Chapter 106
Chapter 106: Frost Radiance Star Force
Master Luan, the leader of the Alchemy Dao branch of the Frost Radiance Sect, was a true master in every sense. The Alchemy Dao branch had various ranks: Pill Seekers, Alchemy Masters, Alchemy High Masters, Alchemy Grand Masters, and Alchemy Heavenly Masters. Among them, Yan Xiao Nian was an Alchemy High Master capable of refining pills for the Hundred Star Realm, while Master Luan could refine pills for the Star Refining Realm.
His status was far above Wang Jie’s within the Frost Radiance Sect, surpassing even the Master of Artifact Forging Dao, Xu Yi. Outside of the Sect Master and Grand Elder, Master Luan held the highest position, with even regular Elders unable to compare.
Wang Jie was puzzled about why an Alchemy Grand Master would seek him out. Yan Xiao Nian couldn’t offer an answer but only wished to bring Wang Jie to meet Master Luan.
Of course, Wang Jie agreed.
Yan Zhen Zhen was kept outside. As Yan Xiao Nian explained, Master Luan would only meet with Wang Jie alone, and no one else was allowed entry.
“You really don’t know why Master Luan is looking for me?” Wang Jie asked.
Yan Xiao Nian’s expression was serious, as if incapable of smiling. “I don’t know.”
“Aren’t you curious about why we’re looking for you?” Wang Jie prodded.
“I’m not curious.”
What a strange person, Wang Jie thought.
Under Yan Xiao Nian’s lead, they passed through the mountains, witnessing many strange sights along the way. Some people held their palms, absorbing the Frost Radiance Star Force, others were refining pills, and some were forging artifacts—many different activities were going on.
“What are they doing?” Wang Jie asked. “Why are there Artifact Forging Dao people among the Alchemy Dao?”
Yan Xiao Nian explained, “Anyone who wishes to meet Master Luan must pass a test. Master Luan gives each person a test based on their identity, and if they fail, they cannot meet him.”
Such a grand way of doing things.
“It seems I’m quite lucky to be able to meet Master Luan,” Wang Jie commented.
“You can also set a test for Master Luan,” Yan Xiao Nian replied.
Wang Jie pursed his lips. “That joke wasn’t funny.”
Yan Xiao Nian said seriously, “I’m not joking. Everyone deserves respect; this is what Master Luan says. If you don’t want to meet him, you can refuse.”
Wang Jie looked at Yan Xiao Nian’s face. This guy wasn’t joking.
So, had he been too forward?
They passed by several people undergoing tests before finally reaching Master Luan.
Master Luan was an elderly man, dressed neatly, and contrary to Wang Jie’s expectations, he was quite warm and welcoming. He personally greeted Wang Jie, asking him about his well-being and smiling the whole time.
The more this happened, the more uneasy Wang Jie felt. “I don’t know why you’ve called for me, Master?”
Master Luan smiled, “I’ve been in seclusion refining pills for a long time. When I heard that the sect had a Celestial Refinement Master, I was overjoyed and immediately asked Xiao Nian to invite you here. I hope you don’t find it too sudden.”
Wang Jie replied courteously, “It is an honor for me to be invited by Master.”
Master Luan waved his hand, “No need for such formalities. To me, it would be an honor if a Celestial Refinement Master could assist me.”
Wang Jie was confused. “Assist?”
Master Luan took out a small bottle that emitted a white mist and handed it to Wang Jie. “A small gift to show my respect. Please accept it.”
Wang Jie opened the bottle to find three pale yellow pills inside. He looked at Master Luan with confusion.
Master Luan glanced at Yan Xiao Nian.
Yan Xiao Nian explained, “This is the Revive Pill. It can heal the wounds left by a Wandering Star Realm expert and expel the destructive force remaining inside. As long as the person isn’t dead on the spot, it can keep them alive.”
“The market price is one million star stones per pill.”
Wang Jie was taken aback. Three pills—this was worth three million star stones?
“The First Fragrance Revive Pill costs one million star stones. The pills in this bottle were personally refined by Master Luan and have reached the Third Fragrance level. They are worth at least one hundred and sixty million star stones each,” Yan Xiao Nian added.
Wang Jie hurriedly sealed the bottle and handed it back to Master Luan. “Senior, this is too valuable. I cannot accept it.”
Master Luan smiled and pushed the bottle back to him. “I never take back gifts I give. Please, accept it.”
Wang Jie hesitated, then reluctantly took the bottle and stored it in his storage ring. “I truly appreciate it. Thank you, Senior.”
Master Luan smiled again.
Wang Jie, unable to hold back his curiosity, asked, “May I ask what you wanted me for, Senior? If I can help, I will certainly do so.”
Master Luan’s expression turned serious as he looked at Wang Jie. “Have you ever thought about using Celestial Star Force to refine pills instead of just refining artifacts?”
Wang Jie was surprised. “Refining pills?”
“Have you never thought about it?”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
Master Luan continued, “I’ve thought about this for a long time. Star Force can be used as an ingredient in pill refining. You must know that Star Force isn’t the same everywhere. It differs depending on the characteristics of each planet and the cultivation methods used. For example, Frost Radiance Star Force contains an icy aura, which could neutralize the fire essence in pills. This would improve the success rate of pill refinement and also…”
Master Luan’s speech reminded Wang Jie of Master Xu Yi, who had also been passionate and determined in his endeavors.
Although Wang Jie had never thought of using Star Force in pill refining, he realized that he was not from the Artifact Forging Dao and had never trained in a real refining environment. It might sound implausible, but it wasn’t entirely impossible.
“Has Senior ever tried this with other Celestial Refinement Masters?”
“Yes, I tried once, but it failed.”
“Then I might not succeed either.”
“Don’t belittle yourself. Whether it succeeds or not, we’ll try first. Anyway, you’ll be staying in the sect, so I can call on you to try whenever you’re free.”
Wang Jie nodded. “Of course, I’ll be available whenever you need me.”
“Haha, you’re interesting. Let’s start now.”
“Already?”
“Can cultivation be delayed?”
Yan Xiao Nian silently stepped outside.
Master Luan’s first experiment was with the Obstacle Breaking Pill.
The Obstacle Breaking Pill was designed to break through mental barriers, helping a person calm their mind and settle their thoughts, which was very helpful in cultivation, especially when it came to comprehending martial arts techniques.
Wang Jie received the pill and was amazed. He had never heard of such a pill before, realizing how little he knew about the world of cultivation.
Master Luan continued, “The Obstacle Breaking Pill requires nineteen ingredients. By controlling the heat and the properties of the herbs, you can create different variations of the pill. I want to add Frost Radiance Star Force as an ingredient. Its cold aura will freeze the chaotic thoughts, elevating the pill’s effects.”
“Now, this depends on you. I cannot directly infuse Star Force into the pill. Only Celestial Refinement can achieve this.”
Wang Jie hesitated. “Senior, I don’t cultivate Star Force myself. Celestial Refinement involves transferring Star Force into artifacts, not pills.”
Master Luan retrieved a special star stone from his storage ring. It was unlike any star stone Wang Jie had seen before—it emitted a cold aura, visible to the naked eye as frost rose from it.
“What is this?”
“This is a Frost Radiance Star Force stone. The star stones we usually trade are ordinary, but since Star Force has its own unique properties, the star stones, galaxy stones, and starsea stones naturally differ as well. After all, these stones come from the natural cosmos.”
Wang Jie took the stone. It was cold to the touch, confirming that the Star Force was indeed different from ordinary star stones.
“Such stones are rare, aren’t they?”
“Of course. These are far more valuable than ordinary star stones. No sect or family would let them go once they own them. Trading them is almost impossible unless they are forced into a corner. While you can exchange them for regular star stones, finding more of these is nearly impossible.”
Wang Jie looked at Master Luan. “Since we have these stones, I should be able to attempt Celestial Refinement, right?”
Master Luan was delighted and handed Wang Jie a batch of Frost Radiance Star Force stones. “Try with these first. If it’s not enough, come to me again. As long as you succeed, I’m willing to pay any price.”
“Don’t go back yet. We have plenty of space here. If you need anything, just ask.”
Wang Jie chose a distant mountain range to work in, not wanting to be monitored by a master like Master Luan. Of course, he told Master Luan he preferred the isolation to avoid distractions.
Master Luan cast a disdainful glance outside. “These people are always trying to meet me. It’s truly troublesome. Little friend, you must maintain your tranquility.”
“I understand.”
Soon after, Wang Jie settled in a beautiful valley filled with pink-flowered trees. It was serene and perfect for seclusion.
Here, a cave that had once belonged to an Alchemy High Master was now available for him to use. The cave was equipped with formations and other preparations, now left entirely for Wang Jie.
Wang Jie closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he found himself in the field. He tossed the star stone into the air, and the Frost Radiance Star Force inside took on a long, serpentine form, swirling with cold white mist.
Holding the Obstacle Breaking Pill, Wang Jie manipulated the Frost Radiance Star Force into the pill.
He felt nervous. Previously, controlling Star Force into artifacts had been easy, but now that it was a pill, he feared failure.
As the Frost Radiance Star Force flowed into the pill, a visible layer of frost began to form.
Wang Jie stared at the frosty pill. Was this success or failure?
He took another Obstacle Breaking Pill, this time swallowing it directly without Celestial Refining, and closed his eyes. A cool sensation shot up from his forehead, flowing into his limbs, and he immediately felt his mind clear. His heartbeat slowed.
Flashes of the Sword Step filled his mind, every movement as clear as if he were performing it in reality.
He tried another technique—Starry Finger.
He had already learned the Starry Finger method, but he couldn’t execute it. The finger gestures and the method were two separate things. He knew the technique, but he just couldn’t use it.
Now, as he meditated, he realized that his understanding of the technique and his control over the Lock Force were improving, faster than when he trained in the gravity zone.
Opening his eyes, he grabbed another Obstacle Breaking Pill. Had he known of such pills, he might have been able to break through to the “One Glance, Three Thousand” level by now.
Three days later, Wang Jie found Master Luan. Under Master Luan’s astonished gaze, he pulled out the frosty Obstacle Breaking Pill and said, “I’m not sure if this is considered successful, but Senior, please take a look.”
Master Luan quickly took the pill, inspecting it under the sunlight and sniffing it. “Xiao Nian.”
Yan Xiao Nian entered, “Master.”
“Bring the Whisper Bird.”
“Yes.”
Wang Jie watched curiously as Yan Xiao Nian brought in a bird, similar to a parrot, that sniffed the pill and then made four distinct sounds.
Yan Xiao Nian was stunned. “Fourth fragrance?”