At this moment, Yue Guan's mind was in turmoil. His earlier assumption that Dai Chengfeng was an inexperienced youth had completely evaporated, replaced by a strong sense of confusion, curiosity, and even… a hint of unspoken admiration?
He realized that many of Dai Chengfeng's techniques for judging medicinal properties, as well as his methods for combining the effects of herbs—let alone his ability to refine pills without relying on soul power—were simply…
Beyond Yue Guan's imagination!
He had never heard of or seen anything like it—it was as if Dai Chengfeng had invented an entirely new method of alchemy.
If Dai Chengfeng knew what Yue Guan was thinking, he would have surely laughed.
After all, his alchemical techniques were derived from the wisdom of countless Taoist sages from the Ancient Xia era.
On the other hand, in the world of Douluo Continent, the existence of soul power made their practitioners incredibly strong. However, precisely because of this, very few people chose to abandon cultivating soul power in favor of focusing solely on alchemy.
Even among the Breaking Clan, who were renowned for their alchemical expertise, their prodigies still prioritized soul power over alchemy.
Moreover, due to the prevalence of soul power, the alchemy practiced in this world relied heavily on soul power as an auxiliary tool, rather than emphasizing the natural synergy between the properties of different herbs.
As a result, when it came to precision and finesse, the alchemical methods of the Douluo Continent couldn't possibly compare with Dai Chengfeng's.
The refinement of the Soul-Shaping Pill continued…
By now, Yue Guan didn't dare to say a word, nor even breathe too loudly, for fear of disturbing Dai Chengfeng.
All of his attention was focused on Dai Chengfeng's movements and the gradually intensifying aroma emanating from the furnace.
Time passed.
Within the furnace, golden flames surged. A viscous liquid, akin to molten gemstones yet distinctly layered, slowly rotated, compressed, and fused within the flames.
As Dai Chengfeng added the final auxiliary ingredients, a vortex seemed to form at the center of the liquid essence. Astonishing medicinal properties and immense energy began to brew and compress furiously deep within the vortex!
The fragrance seeping out through the cracks of the furnace lid grew even more potent, transitioning from a fresh scent to something intoxicating.
Yue Guan's heartbeat involuntarily quickened: "This is… about to… solidify into pills?!"
Gritting his teeth, Yue Guan felt a pang of envy.
He recalled his own experiences refining high-grade pills. How many days and nights had he spent laboring over each batch?
His soul power had to be meticulously controlled at every moment, not a single thread of slack allowed, lest a moment's carelessness result in failure.
This often left him mentally exhausted after each session, with soreness in his back and limbs, feeling utterly drained.
It truly felt as though refining a pill was akin to enduring a battle against an opponent of equal strength!
And yet, here before him stood this young man in white, Dai Chengfeng…
Not only were his alchemical techniques bizarre and unprecedented, but what left Yue Guan feeling absurdly defeated was that he hadn't used even a trace of soul power throughout the entire process. Instead, he relied solely on his impeccable technique and profound understanding of medicinal properties.
"How can there exist an alchemical method in this world that doesn't rely on soul power but instead depends entirely on the inherent synergies of the herbs themselves?"
"Comparing myself to others really makes me want to die of frustration!"
Yue Guan silently lamented, a wave of indescribable bitterness and inadequacy washing over him.
Watching Dai Chengfeng refine pills had completely overturned his understanding of alchemy. It was as if a frog at the bottom of a well had suddenly glimpsed the vast expanse of the cosmos. Beyond shock, all that remained was a deep questioning of his past knowledge and a sense of helplessness.
And while Yue Guan's mind was swirling with mixed emotions, the changes within the furnace had already reached completion.
Buzz—!
A low yet penetrating hum resonated from within the furnace.
The intoxicating fragrance seeping from the cracks of the lid abruptly condensed, and then three translucent, soul-light-infused pills, each the size of a longan fruit, rose gracefully from the furnace like pearls!
The Soul-Shaping Pills were complete! Three pills formed in one go!
"Not bad!"
Dai Chengfeng nodded, retrieving two white jade bottles and placing two of the Soul-Shaping Pills inside.
As for the third pill hovering above the furnace, Dai Chengfeng did not collect it. Instead, he placed it back into the furnace.
"Huh?"
Seeing this, Yue Guan was puzzled.
What was the meaning behind this? The Soul-Shaping Pills were already complete…
The next moment, Yue Guan's eyes widened further as Dai Chengfeng retrieved several more herbs—Cinnabar Grass, Warming Palace Flower, and even the juice of Silver Dew Vine.
"These are herbs that nourish women and promote certain unique physiological functions in females. The Silver Dew Vine, in particular, has a remarkable effect on stimulating lactation…"
"What is he doing by adding these?!"
Countless thoughts raced through Yue Guan's mind, but he still couldn't understand.
After all, the Soul-Shaping Pill was meant to nourish the soul. These feminine, Yin-attributed herbs were completely unrelated!
No matter how you looked at it, these herbs shouldn't be added to a Soul-Shaping Pill.
In the end, however, Yue Guan forcibly suppressed his urge to intervene.
After all, he had just witnessed Dai Chengfeng's extraordinary and unparalleled alchemical process.
"He must have his reasons for doing this… right?"
The furnace heated up again as the Cinnabar Grass, Warming Palace Flower, and other herbs began to melt. Gradually, the liquid was absorbed by the Soul-Shaping Pill.
Once the pill had fully absorbed the liquid, a satisfied smile finally appeared on Dai Chengfeng's face as he stopped the flames.
Then, he retrieved a tightly sealed black jade bottle and carefully stored this specially "modified" Soul-Shaping Pill separately.
"Phew…"
Soon, the flames extinguished.
Upon seeing that Dai Chengfeng had finished refining, Yue Guan finally shifted his gaze from the furnace to Dai Chengfeng himself.
Looking at Dai Chengfeng's youthful and handsome face, all traces of competitiveness and even his seniority as an elder vanished.
Excitedly stepping forward with shining eyes and a broad smile, Yue Guan half-jokingly bowed deeply to Dai Chengfeng.
"Dai Chengfeng… no, Master Dai!"
"Today, my eyes have been opened wide, and I am truly in awe! I… I humbly ask, may I become your disciple? To learn this… extraordinary alchemical art from you?"
Dai Chengfeng was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter, quickly sidestepping the bow and extending a hand to steady Yue Guan.
"Elder Yue Guan, please don't do this!"
"You are a renowned Title Douluo, a revered elder. I am merely fortunate to possess some secret techniques. I am unworthy of being called 'Master,' let alone taking you as my disciple!"
Yue Guan straightened up, feigning an exaggerated expression of regret, but the admiration in his eyes remained undiminished:
"Alas, Master Dai… please don't be modest. Your alchemical techniques are like a dimensional strike to an old man like me!"
"In my entire life, I've never seen anyone refine pills the way you do!"
"Truly miraculous, truly miraculous!"
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