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As he listened to Wang Fugui, Elder Zhu felt a surge of dread.
He realized that the herbs requested were meant for refining Dou Wang Pills—sixth-grade pills! People like this could not be underestimated.
Nodding in agreement, Elder Zhu responded, "Indeed, people like that are not to be trifled with."
Afterward, Wang Fugui made a decision. If those two ever returned, he would make sure to treat them well and establish a good relationship with them.
After all, they might have a powerful expert behind them, and offending such a figure could spell trouble.
For an auction house like theirs, top-tier alchemists were individuals they had to curry favor with.
In a secluded area outside the city...
Yao Lao sat before a specially crafted alchemy furnace, skillfully handling various medicinal herbs.
His movements were precise and practiced, each step showcasing his profound mastery of alchemy.
Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan stood nearby, watching Yao Lao intently.
Xiao Zhan's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He knew that this alchemy session would bring them a significant breakthrough.
Xiao Yan's face was also full of eager expectation, long waiting for his father's power to rise.
"Old Yao, I'm counting on you," Xiao Zhan said respectfully. Though he was excited about the outcome, he couldn't help but feel a hint of anxiety.
Yao Lao smiled calmly. "Don't worry. I've got everything under control."
Seated at a stone table, Yao Lao gently brushed his hand over the herbs, as if communicating with them, sensing their essence.
"Alchemy is one of the most mysterious arts in the world," Yao Lao murmured to himself, his eyes reflecting deep contemplation.
With a flick of his finger, a crystal-clear herb floated into the flames.
The fire consumed the herb, releasing a mysterious aura.
Yao Lao's movements were fluid, every step unfolding seamlessly as if the process was second nature to him.
One by one, he placed the herbs into the fire. A strange energy began to gather on the stone table, creating an indescribable atmosphere.
Gradually, the color of the flames shifted, from red to green, like a ghostly green thread weaving through the herbs.
Yao Lao's brows furrowed slightly as he felt the energy required to refine the Three-Stripe Green Spirit Pill growing more complex and profound.
He focused his mind, silently guiding the energy within the flames, carefully balancing the power of each herb and blending them together.
As he worked, beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His eyes were tightly shut, completely immersed in a state of extreme concentration.
Time seemed to freeze in that moment, with only the flickering flames dancing on the stone table, radiating a mysterious glow.
Finally, after a long while, Yao Lao slowly opened his eyes and retrieved a crystal-clear pill from the fire. Three deep stripes were etched across its surface, exuding a powerful spiritual energy.
"The Three-Stripe Green Spirit Pill is complete!" Yao Lao smiled faintly as he placed the pill on the stone table, pride shining in his eyes.
Without hesitation, he began refining the Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill next.
This process was even more complex, requiring rarer herbs and superior technique.
Yao Lao meticulously worked with the flames, the energy within gradually condensing into translucent, purple pills that radiated a strong, mysterious aura.
His flawless technique was like a flowing stream, balancing the strength of each herb perfectly, ensuring the highest quality for the pills.
At last, a flawless, translucent purple pill appeared in Yao Lao's hand, with a dark purple heart inscribed on it, emitting a mesmerizing glow.
Yao Lao placed the Three-Stripe Green Spirit Pill and the Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill to the side, letting out a deep breath, his eyes reflecting both satisfaction and exhaustion.
"The path of alchemy is long and arduous," he murmured. "But each success is an incredibly precious reward."
Xiao Zhan and Xiao Yan hurried over to Yao Lao's side, their eyes fixed on the freshly refined pills.
"This is a top-grade Three-Stripe Green Spirit Pill. After consumption, it can enhance a Da Dou Shi's strength by three stars, but it may also weaken it by one star," Yao Lao said as he handed one of the pills to Xiao Zhan, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
Xiao Zhan accepted the pill, feeling a wave of unease in his heart.
He knew this breakthrough would be a gamble. He might gain immense strength, but it could also come at a steep price.
Yao Lao then handed him two more pills. "These are Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pills. They can boost a Da Dou Shi's strength by one star and can be taken twice."
Xiao Zhan accepted the pills, his heart swelling with excitement.
He knew these pills would be crucial in helping him achieve a breakthrough.
His eyes shone with respect and gratitude as he bowed deeply to Yao Lao, his voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you, Yao Lao. Without your guidance and help, I would never have been able to reach this level."
Yao Lao smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
Without hesitation, Xiao Zhan swallowed both the Three-Stripe Green Spirit Pill and the Purple Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill. He then sat down, closed his eyes, and allowed his body to become enveloped in a faint aura.
The atmosphere around him grew solemn and silent, as if the world itself had stilled for his breakthrough.
Xiao Zhan concentrated deeply, feeling the power of the pills coursing through him.
It was as though his body was encased in an invisible force, every inch of his skin trembling as it unleashed a surge of powerful energy.
Time seemed to freeze, with only the sound of Xiao Zhan's breathing filling the still air.
As time passed, his aura became sharper and more formidable. His body radiated an imposing energy, like that of a majestic beast.
Suddenly, a tremendous surge of power erupted from within him, spreading out in all directions with overwhelming force.
His body seemed to undergo a complete transformation, revitalized by the surge of power, leaving anyone nearby feeling deeply shaken.
Xiao Zhan slowly opened his eyes, a bright gleam flickering within them. He had successfully broken through to the level of a nine-star Da Dou Shi!
Standing up, his gaze became firm and profound as he felt the newfound strength coursing through him. His heart brimmed with anticipation and confidence for the future.
"Thank you, Yao Lao."
He bowed deeply again, his voice filled with gratitude.
"Father, congratulations on your breakthrough to nine-star Da Dou Shi!" Xiao Yan exclaimed joyfully.
Xiao Zhan smiled and nodded, his heart full of emotion. "Yes, I never thought I would achieve such a feat."
The two then began discussing their next steps.
They exchanged uncertain glances, both filled with doubt and hesitation, unsure of what to do next.
(End of Chapter)