Slaying Demons: Starting with Upgrading my Calligraphy-Chapter 695 - 577: Alchemy!

"When will the elixir be ready?"

The Heavenly Patching Elixir concerns Shen Changsheng's life, so Shen Wansan is naturally very concerned.

Given Shen Changming's current condition, he likely won't last long. If the Heavenly Patching Elixir isn't refined in time, everything he's done will be in vain.

"At the fastest, three to five years. At the slowest, seven to eight years. It really depends on whether the process goes smoothly."

Qi Xiu didn't give Shen Wansan a definitive answer, though he was planning to commission Xu Zhitian from the Flying Immortal Pot to refine the Heavenly Patching Elixir personally.

But he still had to avoid Shen Wansan noticing anything amiss. The vaguer he spoke, the more genuine it would seem.

"Will it take that long?"

Upon hearing Qi Xiu's answer, Shen Wansan furrowed his brow slightly, clearly thinking the time was a bit too long.

Although Shen Changming's lifespan isn't immediately at risk, if Qi Xiu's elixir refinement fails, the time for remedying would be limited.

"Can't it be faster?"

"The Heavenly Patching Elixir is extraordinary. I must ensure every step is flawless to guarantee the elixir's purity. Surely, True Venerable would not want me to produce an elixir that's all show and no substance."

Qi Xiu's words made Shen Wansan slowly nod as well.

Indeed, ensuring the integrity of the Heavenly Patching Elixir is what's most important.

"Alright, I'll rely on you then."

Taking a deep breath, Shen Wansan acknowledged Qi Xiu's stated timeframe. However, as he stood up to leave, the young Daoist behind him called out.

"Please stay, True Venerable."

"What is it now?" Shen Wansan asked with a heavy gaze, thinking Qi Xiu might have realized some oversight.

"It's embarrassing to say, True Venerable knows, our Supreme Sect Leader has traveled outside the domain and has yet to return.

In recent years, some petty villains have been eyeing our Shenxiao Sect covetously, causing disturbances.

In the past, I've handled these miscreants myself.

But now I must close myself off to refine the Heavenly Patching Elixir for True Venerable, leaving me no time to attend to these evildoers.

If these miscreants come again, disturbing our Shenxiao Sect is minor, but disrupting the elixir refinement is major.

Therefore, I would like to humbly request True Venerable to stay at our Shenxiao Sect for a few days.

With your esteemed reputation, you can deter that group of petty villains, bringing me peace of mind while refining the elixir."

With these words, Qi Xiu spoke neither obsequiously nor arrogantly, his tone firm, yet he subtly placed Shen Wansan on a high pedestal.

"Ha, you little rascal, you want me to be a bodyguard for your Shenxiao Sect, don't you?"

Seeing through Qi Xiu's intentions at a glance, Shen Wansan coldly chuckled without humor:

"Stop trying to flatter me, I see you've offended too many people and they're taking the chance for revenge."

Though his words were harsh, Shen Wansan sat back in his chair, his demeanor displeased, but his eyes showed no anger.

Clearly, Qi Xiu's previous words had pleased him quite a bit.

"Fine, since you're diligently refining the elixir for me, I'll stay at this Shenxiao Sect for a while.

But let's be clear, I'm not staying because of you.

I'm staying to give face to your Supreme Sect Leader Dongfang Qing. Although our personal relationship is average, we are both members of the Dao Alliance.

He's ventured outside the domain, so it's reasonable for me to watch over things for him." Leaning leisurely on the chair, Shen Wansan spoke calmly.

Seeing that Shen Wansan had been successfully persuaded to stay at Shenxiao Sect, Qi Xiu subtly exhaled.

The Heavenly Patching Elixir might be crafted by Xu Zhitian of the Flying Immortal Pot, but he had other matters to focus on himself.

During this period, the safety of Shenxiao Sect became his primary concern.

And now with Shen Wansan, a Primordial Spirit True Honor, stationed here, everything could be assured.

"Thank you, True Venerable."

"Alright, if you truly want to thank me, then refine the Heavenly Patching Elixir sooner. As long as the elixir is effective, I will give a great reward."

Waving his hand, Shen Wansan once again promised.

"Rest assured, True Venerable, I will do my utmost," Qi Xiu responded.

Having arranged everything, Qi Xiu first instructed Taoist Yun Yang to treat this Wealth God True Lord well, and then pulled the old Taoist to the side:

"Master Yun Yang, you should send people out now to spread the word that Wealth God True Lord is visiting our Shenxiao Sect and plans to stay for some time.

Remember, spread it as quickly and as far as possible.

I will be closing myself off to refine the elixir in a few days and may not be able to attend to matters in the sect.

Having this True Honor in our sect is akin to having a rock-solid backer.

While Shen Wansan's combat ability within the Dao Alliance is average, his status is lofty, and his connections are vast.

With him stationed here, our Shenxiao Sect is assuredly protected for the time being."

"Rest assured, Vice Sect Leader, the old Taoist will get on it right away." Being wise in years, Taoist Yun Yang, having lived for thousands of years, quickly grasped Qi Xiu's meaning and nodded before turning to make preparations.

After making thorough arrangements, Qi Xiu proceeded to the Lotus Leaf Cave Heaven, where Dongfang Qing often summoned him in the past, intending to once again begin formal alchemy.

...

Seated in the vast and boundless center of the Lotus Leaf Pond, Qi Xiu raised a spell, shadows swaying behind him as numerous External Incarnations continually emerged.

In the meantime, Xu Zhitian, who was toying with a bright and transparent Clear Water Jade Bracelet, also slowly revealed his form.

"This Shen Wansan indeed has some integrity; the quality of all the medicinal materials is top-notch, with no sign of residue or inferior quality.

To find such quantity and quality of materials within a year, this person's skills and connections are not to be underestimated."

The vast ocean of immense herbal materials was stored within the Clear Water Jade Bracelet. Xu Zhitian came to Qi Xiu's side and flicked the bracelet casually.

Two rays of Divine Light suddenly flew out from the Clear Water and landed in front of Qi Xiu.

One item, shaped like a palm-sized blade of grass, with an overall dark golden hue. The front of the leaf bore the hidden images of three thousand Buddhist figures reciting scriptures, resonating with Buddhist chants, and showing a solemn treasure aspect. The back of the leaf revealed three thousand devil heads, vicious and terrifying, uttering twisted heretical doctrines.

One side virtuous, the other evil; one Buddha, one demon.

This was recognized in the Middle Ancient Era as suspected to be extinct — the Primordial Spirit Level Divine Herb known as Tapo Strange Leaf!

Legend has it this Divine Herb was initially just a common weed.

By chance, it grew in the place where Buddha and the Demon King debated Dao, one side hearing Buddha's teachings while the other absorbed the Demon King's discourses, gradually marinating in the conflicting influences, becoming a rare Divine Herb in the world.

The other item was a clay pot filled with red broth.

The clay pot appeared simple and unremarkable, lacking any visible Divine Marvel. Yet, the truly precious item was the turbid red broth inside, floating with mysterious oils.

Desire Heaven Blood!

A mysterious substance whose appearance and disappearance is unknown; it is rumored to flow from Heaven as blood and tears, containing the world's ultimate seven emotions and six desires.

The emergence of Desire Heaven Blood is utterly irregular, its appearance difficult to define. Sometimes it appears in forbidden, perilous locations surrounded by resplendent radiance and divine charm, while other times, it merely shows up as a mundane puddle by a rural roadside, unremarkable enough that those passing by would never suspect it to be a rare Divine Object.

Thus, the collection of this item relies entirely on luck, resulting in its exceptionally scarce presence in the world.

This pot of Desire Heaven Blood in front of Qi Xiu was all acquired by Shen Wansan through considerable sacrifice, appealing directly to the Primordial Spirit True Honors of the Dao Alliance.

For this, he had to lose much face and expend significant personal favors.

"With the Tapo Strange Leaf and Desire Heaven Blood in hand, you can start refining that miraculous medicine.

However, are you sure you don't want my help?

With your level in alchemy, the chance of successfully refining that miraculous medicine is less than thirty percent.

These Tapo Strange Leaf and Desire Heaven Blood can be used at most twice.

Do you think two attempts are enough?"

Watching Qi Xiu, who was seated and adjusting his breath to elevate Essence, Qi, and Spirit to their optimal state, Xu Zhitian attempted to persuade him.

Though the medicine Qi Xiu aimed to refine wasn't a Primordial Spirit Divine Medicine, it was considered among the most challenging Treasure Medicines in the Dao Body Realm.

Despite Qi Xiu's masterful techniques in alchemy, refining Treasure Medicine at the Dao Body Realm is no easy feat; even the slightest error could lead to total failure.

Thus, Xu Zhitian could not fathom why Qi Xiu insisted on refining this medicine personally.

"I appreciate your kindness, Elder Xu, but I must personally refine this medicine. The reasons will be explained to you later.

Now, could you please help sort the medicinal materials?"

Gently opening a slit of his eyes, Qi Xiu remained steadfast in his decision to personally refine the Treasure Medicine, his gaze clear and full of confidence that could quell doubts.

Feeling Qi Xiu's determination and recalling his background, Xu Zhitian nodded slowly:

"Alright, as you wish. Anyway, these medicinal materials can be used twice; if your first attempt fails, I'll step in."

"Thank you, Elder Xu."

With a faint smile, Qi Xiu waved his right hand, and a Pill Furnace towering over a hundred meters, entirely crafted like Immortal Copper and Divine Iron, appeared, engraved with one hundred seventy-seven Dao pattern talisman scripts, subtly flowing with infinite Divine Light.

Beneath the Pill Furnace, a glass-like bright yellow flame flickered, emitting an exceptionally mystical Medicine Path aura.

The sudden appearance of the Pill Furnace diffused a rich medicinal fragrance throughout Lotus Leaf Cave Heaven; its scent prompted a sensation of abundant vitality with every breath.

"This furnace... Tsk, it's ordinary."

Glancing at the Pill Furnace Qi Xiu brought forth, Xu Zhitian's eyelids drooped, shaking his head:

"Compared to mine, it's far inferior."

"Elder Xu, you are an Innate Medicine Dao Divine Artifact; if this Pill Furnace could rival you, it would similarly be a Divine Artifact."

Hearing Xu Zhitian's comment, Qi Xiu shook his head with a gentle smile.

This Pill Furnace, called Yuanquan, is of superb quality, nearly qualifying as an Acquired Divine Instrument. The talismans on the furnace harmonize the properties of the medicine to the greatest extent, while the Yuanquan Fire below adjusts its temperature according to the medicinal properties. Shen Wansan employed considerable means to acquire this Treasure Furnace.

This Pill Furnace, though incomparable to the Innate Medicine Dao Divine Artifact Flying Immortal Pot Xu Zhitian, akin to a firefly beside the sun and moon, falls far short.

Yet, Qi Xiu has his own considerations for this alchemy session and intends not to use the Medicine Dao Divine Instrument Flying Immortal Pot.

Instead, he plans to use this Yuanquan Elixir Furnace to personally refine the Treasure Medicine.

...