After practicing the first array and talisman, Han Cai continued to practice more talismans and arrays. He didn't start alchemy yet, as he didn't have a good cauldron.
After a few months, Blacky returned. Although it was unable to steal an Earth-grade cauldron, it still managed to bring a high-quality cauldron for Han Cai. Blacky had stolen this cauldron from a famed alchemist who was known for aphrodisiac pills.
Blacky also brought two of the five materials for making the awakening pill: Golden Sunflower Root and Silver Moon Blossom. Now, Han Cai had three of the five materials for creating the awakening pill. The only two materials he lacked were Heavenly Serpent Vine and Starlight Lotus Seed.
Han Cai decided to start learning alchemy, but before he began practical work, he made sure to finish the theory and learn the step-by-step process so he wouldn't end up blowing things up.
While Han Cai was learning the theory of alchemy, his great-grandfather called him one day. Han Cai went to meet his great-grandfather. As usual, his great-grandfather was sitting on a cushion, reading something. When he saw Han Cai coming, he motioned for him to come and sit with him.
Han Cai came and sat in front of Great-Grandpa Rui.
Yan Rui told him, "With some effort, I managed to get into the group of elders who will be going to the Azure Dragon Sect."
Han Cai looked curious, "Grandpa, is there some special occasion in that sect?"
Yan Rui nodded, "Your cousin Yan Pengfei will be participating in the Azure Dragon Sect's tests for entrance."
Yan Rui continued, "You might not have met that cousin of yours, as he is already thirteen. Clan tournaments are for every talent of the clan twelve and below. But he is a Heaven-grade talent too."
Han Cai asked, "But wasn't he supposed to apply for the sect's test at the age of twelve?"
Yan Rui nodded and said, "He was, but before you, he was the most talented young generation of the clan. The clan had a lot of hopes for him. Before he joined the sect, his parents wanted to make sure he was aptly prepared. The age limitation to join the Azure Dragon Sect is between twelve and fourteen, so he is not late. If he joins the sect, the clan will profit a lot from it."
Yan Rui continued, "I am going to see how the tests work for the sect, so next time when you go for the tests to join the sect, you will be prepared."
Han Cai nodded and said, "Grandpa, take a look at the test for alchemy too. I want to join the Alchemy Hall of the Azure Dragon Sect."
Yan Rui asked, "Have you already started doing alchemy?"
Han Cai replied, "I have just learned a little, Great-Grandpa. I plan to become an Alchemy Grandmaster in the future."
Yan Rui smiled and nodded, "That's the kind of aspiration one should have. But don't ignore your cultivation while I am away. Practice diligently. I want to see good progress from you when I come back."
Han Cai nodded in agreement. After that, his great-grandfather provided more guidance regarding flame cultivation techniques before sending him away.
Returning to his abode, Han Cai went back to studying alchemy theory. The first pill he decided to try making was the Vitality Pill, which was designed to aid cultivators in breaking through bottlenecks in their cultivation.
Han Cai began by gathering all the necessary materials, including a variety of herbs, minerals, and other rare ingredients, as well as his newly acquired cauldron. He meticulously sorted and cleaned each ingredient, carefully weighing and measuring the required amounts of each to ensure the proportions were precise. He then ground the herbs and minerals into fine powders using a mortar and pestle.
After preparing all the ingredients, Han Cai mixed them according to a specific order and sequence he had researched. This was a crucial step, as it would directly affect the potency and quality of the pill. He was careful to blend the ingredients evenly, creating a homogenous mixture.
Han Cai then prepared his cauldron, ensuring it was clean and ready to use. He placed it on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface and ignited a fire beneath it. He carefully monitored the temperature to keep it at an optimal level.
Once the cauldron had reached the desired temperature, Han Cai slowly poured the powdered mixture into it. He continued to monitor the temperature and stirred the mixture gently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom or burning.
As the mixture began to heat up and transform, Han Cai used his Qi to control the refining process. However, his spiritual energy was not enough, so he asked Yongnian for help.
Yongnian guided the energy flow within the cauldron, ensuring that the ingredients were fully dissolved and combined. Han Cai observed the changes in texture, adjusting the temperature and stirring accordingly. This stage required great focus and patience, as any misstep could ruin the entire batch.
Once the refining process was complete, the mixture had transformed into a thick, viscous liquid. Han Cai carefully poured this liquid into a pill mold, taking care not to spill any of it. He then allowed the liquid to cool and solidify, forming the Vitality Pills.
After the pills had cooled and solidified, Han Cai carefully removed them from the mold and inspected each one for quality and consistency.
Han Cai looked at the pills he had created with disappointment. The swirling pattern of gray and white on the pill was far from what he had expected. The pills should have had a delicate, swirling pattern of gold and silver, emitting a faint, soothing glow. The scent of the pill should have been reminiscent of a blend of fragrant herbs, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony. Unfortunately, Han Cai's creation was nothing like that.
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Gifts are always appreciated, but golden tickets and power stones matter a lot too.
If we reach 2000 power stones, I will release two supplementary chapters.
If we reach 1000 golden tickets, I will release five supplementary chapters.
Thank You
