Chapter 84: Chapter 83: Illustrated Handbook of Hundred Herbst
Translator: 549690339
Since it’s an incomplete pill formula, Luo Chen didn’t take it to heart.
However, after reading through it, he couldn’t calm down for a long time.
The Tongyou Pill.
Main ingredients were Huan You Grass, First Order Demon Fox Blood.
And additional ingredients were Duan Yang Ginseng, Qi Yuan Flower…
Among the additional ingredients, one was missing.
Furthermore, specific proportions and combinations were not given.
The pill refinement methods and their corresponding taboos were also not explained.
All of these had turned into ashes along with the burnt half of the bamboo slip.
However, the description of the Tongyou Pill effect stirred up ripples in his heart.
“It can increase the Spirit Consciousness Foundation, and after long-term use, it will be extremely sensitive to ghost creatures.”
With just a simple sentence, Luo Chen couldn’t help but wish this pill formula was complete.
It can increase the Spirit Consciousness Foundation!
Ever since Qin Liangchen and his wife initially introduced him to the basics of the spirit, spirit consciousness, and divine consciousness for cultivation, he has paid great attention to it.
After asking around more times, he also learned an uncertain rumor.
It is said that people with a strong spirit consciousness find it easier to break through the Foundation Establishment.
Isn’t this increase the chance of breaking through to Foundation Establishment?
Luo Chen’s Five Spirit Root Talent made cultivation difficult, and breaking through to Foundation Establishment would no doubt be even more difficult.
Although he was only at the Fifth Level Qi Refinement Stage now, he may reach the final stage of Qi Refinement one day.
Therefore, how could he not care about anything related to spirit consciousness?
“An incomplete pill formula might still yield an elixir after all!”
Luo Chen thought to himself.
The system did indicate that if enough Achievement Points were invested, the pill formula could be completed and beginner level could be reached.
“Besides, it seems like Uncle Mi Shuhua doesn’t care much about this incomplete pill formula. He gave it to me only for additional reference to accumulate knowledge in the Dao of Alchemy, so that I can refine the Jade Marrow Pill for him.”
“I should analyze it carefully first, and when the time is right, see if I can secretly refine it.”
Having made up his mind, Luo Chen carefully put away the bamboo slip of the Tongyou Pill.
He placed it at the same important position as the Blood Evil Qi Pill and the Jade Dew Pill.
The former Luo Chen was penniless, a pill refiner in name only, who could only refine the Fasting Elixir.
That Fasting Elixir could barely be counted as a First Order Pill, it was nothing more than a pitiful Fasting Pill.
It was only after he learnt to make Allure Pills that he truly embarked on the path of pill refinement.
Now, he had three brand new pill formulas at once, which would be a joy for any pill refiner.
He wished he could immediately get started with refining the pills.
However, Luo Chen didn’t start to refine the pills right away, instead, his life became much more relaxed.
Outside of his daily cultivation, he would check on the construction of the Crescent Valley Pill Room.
In addition, he managed to borrow a book from the Broken Mountain Gang Merit Hall after much persuasion.
“Catalogue of Hundred Herbs”
This was a book that had been on display at Wang Yuan’s stall for many years before he made a name for himself.
However, no one ever bought it.
Later, when Wang Yuan took over the Hall, these things were returned to the Broken Mountain Gang, and the Merit Hall was responsible for dealing with them.
When Luo Chen wanted to borrow it, Mi Junping was unwilling, saying it must be purchased with Spirit Stones.
Well.
Did they think Luo Chen was a fool?
We’re practically family, why should I spend Spirit Stones to buy it?
He only managed to borrow it reluctantly after using Uncle Mi Shuhua’s name.
“I knew it, as soon as Uncle Mi Shuhua starts investing more in me, my small requests will become easier to fulfill.”
“This, it’s called rational use of sunk costs!”
As he lay in his rocking chair, surrounded by mountain springs with the apprentices working in front of him, Luo Chen’s attention was completely focused on the “Catalogue of Hundred Herbs”.
The reason for studying this book, rather than the “Qing Yuanzi’s Detailed Explanation of the Path of Pill”, was due to the requirements set forth in the latter.
“The path of pill refinement starts from identifying herbs, then processing the herbs. You need to understand how to control fire, and then gradually start refining pills.”
This was a long process of accumulation.
All along, Luo Chen knew that his pill refining foundation was crude, even so far as calling it trash wouldn’t be too far off.
He was able to refine the Ascendant Grade Fasting Pill and Medium Grade Allure Pill only due to the system’s guidance, is well as his own day by day proficiency improvement.
But besides those two elixirs, his understanding of other things was not deep.
That’s why he made a fool of himself when he discussed the Dao of Alchemy with Lady Xiangxiang.
Now that he had the opportunity, and guidance from a senior expert, it was naturally important for him to solidify his foundations.
First and foremost, he should begin by identifying herbs!
Looking at a long, detailed organ in the catalog, Luo Chen had an epiphany.
“So, the Fire Dog Tail not only has an aphrodisiac effect, but it can also assist in the cultivation of fire series techniques. Just by holding it in one’s mouth, a strong er, never mind, it’s better not to mention its other uses!”
Tsk tsk, despite its ordinary look, the Blue Citrus Grass surprisingly has forty-nine uses! No wonder the nearby Duan Family grows such a large field of it.”
“Wan Jade? This is the main ingredient for the Jade Marrow Pill, let me take a close look.”
Just as Luo Chen was engrossed in his studies, completely immersed.
Sikong Shou Jia rushed over.
“They’ve gone!”
“Who’s gone?” Luo Chen asked without looking up.
“The cultivators from Ailao Mountain, they just left straight away, without even asking for the additional Spirit Stone fees!”
Luo Chen looked up, blinking his eyes.
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
They don’t have to pay the remaining fees!
Sikong Shou Jia shook his head, “I’m afraid something happened.”
“Well, whatever happened, is an issue of the Ailao Mountain Sect. What does it have to do with us?”
“But the Pill Room is not yet complete!”
Luo Chen suddenly stood up, cursing angrily.
“These construction foremen are so irresponsible, even a small project is left unfinished.”
After saying that, he hurriedly rushed to the Pill Room.
Upon careful observation, he soon breathed a sigh of relief.
“There’s no harm done. The sect cultivators are still reliable. The basic structure of the pill room is already built, it just needs the building materials to be added.”
After hearing this, Sikong Shou Jia also sighed with relief.
The construction of the three Pill Rooms, from automation to materials, had cost two thousand Spirit Stones, enough to buy a decent Ascendant Grade Magic Tool.
He had never experienced living in a house this expensive in his life.
Now that there was no problem, a smile appeared on his face.
“The Sect cultivators have credibility. I appreciate their efforts!”
Seeing Sikong Shou Jia copying the gesture he’d used a few days earlier, Luo Chen couldn’t help but shudder.
Old man, can you not be so up-to-date!
“Listen, I won’t be coming here tomorrow. You better keep a close eye on things.”
Sikong Shou Jia was puzzled: “Where are you going?”
“I am taking a few friends. The ten-year rotation period is up, and they are returning to their sect.” Luo Chen said casually.
The old man blinked, his body stiffening.
Ten-year rotation period, returning to their sect!
This was not a rule of the small shops in The Great River District, but a tradition of the six major Ascendant Sects.
Since when had Luo Chen got to know such sect cultivators, and their relation had become so good that he needs to see them off personally?
“I’ll be going!”
Luo Chen slipped away.
On his way out, he greeted Gu Caiyi and Murong Qinglian who were still busy with their work.
Gu Caiyi didn’t follow him. She had just joined the Broken Mountain Gang and was trying to make connections and become familiar with other cultivators.
Moreover, being a Ninth Level Qi Refinement cultivator, she was destined not to be an ordinary gang member.
Under Luo Chen’s request, she too had become the Pill Hall Steward, similar to Sikong Shoujia, and held the same rank in the Pill Hall.
Crescent Valley is part of the Outer City, but in reality, it’s far from the actual Outer City.
It was quite easy to encounter accidents along the way.
Therefore, to protect Luo Chen, the Broken Mountain Gang had arranged for guards.
Two cultivators at the Late Stage of Qi Refinement, one named Zhou and the other named Liu.
Both were proficient in coordinated attacks. Their combined efforts could easily rival an average Ninth Level Qi Refinement cultivator.
Nothing unusual happened along the way.
Upon arriving at the Inner City, Luo Chen waved goodbye to them.
Watching his drifting figure, Liu Qiang envied him.
“Look at his lifestyle and then look at ours. A cultivator at the Fifth Level of Qi Refinement actually requires two of us at the Eighth Level to protect him every day. I bet he was an emperor assassinated in his previous life!”
“Watch your words, Brother Liu!”
Zhou Yuanli warned softly, “We are in no position to criticize Hall Master Luo.”
Liu Qiang scoffed but didn’t say more, turning around to leave.
“Don’t be late tomorrow; otherwise, you won’t be able to explain it to the Gang Leader.”
Liu Qiang stiffened, and then his escape speed became even faster.
At the city gate, Zhou Yuanli shook his head. His brother always had such high aspirations.
Previously, he was overconfident and tried to vie for the position of Mining Hall Master, claiming that if Wang Yuan, a cultivator at the Eighth Level of Qi Refinement could be a Hall Master, so could he!
And then, he ended up being beaten to a pulp.
Now, they had finally found themselves an easy task with a good amount of Spirit Stones to be earned, yet he was still not satisfied.
He really needed to talk some sense into him!
Chapter 84: Chapter 83: Illustrated Handbook of Hundred Herbst
Translator: 549690339
Since it’s an incomplete pill formula, Luo Chen didn’t take it to heart.
However, after reading through it, he couldn’t calm down for a long time.
The Tongyou Pill.
Main ingredients were Huan You Grass, First Order Demon Fox Blood.
And additional ingredients were Duan Yang Ginseng, Qi Yuan Flower…
Among the additional ingredients, one was missing.
Furthermore, specific proportions and combinations were not given.
The pill refinement methods and their corresponding taboos were also not explained.
All of these had turned into ashes along with the burnt half of the bamboo slip.
However, the description of the Tongyou Pill effect stirred up ripples in his heart.
“It can increase the Spirit Consciousness Foundation, and after long-term use, it will be extremely sensitive to ghost creatures.”
With just a simple sentence, Luo Chen couldn’t help but wish this pill formula was complete.
It can increase the Spirit Consciousness Foundation!
Ever since Qin Liangchen and his wife initially introduced him to the basics of the spirit, spirit consciousness, and divine consciousness for cultivation, he has paid great attention to it.
After asking around more times, he also learned an uncertain rumor.
It is said that people with a strong spirit consciousness find it easier to break through the Foundation Establishment.
Isn’t this increase the chance of breaking through to Foundation Establishment?
Luo Chen’s Five Spirit Root Talent made cultivation difficult, and breaking through to Foundation Establishment would no doubt be even more difficult.
Although he was only at the Fifth Level Qi Refinement Stage now, he may reach the final stage of Qi Refinement one day.
Therefore, how could he not care about anything related to spirit consciousness?
“An incomplete pill formula might still yield an elixir after all!”
Luo Chen thought to himself.
The system did indicate that if enough Achievement Points were invested, the pill formula could be completed and beginner level could be reached.
“Besides, it seems like Uncle Mi Shuhua doesn’t care much about this incomplete pill formula. He gave it to me only for additional reference to accumulate knowledge in the Dao of Alchemy, so that I can refine the Jade Marrow Pill for him.”
“I should analyze it carefully first, and when the time is right, see if I can secretly refine it.”
Having made up his mind, Luo Chen carefully put away the bamboo slip of the Tongyou Pill.
He placed it at the same important position as the Blood Evil Qi Pill and the Jade Dew Pill.
The former Luo Chen was penniless, a pill refiner in name only, who could only refine the Fasting Elixir.
That Fasting Elixir could barely be counted as a First Order Pill, it was nothing more than a pitiful Fasting Pill.
It was only after he learnt to make Allure Pills that he truly embarked on the path of pill refinement.
Now, he had three brand new pill formulas at once, which would be a joy for any pill refiner.
He wished he could immediately get started with refining the pills.
However, Luo Chen didn’t start to refine the pills right away, instead, his life became much more relaxed.
Outside of his daily cultivation, he would check on the construction of the Crescent Valley Pill Room.
In addition, he managed to borrow a book from the Broken Mountain Gang Merit Hall after much persuasion.
“Catalogue of Hundred Herbs”
This was a book that had been on display at Wang Yuan’s stall for many years before he made a name for himself.
However, no one ever bought it.
Later, when Wang Yuan took over the Hall, these things were returned to the Broken Mountain Gang, and the Merit Hall was responsible for dealing with them.
When Luo Chen wanted to borrow it, Mi Junping was unwilling, saying it must be purchased with Spirit Stones.
Well.
Did they think Luo Chen was a fool?
We’re practically family, why should I spend Spirit Stones to buy it?
He only managed to borrow it reluctantly after using Uncle Mi Shuhua’s name.
“I knew it, as soon as Uncle Mi Shuhua starts investing more in me, my small requests will become easier to fulfill.”
“This, it’s called rational use of sunk costs!”
As he lay in his rocking chair, surrounded by mountain springs with the apprentices working in front of him, Luo Chen’s attention was completely focused on the “Catalogue of Hundred Herbs”.
The reason for studying this book, rather than the “Qing Yuanzi’s Detailed Explanation of the Path of Pill”, was due to the requirements set forth in the latter.
“The path of pill refinement starts from identifying herbs, then processing the herbs. You need to understand how to control fire, and then gradually start refining pills.”
This was a long process of accumulation.
All along, Luo Chen knew that his pill refining foundation was crude, even so far as calling it trash wouldn’t be too far off.
He was able to refine the Ascendant Grade Fasting Pill and Medium Grade Allure Pill only due to the system’s guidance, is well as his own day by day proficiency improvement.
But besides those two elixirs, his understanding of other things was not deep.
That’s why he made a fool of himself when he discussed the Dao of Alchemy with Lady Xiangxiang.
Now that he had the opportunity, and guidance from a senior expert, it was naturally important for him to solidify his foundations.
First and foremost, he should begin by identifying herbs!
Looking at a long, detailed organ in the catalog, Luo Chen had an epiphany.
“So, the Fire Dog Tail not only has an aphrodisiac effect, but it can also assist in the cultivation of fire series techniques. Just by holding it in one’s mouth, a strong er, never mind, it’s better not to mention its other uses!”
Tsk tsk, despite its ordinary look, the Blue Citrus Grass surprisingly has forty-nine uses! No wonder the nearby Duan Family grows such a large field of it.”
“Wan Jade? This is the main ingredient for the Jade Marrow Pill, let me take a close look.”
Just as Luo Chen was engrossed in his studies, completely immersed.
Sikong Shou Jia rushed over.
“They’ve gone!”
“Who’s gone?” Luo Chen asked without looking up.
“The cultivators from Ailao Mountain, they just left straight away, without even asking for the additional Spirit Stone fees!”
Luo Chen looked up, blinking his eyes.
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
They don’t have to pay the remaining fees!
Sikong Shou Jia shook his head, “I’m afraid something happened.”
“Well, whatever happened, is an issue of the Ailao Mountain Sect. What does it have to do with us?”
“But the Pill Room is not yet complete!”
Luo Chen suddenly stood up, cursing angrily.
“These construction foremen are so irresponsible, even a small project is left unfinished.”
After saying that, he hurriedly rushed to the Pill Room.
Upon careful observation, he soon breathed a sigh of relief.
“There’s no harm done. The sect cultivators are still reliable. The basic structure of the pill room is already built, it just needs the building materials to be added.”
After hearing this, Sikong Shou Jia also sighed with relief.
The construction of the three Pill Rooms, from automation to materials, had cost two thousand Spirit Stones, enough to buy a decent Ascendant Grade Magic Tool.
He had never experienced living in a house this expensive in his life.
Now that there was no problem, a smile appeared on his face.
“The Sect cultivators have credibility. I appreciate their efforts!”
Seeing Sikong Shou Jia copying the gesture he’d used a few days earlier, Luo Chen couldn’t help but shudder.
Old man, can you not be so up-to-date!
“Listen, I won’t be coming here tomorrow. You better keep a close eye on things.”
Sikong Shou Jia was puzzled: “Where are you going?”
“I am taking a few friends. The ten-year rotation period is up, and they are returning to their sect.” Luo Chen said casually.
The old man blinked, his body stiffening.
Ten-year rotation period, returning to their sect!
This was not a rule of the small shops in The Great River District, but a tradition of the six major Ascendant Sects.
Since when had Luo Chen got to know such sect cultivators, and their relation had become so good that he needs to see them off personally?
“I’ll be going!”
Luo Chen slipped away.
On his way out, he greeted Gu Caiyi and Murong Qinglian who were still busy with their work.
Gu Caiyi didn’t follow him. She had just joined the Broken Mountain Gang and was trying to make connections and become familiar with other cultivators.
Moreover, being a Ninth Level Qi Refinement cultivator, she was destined not to be an ordinary gang member.
Under Luo Chen’s request, she too had become the Pill Hall Steward, similar to Sikong Shoujia, and held the same rank in the Pill Hall.
Crescent Valley is part of the Outer City, but in reality, it’s far from the actual Outer City.
It was quite easy to encounter accidents along the way.
Therefore, to protect Luo Chen, the Broken Mountain Gang had arranged for guards.
Two cultivators at the Late Stage of Qi Refinement, one named Zhou and the other named Liu.
Both were proficient in coordinated attacks. Their combined efforts could easily rival an average Ninth Level Qi Refinement cultivator.
Nothing unusual happened along the way.
Upon arriving at the Inner City, Luo Chen waved goodbye to them.
Watching his drifting figure, Liu Qiang envied him.
“Look at his lifestyle and then look at ours. A cultivator at the Fifth Level of Qi Refinement actually requires two of us at the Eighth Level to protect him every day. I bet he was an emperor assassinated in his previous life!”
“Watch your words, Brother Liu!”
Zhou Yuanli warned softly, “We are in no position to criticize Hall Master Luo.”
Liu Qiang scoffed but didn’t say more, turning around to leave.
“Don’t be late tomorrow; otherwise, you won’t be able to explain it to the Gang Leader.”
Liu Qiang stiffened, and then his escape speed became even faster.
At the city gate, Zhou Yuanli shook his head. His brother always had such high aspirations.
Previously, he was overconfident and tried to vie for the position of Mining Hall Master, claiming that if Wang Yuan, a cultivator at the Eighth Level of Qi Refinement could be a Hall Master, so could he!
And then, he ended up being beaten to a pulp.
Now, they had finally found themselves an easy task with a good amount of Spirit Stones to be earned, yet he was still not satisfied.
He really needed to talk some sense into him!
