Chapter 418: Isn't Making Someone Sleep Easy?
As the Sect Master of the Spirit Herb Sect had predicted, too many pills heavily depended on the cauldron’s material, flame variations, and refining techniques. The Automatic Pill Refining Machine couldn’t meet the standards and could only produce very simple pills.
In the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages, the top three spots had no place for the Automatic Pill Refining Machine.
By the Nascent Soul and Spirit Transformation stages, it became a true test of alchemy skills.
The alchemists and cauldrons were equally competitive, showcasing countless techniques. Flames soared while medicinal aromas filled the air.
The Sword Sovereign nodded frequently, having learned much.
In the end, the cauldrons slightly outperformed the alchemists.
However, the alchemists weren’t discouraged, as the ultimate decider between alchemist and cauldron supremacy would be the Unity Stage competition.
This was the real climax!
“Next, we welcome the Peak Master of Alchemy Peak from the Dao Sect, Su Wei, and the Crimson Sun Cauldron!” With Su Wei participating, she couldn’t oversee the event, so the Great Yong Dynasty sent its Sixth Prince to host the alchemy competition.
“Following them are the Sect Master of the Spirit Herb Sect and his cauldron.”
“Lastly, two reclusive alchemists who emerged today after a thousand years in seclusion: Jin Li and Chen Jian!”
Jiang Li and the Sword Sovereign stepped forward, composed and unashamed of their pretense as Unity Stage cultivators.
Originally, as a noble swordsman, the Sword Sovereign had a sense of shame. But with Jiang Li leading the way, he felt no qualms about impersonating a Unity Stage expert.
“Since Unity Stage cultivators can refine too many types of pills, determining victory in a single round would be unfair. As per tradition, there will be three tests to decide the winner comprehensively.”
“Let the competition begin.”
“The first test: Alchemists are also physicians. Pills can enhance cultivation and heal ailments.”
The Great Yong Dynasty invited a female cultivator. Unlike most Jiang Li had seen, she had heavy dark circles under her eyes, looked listless, and kept yawning as if she might fall asleep any moment.
“This cultivator possesses a Yang-Exuberant Body, which accelerates her cultivation but makes meditation difficult. What’s effortless for ordinary cultivators—sleep and meditation—is nearly impossible for her.”
“According to her account, in her three hundred years of life, she’s had very few moments of peaceful rest. Though she yawns constantly, she simply can’t sleep.”
“We ask the master alchemists to help her sleep and rest.”
“A side note: This cultivator has other issues. Please be mindful during treatment.”
Su Wei exclaimed in surprise, “A Yang-Exuberant Body! Such a constitution is rare. Typically, it only appears in male cultivators. Even if they struggle to sleep, it’s never this severe. As their cultivation improves, they gradually gain control.”
“But she’s female! The conflict between her Yin soul and Yang body will only intensify with cultivation, making sleep even harder.”
Even Su Wei had never encountered such a case and could only analyze it theoretically.
“Though rare, it’s still governed by the Five Elements’ pharmacology. Balance the Five Elements, and all problems resolve themselves.” Su Wei adhered to the Five Elements Creation Theory, believing the human body mirrored the world—containing the Five Elements. Equilibrium meant no illness.
Every alchemist present was confident this challenge wouldn’t stump them, smiling assuredly.
With only one patient, whoever treated her first would win! Speed was key!
The Unity Stage alchemists made their moves, displaying exquisite techniques—even legendary ones like “Hundred Minds at Once,” “Barehanded Refinement,” “Pill from Void,” and “Nine Dragons Gathering Flames.” The audience cheered wildly.
Jiang Li and the Sword Sovereign exchanged glances, baffled. Unfamiliar with alchemy, they couldn’t appreciate the skill on display.
“Should I perform something too?” the Sword Sovereign asked. It felt awkward not contributing when others were showcasing their prowess.
“Like what?”
“Slice a cauldron with my sword or something.”
“…”
Half an hour later, the Sect Master of the Spirit Herb Sect was the first to refine a pill.
“Sect Master Huang, could you introduce your pill?” The Sixth Prince of the Great Sui Dynasty facilitated.
“This pill is my temporary creation—the Long Slumber Pill. One dose induces ten days of deep sleep, uninterrupted by any disturbance.”
The Sixth Prince thought it sounded suspiciously like a poisoning tool—then remembered the Spirit Herb Sect had originally risen to prominence through poison before reforming.
“Let’s see Sect Master Huang’s results.”
The Sect Master handed the pill to the female cultivator. “Here, take this, and you’ll sleep.”
She swallowed it, frowned, then spat it out, retching violently.
Apologetic, she explained, “My throat is narrow. I can’t swallow such large pills.”
The Crimson Sun Cauldron mocked, “Sect Master Huang, your observation skills are lacking. No wonder you keep losing to my apprentice. I spotted her difficulty immediately.”
“Then let’s see your solution!” the Sect Master snapped.
“Simple—I’ll refine it into liquid.” A globule of medicinal liquid floated beside the cauldron.
The cultivator drank it but remained in the same exhausted-yet-sleepless state.
“Yang and Yin energies clash in my body, shredding any pill or liquid. I can’t absorb the properties,” she clarified.
“Crimson Sun, you’re not so impressive either—failing to diagnose the patient,” Su Wei jeered this time.
As she lifted the cauldron lid, a soothing fragrance filled the arena, making everyone drowsy.
“If she can’t ingest pills, let the aroma induce sleep. This scent calms the mind—even a crying baby would sleep instantly. One whiff keeps a cultivator asleep for three days.”
Su Wei placed the pill near the woman. The rich aroma made her eyelids heavy, yet sleep still eluded her.
So close—just a little more.
Yawning, the cultivator explained, “The aroma is medicinal too. It gets destroyed inside me like everything else. Only traces get absorbed.”
“I suggest a medicinal bath—maximizing absorption,” proposed the Sect Master. Ordinary pills wouldn’t work; they needed alternative methods.
“What good’s a bath? Let me increase the dosage—my aroma already helped somewhat!” Su Wei argued.
“Stop bluffing, Su Wei. You’re yawning secretly—don’t think I haven’t noticed. Increase it further, and you’ll be the first to collapse when the pill finishes!”
“Got a better idea?”
“I’m a cauldron—no nose to smell. Let me refine this aroma-emitting pill instead.”
“Stealing my idea, Crimson Sun? How shameless! I’ll just block my nose during refinement!”
As the two humans and cauldron bickered, Jiang Li appeared behind the woman and knocked her out with a chop to the neck.
“Wasn’t this easier?”