49: Chapter 49 A First Glimpse into the Dao of Alchemy: Refining Medicine with Soul Fire

The night in the Myriad Pill Valley was silent and profound. Inside the alchemy room, Lin Yan slowly opened his eyes. A flash of green, white, and black fire seemed to dance across his pupils before fading away, returning them to a deep, calm state.

He had spent a relatively peaceful half-month in the valley. During the day, he would either accompany Xiao Yi Xian to the herb gardens to identify and tend to the rare flora, personally experiencing the wondrous resonance between the Living Spirit Flame and the vital essence of the plants; or he would ask Elder Xu for guidance on basic herb processing and the identification of alchemy furnaces, filling the gaps in knowledge left by his predecessor; or he would engage in simple exchanges with other recluses in the valley, learning about the power dynamics and anecdotes of the surrounding region.

Nighttime, however, was reserved for his solitary cultivation and research. His greatest achievement was gaining preliminary control over the "Pure Corrosion Soul Seal" between his brows, and through it, catching a glimpse of the path to refining pills using soul fire!

The Pure Corrosion Soul Seal, a cold brand originating from the ancient "Ancestor of Ten Thousand Scales," was both a shackle and a vast treasure trove. With the constant devouring and conversion capabilities of the Void Swallowing Flame, Lin Yan had learned to initially guide the pure, frigid soul power within it. Instead of allowing it to constantly erode his being, he could now harness it. Even better, he discovered that the "purification" and "refinement" properties inherent in this soul power shared a remarkable similarity with the process of purifying and fusing medicinal essences in alchemy!

"Using the soul as a guide, fire as a furnace, to temper the essence of heaven and earth… Perhaps, this is the path of alchemy most suited to me." A faint realization dawned upon Lin Yan. Ordinary Alchemists used Dou Qi to control mundane fire or Beast Fire, then relied on their soul power to perceive and guide the shifting medicinal properties, a process that demanded extreme precision in soul control. He, however, could attempt to use a Heavenly Flame (even if only a seed flame) directly as his heat source, using his own powerful soul energy—now fused with the Pure Corrosion Soul power—as his tool for perception and guidance. He could even use his soul power to directly participate in the "purification" and "refinement" of the medicinal properties! This was a drastically different path, one that was potentially more efficient, yet far more dangerous.

He had also selected an alchemy furnace from the old ones provided by Elder Xu. It was not the most ornate or the highest grade, but a mysterious black furnace with a dull finish, an archaic design, and the four ancient seal characters for "Solidify Foundation and Cultivate Origin" engraved on its wall. This furnace was named "Zhenyuan." It was said to have been used by Elder Xu in his youth; the furnace body was sturdy and conducted heat evenly. More importantly, its material seemed to contain a trace of "Soul-Suppressing Stone" powder, which had a subtle stabilizing effect on the mental fluctuations that escaped during the alchemy process—perfect for a beginner like Lin Yan, who might employ unique soul powers.

"It is time to try." Lin Yan stood up and walked to the center of the alchemy room. He did not rush to use the precious medicinal materials; instead, he took out a few of the most common and mild basic herbs—Blood Coagulation Grass, Vitality Fruit, and Mind-Clearing Flower. These herbs were grown in the valley's own gardens and were of low value, making them perfectly suited as practice materials for his first attempt.

He intended to refine the most basic "Blood Coagulation Powder" and "Qi Recovery Powder." The former was for external use to stop bleeding, while the latter was ingested to restore a small amount of Dou Qi; both were common, low-tier items among first-grade pills. Yet, for Lin Yan, who had never truly practiced alchemy, this was the most crucial starting point.

After lighting the Soul-Calming Incense in the corner of the room (a gift from Elder Xu that helped calm the mind and stabilize the soul), Lin Yan sat cross-legged before the Zhenyuan furnace, closed his eyes, focused his mind, and adjusted his breathing. A moment later, he opened his eyes, his gaze clear and sharp.

The first step was to warm the furnace. He did not use firewood or Dou Qi flames as ordinary Alchemists did; instead, with a flick of his mind, a faint yet extremely pure emerald-green flame danced from his fingertips—a seed flame of the Living Spirit Flame! This fire was gentle and imbued with vitality. Using it to warm the furnace not only allowed for even heating but also infused the furnace with a trace of vital energy in advance, which might subtly benefit the quality of the final pill.

The emerald flame dropped into the designated fire port at the base of the furnace (the alchemy furnace had a special design to receive flame energy) and burned slowly, evenly heating the dark Zhenyuan furnace until it was warm. Lin Yan could feel the inner walls of the furnace seemingly absorbing the vitality of the Living Spirit Flame, becoming more supple and warm.

The second step was processing the herbs. He picked up a stalk of Blood Coagulation Grass, and his soul power, acting like the most precise carving knife, carefully divided it into several uniformly sized segments, removing unnecessary roots and withered leaves. This process seemed simple, yet it required a precise understanding of the herb's structure and the distribution of its medicinal properties. Thanks to the Living Spirit Flame's affinity for plant life and his own powerful soul perception, Lin Yan completed the task with ease.

The third step, and the true challenge, was adding the herbs and controlling the fire for refinement!

Lin Yan's expression was solemn as he dropped the processed Blood Coagulation Grass segments into the warm furnace. At the same time, he immediately switched the flames! The emerald Living Spirit Flame was withdrawn, replaced by a formless, intangible energy that could stir the flames within one's heart—a seed flame of the Fallen Heart Flame! He intended to use this heart fire to gently calcine and temper the medicinal essence of the Blood Coagulation Grass from within!

Inside the furnace, the Blood Coagulation Grass segments rapidly softened under the invisible heat, oozing dark red juice. Lin Yan was fully focused; his soul power reached into the furnace like tentacles, meticulously sensing every minute change in the medicinal liquid while controlling the temperature and penetrating force of the heart fire. If the temperature was too high, it would destroy the medicinal properties; if it was too low, the essence could not be extracted. This process was the ultimate test of an Alchemist's patience and control.

Thanks to the Fallen Heart Flame's extreme sensitivity to energy fluctuations, Lin Yan quickly found that delicate balance point. The dark red liquid was slowly refined and concentrated; under the "calcination" of the heart fire, impurities turned into wisps of green smoke and dissipated, leaving behind a medicinal liquid that grew increasingly pure and viscous.

"Now!" Lin Yan's eyes sharpened. Instead of adding auxiliary herbs or proceeding to the next step of fusion as per standard procedure, he made a bold attempt. He channeled a sliver of the frigid soul power from the Pure Corrosion Soul Seal between his brows and carefully extended it into the furnace. It acted like the finest sieve, gently "brushing" over the refined Blood Coagulation Grass liquid!

"Sizzle…"

As the soul power made contact with the liquid, there was no violent conflict. The frigid power of purification, like the most demanding of craftsmen, further stripped away and neutralized the trace amounts of lingering, volatile impurities and unstable energy that even the heart fire could not completely eliminate! The originally dark red liquid became even purer and more translucent, and the medicinal fragrance it emitted lost its grassy tang, gaining instead a crisp, clean quality!

"It truly works!" Lin Yan felt a surge of secret joy. This Pure Corrosion Soul power had a miraculous effect during the refinement step! It significantly lowered the extreme requirements for precision in flame control.

He followed the same method to refine the Vitality Fruit and the Mind-Clearing Flower. He calcined the Vitality Fruit with a seed flame of the Green Lotus Core Flame (simulating a gentle flame) to harness its mild Dou Qi-replenishing properties, and processed the Mind-Clearing Flower with a seed flame of the Living Spirit Flame to utilize its calming and mind-clearing effects. With each refinement, he attempted to incorporate a sliver of Pure Corrosion Soul power for a final "finishing touch," and the results improved each time.

The fourth step was fusion and pill formation! This was the most difficult stage, requiring the perfect fusion of three medicinal liquids with different attributes and textures, and condensing them into a pill.

Lin Yan took a deep breath and slowly introduced the three refined medicinal liquids into the center of the furnace in a specific ratio and order. At the same time, he withdrew all the Heavenly Flame seed flames, using only his own Dou Qi to envelop the furnace and maintain a constant, warm environment. His soul power transformed into countless slender threads, reaching deep into the medicinal liquids and guiding them to permeate and blend with one another.

This time, he was even bolder! He no longer relied solely on his soul power to guide; instead, he separated a small portion of the Pure Corrosion Soul power and integrated it directly into the fusing medicinal liquid! It was not for purification, but for "harmonization"! Using the soul power as a medium, he forcibly smoothed out the subtle repulsion and energy conflicts caused by the differing attributes of the three medicinal liquids!

This was an extremely risky maneuver; the slightest carelessness, leading to a conflict between the soul power and the medicinal properties, would immediately result in the furnace exploding. Yet, relying on his profound understanding of the "purification" and "refinement" properties of the Pure Corrosion Soul power, as well as his precise control over his powerful soul energy, Lin Yan forcibly stabilized the situation!

Inside the furnace, under the "harmonization" of the Pure Corrosion Soul power, the mixture of medicinal liquids became uniform and stable at a speed visible to the naked eye. The liquids of different colors rapidly blended, transforming into a light red, viscous mass that emitted a strange, singular medicinal fragrance—a fusion of the hemostatic, Qi-restoring, and mind-calming effects.

"Condense!"

Lin Yan gave a low shout, his soul power tightening abruptly, and his Fighting Qi exerting slight pressure.

Inside the cauldron, the pale red liquid rapidly contracted and spun, finally solidifying into three pale red pills, each the size of a dragon's eye, smooth, round, and uniform in color—Blood-Coagulating Qi-Recovery Powder (Fused Improved Version)!

Although its grade could still only be considered Tier 1, the fusion and purity of its medicinal efficacy far exceeded that of ordinary Blood-Coagulating Powder or Qi-Recovery Powder, perhaps even rivaling some Tier 2 healing and Qi-recovery pills!

It was done! His first formal attempt at alchemy, a success! And achieved in such a unique way!

Lin Yan let out a long breath, fine beads of sweat already visible on his forehead.

Although it was only the most basic of pills, the entire process consumed a significant amount of mental energy and soul power, especially the final step of soul power harmonization, which was like walking on thin ice.

But the harvest was also immense! He had verified the feasibility of his "Soul-Flame Alchemy" concept and had begun to forge a path of alchemy uniquely his own, one that combined Heavenly Flame with Pure Corrosion Soul Power!

He extinguished the fire vent, waited for the cauldron to cool, and used a jade scoop to carefully retrieve the three pills, which still retained some residual warmth.

The pills felt warm and smooth to the touch, their medicinal fragrance restrained. On the surface, there was a faint, almost invisible jade-like luster; this was the lingering trace of Pure Corrosion Soul Power and a testament to the pill's extremely high quality.

"How effective it is remains to be verified." Lin Yan put away the pills, calculating in his heart to find an opportunity to test their efficacy.

At the same time, he realized that this method of alchemy placed extremely high demands on soul power and the control of soul force, and since it consumed a significant amount of Pure Corrosion Soul Power, it could not be used without limit.

He had to raise his soul realm as soon as possible and find a more effective way to restore his soul power.

Just as he was preparing to tidy up the alchemy room and continue meditating, the door was gently knocked.

"Little Friend Lin Yan, you haven't rested late into the night; are you studying the way of alchemy?" Elder Xu's gentle voice came from outside the door.

Lin Yan's heart stirred, and he got up to open the door.

He saw that Elder Xu had not rested either, but was standing outside the door holding an ancient-looking lantern, its dim yellow light illuminating his wrinkled but spirited face.

"Elder Xu, this junior was attempting alchemy and just finished." Lin Yan stepped aside to let Elder Xu in.

Elder Xu's gaze swept over the still-warm Zhenyuan Cauldron and then landed on Lin Yan's face, a flicker of imperceptible surprise flashing in his eyes: "Oh? A first attempt, yet your aura is steady, and there is no burnt smell or odor of conflicting medicinal properties in the room—it seems you succeeded? I wonder what kind of pill you refined?"

Lin Yan pondered for a moment, then took out the jade bottle containing the three Blood-Coagulating Qi-Recovery Powders and handed it over: "This junior was just experimenting haphazardly, fusing a few basic medicinal ingredients for blood coagulation, Qi recovery, and mind soothing to refine this pill. Please, Elder Xu, offer your guidance."

Elder Xu took the jade bottle, poured one pale red pill into his palm, examined it carefully, and brought it to his nose to sniff lightly.

His brows furrowed slightly at first, as if he had detected that extremely faint, yet uniquely essential aura of "purification" and "harmonization" within the pill—an effect that could definitely not be achieved by ordinary flames or techniques.

Immediately after, his brows slowly relaxed, and his eyes revealed a look of amazement and inquiry.

"Remarkable, truly remarkable..." Elder Xu exclaimed repeatedly. "Although these are basic medicinal ingredients, the fusion of their medicinal properties is nearly perfect, with very few impurities. Even more rare is the trace of 'Mind-Clearing and Soul-Stabilizing' effect contained within; this already exceeds the scope of ordinary Tier 1 pills! Little friend, this alchemy technique of yours seems... unique? This old man finds himself unable to see through it."

Lin Yan felt a jolt in his heart, knowing he couldn't hide it from this experienced old Alchemist, so he said half-truthfully: "This junior has some special talent in controlling flames, and my soul power is also different from ordinary people, so I tried some clever methods during extraction and fusion. I hope Elder Xu doesn't laugh at me."

"Special talent..." Elder Xu looked deeply at Lin Yan without asking for details. Everyone had their own secrets, especially on the path of alchemy.

He put the pill back into the jade bottle, handed it back to Lin Yan, and smiled: "Good, very good! The path of alchemy naturally prizes talent and innovation. For you to refine a pill of this quality on your first attempt, your future is limitless. However, remember that one must have a solid foundation; clever tricks should only be supplementary—that is the proper way."

"This junior will remember that." Lin Yan replied respectfully.

Elder Xu nodded and suddenly changed the subject: "How have you found your time in the valley these past few days, little friend?"

"Ten Thousand Pill Valley is quiet and peaceful, the medicinal fragrance is pleasant; it is truly a treasure land for cultivating the mind and studying the way of alchemy. This junior has benefited greatly." Lin Yan replied.

"Mm." Elder Xu stroked his beard, his gaze looking toward the deep night outside the window, and said slowly, "Although the valley is good, it is not a place to stay for long. You possess unique arts, little friend, and your ambitions are high; surely you will not waste your years here."

Lin Yan's heart stirred, hearing that Elder Xu had more to say.

Sure enough, Elder Xu continued: "I observe that both you and Xiao Yi Xian are not people who will remain in obscurity for long. This Ten Thousand Pill Valley is merely a stop on your journey. Since you have already grasped the basics of the way of alchemy, I have a matter here that might be helpful for your upcoming journey."

"Please speak, Elder Xu." Lin Yan's expression turned serious.

Elder Xu took out a token from his robe that was neither gold nor wood, engraved with complex alchemy patterns, and handed it to Lin Yan: "This is an 'Alchemist Alliance' outer guest token. The Alchemist Alliance is a loose, neutral organization on the Fighting Qi Continent, composed of numerous Alchemists and forces related to alchemy, spread across many places. With this token, you can obtain some help at most strongholds recognized by the Alchemist Alliance, such as purchasing medicinal ingredients, exchanging for pill formulas, obtaining information, or posting and accepting tasks related to alchemy."

Alchemist Alliance? Lin Yan took the token, which felt warm to the touch; it was clearly no ordinary object. This was a good thing! It was equivalent to a pass and a resource network spanning the continent.

"Thank you for such a generous gift, Elder Xu, this junior is deeply grateful!" Lin Yan thanked him sincerely.

"No need for formalities." Elder Xu waved his hand. "I have some connections with the Alchemist Alliance; this token is merely a token of trust. What I truly want to tell you is another matter." He lowered his voice slightly. "According to scattered information circulating within the Alchemist Alliance, in about a month, there will be an underground auction in Blackrock City (a large city located near the border of the Izumo Empire and the Jia Ma Empire). There may be fragments or clues regarding 'Soul Cultivation Methods' or 'Special Soul Power Usage Techniques' appearing there. I have observed that your soul power is extraordinary, little friend, and you seem... quite knowledgeable about the application of soul power, so you might be interested in this."

Soul Cultivation Methods! Special Soul Power Usage Techniques! Lin Yan's heart jumped violently! This was exactly what he needed most right now! Whether it was to better control the Pure Corrosion Soul Seal, raise his soul realm to support Soul-Flame Alchemy, or deal with those eerie soul techniques of the Hall of Souls, none could be done without higher-level soul methods!

"Blackrock City... underground auction..." Lin Yan silently noted it down. It seemed his next destination was very clear.

"The information may not be entirely accurate, and Blackrock City is a place where dragons and snakes mix; the influence of the Hall of Souls has also penetrated there. If you go, little friend, you must be cautious." Elder Xu warned.

"Thank you for telling me, Elder Xu!" Lin Yan said solemnly. The value of this information even exceeded that of the guest token.

Elder Xu nodded, said nothing more, and carrying his lantern, slowly strolled out of the alchemy room.

Lin Yan held the warm guest token and looked at the boundless night sky outside the window, his thoughts surging.

Alchemy success achieved, the path ahead was clear. The tranquility of Ten Thousand Pill Valley was about to become a thing of the past; a wider world and unknown challenges were waiting ahead. Blackrock City, soul methods, the shadow of the Hall of Souls, the guidance of the ancient soul scale... countless clues intertwined, pointing toward that land of turmoil located at the border of the two empires.

And in the shadows outside the valley, where he had not noticed, several phantom-like figures were quietly watching this tranquil valley. In the hand of one of them, a compass glowing with a faint green light had its needle trembling slightly, pointing toward the direction of Lin Yan inside the valley. A hoarse voice drifted in the night wind: "...The aura is inside... notify the master, the 'Key' and that 'Body of the Traitor' are both here..."