Chapter 73: Pill Refinement (Part 1)

The pills that had been refined earlier were all designed for those below the level of martial artists, aimed either at expelling impurities or enhancing physical strength. The ingredients used were relatively common and not difficult to acquire. However, what Lekai truly wished to refine were pills that could increase true energy—a realm entirely different from the previous ones, just as the threshold of becoming a martial artist marked a fundamental divide. These pills belonged to a higher order.

Lekai sorted through the list and found that the Pill Maniac had named no fewer than ninety-nine types of pills. Though these were still far from true elixirs, their effects were remarkably diverse. The required ingredients were not only rare but, in many cases, completely unheard of—clearly not native to this planet.

In the end, Lekai realized, somewhat despondent, that he could only produce four kinds of pills. And that was only because he used the medicinal liquid he had obtained from the Dead Volcano Secret Realm; relying solely on ingredients gathered outside, he would not have been able to make even a single pill.

To accommodate Lekai, the Pill Maniac had created the Mortal Realm. The four pills available to Lekai were only first-level pills, not worthy of being called true elixirs. If the very first tier was already so difficult, what of the subsequent ones, with their ever more precious ingredients? What kind of heavenly treasures would be necessary for the making of true elixirs?

Lekai dared not imagine further. If even the effects of these basic pills were so potent, what would true elixirs be like? Wouldn’t their power be nearly miraculous? If he could gather the necessary ingredients, wouldn’t his cultivation soar by leaps and bounds?

The first pill, the Qi Restoration Pill, could stimulate physical vitality and rapidly replenish true energy, suitable for anyone below the Qi Condensation Realm.

According to the changes in strength, the Pill Maniac had meticulously divided the realms for Lekai. Ordinary mortals relied on physical strength—once that strength achieved a qualitative change, it became true energy. As true energy evolved, it became qi, which, once refined and evolved again, became the spiritual energy so coveted by cultivators. When spiritual energy underwent another transformation, it became spiritual power, and only upon reaching this stage could one truly refine elixirs, as real elixirs required the infusion of spiritual power.

The second pill: the Great Strength Pill, which greatly increased physical strength for a period after consumption.

The third: the Berserker Pill, which stimulated the body to produce a berserk-like state, though with far less severe side effects than true berserk techniques.

The fourth: the Resurrection Pill, which contained potent life energy capable of restoring an ordinary person from severe injuries or exhaustion.

Lekai had long since memorized the refining process for these four pills by heart; the medicinal liquid was too precious to allow for any mistakes. With his current abilities, refining the Qi Restoration Pill was perfectly suited to him, ensuring he would no longer be embarrassed by running out of true energy.

The Berserker Pill, in some respects, could replace his Berserk Technique. While it still had side effects, they were negligible compared to the life-force-draining consequences of the original technique.

The Resurrection Pill was even more necessary. In combat, no one could guarantee they would never be injured. This pill was a miraculous healing medicine—no matter how severe the wound, one pill would grant a temporary revival. As for any side effects, they remained unknown for now.

The Great Strength Pill, however, was of little use to Lekai. Physical strength always had its limits, and relying solely on brute force was not his style. Still, it was perfect for Vajra. Though the pills were exceedingly rare, Lekai already considered Vajra a friend, and he had always been generous to his friends.

Refining first-level pills was much more demanding than basic pills. Knowing the procedure was not enough; the most critical step was the infusion of true energy. One had to envelop the pill furnace with true energy, permeate it, merge it with the medicinal liquid, and seal it—all with great care and precision. Any misstep could lead to failure. The alchemist had to be intimately familiar with the entire process and possess exquisite control over their true energy.

This was why Lekai had spent the past two months refining pills day and night. The other three only saw him lying on a chair with his eyes closed, resting, but they didn’t know that every time he refined pills, his mind was wholly focused on the furnace, leaving him utterly exhausted time and again, only to recover and repeat the process.

Over the past month, both his mental strength and true energy had been pushed to their limits, constantly depleted and replenished, leading to incredible growth. This was why Lekai now had the confidence to give it a try.

If he succeeded in refining a first-level pill, he would truly become a first-level alchemist!

“This time, I’ll handle the pill refining myself. All you need to do is make sure no one disturbs me.”

Seeing the three had prepared all the ingredients, Lekai took a small furnace from his robe. Inside was the most crucial ingredient for the Qi Restoration Pill: the exceptionally rare Three-Star Spirit-Gathering Grass!

This herb absorbed the essence of earth and sky, surviving the trials of the seasons. Only after a hundred years did it gain its first star, and only after three hundred years could it be used medicinally. With every additional hundred years, another leaf would appear, and the plant would double in size. It was said, in legend, that some had nine stars, making them incredibly precious.

With the Three-Star Spirit-Gathering Grass’s ability to collect spiritual energy, it could gather and preserve the needed energy. By adding its extract, the medicinal properties of all ingredients and the true energy could be perfectly merged and sealed, resulting in a flawless pill.

This process, though it could sound simple, was as difficult as reaching the heavens. Everything depended on the alchemist’s strength and control—those with greater power and mastery could produce pills of the highest quality.

It was like pouring true energy into a hollow pill, storing the intangible energy for future use. This was delicate work, and not a single mistake could be tolerated. Unless he was ninety percent certain, Lekai would not even attempt it. Now, convinced the time was right, he was determined to strike while the iron was hot.

The three looked at Lekai in astonishment, not understanding why the young master, who had been “slacking off” for a whole month, suddenly wanted to take matters into his own hands. They had become so proficient with ordinary pills that they could now produce them flawlessly.

Still, they were happy to rest a bit. Besides, watching the “Little Demon King” refine pills was a pleasure in itself. This was not something ordinary people could imagine—one session of pill-making was as exhausting as a fierce battle.

“Rambo, start the fire!”

Lekai shot a glance at the dawdling Rambo and said, “Don’t tell me you expect me to use the legendary Three-Flavored True Fire and refine pills out of thin air?”

Rambo’s face fell, and he had no choice but to resume his dismal role as cook and stoke the fire.

Lekai took a deep breath, his mind as calm as a still pond, his eyes clear as water. He gazed quietly at the steam rising from the pill furnace, motionless, until half an hour had passed and the spring water within the furnace was nearly dry. Then, unhurriedly, he added the prepared ingredients one by one in the correct order.

The three watched with some confusion, thinking Lekai might try something new, only to discover that his process differed little from their own.