Chapter Eighty-One: The First Cauldron

What? Chen Jiayi was inviting Su Ye to take the seat of honor? In this Yidan Residence, the first seat was not for just anyone. Among those at the main table, three were elderly men of great prestige in the art of alchemy, and the other, an old woman, had been specially invited for this grand unveiling of the pills.

Their mastery in the way of alchemy made them the very pillars of Yang City, revered as sages. Ouyang Yunfeng and Ouyang Man had secured their seats only thanks to the Martial Alliance. But Su Ye—on what grounds did he deserve a place among them?

He was, after all, merely the talk of the city for a few recent incidents. Even if he carried the title of Yang City’s foremost genius, it was all empty reputation, lacking any real substance.

This move surprised Ouyang Man, and left her unable to maintain composure. She had just claimed that Su Ye only gained entry by virtue of the Martial Alliance, and now Chen Jiayi was inviting him to the seat of honor. Was this not a public slap in her face?

Ouyang Man forced herself to speak evenly, "Oh? Jiayi, what virtues or abilities does this Su Ye possess that makes you value him so highly?"

It was the very question in everyone’s mind. Was it simply because Su Ye had recently been so conspicuous?

Chen Jiayi's smile did not falter, though she glanced at Ouyang Yunfeng before masking her thoughts. She replied, "It’s a long story. I only recently discovered that Teacher Su Ye possesses a unique ability. In the future, I hope to learn from him myself."

A unique ability?

Many exchanged skeptical glances. Then they remembered: Chen Jiayi herself had only just managed to break through the ninth meridian. If not for her skill in discerning life and death with a single pill, she too might have been dismissed as a mere failure.

Her eagerness to invite Su Ye to the seat of honor suggested she sought to learn the secret of his transformation from the brink of failure to the threshold of genius. After all, Su Ye’s metamorphosis was nothing short of astonishing.

Su Ye, meanwhile, had subtly gleaned the relationship between Chen Jiayi and Ouyang Yunfeng. Given Ouyang Yunfeng’s status, he had been at death’s door with his heart nearly failing—not seeking Chen Jiayi’s help would have been unthinkable.

No doubt, Chen Jiayi had treated Ouyang Yunfeng for some time, but in the end it was Su Ye’s miraculous intervention that allowed Ouyang Yunfeng to survive without a heart.

This must be the aspect that most intrigued Chen Jiayi!

Beside him, Jiang Liuying noticed Su Ye still lost in thought. She discreetly kicked him under the table and muttered, "Still daydreaming? My father’s fate is in your hands now. If you mess this up, I’ll make you pay dearly—"

Startled, Su Ye glared at Jiang Liuying, his teeth clenched. This girl really paid no heed to decorum! Even if she whispered, what if some expert overheard?

"Ha! Then I won’t stand on ceremony," Su Ye replied cheerfully. He followed the usher across the small bridge and took the seat of honor.

Ouyang Yunfeng greeted him with delight and began introducing him to the others. The other old alchemists had little reaction—after all, Chen Jiayi endorsed Su Ye. Only the elderly woman known as Madam Wen, invited from afar, looked on with a touch of disdain.

Su Ye paid her no mind. One could never hope to please everyone.

Chen Jiayi seemed to have many questions for Su Ye, but refrained due to the occasion. After exchanging a few polite words, she addressed the guests with a clear voice, "Honored guests—I know you’ve all been waiting eagerly. I share your anticipation. Today marks the first time Yidan Residence has used the First Furnace to refine pills... The process has already exceeded a year. Whether the pills have formed, we shall soon discover."

Su Ye secretly laughed. So even Yidan Residence had no certainty in their own alchemy.

Nonetheless, congratulations poured in, especially from the wealthy patrons.

"With Master Chen personally overseeing, success is guaranteed!"

"We could smell the fragrance of pills the moment we entered Yidan Residence. The aroma is so rich and penetrating, it must be at least third grade! When the furnace is opened and the scent pours out, we’ll have to take in a few deep breaths—ha!"

Around every table, laughter and anticipation filled the air.

Chen Jiayi, beaming, continued, "The fragrance of pill does indeed have marvelous effects, but do not be greedy—lest you fall victim to pill poison. Now, we shall serve the pill-infused water for you to enjoy. When the time comes, we will open the furnace and reveal the pills. Afterwards, a banquet awaits, including an auction of pills. Those who wish to acquire some should stay until the end."

The wealthy guests responded with good-natured laughter, evidently no strangers to such occasions.

A procession of attendants then brought forth the pill-infused water, presented in an array of exquisite styles—like a selection of fine cocktails at first glance.

Yet each was brewed from precious pills, a considerable expense even for Yidan Residence.

As guests of honor, Su Ye’s table was offered the widest selection. The fragrances wafting from the cups were so intoxicating that Su Ye took a deep breath, feeling a rush of comfort. He closed his eyes to savor the sensation.

"Hmph! What a pretense!" Madam Wen snorted coldly, though it was unclear whom she meant. She picked up a cup, sipped lightly, and eyed Chen Jiayi with a stern look. "Girl, your pill society is getting more and more careless with its work!"

Chen Jiayi only smiled and replied, "Of course, we could never compare to your skills, Granny Wen."

Everyone waited patiently. At last, from afar, the toll of a great bell resounded.

Dong! Dong!

The entire gathering broke into cheers and applause.

"The time has come!"

"Auspicious hour—the furnace shall be opened!"

Chen Jiayi wasted no time. She rose at once and, leading the crowd, crossed another small bridge deeper into the residence.

Since Su Ye and Ouyang Yunfeng held the seats of honor, they naturally led the way. Jiang Liuying followed close behind.

The procession moved grandly until they reached the mountainside.

This area had been completely transformed by Yidan Residence, equipped with many modern amenities, but the most striking feature was the colossal pill furnace at its center.

It stood a full seven or eight meters tall, covered in undulating spirit patterns, shaped like a gourd.

It truly resembled the legendary furnace of the Supreme Elder from ancient myth. At that moment, a plume of fire blazed beneath it, though what fuel was being burned was unclear. Even the flames themselves looked unlike any ordinary fire.

Within the blaze, a bead hovered a foot above the ground, suspended midair.

The flames licked at the base and sides of the furnace, causing the ancient patterns to glow blood red—like the bloodshot eyes of someone long deprived of sleep.

"So this is the First Furnace? I heard Yidan Residence paid a hefty price in the Magic City to acquire it. Despite being scorched day and night, its walls remain icy cold," Shi Hao seized the moment to boast.

"Is that so?" Many glanced over, intrigued. If true, it spoke to the profound mysteries of alchemy.

Chen Jiayi’s eyes sparkled with pride as she explained, "Indeed. From cleansing to melting the furnace, to adding the primer, seven cycles of ignition and extinguishing—none of these steps can be neglected. On the First Furnace, there is a carved flower. Has anyone noticed?"

Everyone looked closely and saw, indeed, a lotus blossom formed by the winding patterns.

Chen Jiayi continued, "In the process of alchemy, only when the flower blooms and withers can the pill be formed. If we hadn’t been so busy, we would have invited you all to witness that wondrous sight."

Her words filled everyone with longing. To see the blossom appear on the furnace—what an unforgettable memory that would be.

"Very well—all alchemists, take your positions. Ascend the furnace, open it, and retrieve the pills!"