Cultivation: Start From Simplifying Martial Arts Techniques

Chapter 74: Grade Nine Pill Refiner

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Arc you here for the alliance entry test?” The guard led Chen Fei to a location where a female deacon awaited him.

“Yes. I was wondering if there arc any requirements for the test,” Chen Fei inquired.

“Of course,” Qin Jinglan replied, nodding slightly with a warm smile. “Recently, many people have expressed interest in joining the Alchemist Alliance. The requirements have become more stringent. Candidates must successfully refine the Light Spirit Pill, and the quality of the pill must be excellent.”

“In that case, can I take the test today?” Chen Fei asked eagerly.

“You need to submit an application and pay a test fee of one thousand taels. If you pass the test, the fee will be refunded. Otherwise, it will be used for the Alliance’s development,” Qin Jinglan explained.

Chen Fei’s expression shifted slightly, realizing that this measure was in place to prevent those who were not strong enough from wasting the Alliance’s resources.

“Alright,” Chen Fei agreed without objection.

…..

Qin Jinglan led Chen Fei to the counter, where he paid the registration fee. After a while, she guided him to a row of closed pill rooms, presumably where alchemists were refining medicinal pills.

“Please note that if you fail the first test, the next opportunity will be available only after six months, and the test fee will be doubled,” Qin Jinglan reminded him.

“Thank you for the reminder,” Chen Fei responded with a smile.

Qin Jinglan nodded and took Chen Fei to one of the pill rooms. She instructed, “Please refine the Light Spirit Pill within an hour. Exceeding the time limit will result in failure.”

Looking around, Chen Fei noticed various medicinal herbs scattered about the room, requiring him to sort them out himself. He glanced at Qin Jinglan, who held a photo stone in her hand, signaling that he could begin.

The photo stone would remain in the Pill Room to prevent favoritism and allow verification at any time.

Chen Fei confidently found the necessary medicinal ingredients for the Light Spirit Pill among the assortment. After briefly cleaning the pill furnace on the ground, he started a fire and waited for the furnace to heat up. He then added all the herbs for the Light Spirit Pill into the furnace.

Observing from the side, Qin Jinglan frowned slightly.

Chen Fei’s actions seemed to be correct, but his movements appeared somewhat rough, lacking finesse. Additionally, the order in which he placed the herbs was incorrect. Pouring them all in at once resembled the work of a novice. Another crucial issue was that the fire beneath the furnace was too intense.

Refining pills required precise control of the fire. While a larger flame accelerated the pill formation, it exponentially increased the difficulty of control. Hence, the Alliance provided an hour for the test, allowing alchemists to work without haste.

Indeed, when it came to alchemy, meticulous work produced superior results.

Qin Jinglan anticipated that Chen Fei’s pill furnace was likely to explode.

Unaware of Qin Jinglan’s thoughts, Chen Fei followed his usual rhythm, adjusting the changes in medicinal properties within the pill furnace with his inner strength.

This was the most effective method Chen Fei had devised for himself. It allowed for the fastest pill production without compromising quality. He couldn’t be sure if it was suitable for others, but it worked for him.

After all, he wouldn’t have been able to produce nearly a hundred Light Spirit Pills in a few hours if the process hadn’t been efficient, even with a high pill production rate. Efficiency was their goal.

Under Qin Jinglan’s gaze, awaiting the impending explosion, a faint medicinal fragrance began to permeate the pill room.

Qin Jinglan sniffed the air, her expression registering surprise. The scent indicated that the furnace was not about to explode. Even after years of exposure to medicinal aromas, she sensed that the quality of this batch of pills was likely exceptional.

Qin Jinglan looked at Chen Fei in astonishment, her expression slightly changing.

Alchemy couldn’t be faked. Discarding her initial bias, Qin Jinglan reevaluated Chen Fei’s alchemical movements. Surprisingly, he appeared agile and composed.

“Bang!”

Just 15 minutes later, Chen Fei slammed his palm on the furnace lid, emitting a muffled sound that snapped Qin Jinglan out of her thoughts.

“Is this acceptable?” Chen Fei asked, placing the finished medicinal pill on a nearby plate and handing it to Qin Jinglan.

Examining the Light Spirit Pill on the porcelain plate, Qin Jinglan couldn’t conceal her admiration. Without a complete understanding of the pill formula, refining a pill of this caliber would be impossible.

Qin Jinglan had witnessed numerous trials, but she could count the instances of encountering such a high-quality Light Spirit Pill on one hand. Moreover, Chen Fei’s speed of production was remarkable.

“I still need to verify it,” Qin Jinglan said, bowing slightly as she stored the photo stone. Her attitude had shifted considerably as she continued, “Please follow me.”

Chen Fei smiled and followed Qin Jinglan to a counter. She handed over the porcelain plate and the photo stone. After some time, the medicinal pill and the photo stone were swiftly verified.

The Alliance’s representatives confirmed the information with Chen Fei and placed a jade card in front of him.

“This is your proof of identity in the Alchemist Alliance,” Qin Jinglan respectfully presented the jade token to him.

Chen Fei accepted it, observing the pill furnace carved on the jade pendant with a smile. Finally, he had a backing. He could now sell the Eternal Floating Pill without worrying about unwelcome visitors.

“By the way, does the Alliance sell pill formulas?” Chen Fei turned around and inquired.

“They are not available for sale,” Qin Jinglan shook her head. “However, you can use your contribution points to obtain them.”

“Contribution points?” Chen Fei furrowed his brow.

“By completing missions assigned by the Alliance, you can earn contribution points. You can also contribute your own pill formulas to the Alliance, which, upon evaluation, will reward you with contribution points.”

“Contribution points can be used to exchange for pill formulas, and with enough points, you can even issue missions. As long as the mission does not harm others, it can be released,” Qin Jinglan explained.

Chen Fei suddenly understood. This system was similar to a sect’s approach, aiming to foster loyalty among its members. Otherwise, obtaining gratitude for various free offerings would prove challenging.

“Is there a difference in status between being able to refine the Light Spirit Pill and the Eternital Floating Pill?” Chen Fei inquired.

“Of course, there is a difference. If you can refine the Eternal Floating Pill and its quality and efficacy meet the requirements, you can advance from a level nine alchemist to a level eight alchemist. Some Alliance missions have restrictions that only high-grade alchemists can accept,” Qin Jinglan responded, her eyes sparkling with a trace of unfamiliarity.

Such a young level eight alchemist? Chen Fei was a little taken aback, but he had a tall and well-proportioned figure. Upon closer inspection, he appeared quite handsome.

Chen Fei suddenly realized that there was indeed a ranking system for pill refiners. Considering the significant disparity in the number of medicinal ingredients used in the Eternal Floating Pill compared to the Light Spirit Pill, as well as the greater difficulty of refining it, such a system made sense. It allowed for clear differentiation between the pill-refining skills required for the two types.

This system facilitated the management of the Alliance as well.

“I would like to apply for the Level 8 alchemist examination,” Chen Fei announced, looking at Qin Jinglan. After consistently refining Light Spirit Pills during this period, Chen Fei had attained a level of proficiency with the Eternal Floating Pill that bordered on perfection.

It was time to showcase his skills.

“Please wait a moment, Young Master,” Qin Jinglan said, walking away and returning after a considerable time.

“Young Master, please follow me.”

Qin Jinglan bowed slightly and led Chen Fei to the pill room. They arrived, finding an elderly pill refiner already present.

“The assessment for a Level 8 alchemist has become even more stringent,” Qin Jinglan stated softly in the pill room.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Chen Fei felt that Qin Jinglan’s voice had become significantly softer.

Hmm, it was pleasant to the ear.. Sounded good!