“……………, “A fine elixir! A fine elixir!

This ‘Nine-Bend Spirit-Guarding Pill’—one look confirms its supreme quality!” “Come, come, let this old man examine it! ‘Indeed, it is fitting that the ‘Thousand-Wave’ technique was used to refine the ‘Nine-Bend Spirit-Guarding Pill.’” “……………” The round, bead-like, exquisitely transparent ink-green pill rotated among the surrounding Ninth-Rank Medicine Kings.

The rich, pervasive fragrance and exquisite appearance continuously drew gasps of admiration. Nie Kong, the one who had refined this ‘Nine-Bend Spirit-Guarding Pill,’ sat down, visibly fatigued.

He had been continuously refining elixirs four times, and what’s more, employing the intensely spirit-draining and fire-intensive ‘Thousand-Wave’ technique. Even for Nie Kong, it was a taxing endeavor.

Tai Yan was exceptionally well-behaved, settling Nie Kong’s head onto her chest, gently massaging his temples with movements that were surprisingly practiced and adept. Lou Kong merely showed a flicker of surprise before settling comfortably into the lush softness and springiness of the girl’s bosom.

“The performance this time should be sufficient.” Squinting as he observed the expressions of those around him, Nie Kong chuckled internally. “In the entire Midday Divine Void Realm, only Tai Shuyan of the Pill Immortal Sect and Marquis Wu can truly execute the ‘Thousand-Wave.’ Now that I am the third, the Pill Immortal Sect’s eagerness to recruit me will certainly intensify.” Nie Kong’s speculation was entirely correct.

Having witnessed the entire process of him testing the ‘Nine-Bend Spirit-Guarding Pill’ using the ‘Thousand-Wave,’ Luan Yexin was both thrilled and slightly anxious. Mastering both the ‘Hundred-Layer Flower’ and ‘Thousand-Wave’—these two supreme alchemy techniques—had vastly increased Nie Kong’s recruitment value.

The gazes of the outer sect Medicine Kings turned intensely eager. Especially Du Jian from the Primordial Heaven Mansion.

If the Primordial Heaven Mansion was determined to absorb Nie Kong, the Pill Immortal Sect, despite possessing the ‘Chaos Heavenly Fire,’ would likely be unable to compete. Whether the ‘Chaos Heavenly Fire’ could truly be absorbed was still debatable; even if it could, it would probably only enhance a pharmacist’s refining capabilities.

However, the Primordial Heaven Mansion’s most miraculous spiritual art, the ‘Primordial Heavenly Tome,’ allowed peak Ninth-Rank Spirit Masters to bypass the Triple Spirit Tribulations and ascend easily to Spirit Godhood. Although not everyone succeeded, every peak Ninth-Rank expert in the Primordial Heaven Mansion had one chance to attempt it.

Its appeal was immense. Though Nie Kong was a Ninth-Rank Medicine King, he was foremost a peak Ninth-Rank Spirit Master, and the ultimate goal of diligent Spirit Masters was to transcend life and death and ascend to Spirit Godhood.

“I must advise Senior Brother to hasten his efforts to bring him into the Pill Immortal Sect,” Luan Yexin resolved secretly. “Esteemed sirs, stop merely staring.

Let us first examine the quality of this pill. Only then can we truly determine if the formula belonging to Brothers Taishuang is absolutely perfect.” At this moment, Du Jian suddenly called out loudly.

Hearing this, all the Medicine Kings immediately quieted down, and soon someone produced the ‘Pill Mark Treasure Mirror.’ With a resonant chime, brilliant emerald-green light shot out from the talisman. “Ninety-Five!” Seeing these two glowing green characters, everyone was utterly stunned.

This was a Ninth-Rank ‘Nine-Bend Spirit-Guarding Pill’! They were all Ninth-Rank Medicine Kings, deeply aware of the difficulty in refining Ninth-Rank elixirs, and even more aware of the challenge in crafting a Ninth-Rank elixir with a quality rating surpassing ninety.

Now, this young Medicine King named ‘Taishuang’ had refined a Ninth-Rank elixir with a quality of ninety-five, and he had done so while merely testing a formula. After a long pause, the onlookers finally regained their composure.

“……………” “A quality of ninety-five—even if Sect Master Taishu refined it personally, this would likely be the result.” “This formula is already exceptionally perfect. If Brother Taishuang refines it a few more times, perhaps the quality of the ‘Nine-Bend Spirit-Guarding Pill’ can still be improved.” “Brother Taishuang, in the past, this elder might have underestimated you, but now, I am truly convinced.” “……………” All gazes shifted from the ‘Pill Mark Treasure Mirror’ to Nie Kong’s face.

Under the scrutiny of so many people, Nie Kong found it awkward to continue leaning against Tai Yan’s firm and rounded chest. He straightened his posture and let out a soft breath.

Clap! Clap!

A burst of crisp applause suddenly broke the silence. It was Tai Shuyan, walking over while clapping his hands.

At this moment, the Pill Immortal Sect Master’s face was filled with joy and admiration: “Brother Taishuang, I never imagined your attainments in the Dao of Medicine had reached such heights. To complete the formula in just four refinements—I confess myself inferior.” Nie Kong smiled faintly.

“Sect Master flatters me.” “Don’t be so modest, Brother Tai.” Du Jian, having lost the mood to mock his old rival Tong Jiang, chuckled heartily. “There are still two unverified formulas left.

You must grace us with a few more displays of your skill, Brother.” Before Nie Kong could respond, Tai Yan glared angrily at Tong Jiang, pouting, “No! My brother is very tired now; he cannot refine any more elixirs today.” Seeing Tai Yan wrap her arms around Nie Kong as protectively as a mother hen guards her chicks, everyone paused, then burst into hearty laughter.

Du Jian couldn't help but tease, “Sister-in-law is certainly protective of her husband. If Brother Taishuang were truly to test those other two formulas, Sister-in-law would surely pull out all my beard.” “I wouldn't pull it, it’s too dirty.” Tai Yan looked seriously at the beard under Du Jian’s chin, pursing her rosy lips.

Du Jian then noticed that the residue from Nie Kong’s failed refinements in the previous attempts had stained his snowy white beard an inky black, which still faintly emitted a pungent, acrid smell. He quickly smoothed it down.

This action brought forth another wave of mirth, especially from Tong Jiang, who seemed delighted by his misfortune. Tai Shuyan raised his voice slightly and smiled.

“Everyone, Brother Taishuang expended a great deal of energy just now. Let us rest a while first.

For the remaining two formulas, we can work together and try to complete them by this afternoon, allowing us to showcase them at tomorrow’s ‘Pill Palace Immortal Assembly.’” “……………” The crowd became busy once more, with Tai Shuyan and Luan Yexin joining the ranks of alchemists. In an instant, the roaring sound of flames rose and fell in succession, one wave after another, while the various colors of the firelight intertwined, making the spacious hall exquisitely beautiful and dazzling.

After tidying his beard slightly, Du Jian plopped down right next to Nie Kong and murmured in a low voice, “Brother Tai, though you are young, your cultivation is formidable, and you possess the genius of the Dao of Medicine—truly a prodigy rarely seen in a thousand years. My greatest reward from participating in this ‘Pill Palace Immortal Assembly’ is making your acquaintance.” “Brother Du, to be held in such high regard by you is truly flattering,” Nie Kong smiled, vaguely guessing Du Jian’s intention.

“We are brothers now; there is no need for such pleasantries,” Du Jian waved his hand, speaking solemnly. “With your innate talent, Brother, you are absolutely destined to achieve Spirit Godhood in the future.

However, the Spirit Tribulation is unpredictable. Throughout history, many geniuses of unparalleled talent have perished in the Spirit Tribulation due to minor oversights—what a pity!

What a waste! I possess a shortcut that can ensure your safe ascent to Spirit Godhood.

I wonder if you might be interested in hearing about it?” Just as expected! Nie Kong quickly smiled.

“Please, Brother Du, elaborate.” Du Jian said, “Brother should already know that I originate from the Primordial Heaven Mansion. The Primordial Heaven Mansion possesses the ‘Primordial Heavenly Tome,’ which is inscribed with the will of Heaven and Earth—the Heavenly Dao itself.

Fully reading the entire Tome allows one to comprehend the Heavenly Dao, achieve godhood instantly, and completely escape the torment of the Triple Spirit Tribulations.”