Chapter Sixty-Four: The Alchemy of External Elixirs

Within the cave abode, Lu Qian sat cross-legged on a meditation mat, eyes half-closed, the power of pitch-black true water swirling around him.

Elsewhere, in the alchemy chamber, three paper dolls with rosy cheeks and pale skin busied themselves, constantly preparing medicinal ingredients. These herbs were not of particularly high quality; most were commonly needed medicines found on the market. As the paper dolls worked, the proficiency of his mid-grade alchemy technique steadily increased. Occasionally, when concocting advanced medicines, Lu Qian would personally take charge.

After a long while, Lu Qian slowly opened his eyes.

Taiyin True Water Guidance Method (Mastery: 102/8000)
San Zang Purification Mantra (Mastery: 50/150)
Spirit Projection Technique (Mastery: 72/500)
Mid-grade Alchemy Technique (Proficiency: 1321/2000)

With the guidance method reaching mastery, all his true energy had transformed into the power of Yin Kui True Water. The mid-grade alchemy scale was on the verge of mastery. After mastering the San Zang Purification Mantra, though his combat ability had not greatly changed, entering meditation became effortless.

"Eight thousand proficiency points—at four points per day in the cave, that means two thousand more days," Lu Qian mused inwardly. Cultivating in the cave abode added an extra increment compared to the outside world. Even so, it would require a lengthy period of diligent practice.

Just then, a knocking came from outside the cave. When he opened the door, a communication paper crane hovered steadily before him. Lu Qian glanced at the message—it was from Yu Ci and the others. Ten days prior, both parties had agreed to exchange their gains from the Netherworld.

Lu Qian sent out a spirit-projection paper doll, took his Heaven Bag, and went out.

In the courtyard, the fish-dragon’s little mouth was stretched long, greedily swallowing and expelling solar and lunar essence, devouring all vital energy from its kin nearby. Seeing Lu Qian emerge, the fish-dragon darted into the ground with a “whoosh,” occasionally peeking out its head, its large golden eyes filled with curiosity.

Down the mountain, tall, copper-eyed shadow soldiers patrolled within the black mist. Upon seeing Lu Qian descend, the shadow soldiers halted and bowed slightly in greeting. Lu Qian kept his gaze straight, neither returning the gesture nor pausing, and walked away. With his cultivation now higher, he no longer felt the fear he had as a novice when facing these shadow soldiers.

If necessary, he could even command them to handle affairs.

Outside the Hall of Enforcement, strange Taoists passed by on either side—some herding corpses, some accompanied by bizarre attendants, others parasitizing cold ravens and black sheep. Dark clouds and black mists hovered, with ghosts and monsters faintly lurking. Three people stood before the main hall.

Wang Ming, his right arm bandaged, beard grown long, looked considerably more weathered. Yu Ci and Tang Bing appeared much more spirited.

"Master Lu, long time no see," Wang Ming greeted heartily. "I had a rough time—nearly died in the Netherworld, gained nothing at all, almost lost all my possessions."

Yu Ci managed a bitter smile. "I fared better. Found the place of thunder-fire and successfully forged the Thunder-Fire Sword Box."

The sword on Yu Ci’s back had vanished, replaced by an ancient redwood box. From within, the sound of thunder and fire occasionally roared, like a beast’s howl.

Tang Bing was shrouded in black mist, his appearance shifting between fierce visages, silent and brooding.

Lu Qian took out a bundle from his Heaven Bag, opening it to reveal various bottles and jars. "Natural Powder, Vitality Powder, and a mid-grade medicine—Corpse Moss Red Phosphorus Elixir. This pill can repair any injury, even regenerate severed limbs. The side effect: you’ll be infected with corpse poison and grow red hair all over."

Lu Qian lifted a transparent jade bottle filled with red liquid. The liquid wriggled slowly, faintly forming a face twisted in pain.

"What's the price?" Yu Ci asked, eyes shining with eagerness. Upon closer look, three fingers were missing from his right hand—clearly, the journey had not been as easy as hoped.

"The market price is thirty-five merit points; I'll let you have it for thirty-two," Lu Qian replied, taking out five similar bottles. The medicine was extremely rare. Its ingredients included centennial zombie chest plaque and ghost tears, among others. Harvesting the chest plaque harmed the zombie’s cultivation, so most were unwilling to give it up. Lu Qian had obtained it through Wang Ming’s connections with corpse-cultivating Taoists.

"I’ll take one. Lu Qian, weren’t you seeking alchemy methods? I have a scroll of 'Outer Elixir Techniques of Transformation' and 'Compendium of Lead-Mercury Treasures.'"

Yu Ci reached into his robe and pulled out two scrolls, yellowed and stained with specks of blood. Lu Qian accepted them—the first contained alchemy methods, including water refinement and fire refinement.

The 'Outer Elixir Techniques' stated: The secret of immortality lies in the divine elixir; ethereal and light, lead-mercury medicine; the longer it is burned, the more wondrous its transformation.

The 'Outer Elixir Techniques' was a manual for alchemical methods; the 'Compendium of Lead-Mercury Treasures' detailed common properties of lead, mercury, and transformative medicines.

Alchemy was different from medicine making—its techniques were numerous, and the instruments varied widely. Each school employed distinct methodologies.

The scrolls were not especially systematic, but sufficient for Lu Qian to begin his practice.

He skimmed a few pages. It was taboo to peruse too much during a skill exchange—any more and he’d memorize it all.

"Deal. How many bottles do you want?"

"Two."

"Deal. And add six merit points."

Even brothers kept accounts clear—let alone friends. Business required careful calculation so all parties benefited, ensuring lasting transactions.

"Deal!" Yu Ci nodded, produced a peachwood talisman inscribed with a mysterious restriction, and transferred the merit points.

"Tang Bing, here are the three bottles of 'Great Age Shadow Ink' you requested."

Tang Bing pondered briefly. "I couldn’t find what you wanted. Let’s settle with merit points."

"Alright, ten merit points in total."

Lu Qian contentedly stowed the items in his Heaven Bag.

This was no coincidence—not that Lu Qian happened to need what the others had. Before trading, they had all discussed their respective needs. The alchemy methods, no doubt, Yu Ci had procured through connections.

"The rest is all yours. Can you handle it?" Lu Qian grinned mischievously at Wang Ming.

"Haha, Brother Lu, you jest—no matter how much, I can take it all," Wang Ming replied, stroking his beard and laughing. "I even wish I could tie you up and have you make medicines for us every day."

Though still a Fetal Breath stage cultivator, Wang Ming had built a wide network through his brother and Lu Qian, dealing in herbs and medicines. He himself had little need for medicines; most were for others. So his claim to handle any amount was no exaggeration.

Of the batch of Taoist apprentices who entered together, half had died, a few reached Qi Refining, but most remained Fetal Breath like Wang Ming. Yet Wang Ming was better off than most. Even if, after three years, he failed to advance to Qi Refining, he’d still secure a good post.

"I couldn't find your artifact refining method," Wang Ming admitted sheepishly. "We can trade merit points. You can go to the Lecture Hall for it—the price is a bit inflated. Or try your luck in the Ghost Market."

"Alright."

Wang Ming coughed lightly and tallied the medicines: "Red Phosphorus Elixir—thirty-five merit points, minus my costs, three bottles total sixty merit points. Great Age Shadow Ink—five batches, Natural Powder—six batches… all together, one hundred and two merit points.

Oh my! Brother Lu, do you have an extra pair of hands? You spend all day making medicines instead of cultivating? Your medicine making is like cooking in a giant cauldron—batch after batch!"

Wang Ming was close to the truth—Lu Qian did indeed have several extra hands to assist in medicine making; otherwise, it wouldn’t be so quick.