Chapter 10
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Chapter 10: My Elder Martial Sister Is Merely Teaching Me Alchemy!
In this vast world, there is nothing odd or peculiar!
From this perspective, "alchemy" doesn’t have any standard procedure. (Translator: this chapter is full of various metaphors. If you cannot understand, just skip it directly.)
In the realm of immortals, there are many different ways of alchemy such as fire alchemy, water alchemy, and void alchemy.
Bai Lian prefers using both water and fire in her "alchemy".
This can only be seen as a personal preference.
With the help of the system, her theoretical knowledge of "alchemy" can be described as extensive, but due to the lack of practical experience, she is actually exploring the Way of Tao with the Second Martial Sister under the guise of teaching her "alchemy".
"Isn’t it wonderful to learn from each other’s strengths to overcome weaknesses and make progress together?"
After an emotional embrace, Bai Lian gently places the "Pill Furnaces" on the narrow stone bed.
The bed was covered with dry hay, and even with a thin layer of blanket, it still pricked the skin painfully.
Therefore, before placing the Pill Furnaces, she had pulled out all of the dry hay.
The dry hay scattered untidily on the muddy ground of the woodshed, and an unaware person might have thought that a huge battle had taken place here.
Bai Lian knelt before the "Pill Furnaces" for "alchemy".
The long night stretched on, with four hours until dawn, so she wasn’t in a hurry to light the furnace and start the alchemical process.
"Martial Sister, are you really ready?"
"Hmm."
Xiao Jinse’s eyes showed no shyness, but rather shone with a bright, star-like light.
After resolving her inner conflicts, a new air of confidence emanated from every inch of her body, transforming her into a dazzling porcelain artwork.
"Then, there’s no turning back now."
Bai Lian smiled faintly, her eyes shining with a slightly coquettish light of pale blue.
Alchemy is a very solemn matter.
It goes without saying that two people cooperating in alchemy is even more effective.
If the grinding is not done properly, the situation of an explosion in the furnace is possible.
Therefore, once Bai Lian enters the state, she will become extremely focused and will not stop until the elixir is complete.
Xiao Jinse understood Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s meaning and was prepared.
She is a loyal enthusiast of alchemy, and now that Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian is willing to teach her in person, how could she give up this opportunity!
Moreover, today is Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s birthday, and everything has become extraordinary because of this special day.
"Hmm."
She slowly spread her hands.
Bai Lian no longer hesitates.
How did the ancients say it?
[When the cauldron was opened, the sorcerer must observe fasting, purify and wear a Taoist crown, kneeling and holding the medicine furnace, facing south and praying to request the guidance of the Great Tao Heavenly Lord.]
Bai Lian is not a person who rebels against conventions, so before starting formal alchemy, she decided to follow the ancient method to make the necessary preparations.
After all, alchemy is also a way to explore the mysteries of life.
The first step she needs to take is to warm up and activate the potential of the Pill Furnaces, and deepen her connection with the Pill Furnaces.
This is actually quite simple.
She had discussed the techniques with Si Yunshang and the eldest princess beforehand.
Especially Si Yunshang, who generously shared her knowledge and taught Bai Lian dozens of ways to warm up and activate the potential of the Pill Furnaces.
As the saying goes, dripping water should be repaid with gushing springs. Bai Lian was deeply moved by Si Yunshang’s kindness.
It began.
The so-called tempering is to feel the temperature of the furnace with the palm of your hand.
Cold may not be unsuitable, but the sensation of slight burning is clearly the most appropriate.
In addition, Bai Lian also checks the feeding and discharging ports of the Pill Furnaces to prevent accidents during the actual alchemy process, which may require starting over from scratch.
But just as she was about to move forward, an unexpected incident occurred.
Humming…
A fine and long vibration sounded near the Second Martial Sister’s body.
Immediately, there was a flickering green light.
Bai Lian was about to investigate the situation, but the Second Martial Sister rushed ahead to capture the "culprit."
"It’s the Jade Message Slip."
Xiao Jinse furrowed her brow, making a bitter face.
She had already prepared to add water to the Pill Furnaces to lower the temperature, but this news came at a most inopportune time.
It’s important to have timing, location, and people on your side when cultivating alchemy. If the alchemy fails this time, who knows how long she’ll have to wait for the right timing again?
When Xiao Jinse saw that the person sending the message was Su Youwei, she felt like she was about to faint with anger.
"Will that short woman keep staring at us?"
She flipped over and growled like she was playing with her phone while lying on her bed, baring her teeth.
However, she quickly denied that suspicion.
Even though Su Youwei was capable, how could she avoid the detection of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?
Clearly, Su Youwei hadn’t bothered her for the past few days, but she suddenly popped up today.
If it weren’t for her sudden appearance, how could her relationship with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian become so distant?
No.
This time she cannot be disturbed by her!
Xiao Jinse gestured to throw out the jade slip, but she stopped when she set her posture.
If she doesn’t reply to the message, would Su Youwei realize something?
Xiao Jinse twisted her waist anxiously.
After hesitating for a while, she turned around and met Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s embarrassed expression.
"How about…"
No!
Xiao Jinse’s emotions suddenly became excited.
She slightly bowed and didn’t mind showing her soft side to Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
"Elder Martial Sister, please continue."
"But isn’t the Third Martial Sister looking for you?"
"These two matters don’t conflict."
Xiao Jinse said seriously.
"Who says you can’t reply to someone while refining elixirs?"
Don’t they whisper to each other during class with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian on regular days?
"…"
Bai Lian stared in amazement at the Second Martial Sister who seemed to be firing on all cylinders.
She heard the sound of rain splattering against the door frame outside, and soon the doorway was soaked.
Who knows when this rain will stop?
I’m afraid it will take a long time.
Finally, she nodded and resumed her alchemy practice.
Although it was a tale of two, she was the dominant figure.
Upon receiving a positive answer, Xiao Jinse swiftly turned her head. She seemed akin to a blazing flame, yet there was still a hint of shyness, wasn’t there?
Her body tensed as she swiftly opened the message from Su Youwei.
As usual, Su Youwei inquired about where she and Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian went and why they had not returned yet.
Pondering for a moment, Xiao Jinse resolved to answer truthfully.
"Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian and I are presently in Castle Peak City. We are planning on returning tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
With relief, Su Youwei let out a breath upon reading the message.
"Yes!"
She didn’t feel bored looking at the pouring rain outside.
Su Youwei, "Castle Peak city? Is that your hometown?"
Xiao Jinse, "Yes, originally I wanted to take a walk and explore, but then it started pouring outside. The rain was really heavy, Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s clothes and hands got soaked."
Su Youwei, "It’s also raining at the Qiongming Peak. Master Yan Yue said this rain is to stop the drought, but it will cause the spirit Qi of heaven and earth to become thinner."
Xiao Jinse, "That’s not good, is it?"
Su Youwei, "Yes, leaving aside this troubling matter, what are you and Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian doing?"
After wandering around, Su Youwei finally got to the point.
What are you doing?
Xiao Jinse suddenly straightened her back, her legs feeling a bit weak.
Is this the pressure that lying brought to her?
For some reason, she became even more excited and had a feeling of fiercely ravaging Su Youwei who was sitting under her.
Xiao Jinse, "Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian is teaching me alchemy."
Su Youwei, "What? You’re not doing anything else late at night, but instead cultivating alchemy with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?"
Xiao Jinse retorted, "Do you want me to do something else with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?"
"Of course not!"
Su Youwei’s face turned dark, and she quickly changed the subject.
"No, what kind of pill are you cultivating with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian?"
Xiao Jinse, "Moon Cold Pool Pill."
Su Youwei, "What’s that?"
Xiao Jinse: [Medicinal Pills that can enhance cultivation base]
Su Youwei, "Well, is this considered stealing food? It seems like you are working hard to surpass me."
Xiao Jinse stifled a laugh, but due to her physical condition, she laughed for a moment and then gasped, making a strange noise.
Xiao Jinse, "You have Hong Yi accompanying you, so I couldn’t leave you before. But now things are different."
Su Youwei was taken aback for a moment.
It was the first time she had heard Xiao Jinse speak so arrogantly, it seems that the Moon Cold Pool Pill was really powerful.
It makes sense.
After all, those were Medicinal Pills that Xiao Jinse couldn’t refine on her own, and she needed Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s help.
However…
"Woman, you’re playing with fire!" Su Youwei sneered.
Xiao Jinse, full of pride, showed her true colors by displaying her weakness in front of her, unprecedentedly forgetting the lesson that arrogance leads to defeat.
Recently, her cultivation base has skyrocketed, and she has discovered even more uses for the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl. Her strength is already drasticly different compared to just a few days ago.
"I’m waiting for it!"
As they chatted, they began to discuss alchemy.
Xiao Jinse, "Elder Martial Sister’s alchemy technique is so skillful that it makes me tremble."
Su Youwei, "Well, she’s our Elder Martial Sister. You should cherish this opportunity to learn up close."
Xiao Jinse, "Elder Martial Sister said the heat is enough, and it’s time to officially start the alchemy process. To be honest, I’m still a little nervous."
Su Youwei, "Do you not trust our Elder Martial Sister?"
Xiao Jinse, "It’s not that. Ah, Elder Martial Sister is now adding ingredients to the pill furnace."
Su Youwei, "By the way, you said that these Medicinal Pills were made by you and Elder Martial Sister together. The real situation shouldn’t be that you were just watching on the side, occasionally wiping Elder Martial Sister’s sweat, right?"
Xiao Jinse, "You underestimate me. Although I haven’t done much, without me, this pill could not be refined."
Su Youwei, "You can boast all you want."
Xiao Jinse, "What’s wrong with bragging? If Elder Martial Sister is willing."
Su Youwei, "Hehe."
Xiao Jinse, "Oops, the Pill Furnaces leaked."
After saying this, Xiao Jinse didn’t reply, and Su Youwei waited for a long time before receiving a new message – a "voice message" this time.
"Fortunately Elder Martial Sister didn’t scold me," Xiao Jinse said.
Su Youwei looked puzzled.
"Did the furnace explode for real this time?"
Su Youwei, "Why does your voice sound a bit halting?"
Xiao Jinse, "Of course I feel nervous. I was really worried just now, because my negligence and physical exhaustion made Elder Martial Sister’s clothes dirty."
Upon seeing the message, Su Youwei lay on the bed and burst into laughter.
"Feeling proud in front of me, now there’s trouble, isn’t it?"
Hilarious.
That foolish woman Xiao Jinse boasted about her alchemy skills to her every other day, but compared to the truly talented Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, she was nothing but a fledgling.
But at the thought of Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian suffering from this, Su Youwei became somewhat worried.
"It shouldn’t be a big deal, right? It’s just the clothes getting dirty."
Hong Yi, floating on the Ten Thousand Poison Pearl, nodded in agreement.
Su Youwei’s mood became even more joyful.
"Next time, I will ask Elder Martial Sister to teach me alchemy. I will definitely sit better than that foolish Xiao Jinse!"
Hong Yi expressed concern, "But you have never practiced alchemy before, have you?"
Su Youwei’s lips curled slightly, "I can learn. It’s just about being a helper and cheering for Elder Martial Sister. With you by my side, can’t I even compete with Xiao Jinse?"
"That’s true."
"Exactly."
Indeed.
The rain outside the window was growing heavier as they spoke.
It drowned out not only Su Youwei and Hong Yi’s voices, but also Xiao Jinse’s.
A faint starlight flickered in the cramped corner of the firewood shed, casting just enough light on Bai Lian and Xiao Jinse’s faces.
The redness was vivid.
It looked as if it were illuminated by the flame of the Pill Furnaces.
The bean-sized water droplets rolled down Bai Lian’s forehead, even though it was pouring outside, the room was unexpectedly humid.
"Elder Martial Sister."
Xiao Jinse struggled to prop herself up and handed over a handkerchief.
Bai Lian waved her hand, "No need to fuss."
She lifted her right index finger and wiped away the droplet that was about to fall.
"It seems like the rain won’t stop anytime soon."
Bai Lian turned her body to glance at the still gloomy world outside the window.
"The Second Martial Sister said that Master Yan Yue mentioned this rain would stop the drought."
"Is that so?"
While speaking, Bai Lian put her index finger in her mouth and bit down on it naturally.
The sweetness permeated the air.
Xiao Jinse stared in amazement at the scene before her.
"Elder, Elder Martial…"
She couldn’t even utter a complete word.
Bai Lian slightly narrowed her eyes, her corners of the mouth curled, and gave her a seductive glance.
Then, she gently tapped Xiao Jinse’s forehead with the same index finger as before.
Xiao Jinse’s body stiffened as if under a petrification spell.
Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian was now very, very close to her, and Xiao Jinse felt like she was climbing the famous Five Rock Snow Mountain again.
A pure fragrance rushed into her nose.
"If you feel tired, then rest. There are still three hours until dawn. We will return to the Qiongming Peak early next morning."
After hearing the words "early tomorrow morning," Xiao Jinse, who was originally exhausted, suddenly became invigorated.
As if injected with an entire bottle of energy.
She grabbed Bai Lian’s fingers and launched a surprise attack, pushing Bai Lian back against the wall.
"Elder Martial Sister." Xiao Jinse’s gaze was intense, like a fiery furnace that could melt iron and gold. "It’s still early."
Understood.
It seems that the pill still needs to be refined further!
Bai Lian leaned in to the Second Martial Sister’s ear, like a serious teaching instructor.
"I already demonstrated it for you just now, now it’s your turn to practice."
…
It was until an hour before dawn.
Bai Lian gently stroked the Second Martial Sister’s face on the pillow on her thigh, "Don’t be stubborn this time, rest well. I still need to continue refining Medicinal Pills."
"Refining pills?"
Xiao Jinse opened her weary eyes.
Her eyelids felt heavy, fighting to stay open.
Bai Lian explained, "The Cold Sword Pill is a formula I found in an ancient scroll. It can strengthen the body, expand the meridians, and help your body withstand more spiritual impact. It took me a while to collect some water from the cold pond, we can’t waste it."
Xiao Jinse smiled and hugged Bai Lian’s waist, "Thank you, Elder Martial Sister."
Bai Lian touched her head again, "I will wake you up before we leave."
"Hmm."
Xiao Jinse buried her head down, facing the wall and feeling a slight chill. She fell asleep quickly.
Bai Lian began to refine the medicine.
As she had previously stated, she enjoyed the balanced combination of fire and water, rendering the use of Pill Furnaces unnecessary during her alchemy practice.
Although the Cold Sword Pill was not a top-notch Medicinal Pill, Bai Lian successfully concocted it without any interference from the Second Martial Sister, despite her less-than-impressive skills.
"Let’s cool it off for a bit first."
Bai Lian stored the Medicinal Pills in a jade box.
She opened the system panel and inspected the harvest of her alchemy this time.
Perhaps due to the Second Martial Sister being the protagonist, or perhaps because of the Heavenly Lord Sword Embryo she carried, the Yin-Yang Fusion Technique operated with exceptional efficiency, leading to significant boosts in her fundamental skills, including Focus.
[Hard Skill：985]
[Soft Skill：997]
[Light Skill：979]
[Focus: 954]
Apart from Focus, there are shortcomings that are not enough to deal with those who have been studying the path of the soul for a long time. Now, even facing immortals, Bai Lian could at least escape.
If she eats two more Immortal Spirit Stones, she may be able to touch the barrier between man and immortal.
[Transcend the Limit!]
If she can bring the Third Martial Sister over at this time…
She may be able to ascend to immortality immediately.
Bai Lian shook her head quickly.
Forget about such things. After all, she never denied that she was attracted to women, but she must not act randomly, otherwise what is the difference between her and "Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian" in the game?
Bai Lian turned off the system and looked out of the window at the rain quietly.
If someone looks at this continuous rain alone, how can they not feel melancholy?
Fortunately, since she arrived in this world, she had never been alone.
Even if her master ignored her, she would secretly come and steal a few glances at her.
After regaining her memory, her Martial Sisters accompanied her again.
"If it were truly just me alone, I’m afraid I couldn’t have made it to this point."
She gently stroked the warm leg of the Second Martial Sister.
She had to admit, she was a very afraid of loneliness.
After a night of heavy rain.
Bai Lian woke up the Second Martial Sister, dressed them both carefully, and only then sent out the Medicinal Pills.
"Consume directly."
Xiao Jinse didn’t hesitate at all and swallowed the Cold Sword Pill.
"Let’s go back."
Bai Lian took the hand of the Second Martial Sister and entered the Cloud Chasing Boat.
The flying boat headed eastward while Xiao Jinse refined the energy of the medicinal pill in the cabin, occasionally stealing glances at Bai Lian, who would turn back and smile. More often, however, Bai Lian gazed out at the clouds beyond the porthole.
It was at this moment that she finally received a reply from Qingxuan Sword Master after nearly a month of waiting.
As it turned out, Qingxuan Sword Master had emerged from secluded cultivation to recover from his injuries.
"The Future Mirror is indeed a magic treasure that was picked up by the Taixuan Taoist Sect’s predecessors."
Bai Lian nodded in agreement.
"It was certainly something they used to trick the eldest princess and Xu Pan."
The Taixuan Taoist Sect likely experimented with it, as the Future Mirror was simply too unreliable – it couldn’t predict the future for most people.
If it weren’t for its ability of flattering, Bai Lian would have smashed it to pieces long ago.
Bai Lian immediately asked about the Sansheng Stele.
"In these past few days, I made a trip to Yingzhou."
Qingxuan Sword Master responded with a smile, "White Emperor Bai Lian and your Second Martial Sister’s actions in Yingzhou have already spread throughout the East Divine Land. You truly deserve your title of Natural Saint."
Bai Lian remained indifferent to such praises.
She got straight to the point.
"I found out that the Demon of the Outer Realm attacked the Taixuan Taoist Sect to look for the Sansheng Stele."
There was silence for a while before Qingxuan Sword Master replied.
"There was a rumor a long time ago that the Future Mirror was made using pieces of the Monument of the Next World, but this rumor has yet to be verified."
Bai Lian was suddenly startled.
Does this mean that the Demon of the Outer Realm’s next target is her?
"In my opinion, they won’t target the Duxian sect due to your reputation, but instead, all eyes will be on Yaochi Holy Mountain."
"What do you mean?"
"The Future Mirror is a pair, and the other piece is currently at Yaochi Holy Mountain…"
"I understand, thank you for the reminder."
Bai Lian already knew that there were two Future Mirrors, but she didn’t expect that the other one was at Yaochi Holy Mountain, given as a gift by an ancestor of the Taixuan Taoist Sect, according to what Qingxuan Sword Master had said.
So the next target of the Demon of the Outer Realm is…
"Let’s return to the Qiongming Peak first."
Bai Lian planned to take a short break and then hurry to Yaochi Holy Mountain.
She was more urgent than others to obtain the Monument of the Next World.
However, her plan was completely disrupted.
She carried the weak Second Martial Sister onto the bed and then went to the cave to meet with their master.
The master sat cross-legged on the bed and betrayed no signs of oddity.
"You just returned, so skip the formalities. If there is nothing urgent, please go rest first."
Bai Lian didn’t answer in a rush but glanced around for a couple of times before asking, "Master, why are you hunching your back?"
She had a feeling that her master lacked some of her usual imposing energy.
"Mind your own business!"
An Lan angrily cursed.
"…"
Bai Lian wanted to say something else but was directly driven out by An Lan.
In the midst of the bamboo grove.
She stared in a daze at the newly emerged system task.
[Task 1: Obey the master’s order and go back to rest (Spiritual Pill)]
[Task 2: Return to the cave and inquire about the reasons (Focus +1)]
This apparently doesn’t require consideration, right?
She decisively chose Task 2, then turned around and walked into the cave.
"Master, I have something to ask…"
Inside the cave.
Bai Lian closed her mouth and stared at An Lan, who was curled up in agony.
"Master, what’s wrong with you?"
After exclaiming in surprise, she rushed straight towards An Lan.
