Time drifted by, and the three-month deadline neared.
In a side hall of the Snake-People's temple, Xiao Bai focused intently on the Ebony Cauldron before him. Several herbs floated within, as he refined a fourth-tier pill—Green Spirit Blood-Forging Pill. Crafted from Earth Demon Root, Sky Jade Branch, and a fourth-tier earth-attribute beast core, it bolstered physical strength, effective for the Dou Ling stage.
Since arriving at the holy city, Yao Lao had given him a pharmacopoeia, detailing the properties of countless continental herbs and his centuries of alchemy experience, alongside over a hundred pill recipes. Familiar names like Dou Spirit Pill, Emperor Extreme Pill, and Sect-Breaking Pill sparked Xiao Bai's idea to trade for herbs with Queen Medusa.
True to her word, Medusa sent her guard, Hua She'er, the next day with herbs and cores, mostly fire and earth types. The Snake-People, with their yin-cold constitutions, lacked alchemists, trading acquired herbs and cores with desert merchants for pills, food, and essentials, leaving their reserves modest. The delivery wasn't vast for a tribe, but for Xiao Bai's practice, it sufficed.
Medusa, seemingly embarrassed, had Hua She'er relay that Xiao Bai could ask for more, which he declined. Can't demand more—she's too poor. Robbing her feels wrong. Hua She'er mentioned some items were hastily bartered from the city overnight.
"Xiao Bai, focus! The properties are nearly fused!" Yao Lao snapped, seeing him distracted.
These months, Yao Lao stayed close, witnessing Xiao Bai's unique alchemy, which shattered his worldview. He'd speculated about Xiao Bai's methods after seeing Little Yi and Little Bing, but seeing it firsthand was staggering. With those lightning seeds, who needs fire or wood attributes, or flame sources? Xiao Bai's quip—"Alchemy shouldn't be so cumbersome!"—nearly prompted Yao Lao to thump him. Your method's rarer than those! Alchemist apprentices are scarce, but you're one-of-a-kind.
"Earth Demon Root is yin, Sky Jade Branch is yang. Time it right, add the earth core essence to balance… yes, like that!" Yao Lao guided, brimming with pride. Teaching Xiao Bai was effortless—he grasped concepts instantly, even innovating. Yao Lao's gaze softened. This kid's a gem. A pity he's not my disciple.
Though Xiao Bai's lightning-fire method was unorthodox, Yao Lao's vast experience, paired with Xiao Bai's sparks of genius, refined both their skills. This method yields purer pills with stronger effects than pure fire alchemy.
"Done!" Xiao Bai exclaimed, a round, cyan pill appearing in his hand.
"Not bad. The energy's top-tier for a fourth-tier pill. Congrats, Xiao Bai—you're a fourth-tier alchemist now!" Yao Lao inspected it, smiling.
"Haha, thanks to your guidance, Senior. My rough foundations are much sturdier now," Xiao Bai said.
"No need for modesty. With your soul force and talent, and your basics now solid, six-tier pills are within reach. Seven-tier might take time, but six is a breeze," Yao Lao said, not exaggerating. Unlike other alchemists limited by cultivation—Dou Qi draining too fast—Xiao Bai's lightning seeds meant minimal consumption beyond soul force.
"An elder at home is a treasure indeed! Yao Lao, I'm half-tempted to keep you from Xiao Yan," Xiao Bai teased, stretching lazily.
These months had endeared him to the old man. Yao Lao was a fine friend and mentor, though Xiao Bai sensed caution in him, likely from Han Feng's betrayal. The old Yao Lao might've been more fun.
"Forget it! You're too restless for my old bones. Xiao Yan's docile, clueless—keeps me at ease," Yao Lao said, stroking his beard, eyes twinkling as he waved off the idea.
"Heh," Xiao Bai chuckled, unconvinced. Docile? You're in for a surprise. That kid's more trouble than me. Noticing the darkened sky, he stepped out, leaping onto the rooftop, savoring the cool night breeze.
For nearly three months, he'd barely left the hall, immersed in Yao Lao's pharmacopoeia or refining pills, undisturbed and detached from the outside. Pulling a jug of aged wine from his ring, he sipped, gazing at the central temple. Tomorrow's her evolution day, isn't it?
He had doubts about Medsua's evolution. Altering the novel's timeline made its success uncertain. Lost in thought, a faint spatial ripple stirred, and a red-clad figure appeared beside him.
Turning, he saw her familiar, enchanting face, curvaceous form, and icy, regal demeanor. Xiao Bai grinned. "Your Majesty, long time no see."
Medusa glanced at him, nodding faintly, catching a whiff of medicinal fragrance. A hidden alchemist? She dismissed the thought—this mysterious human, shadowed by overt and covert powerhouses, was bound to have quirks. "Ready?" she asked.
"Mm," Xiao Bai replied.
Speechless, he noted her brevity, the air echoing their rooftop talk three months ago. Silence fell as they overlooked the city. After half an hour, her red figure vanished soundlessly, a few words drifting on the wind: "Tomorrow, I'll trouble you."
Xiao Bai shook his head, catching her lingering scent. Can't she just say it to my face? Always with the wind.