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I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
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"How is it?"
"This 'Nine-Leaf Azure Furnace' of mine was modeled after an ancient alchemical furnace. It can withstand the flames of most spirit beasts."
Yue Guan patted the side of the furnace with a hint of pride.
Dai Chengfeng nodded in admiration. "Indeed, it's an excellent furnace! This place is far better than I expected."
"Ho ho, don't praise it too soon. Take a look at this!"
As Yue Guan spoke, he walked to a stone platform behind the furnace.
There was no firewood on the platform, only a fist-sized black crystal ball embedded in the center of an array diagram.
Within the crystal ball, a strange flame, resembling molten gold, flickered and burned steadily.
"This is the 'Earth Vein Golden Flame,' nurtured using a trace of my spirit 'Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum' essence."
Yue Guan pointed to the strange flame within the crystal ball, his tone turning serious. "Not only does its temperature rival that of Earth Vein Fire, but it surpasses it."
"Using it allows for nearly perfect extraction of the essence from herbs while burning away impurities. It easily activates the inherent properties of plant-based medicines, making their fusion smoother. The pills refined with it often carry a trace of the 'life force' of Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemums, significantly enhancing their quality."
"What do you think?"
"Isn't it far superior to the mixed fires drawn from Earth Veins? Isn't it sufficient for refining the high-grade pills you mentioned?"
Dai Chengfeng gazed at the 'flame'—both steady and dynamic—and felt the surging, pure power within. His eyes lit up.
He hadn't expected Yue Guan to surprise him like this!
Previously, Dai Chengfeng had been somewhat worried. After all, the success rate of refining Soul-Shaping Pills wasn't high. He had even considered that if the attempt failed, finding another rare herb like the Soul-Shaping Grass might take years.
But now!
With Yue Guan's top-tier setup, Dai Chengfeng estimated that the success rate of refining the Soul-Shaping Pill would increase by at least thirty percent!
Thinking this, Dai Chengfeng bowed slightly to Yue Guan. "This will do! The flame is pure and refined, indeed far superior to ordinary Earth Fire! Thank you, Elder Yue Guan, for your assistance!"
"You're thanking me too soon."
Yue Guan waved it off with a smile and then asked curiously, "Dai Chengfeng, where are your herbs? Let me see them. I can't stand seeing good herbs wasted."
Dai Chengfeng nodded without objection and took out the herbs he had prepared earlier, especially the key ingredients: Soul-Shaping Grass, century-old Snow Lotus core, Ice Spirit Cold Spring Grass, and others.
As for the materials for the Great Rejuvenation Pill, Dai Chengfeng decided to hold back.
After all, the effects of the Soul-Shaping Pill were highly specialized. Dai Chengfeng wouldn't need to refine it again in the future. Even if the recipe leaked, almost no one would have use for such a pill that merely ensured mental clarity and temporarily prevented soul degradation.
The Great Rejuvenation Pill, however, was different.
Its versatility in purifying and strengthening the body was so broad that any soul master could benefit from it, often with remarkable results. If the formula leaked, it would undoubtedly cause unnecessary trouble.
Meanwhile…
Yue Guan examined the herbs Dai Chengfeng had taken out. He extended his finger and lightly tapped in the air.
Threads of soul power stretched out, gently brushing over the herbs.
"Hmm… Aside from this precious Soul-Shaping Grass, the age of the other herbs is mediocre, but their medicinal properties are relatively well-preserved… However, the Ice Spirit Cold Spring Grass requires careful heat control, or it could burn easily… And the Soul-Shaping Grass… Sigh!"
As Yue Guan commented, he sighed softly and subtly glanced at Dai Chengfeng, his meaning clear:
'Kid, I'm not reassured leaving such a valuable herb as Soul-Shaping Grass in your hands. If you understand what I mean, why don't you let me handle it?'
However, Dai Chengfeng, who usually seemed perceptive, appeared completely oblivious to Yue Guan's implications. Instead, he directly approached the control crystal ball of the Earth Vein Golden Flame, closed his eyes, and focused, preparing to begin the alchemy.
'Why isn't Dai Chengfeng picking up on my hint now?'
Seeing this, Yue Guan frowned slightly. But ultimately, due to Dai Chengfeng's status, even though he deeply cherished the rare Soul-Shaping Grass and feared it being mishandled, he couldn't bring himself to say anything further.
"Fine, fine," Yue Guan shook his head helplessly. "If he fails, I'll step in and see if I can salvage anything."
While Yue Guan was lost in thought, Dai Chengfeng had already reopened his eyes.
His gaze became intensely focused, and a steady, vast spiritual energy began to permeate the alchemy room!
Buzz—
Accompanied by a low hum, Dai Chengfeng didn't touch the crystal ball but instead gestured in the air. The spiritual energy at the Soul Douluo level instantly transformed into countless invisible threads, precisely controlling the core of the Earth Vein Golden Flame!
In the next moment, the Earth Vein Golden Flame within the crystal ball trembled violently, radiating brilliant light as golden flames surged upward!
Boom—!
The Nine-Leaf Azure Furnace was instantly enveloped in warm yet intense golden flames. Ancient runes on the furnace lit up one by one, emitting radiant light, and the temperature in the entire alchemy room rose.
"I didn't expect… he's not entirely ignorant of alchemy…"
Yue Guan watched Dai Chengfeng's actions with slight surprise.
However, this was only the beginning. Even if Dai Chengfeng appeared proficient, Yue Guan wasn't too shocked, thinking perhaps Dai Chengfeng had studied books on the subject.
The real test would be the actual process of refining the medicine.
That was a process impossible to master perfectly without hundreds or thousands of 'practical' experiences…
By now, the temperature of the Nine-Leaf Azure Furnace had stabilized, and Dai Chengfeng nodded in satisfaction.
His spiritual energy split into countless threads, acting like the most flexible and precise hands. Following the sequence and timing he had learned in his previous life, he accurately lifted and inserted each herb, including the Soul-Shaping Grass, through different openings into the furnace!
"Snow Lotus Core, melt!"
"Soul-Shaping Grass, enter!"
"Cold Spring Grass, protect its essence…"
Dai Chengfeng's movements flowed smoothly, without the slightest hesitation, and every addition of herbs was perfectly timed.
It was clear that he possessed a profound understanding of both the flames and the medicinal properties of the herbs.
"Wha… What???"
Beside him, Yue Guan, who had been mentally preparing to intervene and "rescue" the Soul-Shaping Grass at any moment, froze in shock!
His long, seductive eyes widened to the size of saucers, his mouth slightly agape, as if an egg could fit inside!
"This… this… this… how is this possible?"
He watched as Dai Chengfeng, like the most seasoned master of alchemy, meticulously controlled the timing, position, and heat exposure for each herb…
He observed Dai Chengfeng manipulating the unruly Earth Vein Golden Flame with effortless precision, calm and composed, as if it were second nature…
Wave after wave of shock crashed over Yue Guan like a tsunami!
"This technique… this understanding of herbs… this absolutely cannot be the work of a beginner!"
"This is clearly the mastery of someone who has immersed themselves in this art for decades, perhaps even longer! How could I… have misjudged him?!"
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