While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 8: Guidance from the Master of Medicine, Learning Alchemy
"Refining medicine?"

Lu Yu paused slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. After a moment, he solemnly clasped his hands and said, "It is an honor for this junior to receive guidance from Elder Yao. However..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan, who looked surprised, and said, "Brother Yan is your personal disciple. It would be inappropriate for me to become your disciple so hastily."

Yao Chen stroked his beard and chuckled, "It's alright. I'm just giving you some basic pointers; it's not like I'm formally taking you on as a disciple." He added meaningfully, "Besides, learning more techniques will also benefit you younger generation."

"You know, not all alchemists in this world are kind-hearted. It's safest to take pills that you make yourself."

Lu Yu's eyes flickered slightly, and he understood—this old fox was clearly trying to hedge his bets. However, the art of alchemy was indeed something he needed, and owing someone a favor for it made this deal worthwhile.

"In that case..."

Lu Yu cupped his hands again and solemnly said, "This junior is willing to learn the art of alchemy from Elder Yao."

"Of course, of course. When I was young, I loved to teach others. Please sit down first, and I will give you a brief explanation of the art of alchemy."

Yao Chen stroked his beard with satisfaction, and with a flick of his sleeve, he floated up in front of the two of them.

"In the art of alchemy, the most important thing is controlling the heat." He tapped his fingertip, and a cluster of pale yellow flames appeared out of thin air. "Before becoming a fourth-grade alchemist, most alchemists cannot condense solid fire and rely entirely on the cauldron to catalyze the flame. Therefore, for low-level alchemists, a good cauldron is especially important..."

"Of course, nothing is absolute. If one can refine a beast fire or a strange fire before reaching the fourth rank, alchemy will be twice as effective with half the effort..."

"Secondly, there's the prescription. Even when refining the same pill, different prescriptions will result in vastly different effects..."

The flame at Yao Chen's fingertips flickered, reflecting his serious face: "When I traveled the continent back then, I saw two versions of the Power Accumulation Pill recipe. One could increase strength by 30%, while the other could only increase it by 15%."

He paused, then continued, "Furthermore, there's the power of soul perception, which is the key to distinguishing mediocre talent from genius." He gave Lu Yu a meaningful look: "With your soul strength, you're quite suited to the path of alchemy."

Immediately, the old apothecary explained in detail the basic steps of alchemy: purification of medicinal materials, fusion of medicinal properties, and control of the heat for pill formation. Lu Yu listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

"Tomorrow I'll teach you how to refine the most basic Blood Clotting Powder." Yao Chen extinguished the flames. "Once you're familiar with it, we can try refining higher-grade pills."

"Prepare one blood-clotting herb, one vitality fruit, and two poppy flowers..."

"The above is the prescription for the Blood Clotting Powder, which is a low-grade healing medicine. Prepare ten portions tomorrow, and also prepare ten portions of the ingredients for the Ice Spirit Throat-Protecting Liquid. I will personally demonstrate it for you."

Yao Chen stroked his beard and smiled, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Although these two herbs are not of high quality, they are the best touchstone for testing a pharmacist's basic skills."

"Then this junior will thank you in advance, Elder Yao."

Lu Yu bowed deeply and said with utmost respect.

……

Half a month later,

In a secluded cave on the back mountain of the Xiao family.

The three-legged bronze medicine cauldron stood steadily on the ground, its three mouths emitting pale yellow flames.

Lu Yu sat cross-legged, his hands forming a mudra, his fingers flying like butterflies as he smoothly dropped medicinal herbs into the cauldron. The icy blue Ice Spirit Leaves and the emerald green Clover blended perfectly in the cauldron, gradually forming a crystal-clear pale blue liquid.

"Congeal!"

With a soft shout, the pale blue liquid in the cauldron rose into the air, tracing a graceful arc before landing precisely in the jade bottle. Yao Chen's illusory figure nodded slightly beside him: "Not bad, the quality of this Ice Spirit Throat-Protecting Liquid is already comparable to that of an ordinary first-grade alchemist."

Lu Yu wiped the sweat from his forehead, a slight smile playing on his lips. For the past two weeks, he had practiced diligently every day, going from failing nine out of ten times to now being able to do it with ease. Only he knew the hardships he had endured.

Standing to the side, Xiao Yan said with some envy, "Teacher, when can I learn alchemy?"

"You think you can manage only four levels of Dou Qi?"

Yao Chen rolled his eyes at his disciple. Ever since witnessing Lu Yu's talent, he felt that this disciple was getting out of hand. "He doesn't even have enough battle qi to refine medicinal herbs. He's aiming too high!"

He gave a reprimand, then immediately asked, "Have you prepared all the ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Elixir?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with anticipation. He quickly took out the prepared medicinal herbs from his storage ring and respectfully placed them next to the medicine cauldron: "Teacher, the medicinal herbs are all prepared."

Yao Chen stroked his beard and glanced at the two young men: "Very well, I'll show you something today."

Immediately, he turned to Lu Yu and said, "Young Lu, your alchemy just now was successful, but the medicinal properties were not fully integrated. I will demonstrate it for you now, and you can observe carefully."

Before he finished speaking, Yao Chen flicked his sleeve, and a ball of eerie white flame suddenly rose up. One of the main ingredients of the Foundation Establishment Elixir, the Purple Leaf Orchid, instantly transformed into a crystalline green liquid upon contact with the flame, slowly flowing within it.

"Watch closely," Yao Chen explained in detail while manipulating the flames, "The purification of medicinal herbs requires mastering 'three slows and one fast'..."

Xiao Yan and Lu Yu held their breath, watching Yao Chen's fluid and skillful movements intently.

The three main ingredients were fused together in the flames, and the violent energy in the magic crystal was skillfully neutralized. The alchemy process was as smooth as flowing water, with various techniques used with ease, making it a truly delightful sight to behold...

An hour later, a ball of emerald-green spiritual liquid floated in Yao Chen's palm, radiating astonishing energy fluctuations.

"This is the Foundation Establishment Elixir."

Yao Chen poured the elixir into a jade bottle and handed it to Xiao Yan, instructing him, "It cannot be taken orally. When using it, fill a wooden basin with water and add three drops."

He then took out an ancient-looking pill formula and handed it to Lu Yu: "Young Lu, this is the formula for a first-grade Qi-replenishing pill. It can help you recover your fighting spirit, and it is also the most challenging to integrate the medicinal properties. Go and practice it. If you have any questions, come and find me."

Lu Yu respectfully accepted the prescription with both hands and solemnly said, "This junior will certainly live up to the kindness of Elder Yao's teachings, and will do my best to repay him if needed in the future."

Yao Chen stroked his beard and smiled, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. What he liked most were young people like this who knew how to repay kindness; this investment in goodwill was worthwhile.

"Brother Lu, why are you being so polite with us?" Xiao Yan laughed heartily and patted Lu Yu on the shoulder. "Our teacher is an eighth-grade alchemy master, this little thing is nothing."

He blinked and teased, "Weren't you eager to cultivate that 'Roar of the Mad Lion' scroll? Now that you've finished refining the Ice Spirit Throat Protector, you can finally let loose and roar to your heart's content."

Lu Yu smiled knowingly, cupped his hands and said, "Then I won't stand on ceremony. I'll come back another day to ask Elder Yao for guidance." With that, he put away the medicine cauldron and turned to leave.

Watching Lu Yu's departing figure, Yao Chen suddenly said, "Yan'er, your friend... is not bad."

Xiao Yan grinned: "Of course. Don't you trust my judgment of people, Teacher?"

The master and apprentice exchanged a smile, and their relaxed laughter echoed through the cave.

(End of this chapter)