Daoist Yao did not toss the entire Wujiang Fruit into the bronze cauldron. Instead, he shaped his palm into a blade and sliced off a portion of it, stating, "This item is exceedingly difficult to cultivate.

Your luck in obtaining it is truly extraordinary. However, you must be judicious in its use." With that, he returned the remaining, larger portion of the Wujiang Fruit to He Yiming.

He Yiming paused for a moment, then smiled, "Elder Yao, please accept these Wujiang Fruits as my gift." Daoist Yao shook his head slightly. "With my alchemical skill, if it were for ordinary elixirs, there would be no need for such an item.

But for rare pills like the Innate Golden Elixir, the opportunity to open the furnace is incredibly scarce—perhaps not even once in several decades." He clapped his hands together with a smile and methodically placed the medicinal ingredients into the bronze cauldron. "If I am fortunate enough to refine a Golden Elixir again in the coming decades, I will certainly ask you for this." He Yiming had no choice but to put away the remaining Wujiang Fruit, then focused his spirit.

He watched Daoist Yao’s every movement with complete concentration. Compared to his time in the Xie Residence, He Yiming now had at least a superficial grasp of pharmacology.

While he was far from mastery, when it came to the path of alchemy itself, he possessed a certain level of attainment. This was all thanks to the unique ability granted by the Innate Withered Wood Technique.

It was by relying on this profound and unusual skill that he could achieve a clearer understanding of the vitality within the medicinal components, giving him an immense advantage in the methodical process of elixir refinement. If he were asked to treat an illness now, he would be completely lost, but when it came to refining pills, he was in no way inferior to He Wude or He Wujin.

Daoist Yao, on the other hand, had dedicated over a century to this field; alchemy for him was as natural as eating or sleeping. This refinement of the Golden Elixir was undoubtedly the grandest event for the Hengshan lineage in decades, carrying immense significance for the lineage’s future development.

Therefore, Daoist Yao was deploying every secret skill he possessed. His movements were neither swift nor flashy, yet every action was utterly natural, steady, and grand, possessing a feeling as weighty as Mount Tai itself.

Watching these movements, He Yiming felt a sense of clarity spread through him. His breathing frequency slowly adjusted, eventually matching Daoist Yao’s rhythm perfectly.

In that moment, He Yiming perceived the "Dao" embodied in Daoist Yao. That profound, ineffable principle of the Great Dao.

He Yiming cultivated the Martial Dao, while Daoist Yao's accomplishments in alchemy had formed a "Dao" uniquely his own. The image of the landscape painting destroyed that day flashed suddenly in He Yiming's mind, and he seemed to grasp something profound.

Everyone possesses their own "Dao." For Daoist Yao, his Martial Dao and his Alchemical Dao had merged into one. Similarly, the Innate expert who painted a world within paper had combined his Dao with the art of painting.

Understanding one principle unlocks a hundred; mastering one Dao brings smoothness to all others. Though perhaps an exaggeration, this saying held undeniable truth.

Daoist Yao solemnly placed the final measure of medicinal ingredients into the bronze cauldron. Then, he drew a deep breath and activated the control switch of the pagoda, allowing the raging earth-fire beneath to begin simmering slowly.

The temperature in the alchemy chamber rose sharply, but for two Innate masters, this degree of heat posed no significant challenge. He Yiming watched quietly from the side, knowing that during the refinement of an Innate Golden Elixir, not only could he not assist, but even his grandfather and Daoist Yao’s senior disciple, He Wujin, were powerless.

All they could do was ensure the preparations before the refinement were as meticulous as possible. Once the process began, everything depended on Daoist Yao’s mastery of control.

His choice to allow He Yiming to observe was undoubtedly out of kindness, hoping the legacy of Spirit Medicine Peak would be passed on. Daoist Yao’s alchemical skill was indeed unparalleled in Hengshan, and his mastery over controlling the earth-fire was equally formidable.

For an entire day, aided by the fire-elemental techniques he had long mastered, the earth-fire seemed to come alive under Daoist Yao’s command. It swelled and shrank as needed; the flames leaping from the pagoda’s opening appeared almost unified with Daoist Yao himself.

In He Yiming's perception, Daoist Yao seemed to transform into the roaring earth-fire, radiating boundless light and heat. He Yiming instantly recalled their previous confrontations and suddenly understood.

Although Daoist Yao had never experienced sudden enlightenment, his century of companionship with the earth-fire had forged a subtle connection with that element of nature, allowing him to comprehend things usually only gleaned through moments of awakening. Reflecting on the Dao of alchemy to which Daoist Yao had devoted his life, He Yiming felt a deep sense of emotion: true success is never achieved casually.

One must pay the price commensurate with the reward sought. And those like himself, who had received fortuitous encounters at the bottom of a lake, were exceedingly rare exceptions.

A day later, under Daoist Yao’s precise regulation, the liquid in the bronze cauldron was nearly evaporated, and the vitality within the herbs was stimulated to its absolute peak. Every step Daoist Yao took was executed with the flawless precision of a computer simulation run countless times beforehand, without the slightest error.

At this point, though standing by, He Yiming knew the most critical moment had arrived. Daoist Yao moved suddenly; this was the first time since entering the alchemy chamber that he employed such swift action.

His large hand swept over the bronze cauldron. The scorching lid was instantly lifted by his palm, and the prepared Innate Core Pellet and a small portion of the Wujiang Fruit were dropped in at that very instant.

Then, the cauldron lid sealed tightly once more, and the earth-fire beneath the cauldron diminished even further. He Yiming’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and he immediately grasped why only Innate masters proficient in both Fire and Wood elemental techniques could become truly renowned alchemists.

Because Wood-elemental cultivation allowed for a relatively precise perception of the vitality within the cauldron’s contents. While not as exaggerated as his own sensitivity, it was vastly superior to that of ordinary people.

During refinement, especially for precious elixirs, this sensitivity was paramount; insufficient vitality in the ingredients would drastically compromise the final outcome. Similarly, regardless of the fuel used, mastering the fire's intensity at will required proficiency in Fire elemental techniques.

Thus, those who achieved genuine accomplishment in the Dao of alchemy were invariably Innate masters cultivating both Fire and Wood elements simultaneously. While manipulating the earth-fire, Daoist Yao also intermittently rotated the bronze cauldron above it.

In his hands, the cauldron—heavy and glowing red-hot—seemed weightless, dancing merrily over the flames like a spirit. Under this agitation, the medicinal ingredients inside began to thoroughly merge.

Even from the distance separating him from Daoist Yao’s cauldron, He Yiming could clearly sense the elixir's vitality within stabilizing. Through this intensive study and several personal attempts, He Yiming now understood: once the elixir's vitality stabilized, success was assured.

Indeed, a flicker of joy crossed Daoist Yao’s face. But the expression vanished instantly, replaced by solemn concentration.

The closer one gets to success, the less one can afford to relax, lest failure at the final hurdle drive one to despair. Suddenly, the bronze cauldron spinning in Daoist Yao’s hands stopped.

Daoist Yao gripped both sides of the cauldron tightly; the terrifying, blazing red color had no effect on him. He kicked lightly at the base, and the pagoda-shaped vent immediately closed, completely isolating the heat of the earth-fire.

Daoist Yao carefully set the cauldron down, his eyes faintly glowing. He Yiming met his gaze; both shared an expression of extreme excitement.

Finally, Daoist Yao slapped the lid open. Their gazes converged on the interior of the cauldron.

A single, fiery red elixir lay quietly within the bronze vessel. Daoist Yao took out a prepared jade box, gently tapped the cauldron, and channeled a surge of True Qi into the base.

The sentient elixir seemed to leap up, flying high into the air as if guided by an invisible hand, finally settling into the jade box held by Daoist Yao. Drawing a deep breath, a thick fragrance permeated the alchemy room.

This aroma was exceptionally distinct, possessing an effect that instantly cleared the mind and refreshed the spirit. Both their gazes lingered on the elixir; this peculiar fragrance emanated from the Golden Elixir itself.

Daoist Yao gently shook the jade box, and the Golden Elixir rolled slightly within. Its vivid red color resembled flowing volcanic magma, giving the impression that it might animate at any moment.

Such a miraculous elixir was truly unprecedented in his life. He Yiming let out a long sigh.

"Innate Golden Elixir. So this is the Innate Golden Elixir." Daoist Yao nodded slightly, his face full of relief and pride.

Though he had seen Innate Golden Elixirs before, personally refining one was a first; his excitement was no less than He Yiming's. After circling the Golden Elixir, debating its merits for a long time, Daoist Yao suddenly slapped his forehead.

"There is still one more elixir to refine. Let us continue." He Yiming had intended to suggest a brief rest, but catching Daoist Yao’s eye, he sensed the elder's almost abnormal level of ecstatic energy.

He smiled wryly to himself; the joy of the first success had evidently swept him away. At this moment, both mentally and in terms of confidence, he was at his peak.

To urge him to calm down might prove counterproductive. After a moment's hesitation, He Yiming decided it was best to remain a mere observer.

True to form, Daoist Yao’s preparatory actions for this second attempt were significantly faster, flowing like water; everything was completed in moments. Then, he opened the earth-fire and began refining the second Innate Core Pellet.

While He Yiming concentrated on observing Daoist Yao’s alchemical path in the chamber, time seemed to accelerate drastically, passing in the blink of an eye until another day had elapsed. Daoist Yao repeated his original actions.

With the experience of the first successful refinement, he appeared confident. Although his movements remained rigorous and careful, the overall pace was undoubtedly quicker.

Finally, as he closed the earth-fire once more, He Yiming sensed the powerful vitality within the bronze cauldron, almost overflowing. He knew the second Innate Golden Elixir had been successfully forged as hoped.

Watching Daoist Yao open the cauldron and retrieve the second elixir, He Yiming sincerely offered, "Elder Yao’s divine technique! Congratulations." Daoist Yao burst into loud laughter.

Two refinements in one day, two successes—to not be pleased now would be insincere. The first elixir successfully refined was undoubtedly the Fire-elemental Innate Golden Elixir, its redness seeming ready to erupt at any moment.

The second Golden Elixir, however, was Wind-elemental. Although this elixir also carried a pungent fragrance, its surface was a nearly transparent white, interspersed with faint, strange hues, resembling wind and clouds in the sky—a marvel in its own right.

※※※※ At the summit of Spirit Medicine Peak, the mountain wind blew gently across the silent expanse. Yu Jinglei and Lian Yi stood like statues, waiting silently outside.

Given their status, they could comfortably wait inside the inner hall, assured they would be among the first to know the outcome of the refinement. Yet, both men had chosen to stand guard on the peak.

Their presence here served, in part, as a form of protective escort for Daoist Yao; anyone attempting to disturb him would first have to get past them. For several days, no sound emerged from the cave dwelling, and their anxiety grew.

Though both were powerful figures at the Innate realm—Yu Jinglei being a peak expert of the First Heaven—such concerns regarding the future prospects of their sect were unavoidable. After all, Daoist Yao’s experience in refining Innate Golden Elixirs was too limited; this was their chief worry.

Of course, had they known that He Yiming possessed the Wujiang Fruit and that Daoist Yao was using it, their worries would have been entirely dispelled. Suddenly, Yu Jinglei’s brow twitched, and his tightly closed eyes snapped open.

Moments later, Lian Yi performed the identical action. Most of their attention was focused inside the dwelling, and they had just detected the sound of the stone door opening within.

The two exchanged a look, their hearts tensing. Finally, the outermost, tightly sealed cave door opened slowly under their expectant gazes.

As the stone door parted, their eyes immediately sought Daoist Yao's face. At this stage, there was no need to ask questions; merely glancing at Daoist Yao's expression was enough to guess the general result.

Though Daoist Yao’s face showed deep fatigue, his eyes sparkled with vitality, and his every feature radiated an indescribable aura of pride. Seeing his expression, the tension in Yu Jinglei and Lian Yi's hearts eased considerably.

Yu Jinglei beamed, asking cheerfully, "Elder Yao, the elixirs are complete?" Daoist Yao’s wrist flipped, and he exclaimed with elation, "Martial Uncle, everything went smoothly! Both the Wind and Fire Elixirs are complete." "Excellent!" Yu Jinglei shouted in approval, laughing heartily.

"Elder Yao, you have worked hard." Daoist Yao flipped his hand again, producing two jade boxes. He glanced quickly inside one, then lowered his voice, "Martial Uncle, Elder He is still waiting inside." Yu Jinglei then remembered that although both Innate Golden Elixirs were successfully refined, the Hengshan lineage could only keep one; the other had to be given to He Yiming to handle.

Glancing reluctantly at the two jade boxes, Yu Jinglei sighed deeply. "Let's go in." Lian Yi also felt a pang of regret, silently wondering why he hadn't been lucky enough to encounter a mutated Innate Spirit Beast while traveling in the mountains, thus obtaining two Innate Core Pellets.

Meanwhile, he and the other elders had searched the forests for over a decade without finding even a trace of an Innate Spirit Beast. The difference in luck between people was truly vast.

Though reluctant to part with the elixirs, these men knew better than to incur the resentment of He Yiming by appropriating his share. A young Innate expert like He Yiming was worth more than ten Innate Golden Elixirs.

Entering the dwelling, they indeed found He Yiming waiting quietly in the main hall. Yu Jinglei laughed heartily, his voice open and friendly.

"Elder He, the Golden Elixirs have been refined. As agreed, you may take one first." Daoist Yao placed the jade box flat on the stone table, gently opened it, revealing two pills, each the size of a pigeon's egg, yet seemingly imbued with sentience.

He Yiming took a deep breath; the fragrance characteristic of the Innate Golden Elixirs invigorated his spirit. After lingering on the two elixirs for a moment, He Yiming asked, "Elder Yao, for a Postcelestial peak expert cultivating a single elemental technique, is it absolutely necessary to consume a Golden Elixir of the corresponding element to potentially break through to the Innate realm?" Daoist Yao pondered for a moment.

"Not strictly necessary. Consuming any Golden Elixir carries a chance of success.

However, relatively speaking, if one consumes an Innate Golden Elixir of the same element, or a mutually reinforcing element, the probability of a successful breakthrough is significantly higher." He paused and added, "But if one consumes an elixir whose element clashes with one's cultivation, the hope of success becomes much slimmer." He Yiming nodded slightly and asked, "The Wind-elemental Golden Elixir does not belong to the basic Five Elements. Who is intended to use it?" Daoist Yao smiled wryly.

"Innate Golden Elixirs outside the Five Elements can be consumed by practitioners of any of the fundamental Five Elements. Moreover, if they succeed in advancing after consumption, not only will their original cultivation talent remain unaffected, but they will also have a chance to gain aptitude for Wind elemental power." He Yiming’s heart stirred.

Wasn't the value of the Wind-elemental Innate Golden Elixir greater than that of the Fire-elemental one? However, Daoist Yao’s steady voice resumed, "Of course, while there is this benefit to using the Wind-elemental Innate Golden Elixir, the chance of the cultivator successfully reaching the Innate realm is considerably lower—even smaller than the chance when consuming a clashing elixir." He Yiming gasped in surprise, suddenly feeling hesitant.

Ps: I returned to the hotel very late today. Baihe immediately tried to get online, but couldn't, nor could I access the rooms of Wei Xiaobao, Yue Guan, or Mao Ni.

Baihe is utterly speechless. It has just been resolved; please forgive me...

Tomorrow I am going to Stone Forest. I hear I will return very late, but Baihe guarantees a ten-thousand-word update, though I cannot guarantee the exact time.

Please forgive me, brothers, again. I was coding until 3 AM last night, so today probably won't be early either.

I plan to catch up on sleep in the car tomorrow. Oh, the biggest discovery on Qidian is that many people are actually depraved.

Wei Xiaobao, Fen Wu Yao Ji, Er Gen, Luo Badao, Ni Cang Tian, and a large group besides them are all like that. Only Baihe is incomparably pure, so please cast your monthly tickets for the pure Baihe.

Thank you ^_^