The Qingyuan secret medicine and Baiduo secret medicine that Ye Chen had obtained before were actually low-quality secret medicines.
There was a significant gap between low-quality secret medicine and medium-quality secret medicine. The main difference wasn't impurities or demonic nature but the energy transformation achieved during fusion. High-quality secret medicine contained much more energy and fewer impurities or residual demonic properties.
"If I can refine medium-quality or high-quality secret medicine, I might quickly break through to the perfect realm of Stone Skin," Ye Chen thought, excitement brimming in his eyes. "I could even train other skin-grinding martial arts and transform all the skin on my body into Stone Skin!"
For the first time, Ye Chen saw the possibility of advancing rapidly in his cultivation and creating a solid foundation for his martial arts.
Over the next few weeks, Ye Chen threw himself into refining secret medicine. As he practiced, the experience points in his Alchemy Dao Fruit increased steadily. With consistent progress, it wasn't long before he broke through and upgraded his Dao Fruit to Level 2.
By the end of the month, Ye Chen had perfected the Cang Yuan Alchemy Technique. His Dao Fruit's breakthrough brought a torrent of alchemical knowledge flooding into his mind, which he mastered with ease.
"With Level 2 Alchemy Dao Fruit, I should be able to refine high-quality Bai Ling secret medicine now!" Ye Chen said confidently.
Previously, the best secret medicine he could make was of medium quality. Though decent, it wasn't enough to unlock his full potential. Now he was ready to aim higher.
Ye Chen gathered his materials—Monster Blood and medicinal herbs—and began his attempt at refining high-quality Bai Ling secret medicine. His movements were smooth and precise, with no mistakes. Every flame adjustment and fusion process felt natural, as if the steps were etched into his soul.
An hour later, the alchemy furnace hissed to a stop. When Ye Chen opened it, his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"Hahaha! High-quality Bai Ling secret medicine at last!" Ye Chen's laughter echoed through the alchemy room.
He divided the batch into ten portions and continued refining over the next few days. Soon, he had a stockpile of high-quality secret medicine. Any alchemist who witnessed his effortless mastery would have been overcome with envy.
Black Market, Black Sheep Pharmacy
Disguised with a mask, Ye Chen entered the store. The pharmacy was notorious for selling low-quality secret medicine and exploiting the uninformed. However, they also bought secret medicines, which made it the perfect outlet for Ye Chen to sell his excess low-quality Bai Ling secret medicine.
"One hundred and thirty low-quality Bai Ling secret medicines," the supervisor said, counting the batch. "Nine taels of silver each. That totals one thousand one hundred and seventy taels of silver."
Ye Chen nodded, taking the banknotes and broken silver.
The transaction complete, he bought more Monster Blood before leaving the black market. With funds replenished, he could focus on his cultivation.
Back home, Ye Chen began practicing Qinggang Hands, a skin-grinding martial art, using high-quality Bai Ling secret medicine. The results were remarkable. Pure energy surged through his hands, far surpassing his earlier experiences with low-quality medicine.
In just six days, Ye Chen's hands reached the perfect realm of Stone Skin. However, he didn't stop there. Instead of rushing toward the Iron Skin Realm, Ye Chen decided to temper all his skin to Stone Skin first. This approach would forge a foundation unlike any other.
Next, he practiced Wind Shadow Legs, another skin-grinding martial art. Using the high-quality Bai Ling secret medicine, he tempered his legs to Stone Skin perfection in just one month. With both his hands and legs perfected, Ye Chen's combat strength far exceeded that of an average Martial Artist in the Iron Skin Realm.
Realizing he needed new martial arts to advance further, Ye Chen sought his master, Xu He, at Qinggang Martial Arts School. Despite his current status as a respected disciple, Ye Chen approached with humility.
"Master, I'd like to learn another skin-grinding martial art," Ye Chen said.
Xu He frowned. "Why? Isn't Qinggang Hands enough for you to practice? Your qualifications aren't exceptional, and mastering multiple techniques can be a hindrance."
"Master," Ye Chen replied earnestly, "I've already reached the perfect realm of Stone Skin with Qinggang Hands. I want to temper other parts of my body to the same level."
Xu He's eyes widened. With a quick motion, he examined Ye Chen's energy and blood, confirming the truth.
"How did you achieve this?" Xu He asked, astonished.
"Master, I've befriended an alchemist who provides me with medium-quality secret medicine," Ye Chen explained. "Combined with my earnings from forging weapons, I've had the resources to cultivate effectively."
Xu He nodded slowly. "The alchemist must value you greatly. Very well, if you wish to temper your chest, I have a technique called Chest Strengthening Kung Fu. It's a defensive skin-grinding martial art that focuses on the chest."
"Thank you, Master!" Ye Chen said, bowing deeply.
Xu He taught Ye Chen the technique in detail, demonstrating movements and breathing patterns. With his strong memory and diligence, Ye Chen quickly absorbed the knowledge.
Back at home, Ye Chen immediately began practicing Chest Strengthening Kung Fu, using the high-quality Bai Ling secret medicine to enhance the process. Over the following weeks, his chest gradually transformed, the skin becoming as resilient as stone.
With his chest now in the perfect realm of Stone Skin, Ye Chen's combat strength soared to new heights. Yet, his journey was far from over. He resolved to temper every part of his body, striving to create a foundation that would make him unstoppable in the realms to come.