Volume Two: Travels in the State of Qi Chapter 68: Alchemy

Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed intently on Zhang Heng as he worked. Each of them waited, ready to unleash a torrent of mockery the moment he failed. Even Yun Yanrou tugged at his sleeve, her nervousness betraying her own disbelief that Zhang Heng could truly refine a second-tier pill.

Such doubt was only natural. Second-tier pills were not so easily crafted; for someone as young as Zhang Heng, even succeeding at a first-tier pill would be extraordinary enough to call him a prodigy. In their eyes, it was simply impossible for him to create a second-tier pill.

Zhang Heng, however, paid no heed to their reactions and began the process with meticulous care—this was his first attempt, after all, and he could afford no mistakes.

The first step was to prepare the herbs, and in this, Zhang Heng was already quite practiced. In his spare time, he had often experimented with these techniques, squandering many herbs but ultimately mastering the process. Extending his right hand, he drew upon the Fire Essence Palm technique to channel spiritual energy, conjuring a flame in his palm with which to temper the ingredients.

Seeing Zhang Heng handle the herbs with such deftness, Wu Hong found himself wavering. Could this boy truly possess the skill to refine pills? Yet another voice within him insisted it was impossible.

Before long, all the ingredients were ready. Wu Hong considered offering a reminder: given the boy’s skillful hands, he might very well succeed at a first-tier pill, but to refine the second-tier Rejuvenation Pill—of that, Wu Hong remained unconvinced.

Still, he knew well that the alchemical process demanded perfect composure. Distraction from outsiders could at best ruin the attempt, at worst cause a dangerous backlash. So, he held his tongue and watched every step with utmost attention, ready to intervene should anything go awry.

Placing the cauldron in his hands, Zhang Heng began to heat it. Though the onlookers held their breath, Zhang Heng was calm as ever—after all, the system guided him through each step, and as long as he moved slowly, he could not err.

He opened the lid and slowly added the various ingredients. Though his actions seemed unhurried, Wu Hong grew more and more excited, a fondness for this rare talent blossoming in his heart.

The timing of each addition was flawless, not a second off. In this era, when the art of alchemy had so greatly waned, a prodigy such as Zhang Heng was a true rarity. Wu Hong resolved then and there: regardless of the outcome, he would gift the cauldron to Zhang Heng and take him as a disciple, teaching him with utmost care.

Time crept onward. The smelting phase was the most taxing, demanding both time and focus. Fortunately, Zhang Heng had already reached Body Tempering level six; otherwise, he would never have endured.

The crowd waited in utter stillness, for they were about to witness a miracle—a twenty-year-old second-tier alchemist, the first in nearly ten thousand years.

Even if Zhang Heng failed and produced only a first-tier pill, he would still be a prodigy—there had never been a twenty-year-old first-tier alchemist in the history of Shayan City.

Yun Yanrou’s beautiful eyes never left Zhang Heng. She had thought him merely an apprentice, never imagining he truly possessed such skill.

At last, after what felt like an eternity, Zhang Heng stirred. He called out softly, “Open,” swiftly set the cauldron upon the table, lifted the lid with his left hand, and retrieved the pill with his right—all in one seamless motion.

When the crowd saw the pill in Zhang Heng’s hand, excitement erupted. He had succeeded. A second-tier alchemist—at twenty years of age!

(In truth, Zhang Heng was only nineteen, but none of them knew this.)

Wu Hong, who had watched Zhang Heng intently throughout the process, was the first to take the pill from him, examining it closely in his palm. Its color was rich, its medicinal aura strong—a top-grade pill. Every step, from preparation to refinement to condensation, had been executed flawlessly. If only he had waited a moment longer before opening the furnace, it might have been a perfect pill.

Still, to produce a top-grade second-tier pill was an achievement beyond the reach of many veteran alchemists.

“A prodigy—an absolute prodigy!” Wu Hong’s hands trembled as he held the pill.

He clutched Zhang Heng’s hand, exclaiming, “Heaven must have seen the decline of alchemy and sent you to restore it!” For someone of twenty to make a top-grade second-tier pill—none could dispute that he was the greatest talent ever seen, truly sent by Heaven to revive the Dao of Alchemy, Wu Hong thought.

Though the old man was beside himself with excitement, Zhang Heng inwardly groaned—he had no interest in such close attention.

Yun Yanrou watched Zhang Heng’s calm demeanor, her heart quietly stirred by his unruffled mastery.

As for Zhang Heng, he thought to himself: “They’re this excited over a top-grade pill? If it were a supreme-grade pill, they’d probably ascend to the heavens.” Clearly, he would need to keep a lower profile in the future; without sufficient strength, standing out too much could only court disaster. That was why he had deliberately opened the furnace early during the final step.

Little did he know, even his attempts at modesty made him appear all the more extraordinary in the eyes of others.

“Sir, according to our wager, the cauldron is mine now, isn’t it?” Zhang Heng’s greatest concern was the cauldron.

“Yes,” Wu Hong replied absently, still absorbed in studying the pill.

“Very well.” Without further ado, Zhang Heng stored the cauldron in his spatial ring. He had overheard that the cauldron belonged to the old man; if Wu Hong changed his mind, there would be little Zhang Heng could do. Seizing it by force was out of the question.

At that moment, Wu Hong turned to Zhang Heng and asked solemnly, “Young man, I wish to take you as my disciple. What do you think?”

The members of the Pill Pavilion were astonished—Wu Hong had come from the capital and was a true fourth-tier alchemist! If he publicly announced his intention to accept disciples, the entire city would be filled with petitioners. Yet now, he was actively inviting this youth.

But then, considering Zhang Heng’s performance, they realized he was indeed worthy.

Zhang Heng replied calmly, “Sir, I have no intention of taking a master at present. I must therefore decline your generous offer.”

In truth, the system itself was the best possible teacher. No one else was qualified to be Zhang Heng’s master.

“Well said.” Instead of taking offense, Wu Hong beamed. “Young man, with your extraordinary talent, this old man is not worthy to be your teacher. But as you’ve not yet reached your full potential, should you ever encounter difficulties in alchemy, please come to me—I will answer any question without reservation.”

Zhang Heng smiled inwardly—he would never need to. Outwardly, he replied respectfully, “Sir, you are a fourth-tier alchemist, and countless people would wish to be your disciple. However, I, Zhang Heng, truly have no intention of taking a master. It seems we are simply not fated. Should I encounter any problems in my practice, I hope you will be willing to guide me.”

He paused, then continued, “One more thing: I would ask that today’s events remain a secret within your pavilion.”

This was indeed an unexpected development. Without sufficient strength, being known as an alchemist could only bring trouble.

Wu Hong nodded gravely. “Rest assured, young man.” Then, turning to the serving maids present, he declared, “If anyone dares to speak of what happened today, they will not be spared.”

A genius who has not yet matured cannot be called a true genius.

Having received his answer, Zhang Heng grinned. “Sir, may I have my pill back?”

Wu Hong’s brow twitched, and he replied with mock annoyance, “You rascal! I am a fourth-tier alchemist—why would I covet your pill? Here, take it.” With that, he tossed the pill back to Zhang Heng.