Chapter 12: An Unexpected Joy

"If it were just individual spirit herbs, that would be fine. However, since you require the complete set for a pill formula, I cannot make the decision myself; I must consult the Pavilion Master," Manager Luo Qian informed him truthfully.

Qin Liang realized this was reasonable, as spirit herbs were quite rare in Sulfur City, and such caution was expected.

"Take me to see your Pavilion Master then."

Although his spirit coins were limited, that did not prevent him from negotiating the price first.

"This way, Young Master Qin."

Luo Qian led Qin Liang to the second floor, down a corridor, and soon arrived at a quiet chamber.

Inside, a middle-aged woman with a voluptuous figure, seductive makeup, and slightly revealing attire sat half-reclined in a massive chair. She looked quite haggard and sickly. The room was filled with a lingering, intoxicating fragrance. If other men in Sulfur City were to see this scene, they would likely have nosebleeds on the spot.

"Truly a temptress..." Qin Liang thought to himself.

He had never encountered such a sight, and feeling a sudden surge of heat in his lower abdomen, he hurriedly circulated his internal energy to stabilize his mind and spirit. His slightly flushed face soon returned to normal. He knew the woman before him was Hua Zhiqiao, the Pavilion Master of the Wanbao Pavilion. Rumor had it that her strength was unfathomable, and her cultivation might have already surpassed the Spirit Refining realm.

"Oh?"

Seeing this, Hua Zhiqiao was surprised. The young man was not affected by her beauty? Usually, she could use her charms to gain the upper hand and reach satisfactory deals with her clients. It seemed this young man would not be so easily swayed.

"Pavilion Master, Young Master Qin wishes to purchase these spirit herbs. Please take a look." Luo Qian respectfully handed over the paper.

Hua Zhiqiao took it, and with a single glance, recognized it as a complete pill formula. As expected of the Pavilion Master of Wanbao Pavilion, she was indeed knowledgeable. A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, and she waved for Luo Qian to stand guard outside.

"Young Master Qin, to my knowledge, there is only one first-grade alchemist in Sulfur City, and he is away with no set date for his return. Since you wish to purchase these herbs, could it be that you have a master alchemist hidden behind you?" Hua Zhiqiao asked directly, without beating around the bush.

"This..."

Qin Liang’s face stiffened. He had been in such a rush that he hadn't considered this. Seeing his hesitation, Hua Zhiqiao quickly added, "Do not misunderstand, Young Master. I simply wish to conduct some business with this master alchemist. If it is convenient, could you pass a message on my behalf? As for these spirit herbs, consider them a gift for you."

Hua Zhiqiao spoke lightly, as if these first-grade spirit herbs were truly of no concern to her. Qin Liang was moved by her words, but he carefully considered the situation before asking, "How does the Pavilion Master intend to conduct this business?"

Hua Zhiqiao produced a new pill formula and handed it to Qin Liang.

"Pulse-Nurturing Rejuvenation Pill?"

Qin Liang raised an eyebrow, recognizing it as a first-grade formula that matched the information in the Heaven-Desolate Cauldron. This pill could restore vitality to withered meridians without leaving any side effects.

Despite her sickly appearance, Hua Zhiqiao smiled. "Please tell the master that if he can refine this, he may state any conditions. As long as Wanbao Pavilion possesses it, we will not treat the master unfairly."

"Very well, I will relay the message," Qin Liang nodded.

Hua Zhiqiao beckoned for Luo Qian to bring over the spirit herbs—the very ones needed for the Clearing Spirit Pill. Qin Liang obtained the herbs without spending a single spirit coin.

Once he had walked away, Luo Qian asked worriedly, "Pavilion Master, was this decision too rash? I heard Young Master Qin only just awakened his Dao Root yesterday. How could he possibly have a master alchemist behind him?"

Hua Zhiqiao sighed helplessly. "Master Mo's return is uncertain, and the injuries within me cannot be delayed. I must be cured as soon as possible, or I fear I will not be able to maintain my current cultivation. There is no other way for now; I can only pin my hopes on the alchemist behind Young Master Qin."

Her voice was thick with exhaustion, and she drifted into a deep sleep shortly after speaking. Luo Qian felt anxious but, not wanting to disturb her, turned and left.

...

Back in his room, Qin Liang closed the doors and windows, summoned the Heaven-Desolate Cauldron, and began refining the Clearing Spirit Pill. The cauldron sat before him like a pot, emitting a faint green glow.

"According to the formula, I must first refine the Red Glow Flower."

Qin Liang took out a glowing red flower with seven petals. He dropped them into the cauldron one by one. Soon, only a single drop of pure spiritual liquid remained, emanating the unique, refreshing fragrance of spirit herbs. If it were a normal alchemist, the process would require precise control over the heat to avoid an explosion. However, Qin Liang’s current cultivation was limited, and he could not yet conjure flames to refine pills. He had to rely on the inherent properties of the Heaven-Desolate Cauldron, dropping the herbs in the required order. Whether it would succeed, he had no idea.

If it failed, he would have no choice but to drink the spiritual liquid directly and see if it could purge the resentment from his body. He only hoped the outcome wouldn't be too dire.

Once the Red Glow Flower was added, Qin Liang retrieved the remaining herbs: Wind-Frost Vine, Flying Star Grass, and Heartless Fruit. He tossed them all into the cauldron and began the brewing process.

The various spiritual liquids flowed slowly within the cauldron. As they blended, their properties transformed, occasionally throwing off blinding sparks that made Qin Liang’s heart race.

"This... surely it won't explode, will it?"

He retreated to the corner, holding a tabletop in front of him, but it was just a false alarm. After an incense stick's time, the Heaven-Desolate Cauldron returned to calm, and he breathed a massive sigh of relief.

He walked to the cauldron, took out a pill with intertwined red and green colors, and brought it to his nose to inhale. He felt instantly refreshed and invigorated, exclaiming, "It's actually of perfect quality!"

Every grade of pill has different qualities: ordinary, high-grade, refined, and perfect. The higher the quality, the more potent the effect. The fact that the Heaven-Desolate Cauldron could produce perfect-quality pills without his direct control would surely trigger a bloodbath if other alchemists found out, making him a target for everyone.

Recalling the cauldron, Qin Liang sat cross-legged on his bed and swallowed the Clearing Spirit Pill.

The pill melted upon entering his stomach, forming a pure surge of medicinal energy that traveled through his meridians.

"Oh?"

Qin Liang was surprised to find that the wound where his Dao Root had been missing was also rapidly repairing itself. He felt a surge of joy, thinking, "It seems I won't need to go searching for spiritual substances to repair it separately."

Spirit herbs were a form of spiritual substance, and even after being refined into a pill, they retained their spiritual essence. In truth, Qin Liang’s cultivation was still shallow, and the damage to his Dao Root was minor enough to be repaired by such substances. However, if his cultivation surpassed the Spirit Refining realm and the Dao Root had fully set, repairing it would be far more difficult—perhaps even impossible—leaving him a cripple for life.

As the medicinal properties flooded his mind, Qin Liang noticed the images of the mountain of corpses and the sea of blood gradually fading. The resentment and killing intent were quickly neutralized by the medicine, eventually turning into a clear stream that merged with his soul.

"My perception seems to have increased."

Qin Liang’s face lit up. Whenever he wished, he could perceive every minor movement within a ten-meter radius.

*Thump, thump, thump...*

The sound of a mosquito's heartbeat near the window reached his ears, leaving him astonished. "Is this the benefit of enhanced perception? If used properly in combat, it will undoubtedly be a great advantage."