Bodong led Xiao Ling into the Mitel family's treasury. He gestured with his hand, smiling, and said, "Master Xiao Ling, this is where the Mitel family's most precious treasures are currently located. Take whatever you like, and it will be your reward for refining the Soul-Restoring Purple Pill."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, then unleashed his spiritual perception to explore each item.
While the Mitel family, as the wealthiest family in the Jiama Empire, might not boast the vast wealth of the royal family, they possessed a dazzling array of rare materials. They even had enough ingredients for refining the Imperial Pill to create two sets.
Although Hai Bodong generously offered Xiao Ling the opportunity to choose freely, Xiao Ling remained modest, selecting only a few of the highest quality herbs.
After selecting the reward, Hai Bodong handed Xiao Ling a storage ring and said, "Master Xiao Ling, this ring contains the ingredients for three Soul-Restoring Purple Pills. While the elixir's quality isn't particularly high, the ingredients are incredibly hard to find. The three Samsara Grasses I snatched from several Level 5 magical beasts were obtained during my travels."
"Haha, while the herbs are quite difficult to find, the rewards from taking the elixir are quite substantial."
Xiao Ling took the ring, releasing a wisp of soul power to survey its contents. After confirming the sufficient supply of herbs, he nodded gently.
"Haha, Master Xiao Ling is absolutely right. I wonder if we can refine the Soul-Restoring Purple Pill right now?" Hai Bodong rubbed his hands and looked at Xiao Ling hopefully.
Truly, he was helpless. The cultivation level diminished from being sealed for so long was extremely difficult to recover. Without the Soul-Restoring Purple Pill, it would likely take him over ten years to reach Dou Huang Five Stars again.
Xiao Ling smiled faintly, nodded at Hai Bodong, and said, "Mr. Hai, please rest assured. I will refine the Soul-Regenerating Purple Pill for you shortly. This isn't our first collaboration, so don't you doubt my efficiency?"
After a brief pause, Xiao Ling continued, "As for your family's alchemists, if they wish to observe me refining the Soul-Regenerating Purple Pill, as long as they don't interfere, I have no objection."
Upon hearing this, Hai Bodong's smile widened. He said hurriedly, "Okay, Master Xiao Ling, I've already arranged the alchemy room for you. Please follow me."
With that, Hai Bodong led Xiao Ling into a spacious hall.
Inside, various alchemy instruments were neatly arranged. Xiao Ling nodded slightly with satisfaction and immediately began to prepare to refine the Soul-Regenerating Purple Pill.
Upon learning that Xiao Ling was about to begin refining the pill, several alchemists from the Mitel family arrived.
If a sixth-rank alchemist could learn a few techniques from personally refining elixirs, it would undoubtedly benefit alchemists like them, who were only fourth-rank at best.
Xiao Ling glanced around. Most of the people were in their twilight years, with only one middle-aged man, the elder he had met at the Alchemist Guild's exchange.
Upon seeing Xiao Ling, they all bowed in respect. Despite his youth, in the art of alchemy, the most accomplished are the most accomplished, and he deserved the respect he received.
Xiao Ling smiled and nodded, indicating that the formalities were unnecessary. His gaze swept over the alchemists, his expression calm and composed.
Hai Bodong smiled and said, "Master Xiao Ling, please prepare yourselves. I'll have them observe quietly nearby and won't disturb you."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly and walked to the center of the hall.
He moved the prepared medicine cauldron aside and, with a flick of his finger, a pure black cauldron, the size of a table, suddenly appeared.
This black medicine cauldron was quite large, emanating a faint, calm aura. Vividly painted on its surface were flame totems. As the cauldron slowly rotated, these flame totems seemed to be real objects, and faint flame energy condensed around it.
This was the Black Demon Cauldron that Yao Chen had lent to Xiao Ling.
With a light touch of his ring, a supply of ingredients for the Soul-Restoring Purple Pill landed on the nearby table.
Once everything was ready, Xiao Ling took a deep breath, waved his hands, and the strange fire instantly ignited beneath the alchemy furnace.
Xiao Ling methodically placed the herbs into the furnace one by one, his movements skillful and precise, each step a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of countless trials.
The alchemists held their breath, their eyes fixed on Xiao Ling's every move, fearing to miss a single detail.
As the alchemy progressed, the medicinal fragrance emanating from the furnace grew stronger. Xiao Ling's expression remained calm, his steps executed to perfection.
With Xiao Ling's current mastery of alchemy, refining this fifth-grade Soul-Restoring Purple Pill was effortless, effortless.
After an unknown amount of time, the alchemy furnace suddenly glowed brightly. Xiao Ling shouted softly, quickly forming hand seals with his hands, and slammed the furnace. A vibrant purple Soul-Restoring Pill shot out of the furnace. Xiao Ling flicked his hand, and the pill landed steadily in a jade bottle that had been prepared long ago.
"It's done!" Xiao Ling breathed a sigh of relief, a satisfied smile on his face.
Hai Bodong stepped forward quickly, his eyes filled with surprise and delight. "Master Xiao Ling, your skills are truly amazing!" The surrounding alchemists also exclaimed in admiration.
Xiao Ling handed the elixir to Hai Bodong and said, "Master Hai, I have fulfilled my mission. I hope this elixir will help you regain your strength soon."
Hai Bodong thanked him profusely, "Master Xiao Ling, our Mitel family will remember this kindness."
Xiao Ling waved his hand and said with a smile, "Master Hai, you are too kind. We are helping each other."
Hai Bodong carefully took the jade bottle and put it away as if it were a treasure. At this moment, the alchemists gathered around him, their eyes filled with admiration for Xiao Ling and a desire to learn more about alchemy.
The old man I had met earlier at the Alchemist Guild Exchange said respectfully, "Master Xiao Ling, your alchemy technique and control of the flame are truly exquisite and unparalleled. I wonder if you could offer some guidance?"
Xiao Ling gazed at the eager gazes of the crowd, then after a moment's hesitation, said, "Since you are so interested, I will briefly explain. The most crucial aspect of alchemy lies in a deep understanding of the characteristics of the medicinal materials and the precise control of the flame. Each medicinal material has unique properties, and the timing, order, and amount of addition are crucial. The temperature and intensity of the flame must be adjusted according to the different stages of the process..."
After his explanation, Xiao Ling said, "The art of alchemy emphasizes practice and understanding. I hope you will achieve breakthroughs in your future cultivation."
Everyone thanked Xiao Ling again and then dispersed, each immersed in their recent gains.
(End of Chapter)