Chapter 108: The Formula for the Four Elements Pill

“Is there any elder or younger clansman who wishes to test the power of the Yin-Yang Thunder Pearl, which has now spread throughout Yudian Mountain?”

“I, disciple Wang Mo, though unworthy, wish to witness it.”

At that moment, a young man in his early twenties, dressed in a black Taoist robe with a stern face, stood up. After rising, he bowed deeply to the patriarch and the gathered clansmen, then turned to face Wang Hao. Drawing a pair of short axes, he assumed a ready stance.

“Brother, I have recently made a breakthrough in my cultivation, reaching the fifth level of Qi Refining. My hands itch for action, but I’ve been troubled by the lack of an outlet for my strength.”

“Begin,” announced the Wang family patriarch, his face covered by a full beard.

“Be careful!”

Without any flashy movements, Wang Hao poured spiritual energy into the Yin-Yang Thunder Pearl and hurled it directly toward Wang Mo.

Even he felt uneasy; although he had used the pearl many times in private without incident, a lingering fear remained that it might explode in his hand before being thrown. Lacking the subtle control over spiritual energy that Qin Chuan possessed, he could not manipulate it at will, which was understandable.

Wang Mo, having heard of the Yin-Yang Thunder Pearl before, dared not take the slightest risk. He summoned his spiritual energy fully and swung his axe at the incoming pearl.

A thunderous roar followed, and a beam on the roof shook, releasing a barely noticeable dust.

Wang Mo staggered backward several steps, his heart pounding with shock. Had he not guarded his right hand and axe with spiritual energy, he would have suffered serious injury. Even so, his right hand tingled with numbness for a moment.

Brushing away the thin dust, he revealed a disheveled figure.

“This item is indeed formidable, but it hardly suits presentation at the clan meeting,” the patriarch remarked, his tone unreadable. Everyone present understood that if Wang Hao had not explained himself, he would likely suffer his father Wang Tu’s wrath upon returning.

“I am not referring to this elixir,” Wang Hao continued.

This statement caused many to pause, exchanging surprised and skeptical glances. They had long heard that Wang Tu’s son spent his days drinking and indulging in pleasure, neglecting his studies. Seeing him now, their doubts seemed confirmed.

Ordinarily, associating with disreputable friends might be overlooked, but appearing at the clan meeting to present a treasure was truly…

However, Wang Hao’s tone shifted suddenly. “I am not speaking of the elixir itself, but of the informational value behind it and the long-term interests it holds for our clan.”

“Hmm?”

The crowd fell silent, suspicion creeping into their eyes.

Wang Tu scrutinized Wang Hao closely, secretly pleased. He never expected his idle son to finally show some insight. Had Wang Hao started by claiming to have a plan to ensure the clan’s future prosperity, the elders might have sneered and dismissed him outright. But this seemingly reckless act had at least captured their attention, granting him a chance to speak further.

“Do you all know who forged this elixir?”

At this, Wang Hao thought silently, hoping Qin Chuan would not mind his revealing this secret. To secure that coveted position, he had to expose the truth; these old-timers would not accept anything less.

“Qin Chuan of the Qingshan Sect.”

“An inner disciple of the Fuluan Hall.”

“Master of the Hundred Peaks Elixir Forum.”

“Top ranked in the second array.”

“Top ranked in the third array.”

“...”

“More importantly, he is close with Liu Fengshan of the Liu family, and even holds a jade token from the Liu estate.”

This revelation immediately caused the elder figures on the stage to fall into thoughtful silence. The younger generation at the back also recognized the significance.

“Esteemed elders, perhaps some of you are unaware, but the Zeng family has been restless lately!”

Wang Hao detailed the incident of the Zeng family planting a spy to frame the Refining Elixir Pavilion, stirring great waves of concern.

It was easy to deduce that Wang Tu had learned of this two months ago, breaking out in cold sweat as he anticipated the Zeng family’s next moves.

“Our Wang family and Liu family have always been on good terms. But if anything happens to Qin Chuan in our Refining Elixir Pavilion and the Zeng family spreads slander, even if the Liu family does not sever ties, they will certainly lose trust in us.”

At this, the clan patriarch’s expression changed in understanding.

“No wonder the Zeng family made an inexplicably large move some time ago. I thought someone was about to suffer misfortune.”

His gaze toward Wang Hao was no longer the same.

“I have not been idle these days either. While promoting the Yin-Yang Thunder Pearl, I dispatched people across regions to track down the Zeng family’s many slips.”

“Thankfully, Qin Chuan has cooperated…”

Wang Hao spoke without changing his expression. Whether his praise of Qin Chuan was motivated by clan interests or other reasons remained unknown.

“Therefore, I believe that for our Wang family to advance further, we must focus on three points: First, to forge the clan into an iron fortress—no matter who tries anything, if they reach for us, we sever them immediately.”

“Second, to earn enough spirit stones to strengthen our foundation. With the northern mountains rife with beast surges, consumable elixirs like the Yin-Yang Thunder Pearl will be exceedingly popular.”

“Third, to find a way to befriend this individual.”

Saying this, he raised the Yin-Yang Thunder Pearl high.

…

The invitation to the Danxin Valley suddenly fell upon Qin Chuan, leaving him somewhat bewildered. He cast a deep glance at Wang Hao, finding him increasingly inscrutable.

Every year, Yudian City opens the Danxin Valley, harnessing a special formation to channel the power of Yin and Yang.

“Brother, this journey will be without danger. Rest assured,” Wang Hao assured him.

“Hmm.”

The formation occupied most of the Danxin Valley, enveloped in a misty white fog, leaving only twenty portals.

Now, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Yin and Yang were converging, reaching a unique moment of perfect balance. Suddenly, the valley hummed like a swarm of bees fluttering their wings.

The portals trembled as if stones had been dropped into a still lake, and the light barriers seemed to come alive.

“Now’s the time—move quickly!”

Qin Chuan dared not delay, stepping through one.

Before him flashed a bright, shimmering blue light.

Then his vision changed drastically.

On a low hill, a middle-aged Taoist stood with his back to Qin Chuan.

“My son, do you know what allows our Dan family stronghold to survive in these mountains and be revered by countless tribes?”

For a moment, Qin Chuan was stunned. Seeing that the man’s height reached only to his waist, he instinctively replied, “I don’t know.”

“Alchemy!”

The middle-aged man’s voice rose, imbued with unmistakable pride.

Turning, he revealed deep, penetrating eyes and two strands of white hair on his forehead, his aura marked by the weight of experience.

“Among the Four Paths of the Forbidden Elixir Formation, the path of alchemy is the most complex. My son, from today onward, I shall impart to you the essence of alchemy and guide your cultivation.”

Qin Chuan finally gathered himself, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. He answered somewhat perfunctorily, “I will study diligently.”

The man shook his head. “Not just diligently—you must master it fully, surpass your peers and even all other alchemists. For you are my remaining heir, the future master alchemist and the future lord of this stronghold!”

Qin Chuan’s heart soured. He hadn’t expected that entering Danxin Valley would cast him as a character in this scene.

His mind stirred; his internal spiritual energy was faint, barely at the first level of Qi Refining.

“Come, sit by my side.”

Yu Dan, unaware of Qin Chuan’s distraction, sat down and patted the ground beside him.

Hearing this, Qin Chuan quickly moved over and sat cross-legged.

“My son, since you have just entered Qi Refining, you have earned the right to contend with other alchemists. I will now give you your first elixir formula.”

At this, Yu Dan produced a jade slip. Drawing his finger upwards, a faint white light dispersed into the void.

Qin Chuan focused his gaze; his heart stirred. This was a formula he had never seen before, containing many herbs unfamiliar even by name.

“Have you memorized it?”

Yu Dan gave Qin Chuan ample time. When he appeared ready, he retracted the jade slip, and the light particles vanished.

“I have memorized it,” Qin Chuan nodded slightly but inwardly scoffed—it was only memorization.

“Good. Then follow me.”

The two passed through rocky woods into a valley.

The terrain was unique—surrounded by interconnected stone blocks without a speck of soil. Qin Chuan was surprised; it resembled the Danxin Valley by about eighty percent.

On the cliff face were crooked characters: “Dan Bi Gu” (Valley of Essential Elixirs).

Beneath the characters stood a cauldron taller than Qin Chuan and, below it, a fist-sized stone cavity. Through its slanting opening, faint flames flickered.

“Since you know the formula, forge the Four Elements Pill.”

Yu Dan paused, pointing to a nearby herb rack. “I have placed the likely required herbs on the rack.”

“Try and see if you can produce the Four Elements Pill.”

Qin Chuan frowned, astonished at Yu Dan.

Are you joking with me?

According to the old path, “I” was just a child newly entering the first level of Qi Refining, yet here I am asked to forge an elixir with only a formula.

He sensed this scene was from a past event.

Fortunately, this time he was in control; otherwise, a twelve- or thirteen-year-old child, no matter how gifted, would have difficulty managing this.

While pondering, he examined the herb rack.

It was surrounded by a faint formation, clearly designed to preserve the herbs’ potency.

A casual glance was one thing, but a closer look shocked him.

From his botanical knowledge, a third of these herbs were unknown to him, and half of the remaining two-thirds were unfamiliar.

He had been eager to show his skills moments ago, but now felt embarrassed—which was not surprising.

Alchemy was the most complex of the Four Paths and the most widely used among cultivators.

From its inception to its peak, countless prodigies and ingenious ideas had arisen, many secret formulas remained unknown, some herbs had vanished, and others newly emerged.