bookbashuk Chapter 123 Barely Achieving Pill Formation
Chapter 123 Barely Achieving Pill Formation
Zhao Fan stood in front of the alchemy furnace, but instead of rushing to start, he circled the furnace and examined it carefully.
This alchemy furnace is entirely black, with several simple mystical patterns engraved on its surface. There are three outlets for dispensing pills on the lid, and a fire hole on each side of the furnace body. A fiery red spirit stone is embedded in the bottom of the furnace, radiating a steady amount of heat.
He reached out and touched the furnace wall, feeling the temperature, and then he knew what was going on.
This alchemy furnace was worse than he had imagined.
The alchemy furnace he used to work for the Su family was the one left by his master. It had intricate patterns, was fully functional, and its flames were imbued with spirit, allowing it to automatically adjust its temperature.
However, this alchemy furnace has only a single type of mystical pattern and simple functions, relying almost entirely on the alchemist's own control.
Zhao Fan had never used this kind of alchemy furnace before, so he was a little apprehensive, but since he was already here, he couldn't just turn around and leave.
With that thought in mind, he gritted his teeth and began processing the medicinal herbs.
His technique was very skilled, and he processed the medicinal materials quickly and accurately. In just a few breaths, more than a dozen kinds of medicinal materials were processed.
The old man stood to the side, arms crossed, watching Zhao Fan's skillful movements with a growing sense of anticipation.
He was quite curious to see how Zhao Fan could refine a high-quality Qingling Pill despite such a large difference in spiritual awareness.
The disciples who were watching also quieted down, ceasing their whispers and focusing their attention on Zhao Fan's actions.
Zhao Fan arranged the prepared medicinal herbs one by one, then placed his hands on the alchemy furnace and slowly poured in spiritual energy.
The spirit stone at the bottom of the furnace lit up, and the temperature inside the furnace began to rise.
He took a deep breath, lifted the stove lid, and threw in the first medicinal herb.
As the medicine was placed into the alchemy furnace, a faint medicinal fragrance wafted out. Zhao Fan closed his eyes to sense the changes in the medicinal materials, probing the furnace with his divine sense.
But soon, he discovered the problem: his spiritual sense was too weak. This first step, which was usually so simple, was now extremely difficult for Zhao Fan.
In the past, when using the lapis lazuli furnace, the flames inside were imbued with spirituality and would automatically envelop the medicinal herbs. He only needed to guide them with his divine sense to easily complete the melting process.
However, this alchemy furnace does not have that function; he needs to control every wisp of flame with his divine sense.
His divine sense probed into the furnace, struggling to control the temperature of the flames. Before long, sweat began to bead on his forehead.
Then, the second herb was added, followed by the third and fourth.
The more medicinal herbs there are, the more flames he needs to control. His divine sense is like a rope stretched to its limit, ready to snap at any moment.
He gritted his teeth, not daring to relax for a moment, and even slowed his breathing, for fear that a moment's distraction would ruin the whole batch of medicinal herbs.
Nearby, many disciples began to whisper among themselves.
"His spiritual power seems insufficient..."
"This can be used for alchemy? I doubt it."
The old man glanced back at them; his gaze wasn't harsh, but it immediately silenced the disciples.
Zhao Fan paid no attention; his entire focus was on the alchemy furnace. By now, most of the medicinal herbs had melted, and the liquid was bubbling and churning inside.
He knew that the most crucial moment for condensing the core was approaching.
He dared not use the technique of transforming spiritual energy into silk, which was a closely guarded secret passed down to him by his master and the fundamental reason why his success rate in alchemy far exceeded that of ordinary people.
Using it in such a public place, once its value is recognized, will bring him endless covetousness and trouble.
He could only use the most basic method, guiding the medicinal liquid to condense on its own with his divine sense.
This is the most orthodox method of alchemy, and also the method that tests one's spiritual sense the most.
Zhao Fan probed into the furnace with his divine sense, attempting to separate the churning medicinal liquid.
However, there was too much medicine, and his spiritual sense was too weak. Even with all his strength, he could only barely separate two clumps of medicine.
The remaining liquid went out of control, tumbling in the furnace before turning into a wisp of smoke and dissipating in the blink of an eye.
Zhao Fan dared not be distracted, staring intently at the two clumps of medicinal liquid, guiding them to form pills.
After an unknown amount of time, the alchemy furnace emitted a soft sound.
Zhao Fan opened his eyes, lifted the furnace lid, and two pills rolled out from the spit and landed in his palm.
The pill was pale gold, but its color was dull, its surface was rough, and its patterns were blurry. Compared to the Qingling Pill he had refined before, it was far inferior.
The old man walked over, picked up a pill from his palm, brought it close to his eyes to look at it, then smelled it, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
"Two, low-grade."
He placed the pill back into Zhao Fan's palm, his tone indifferent.
"With your spiritual strength, being able to refine two is already the limit."
Zhao Fan looked at the pill in his palm and fell silent.
He clearly felt the impact of insufficient spiritual consciousness on him.
The old man looked at him, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke.
"Your technique is very skillful, which shows that you have worked hard in alchemy, but your spiritual sense is too weak. This is a fatal flaw that cannot be made up for by skill alone."
After saying that, the old man shook his head.
"Danfeng will not accept you for the time being."
Zhao Fan raised his head and looked at the old man, his eyes filled with undisguised disappointment.
"but……"
The old man then changed the subject.
"Although one's spiritual sense may be born with varying strengths, it can also be cultivated. The sect's scripture pavilion contains special cultivation techniques for spiritual sense; you can exchange for one and practice diligently."
"When your spiritual strength can match your cultivation level, then you can come back to Danfeng and try again."
Zhao Fan was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed, clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, senior."
The old man waved his hand, turned and walked up the mountain. After a few steps, he suddenly stopped, turned back and said something.
"By the way, you can stay at the foot of Danfeng Mountain for a while. When the lectures are held on Danfeng Mountain, you can come and listen in."
Zhao Fan stood there, watching the old man's figure disappear at the end of the stone steps, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
"Thank you for your guidance, senior."
Zhao Fan clasped his hands in thanks.
Afterwards, Zhao Fan put the two pills into a jade bottle and turned to walk down the mountain.
He didn't use the jade tablet to guide him; he simply followed the path he had come from, relying on his memory.
Xiao Er poked his head out of the spirit beast pouch, looked around, and then withdrew it.
As Zhao Fan walked up the stone steps, he pondered how he could gain contribution points.
At this moment, the most important thing is to improve one's spiritual sense. Whether it's alchemy, a skill for making a living, or the possibility of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage in the future, this is something that cannot be avoided.
Thinking about it, Zhao Fan slowly walked down the mountain.
At the foot of the mountain, the concentration of spiritual energy is much lower than on the mountain. There are many simple wooden houses and caves here, all belonging to outer disciples who come here to learn alchemy.
Zhao Fan scanned the surroundings, found a secluded corner, used a fire blast spell to blast open the mountain wall, creating a small cave dwelling, and settled down temporarily.
After doing all this, Zhao Fan then set up his incomplete Five Elements Array around himself.
After doing all this, Zhao Fan took out the jade token again and headed towards the Scripture Pavilion, following its guidance.