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to act freely."

After saying this, Chen Ran walked to the entrance of the Ghost Market without looking back.

In the night, several shrill screams rang out, eventually fading into the sound of the wind.

They didn't attract anyone's attention.

...