"The reason why I built the Mystical Treasure Hall is to decipher these stone pillars. Now that I have found the answer, I can die without regrets. It's about time for me to return to my hometown and spend my final days in peace."
Gan Yiping smiled, a serene look on his face.
After obtaining so many stone pillars, he had been attracted by the unique characters on them. Even after fifty years of trying to decipher them, he still hadn't succeeded. Now that he had caught a whiff of them, he immediately felt a sense of relief wash over him.
"This..."
Zhang Xuan nodded as he looked at the other party in admiration.
It seemed like the other party had finally thought things through after reaching the end of his lifespan.
However, thinking about it, it was understandable. Once one's life came to an end, one's greatest wish would be fulfilled.
These treasures might be valuable, but compared to life and death, they meant nothing at all!
He wouldn't bring them with him in life and he wouldn't bring them with him in death. While he had so much gold and silver in his hands, he would rather die empty-handed!
Knowing that the other party was sincere in giving these treasures to him, Zhang Xuan didn't reject him anymore. Instead, he offered a few pointers as repayment.
Hearing the other party's pointers, Gan Yiping was filled with excitement and gratitude.
After chatting for a while longer, Zhang Xuan left with Yuan Tao and Sun Qiang.
"Young master, where are we going now?"
After walking out of the Mystical Treasure Hall, Sun Qiang asked.
"I've gathered the inner core of the Great River Snake and Sorrow Severing Grass. I still need some medicinal herbs to forge a unique medicinal solution..."
Zhang Xuan pondered for a moment before saying, "Let's head to the Apothecary Guild and look for an apothecary!"
Even though he was an official 3-star apothecary, he had obtained the slot through Pill Debate. It would be best for someone else to forge the medicinal solution for him.
"Yes!" The duo nodded.
The Apothecary Guild was a certain distance away from the Mystical Treasure Hall. The trio found a carriage and sat for roughly an hour before they arrived.
The Apothecary Guild of Miryu Empire was huge and vast. At the entrance was a stone cauldron more than ten meters tall, and it exuded an imposing aura.
Before they could get far, they could already smell the fragrance of medicinal herbs. Concentrated spiritual energy gushed into their pores, invigorating their spirits.
"This is the fragrance of pills. It seems like grade-5 pills have appeared here, and they are often forged!"
After taking a sniff, Zhang Xuan said with a smile.
Once a Grade Five Medicinal Pill was refined, it would produce a dense medicinal fragrance that would drift everywhere, causing the surrounding people to feel refreshed and energized.
There should be medicines of this level being successfully refined here, which was why there was such a strong smell.
"There's a 5-star apothecary here, so grade-5 pills aren't a problem at all!" Sun Qiang nodded.
The strongest person in the Miryu Empire's Alchemist Guild had already reached the peak of the Five Star Alchemist Guild, which was far superior to the other low-level Alchemist Guilds.
"Un, we are looking for a 5-star apothecary. Let's go to the reception to take a look!"
Zhang Xuan nodded.
The Great River Snake's Inner Core and Sorrow Severing Grass were extremely precious, and there was only one of them. Thus, there couldn't be any mistakes. Even if it was just the concoction of the medicinal solution, only a 5-star Alchemist would be able to do it. If the grade of the Alchemist was too low, it was easy for an accident to occur and the medicinal solution to go to waste.
"Sir, what do you need?"
The receptionist was an eighteen to nineteen-year-old young lady. She looked at Zhang Xuan with a bright smile.
"I wish to concoct a unique medicinal solution. May I know how much the 5-star apothecary here is willing to charge for it?"
Zhang Xuan asked.
Mingshi Tang could be purchased from the Apothecary Guild, and the Alchemist Guild could also provide the medicinal solution themselves.
The price of such a concoction was much lower than purchasing the pill directly. All one had to do was to spend some effort to gather some medicinal herbs.
"A 5-star apothecary?" The young lady was taken aback.
"Why? You don't have it? "Seeing the look on the young lady's face, Zhang Xuan frowned.
If that was the case, it would be troublesome. The Great River Snake that gave birth to the inner core was a Transcendent Mortal 7-dan cultivator in its previous life. Possessing immense vitality, it would be difficult for even a 4-star apothecary to suppress it.
Even the weakest 5-star apothecary was at Transcendent Mortal 6-dan Cosmos Bridge realm, so it would be much easier for them to control it.
"We do have it, but … an incredible 5-star apothecary came to the headquarters today, and he's currently conducting a lecture. All of the 5-star apothecaries in the guild have gone over to listen to his lecture, and even the 3-star and 4-star apothecaries have gone over to listen to his lecture. If you really wish to concoct the pill, can you come back tomorrow?"
After a moment of hesitation, the young lady said.
"Tomorrow?"
Zhang Xuan frowned.
The slots for the Cleansing Lake would be decided tonight, and it wouldn't be long before they entered the Cleansing Lake. If he were to delay for another day, he might not have that much time left.
"I can't wait until tomorrow. When will the lecture end? Can you help me arrange an appointment with a 5-star apothecary? "Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before asking.
"Arrange an appointment?" A troubled look appeared on the young lady's face. "I am only a receptionist. A 5-star apothecary is simply too difficult to arrange an appointment with."
She was only an apprentice receptionist at the front desk. Putting aside a 5-star apothecary, she wasn't even qualified to come into contact with a 3-star or 4-star apothecary.
"Furthermore, after the lecture, there will definitely be an exchange and learning session. At this moment, everyone is busy, so there shouldn't be anyone who can concoct the pill for them. No matter how much money you offer, I'm afraid that it will be difficult to hire one!"
With such an opportunity to exchange pointers, who would be willing to neglect their studies just to earn some money?
After all, even though the apothecaries from the headquarters might not be of a higher tier, their pill forging techniques and control over cauldrons were likely to be much more advanced. They were worth studying and learning from.
"This …"
Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.
No one would be willing to miss out on such a good opportunity. However, it was impossible for him to concoct the pill himself.
Putting aside the fact that it was still too late for him to learn pill forging, his cultivation was only at Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle. If something were to happen to the Great River Snake's inner core, there was no way he would be able to suppress it.
If he couldn't do it, and there weren't any apothecaries willing to take on the job … What should he do?
After pondering for a moment, Zhang Xuan asked, "Why don't we do it this way? Where is the lecture hall? Can you bring me there?"
It was impossible for him to wait for a 5-star apothecary to come out and forge the pill for him today. If it came down to it, he would just have to find one of them for help. Since they were both apothecaries, it should be easier for them to communicate with one another.
"Bring you there?" The young lady frowned. "That's a place where only apothecaries can go …"
"Oh, I'm an apothecary. It's just that I haven't taken the examination recently!"
With a flick of his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out his emblem.
His apothecary rank was only 3-star, which he had obtained back in Tianwu Kingdom. However, even so, it was already sufficient.
Grabbing the emblem, the young lady took a look at it and hurriedly bowed. "Oh, it's an apothecary! This way please!"
Even though a 3-star apothecary was inconspicuous in the Miryu Empire, his standing wasn't something that a mere attendant like her could compare to.
"Un!"
Zhang Xuan nodded. Bringing Sun Qiang and Zhang Xuan along, he followed behind the young lady.
The Apothecary Guild was massive. After walking for quite a while, they finally arrived at a vast hall.
"Lord, only apothecaries are allowed in to listen to the lecture. I'm not qualified to enter …"
Stopping, the young lady said apologetically.
"It's fine!" With a smile, Zhang Xuan took the emblem and pinned it on his chest. Then, he instructed Sun Qiang and Yuan Tao, "Wait here for a moment, I'll head over to take a look!"
After which, he walked into the hall.
The two of them weren't apothecaries, so naturally, they weren't allowed to enter as well.
Upon seeing the emblem pinned on Zhang Xuan's chest, the guards behind the door didn't stop him.
The hall was several hundred square meters in size, and it was hard to tell how many people were seated in it. They were all dressed in apothecary robes, and just like back in the Myriad Kingdom City, when Zhang Xuan participated in the selection with Ruohuan gongzi and the others.
Lifting his gaze, Zhang Xuan saw a person standing before a cauldron on a circular platform, explaining the forging process while forging pills.
Flames shot out in all directions. A pure white hand placed the herbs into the blazing furnace one by one. It was calm and steady.
"It's a young lady?"
Zhang Xuan was astonished.
He thought that the person who came from the headquarters would be an old man in his seventies or eighties, but to think that it would be a young lady in her twenties.
Female apothecaries had always been rare, and to be able to conduct a lecture for so many people, her rank must be high. Zhang Xuan couldn't help but turn his gaze over.
Dressed in a light purple robe, her long black hair was coiled around her head, and her eyes shone with wisdom. However, her face was as cold as snow, and there wasn't the slightest hint of emotion on it.
Her appearance wasn't beneath that of the Sixth Young Mistress. In fact, beneath the loose robe, one could vaguely see her graceful figure, which gave off a sense of beauty.
Her apothecary emblem was pinned on her chest, and five stars shone brightly on it. With a single look, it was clear that she was a 5-star apothecary!
"Forging pills requires one to be accompanied by the cauldron, and it can be said that she's a 5-star apothecary. Impressive!"
Zhang Xuan nodded his head in approval.
Skilled apothecaries were usually men. It wasn't that women were incapable, but the cauldron was extremely hot, and there were many different kinds of medicinal herbs. Furthermore, many of them grew in dangerous places, and the slightest carelessness could lead to danger.
As such, there were many women who were unwilling to learn this occupation.
Despite her young age, the young lady before him was already a 5-star apothecary. Her skills were profound, and her movements were smooth as flowing water... From this, it could be seen that not only was she talented, she must have put in a lot of effort as well.
Otherwise, it was impossible for her to reach such heights!
Talent was only a part of any occupation. What was more important was hard work.
Standing not too far away from the young lady was a white-bearded elder. Stroking his beard, he looked at Zhang Xuan with a look of praise.
"He should be the guild leader of this guild!"
Taking a look, Zhang Xuan deduced.
This elder had a majestic aura, and his cultivation was deep. With a single look, it was clear that his standing wasn't low. On top of that, he was standing behind the young lady and explaining the situation to the apothecaries in the hall. Even if he wasn't the guild leader, his standing shouldn't be low either.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have such a disposition.
Zhang Xuan walked around the hall, found an empty seat, and walked over.
As soon as he sat down, the calm voice of the lady on the stage sounded once more.
Her voice was crisp, reminiscent of the striking of jade, and it was pleasurable to hear. However, her tone carried a tinge of coldness.
"Green Nimbus Grass possesses a cold attribute. If placed directly into the cauldron, it will clash with the Cypress Flower. Thus, it has to be soaked in Sweet Fish Juice for two hours before it can be used. This way, the medicinal effects will be greater, and it will be easier to lower the temperature of the cauldron, thus raising the grade of the medicine by a notch!
"As for the Woodaltar Flower, it has to be paired with Ziying Water and placed under the blazing sun for five days in order to achieve the best effect. Otherwise, it will be placed at the very center of the pill forging process, where the cauldron is at its hottest and the flames are the most poisonous. The slightest carelessness will result in it being reduced to ashes..."
...
Occasionally, she would even introduce the forging technique and the basis of pill forging. Her words were logical and logical, and the crowd was intoxicated by her words, nodding their heads in agreement.
"Impartation of Heaven's Will? Could she be... a master teacher? "
Seeing the expressions on the faces of the crowd and the unique charm in her voice, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.
Even though the lady before him was lecturing according to the teachings of an apothecary, her voice was infused with Impartation of Heaven's Will, allowing others to better understand and learn from her.
Only a master teacher was capable of such a feat.
From the looks of it, the lady before him wasn't just an ordinary apothecary. Most likely, she was a 5-star master teacher as well.
It was just a moment ago that he met two twenty-year-old 5-star master teachers, and now, he was meeting another one. As expected of the Miryu Empire, it was filled with geniuses.
If these people were from the twenty-eight powers as well, putting aside becoming the champion, he would only be ranked fourth at the very most.
It wasn't that his knowledge was beneath that of a 5-star master teacher, but his fighting prowess was far beneath that of a 5-star master teacher. There was no way he could defeat them in a battle of strength.
"Since she's a master teacher, it'll be easier for me to communicate with her. Later on, I can get her to help me forge the medicinal solution..."
He was still wondering where he could find a 5-star apothecary to forge the solution for him, but since she was a master teacher, things would be much easier.
This medicinal solution was made from the inner core of a Transcendent Mortal 7-dan Great River Snake. If he wanted to maximize its effects, he would have to guide the other party along the right path. How could an ordinary 5-star apothecary listen to a 3-star apothecary like him?
Since they were both master teachers, as long as she didn't know his rank, it would be much easier for him to convince her.
"Thank you, everyone. This is my understanding of the grade-5 Spirit Cleansing Pill!"
Just as Zhang Xuan was thinking about how he should approach the other party to forge the medicinal solution for him, 'jiya!' The cauldron in front of him opened, and a concentrated medicinal aroma burst forth, filling the entire room.
Lifting his head, he saw a round and translucent pill appearing in the cauldron, and a pleasant fragrance drifted into the surroundings.
"A perfect grade-5 pill?"
"The Spirit Cleansing Pill is a grade-5 pinnacle pill, and it has always been difficult to forge. Even the guild leader would only be able to forge two out of ten cauldrons perfectly. Yet, she succeeded on her first try. As expected of an apothecary from the headquarters!"
"Furthermore, you might not know this, but on top of being an apothecary, she's a master teacher as well. Her pill forging techniques are meticulous, and her explanations are clear and organized. If you follow her instructions, your pill forging skills will surely soar!"
"Indeed. I have really benefited greatly from today's lesson. As expected of someone from Hongyuan Empire. Be it in terms of foundation or understanding of pill forging, he is far superior to us, and his explanations are also far more accurate!"
"Of course. The Apothecary School of Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy has a complete heritage on pill forging, much more so than our branch."
...
Seeing the pill rolling out, a huge commotion broke out beneath the stage.
In terms of grades, there were differences in strength between pills of the same tier, namely, Formation, Fullness, Perfection, and Inscribed Pill.
Formation of a pill under Formation of Pill Forging would allow one to clear the apothecary examination, and Fullness would be the cream of the crop.
At Perfection, one might not even succeed once in ten tries. Yet, this young lady before them, who seemed to only be in her twenties, was actually able to successfully forge a pill while explaining it to the apothecary. Her capability was truly incredible.
"Everyone, you can discuss it now. If you have any different suggestions, feel free to voice them. I will be able to learn from them!"
After placing down the pill that she had refined, the lady on the stage surveyed the surroundings with an indifferent expression.
"Apothecary Luo, I happen to have a question. The Spirit Cleansing Pill is beneficial to one's soul as well. During the forging process, one has to infuse one's soul energy into it. I have tried several times, but I was burned by the flames each time. May I know if you have any good suggestions?"
A 5-star apothecary at the very front row asked.
Since it was a discussion, naturally, everyone spoke their mind freely.
"The cauldron is extremely hot, and soul energy is gentle. If one were to enter it recklessly, one would surely be burned. Since that's the case, why should we infuse our soul energy into it? In the Spirit Cleansing Pill formula, there is a stalk of Sweet Heart Grass. This is a Spirit Creation medicinal herb, and it possesses its own spirit. "
Apothecary Luo nodded her head and explained, "As long as we control the spirit of this herb well before entering the cauldron, it will be able to neutralize the medicinal properties of the pill, thus achieving a calming effect!"
"I see!"
Coming to a realization, the 5-star apothecary nodded his head in gratitude.
"I have a question as well..."
Following which, another 5-star apothecary stood up.
Soon, six to seven 5-star apothecaries voiced their doubts. Apothecary Luo, who seemed to be in her early twenties, answered all of their questions without the slightest hint of panic. Not only so, she even made use of various sources to illustrate her doubts, leaving everyone in awe.
"Other than your questions, do you have any other suggestions? The reason why I am here today is to interact with all of you. If you have any opinions, feel free to voice them out! "
After explaining for a moment and confirming that there were no more questions, Apothecary Luo looked at the surroundings.
Recently, she had reached a bottleneck in her pill forging, and it was difficult for her to achieve a breakthrough. Her apothecary teacher had told her that she had to interact with other apothecaries so that she could improve.
This was also the reason why she was here to conduct a lecture.
She had to admit that this was a good method. Previously, when she was forging pills, she was only able to comprehend half of it. However, now that she was lecturing on it, her understanding of pill forging had deepened and deepened.
Even so, this wasn't enough.
She still wanted to listen to the opinions of others. Only through careful consideration would she be able to improve.
"Apothecary Luo, you must be jesting. You are so skilled in pill forging that we can't offer any opinions at all!"
"Indeed, your movements are flawless, and you managed to forge a Perfect Spirit Cleansing Pill. Even if we wanted to, we wouldn't be able to offer any opinions!"
"Your understanding of pill forging is far deeper than any of us. If not for your low cultivation, you would have been a 6-star apothecary by now. We dare not offer any opinions at all..."
...
Everyone shook their heads.
The person before them was from Hongyuan Empire. Not only was she a 5-star apothecary, she was also a master teacher. She didn't even have the time to guide them, let alone offer any opinions. Even if she did, they wouldn't be able to tell!
"Sigh!"
Seeing that everyone was shaking their heads, Apothecary Luo shook her head.
In Hongyuan Empire, everyone was wary of her identity and standing. Even if there was a problem, no one dared to voice it out. She thought that she would be able to gather some opinions here without anyone knowing, but to her surprise, she still ended up empty-handed.
"Do you really want to hear my opinions?"
Just as Apothecary Luo was feeling a little disappointed, a calm voice sounded from the crowd.
"Yes!" Apothecary Luo hurriedly nodded.
"Alright then … I only have one thing to say … After tossing and turning for so long, I'm so tired that I'm gasping for breath. You call this alchemy?"
(Two-in-one. Seeking monthly votes at the start of the month!)
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