Chapter 308: Fourth-Level Pill Refiner

I suppose I've become half a protector of the Path.

Sitting in the carriage, Yunhe couldn't help but mock himself.

According to his agreement with Qi Zhou Chang Kong, he must not only safeguard Zhen Zhu's safety, but also, when she has the chance to break through to the Fourth Level, act as her guardian and even lend her a hand.

Of course.

How to help, and how much force to exert, naturally depends on Yunhe himself.

That is why it's called "half".

"Whether I guard the Path or not, if she can cultivate to the Fourth Level, it counts as assistance for me."

Given Yunhe's cautious nature, he has naturally placed enough seals and contingencies on Zhen Zhu; with his current spiritual sense strength, even if Zhen Zhu were to luckily break through to the Fourth Level, she could never escape the restraints he set.

In the end, helping Zhen Zhu is the same as helping himself, and Yunhe is perfectly clear on that.

Therefore, even without the agreement with Qi Zhou Chang Kong, he would still act when the time comes.

However, if Zhen Zhu proves ungrateful and later tries to shake off his help when her wings harden, his corpse‑refining methods and corpse‑soul gu are not idle; at worst he'll just add another Yuan Ying corpse‑refining.

In any case, he promised to preserve a strand of Qi Zhou Chang Kong's bloodline, but never explicitly said it was Zhen Zhu.

His thoughts arrived at that point.

Yunhe said softly, "Zhen Zhu."

"Young master?"

Hearing this, Zhen Zhu, seated at the front of the carriage, lifted the curtain and looked inside, "Young master, would you like some tea?"

Zhen Zhu had already memorized Yunhe's tea ceremony during his leisure.

Upon hearing that, Yunhe smiled, "I heard on Wind Rest Island that you also understand some music; let's give it a try."

"Oh."

Zhen Zhu nodded, lowered the curtain, and took a multicolored conch from her storage bag, placing it to her lips.

As she gently blew, a melodious sound like a valley echoed in a marine tone, completely different from the Wind Rest Taoist's style, yet it had its own charm.

After listening for a while, Yunhe nodded.

He didn't understand music, but felt it made his mood more pleasant.

While calming his mind, he also recalled the gains from this outing.

"The Hundred Birds Embracing Pill Cauldron, the Vajra Furious Gaze divine skill of the Buddhist esoteric sect, and the scales of Qi Zhou Golden‑Eyed Beast—'Phoenix Marrow Crystal'—were unexpected delights."

The scales of the Qi Zhou Golden‑Eyed Beast were part of his plan; using them to reinforce the Demon‑Quelling Armor would certainly boost its defense.

One of the true demon race's seven supreme treasures, the Demon‑Quelling Armor, is forged from the 'Four Saints Four Spirits' scale armor; the Qi Zhou Golden‑Eyed Beast, possessing a qilin bloodline, counts as one of the 'Four Saints'.

After all, his Demon‑Quelling Armor was originally crafted by imitation.

And the Buddhist esoteric sect's Vajra Furious Gaze divine skill is the eye technique he seeks; though it's far better than he imagined, it also formed a main purpose for attending this exchange fair.

The Hundred Birds Embracing Pill Cauldron was more unexpected, but obtaining it at the exchange fair was still normal.

Only the 'Phoenix Marrow Crystal' truly was an unforeseen gain.

"With the 'Phoenix Marrow Crystal', we could now forge those Ice Phoenix Twin Wings."

However, the Ice Phoenix Twin Wings are of a high tier; with his current alchemy level, his confidence is low.

"If the chance arises, first finding a set of wings to practice with wouldn't be a problem."

In the Yao Shou Shijie, obtaining material comparable to those Ice Phoenix Twin Wings is difficult, but acquiring a pair of third‑level demon beast wings, with a hint of Luan‑Phoenix bloodline, only requires a bit more time and effort and isn't too hard.

When he first condensed the Lesser Five‑Element Spirit Body, the Earth Element Spirit Beast's essence blood was assembled in this way.

Finally, Yunhe took out the Jade Slip recording the Vajra Furious Gaze skill and examined it carefully.

He returned to Ice Immortal Hall.

It didn't cause much commotion.

After returning the Cold Chant Jiao to the Cold Pool, Yunhe entered his own cave dwelling.

However this time, he didn't place Zhen Zhu outside the cave; instead, he led her inside for the first time.

Entering Yunhe's cultivation site for the first time, Zhen Zhu felt a bit uneasy.

When she saw Yunhe's extremely plain cave dwelling, she was even more surprised.

She had assumed that a cultivator like Yunhe, whose Cultivation Base had reached the Yuan Ying realm, would have a cave filled with dazzling colors and splendid aura, or at least brimming with pearl‑like jade.

But the main hall of the cave had nothing beyond a table and a few chairs.

Although Zhen Zhu's status among the marine clan was special, her cultivation was decent; her grandfather was also the Seventh Elder of the Qi Zhou clan and had seen some fourth‑level marine clan caves.

Every fourth‑level marine cultivator's dwelling was extravagantly decorated, inlaid with all sorts of colorful pearl shells.

Only then could they display their status.

But this also matched some of her perceptions of Yunhe.

As Yunhe's maid, her position in Ice Immortal Hall was very special; even the hall's master, Bing Gui Xianzi, dared not offend her easily, and her own Cultivation Base was not weak, even a step stronger than Bing Gui Xianzi's.

Thus, conversations among some disciples in Ice Immortal Hall could not escape her perception, and she heard many remarks about Yunhe from them.

For example, a Late Jie Dan Stage cultivator returned to the sect, becoming the senior grand elder, slaying invading Late Jie Dan cultivators to protect the sect.

Or, using Late Jie Dan Stage power against a Yuan Ying cultivator, the Ten Thousand Ghost Patriarch of the Ghost Sect, not only shattered the Patriarch's clone but also returned safely, causing Ice Snow Hall's standing in Wu Nation to rise, now second only to Snow Sword Sect.

Moreover, she heard that Elder Feng, the senior grand elder of Ice Snow Hall, was a hard‑working ascetic who often closed himself off, and rumors of his attractiveness to women were baseless.

And so on.

This was also a major reason why Zhen Zhu's view of Yunhe changed.

Seeing his cave confirmed the rumors of him being a 'hard‑working ascetic'.

While Zhen Zhu was pondering, Yunhe said, "My cave still has three vacant chambers; you may choose one to reside in. The remaining two are also yours to use if needed. The rest are sealed with restraints; do not trespass arbitrarily, or bear the consequences yourself."

"Zhen Zhu understands, young master," the startled Zhen Zhu quickly replied.

Yunhe nodded, turned, and headed toward the alchemy chamber.

Having a maidservant means that if fellow cultivators come to visit, it won't feel dull anymore.

Translation: With a maidservant, if fellow cultivators visit in the future, it will finally not seem monotonous.

We need to keep it concise but retain all meaning. Let's produce: "With a maidservant, if fellow cultivators visit in the future, it will finally not seem monotonous."

Upon entering the alchemy chamber, Yunhe retrieved the Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron, unleashed a seal, and wrapped it with magical power to begin the ritual refining.

Translation: After entering the alchemy room, Yunhe took out the Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron, cast a seal, and wrapped it with magical power to begin the ritual refining.

We need to keep "seal" as "seal". "magical power" as "magical power". "ritual refining" as "ritual refining". Good.

Even just in the process of refining, he could sense that this cauldron was different from his previous one.

Translation: Merely during the refining process, he could feel that this cauldron differed from the one he had used before.

"Indeed, it is the inherited cauldron of the Dan Ding Sect."

Though it's only a replica, if it were the real thing, probably none of the cultivators present would dare to take any interest in this cauldron.

Translation: Although it is not genuine but merely an imitation, if it were the real thing, probably none of the cultivators present then would dare show any interest in this cauldron.

Though the Dan Ding Sect's cultivators aren't especially powerful, the sect is full of alchemy masters, particularly its sole early Nascent Soul ancestor, who is said to be the most likely in the cultivation world to become a fifth-rank alchemist.

Translation: The Dan Ding Sect, although its disciples' cultivation base is not strong, are all alchemy masters within the sect, especially the sect's sole Nascent Soul early-stage elder, who is said to be the person most likely to become a fifth-level alchemist in the entire cultivation world.

It's unclear how many Nascent Soul sects maintain friendly relations with the Dan Ding Sect.

Translation: I do not know how many Nascent Soul sects are on good terms with the Dan Ding Sect.

If one were to offend the Dan Ding Sect, they might find that many Nascent Soul cultivators would be tempted by the extremely valuable pills they could offer as rewards.

Translation: Offending the Dan Ding Sect, if they were to offer extremely precious elixirs as rewards, many Nascent Soul cultivators might be tempted.

Being just a replica, it wouldn't cause such a big reaction.

Translation: If it were merely a replica, it would not provoke such a strong reaction.

Yunhe spent three days fully refining the cauldron, and also took a little time to get acquainted with its peculiarities.

Translation: Yunhe spent three days to fully refine this cauldron, and also took some time to familiarize himself with its unique features.

"Let's see how this cauldron performs by refining a batch."

Translation: "How this cauldron performs will be known after refining one batch."

That's the thought.

Translation: The thought reaches here.

Yunhe flicked his storage bag, producing a late-stage third-rank demon beast's inner core, and prepared to refine a batch of Spirit Ear Pills.

Translation: Yunhe slapped his storage pouch, took out a third-level late-stage demon beast inner core, and prepared to refine a batch of "Spirit Grain Pill."

Upon learning how valuable this pill is to Nascent Soul cultivators, he renewed his enthusiasm for making it.

Translation: After learning the value of this elixir among Nascent Soul cultivators, he regained interest in refining it.

Even though he's become resistant to Spirit Ear Pills and can't benefit from consuming them, they remain excellent as a medium of exchange among Nascent Soul cultivators.

Translation: Although he had developed tolerance to Spirit Grain Pill and taking it was useless, as a "currency" for exchanging with Nascent Soul cultivators, this pill is still quite good.

Having refined Spirit Ear Pills hundreds of times, Yunhe knows the process inside out, requiring little preparation before he simply releases his Nascent Soul alchemical fire and starts refining.

Translation: Yunhe had refined Spirit Grain Pill hundreds of times; he knew its method by heart, needing little preparation, and directly unleashed Nascent Soul alchemy flame to begin refining.

Bang!!

Translation: Boom!!

The familiar sound of the furnace opening.

Translation: The familiar sound of opening the furnace.

Within the spreading milky-white medicinal mist, Yunhe drew out several snow-white, solid pills.

Translation: In the spreading milky-white elixir aura, Yunhe gathered several snow-white solidified pills.

Amazingly, there wasn't a single waste or substandard pill!

Translation: Not even a single wasted or inferior pill appeared!

Furthermore, as the medicinal vapor condensed, a faint Hundred Birds Embracing the Cauldron pattern emerged on the pills in his palm.

Translation: Moreover, as the elixir aura condensed, a faint Hundred Birds Embracing elixir pattern appeared on the pills in his palm.

The pill-pattern phenomenon!

Translation: Elixir pattern phenomenon!

"No wonder it's the Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron—what a splendid Hundred Birds Embracing."

Translation: "Indeed, it is the Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron, a fine Hundred Birds Embracing elixir."

Looking at the pills in his palm, Yunhe wore a pleased expression.

Translation: Looking at the pills in his palm, Yunhe wore a pleased expression.

This was his first alchemy after successfully forming his Nascent Soul, and the feeling was entirely unlike that of achieving a perfect Golden Core.

Translation: This was his first alchemy after successfully achieving Nascent Soul, and he felt a sensation completely different from when he had perfected his Golden Core.

After forming his Nascent Soul, his Nascent Soul alchemical fire far outstripped his former fire; the refining speed unquestionably increased by several notches, and the resulting pills were far more solid, which invisibly elevated their quality.

Translation: After Nascent Soul, the Nascent Soul alchemy flame cannot be compared to the former flame; undoubtedly the speed of alchemy increased several notches, and the solidity of the refined pills far surpassed before, thereby invisibly raising the pills' quality.

Moreover, his divine sense surged with the Nascent Soul formation, giving him a much firmer grasp on the transformations of materials within the cauldron.

Translation: Furthermore, his divine sense greatly increased with Nascent Soul, and he mastered the changes of materials inside the cauldron more skillfully.

In addition.

Translation: Besides that.

This Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron naturally exerts tremendous efficacy, and the Hundred Birds Embracing pattern phenomenon is the best proof of that.

Translation: This Hundred Birds Embracing Cauldron naturally also exerted great efficacy; the elixir pattern phenomenon of the Hundred Birds Embracing elixir is the best proof.

Just this pattern alone increases the medicinal power of the Spirit Ear Pill by at least ten percent.

Translation: Merely this elixir pattern at least boosts the potency of this "Spirit Grain Pill" by ten percent.

"Back when I refined the Ice Heart Pill, my alchemy was only just touching the fourth rank, but now it seems I've truly entered the fourth rank, achieving the status of a fourth-rank lower-grade alchemist."

Translation: "When I previously refined the Ice Heart Pill, my alchemy level could only be said to barely touch the fourth level. But now it seems my alchemy has truly entered the fourth level, achieving the rank of a fourth‑level low‑grade alchemist."

Yunhe murmured a sentence, transferred all the pills from his palm into a jade bottle, picked one up, and swallowed it.

Translation: Yunhe muttered to himself, then placed all the pills in his palm into a jade bottle, picked up one, and put it into his mouth.

He shut his eyes and activated his cultivation technique to refine the pill's potency.

Translation: He closed his eyes, circulated his cultivation method to refine the pill's power.

After a moment, Yunhe opened his eyes once more and exhaled a long sigh.

Translation: After a while, Yunhe opened his eyes again and let out a long sigh.

"Indeed. Though the pill's potency has grown, for me the effect is still slight."

Translation: "Indeed. Although the elixir's efficacy has increased, for me the effect is still minimal."

Without pill assistance, his cultivation gain since successfully forming his Nascent Soul has been nearly negligible.

Translation: Without elixir aid, his cultivation base has hardly increased since achieving Nascent Soul.

"Finding the continuation of cultivation techniques is the top priority; locating appropriate pills for Nascent Soul cultivators to further their cultivation comes next."

Translation: "Seeking the continuation of cultivation methods is the primary task; finding suitable elixirs for Nascent Soul cultivators to advance their cultivation comes second."

"When the demon beast's body successfully reaches the fourth rank, we'll move out."

Translation: "Once the demon beast body successfully breaks through to the fourth level, it will be time to set out."

"In the meantime, we can devote more effort to the ways of artifact crafting, formations, talismans, and so on."

Translation: "During this time, we can devote more energy to the artifact way, formation way, talisman way, and other such paths."

"Like the Bitter Sword True Lord's fondness for the tea way, perhaps he can gain some insights on these various paths."

Translation: "Just as the Bitter Sword True Lord loves the tea way, perhaps he can gain some insights on these various paths."

"But we could first refine the scales of the Bright Armor Golden-Eyed Beast into the 'Subdue Demon Armor,' which isn't hard."

Translation: "However, we can first refine the scales of the Ornate Armor Golden-Eyed Beast into the Demon‑Subduing Armor, which is not difficult."

Having thought this, Yunhe left the alchemy room and headed toward the forging chamber.

Translation: Thinking this, Yunhe left the alchemy room and headed for the forging room.

The demon beast realm.

Translation: Demon Beast World.

The vast mountain range spanning ten thousand li.

Translation: Ten Thousand Li Mountain.

"Hahahaha——"

Translation: "Hahaha——"

A long howl, as if venting emotion, rang out from within the continuous great mountain.

Translation: A long howl, as if venting emotion, echoed from within the endless great mountain.

The whole forest seemed shaken, with countless birds and beasts scattering, and many second- and third-rank demon beasts cowering on the ground, trembling.

Translation: The entire forest seemed startled, as countless beasts and birds fled in panic; large numbers of second‑ and third‑level demon beasts prostrated on the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

Because that laughter carried an extremely overpowering surge of demonic energy.

Translation: Because within that laughter lurked an extremely powerful demonic power fluctuation.

The aura of a fourth-rank demon beast can suppress countless other demon beasts.

Translation: The aura of a fourth‑level demon beast is enough to suppress myriad demon beasts.

Without a doubt, this laughter comes from the lord of this ten-thousand-li mountain, Lord Lu Shan!

Translation: Without doubt, this laughter comes from the lord of this Ten Thousand Li Mountain, Lu Shan Jun!

"Congratulations, my lord, on successfully refining the treasure!"

Translation: "Congratulations, my lord, on successfully refining the treasure!"

And in a certain four-way-connected cavern deep within the ten-thousand-li mountain, the Earth Rat, face full of respect, said to the short-statured elder before him:

Translation: Moreover, in a certain four‑ways‑open cave abode deep within the Ten Thousand Li Mountain, a Thick Soil Rat respectfully addressed a short‑statured old man before him.

However, this Earth Rat, as large as an ox with shrewd green-bean-like eyes, stared fixedly at the round, earth-colored treasure pearl before the old man, a hint of eagerness lurking in its gaze.

Translation: However, this Thick Soil Rat, whose body is as large as an ox and whose Lvdou‑like shrewd eyes, fixedly stared at the old man's round earth‑colored treasure pearl before him, with a hint of eagerness in its gaze.

"My lord, we have finally managed to preliminarily refine this treasure with the aid of this place!"

Translation: "My lord, at last I have preliminarily ritually refined this treasure using this place!"

Lord Lu Shan clasped his hands behind his back, slightly opened his mouth to take in the treasure pearl, and his icy gaze looked far away, as if it could pierce through layers of obstruction.

Translation: Lu Shan Jun clasped his hands behind his back, slightly opened his mouth to take the treasure pearl in, and his icy gaze looked into the distance, as if his sight could pierce layer after layer of obstruction.

"The 'Blind Bear' of the snowfields, the 'Snot Worm' of the volcano, and the black tortoise of the ring-lake island!"

Translation: "The 'Blind Bear' of the Snow Plains, the 'Snot Worm' of the Volcano, and the Black Tortoise of Huanhu Dao!"

His cold voice was laced with the anger and resentment he had built up over time.

Translation: His chilling voice was mixed with the anger and resentment he had accumulated for a long time.

He clenched his teeth and endured here for so long in order to refine this treasure.

Translation: He gritted his teeth and persisted here for so long, all for the purpose of refining this treasure.

As a fourth-rank demon beast, such behavior could be likened to lying on firewood and tasting gall—certainly not unreasonable.

Translation: As a fourth‑level demon beast, such conduct could be said to be like sleeping on firewood and tasting gall, and it would not be unacceptable.

Now it has even become a laughingstock; a mighty Fourth Level demon beast was actually forced to retreat by a mere Third Level demon beast—losing to other Fourth Level demon beasts would be understandable, but it couldn't even subdue a Third Level demon beast, which made Lord Lu Shan's face show a ferocious expression.

The thick earth rat below sensed the change in its aura, and its body trembled involuntarily.

(End of chapter)