Ever since the Alchemy Room was first sealed, it had become a restricted area in the Xiang's Pill Workshop.
Since no one was doing any Alchemy now anyway, it was the perfect place for cultivation.
Zhao Ci closed his eyes and looked at his panel again.
[Comprehension Points]: 1222
[Current Items]: Money-Eyed Talisman x33, On-Spot Relief Charm, Suffocation Talisman, Illusion Step Talisman, Organ-Swapping Secret Tome (Learnable), Insult Talisman, Rash Man Talisman, Reconnection Talisman, Binding Talisman, Self-reflection Talisman, Limitation Removal Talisman.
[Yu Xin Flame]: Nascent (Temporarily un-upgradable)
[Divinity Refining Furnace]: Unmastered (0/1000)
[Xiang's Spear Technique]: Adept (0/1000)
[Emperor's Extreme Body Refining Technique]: Muscle Strengthening Stage (0/1000)
Without further consideration, he added the points directly.
Zhao Ci felt a warm current flow into his mind as he instantly comprehended the entirety of the Divinity Refining Furnace. The Divinity Refining Furnace was merely a Secret Technique, not divided into levels. Although it consumed a lot at once, the good thing was there were no follow-up costs.
The so-called Divinity Refining Furnace was a Secret Skill that used the Spirit Platform as a furnace to temper the Primordial Spirit.
But since it was a furnace, it naturally needed a "furnace fire." This "furnace fire" was anything that could affect the Primordial Spirit.
It could be the seven emotions and six desires, or a poison that damages Spiritual Wisdom. Shielded by the Spirit Platform furnace, these things couldn't cause actual harm to the Primordial Spirit, but they could fully stimulate and temper it, leading to its comprehensive enhancement.
Whether it was his insight, reaction speed, or the five senses...
Of course, the degree of improvement still depended on the progress of the Secret Skill's cultivation.
Regardless, a Secret Skill like this that could directly increase the strength of one's Primordial Spirit was extremely precious.
At first, Zhao Ci thought he would need to spend some time finding things to stir his emotions, or perhaps relevant poisons.
But now, the Yu Xin Flame was perfectly suited for the job.
Zhao Ci focused his thoughts, and the form of his Spirit Platform gradually appeared in his mind. Inside the Spirit Platform was a current of clear qi, and within this clear qi, impurities were faintly visible. This was his Primordial Spirit.
Gradually, the Spirit Platform transformed into the shape of a cauldron furnace.
Gently circulating his True Qi, a small flame instantly bloomed in his consciousness—it was the Yu Xin Flame residing in his heart.
Although the Spirit Platform was between his brows and the flame was in his heart, the two felt incredibly close in his consciousness.
The moment the flame appeared, Zhao Ci felt himself submerged in a tide of gloomy emotions.
In just an instant, he viscerally understood the meaning of "a heart blocked by melancholy."
He felt as if he had returned to his previous life, worrying about his mortgage and stressing over civil service exams, experiencing a frantic mental drain that was ten times worse than before.
'This Yu Xin Flame is intense...'
Zhao Ci's brows furrowed. 'No wonder the description of the Yu Xin Flame said: "Contained within, it sears the heart; unleashed without, it violently erupts." '
'Being this pent-up, how could it not erupt when unleashed?'
'It seems I'll have to be careful with this Yu Xin Flame in the future. At least until my Primordial Spirit is stronger, I can't use it carelessly.'
'No wonder Zhu Li failed at Alchemy, with the flame erupting and her mood so gloomy. It would be truly outrageous if she *had* managed to create a pill.'
'She seems perfectly normal, though. I have no idea how she manages it.'
Fortunately, despite the pain, he could see the clear qi roiling within the furnace. Not only did it not shrink, but it actually seemed to have grown a tiny bit stronger.
The impurities within, on the other hand, were being thrown into chaos by the Yu Xin Flame. Previously faint, they were now all churned up, being devoured bit by bit, reduced to ash, and expelled from the Spirit Furnace.
"Let's continue!"
Zhao Ci was invigorated. His True Qi was now abundant, more than enough to support the cultivation of the Secret Skill.
His Imperial Extreme True Qi was incredibly solid, and he could begin his first Body Refining at any moment, but he wasn't in a hurry at all.
This was because completing a wish for that old codger Zhao Huan would reward him with a Top-Grade Imperial Extreme Pill. That was a Top-Grade Elixir for assisting Body Refining. The first Body Refining was crucial, so the wait would be more than worth it.
...
「On the carriage back to the Kan Mansion.」
Zhu Li wore a grave expression, but the corners of her mouth kept twitching upward, and she was struggling to suppress them.
Kan Luotang chuckled. "If you want to laugh, just laugh!"
"Hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee..."
"..."
"Luotang! Why didn't you say anything earlier? The Kan Mansion wants to keep its distance from Zhao Ci. With our relationship, if I become Zhao Ci's Mansion Official..."
"What else could I do? Should I hold back your future for my sake? Haven't you always wanted to be an Alchemist?"
"But..."
"No 'buts.' If you can have a bright future, I'll only be happy for you. As for what the Kan Mansion does, that's between me and my grandfather. You don't need to worry about it."
"Alright!"
Zhu Li rubbed her aching brow. "But getting that old geezer Zhu Gong to agree is going to be so hard!"
The Zhu Gong she mentioned was the second-in-command of the Zhu Family, the one vying with her father for the position of Patriarch. All of the Zhu Family's businesses in Lingge were managed by him.
This was the system of the Great Yu: the eldest legitimate son of each of the seven great Merit Clans had to grow up in Lingge. Only after serving as a Mansion Official and achieving certain merits could they inherit the position of Patriarch.
The second legitimate son, meanwhile, had to grow up in the Vassal Territory. When the eldest son returned home, the second son would come to Lingge to gradually take over the family's businesses.
In most cases, the eldest and second legitimate sons were full brothers from the same mother, and their relationship would be relatively harmonious. But the Zhu Family was an exception.
Kan Luotang suddenly chuckled. "Actually, I have a way to help you."
"Really?"
Zhu Li's eyes lit up. "Quick, tell me!"
Kan Luotang pursed her lips. "Just do as Zhao Ci said. Don't mention anything about Alchemy. Just say that to win my favor, Zhao Ci specially used the Fire Manipulation Pill to curry favor with you. If you do that, your chances of success will increase by at least thirty percent."
Zhu Li was confused. "Why?"
Kan Luotang shook her head with a smile. "Just do as I say. I'll tell you the details tomorrow. Don't overthink it today. Go home and get a good night's sleep. You're an Alchemist now, anyway, so you don't need to be so anxious you can't sleep like before. If it works out tomorrow, great. If not, you can think about writing a letter to your father."
"Okay!"
Zhu Li nodded firmly, but her expression remained troubled. "But I still feel like they'll have a hard time agreeing."
Kan Luotang asked, puzzled, "Why?"
Zhu Li looked worried. "After all, I'm a genius Alchemist. Would they be willing to let me go?"
Kan Luotang: "..."
...
The Xiang's Pill Workshop was exceptionally quiet, and everyone in the Kan Mansion had also turned in for the night.
But some people couldn't sleep a wink.
Zhao Yong didn't even return to the Ninth Prince's Mansion, staying directly at the Zhu Family residence with Zhu Yan.
Missing out on the Hundred Refinements Furnace put immense pressure on him and the Zhu Family. If they wanted to secure enough orders at the Gongdan Conference, they would have to up their investment.
Although they didn't know where Princess Consort Jing got the nerve to meddle in the pill business, that woman was an incredibly shrewd merchant who rarely made a move without a purpose.
It had been the same with the silk trade before. When no one thought she stood a chance, she suddenly produced a large batch of improved looms. By the time the other silk merchants reacted, she had already snatched a juicy piece of the pie from the major silk clans.
As for this Gongdan Conference, she was probably just planning to throw money around to grab some territory first, and then slowly make changes over the next few years.
But the ferocity with which she had vied for the Hundred Refinements Furnace was so intense that no one knew if she would suddenly hit them with a big surprise, just like she did with the silk trade.
Therefore, they had to prepare in advance.
The lights in the Zhu Family residence burned all night. Zhu Gong had gathered nearly half of the Zhu Family's Stewards to discuss the details of increasing their investment in the Ninth Prince's Mansion.
After a whole night of discussion, Zhao Yong's brow was deeply furrowed with worry.
The greater the initial costs, the greater the pressure he would face to produce results.
By the time the details were settled, it was already dawn.
Zhao Yong was just about to leave.
But Zhu Yan hurried over. "Father!"
Zhu Gong smoothed his slightly disheveled beard. "What is it?"
Zhu Yan bowed respectfully. "The gatekeeper sent word. He says Zhu Li is here to see you!"
Zhu Gong's brow furrowed slightly. "What is she doing here... Oh! It's time for her monthly salary. Let her in!"
He watched Zhu Yan leave.
Zhu Gong looked at Zhao Yong. "Your Highness, would you like to step aside for a moment?"
Zhao Yong wanted to rest as well, but after a moment's thought, he shook his head. "No need, Uncle. I am your nephew. What's there to hide about a nephew visiting his uncle?"
Hearing him say this, Zhu Gong didn't object.
A short while later, Zhu Li walked in with her head down. Though somewhat reluctant, she still performed a curtsy. "Greetings, Second Uncle."
She hated everyone from the Zhu Family in Lingge.
She especially hated this Second Uncle.
The others were openly sullen, and at worst, they would just exchange a few sharp words. But Zhu Gong always greeted her with a smile, so not only could she not talk back to him, she had to treat him with the respect due to an elder.
'How infuriating!'
"Zhu Li, no need for such formalities!"
Zhu Gong had a warm smile on his face. "What brings you here so early in the morning?"
Following Kan Luotang's advice, Zhu Li didn't state her purpose directly. Instead, she said, "My monthly salary has run out, and it just so happens to be time to receive this month's..."
"No problem. Ah Fu, go fetch Miss Li's monthly salary."
Zhu Gong seemed thoughtful. He glanced at Zhao Yong, whose face had darkened and who looked like he wanted to speak but held back, then asked with a smile, "By the way, Zhu Li, I heard a Fire Manipulation Pill appeared at the auction yesterday..."
Zhu Li's face immediately lit up with joy. "I've already refined it! Maybe I can really become an Alchemist with its help."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yong couldn't hold back any longer. "How much did Zhao Ci sell it to you for?"
Zhu Li spread her hands. "He didn't charge me! He said that since I'm Luotang's friend, asking for money would be too impersonal!"
Zhao Yong: "..."
Zhu Yan: "..."
Zhu Gong: "..."
'He's willing to risk having his merits deducted just to please his crush's friend.'
'This Zhao Ci, he's a real suck-up!'
Zhao Yong's expression grew even darker. He had been quite pleased to hear a few days ago that Zhao Ci was keeping his distance from the Kan Mansion. If things were delayed for a few more years, there might have been a chance to reverse the engagement.
He never expected Zhao Ci to turn around and start sucking up immediately.
Before long, Ah Fu returned with the silver taels.
Zhu Li accepted the silver taels but showed no intention of leaving.
Zhu Gong asked again, "Zhu Li, is there anything else?"
Zhu Li gritted her teeth. "Second Uncle, this monthly salary is too little. Can you give me a raise?"
The smile on Zhu Gong's face didn't fade. "Here in Lingge, among all the members of our Zhu Family without an official position, your monthly salary is the highest. A young person must learn to be content."
Zhu Li was relentless. "Then can you give me an official position? One with a high salary! With this little money, I can't even afford to replace an Alchemy Furnace. How am I supposed to become an Alchemist?"
Hearing this, even Zhu Gong's brow couldn't help but furrow slightly. "Zhu Li, do you really think that official positions in the Zhu Family are just easy jobs for collecting a salary?"
"Am I not good enough?"
"Of course not!"
"Are you looking down on me?"
"How are we looking down on you?"
"You clearly are!"
Zhu Li was getting angry. "Zhao Ci said I'm a talent! He said if I could be his Mansion Official, I could definitely help him earn a lot of merit. Then I could choose whatever Cultivation Resources I wanted. How come it's a 'no' when it comes to you all?"
HISS...
Everyone present sucked in a sharp breath.
Even Zhu Gong was a little stunned. He couldn't help but ask, "Did he say where your talent lies?"
Zhu Li shook her head. "No! But since he said it, he must have his reasons."
Zhu Gong pondered for a moment, then asked, "When he said that, was Kan Luotang there with him?"
"She was!"
"Oh..."
Zhu Gong fell into thought.
Zhu Li was a little displeased. "So are you going to let me be his Mansion Official or not?"
"It's a deal! A double blessing! I never expected the Tenth Prince to have such a discerning eye. Zhu Li, you must cherish this opportunity!"
Fearing she would go back on her word, Zhu Gong called out, "Yan'er, quickly, bring a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone!"
Zhu Li: "..."