Chapter 106: Frost Radiance Star Force
Master Luan was the true leader of the Alchemy Branch in the Frost Radiance Sect, a genuine grandmaster in the art of alchemy.
The Alchemy Branch was structured into five tiers: Alchemy Apprentices, Alchemy Masters, Alchemy Highmasters, Alchemy Grandmasters, and the pinnacle, the Alchemy Heavenly Masters. Xia Xiao Nian was an Alchemy Highmaster, capable of refining elixirs suited for cultivators of the Hundred Star Realm. Meanwhile, Master Luan could craft pills required by Star-Refining Realm experts.
His status far exceeded that of Wang Jie within the sect, even surpassing Master Missing One from the Weapon-Forging Branch.
Throughout the entire Frost Radiance Sect, only the Sect Master and Grand Elders ranked above Master Luan. Even ordinary elders held lesser influence than him.
Wang Jie had no idea why an Alchemy Grandmaster would summon him.
Xia Xiao Nian provided no explanation, simply insisting on taking him to meet Master Luan.
Naturally, Wang Jie agreed.
However, Xia Zhen Zhen was not allowed entry. According to Xia Xiao Nian, Master Luan had specifically requested only Wang Jie; others were not permitted.
“You really don’t know why Master Luan wants to see me?” Wang Jie asked.
Xia Xiao Nian’s expression remained serious, as though he never smiled. “I do not.”
“Aren’t you at least curious why you were looking for me earlier?”
“I am not.”
What a strange person. That was the only conclusion Wang Jie could come to.
Following Xia Xiao Nian’s lead, they traversed the mountain ranges. Along the way, Wang Jie witnessed many peculiar sights—some cultivators were using their palms to manipulate Frost Radiance Star Force, others were refining elixirs, and some were even forging weapons. People from various disciplines were gathered here.
Curious, Wang Jie asked, “What are they doing? And why are there Weapon-Forging Branch members in the Alchemy Branch’s domain?”
Xia Xiao Nian explained, “Anyone who wishes to meet Master Luan must first pass a trial. He assigns different tests based on the visitor’s identity. Those who fail cannot meet him.”
Such prestige.
“Seems like I’m quite fortunate to be granted an audience without undergoing a trial.”
“You could also set a trial for Master Luan,” Xia Xiao Nian stated plainly.
Wang Jie’s lips twitched. “That joke isn’t funny.”
Xia Xiao Nian remained solemn. “I was not joking. Everyone deserves respect. If you do not wish to meet Master Luan, you are free to refuse.”
Wang Jie studied his companion’s face. This guy was dead serious.
So… had he been too eager?
They continued past those undergoing trials until they finally arrived before Master Luan.
The man before him was an elderly figure with meticulously arranged robes. Contrary to Wang Jie’s expectations, Master Luan was exceedingly warm. He personally welcomed Wang Jie, engaging in small talk and never once losing his smile.
The more hospitable he was, the more uneasy Wang Jie became.
“Master Luan, may I ask why you summoned me?” Wang Jie inquired.
Master Luan chuckled. “I have been in seclusion for some time, refining elixirs. When I emerged, I heard that the sect had gained a Celestial Refinement Master, and I was overjoyed. So, I immediately asked Xiao Nian to invite you here. I hope my invitation was not too abrupt?”
Wang Jie replied politely, “It is an honor to be invited by you, Master.”
Master Luan waved a hand dismissively. “No need for such formalities. Truth be told, it would be an honor for me if you were to assist me.”
“Assist you?” Wang Jie was puzzled.
Master Luan retrieved a small bottle from his storage ring, misty white vapor seeping from within, and handed it to Wang Jie. “A small gift upon our first meeting. Please accept it.”
Wang Jie took the bottle and uncorked it. Inside were three pale yellow pills. He looked at Master Luan in confusion.
Master Luan gave Xia Xiao Nian a glance, prompting him to explain.
“This is the Revive Pill, an elixir capable of healing injuries suffered by Wandering Star Realm cultivators and expelling the residual force left within their bodies. As long as they’re still breathing, this pill can preserve their life.”
“In the outside world, one of these sells for a million Star Stones.”
Wang Jie’s eyes widened as he stared at the bottle.
Three pills. That meant this little bottle was worth three million Star Stones?
“Additionally, these were personally refined by my master. They have reached the Three-Scent Grade, increasing their value to at least 1.6 million Star Stones per pill.”
Feeling the weight of such a precious gift, Wang Jie hastily tried to return it. “Master, this is far too valuable. I cannot accept it.”
Master Luan, however, simply pushed the bottle back with a smile. “Once I give something away, I never take it back. Consider it yours.”
After a moment of hesitation, Wang Jie finally put the bottle into his storage ring. “This… is really too much, but I shall accept it with gratitude. Thank you, Master.”
Master Luan smiled again.
“So, what is it that you need from me?” Wang Jie asked. He figured he would try to help if he could, and if he couldn’t, at least he had received a valuable gift.
Master Luan’s expression grew solemn as he gazed at Wang Jie. “Have you ever considered that Celestial Refinement need not be limited to crafting weapons? Why not apply it to alchemy as well?”
Wang Jie was taken aback. “Alchemy?”
“You’ve never thought about it?”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Then, would you be willing to try?” Master Luan’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “I have entertained this idea for a long time—using Star Force as an alchemical ingredient. You should understand that Star Force is not uniform. It varies depending on the planet, the cultivation techniques used, and the practitioner’s attributes. For example, Frost Radiance Star Force contains an innate chilling property that could neutralize the excessive heat in alchemy. This could both increase success rates and…”
Master Luan continued enthusiastically, his fervor reminding Wang Jie of Master Missing One.
All these grandmasters shared an unyielding dedication to their crafts.
Truthfully, Wang Jie had never considered the idea of Celestial Refinement Alchemy before. However, he was not a traditional Weapon-Forging Branch disciple. He had never grown up within its rigid structure. While the idea sounded far-fetched, it was not impossible.
“Have you asked other Celestial Refinement Masters to attempt this before?” Wang Jie inquired.
“Yes, once,” Master Luan admitted. “But they failed.”
“Then I might not be able to succeed either.”
Wang Jie cupped his hands respectfully and responded, “Master, please summon me whenever you need. I will be at your disposal.”
Master Luan chuckled heartily. “Good, good! You are an interesting young man. Let us begin immediately.”
“So soon?” Wang Jie asked in surprise.
“The path of cultivation waits for no one,” Master Luan replied with a firm nod.
Xia Xiao Nian silently withdrew, leaving them to their work.
The first pill Master Luan sought to refine was the Obstacle Breaking Pill.
This pill was designed to dissolve mental barriers and bring clarity to one’s thoughts. It could calm the mind, settle one’s emotions, and enhance comprehension, making it particularly valuable for mastering combat techniques and cultivation methods.
As Wang Jie accepted the pill, his eyes widened in astonishment. Such a pill existed? Clearly, his understanding of the cultivation world was still too shallow.
Master Luan explained, “The Obstacle Breaking Pill requires nineteen different ingredients. Depending on the precise control of heat and the medicinal properties of each component, it can be refined into varying qualities. My goal is to incorporate Frost Radiance Star Force into the mix, using its chilling properties to further crystallize and refine one’s thoughts, enhancing the pill’s effects significantly.”
His gaze turned to Wang Jie. “This is where you come in. I cannot directly infuse Star Force into a pill. Only through Star Refinement can this be achieved.”
Wang Jie hesitated. “Senior, I do not cultivate Star Force myself, and Star Refinement only allows the transference of Star Force from a Star Stone into an artifact.”
Master Luan retrieved a Star Stone from his storage ring. Unlike any Wang Jie had encountered before, this one exuded a frosty chill, visible mist swirling around it as it was exposed to the air.
“What is this?” Wang Jie asked, intrigued.
“A Frost Radiance Star Stone,” Master Luan explained. “The Star Stones typically traded are of the most common variety. However, since Star Force varies from one celestial body to another, Star Stones, Galaxy Stones, and Starsea Stones naturally inherit unique properties. This stone, for instance, originates from a world imbued with frost.”
As Wang Jie took the stone in hand, a sharp chill spread across his palm. The Star Force within it was clearly different from what he was accustomed to.
“These must be exceedingly rare,” he remarked.
Master Luan nodded. “Indeed. Such stones are far more valuable than the common Star Stones. Any sect or clan that possesses them will hoard them zealously. Trade is almost unheard of unless one is left with no other choice. Exchanging them for ordinary Star Stones is easy, but acquiring another in return? Nearly impossible.”
Wang Jie pondered before speaking. “If such a stone exists, I should be able to perform Star Refinement on it.”
Master Luan beamed with excitement and retrieved an entire pile of Frost Radiance Star Stones, placing them before Wang Jie. “Take these and experiment freely. And take as many Obstacle Breaking Pills as you need. No matter the cost, as long as you succeed, it will be worth it.”
He added, “For now, stay here. There is plenty of space. Just choose a location you find suitable.”
Wang Jie selected a secluded mountain valley, far from Master Luan’s keen gaze. He preferred to avoid being observed by such an expert. Of course, the reason he gave was that he wished to remain undisturbed by others.
Master Luan scowled at the crowd outside his residence. “These fools try every means to seek an audience with me. I understand your desire for solitude. Cultivation requires a tranquil heart. Maintain that discipline.”
“I understand, Senior.”
Before long, Wang Jie settled in a picturesque valley where pink-blossomed trees flourished in abundance. A cave, once the meditation chamber of an Alchemy Highmaster, stood nearby, fortified with Formation Dao techniques. Now, it belonged to him.
Closing his eyes momentarily, he then stepped into the field where he conducted his experiments. He tossed a Star Stone into the air. As it shattered, the Frost Radiance Star Force within it unraveled into a thin, icy stream, vastly different from ordinary Star Force, flowing with an ethereal white chill.
Holding an Obstacle Breaking Pill in his hand, Wang Jie guided the Frost Radiance Star Force into it, uncertain whether this would lead to success or failure.
To his amazement, as the energy seeped into the pill, a layer of frost visibly formed over its surface.
He examined the frozen pill. “Did it succeed… or fail?”
To compare, he retrieved another Obstacle Breaking Pill, this time swallowing it without any Star Refinement.
As the pill dissolved in his body, a refreshing coolness surged through his mind, traveling to the top of his skull before spreading through his limbs. His heartbeat slowed, his mind cleared, and a deep tranquility settled over him.
Visions of the Sword Step technique flashed vividly through his mind. Each movement, each stance, appeared as though he were performing them in reality.
Encouraged, he tried recalling the Starry Finger Technique. Though he had long memorized it, he had never been able to execute it properly. Starry Finger was not just a simple finger-based combat technique—it was also a Star Method.
He had the knowledge but lacked the skill to manifest it. His comprehension of Lock Force was inadequate.
Yet now, as he replayed the technique in his mind, clarity dawned. His grasp over Lock Force improved more in these few moments than in days spent within the Gravity Zone.
Opening his eyes, he retrieved another Obstacle Breaking Pill. If he had known about this miraculous medicine earlier, he might have already reached the One Glance Sees Three Thousand level of enlightenment.
Three days later, Wang Jie returned to Master Luan.
The great master’s eyes widened in astonishment as Wang Jie presented the frost-covered Obstacle Breaking Pill. “Senior, I am uncertain of its effectiveness. Would you examine it?”
Master Luan took the pill eagerly, inspecting it under the sunlight before bringing it to his nose and inhaling deeply.
“Xiao Nian!” he called.
Xia Xiao Nian entered. “Master?”
“Bring me the Whisper Bird.”
“Yes, Master.”
Wang Jie watched curiously as Xia Xiao Nian retrieved a bird resembling a parrot. The creature sniffed the pill, then let out four distinct chirps.
Xia Xiao Nian gasped. “Four scents?”
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