Chapter 59: Undying Body?

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Undying Body?

Move into the inner courtyard?

That would mean a higher level of protection, but it would also mean more eyes on him. Plus, sneaking out at night would become much more difficult.

Several thoughts flashed through Chen Yue’s mind, but he nodded with almost no hesitation. "Alright, I’ll follow Miss Yuqing’s arrangements. Safety comes first. It’s the right thing to do."

"It’s good that you understand, Chen the Pill Master. I won’t disturb you any further. I’ll have the servants come by shortly," Chen Yuqing said, preparing to leave with Cui.

"Miss Yuqing, please wait," Chen Yue suddenly said.

Chen Yuqing stopped and turned to look at Chen Yue, a hint of a question in her eyes. "Is there something else, Chen the Pill Master?"

A smile on his face, Chen Yue said, "Actually, there is a small matter. Besides practicing alchemy and martial arts, I’m quite interested in pill formulas with rather unique functions.

"I was wondering if the estate’s collection has any such formulas? If so, might I have the honor of viewing them to broaden my horizons?"

"Pill formulas with special effects?" Chen Yuqing raised a delicate brow, clearly not expecting such a question.

She pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you referring to formulas for elixirs with niche effects, but which possess their own unique properties?"

"Exactly!"

Chen Yue’s eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly.

"You’ve hit the nail on the head, Miss Yuqing. Something like the Antitoxic Pill, for example. Although it can’t cure all poisons, long-term consumption might increase one’s tolerance to common toxins. The concept is quite interesting. Does the estate have any other similar formulas?"

Upon hearing this, a look of understanding dawned on Chen Yuqing’s face.

’It seems Chen Yue not only has a great talent for the Alchemy Dao but is also a diligent researcher. In that, he’s rather similar to many of the fanatics obsessed with alchemy.’

She recalled seriously for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Most of the pill formulas in our collection focus on increasing cultivation, Healing and Life Extension, or Strengthening the Foundation and Nourishing the Essence. As for those with special effects... they are indeed very rare."

Chen Yuqing paused, seeming to remember something, and continued, "However, there is one formula that might just qualify. It’s called the Blood Nourishing Pill."

"The Blood Nourishing Pill?"

Chen Yue’s expression flickered. "What’s so special about this elixir? Is it specifically for replenishing Qi Blood?"

"Yes and no."

Chen Yuqing explained, "The creator’s original intention was to refine an elixir that could subtly improve a Martial Artist’s Qi Blood foundation over time.

"According to their design, if a Martial Artist were to take this elixir long-term, not only would their daily Qi Blood be more vigorous, but more importantly, their recovery speed after being injured would be much faster than others."

"The concept sounds quite brilliant!" Chen Yue commented.

’This approach is remarkably similar to the Antitoxic Pill’s poison resistance enhancement and the Bone-Enhancing Pill’s bone strengthening. They all aim for long-term, subtle improvements to one’s constitution.’

"The concept is good."

Chen Yuqing, however, shook her head. "But the actual elixir, once refined, had disappointing results. Its direct healing effect is far inferior to specialized elixirs of the same grade, like the Muscle Regeneration Pill.

"As for the theoretical accelerated recovery effect, it’s almost imperceptible. One would need to consume it in large quantities over a long period to see even a sliver of an effect, but the medicinal ingredients required for alchemy are extremely expensive, so no one is willing to try."

"So the creation was a failure?" Chen Yue asked.

"You could say that."

Chen Yuqing nodded. "Pill Masters often have brilliant and unconventional ideas, but whether the final elixir’s effect matches their wishes depends on multiple factors. It’s often not the case that an elixir will achieve a certain effect just because the Pill Master wants it to."

Chen Yue put on a timely expression mixed with regret and curiosity, then asked, "I see... In that case, I wonder if I might be able to borrow the pill formula for this Blood Nourishing Pill? Studying a senior’s thought process might offer some inspiration."

Chen Yuqing looked at the undisguised enthusiasm and curiosity in Chen Yue’s eyes and pondered for a moment.

’A niche pill formula that has already been proven ineffective has limited value. Using it to do him a small favor could both show goodwill and further win over this promising young Pill Master. Why wouldn’t I?’

"There’s no need to ask the Patriarch for permission for this."

A faint smile appeared on Chen Yuqing’s face as she nodded. "This pill formula isn’t a family secret, just part of our regular collection. I’ll have someone make a copy and send it to you shortly. However..."

Her tone shifted slightly, carrying a hint of a warning.

"The alchemy is said to be quite difficult, and the pill formula even has a few trouble spots noted by Zhige himself. You should be cautious while studying it and must not rashly attempt to refine it."

She deliberately mentioned Chen Zhige’s notes. While it was true, it also carried a hidden meaning: ’Even Chen Zhige found this formula troublesome. You should just study the concept and not actually try to tackle it.’

"I understand," Chen Yue nodded.

Hearing this, Chen Yuqing gave a slight nod. "Good. Then you can prepare for the move. The pill formula will arrive shortly."

With that, she didn’t linger and left the small courtyard with Cui.

Chen Yue stood at the entrance of the Alchemy Room, watching them leave. The enthusiasm and curiosity in his eyes slowly receded, replaced by quiet contemplation.

Moving into the inner courtyard wasn’t a big deal. With his current body technique, it would be easy to avoid a few guards.

The pill formula for the Blood Nourishing Pill, however, was a pleasant surprise.

’If its described effect of accelerating recovery is real, even if only by a sliver, my panel’s amplification will produce a miraculous result.’

’I wonder if it will unlock a new talent?’

’An Undying Body?’

Chen Yue began to pack his belongings, mainly the medicinal ingredients and elixirs that he couldn’t let others see.

About a quarter of an hour later, there was another knock on the courtyard gate.

This time, it was a respectably dressed, middle-aged steward, followed by four submissive-looking servants and maids.

The steward held a square wooden box, about a foot wide, in both hands. Seeing Chen Yue open the door, he immediately bowed slightly and presented the box. "Chen the Pill Master, Miss Yuqing instructed this humble one to deliver this to you."

Chen Yue took the wooden box, which felt slightly heavy. He didn’t open it immediately, merely nodding at the steward.

The steward continued, "Miss Yuqing has instructed that, as discussed with you, Chen the Pill Master, you are to move into your new residence in the inner courtyard today to prevent any unforeseen incidents. These people have been sent to assist you in packing."

He gestured to the servants behind him.

Chen Yue had already packed his essential items into a small bundle on his back. As for the pill furnace, common medicinal ingredients, daily clothes, and the like, the estate would arrange for them; he didn’t need to worry about it.

"Thank you for your trouble, Steward. I’ve already packed. Let’s go now," Chen Yue said calmly.

Seeing how little luggage Chen Yue had, a flash of surprise crossed the steward’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it and stepped aside to lead the way. "This way, Chen the Pill Master."

The group passed through several gates. The deeper they went, the more magnificent and exquisite the estate became, with pavilions, towers, rockeries, and flowing water arranged in a picturesque layout.

The number of patrolling guards increased noticeably. Their auras were composed, and their eyes sharp—they were clearly skilled experts.

Finally, they arrived before a quiet, independent courtyard.

The courtyard walls were high, and hanging above the door was a plaque that read "Tingzhu Pavilion," written in a powerful, vigorous script.

The gate was open, revealing several clumps of green bamboo swaying gently in the breeze, making a soft RUSTLING sound. The environment was refined and elegant. A side room had clearly been modified; its windows were wide and equipped with special ventilation shafts, following the standard design for an Alchemy Room.