Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1358: Everyone Hanging by a Thread
Previously on Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return...
Zirong and the others observed a few elders displaying extreme anxiety, yet the reason remained obscure. They all turned to Han Yan, their expressions filled with confusion.
Without hesitation, Han Yan offered a brief explanation regarding the perilous nature of refining the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill.
Upon hearing Han Yan's account, every gaze shifted back to Yan Zishu, and subtle alterations manifested in their countenances.
"You need not elaborate further. As a physician, my sworn duty is to safeguard lives. It is chronicled that in antiquity, the progenitor of my medical lineage immolated himself by sampling countless herbs to alleviate the populace's suffering, ultimately succumbing to potent toxins. If I falter in such a trial, what legitimacy does my claim to the title of 'doctor' possess? How shall I face the ancestral spirits of the Yan Family in the afterlife?
Moreover, having accepted a commitment, its fulfillment is my unequivocal obligation. Lady Mu has extended three favors to me. I am therefore bound to dedicate every resource to restoring her friend's health; this principle is enshrined within the tenets of my Yan Family." Though those few elders persisted in their attempts at dissuasion, Yan Zishu silenced their entreaties with an unyielding and resolute tone.
Witnessing his conviction, Han Yan felt a surge of genuine admiration. Despite this elder's occasional propensity for pettiness, he proved himself a man of integrity, straightforward and honorable.
"Esteemed Elder Yan, I offer my sincerest apologies for my prior misjudgment, and I retract my accusations," Ling Baobao declared, stepping forward.
"Pray, dismiss it. The apology ought to originate from me. My singular focus on creating obstacles for you led me to speak rashly, neglecting even a proper examination of Zirong's affliction, a dereliction unbecoming of a physician," Yan Zishu responded, a flush of shame coloring his features as he waved a dismissive hand.
Subsequently, Yan Zishu retrieved the Eight-Door Purple Cloud Furnace, which Han Yan had previously seen repaired, and instructed everyone to vacate Danling Hall and await his endeavors elsewhere. It was evident that his confidence in successfully concocting the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill was not absolute, and he wished to avert any potential repercussions from failure affecting others.
Fiery tendrils danced within the pill furnace, accompanied by an array of hundreds of medicinal herbs arranged meticulously nearby, emanating an aroma that soothed the senses.
Indeed, each of these hundred botanical specimens was an exceptionally rare and valuable component, commanding a king's ransom. Among them were several that Han Yan had only encountered in ancient medical texts, their depictions serving as her sole reference. Individually, these herbs conferred significant boons to one's cultivation. When incorporated into various alchemical formulations, they could be transmuted into potent Spirit Pills capable of replenishing Qi and augmenting spiritual growth. Astonishingly, it was within a yet different alchemical matrix that their combined properties yielded a supremely toxic Miracle Pill.
Yan Zishu's eyes narrowed infinitesimally as he employed his Divine Sense for a meticulous survey, then executed a series of swift hand gestures, causing the furnace's inferno to surge and recede dynamically.
A transient violet luminescence emanated from the furnace. Almost instantaneously, Yan Zishu unsealed it, introduced a handful of herbs, and resealed it with practiced celerity, the movement a blur to the unaided eye.
He then resumed his intricate hand seals. As the furnace pulsed with purple light once more, he artfully infused additional ingredients, his speed rivaling that of lightning.
This cyclical process continued unabated until all hundreds of the medicinal herbs were within the furnace's embrace – a feat so rapid that observing it clearly was nigh impossible for onlookers.
Han Yan observed with silent admiration. Her own alchemy techniques primarily drew from the profound insights gleaned from the Star Falling Eight Desolate Sword, often augmented by the power of the Chaos Heavenly Fire. Absent these aids, her prowess in thermoregulation paled significantly in comparison to Yan Zishu's mastery. This disparity was, of course, entirely understandable; she had only recently embarked on her alchemical journey, while he had dedicated a lifetime to its pursuit.
Yan Zishu then recommenced his intricate hand seals. The complexity and finesse of these movements were so remarkable that Han Yan found herself profoundly enlightened, the seals appearing like ethereal clouds drifting in the atmosphere.
Possessing a wide spectrum of talents, Han Yan was not inherently an arrogant individual. Encountering such an exceptionally rare display of alchemical artistry, she seized the opportunity without hesitation, diligently committing every detail to memory and mentally rehearsing the sequences.
A rich, intoxicating fragrance permeated the air from the hall's entrance, inducing a dreamlike state in those who inhaled it. However, as time progressed, the enchanting aroma gradually diminished, becoming almost imperceptible.
The previously anxious elders visibly relaxed, as did Han Yan, while a subtle smile graced Yan Zishu's lips.
Unlike common elixirs designed for Qi Refinement or cultivation enhancement, the superior a Poison Pill's caliber, the more its coloration and scent dissipate; otherwise, its insidious purpose could not be effectively realized.
The fading fragrance signified the potent integration and intense condensation of the hundred herbs, an unmistakable sign that the pill's formation was nearing completion.
The elders strained their necks for a glimpse inside, mirroring the burgeoning curiosity of Huayue and the others. After all, this was the creation of a legendary-grade elixir; even as a Poison Pill, witnessing its genesis was an exceptionally rare privilege.
Unbeknownst to those present, eight streams of brilliant purple light ascended from the Eight-Door Purple Cloud Furnace, resembling ethereal clouds. "Eight doors open, the purple heart unites, pill..." Yan Zishu chanted the pill formula, executing the final hand seal. Just as he was about to declare "pill complete," his countenance shifted dramatically. The exquisitely crafted furnace began to convulse violently, emitting an aura saturated with fury and a chilling coldness. An explosion followed! The expressions of everyone observing from the outside contorted in shock. In the art of alchemy, failure can manifest as Waste Pills or, in more severe cases, an explosion. While common for an alchemist, this instance was far more perilous; Yan Zishu was in the process of refining the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill. If it detonated, his demise would be certain. "Go, leave at once!" Yan Zishu commanded the onlookers while frantically manipulating hand seals. Han Yan recognized Yan Zishu’s attempt at a Sealing Hand Technique, an effort to contain the furnace and prevent the noxious energy from escaping to endanger others. Regrettably, even with his seal, the furnace continued its violent trembling. Wisps of blue-purple smoke escaped its seams, the contained wrath and cold intensifying manifold—the very toxic essence of the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill. As the corrosive poison seeped, a pallor of green spread across Yan Zishu’s features. Thankfully, only a minor quantity of toxic gas had escaped the furnace's fissures; otherwise, even he might not have endured its effects. Han Yan's own expression darkened. It was crucial to remember that Yan Zishu was a distinguished master within the Sword Saint Realm. Even a rudimentary seal, wielded by him, would amplify in potency considerably. Yet, despite channeling his complete energy, he found himself incapable of sealing the furnace, a testament to the poison's sheer ferocity. "Go, leave at once!" Observing his inability to contain the furnace and detecting the onset of poisoning, Yan Zishu’s urgency intensified as he implored everyone outside to flee. The attending elders, though aghast, remained rooted to their positions. Exchanging determined glances, they gritted their teeth and surged forward, simultaneously employing hand seals and initiating Sealing Techniques, their clear intent to aid Yan Zishu. Han Yan’s regard for them ascended significantly upon witnessing this resolute action. Alas, their combined strength proved insufficient. Even with the collaborative efforts of the three, the furnace remained stubbornly unsealed.