Chapter 296: The Appearance of the Black Demon Cauldron, Pill Complete!
"I didn't expect Valley Master Tang to possess the Mountain Melting Cauldron!"
Master Huan couldn't help but exclaim.
"Just luck, back in the day."
Tang Zhen smiled, then waved his sleeve again. Countless medicinal ingredients poured out of his storage ring, swirling above the stone platform. By the look of it, there were easily over a hundred kinds.
As they appeared, a rich medicinal fragrance spread out. Clearly, these were rare ingredients. That the Fire Bodhisattva Pill required so many types only reaffirmed its status as a high-tier seventh-grade pill.
Luck? That line sounded familiar...
Xiao Yuan raised a brow but said nothing.
To be honest, he didn't have high expectations for this session.
Three people who had never worked together, trying to refine a pill in tandem—if any one of them made a mistake, the whole batch would be wasted.
He'd probably have a higher chance of success refining it on his own.
As the herbs emerged, Tang Zhen grew visibly more serious. He raised his hand, and a silver flame appeared—within it, nine fire dragons swam, radiating intense dragon might.
"Master Huan, take this pill—it'll help the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame be more accepting of you, and allow you to endure longer." He tossed a silver pill to Huan and turned to Xiao Yuan with a smile. "You probably don't need it, do you?"
Xiao Yuan nodded lightly. His soul was protected by his own heavenly flame. The Nine Dragon Lightning Flame? Just a toy to him—harmless.
Seeing this, Tang Zhen smiled as well. With a flick of his finger, the silver flame streaked into the Mountain Melting Cauldron and ignited into a roaring blaze. The nine small fire dragons inside rapidly expanded, roaring and spitting silver flame.
"Well then... let's begin!"
As the flames surged, Tang Zhen's face grew solemn.
His eyes flared with sharp light, and his hands swept down. Dozens of medicinal ingredients fell from the sky and were tossed into the cauldron. The dragons within rushed forward and swallowed them whole, their bodies glowing intensely afterward.
While Tang Zhen focused on refining the herbs, Xiao Yuan and Master Huan composed themselves. Their soul power surged out and, protected by their flames, entered the cauldron.
The moment they entered, they felt the terrifying heat within. Xiao Yuan felt right at home; Huan, however, paled slightly—this was much stronger than during the earlier test. Fortunately, Tang Zhen had given him that pill.
"Gentlemen, the first batch of ingredients is nearly refined. Begin the fusion."
Tang Zhen's voice echoed in their minds.
Both tensed. Recalling the details of their respective sections of the recipe, they began.
Twenty minutes later, the nine dragons shook and opened their mouths. One after another, blobs of pure, fragrant essences were spat out. Some were powders, others liquids or solids, suspended within the cauldron.
"Begin."
With Tang Zhen's order, both soul powers swept out.
With practiced coordination, Xiao Yuan and Huan gathered their assigned essences. Then, wrapped in soul energy and guided by their flames, they began the delicate process of fusion.
Though it was their first collaboration, their division of labor was flawless. Both were seasoned alchemists. Tang Zhen visibly relaxed.
He continued refining the next batch of herbs.
At the observation platform, the other alchemists watched intently. When they saw Xiao Yuan working faster than Master Huan, their expressions grew stiff.
Especially Master Mo—his face turned ashen. He had insisted earlier that Xiao Yuan had passed the test only because of his flame. But now, watching Xiao Yuan's skill and speed… even he had to admit he couldn't keep up.
From afar, Tang Huo'er stared at Xiao Yuan, watching his calm and precise movements. Her heart eased, and a smile touched her lips.
"Father's judgment wasn't wrong. This Xiao Yuan… really knows his craft. But can he see it through to the end?"
Refining a seventh-grade pill was an incredibly tedious task—this one, being high-tier, even more so.
On the stone platform, silver flames raged within the cauldron. The nine fire dragons roared, their heat so intense it warped the air. More ingredients hovered above, waiting for Tang Zhen's signal before being cast into the flames.
The Nine Dragon Lightning Flame was astonishingly efficient at refining herbs. Like nine miniature cauldrons, the dragons perfectly processed the ingredients. Of course, they were under Tang Zhen's masterful control.
Even so, Xiao Yuan wasn't one to sell himself short. Under the training of Medicine Elder and the Heavenly Flame Venerable, his own flame control was top-tier. Compared to Tang Zhen, he was only slightly behind.
This was Xiao Yuan's first time co-refining a pill, but he showed no flaws. His job—merging the refined essences—was about as difficult as making a mid-grade seventh-tier pill. With his soul strength, it was manageable. The heat? With his flame's protection, it was nothing.
The cauldron chamber was silent except for the roar of flames.
Within, a faint golden ring marked the area Xiao Yuan controlled. There, essences of all kinds floated in delicate balance. Under his precise guidance, they slowly fused.
Pop.
A subtle sound echoed in the ring.
There it was—a single, viscous, multi-colored droplet. The scent it released was potent and pure.
"Just the first fusion step took two and a half hours… high-tier seventh-grade pills really are something else."
He let out a breath, then refocused. This was only the beginning.
"Remarkable," Tang Zhen's voice whispered in his mind. "So fast. Even Master Huan hasn't finished yet."
Xiao Yuan smiled. "Valley Master Tang, is the second batch ready?"
"Of course," came the reply.
With a command, the dragons unleashed the next wave of essences. Part of it entered Xiao Yuan's domain.
"There are eight phases in total. We're only on the second."
"Eight?" Xiao Yuan nodded in surprise. "This Fire Bodhisattva Pill is really something. I should save a few for later."
Then, with practiced ease, he resumed fusion.
Half an hour later, Master Huan finally opened his eyes. Glancing at Xiao Yuan, he was shaken. This youth's skill exceeded all expectations.
"A mid-tier seventh-grade alchemist, at least… what shocking talent…"
Master Huan sighed. Then, refocusing, he began his own fusion of the second batch.
The process was longer than either had expected. Based on current progress, ten full days would be needed.
Ten days of nonstop work—burning soul power, resisting scorching heat, maintaining precise control.
Xiao Yuan handled it with ease.
Master Huan, on the other hand, began to falter by the fifth phase. Only his preparation—restorative pills—kept him going.
Day by day, the pile of unused ingredients dwindled.
Seven days had passed.
The three on the platform had barely moved. The only signs of progress were the intensifying scent of medicine and the glowing warmth from the cauldron.
On the observation platform, the alchemists watched in awe.
By now, no one dared mock Xiao Yuan.
"He's clearly a seventh-grade alchemist," one of them murmured. "His technique… is on par with Master Huan's—maybe even better."
Hearing these words, everyone stiffened momentarily before letting out bitter smiles. For them, this was indeed difficult to accept. They had painstakingly cultivated for many years to reach their current achievements, yet now a youth who looked barely twenty had surpassed them by far.
Master Mo stared blankly at the stone platform, his face filled with despair. It seemed that in that moment, his Dao heart shattered, causing him to age visibly.
At the edge of the square, Tang Huo'er stood gracefully, her slender figure appearing particularly captivating. Her eyes remained fixed on the stone platform, her jade-like hands gently clenched. The pill refinement was now entering its critical stage; nothing must go wrong.
Cai Lin only felt bored. She didn't understand alchemy, and the only reason she could sit here idly for so many days was by watching Xiao Yuan's focused expression and handsome features.
Time quickly passed under everyone's anticipation. Another day flew by, and the eight stages of pill refinement finally reached their final step!
At this moment, all the medicinal ingredients previously floating above the stone platform had been completely placed inside the cauldron. Rich fire energy overflowed in every direction, causing the sky to slightly distort.
Inside the cauldron, the silver flame became increasingly intense. Dragon roars continuously echoed out, reverberating throughout the vast valley.
The faces of Xiao Yuan, Tang Zhen, and Master Huan became extremely solemn at this point. If they couldn't pass this stage, the entire refinement would end in failure.
"Gentlemen, I have completed refining the ingredients. The next fusion is up to you two."
Tang Zhen turned his eyes toward Xiao Yuan and Master Huan, solemnly clasping his fists. His role was complete; now, success depended entirely on Xiao Yuan and Master Huan.
Xiao Yuan and Master Huan nodded simultaneously and quickly concentrated their minds.
Within the cauldron, eight tiny clusters of medicinal essences hovered quietly in the dark golden circle of Xiao Yuan's control, releasing a powerful fragrance. Xiao Yuan's current task was to fuse these eight clusters, refined from nearly a hundred medicinal ingredients over almost nine days.
If he failed this fusion, the entire effort would collapse. However, Xiao Yuan felt he was in excellent condition and would certainly not fail. He was determined to obtain the Three Mysterious Flame Transformations!
Thinking of this, Xiao Yuan suddenly clenched his fist.
"Condense!"
With an inward shout, Xiao Yuan's immense soul power erupted completely, entering the cauldron.
At his side, Master Huan simultaneously began condensing his portion of medicinal essence.
Feeling their movements, Tang Zhen's face grew even more grave. The success of this refinement now depended entirely on Xiao Yuan and Master Huan!
Xiao Yuan's soul energy surged fiercely into the dark golden circle. With a thought, two vividly colorful drops of medicinal essence gently floated closer and began touching one another.
Upon contact, faint ripples appeared on their surfaces. This was the natural repulsion between two medicinal forces, and Xiao Yuan had to carefully find the balance point to perfectly fuse them together.
This type of fusion required extremely precise soul control. Any tiny mistake would result in failure.
Xiao Yuan's soul power formed countless tiny threads, spreading within every corner of the two medicinal droplets, ensuring that any subtle change was immediately noticed.
The fusion was exceedingly tricky, but luckily Xiao Yuan's experience and abundant soul power allowed him to steadily maintain pressure. After about an hour, the two medicinal essences finally began to merge smoothly. Although slow, it was progressing steadily.
Time quickly passed. Around three hours later, the two colorful drops finally completely fused into a single dazzling, viscous liquid floating within Xiao Yuan's dark golden circle.
Seeing this successful fusion, Xiao Yuan slightly relaxed. Then, another black powdered essence gently floated down, slowly blending into the brightly colored liquid.
Fusing medicinal essences was extremely time-consuming. Any impatience could ruin everything, turning precious materials into waste.
Fortunately, Xiao Yuan's fusion proceeded smoothly, and he was especially careful, knowing success or failure directly impacted whether he could obtain the Three Mysterious Flame Transformations.
As time passed, the eight tiny clusters gradually merged under Xiao Yuan's meticulous control.
Tang Zhen watched the cauldron closely, observing every movement within clearly.
"This Xiao Yuan is truly extraordinary. He maintains the fusion speed without the slightest error. Moreover, his soul strength is incredibly robust, far surpassing Master Huan, who is also a seventh-grade alchemist."
With Tang Zhen's skill, he naturally saw that Xiao Yuan's soul strength exceeded Master Huan's by a large margin.
Thinking this, Tang Zhen glanced at Master Huan, noticing his increasingly pale face. His heart sank. Clearly, fusing medicinal essences under the heat of the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame for nine days had severely exhausted Master Huan.
Yet Tang Zhen had no choice but to silently hope Master Huan could endure until the end.
Due to the subtle changes on the stone platform, everyone present realized Tang Zhen's role was finished. Now, success hinged entirely on Xiao Yuan and Master Huan. If they could fuse their respective essences perfectly, there was still a good chance of success. If any mistake occurred, the refinement would inevitably fail.
"I wonder if Xiao Yuan can hold out until the end. After nine days, his soul power must have also greatly diminished," a refining master stroked his beard, slowly saying.
"Having come this far, it'd be a huge shame if anything went wrong now," another master replied. Those around him nodded deeply in agreement.
"Xiao Yuan doesn't appear weak at all, but Master Huan's soul energy has clearly begun to weaken," suddenly commented an elderly master standing in front.
Hearing this, everyone fell silent, their expressions stiffening slightly. Did this mean Xiao Yuan was actually stronger than Master Huan?
Everyone thought the notion absurd, but the elderly speaker was the other guest elder from the Pill Tower, whose insight far surpassed theirs, so no one openly questioned him. Privately, however, they remained doubtful.
Ignoring their skepticism, the elder watched the stone platform with a faint trace of worry. He sensed Master Huan's soul strength fading steadily—this was bad news.
"Sigh... Hopefully, he can hold on. Refining a high-tier seventh-grade pill is indeed too challenging for him."
Time passed swiftly as the fusion gradually reached its climax.
Under everyone's intense gazes, the natural energy around the platform grew turbulent, and a potent medicinal fragrance filled the air, refreshing everyone who smelled it.
Feeling these changes, Tang Zhen and the others perked up excitedly. Was the fusion about to be completed?
Under numerous tense eyes, Xiao Yuan's expression remained unchanged, not daring to relax even slightly. After such lengthy fusion, his face was somewhat pale, but otherwise fine. However, Master Huan's condition was much worse, his face deathly white. He grit his teeth, struggling, but his poor state deeply concerned Xiao Yuan.
"Fuse!"
On the platform, as the fragrance reached its peak, Xiao Yuan and Master Huan opened their eyes simultaneously, shouted softly, and changed their hand seals!
Instantly, their soul energies intensified, fusing all medicinal essences completely!
"Chi!"
Two beams of bright green and red energy shot from the cauldron straight into the sky, soaring hundreds of meters.
As the fragrance peaked, joy spread through everyone present: "It succeeded?"
At the edge of the square, Tang Huo'er's tense heart finally relaxed. A beautiful smile appeared on her charming face.
Tang Zhen also rose abruptly, joy evident on his face. Yet he knew better than to celebrate prematurely and clasped his fists toward Xiao Yuan and Master Huan, saying, "Gentlemen, the fusion is complete. Now comes the critical step—pill formation!"
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly, glancing worriedly toward Master Huan, asking, "Master Huan, can you continue?"
Master Huan rallied weakly, waving his hand with a forced smile. "Don't worry."
His extremely pale face, however, was hardly convincing.
Tang Zhen also noticed something wrong, but there was no time to hesitate now. He grit his teeth and said, "Gentlemen, please proceed quickly. Delaying the fused essence will lower our success rate."
Both Xiao Yuan and Master Huan nodded and took deep breaths. Their hand seals shifted simultaneously, causing the green and red lights within the cauldron to collide violently!
"Boom!"
At the moment of impact, an intense energy wave erupted, echoing inside the cauldron.
Xiao Yuan easily withstood the shock, but Master Huan—already exhausted—turned deathly pale and spat out blood, collapsing unconscious!
Watching Master Huan suddenly collapse, Tang Zhen's and Tang Huo'er's hopeful smiles instantly froze. They knew all too well the consequences of an alchemist collapsing mid-process.
"So... we've failed again…"
Tang Zhen murmured sadly, aging visibly. Tang Huo'er's face also paled, despair flashing through her eyes. Was this truly her fate?
Xiao Yuan was already prepared and immediately tried to salvage Master Huan's portion. Yet, upon seeing the situation clearly, his expression turned icy.
Because Master Huan fainted, the delicate balance within his portion had shattered completely, reducing the essence to dull, worthless liquid!
"Damn it..."
Even Xiao Yuan struggled to suppress his anger. Due to Master Huan's poor state, the entire refinement now teetered on the edge of complete ruin.
But even if this was a high-grade seventh-tier pill, it wasn't as though Xiao Yuan couldn't refine it himself!
Xiao Yuan took a deep breath, determined to open the eyes of these old fellows!
Unlike Xiao Yuan, who remained brimming with confidence, everyone else present looked regretfully toward the unconscious Master Huan. After ten continuous days of effort, no one had anticipated failure at this final moment.
Within the medicinal cauldron, only a faint green glow flickered; the red glow had completely vanished.
Tang Zhen stared blankly at the cauldron. Having sensed that half of the medicinal essence had already turned into worthless liquid, despair filled his heart, and his face grew noticeably gloomier.
Such a defeated expression from a great figure was truly heart-wrenching.
At the edge of the square, Tang Huo'er's beautiful face had become deathly pale. Moments later, she forced a sad smile, her delicate figure staggering slightly as several Burning Flame Valley disciples quickly stepped forward to support her.
The entire plaza fell into silence. The heavy, oppressive atmosphere made it difficult to breathe, and no one dared to speak a word.
This silent, oppressive atmosphere lingered for a long moment before a low voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tense silence.
"Valley Chief Tang, this batch of pills may have failed, but could you provide me another set of medicinal ingredients for the Fire Bodhisattva Pill? Also, I require the complete medicinal recipe!"
As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar instantly erupted throughout the square. Even Tang Zhen, deep in despair, couldn't help but raise his head in astonishment. Looking at Xiao Yuan's determined face, Tang Zhen's mouth opened slightly, hope suddenly flickering within his desperate heart. "Xiao Yuan, little friend, you think you can refine this Fire Bodhisattva Pill on your own?"
Xiao Yuan nodded calmly. "I have some confidence."
Feeling the conviction in Xiao Yuan's voice, Tang Zhen's heart trembled. He glanced hesitantly at the wasted medicinal liquid in the cauldron before finally clenching his teeth fiercely. "Since you've put it this way, Xiao Yuan, please go ahead and try. Even if you fail, I won't blame you!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Zhen waved his hand, sending countless medicinal ingredients along with a crimson scroll toward Xiao Yuan.
"I'll have to trouble Valley Chief Tang to guard me carefully! Please ensure that nobody disturbs me—I'll give it my all!" Xiao Yuan nodded and quickly opened the crimson scroll, carefully studying it.
Seeing Xiao Yuan beginning to examine the medicinal formula, Tang Zhen straightened his posture, his previous defeat quickly fading away. He rose slowly into the air, casting his sharp gaze around and declaring sternly, "From now on, nobody is allowed within a hundred paces of the stone platform!"
Hearing the solemnity in Tang Zhen's voice, the surrounding Burning Flame Valley disciples immediately felt their hearts tremble. They respectfully clasped their fists in acknowledgment and quietly stepped back in an orderly manner.
On the viewing platform, the group of alchemy masters stared in disbelief. When they realized Xiao Yuan intended to refine the Fire Bodhisattva Pill entirely on his own, their mouths hung open in shock.
After all, even within Pill Tower, very few could refine such a high-grade seventh-tier pill alone!
Though skepticism filled their hearts, none dared voice their doubts upon seeing Tang Zhen's fierce expression.
On the stone platform, Xiao Yuan's expression was solemn. In truth, he had already studied four or five high-grade seventh-tier pill recipes. Compared to the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill, the Fire Bodhisattva Pill wasn't more challenging.
This could easily be seen from their respective effects. While the Fire Bodhisattva Pill could only treat injuries caused by backlash from a Heavenly Flame, the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill could genuinely bring a person back from the brink of death and regenerate bones and flesh.
Half a day passed quickly, but Xiao Yuan remained immersed in studying the medicinal formula, showing no sign of beginning the refinement process.
This caused some doubt among those watching—could this young fellow truly manage it, or was he merely putting on airs?
On the viewing stand, Tang Huo'er bit her red lips lightly, feeling complicated as she stared intently at Xiao Yuan's concentrated expression.
Right now, she wanted Xiao Yuan to succeed more than anyone else.
Although she was too proud to admit it openly, the young man before her—who looked even younger than herself—had become her only hope.
At this point, the other alchemy masters had long ceased their earlier ridicule. That Xiao Yuan had made such a bold choice at this moment, coupled with his extraordinary performance over the past few days, proved undeniably that his skill in alchemy surpassed their own.
They were no longer qualified to criticize Xiao Yuan.
Yet, despite all this, they still found it difficult to believe Xiao Yuan had the ability to refine a high-grade seventh-tier pill alone.
Tang Zhen was also filled with hope. Even though he himself doubted Xiao Yuan's chances, deep down he felt this young man might genuinely create a miracle.
"He's moving!"
Someone shouted from below. Instantly, everyone's attention shifted toward Xiao Yuan, who had stored away the medicinal formula. Suddenly, he slapped the Mountain Melting Cauldron, sending it back toward Tang Zhen.
"Little friend, what do you mean by this?" Tang Zhen caught the cauldron, looking puzzled.
"I'm not used to this cauldron. It's better to use my own," Xiao Yuan replied casually. With a wave of his hand, the Black Demon Cauldron landed heavily on the stone platform. Xiao Yuan gently stroked the cauldron's surface, silently praying in his heart: "Teacher, please bless me!"
In the next moment, Xiao Yuan's eyes flashed sharply. He sat cross-legged in midair, released his dark-golden Heavenly Flame, and began refining a large quantity of medicinal ingredients!
"That's…the Black Demon Cauldron from the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking!"
One of the guest elders from Pill Tower immediately recognized the cauldron.
"It's actually the Black Demon Cauldron!" echoed several other alchemists in shock, their expressions growing extremely serious as they stared at Xiao Yuan.
A terrifying Heavenly Flame, combined with the legendary Black Demon Cauldron… What exactly was Xiao Yuan's origin?
High above, Tang Zhen stared intensely at the Black Demon Cauldron. His eyes suddenly sharpened.
This…was the cauldron belonging to the legendary Yao Zun-zhe!
Back when he wasn't yet Valley Chief, Yao Zun-zhe's fame had already spread throughout Central Plains.
Could Xiao Yuan be a disciple of Yao Zun-zhe?
But hadn't Yao Zun-zhe died a long time ago?
Tang Zhen's mind raced, though outwardly he showed no reaction.
"Watch carefully and learn!"
As the medicinal ingredients entered the Black Demon Cauldron, Xiao Yuan confidently looked toward the group of alchemists. In his spiritual sea, the Yin-Yang Soul Nourishing Bead released vast amounts of pure soul energy, instantly replenishing his previously exhausted spiritual power. Powerful soul energy surged out, forming an intimidating aura around him. Inside the cauldron, the dark-golden flame intensified dramatically.
Seeing Xiao Yuan refining twice as many medicinal ingredients at once compared to himself, Tang Zhen's expression grew even more solemn.
Could this youth's fire control surpass even his own?
Far away, the alchemy masters watching Xiao Yuan were completely astonished.
Such exquisite control, such formidable soul strength—was Xiao Yuan truly a high-grade seventh-tier alchemist?
If so, his talent was simply too terrifying!
Now entirely focused, Xiao Yuan ignored everything else, his alchemy techniques so precise and practiced that all the alchemists present were fully convinced of his skill.
In just four days, Xiao Yuan smoothly advanced to the very stage at which Master Huan had failed previously.
Below, Master Huan had already regained consciousness. Upon learning Xiao Yuan was attempting to refine the Fire Bodhisattva Pill alone, Master Huan stubbornly stayed, recovering while observing Xiao Yuan's refinement.
Even though they had witnessed it before, everyone held their breath as Xiao Yuan began the final fusion process.
At this moment, the medicinal energy within the cauldron had reached a terrifying level, sufficient to cause fluctuations in the surrounding natural energies. Without the Black Demon Cauldron's containment, the external energy would have long since spiraled out of control.
Xiao Yuan's vast soul power surged forward, enveloping the two beams of green and red essence within countless tiny threads of spiritual energy.
As Xiao Yuan's soul energy infiltrated these essences, his body trembled slightly. These two seemingly small droplets contained concentrated energy from nearly a hundred precious medicinal ingredients.
Due to their powerful energies, they fiercely resisted each other, complicating the fusion.
However, Xiao Yuan, having inherited Yao Lao's supreme alchemy skills, remained unperturbed.
With meticulous control, Xiao Yuan formed a flame vortex using his Heavenly Flame and immense soul energy, forcibly pressing the two essences together, merging them slowly under great pressure.
Even Tang Zhen recognized this familiar sign—this was the precursor to pill formation! His heartbeat quickened, excitement clearly visible on his face.
For an entire day and night, absolute silence filled the square. No one moved, all eyes glued to Xiao Yuan. Could this young man really succeed?
The first rays of dawn broke through, dispelling the valley's darkness.
At precisely this moment, the surrounding natural energy suddenly surged violently!
Tang Zhen instantly opened his eyes, looking joyfully toward the cauldron at the platform's center as an extraordinary fragrance wafted out.
"Boom!"
Thunderclouds appeared abruptly above, lightning dancing ferociously within them.
"A pill lightning tribulation? He…he actually succeeded?"
All the alchemists present stood frozen, disbelief evident as murmurs of shock escaped their lips.
(END CHAPTER)
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