"Refining medicine? I have no need for the Green Lotus Core Flame for that. I have other uses for it," Gu Changqing scoffed with a dismissive wave. "However, the green lotus and its seeds are of some value to me."
The Green Lotus Core Flame was naturally intended for Sister Xun'er, while the green lotus and its seeds were key ingredients for refining the Soul Sea Spirit Pill, a pill that could significantly enhance the aptitude of fire-attribute cultivators.
With these lotus seeds and the lotus flower, Gu Changqing could nurture a few high-level alchemists in preparation for his control of the entire Alchemist Guild across the Northwest Continent. People like Xue Mei and Lin Fei would be ideal candidates for such training.
"What's the use of the lotus flower and seeds? Can they be consumed directly?" Queen Medusa asked, her curiosity piqued.
"They're used to refine a pill that can enhance a person's cultivation aptitude—specifically those with fire or wood attributes. It's especially beneficial for alchemists," Gu Changqing casually explained.
The Soul Sea Spirit Pill improves a cultivator's aptitude according to the attributes of the materials used. The Green Lotus and its seeds, being fire and wood in nature, are rare treasures for alchemists.
If refined into a Soul Sea Spirit Pill, it could greatly enhance an alchemist's potential. While wood-attribute cultivators could use it as well, the effect would be less pronounced than for those with fire attributes.
"I see," Queen Medusa's eyes sparkled with understanding, her thoughts turning to her Serpent Tribe. The Flame Serpent Tribe, a fire-attribute clan, could potentially produce a prodigious talent with the help of such a pill. Given her own connection to the Purple Nether Serpent's soul, the pill might also benefit her cultivation.
Instead of cutting down the green lotus and its platform like Xiao Yan had done, Gu Changqing plucked a single green lotus leaf. Biting his fingertip, he drew a sigil on the leaf with his Divine Demon blood.
Under Gu Changqing's hand, the leaf transformed into a Spirit-Sealing Talisman. This type of talisman could seal away power, and a spirit-level one could even restrain a Dou Ancestor-level expert.
Even with his Divine Demon blood, crafting such a talisman was no small feat. However, the lotus leaf, a natural treasure of the world, greatly aided Gu Changqing in this task.
Still, the effort left him pale, his Dou Qi nearly exhausted.
To ensure Queen Medusa didn't change her mind and attack him, Gu Changqing swiftly slapped the talisman onto her. She blinked in surprise, and before she could react, chains of green and red energy wrapped around her.
"What have you done to me?! Damn it, I can't move!" Queen Medusa exclaimed, trying to summon her Dou Qi, only to find it sealed by the glowing chains.
"Scoundrel! What are you planning? I've already given myself to you. Do you still intend to harm me?" Her long, narrow eyes flashed with a mix of fear and anger as she glared at Gu Changqing.
"Calm down, Your Majesty. I'm just testing the power of this Spirit-Sealing Talisman, and it seems to work quite well," Gu Changqing said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he circled her, admiring her lithe, curvaceous form.
"You bastard! Let me go!" Queen Medusa raged, realizing she had once again fallen victim to his tricks.
"Be patient, Your Majesty. Once I've fully sealed the Green Lotus Core Flame, I'll release you. Don't worry, I'll be sure to compensate you generously afterward!" Gu Changqing smirked as he sat down in front of the Green Lotus Core Flame, forming hand seals. He began drawing out a thread of its pure flame energy to replenish his depleted Dou Qi and blood essence.
Although the flame's primary nature was fire, Gu Changqing's Eternal Evergreen Art could convert anything. Once the energy entered his body, it transformed into the purest blood essence and Dou Qi, restoring his strength.
As the energy flowed into him, Gu Changqing's previous exhaustion faded, and his strength visibly increased, thanks to the potency of the Green Lotus Core Flame.
Meanwhile, Queen Medusa continued to fume, demanding he release her. But Gu Changqing ignored her, fully focused on absorbing the flame's energy. Eventually, she gave up, resigned to her fate. This little rogue was truly infuriating.
Several days later, Gu Changqing crafted three more Spirit-Sealing Talismans before finally plucking the Green Lotus Core Flame from the lotus platform. As the flame flared in resistance, he swiftly slapped the three talismans onto it, forcing the flame to shrink into a small, compact bundle wrapped within the three green lotus leaves.
The Green Lotus Core Flame had now been completely subdued. With the talismans securely binding it, Gu Changqing tucked the flame into his storage ring for safekeeping.
Without wasting time, he collected the remaining four green lotus leaves and carefully picked all eleven lotus seeds. He left the lotus platform and flower untouched, knowing that in a hundred years, another Green Lotus Core Flame would form, and in a thousand years, the platform's seed holes would be replenished.
This approach was far superior to Xiao Yan's method of cutting down the flower and platform. By leaving the flower intact, Gu Changqing ensured it could regenerate, making it a renewable resource.
"Alright, let's leave," Gu Changqing said, storing away the lotus leaves and seeds before turning to release Queen Medusa from the talisman's seal.
"You scoundrel!" Enraged, Queen Medusa lunged at him. Even if she couldn't defeat him, she was determined to take revenge for his repeated tricks.
"This Spirit-Sealing Talisman is for you."
Gu Changqing's casual remark immediately quelled her fury.
"You bastard! I'll let you off this time," she muttered through gritted teeth, snatching the lotus leaf talisman and carefully tucking it away.
The talisman was indeed a treasure. It had sealed her effortlessly, and it could prove invaluable when facing future enemies of the Serpent Tribe.
"However, I won't let you off so easily!" Queen Medusa narrowed her eyes dangerously.
Gu Changqing chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of letting you go either! Queen Medusa, assist me in my cultivation."
He lunged at her with a devilish grin.
"You'll regret it! Today, I'll drain you dry!" Queen Medusa growled, preparing to exact her revenge, though it seemed their battle would take on a very different nature.