When refining top-tier pills, the moment of pill formation is often accompanied by misty energy that evolves into the shapes of dragons and tigers. This isn't just a symbolic phenomenon—it also acts as a protective barrier for the pills themselves. The higher the grade and quality of the pill, the stronger this misty energy becomes, and the more potent the manifested dragon and tiger energies will be. These manifestations can help resist the incoming Pill Tribulation, allowing the pills to form successfully.
Typically, such tribulations are resisted by the pills themselves through the strength of their mist-born guardians. If the dragon and tiger energies fail to withstand the tribulation, the alchemist may intervene personally. Should both fail, and if no outside aid is available, the pills are often destroyed by the tribulation.
Refining a top-grade pill is never as simple as it sounds. But if the process reaches the point of attracting a tribulation, success is already within reach. Once the tribulation is passed, everything naturally falls into place.
Boom!!
A thunderous crash echoed as a bolt of tribulation lightning struck down from the heavens. A battle tiger formed from pill energy immediately leaped skyward to meet it head-on. The two collided, and the tiger trembled violently, dimming significantly. However, a second bolt of tribulation lightning followed right behind. This time, it was the pill-formed dragon that surged upward to block the strike, fully deflecting the attack. Though both dragon and tiger appeared dimmed, they had not dispersed.
With the successful deflection of the two strikes, the tribulation clouds in the sky began to dissipate.
For top alchemists, Pill Tribulations are a common occurrence. Their intensity and number depend on the number and grade of the pills within the furnace. In this case, the tribulation consisted of only two bolts. Once both were resisted, it naturally vanished. At the same time, a mystical fortune energy descended from the heavens and flowed into the pill furnace.
Tribulations are calamities—but also opportunities for transformation. If the pills survive the tribulation, not only are they successfully formed, but their quality is often elevated, sometimes dramatically so. This is why most alchemists welcome pill tribulations.
The value of a pill rises exponentially with every improvement in grade or quality.
"Open!!"
With the tribulation over, the Medicine King knew the time was right to open the furnace. With a wave of his hand and a soft shout, the previously sealed furnace split open, revealing eight vents. From these, a stream of radiant pills shot out, each glowing with divine light—and each clearly displaying various "spirit apertures".
Two-aperture pills!
Three-aperture pills!
Four!
Five!
There were pills of every grade from two to five apertures—except for six and seven. Notably, there were no one-aperture pills, which were the lowest grade. This meant the overall quality was exceptionally high. Of the eight pills produced:
Three had two apertures
One each had three and four
And an impressive three pills had five apertures
This level of success—eight pills in total, with high average quality and purity reaching 90%—was astonishing.
"Marvelous! Truly astounding alchemy. The Medicine King lives up to his title. Not only did he succeed in refining Exquisite Pills, but the yield is incredible—eight pills in one batch, all with outstanding purity. These are barely a step away from perfect-grade pills. A bit more and they'll be classified as spiritual-grade."
Even though none of the pills reached the mythical ten-aperture level, the Medicine King and surrounding cultivators were all visibly satisfied. Results like these left nothing to complain about.
"Well then, fellow Daoists, I've been fortunate today—eight Exquisite Pills have emerged. I'll offer all of them for trade. The price will vary depending on the number of apertures. If you're interested, step forward."
The Medicine King chuckled as he spoke. Clearly, he was pleased with the results. One by one, cultivators stepped up—both humans and non-humans. Here, race was irrelevant. Everyone seemed well-practiced in this sort of transaction. Those prepared offered spirit herbs and rare fruits in exchange, and the Medicine King selected what he needed with a smile, completing the trades swiftly before vanishing from view.
"Dantian Life Aperture… Immortal Garden Life Diagram…"
Yi Tianxing's eyes gleamed with thought as he watched the Medicine King. An idea flashed across his mind.
He himself possessed the Dantian Life Aperture, and had already condensed his second Life Diagram, named Immortal Garden. It was constructed using the Dantian and Spring apertures, further supported by five elemental apertures—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth. The resulting diagram resembled an independent cave heaven, ideal for cultivating spiritual herbs. Any herb could thrive within it—an alchemist's dream.
Though the basic version of the Immortal Garden only required the Dantian and Spring apertures, Yi Tianxing had opted for a more complex formation using additional life apertures.
He wasn't sure how many apertures the Medicine King had used to construct his own garden, but from the subtle intuition he felt, the Medicine King definitely possessed one. That much was certain.
Then again, it wasn't surprising. With his expertise and status, it would be strange not to possess such a garden. Being able to plant and harvest one's own rare materials is the dream of every alchemist—and a massive convenience.
Clearly, the spirit herbs obtained today were for planting in his garden, ensuring a steady future supply.
The Exquisite Pills he had refined were naturally in high demand. They were all quickly traded away. Afterward, the surrounding cultivators respectfully took their leave.
The Medicine King remained smiling throughout—his good mood evident. His gains this time were well worth the effort, and his Immortal Garden now held several new rare herbs.
"Senior Sun, your alchemy has reached yet another peak. It seems you're not far from refining a perfect ten-aperture pill. Allow me to congratulate you in advance."
Li Zhilin stepped forward without hesitation, smiling as he addressed the Medicine King with clear familiarity.
"So it's you, Pavilion Master. You flatter me. Alchemy is boundless. What I've mastered is but the surface. There's still much to learn."
The Medicine King's response was calm and humble, showing no arrogance—only sincere humility.
"Looks like we've got a distinguished guest."
The Medicine King's gaze now landed on Yi Tianxing. His eyes were calm but sharp—capable of piercing all illusions. Whatever minor concealments Yi Tianxing had used were meaningless before him.
He had seen through Yi Tianxing's identity at a glance.
But he showed no shock—only quiet understanding.
"Haha, Senior Sun, come, let's return to the Gathering Heroes Pavilion. I've brought some excellent wine this time—we can drink and talk at leisure."
Li Zhilin laughed and gestured, clearly indicating that this was not the best place for deeper conversation.
"Very well."
The Medicine King nodded in agreement.
The Gathering Heroes Pavilion was located within Blazing Flame City, not far from the plaza.
The building had nine levels, occupying considerable space. It functioned as both a restaurant and trading hub. The first two floors served food and drink, the third and fourth hosted trade, the fifth and sixth offered lodging, the seventh and eighth housed elite residents, and the ninth floor was Li Zhilin's personal domain.
The place bustled with life—understandable, given the number of cultivators of all races. Facing death daily, they seized every chance to relax.
Yi Tianxing and the Medicine King were led straight to the ninth floor.
The space above was luxurious and vast. Li Zhilin issued a few casual commands, and an array of delicious dishes and rare delicacies were promptly brought up. He personally poured wine for Yi Tianxing and Sun Simiao, but did not sit down—remaining respectfully standing. His attitude made his stance crystal clear: he knew his place.
The wine came from a thousand-year-old jar of Daughter's Red, buried underground and long aged. Upon opening, its fragrance filled the room. He poured it into their cups without reserve.
"Senior Sun, I imagine you've already guessed this—this is the true master behind the Gathering Heroes Pavilion, the one we are loyal to, and the ruler of the number one fortune dynasty under Heaven: the Emperor of Great Yi."
Li Zhilin began the introductions smoothly, opening the conversation.
"Emperor Yi in person? Of course I saw that. My eyes aren't blind."
The Medicine King chuckled, eyes sharp as ever. "It is a great honor to meet Your Majesty face to face. You've brought great glory to us humans."
Yi Tianxing smiled mildly and replied:
"It's nothing, really. This is merely what we humans must do. I only did what I should have. Step by step, I reached this point. Even I never expected it. You could say I was simply lucky. Among our people, there are countless talented individuals. All they need is time. Given that, they'll rise and become pillars of our race."