Chapter 100: The Temple
It had to be said, a top-tier cauldron provided incredible benefits to an alchemist. It could perfectly insulate against the intense heat within, and even absorb the energy surges during pill fusion, preventing them from disturbing the alchemist outside—allowing full focus on the refining process.
Buzz~
As a ripple of visible violet energy spread outward, a thick medicinal fragrance filled the sealed chamber, resonating in steady waves.
Ling'er excitedly began circling the Black Demon Cauldron. Clearly, she was very interested in the pill being refined within.
Whoosh~
When Yao Yan opened the cauldron, a deep purple pill floated out, which he caught with ease. It was the same pill he had refined for the Amethyst Winged Lion King previously: the Amethyst Core Stabilizing Pill—a pill barely within the sixth tier. Its greatest effect was amplifying the power of the Companion Amethyst Source, making it ideal for helping Queen Medusa restore her depleted bloodline.
"Excellent quality, and the refining time was greatly reduced. As expected from one of the top cauldrons on the Heavenly Cauldron Rankings—the Black Demon Cauldron lives up to its name."
Yao Yan examined the pill, commented with satisfaction, and stored it away. Then he looked down at Ling'er, who was tugging at his robe. He rubbed her head and handed her a bottle of plant essence from his storage ring.
Giving her a pill would be wasteful. He wouldn't repeat that mistake.
Thrilled, Ling'er took the bottle and happily scampered to the side, gnawing away like a little glutton. Her fluffy ears drooped lazily as she wagged her tail in satisfaction.
Yao Yan glanced at the little foodie, then sat down cross-legged to recover his drained Dou Qi and soul power. Even now, refining a pill of that level still pushed his limits. Only after truly advancing to the Dou Ling stage would refining sixth-tier pills become easier for him.
Of course, that also had to do with Yao Yan's immense talent. Any other person at Dou Ling would never have such vast Dou Qi reserves—this was due to his Flame Mantra having reached the high Yellow level. Once it upgraded to Xuan level, his Dou Qi would grow even stronger.
Unless someone cultivated an Earth-rank technique at the Dou Ling level, it was almost impossible to match him.
But the higher the technique, the harsher the requirements. Most cultivators had no choice but to settle for Yellow or Xuan level skills.
"Time to keep refining."
Yao Yan glanced at the Companion Amethyst Source in his storage ring and decided to refine most of it into pills. Compared to swallowing the source raw, the pill form was better suited for human use—and a good way to temper his surging Dou Qi.
For an alchemist, the best training was continuous pill refining.
Each round of refinement sharpened their control over both Dou Qi and soul power. Those with unstable Dou Qi would never be able to produce high-quality pills.
…
This round of refining lasted over a month. Finally, the tightly sealed stone door opened, catching Hai Bodong's attention. He had remained outside the entire time, never wandering around the Snake-People's palace. After all, this wasn't his territory—caution was wise.
Yao Yan, looking a bit weary, exited the chamber with Ling'er in his arms. Seeing only Hai Bodong waiting, he asked in surprise, "Where's Caidie?"
"She's been detained by the Snake-People guards. After the elders found out she returned, they clashed hard with Queen Medusa. I don't know what the result of their negotiations was, but for now, Caidie's lost her freedom. I stayed here to keep watch."
Hai Bodong summed it up quickly and gave Yao Yan a helpless look.
This was internal tribal business—not something an outsider like him could interfere with.
Besides, someone had to wait for Yao Yan's return.
As a seasoned veteran, he knew that once Yao Yan completed the refinement, things would become much easier. The elders weren't unreasonable—if the benefits were enough, anything could be negotiated.
Yao Yan nodded and glanced outside. He could already sense Queen Medusa's presence. This chamber was her personal retreat—now that the door had opened, she would surely have noticed.
Sure enough, her alluring figure soon came into view. She looked at Yao Yan with a mix of coldness and urgency. "Did you finish the pills you promised?"
Yao Yan didn't speak. He simply tossed her a bottle. After she caught it, he explained, "Amethyst Core Stabilizing Pill—sixth-tier. There are two inside. They'll restore your lost bloodline and strengthen your body. The others will come once our deal is complete."
Queen Medusa opened the bottle and caught a whiff of the scent. Even just a breath alleviated the emptiness in her core. She no longer doubted him.
After storing the pills, she said seriously, "The elders want to see you. If you really want to take Caidie, you'll have to convince them yourself."
When she mentioned Caidie, a flicker of irritation crossed her eyes. That name was given to her sister by the very man in front of her—and her sister loved it so much, she'd been begging to name her "Cailin" in return. Queen Medusa had no choice but to accept.
"Good. I've been meaning to ask those old fossils if they're all brain-dead."
Yao Yan grinned. He didn't fully understand the Snake-People's customs, but having two Medusa Queens in one generation should be a blessing. Why had they forced one to kill the other? Did the Snake-People have some kind of internal power struggle? Weren't cultivation worlds supposed to operate on strength alone?
Seeing that Queen Medusa hadn't yet broken through to Dou Zong, he had a few theories.
Hai Bodong leaned in and whispered, "Want me to come with you?"
"The Snake-People's temple doesn't allow outsiders."
Queen Medusa cast a frosty glance at Hai Bodong. Her tone was distant. She only showed Yao Yan this much courtesy because of his talent and background. As for Hai Bodong—he was barely worth her notice. If anything, she treated him more like Yao Yan's attendant.
Yao Yan isn't your servant?!
Hai Bodong grumbled inwardly, but kept quiet. After all, Yao Yan was close to Caidie.
"Try one of these. It should work for you too."
Yao Yan handed Hai Bodong one of the pills and smiled. It was originally a modified Vital Essence Pill designed to strengthen one's core and aptitude—beneficial to anyone, though the effects varied.
He had plans to support Hai Bodong. The man had potential and a solid character—what he lacked was opportunity. And Yao Yan had plenty of that.
Hai Bodong froze, then glanced at Queen Medusa. Wasn't this pill meant for her?
Yao Yan clarified, "The main effect is improving aptitude. Queen Medusa's case is unique because the main ingredient happens to match her bloodline and can restore her core essence."
Hai Bodong nodded in understanding. He didn't question it further and bowed deeply—willing to give his life for Yao Yan now.
A sixth-tier pill that could enhance talent was worth a Dou Huang's loyalty.
Queen Medusa glanced at the lucky recipient, then turned to Yao Yan. "Let's go. With your alchemy talent, they won't dare push too hard."
She knew the elders well—stubborn, greedy, and opportunistic.
Yao Yan nodded. He wasn't worried. If those old snakes didn't know their place, he'd be happy to help Queen Medusa rewrite the tribe's rules. With two Medusa Queens, Hai Bodong, and himself, taking down four elders wouldn't be difficult.
Hai Bodong watched them leave. After the guards resumed their posts, he sat down, swallowed the pill, and began refining it.
A gentle energy surged through his body, awakening even his cells. It felt like a dry land being flooded. His Dou Qi began circulating faster, smoother, and old blockages cleared—like sludge flushed from a clogged canal.
…
While Hai Bodong enjoyed the pill's effects, Yao Yan admired Queen Medusa's seductive figure. Compared to Caidie's tail, her purple one was more alluring. Men, after all, had a thing for black and purple.
Girls in purple… always had a certain charm.
"If you want to keep your eyes, I'll gladly remove them."
Queen Medusa felt his bold gaze and gave him a cold, threatening look.
Yao Yan, shameless as ever, replied with a grin, "Admiring beauty is human nature. With someone as stunning as Your Majesty before me, it's only natural I'm captivated."
He even nodded, as if convinced by his own logic.
"If I'd known you were this kind of man, I'd never have let you near my sister," she snapped, clearly annoyed.
"What kind of man?"
Yao Yan raised a brow, genuinely curious about her first impression of him.
Queen Medusa didn't answer. Instead, she twisted her waist seductively and quickened her pace. She didn't want to argue about something that couldn't be undone. "If I had known…"—the world would have fewer regrets.
Yao Yan didn't press her. He followed quietly, admiring her as he walked.
Behind them, Hua She'er's eyes flickered strangely. It was the first time she'd seen the queen hold back her emotions. Usually, Queen Medusa was domineering and blunt—even the four elders didn't intimidate her.
But considering this human's connection to the other queen, she could sort of understand.
Before long, they reached the Snake-People's sacred temple.
It was a grand subterranean palace, magnificently decorated, its walls etched with carvings of serpentine magical beasts. Enormous snake heads loomed from above, and intricate formations surrounded the chamber, glowing with protective light.
Formations…
Yao Yan's interest was piqued. Although the Dou Qi Continent wasn't lacking in formations—the Soul Hall's blood sacrifice of Central Plains had used a massive one that took a thousand years to complete—they were mostly clan- or faction-based. Very few individuals specialized in them.
But in the Great Thousand World, formations were mainstream. There was even a profession: Formation Masters.
Yao Yan was already considering his options. Mastering formations on the Dou Qi Continent might be impractical, given the lack of inheritance. But simple ones were still worth learning.
If he ever got the chance to take over the Soul Hall's Central Plains array… it might pair nicely with his Devouring Spirit Tribe bloodline.
Too bad that kind of dark ritual was… morally questionable. Better to let the Soul Hall do the dirty work and reap the rewards later.
While his thoughts drifted, a towering hall came into view. Atop the platform sat four powerful Snake-People elders, each wearing an ancient mask—like a group of ancient priests.
These were the Four Great Elders.
"So, you're the human alchemist who took the traitor?" the lead elder said coldly before Yao Yan could speak, his tone stern and unwelcoming.
So hostile already?
Yao Yan raised an eyebrow, ready to retort—but Queen Medusa beat him to it.
"He is my guest. You'd better watch your tone."
(END CHAPTER)
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