Chapter 5, Alchemy

"The barbarian army is attacking the city!" Su Mingcheng exclaimed in astonishment

Su Mingcheng had already straightened his posture. It is a rare opportunity for someone like him, a solitary cultivator, to hear about the secrets of such a major sect.

Unlike usual, this time everyone looked at each other in silence, unable to utter a word

Li Guangzong also put down his chopsticks and said: "Pack everything up, the women will go down the hole. He Shu, Erzi, and Xizi, you all go over as well, the rest of you grab your weapons"

"Mediocre, the 'Lishi Jing' is not a martial art for fighting, its power is limited". Su Mingcheng felt somewhat displeased, and thus, without realizing it, his words carried a hint of condescension.

"There are ways to do it, and over there is the Gu Pool. The refining of Gu is unrelated to martial arts, yet it is quite powerful," Xie Xiaoyu pointed to the distant depression.

Let us simply take out that Liu family! Li Fulü shouted in a dazed manner

In this moment, Xie Xiaoyu captured a trace of the Dao.

Feeling that the residual poison had cleared, Xie Xiaoyu opened the door and rushed out.

As soon as they made the decision, they saw Erzi suddenly jump up from the ground, clutching his stomach and rushing towards the outhouse, shouting, "I can't take it anymore, I can't take it anymore"

Li Guangzong let out a heavy sigh, the force of which swept through like a tempest, sending dust and pebbles flying chaotically across the ground

This is the benefit of having a skill in hand

Everyone immediately felt a bit disheartened

Upon entering, he immediately took out the alchemical furnace obtained from the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall

In a sheltered area, where there were stones blocking the way, Er Dai had just finished digging a hole when he saw his brother Da Dai running over, followed by a group of people.

The completely mixed medicinal vapors suddenly separated from each other, with one part merging together and then coalescing into clumps, while the other part dispersed in all directions

Whenever he thinks of these matters, he always feels somewhat uncomfortable. The sword talisman he practices is the authentic supreme method of the Daoist school, but apart from this, everything else he knows are the techniques of heretical and unorthodox paths

Carefully place the alchemical furnace in the recess of the right stone wall, where there is a hollow that he specifically carved out. This spiritual cave is filled with the energy of metal, but the hollow is different, being filled with the energy of fire.

Everyone formed a circle; the old mine chief, Erzi, and the actor were all present, but Su Mingcheng was notably absent

I want that knife Li Fulu had long set his sights on the other two magical weapons, and he preferred knives over swords

I have already inquired; the strongest individuals among the Earth Barbarians possess strength equivalent to that of True Monarchs, and their numbers are quite limited, not even reaching ten. Throughout the various sieges by the Earth Barbarians, we have not seen any trace of these individuals; at most, we encounter Barbarian Kings of the same level as True Beings. There are many True Beings in the government and mining associations, so we are not at a disadvantage in this regard. The only thing Xie Xiaoyu can do is to boost morale, and that remains the case. Throughout the various sieges by the Earth Barbarians, we have not seen any trace of these individuals; at most, we encounter Barbarian Kings of the same level as True Beings. There are many True Beings in the government and mining associations, so we are not at a disadvantage in this regard. The only thing Xie Xiaoyu can do is to boost morale, and that remains the case.

Su Mingcheng probably does not know, right? Although the "Lishi Jing" is now a widely available technique, it was, ten thousand years ago, a supreme method secretly passed down by the Yuxiao Palace. At that time, it was not called this name, but was known as "Yuxiao Taiyuan Eighteen Heavens". Xie Xiaoyu began to recount ancient tales again

"You speak, what preparations are needed?" Li Guangzong had also made up his mind. He was a person who had truly been on the battlefield, and among this group, he was the calmest one when it came to fighting against the barbarians.

Xie Xiaoyu ran into that wooden house, and when she came out, she was holding a bundle of sharp quills in her hands, which had been taken from the body of the porcupine. These quills were a foot long, yet lighter than bamboo, being both hard and sharp, not a magical weapon but surpassing one in effectiveness

The long thorn immediately pierced through the soil, plunging more than three feet into the ground. The sharpness of this long thorn was such that everyone, including Su Mingcheng, was taken aback.

Others were also astonished

"Little brother, you must have a way, right? I also want to be like you." More eager than Li Guangzong was Li Fulü.

Aunt Li was praised to the point of beaming with joy, repeatedly saying, "Then I will do it this way from now on"

This is the second chapter of the "Lishi Jing"—Penetrating the Cavities

The people of the earth live by slash-and-burn agriculture, and what they cultivate is insufficient, so they must rely on hunting to gather enough food. Therefore, they must wait until the autumn harvest before taking action. In any case, there are fewer game animals in winter, and fighting can lead to death; yet, not fighting can also result in starvation. Li Guangzong added from the side

The stars, which were originally motionless in the sky, slowly began to rotate in his eyes, ever-changing and never resting for a moment

Otherwise, this mine would be considered a waste; human life is more important than money. The old mine owner felt pained by the loss of four million taels of silver, but when he thought of that large shed, he felt that the silver was insignificant.

Dipping a finger in, I licked it, and immediately a strong medicinal aroma rushed into my nose, followed by the subtle potency of the medicine spreading across my tongue.

Xie Xiaoyu took the jade bottle, walked to the place where the food was kept, lifted the gauze cover, and took out two rice balls. She turned to Aunt Li and said, "This method is excellent. Cultivators often practice day and night, and when they finally come out, they usually feel very hungry. It would be perfect if there was ready-to-eat food available."

At last, a figure appeared

His method of alchemy is unique, known as the Ziwu Pregnancy Elixir Technique. It involves slow cooking over a gentle flame, allowing the medicinal properties of various materials to fully evaporate, enabling them to merge and combine within the alchemical furnace, naturally coalescing into an elixir

The "Lishi Jing" does not possess any accompanying spells, yet its momentum is quite intimidating. Su Mingcheng is an expert, and he certainly would not be swayed by this strike. Although this strike appears powerful, in reality, its force is dispersed and is fundamentally impractical

"Your strike just now was impressive!" the old mine boss said enviously

Seeing that the cooking time was nearly right, he reduced the light a bit and then used a small spoon to send the prepared ingredients one by one into the furnace

Li Guangzong responded with a sound

Li Guangzong and the others were the most straightforward; they tore open the paper package and poured it into their mouths, then sat down on the ground and began to regulate their breathing.

If it really doesn't work, perhaps we could consider joining the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, " Erzi suggested from the side

After thanking Xie Xiaoyu for her hard work, she turned around and returned to the spiritual cave

Su Mingcheng's eyes lit up as he took the item. At this moment, he was completely impressed by Xie Xiaoyu's demeanor. If it had been him, he would have definitely hidden everything away at the first opportunity and told no one.

"Stop messing around, go wash up first," Li Guangzong shouted

What does this have to do with us? This is the East. Li Guangzong felt somewhat perplexed

Disaster. You all probably do not realize that calamity is upon you, do you?" said Iron-Mouth Zhang, interjecting from the side

"I still like this thing," Li Guangzong said, waving the knife wheel in his hand. Over the past two months, he had spent considerable time honing this item, developing a set of techniques on his own, which were far superior to the chaotic dance he had performed initially

"Keep your distance from me, and do not stand upwind," Li Fulv shouted loudly

Several young men began to focus inwardly, and after a moment, they all started to shout and scream, filled with excitement.

This is due to the differences in the alchemical furnace. He feels a deep connection and resonance with this furnace, and many previously unclear principles have now become clear, not only those related to alchemy but also many aspects of cultivation.

A year of stagnation, a year of wasted time, unexpectedly after refining the elixir once again, I actually broke free from my constraints

"A large stone has fallen to the ground, and from now on, there is no need to worry about the miasma; this is certainly worth celebrating." Aunt Li also came over to say, and this remark was evidently much more effective than Li Guangzong's consolation

He opened the lid of the alchemical furnace with a bitter smile

What do you all think? According to custom, Xie Xiaoyu would not speak first; he wanted to hear the thoughts of others first

The alchemical furnaces and cauldrons left over from ancient times are quite complex, as they are designed to mimic the human body, featuring orifices and meridians

The two of you have traveled a long way and must be tired; please take a moment to rest here. Xie Xiaoyu also felt a headache. However, he knew that such chaos would not resolve the issue. The only way to make a decision was to invite the old mine heads over for a discussion.

At this moment, he had just awakened from enlightenment, and his expression was still somewhat dazed. Everything before him seemed to him like a reenactment of the scene when the heavens and the earth first opened, with turbid energy sinking and pure energy rising.

Indeed, there is a flying ship approaching in the sky. Upon closer inspection, it is clearly the same flying ship that used to travel back and forth between Linhai City and this place.

Only three women felt exceptionally awkward. They conferred briefly, then all stuffed the paper into their bosoms, planning to use it in the dead of night, thus avoiding the need to compete with the men for the toilet and bathhouse.

Although there was no wine, the atmosphere at the dining table remained quite lively

Er Dai had no choice but to move to the front of a nearby door, peering in and asking, "Uncle Erzi, are you ready yet?"

Xie Xiaoyu continues to speak positively.

This division of favor is directed towards Su Mingcheng. The Zhongyi Hall received the news, while the Xinyue Hall did not; this reflects the difference in their foundational strength

Almost immediately behind him, the actor also jumped up

Xie Xiaoyu obtained this alchemical method entirely by accident. When he was in the Sutra Repository, he read all sorts of miscellaneous books, among which was a work titled "One Hundred Extraordinary Techniques and Methods." This book recorded many peculiar and strange things, such as various uses of the solar magnifying glass and the art of noon pregnancy elixirs, all of which came from this remarkable text

A few boys, not daring to disobey, obediently ran towards the drying area, laughing foolishly as they ran

"Is it not for the purpose of fighting?" The actor detected a hint of implication in the words.

There are still several months left, so there is enough time. He feigned a relaxed demeanor and said: "Next, I will teach you some things, mainly about evasion techniques; if you cannot win, you can still escape. I will also concoct some medicines, and if luck is on your side, your cultivation level may increase by one rank, which will greatly enhance your chances of survival. I will also take you into the valley to familiarize you with combat. In addition, there are many other things I need to provide you with; each person should have at least two sets of battle attire and two magical artifacts.

Xie Xiaoyu frowned. Fortune tellers often begin with a scare, aiming to seize the initiative, but the person before her should know that such tricks are ineffective against him

As long as we are well-prepared, even if we cannot win, we can always find a way to protect ourselves. If we cannot hold on, we will escape

Su Mingcheng's identity is somewhat special; he has no actual connection to this mine. Moreover, this information was sent by the Loyal and Righteous Hall, and as a member of the Xinyue Hall, he is indeed not suitable to attend.

On the contrary, the individuals such as Erzi, Xizi, Chao Shu, Chang Shu, Lao Bai, and Lao Kuangtou were somewhat moved. They were all of advanced age and had sufficient experience, naturally understanding that goodness is not necessarily true goodness, and that there are many people in this world with the faces of humans but the hearts of beasts

Indeed, Erzi shook his head. In the past, he and the cultivators belonged to two different worlds, and it was difficult to even catch a glimpse of a cultivator on ordinary days

Then, let's discuss some additional benefits. We need several large bags for carrying items, ensuring that each person here has at least one. The military requires two large bags for carrying items.

He recalled what his master had once said—alchemy, weaponry, talismans, formations, and the path of cultivation all lead to the same destination. He had been unable to understand it before, but now he comprehended.

The most challenging aspect of alchemy lies in the control of fire. A skilled alchemist is undoubtedly also a master of fire manipulation. However, Xie Xiaoyu has no insights into fire control, so he can only seek alternative methods. At this moment, the alchemical technique he employs is unconventional, using a solar concentrator to focus light instead of fire. While regulating fire is difficult, managing light is much easier.

This furnace has nine apertures, making it one of the highest quality types even in that era

"Miner, you are the oldest among us, please go ahead first." Xie Xiaoyu could only call out the name.

Around noon, Xie Xiaoyu emerged from the spiritual cave, having had enough sleep

He is right. Xie Xiaoyu does not speak for anyone; he only acknowledges what is correct: "However, it depends on the purpose of cultivation. If it is for fighting, then among peers, the techniques that include terms like 'Heavenly King', 'Benevolent King', 'Illuminating King', and 'Vajra' must be at least five times stronger. And there are also unnamed techniques, as well as some named ones, such as 'Chiyou', 'Heavenly Black', and 'Great Power', which are even more incomparable.

The Ninth Level is a minor threshold, requiring one to sense the heavens and the earth, seeking the opportunity of the Great Way. This step is crucial; the nature of the opportunity found will determine the achievements attained. The Tenth Level is also a minor threshold, necessitating the connection of the energies of heaven and earth, transforming acquired breath into innate breath. Following this is a major threshold, which requires communication with the heavens and the earth, using one's own energy to draw upon the power of the universe. Passing this threshold signifies becoming a true person, with the prospect of longevity; failing to pass means remaining an ordinary person, ultimately reduced to a cup of yellow earth. The Tenth Level is also a minor threshold, necessitating the connection of the energies of heaven and earth, transforming acquired breath into innate breath. Following this is a major threshold, which requires communication with the heavens and the earth, using one's own energy to draw upon the power of the universe. Passing this threshold signifies becoming a true person, with the prospect of longevity; failing to pass means remaining an ordinary person, ultimately reduced to a cup of yellow earth

Xie Xiaoyu was deeply engrossed in the pursuit of enlightenment when suddenly she felt a series of crackling noises coming from the alchemical furnace, which began to tremble slightly.

Su Mingcheng walked away with his head down, carrying a bag of poisonous herbs

However, soon someone excitedly shouted, "Me too, me too!"

"What are they here for?" Su Mingcheng muttered. The two factions operated differently, and he naturally found the other side displeasing.

The flying ship descended slowly, and the individuals who arrived were the two strategists from the Loyal and Righteous Hall

Su Mingcheng was sitting not far from the spiritual cave. As soon as he saw him come out, he immediately handed over a jade bottle.

Su Mingcheng felt as if he had been enlightened. He now fully understood why small sects could easily be exterminated; medium-sized sects, although somewhat better off, were still precarious; yet large sects remained steadfast and unshaken, regardless of the internal strife and deadly conflicts among their disciples, who sometimes fought to the point of being worse than medium-sized sects, yet he saw no one daring to target the large sects.

He quickly sat cross-legged, channeling the sword energy within his body, repeatedly circulating it; this would allow the medicinal properties to be fully realized

Aunt Li did not dare to speak again, and everyone prepared in their own way

The three major miscellaneous arts are certainly not within reach. He possesses neither the talent for alchemy nor the intention to create artifacts. Due to the necessity of cultivating the true understanding of sword talismans, he must practice talisman crafting, but that is all. He is already pressed for time with his cultivation and has no time to practice other spells; relying solely on talisman crafting will not lead him far.

The powder is very bitter, but it acts quickly; this is a characteristic of the powder.

A thunderous sound echoed in his ears, suddenly recalling a passage he had once read: "One pill, one day and one earth; one pellet, one world; chaos transforms the universe; the furnace performs the celestial changes"

Turn the knob to the maximum to heat the alchemical furnace

"You are back, that's wonderful!" Li Guangzong exclaimed joyfully. Suddenly, he froze in place, for he noticed that the black iron umbrella cover in Xie Xiaoyu's hand was already tattered and worn.

A fine layer of powder was spread at the bottom of the furnace. He took a piece of paper, poured the powder onto it, and held it up to the lamp to take a closer look

Recently, the northern region has been quite unsettled, with many signs indicating that various factions of the Tu Man are converging there. "Iron-Mouthed Zhang" said with a hint of pride.

When a ten-thousand-strong team simultaneously unleashes their magical artifacts, even a True Monarch must avoid their brilliance. Those of the True Person level would undoubtedly be reduced to fragments, not to mention that there are other means available in warfare, such as battle beasts and formations. Therefore, merely comparing the number of individuals on both sides or the number of experts on each side is fundamentally unreliable

Li Guangzong inquired: "Why don't you ask yourself? This way, you wouldn't suffer a loss."

Those who come may not necessarily have ill intentions Aunt Li advised from the side

The remaining individuals are much better off. The old mine head, being a figure of some status, consumes ingredients sent by the mining association, mostly of the fourth grade, with occasional third-grade items, which contain very few toxins; the others, having been there for a shorter time, are less affected by the toxins.

At this moment, Li Guangzong had changed into a new set of clothes and was standing in the center of the camp. He had squatted in the latrine for quite a long time, but his shower was very quick; he jumped into the pool, scrubbed himself a couple of times, and immediately got up.

Xie Xiaoyu, however, remained completely unaware; in the past, he had also practiced alchemy, but never with such dedication.

The other boys each grabbed a long spear. With weapons in hand, they no longer felt fear; instead, they eagerly awaited an enemy to come, just so they could test the long spears they held.

Upon hearing this, Xie Xiaoyu immediately understood that this battle would be difficult to fight, as the local barbarians would likely fight to the death.

"Do we really need to send reinforcements to a newly opened mining area like ours?" asked Xie Xiaoyu. This seemed rather unreasonable.

"Xiao Li's wife, please tear the chicken apart, wrap it in rice, and shape it into rice balls. I see that they don't seem to have the appetite to eat, so when they get hungry later, they can just grab a few rice balls to fill their stomachs without wasting time." The old mine chief looked enviously at the few spiritual eye stone caves. Over the past two months, he had also felt the effects of cultivation, but compared to others, he was far behind, even lagging significantly behind the second son and the actor, so he knew he truly had no hope.

Li Fulv had nothing more to say, and happily pulled out the long thorn, waving it in his hand, continuously poking here and there, making holes in everything, whether it was wood or rock.

He was still there hesitating and speaking kind words when he saw Li Fulü running towards the back of the mountain

He suddenly stepped forward, and the ground immediately rippled in a circle, as if an earthquake had occurred. Within a radius of one hundred feet, stones jumped chaotically, and the large shed shook incessantly

This is a general outline of a Daoist scripture, which he can no longer recall which specific one it was. At that time, he merely glanced at it and thought it was a fleeting expression of thirst, without delving deeper into its meaning

However, those three cities were still breached, and all the people were killed without exception, " said Erzi, with lingering fear in his heart

This method involves merging his consciousness with the alchemical furnace. In the ancient times, the method of alchemy treated the furnace as an embodiment of the individual, requiring the same practices of breathing and circulation, but instead of breathing in and out the breath of life, it is the medicinal power that is inhaled and exhaled, and it is the medicinal vapor that circulates and is transported.

"Supreme Secret Method..." Su Ming's expression was peculiar as he muttered it twice, unable to restrain himself from asking: "There should be quite a few people in your sect who are aware of this matter, right? Since this is a supreme secret method, even if its power is somewhat lacking, there must be people practicing it. Wouldn't that mean a multitude of True Lords and a plethora of Earth Immortals?"

Congratulations, congratulations... All the toxins accumulated within your bodies have been eliminated, and from now on, you will no longer need to worry about the miasma and evil energies in the world." Doctor Zhou bowed to the crowd

Time passes little by little, the light gradually weakens, and finally disappears completely; it is likely that the sky outside has already turned dark

These two individuals have the deepest accumulation of toxins in their bodies, so the moment the medicine is administered, there is an immediate reaction

Escaping is not that simple. Since the opposing side dares to attack the city, they must have a numerical advantage and are likely spread out around the area. If they wish to escape, they must evade countless pairs of eyes, both visible and hidden, and also avoid potential pursuit. The local tribes are certainly much more familiar with this land than they are

This strike was far from the profound and domineering nature of Li Guangzong's strike, yet it also emanated a forceful energy that spread outwards in all directions

The old man's lips twitched a couple of times, displaying an expression of wanting to speak yet hesitating. After a long while, he finally managed to utter a sentence

If at this moment Erzi, Xizi, and the old mine boss were here, they would undoubtedly make the same judgment. The gathering of various factions is a precursor to the barbarian siege, just as it has been in the past three years

The fourth to get up was Er Dai, and this foolish boy ran to the front of the restroom, only to discover that it was completely occupied.

"Shut up! What does a woman have to do with such a major matter?" Li Guangzong scolded angrily. At that moment, he seemed like a completely different person, appearing strong and domineering. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he quickly realized that his wife meant no harm; she was simply lacking in experience. Thus, he hurriedly explained: "This place is not a peaceful paradise. When encountering unfamiliar people for the first time, it is best to be more cautious; being careful is never a bad thing. By the time the other party reveals their knife, it is often too late."

"I wish to hear more details." Xie Xiaoyu realized that with such a statement, he had lost the upper hand. However, he was no longer interested in engaging in a battle of wits; what did it matter if he had lost the upper hand?

In fact, there are methods available. Those who cultivate the "Lishi Jing" can pursue the path of close combat. However, this path is fraught with danger and difficulty. In the early stages, one may be quite formidable, but by the middle stage, progress begins to stagnate. Yet, to break through, one must advance courageously and engage in constant combat with others. Therefore, those who choose this path must either possess extraordinary talent or have an excellent protective skill.

Do not rush, I have something to say. After you take the medicine powder, sit here immediately and circulate your energy to disperse the medicinal effects. You may feel some discomfort in your stomach, especially those few who always complain that there is not enough food. When your stomach can no longer bear it, go to the restroom, but do not delay, otherwise... I need not say more. Afterward, take a shower; Aunt Li has already prepared clothes for you.

Call!

"Don't bother me, just wait another quarter of an hour and it will be your turn." Erzi shouted as he squatted there. His stomach was still churning like a turbulent sea, and he realized that if he gave up his spot to speak, it would not be his turn after a while.

Xie Xiaoyu has not yet responded, and the old mine owner chuckled from the side: "This is the trick of doing business. With that Su Duozhu present, it would be fine to procure medicinal materials from Xinyue Hall, but if you take the initiative to negotiate, it shows respect for Zhongyitang, giving them a business opportunity based on past friendships. If the young master were to step in, it would mean we owe them a favor."

"This is essential," the old mine chief said with conviction. Even if Xie Xiaoyu did not mention it, he would still create a scene.

Just as everyone was lost in thought, Er Dai suddenly shouted, "I am entering the door, I..." He forcefully pushed out with one palm.

What should we do about breakfast? Aunt Li looked at her husband with a troubled expression

The movement of the stars, the cycle of life and death.

"Are you planning to respond to the call?" Erzi was taken aback.

Li Fulv quickly shook his head. The younger one is, the more one cares about good and evil; he always feels that those who come into contact with such things are not good people

What is more troublesome is that danger does not only come from the front, but may also arise from behind. Since the Liu family in Anyang can bribe the authorities and mining associations, they can similarly bribe the generals in command of the battles

At this moment, he felt that as long as his feet remained on the ground, he had an inexhaustible amount of strength throughout his body

In private, he was well aware that fighting was far from as easy as he claimed

"Have I ever deceived you?" asked Xie Xiaoyu

After all the materials were placed into the furnace, Xie Xiaoyu closed the top lid and then cast a spell.

Modern alchemists no longer practice in this manner, which is why they are unable to utilize the ancient cauldrons from the primordial era. His ability to do so stems from his previous path of achieving unity between man and instrument, where both serve similar purposes.

Li Guangzong did not dare to exert more force under his feet, fearing that he would dismantle the greenhouse. He steadied himself with both feet and forcefully pushed out with his right palm

The city of Ziguicheng was breached two years ago because no one was willing to defend it, and even the local garrison fled. After the incident, all the soldiers were executed, and the authorities stipulated that in the event of similar occurrences in the future, other cities and every mining area must send reinforcements.

Su Mingcheng originally had some doubts, but unexpectedly, Xie Xiaoyu smiled slightly and said: "This is why those who are not from major sects cannot even begin to imagine the terror of a major sect. Do you know why this technique was renamed 'The Classic of Strength'? Because it is meant for the servants in the sect who lack talent. Major sects open their gates once every ten years, accepting at most a few dozen disciples at a time. Only about twenty percent can step into the mystical gate, and at most half of that can advance further. How can such a large sect rely on so few people to sustain itself?"

In the end, he turned back; it is here with Li Guangzong that the true key lies

As long as the means of the unorthodox do not actively harm others and are merely used for self-protection, they will not have any psychological burden at all

"Er Dai, go outside and find some bushes to take care of it, don't waste time here." The actor, not waiting for anyone to come to him, spoke up first.

Anyone with a bit of experience can guess that the two strategists from the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall made this trip for a reason, and it certainly isn't just to relay information

He detected two kinds of odors; one was a strong medicinal scent, likely freshly concocted, while the other was the stench of feces, reminiscent of that expelled by a long-sick person

"Ten thousand years ago?" Su Mingcheng murmured to himself. Among those present, only he understood what this meant

Upon thinking that there were still elixirs in the alchemical furnace, Xie Xiaoyu exclaimed.

Like Xie Xiaoyu, he also felt that he had made another step forward. His Yongquan, Taixi, Dadun, Taichong, and Taibai acupoints were rhythmically inhaling and exhaling, continuously absorbing the spiritual energy from the earth

In the early morning, everyone gathered around the low table where food was placed. On the table were small paper offerings the size of a thumb. When Li Fulu reached out to take one, he was pushed back by Xie Xiaoyu

"We will go wherever you go." Li Fulou is the leader of that group of boys, so whenever he speaks, the other boys nod in agreement.

He also understands the reason why Xie Xiaoyu does not care—no matter how much he knows that this is a medicinal catalyst, it is of no use, because he does not know how to refine pills; the one who can refine pills is Xie Xiaoyu herself

Suddenly, he raised his head to look at the sky, then lowered it to observe the ground. Unbeknownst to him, the entire world had become completely different.

On the inner side of the pit, there is a copper pipe that extends down from the top, connecting to a circular copper plate at the bottom

Ten thousand years ago, a great calamity befell the heavens and the earth. Before the calamity, practitioners focused on longevity and did not place much importance on spells, believing that the Dao was fundamental and that spells were secondary. After the calamity, everything changed; most of the techniques that emphasized cultivating the Dao without practicing spells were abandoned.

In the wooden circle used for resting, a large round table was placed in the center, and everyone sat down. On the table were six plates and a copper pot. Three meat dishes, three vegetable dishes, and a pot of chicken soup were not particularly lavish, but it was already quite an achievement to prepare such a meal in a short time. The only drawback was the absence of wine, as Xie Xiaoyu had mentioned that it is best for practitioners of the Dao not to drink alcohol

The method for refining elixirs must be mastered; otherwise, the elixirs cannot solidify at all. Even if they do solidify, they will immediately disperse.

In a moment, Xie Xiaoyu felt an itch all over her body, from her internal organs to the surface.

All the medicinal materials are thoroughly filtered to remove impurities and then finely ground into a very fine powder. Once placed in the furnace, the medicinal powder immediately disperses.

After speaking, Xie Xiaoyu began to distribute the paper packages one by one

Why bother with these matters? The important things are at stake. Li Guangzong watched as Su Mingcheng busied himself, feeling helpless and increasingly anxious, his temper inevitably flaring up.

Li Guangzong's face was flushed red, with anger rising to the top of his head; the group of young men were the same.

The camp was enveloped in silence, with everyone occupied with their own tasks

Speaking of which, this is akin to the concept of book sets and the alchemical methods of the ancient times that follow the principle of natural law, thus when he first laid eyes on this alchemical furnace, he could not wait to take it down

Su Mingcheng hesitated slightly; he could buy the detoxification pill, and he had little interest in the powder in his hand. However, in the end, he still poured the contents of the paper package into his mouth, as a gesture of respect for Xie Xiaoyu.

On one side of the copper plate, there are nine knobs, each of which can control the intensity of a separate light source

As soon as Doctor Zhou disembarked from the flying ship, he immediately sniffed the air

"Could it be that they are after the detoxification pill?" Li Guangzong no longer trusts the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall.

He awoke from his daze, though he did not know how long it had been

No. The old mine chief remembers it the clearest. The others only focus on their cultivation, while all dealings with the outside world are handled by him.

Xie Xiaoyu felt a multitude of emotions in her heart

It is too late to regret now; this furnace of elixirs is most likely doomed. Fortunately, it is not entirely without gain, as it has at least allowed him to comprehend the true essence of alchemy

Outside his spiritual cave, there is a large solar mirror. The sunlight strikes the mirror, is concentrated at a point, and then transmitted down through a copper tube that is silvered on the inside

"If we are to fight, then let us fight; we will follow you!" Li Fulu said loudly

The other two women immediately prepared to go. Today, they must definitely kill a few more chickens, and they also need to pick some of the vegetables planted in the tubes

He took a small pile, rolled it up in a piece of paper, and sent it into his mouth

I will give you a list; you should discuss it with those two individuals from the Loyalty Hall. Next, I need to refine some medicine, which requires a large quantity of medicinal materials. Ask them if they are willing to engage in this transaction, and we will split the profits from the refined medicine fifty-fifty.

The toxins in the body have been completely eliminated, and the skin is no longer greasy, resulting in a much more refreshing feeling

The powder is a dark red color, resembling a mixture of vermilion and charcoal dust

Currently, he has only activated the five acupoints on the soles of his feet. There are a total of seven hundred and twenty acupoints throughout the body. If all of them were to be activated, it is unimaginable how powerful he would become

After a long time, he realized that the only things that seemed most suitable for him were poison refining and raising gu.

Rest assured, if an opportunity arises in the future, I will help you make up for this regret. " Xie Xiaoyu comforted them with these words, but he did not make a definitive statement. After all, opportunities are uncertain for anyone.

Xie Xiaoyu gently pressed against the wall, and immediately nine extremely fine beams of light shot out from the bronze plate, each beam precisely entering one of the apertures of the elixir furnace

He was astonished by Li Guangzong's speed of cultivation. In less than six months, he had already advanced two levels. At this rate, it would take no more than three years for him to reach a level comparable to his own strength

Xie Xiaoyu did not answer immediately, but first asked: "When will this battle begin?"

The third to jump up was Li Guangzong. He had spent over ten years in Tianbao Prefecture, coming and going through wind and rain. No matter how careful he was, he still inhaled a considerable amount of toxins.

In mid-air, it was as if a thunderclap had struck; in an instant, dust was flying on the hillside a hundred zhang away, leaving behind a handprint of several zhang in size.

Xie Xiaoyu was just about to speak when he suddenly turned his head to look into the distance. After a long pause, he asked with a serious expression: "It seems that today is not the day for the flying ship to arrive, is it?"

"It should at least be until autumn," Erzi quickly replied

After a taste, he breathed a sigh of relief; the elixir had transformed into a powder, its potency significantly diminished, yet it remained usable

At that very moment, he realized that he had finally crossed that barrier. He had been stuck at the eighth level of Qi training for over two years, making no progress, but at this moment, he stepped into the ninth level of Qi training

This item is much stronger than those two weapons. Xie Xiaoyu threw a long spear at Li Fulv's feet

The usually calm and substantial earth suddenly becomes vibrant with life, with billions of beings living in every inch of soil, and at every moment, many lives perish while many others are born.

As soon as he saw Li Guangzong and the group of young men behind him, he immediately understood everything

Someone is coming over. Xie Xiaoyu stood up

Li Guangzong remained utterly indifferent; he understood better than anyone else Xie Xiaoyu's views on the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall. If he truly intended to seek refuge, Xie Xiaoyu would only turn to the Xinle Hall.

As they got closer and were able to see the people on the boat, Xie Xiaoyu waved her hand and said, "Put the things away, they are from the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall"

Er Dai was unaware of that fellow's intentions, yet he still clutched his stomach and followed along. When he turned to the back, he saw Li Fulü digging a hole in the ground

Xie Xiaoyu put on a confident appearance. He was well aware that if he lacked confidence, others would certainly have even less.

"Rest assured, brother." Erzi replied. He knew he could not be of much help in other ways, but it was good enough to lend a hand.

Young people possess more vitality than middle-aged individuals, as well as a greater sense of pride

Use this thing. "Xie Xiaoyu stabbed the long thorn into the ground.

He turned his head and said to Erzi and Xizi: "You two should also put in some effort. Next, I plan to expand the greenhouse a bit more. When He Shu goes to the city, he can bring back a few baskets of eggs. Before autumn, we need to raise more chickens. Once we are on the battlefield, we will only eat what we grow and raise ourselves. I do not want to be tampered with in what I eat"

"No." Li Fulv did not think twice and immediately replied

"Shut up!" Upon hearing those words, Li Guangzong found himself unable to get angry. He too felt the urge to kill, but he would never voice it; to do so now would make it difficult to take action.

In a corner of the camp, there is a pool surrounded by wooden walls. It is usually used for washing clothes and sometimes for bathing. Now it is deep night, and there is no need to worry about encountering anyone

"Brother, what do you plan to do? I don't care how others decide; I will definitely follow you," Li Guangzong said, crossing his arms and speaking very decisively

"It's nothing, just a bit tired. I'm going to take a nap." Xie Xiaoyu took off the bag tied around her waist that contained the grass and threw it to Su Mingcheng: "Please help me process this first, grind it into powder, and then filter out the impurities. There's also a box underneath, which contains the grass with roots. Try planting it and see if it succeeds; that would be wonderful."

He rushed in and took a refreshing shower

I know, I know. "Er Dai" nodded repeatedly

In an instant, the back hill became filled with a foul odor

A quarter of an hour later, Uncle Chao also got up, followed by Uncle Zhang, and then Old Bai.

It is exceedingly easy to find a few individuals to take over this mine in a large hall like the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall

He originally thought that there was some tacit understanding among the major sects, but now he finally understands that it relies on the solid foundation accumulated over thousands of years

"Are you alright?" Aunt Li asked with concern.

"I almost lost my life; it was truly too dangerous." Xie Xiaoyu threw the broken umbrella on the ground: "You all should stay at home and cultivate these days; the valley is probably not safe, and there may be妖兽 (demonic beasts) coming out."

The preparation of this alchemical process is intricate; the handling of medicinal materials alone is quite troublesome, with numerous restrictions. The furnace must be lit at noon and the elixir must be collected at midnight, and it is essential to have sunlight, which cannot occur in winter. The process is time-consuming, and one cannot produce too much at once, making it fair to say that there are a multitude of drawbacks

Even the most inept alchemist is certainly an expert when it comes to tasting medicine; he too begins his study of alchemy with the tasting of medicinal substances

Those young men are more excited than the last; they do not perceive any danger on the battlefield, but rather see it as a place for men to achieve their ambitions.

Get out! A furious roar from Li Guangzong echoed in the restroom

This is probably not feasible. Do you remember the person selling minerals that you encountered at the mining club? I suspect this individual received advance notice, which is why he sold off the minerals and fled early. Since the government and the mining club established this rule, they must have considered that someone might abandon their minerals and should have taken precautions. Although Xie Xiaoyu has not inquired about the specific circumstances, she can still make some guesses. Since the government and the mining club established this rule, they must have considered that someone might abandon their minerals and should have taken precautions. Although Xie Xiaoyu has not inquired about the specific circumstances, she can still make some guesses.

After a considerable amount of time, they emerged from behind the mountain, each one appearing relieved, though they were still sticky all over

With Xie Xiaoyu's earlier remark, the others also refrained from mining, and Li Fulü and his companions each occupied a spiritual cave to meditate and cultivate their energy. Being young, they had a significant advantage over Lao Bai and Uncle Chao in this regard. Over the past two months, they took turns cultivating in the spiritual eye stone cave, making rapid progress, and were just a breath away from entering the next stage.

In the large sect, the number of servants is no less than ten thousand. The "Classic of Strength" holds little power, yet achieving success is relatively easy; among ten thousand individuals, twenty percent can enter the Mystical Gate, which amounts to two thousand true practitioners. If half of them can advance further, that results in five hundred true lords. They usually cultivate in the back mountains; although their combat strength may be lacking, their magical power is high. When enemies invade, the protective mountain formation activates, with two thousand true practitioners unleashing their power simultaneously, while five hundred true lords command the formation flags to strike down all foes. Who could possibly withstand this?

Su Mingcheng also began to contemplate whether he should learn a skill

The sensation of itchiness initially intensifies slightly, then gradually diminishes, as a thick, dark oil continuously oozes out from the pores

"The two aunts and Sister Xi also have tasks to attend to; I need your help with weaving and tailoring," said Xie Xiaoyu to the three women.

Another reason is that Su Mingcheng needs to accompany those two military advisors. There are too many secrets here; whether it is the items in the greenhouse or the Spirit Eye Stone Cave, it is not suitable for outsiders to know

It is impossible. It takes five days to travel from Linhai City to here. I started the furnace yesterday, and it was only today at midnight that I successfully refined it. Moreover, there is a great formation blocking the way, making it impossible for outsiders to accurately calculate the situation here. Although Xie Xiaoyu is not skilled in divining the heavenly secrets, his master is proficient in this area, so he has some understanding of the Six Lines, Eight Trigrams, Plum Blossom, and Yi Numbers. Initially, he had the old mine chief feign pity to obtain the "Reverse Heaven and Earth Void Transfer Formation" from the mining association, not only to guard against attacks from demon beasts and potential schemes but also to prevent others from divining his movements.

So impressive... That group of kids all stared blankly at the handprints on the hillside

Uncle, could you come out and switch with me? You've been stuck in there for quite a while!" Er Dai was hopping around, holding his backside.

Erzi continuously signaled to Li Guangzong, believing that as a member of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, Li Guangzong should assist in persuading him

There are no regulations above, so it can be either relaxed or strict. The problem is that someone is meddling in the middle, and this person holds power and influence, so both the authorities and the mining association have to give some face.

The lid is still somewhat hot to the touch. Upon opening it, one can see that the interior is filled with mist, which is the residual medicinal vapor.

"Let’s not discuss that for now. You must be unaware of the major incident that has occurred in Tianbao Prefecture, given your isolation here, right?" Tie Zui Zhang was reluctant to let Xie Xiaoyu take the initiative, so he shifted the topic again; at the same time, he cast a glance at Su Mingcheng behind him.

"Are the common people all dead, including the cultivators responsible for the defense?" asked Xie Xiaoyu. He calculated that the two would not be able to answer.

At dawn, the camp was eerily quiet, with no sounds of cooking or preparing tools. Everyone anxiously gazed towards the direction of the Valley of Lost Souls

"Cultivation is not a matter of a moment; you will eventually be able to enter the path." Li Guangzong consoled.

Uncle Chao, Uncle Zhang, Old Bai, Erzi, the Actor, and Old Mine Boss just emerged from behind the wooden wall. Uncle Zhang was trembling all over, his face filled with ecstatic joy, while the others appeared somewhat dejected

The three great threats of Tianbao Prefecture—poison, demon beasts, and earth barbarians. I have already encountered the first two. The poison has been dealt with and is no longer a threat; I have seen and slain many demon beasts. Now, only the earth barbarians remain, and I am planning to find an opportunity to experience them.

Li Guangzong did not pay any attention to the comments of others; at this moment, he was savoring the impact of the previous strike. He understood that the force of that strike was dispersed and, from the perspective of technique, had no merit whatsoever. However, the power of that strike was like a raging tide, and just as the initial force had exhausted, a new force surged forth.

By the way, let's take care of those officials! Da Dai speaks even more aggressively

I can't do it, I just can't help it. Er Dai was jumping up and down there; he certainly did not want to crouch in the bushes. If he stayed too close, the three women would definitely deal with him; if he stayed too far, near the edge of the formation, he often saw palm-sized scorpions and half-foot-long centipedes crawling around.

As he spoke, Xie Xiaoyu's plan became clearer in his mind. He turned to the old mine chief and said: "Uncle He, you need to make a trip to Linhai City to confirm the matter of deploying troops. If possible, escalate the situation so that everyone knows the Liu family from Anyang is bullying others and force the higher-ups to give an explanation. Either remove us from the list or exempt us from this year's payment quota."

Everyone around was pushed back by the force, staggering and stumbling for more than ten steps before finally regaining their footing

"Congratulations, congratulations." Xie Xiaoyu also bowed in respect. However, he did not intend to engage in too much pleasantry with these two individuals, so he directly asked, "May I inquire about the purpose of your esteemed visit?"

The two individuals exchanged words back and forth, and Li Guangzong listened intently. Li Guangzong himself could not quite articulate what he felt; he had previously thought that being able to cultivate was a tremendous fortune. Now that he had truly embarked on the path of cultivation, he found himself envious of Xie Xiaoyu's abilities.

What new tricks are the Liu family from Anyang up to?" Xie Xiaoyu asked calmly