C6 Nine Stars Pill

The Nine Stars Pill is a second-tier Yellow Rank elixir.

Its recipe isn't hard to come by; otherwise, the steward of the Myriad Treasures Tavern wouldn't have recognized it with such ease.

In theory, this pill shouldn't be exceedingly rare, especially since Profound Rank alchemists are fairly common within major factions.

Yet, in practice, even Earth Rank alchemists find the Nine Stars Pill challenging to refine, with success rates remaining incredibly slim.

The reason is straightforward: the Nine Stars Pill is an ancient formula, and successful refinement requires more than just the right ingredients—it demands the perfect alignment of time and place.

Many alchemists prefer to refine in isolation to avoid disturbances, but this is precisely what one must not do when making the Nine Stars Pill.

To refine it, one must be situated on the highlands of a mountain range, under the resplendent starry sky.

Daytime refinement is a guaranteed failure.

These prohibitions are detailed in the Universe Creation Absolute Manual, within the Chapter of Pill Dao.

Having selected a suitable spot in the wilderness, Jiang Fann wasted no time in lighting the pill furnace, starting the refinement process under the cover of night.

With stars sparkling above, Jiang Fann gazed into the celestial expanse, quickly identifying the brightest constellations to align his ingredients accordingly.

His Form and Qi manifested outside his body, steadily channeled into the pill furnace to tame the flames, which subtly shifted in hue.

Jiang Fann was utterly absorbed, seemingly drawing upon the forces of nature and the cosmic energies to meticulously grind the ingredients, each floating in its designated spot.

He directed several flames to persistently bake the materials.

The Dragon Fish tendon was first to be immersed in the furnace, enveloped by the fire. Jiang Fann meticulously managed the flames and temperature, allowing no room for error.

Every half-hour, another ingredient was introduced into the furnace, melding into the emerging pills.

While the Myriad Spirit Pill had taken Jiang Fann several days to refine, the Nine Stars Pill demanded a different approach.

The pills needed to be extracted from the furnace before the corresponding nine stars vanished from the sky—only then could the refinement be deemed a success.

As the final ingredient was added to the pill furnace, dawn was breaking. Despite his enhanced realm, Jiang Fann was drenched in sweat, his energy depleted to its utmost limit.

The stars faded as daylight approached. The pill furnace opened on its own, the flames ejecting five pills. One, however, disintegrated into ash immediately.

Jiang Fann's brow furrowed. "One failure. Seems I was a bit too hasty. Perhaps in another half month, success would come naturally. Such a shame..."

He collected the remaining pills, snuffed out the furnace's fire, and stowed everything in his Hundred Treasures Bag. After erasing any signs of his presence, he departed.

...

It was half a month later when representatives from the Myriad Treasures Tavern arrived. In that time, Jiang Fann had taken the second Myriad Spirit Pill, his realm advancing yet again, his Qi refined, and he was on the cusp of the Innate Stage.

With the third Myriad Spirit Pill and the Nine Stars Pill, he was poised to make the leap into the Innate Stage.

Outside the Jiang Family estate, a finely crafted carriage bearing the emblem 'precious' stood. Han Qianxue, a woman of bewitching beauty, waited outside with a smile.

It was a rare occurrence for the Myriad Treasures Tavern to send someone, let alone for a steward of Han Qianxue's high standing and captivating allure to appear in person, which drew many curious onlookers.

"She's stunning, that Han Qianxue! Who would have her wait outside?" someone murmured.

"Unclear. The Patriarch has extended an invitation for her to come in, but she declined. Do we have another visitor that's caught the attention of the Myriad Treasures Tavern steward?"

While the crowd was still trying to piece together the situation, Jiang Fann emerged from the gates. Catching sight of Han Qianxue, he paused, surprised.

"Why are you here in person, and with such fanfare? You could have just sent a message, and I would have come to you."

Han Qianxue covered her mouth with a giggle, her allure blossoming.

"How else could I demonstrate the Myriad Treasures Tavern's true sincerity?"

With that, she gracefully approached Jiang Fann, delicately linking her arm through his, and invited, "Please, Young Master."

Jiang Fann, without any hesitation, climbed into the carriage, Han Qianxue following close behind.

Yet, to onlookers, this brief interaction took on an entirely different meaning.

Jiang Family disciples watched, dumbfounded. What on earth had Jiang Fann done to deserve such attention?

And what was Han Qianxue's interest in him?

"Han Qianxue disregards the Patriarch's prestige but showers Jiang Fann with favor—how peculiar."

"Could they be involved? That would explain Jiang Fann's recent boldness, even snubbing Jiang Yueyao. He must have charmed Han Qianxue. But what does she see in him? His looks?"

The crowd erupted in laughter.

Just then, a young man passed by the gate, casting a dark glance at the departing carriage.

"Hmph! Jiang Fann thinks he's worthy of Han Qianxue? Delusional!"

Hearing the voice, the Jiang Family disciples turned to look.

One jeered, "Look who it is—the Qiao Family's young master. Too bad Jiang Fann returned and stirred up trouble, executing your cousin Qiao Qianyu and getting the First Lady confined to Jing'ann Garden. The Qiao Family couldn't lay a finger on him!"

Laughter broke out among the Jiang Family disciples once more.

The Qiao Family's young master shot them a venomous look before turning to leave, his eyes seething with spite.

Internally, he seethed, "Jiang Fann, your days of leaping about are numbered!"

Meanwhile, inside the carriage.

Jiang Fann sipped his tea, contemplating.

Han Qianxue observed the young man she had previously overlooked. She sensed something different about Jiang Fann this time around.

Breaking the silence, Jiang Fann inquired, "Are the items my master requested prepared?"

Han Qianxue smiled and said, "While these three items carry a hefty price tag, they're not particularly rare for us at Myriad Treasures Tavern. The only issue was a slight delay on the road. May I inquire if the Senior has successfully refined the Nine Stars Pill?"

At the mention of the Nine Stars Pill, anticipation shone in Han Qianxue's eyes.

Jiang Fann set his teacup down.

"If Master instructed you to prepare in advance, he's undoubtedly confident in producing the Nine Stars Pill. However, my master prefers to keep a low profile and would rather not be disturbed."

With that, Jiang Fann produced an ornate medicine bottle and passed it to Han Qianxue.

She accepted it gracefully, uncorked it slightly, and the brief whiff brought a delighted smile to her face.

"This is indeed the Nine Stars Pill! The scent is so authentic, far surpassing any I've encountered before. It even outshines the Nine Stars Pills from Myriad Herbs Valley. Senior's skills are truly remarkable."

Jiang Fann regarded her with a curious expression, somewhat baffled.

"You seem to have more than just knowledge of the formula; you're incredibly attuned to the essence of the pills!"

Han Qianxue nodded.

"Please, Young Master, it's nothing to fuss over. Qianxue does have some understanding of medicinal principles, mainly for assessing their effects. But with secret pills, I'm at a loss, like with the previous one."

Jiang Fann's gaze deepened.

"Discerning the quality of a pill with just a whiff is not a common skill. Are you perhaps an alchemist?"

Han Qianxue replied, "You flatter me, Young Master. I've reached my position through some skills of my own, but the path of an alchemist is not mine to take, as I lack any sensitivity to flame."

Jiang Fann shook his head in response.

"What a shame to lack a fire spiritual root. Such a waste of a remarkable talent."

With no further comment, Jiang Fann fell silent.

Han Qianxue carefully stored the pill and kept her eyes on Jiang Fann for the remainder of the journey until they disembarked.

Outside the Myriad Treasures Tavern, Han Qianxue was persistent in her invitation, yet Jiang Fann had no intention of stepping inside.

"Just bring out what my master needs. I have to deliver it to him."

Han Qianxue didn't press the issue. Through their few encounters, she had gotten a read on Jiang Fann's character.

She quickly came out to hand-deliver the items herself.

As Jiang Fann received them and turned to leave, Han Qianxue caught his arm.

He looked back, puzzled, and asked, "What's up, beautiful? Something else?"

"Nothing much! Just looking forward to working with you again."

Jiang Fann gave a nod. "If I need anything, I'll be sure to come back to you."

To his surprise, Han Qianxue presented him with a piece of spiritual jade. This was a prestigious token from the Myriad Treasures Tavern, typically reserved for a select few VIPs.

What baffled him was Han Qianxue's authority to distribute such a token, suggesting she was no ordinary woman. He made a mental note to be more cautious around her in the future.

Feigning ignorance, he accepted the jade without a word of thanks and walked away.

Han Qianxue watched him go, arms folded, her gaze deep and knowing, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"Fascinating! Who would have thought the Nine Stars Pill was the work of a youngster? It appears Loongze County has birthed an exceptional alchemy prodigy. He must be the one that fool of a Guangnan King's son is searching for..."

...

Upon his return to the Jiang Family estate, the butler approached him immediately at the entrance, clearly having waited some time.

"Young Master Jiang Fann, the Patriarch requests your presence."

Since Jiang Fann's tumultuous return, his standing within the family had dramatically shifted. Despite any private contempt, no one would dare show disrespect to his face.

Learning that Jiang Fann had been summoned by the Myriad Treasures Tavern, Jiang Tianhai had instructed the butler to keep watch at the gate.

The Myriad Treasures Tavern was unlike other factions; forging ties with them could prove immensely advantageous for the Jiang Family.

Upon seeing Jiang Fann, he was taken aback. Rising to his feet, he approached Jiang Fann and firmly grasped his arm.

A soft power flowed into Jiang Fann, a clear sign his father was probing his strength.

"Fully realized Divine Qi! In just a matter of days?"

Jiang Fann was ready with an excuse. "Master provided me with some cultivation-aiding pills, and I've made rapid progress."

Releasing Jiang Fann's arm, Jiang Tianhai remarked with a sigh, "Such fortune is yours alone. It's no wonder Jiang Yueyao doesn't take me seriously. Now, tell me about the Myriad Treasures Tavern."

Jiang Fann chuckled, "It's a simple matter; my master instructed me to broker a deal with them. Why else would the Myriad Treasures Tavern take notice of me?"

"Han Qianxue comes from a powerful background and is incredibly astute. Be cautious around her!"

At the mention of Han Qianxue, Jiang Fann's curiosity was piqued.

"Why would someone with such connections come to Loongze County?"

Jiang Tianhai smiled, "Loongze County may seem out of the way, but it's not as desolate as it appears. There are several treasures and secret realms here, though they only open every few years. The Jiang Family's duty in Loongze County is to await these openings."

"The Myriad Treasures Tavern sending a young overseer here means they've likely caught wind of something. Perhaps a treasure land is about to open. They're positioning themselves early to gain the upper hand."

Jiang Fann had an epiphany; the Myriad Treasures Tavern indeed had such capabilities. It appeared they were already aware of the impending opening of the Loongze Lake Secret Realm.

After their conversation, Jiang Fann left several bottles of pills with Jiang Tianhai to aid his cultivation. While not of the highest grade, they should be quite effective for Jiang Tianhai's current level.

Having been given a second chance at life, Jiang Fann was determined to avoid the pain of loss again. His mother needed his father's protection.

Jiang Tianhai had intended to decline, but Jiang Fann had already strode away. He needed to quickly prepare some protective measures for himself. Tomorrow was unpredictable, and it was best to be prepared.