I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

"It's alright, it's just on the way."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand and then took out a list that had been prepared beforehand. "Manager Ouyang, I have another matter to discuss with you. I would like to trouble your shop to prepare a copy of the medicinal herbs on this list, as well as a level six 'Mysterious Water Turtle' inner core."

Ouyang Gong took the list and glanced at it. Although the medicinal herbs listed were not particularly rare, there were quite a few types. In addition, with a level six demon core, the total value was considerable.

It is estimated to cost around 14,000 spirit stones.

He asked curiously, "Master Zhou, what new pill are you refining? Could it be...?"

"It's in preparation for the Jade Spirit Pill."

Zhou Yuan said frankly, "There is only one dose of the main ingredient of the Jade Spirit Pill, and it cannot be lost."

I want to find some materials with similar medicinal properties and try to refine a similar "practice pill" to familiarize myself with it and increase my chances of success.

Ouyang Gong suddenly understood, his admiration deepening: "Master Zhou is indeed cautious and thorough in his actions! I admire you! I'll have someone prepare it right away and send it over immediately!"

He gave the order, and soon a shop assistant brought over all the medicinal herbs Zhou Yuan needed, as well as the level six Xuan Shui Turtle inner core that emitted a faint water attribute fluctuation.

Ouyang Gong resolutely refused to accept the spirit stones: "Alchemist Zhou has done my Jade Ring Residence such a great favor, what is this little bit of medicinal material? Just consider it an advance payment for your share of the pills this time, and put it on your tab."

He calculated clearly that the value of the batch of pills that Zhou Yuangang had just sent far exceeded that of these medicinal materials, and there would still be a surplus after deducting the dividends.

Zhou Yuan did not refuse, thanked him, put away the medicinal herbs, and then took his leave to return to his cave at Yuqi Peak.

Return to the cave and deactivate the restrictions.

Zhou Yuan adjusted the equipment slots again, replacing [Equipment Slot 5] with [Ancient Alchemy Jade Slip (Yellow Jade Pill, Azure Spirit Pill)].

Without resting, he immediately began refining the Yellow Jade Pill.

He was meticulous with both sets of materials, putting his utmost care into each batch.

The first batch, thanks to the powerful enhancements from the equipment slots and Zhou Yuan's superb skills, was successfully completed, yielding ten pills of above-average quality.

After a day's rest and adjustment, the second batch of Yellow Jade Pills was successfully produced, yielding ten pills of even better quality.

Both batches of Yellow Jade Elixir were a success!

It only took six days!

Zhou Yuan felt much more at ease.

Next comes the most crucial Jade Spirit Pill.

He did not rashly use the precious seventh-level jade python inner core.

Instead, he took out the "alternative medicinal materials" and the sixth-level Xuan Shui Turtle inner core that he had bought from Yu Huan Ju.

What he wanted to do was not simply to simulate the Jade Spirit Pill with low-grade materials, but to create a pill with relatively lower efficacy and refining difficulty based on the pharmacological principles of the Jade Spirit Pill formula and the characteristics of these substitute materials.

However, the "practice pill formula" has a refining process and feel that are seven or eight parts similar to the Biling Pill.

He named it – Pseudo-Azure Elixir.

With the powerful insights into alchemy in the equipment slots, this "creation" process, though mentally taxing, was not particularly difficult.

He spent several days deducing the final "pseudo-elixir formula".

Then, the furnace is opened for refining.

The process was thrilling but ultimately safe.

The substitute materials were not as good as the original, and the conflicting medicinal properties and fusion were more difficult. However, Zhou Yuan had a strong spiritual sense and exquisite fire control. In the end, he successfully condensed the pills and obtained five "Pseudo-Azure Spirit Pills" with a light green color and a slightly mixed medicinal fragrance.

Although the medicinal effects are probably less than one-tenth of the real Jade Spirit Pill, and may even contain pill poison, Zhou Yuan only wanted to get familiar with the feeling of refining with high-level demon cores as the main ingredient and dealing with complex medicinal properties. His goal was achieved!

After resting for another four days, I adjusted my physical and mental state to an unprecedented peak.

Finally, Zhou Yuan took out the seventh-level jade python inner core that exuded a powerful yet restrained spiritual energy, along with other rare auxiliary medicines that had already been properly prepared.

The refining of the Jade Spirit Pill has officially begun!

Dan indoor.

Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged, his Foundation Establishment True Fire pushed to its limit, and the gilded cloud-patterned furnace emitted a deep hum.

Zhou Yuan was completely focused, his powerful divine sense, comparable to that of the early stage of Core Formation, acting like the most precise scanner, constantly monitoring every change in the medicinal properties within the furnace.

The [Miniature Spirit Eye Spring] in equipment slot 1 provides a continuous supply of mana, allowing him to unleash the full power of the Foundation Establishment True Fire without any worries, maintaining the high temperature inside the furnace that is enough to melt gold and iron.

The three treasures in his equipment slots 3, 4, and 5, which enhance alchemy, worked together to put his mind in an unprecedented state of clarity, focus, and inspiration.

His understanding of alchemy, his control over the timing of the fire, and his grasp of the opportune moment were all at their peak.

For three days and three nights, without sleep or rest.

When the last trace of violent medicinal power within the alchemy furnace was perfectly tamed and integrated, and when an indescribable, refreshing fragrance, seemingly imbued with the essence of herbs and abundant life force, broke free from the furnace lid and filled the entire alchemy chamber—

Zhou Yuan knew it had worked!

He carefully opened the furnace lid, and at the bottom lay seven pills, each the size of a longan, a vibrant green like jade, their surfaces adorned with natural cloud patterns and radiating a soft, spiritual light.

Jade Spirit Pill!

Seven pills were successfully formed!

Although the quality isn't top-notch, it's fortunate that it was successful on the first attempt.

The toughest hurdle is over.

Zhou Yuan kept a batch of Yellow Jade Pills and a Jade Spirit Pill, and then packed them away separately.

However, Zhou Yuan did not immediately leave the pass.

There are still nearly two years left until the agreed three-year deadline.

He switched his equipment settings again, reverting to a cultivation-focused mode.

【Equipment Slot 1: Miniature Spirit Eye Spring】(Effect: Continuously and rapidly restores mana, increases the concentration of spiritual energy in the cultivation environment, and significantly increases cultivation speed.)

【Equipment Slot 2: Golden Core (Early Stage of Core Formation)】(Effect: Slightly increases cultivation speed during the Core Formation stage and increases the success rate of Core Formation.)

[Equipment Slot 3: Golden Page (Qingyuan Sword Manual General Outline)] (Effect: Greatly increases the speed of comprehension and cultivation efficiency of the "Qingyuan Sword Manual" and the "Three Revolutions Rejuvenation Technique"!)

[Equipment Slot 4: Remnant of Heaven-Mending Pill] (Effect: Slightly improves spiritual root aptitude and increases the speed of absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth.)

[Equipment Slot 5: Remnant of Heaven-Mending Pill] (Effects stack.)

After taking a pill, Zhou Yuan began to focus all his efforts on improving his cultivation.

Over the course of two years, with abundant resources, a superior environment, and multiple support, Zhou Yuan's cultivation steadily improved, and he finally reached the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage once again.

Compared to his peak seven years ago before his power dissipated, his foundation was more solid, and his magical power was more refined and condensed, reaching the level of a pseudo-core.

On this day, Zhou Yuan finished his cultivation.

His eyes shone with a divine light.

He stood up, straightened his robes, took the jade bottle containing the pills, pushed open the stone door of the cave, and rode the Divine Wind Boat straight towards the highest peak of Qingyun Mountain—Tianzhu Peak.

Arriving at a cave dwelling halfway up Tianzhu Peak, shrouded in a light mist and exuding an extraordinary aura, Zhou Yuanlu descended with his escape light, took out a communication talisman, whispered a few words, and then placed it into the restriction outside the cave dwelling.

Before long, the cave's protective barrier rippled slightly, and the heavy stone door slid open silently.

The figure of Master Mulong appeared at the door. Upon seeing Zhou Yuan, a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Alchemist Zhou is indeed punctual. It seems you have brought me good news?"

Zhou Yuan stepped forward, bowed, and then presented the two warm, smooth jade bottles with both hands:

"I have not failed in my mission. Here is one batch of Jade Spirit Pills and one batch of Yellow Jade Pills. Please examine them, Master."

A glint of light flashed in Master Mulong's eyes as he took the jade bottle.

He first opened the jade bottle containing the Jade Spirit Pills. A surge of pure and powerful medicinal energy, accompanied by a refreshing fragrance, wafted out, instantly invigorating him! He poured out the pills, and six emerald green, lustrous pills lay quietly in his palm, naturally formed with cloud patterns and imbued with spiritual light—undoubtedly the Jade Spirit Pills!

He then opened the jade bottle containing the yellow jade pills, which contained ten pills with a warm yellow color and a concentrated medicinal aura; their quality was actually excellent.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Master Mulong exclaimed "Good!" three times, his face beaming with undisguised joy.

He hadn't held out much hope, especially for the Jade Spirit Pill; its success would be an unexpected bonus.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Yuan not only succeeded, but the quantity and quality of the pills he produced were also quite good.

This greatly exceeded his expectations and made him once again raise his opinion of Zhou Yuan's alchemy skills.

"Master Zhou's alchemy skills are truly miraculous! I was right about him!"

Master Mulong was in a great mood. He carefully put away the pills and looked at Zhou Yuan with even more kindness. "Speak, Alchemist Zhou, you have made a great contribution this time. What reward do you want?"

Spirit stones? Materials? Or shall I secure a better cave dwelling for you?

Zhou Yuan was prepared, and upon hearing this, he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master. I can provide for myself with spirit stones and materials. As for the cave dwelling, Jade Peak is quiet enough."

"This junior dares to request a profound magical technique from the Master, so that I may study and comprehend it to enhance my abilities in combat and protection."

"Just magic?"

Master Mulong was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised.

Compared to spirit stones, materials, or even a better cave dwelling.

For him, magic is simply a matter of copying; the cost is negligible.

He subconsciously thought that Zhou Yuan was trying to curry favor with him, lowering his demands and doing him a favor, intending to attach himself to him and make friends.

This realization made him appreciate Zhou Yuan's "sensibility" and "understanding" even more.

He stroked his beard and smiled, "Master Zhou does not value external things and focuses on the Dao, which is very good!"

"What grade of spell do you desire? I have over ten mid-tier spells to choose from, and I've also managed to find a scroll of the more powerful and difficult-to-cultivate high-tier spells..."

Zhou Yuan felt a chill run down his spine.

Master Mulong actually possesses advanced magic here?

That's a powerful technique that only cultivators in the late Core Formation stage or even Nascent Soul stage can control!

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