Chapter Sixteen: Acquiring the Art of Alchemy

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Lu Qingyun nodded.
“Yes, but it’s good that we found you now, Brother Xu. You asked us to look for you—what’s going on?”
Xu Feng glanced at Lu Qingyun, his eyes momentarily clouded with seriousness. “Brother Lu, I’ve uncovered a great secret about Bixiao City. This secret could affect the entire future of the continent...”
Lu Qingyun’s brow furrowed deeply, surprised by Xu Feng’s abilities.
Alchemy was no ordinary skill; it showed that beyond martial cultivation, Xu Feng possessed other hidden talents.
Before delving deeper into the secret, Lu Qingyun voiced his doubt.
“What did the High Priest say after I fainted that day?”
Xu Feng didn’t conceal anything and recalled slowly.
“After you collapsed from exhaustion, the High Priest tested me. My martial soul wasn’t as strong as yours, so I didn’t faint.”
Lu Qingyun naturally trusted Xu Feng. Under such circumstances, if Xu Feng had other intentions, he could have ignored him altogether.
Rather than pry into the past, Lu Qingyun spoke with curiosity.
“This place has long been your turf, hasn’t it? What secret did you discover that’s so mysterious?”
Xu Feng’s expression grew grave as he lowered his voice.
“Brother Lu, Bixiao City is troubled, hiding a massive secret.”
Lu Qingyun’s curiosity was fully piqued. He leaned in and whispered,
“What secret? Isn’t Bixiao City the alchemy center of the continent?”
Xu Feng looked around cautiously to ensure no one else was nearby before continuing.
“The reputation as the alchemy center is just a facade. In truth, an ancient organization controls Bixiao City.”
“This organization is old and powerful. They dominate the alchemical trade in Bixiao City and surrounding areas, influencing the entire continent’s balance of power.”
Lu Qingyun was shocked; he hadn’t expected such a staggering secret behind Bixiao City.
“What is this organization’s goal?”
Xu Feng shook his head.
“I’m not certain of their exact purpose, but I’ve found clues suggesting they seek some ancient power, one possibly tied to the continent’s future.”
Lu Qingyun took a deep breath, recognizing the gravity of the matter.
“Brother Xu, we must investigate further. If this organization truly poses a threat, we have to act.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement.
“I have been secretly investigating for some time, but they are very secretive. We need more evidence and allies.”
“And the High Priest also guided us here!”
Lu Qingyun clenched his fist, feeling an unprecedented sense of mission.
“Then we start here—uncover Bixiao City’s secrets and thwart that organization’s schemes.”
“And fulfill the High Priest’s orders!”
Lu Qingyun pondered quietly; the secret of Bixiao City was far more complex than he imagined, surely hiding unknown plots.
“No wonder this place restricts outsiders. Your Tianling Sect must excel greatly in alchemy.”
Xu Feng nodded.
“Indeed. In Bixiao City, the Zhao family is the strongest, famed for their alchemical skills. Especially their unique second-grade pill, the Nourishing Heaven Pill, renowned across the continent.”
As they spoke, Lu Qingyun’s system suddenly pinged him a message, rewarding him with the secret recipe for the Nourishing Heaven Pill and the alchemy technique, the Book of Revelation!
[Alert: Congratulations, Battle Trash Five, you have successfully obtained the Nourishing Heaven Pill recipe and alchemical technique, Book of Revelation!]
Lu Qingyun understood instantly; a flood of information entered his mind, integrating seamlessly. He smiled at Xu Feng.
“I actually can alchemize pills too. The familiar scents bring back memories. Could I borrow an alchemy furnace? I want to give it a try.”
Xu Feng looked a bit embarrassed, which puzzled Lu Qingyun; he didn’t think Xu Feng would be so stingy.
Quickly, Xu Feng explained,
“Brother Lu, to be honest, I accidentally blew up my furnace a few days ago. The one I’m using now belongs to someone else.”
Xu Feng introduced the value and importance of an alchemy furnace, explaining that a fine furnace was as essential to an alchemist as a sword to a swordsman.
Lu Qingyun looked around and noticed a small alchemy furnace in the corner. Pointing to it, he asked,
“Is that furnace usable?”
Before Xu Feng could answer, a sharp female voice sounded.
“Is that furnace even yours to touch?”
They turned and saw a young woman standing with hands on hips behind them. She was Xu Feng’s junior disciple and the daughter of their master’s uncle, Zhang Tianjiao.
Xu Feng couldn’t be too harsh with her and couldn’t forcibly stop her.
Lu Qingyun glanced at her and asked,
“What if I succeed in alchemizing with it?”
The woman paused, then mocked,
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“If you can really make it, I’d even marry you.”
Lu Qingyun scoffed.
“You’re something else—both eating and taking, huh? You’ve thrown your intentions right in my face.”
The woman blushed red from his words, about to retort, but Xu Feng stopped her.
“Junior sister, don’t be rude.”
“Brother Lu is my invited friend.”
The woman snorted but stepped aside. Xu Feng turned to Lu Qingyun and said,
“Brother Lu, don’t mind her; she’s always like this.”
Lu Qingyun waved his hand, indicating no offense taken.
In his heart, he was already plotting. If he could use this chance to display his alchemy skills, he might not only earn Xu Feng’s respect but also gain more valuable abilities.
“Brother Xu, could you find an opportunity for me to try?”
Lu Qingyun repeated his request.
Xu Feng thought for a moment and finally nodded.
“All right, I’ll speak to Master Uncle and see if there’s an available furnace.”
The atmosphere in the courtyard suddenly grew awkward. After Lu Qingyun’s request to borrow the furnace, whispers started among the people nearby.
“Who’s this kid? So young and already wanting to alchemize?”
“Yeah, why would Xu Feng bring such an unreliable friend?”
“Alchemy isn’t a game for the young. Don’t think a bit of talent means you can mess around.”
Lu Qingyun paid no heed to their murmurs; his gaze remained calm and steady.
But Xu Feng felt a bit embarrassed. As Tianling Sect’s chief disciple, he couldn’t tolerate others belittling his friend.
Just then, a burly man emerged. He was the sect leader’s second disciple, Wu Gang.
Wu Gang sneered at Xu Feng, his voice loud and clear.
“Xu Feng, you even have friends?”
“Aren’t you always so arrogant and proud? You spent all your time obsessed with alchemy and came back from Fengyun Gorge with nothing. You don’t deserve to be chief disciple.”
Lu Qingyun hadn’t expected such discord within Tianling Sect. Xu Feng’s anger flared as he responded,
“Wu Gang, what did you say? If you’re not satisfied, let’s settle this and see if I’m worthy of being chief disciple!”
The tension escalated rapidly. Xu Feng was about to move when the sect leader suddenly appeared.
Li Changfeng’s face was kind, but his gaze sharp.
With a slight wave of his hand, he diffused the tension.
“Xu Feng, Gang’er, no internal fighting.”
Li Changfeng’s voice carried immense authority.
Then, curious, he turned to Lu Qingyun.
“Young man, what pill do you wish to alchemize?”
Lu Qingyun answered calmly and without humility.
“I want to make the Nourishing Heaven Pill.”
The Nourishing Heaven Pill was the Zhao family’s signature, a second-grade pill famous across the continent.
Upon hearing this, the tense atmosphere instantly burst into loud laughter.
“Haha, is this kid crazy? He doesn’t even have the recipe for the Nourishing Heaven Pill, yet he wants to make it?”
“Exactly, the recipe is a secret of the Zhao family. How could he possibly succeed?”
“Young man, ambition is good, but you must know your limits.”
Despite the ridicule, Lu Qingyun’s face remained impassive. He knew the recipe his system provided was genuine.
He glanced around and then said to Li Changfeng,
“Master, may I borrow an alchemy furnace?”
Li Changfeng looked at Lu Qingyun, surprised that the young man remained composed under pressure.
He nodded slightly, granting the request.
“Very well, I’ll give you this chance. If you truly make the Nourishing Heaven Pill, Tianling Sect will honor you.”
Xu Feng felt confidence in Lu Qingyun.
He knew Lu Qingyun was no reckless person; if he dared say that, he must be certain.
Wu Gang still sneered.
“Hmph, I’m eager to see you embarrass yourself!”
Lu Qingyun ignored them and approached the small furnace, already planning how to use the spiritual herbs and recipe.
The courtyard buzzed with mockery and distrust, every step Lu Qingyun took heavier under their scorn.
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He slowly approached the small alchemy furnace, while whispers continued around him, filled with doubt.
“Does he really think he can make the Nourishing Heaven Pill? So naive.”
“Yeah, he didn’t even choose the right furnace, yet wants to make a second-grade pill. What a fool’s dream.”
“How could Xu Feng have such a friend? Isn’t he just asking for humiliation?”
As Lu Qingyun moved to use the furnace, Xu Feng came over, looking somewhat embarrassed.
“Brother Lu, this furnace has a problem. Its casting and materials are top-notch, but the fire inside doesn’t last long enough to support alchemy.”
Lu Qingyun glanced at the small furnace and smiled.
“Have you forgotten what my martial soul is? The Azure Dragon’s flame—that’s the purest fire. I have the spiritual herbs and materials. I just want to try; it might not succeed.”
Junior sister Zhang Tianjiao sneered.
“Hah, I don’t think you can. You can’t even control the furnace’s heat, yet want to make the Nourishing Heaven Pill?”
Second disciple Wu Gang mocked as well.
“Birds of a feather flock together. A turtle looking for a softshell turtle. Hahaha...”
Lu Qingyun was unmoved by their ridicule; he had his own plan.
He knew his Azure Dragon martial soul’s flames were extraordinary. Combined with the system’s recipe, success was not impossible.
Li Changfeng looked at Lu Qingyun with a hint of admiration.
He saw the young man was not reckless and decided to grant him the chance.
“Lu Qingyun, use this furnace. If you truly make the Nourishing Heaven Pill, Tianling Sect will reward you handsomely.”
Lu Qingyun nodded, expressing his thanks to Li Changfeng.
He turned to the furnace, already mentally memorizing the system’s alchemical steps and essentials.
Seeing Lu Qingyun’s resolve, Xu Feng stepped aside, silently anxious for his friend.
Zhang Tianjiao and Wu Gang took seats nearby, ready to watch Lu Qingyun’s downfall.
Lu Qingyun stood before the furnace, took a deep breath, and composed himself.
He laid out the required spiritual herbs and materials.
With a thought, his Azure Dragon martial soul awakened, a pure azure flame flowing from his palm into the furnace.
The flame’s temperature was intense, instantly beginning to refine the herbs inside.
The surrounding voices of mockery gradually quieted.
They saw the flames in Lu Qingyun’s palm and realized this young man was not as simple as they had imagined.
Lu Qingyun focused intently, controlling the fire with precision, following the recipe step by step.
Though his movements were slow, they were meticulous—every herb added and every flame adjustment perfect.
Minutes passed, and the furnace began to emit a rich, potent fragrance.
Everyone present was stunned; they hadn’t expected Lu Qingyun might actually succeed.
Finally, under all eyes, Lu Qingyun completed the last step.
He slowly withdrew the Azure Dragon flame and opened the furnace’s lid.
An even stronger aroma wafted forth, and a cluster of smooth, glowing Nourishing Heaven Pills lay quietly inside, radiating a soft light.
The Nourishing Heaven Pill!
The courtyard fell silent, everyone shocked by the scene.
They had not expected Lu Qingyun to truly accomplish it—using that supposedly flawed small furnace.
Xu Feng’s face lit up with a delighted smile.
Zhang Tianjiao and Wu Gang exchanged glances, realizing they had misjudged him.
Li Changfeng stepped forward, looking at the pills in the furnace, his eyes shining with excitement.
“You’ve made the Nourishing Heaven Pill, and with this small furnace, no less. Truly remarkable...”
“Bang!!”
Just as Lu Qingyun’s smile began to spread fully, a sudden loud kick burst open the courtyard gate.
Zhao Tuo stormed in, accompanied by the long-bearded, ethereal yet sinister old man from last night, and a group of formidable warriors.
He shouted furiously,
“You’re nothing but a thief. You escaped before, but today I’ll make you understand the Zhao family’s power.”
“This pill’s recipe is a tightly guarded secret. How did you get it? I know you’re stubborn, but today I’ll beat it out of you.”
“Old grudges and new, all will be settled today!”