Chapter 79: Overbearing and Mighty

Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Overbearing and Mighty

Chen Yue’s brows twitched slightly. In all his time at the Chen Mansion, the number of times he had seen the esteemed Chen Zhige could be counted on one hand. Most of those were just distant glances; they had never exchanged a single word.

Chen Zhige had always given him the impression of a Pill Master completely absorbed in his own world of the Alchemy Dao, treating others with a condescending indifference and arrogance.

’Why would he suddenly invite me and Lin Quan for tea and discussion?’

Lin Quan, at his side, seemed quite pleased and chimed in:

"Duke Zhige’s Alchemy Skill is extraordinary. To be able to discuss the Alchemy Dao with him is a rare opportunity. I happen to have some questions about alchemy that I’d like to ask him about. Chen Yue, we don’t have anything else to do today anyway, why don’t we go together?"

Chen Yue’s gaze swept over Lin Quan’s expectant face, then flickered past the steward’s respectful smile.

"Alright. It would be my honor."

A perfectly measured smile appeared on Chen Yue’s face as he nodded. "Steward, please lead the way."

"You’re too kind, Chen the Pill Master. Please, follow me." The steward’s smile remained unchanged as he turned to the side and led the way.

Chen Yue nodded to Lin Quan, and the two of them followed the steward toward the deeper parts of the Chen Mansion. Sunlight filtered through the shade of the courtyard trees, casting dappled light and shadows that fell across Chen Yue’s calm and unrippled profile.

The courtyard housing Chen Zhige’s Alchemy Room was located in the most secluded part of the Chen Mansion. It covered a vast area, yet its layout was exquisite.

The moment they stepped through the courtyard gate, the refined and mellow aroma of tea wafted to their noses, mixed with the faint scent of sandalwood. It lingered lazily in the air, calming one’s Heart Spirit.

Ancient trees towered over the courtyard, which was dotted with peculiar stones. A smooth, cyan jade table sat beneath the shade of a tree, on which a complete, exquisite Zisha Clay Tea Set was arranged. On the stove, a bronze kettle was bubbling and steaming.

Led by the steward, Chen Yue and Lin Quan entered the courtyard and saw Chen Zhige strolling out from his Alchemy Room.

Today, he wasn’t wearing his signature Pill Master robes. Instead, he wore a simple and elegant, sky-blue, wide-sleeved long gown. His hair was tied up in a meticulous bun, and his face bore a warm smile, a stark contrast to his usual arrogance. He even came forward to greet them personally.

"Master Lin, Chen, you’ve arrived. Please, have a seat."

Chen Zhige made a welcoming gesture with his hand, motioning for the two to sit on the cushioned stone chairs by the table. His attitude was unexpectedly cordial.

He even personally picked up the Zisha teapot and poured both Chen Yue and Lin Quan a cup of clear, jade-green tea.

Lin Quan was full of surprise. He hurriedly accepted the teacup with both hands, his face wreathed in smiles.

"Duke Zhige, for you to summon us today, is there some important matter?"

Chen Zhige poured a cup for himself as well. Hearing the question, his smile deepened, and he shook his head.

"You jest, Master Lin. Some time ago, I entered seclusion to try and refine a new type of elixir. Unfortunately, there were several key points I just couldn’t break through. I failed again and again, and it has been quite vexing."

Chen Zhige took a sip of his tea and continued,

"These past few days, I’ve finally started to make some headway. However, there are still a few subtle points regarding ingredient compatibility and heat control. No matter how much I think about it, I feel it’s still missing that final touch.

So I took the liberty of inviting you both here for tea and discussion, hoping we might spark some new inspiration."

Upon hearing this, the surprise on Lin Quan’s face deepened.

"Oh? With your attainments in Alchemy Skill, Duke Zhige, you’re considered the best in all of Youlin County. If even you find it difficult, what kind of elixir could it possibly be?"

Lin Quan’s curiosity was greatly piqued; he even forgot to drink his tea. Beside him, Chen Yue adopted a timely expression of attentiveness and curiosity.

Chen Zhige waved his hand, his smile carrying a hint of the humility a Pill Master shows when facing a higher realm.

"You praise me too highly, Master Lin. My meager skills are hardly worthy of being called the best."

He looked at Lin Quan, and his gaze also swept over the quietly listening Chen Yue. "As for what elixir it is... since Master Lin has asked, it would be better for you to see for yourself."

With that, Chen Zhige reached into his sleeve, took out a sheet of pale yellow paper, and placed it gently on the stone table. The paper exuded a faint medicinal aroma, a clear sign that it was frequently consulted.

Lin Quan’s eyes lit up. He looked at Chen Zhige and asked, "Is this a Pill Formula? Such a precious item... I’m allowed to see it?"

Chen Zhige smiled and nodded, his tone candid. "Of course, you can. No matter how good a Pill Formula is, it’s useless if it’s just gathering dust on a shelf. Right now, the Chen Family’s alchemy is supported by the three of us, so we should be working together with one heart.

Besides, I invited you both here today precisely with the intention of seeking advice and discussion. The Pill Formula is right here; please, feel free to look it over."

After getting Chen Zhige’s confirmation, Lin Quan no longer stood on ceremony. He carefully picked up the Pill Formula and began examining it with Chen Yue.

Chen Yue’s eyes fell upon the paper. At the top, written in strong, vigorous script, were three words: Dan Yang Pill.

His gaze moved down, quickly scanning the contents of the Pill Formula.

It listed dozens of required medicinal ingredients, including precious ones like the Fiery Sun Fruit.

The compatibility principle—balancing monarch, minister, assistant, and courier ingredients—was both bold and ingenious. Once refined, the elixir was designed to stimulate a Martial Artist’s Qi and Blood Circulation, purge impurities, and strengthen their bones and sinews. It offered a remarkably significant boost to the cultivation of Martial Artists at the Bone Forging Realm, and even the Marrow Refining Realm.

In fact, the elixir’s Medicinal Power was so potent and overwhelming that an ordinary Bone Forging Realm Martial Artist who took it for an extended period would risk being overwhelmed by its effects.

"Brilliant! Simply brilliant!"

After just a few moments, Lin Quan was completely engrossed. He finally put down the Pill Formula with great reluctance, his gaze toward Chen Zhige now filled with admiration and awe.

"The concept behind this pill is extraordinary! No wonder it could stump even you, Duke Zhige. If this elixir can be successfully refined, its value will be immeasurable!"

Chen Zhige merely smiled faintly at Lin Quan’s praise, but his gaze turned to Chen Yue, who had been relatively silent the entire time.

"Chen, what do you think of this Pill Formula? I’ve heard Chen Jing mention your Talent for the Alchemy Dao many times. In your opinion, what is the most difficult aspect of this pill? Do you have any ideas on how to refine it?"

Hearing this, Chen Yue slowly shook his head. "You flatter me, Master Chen. My knowledge is shallow. This Pill Formula’s design is ingenious and exquisite. The pharmacological pairings within are far beyond the scope of what a junior like myself can currently comprehend. I can’t even begin to fully grasp it at the moment."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhige’s smile didn’t waver. He nodded and said,

"You’re too modest, Chen. This pill is indeed extremely difficult. Even I, who have studied it for many years, find it profound and challenging. However, being exposed to a Pill Formula of this level early on will broaden your horizons. It’s always beneficial for your cultivation in the Alchemy Dao, never harmful."

He paused, then stood up, flicking his sleeve. "It’s rare to be in such high spirits, and with both of you here. Why don’t I start up the furnace right now and attempt to refine a batch of this Dan Yang Pill?

During the refinement process, you both may observe up close. If you have any questions or insights, feel free to raise them at any time. Perhaps, as the saying goes, an onlooker sees things more clearly, and you might help me find that final spark of Spiritual Light."

Lin Quan was already deeply interested in the Dan Yang Pill. Hearing Chen Zhige’s invitation to enter the Alchemy Room and observe the refinement up close, how could he possibly refuse? He immediately agreed enthusiastically, the excitement on his face growing even more intense, and followed Chen Zhige toward the main Alchemy Room.

Chen Yue’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. His gaze swept over Lin Quan’s unguarded back, then shifted to Chen Zhige’s seemingly relaxed stride ahead. His thoughts raced as he silently followed behind them.