CHAPTER 46

— Pill Refined —

Taking the yellowed pages handed over by Tong Tong and the pill formula obtained from the Chaohua Market, Lu Xianrou's slender fingers flipped through them, and she immediately understood—who would have thought this little senior sister had such good fortune? The things she casually obtained were treasures others couldn't even compete for!

The two items on the yellowed pages were nothing special, rare spiritual materials weren't exactly priceless treasures. But this thin pill formula was different—any expert in pill refining knew that pills were easy to obtain, but pill formulas were hard to come by. Often, these formulas were privately passed down within a lineage of alchemists, rarely shared publicly. Sometimes, even when an alchemist passed away or ascended, they were unwilling to let their family's formulas spread—this was also why, throughout history, more and more precious pills had become scarce or even extinct.

By a stroke of luck, Senior Sister Tong had obtained this pill formula, which recorded many rare ancient pill-refining methods. It was truly something every alchemist dreamed of—and it was fortunate that it had fallen into her hands. Otherwise, not only would the formula be lost, but even her life might be in danger!

She really didn't know whether Tong Tong's simple nature was a good thing or a bad one... She actually felt a bit worried.

Shaking her head to dispel the unnecessary emotions, Lu Xianrou gave a slight nod to Tong Tong, who was staring at her eagerly. "I already know how to refine the Suying Pill [Detoxification pill/antidote] to detoxify. Senior Sister Tong, don't worry."

—As for the fact that the formula didn't require the Siam Honey-Fruit at all, there was no need to tell her... After all, it wouldn't hurt anything, right?

Thinking of the effort Tong Tong had put into fighting for the Siam Honey-Fruit, Lu Xianrou actually felt reluctant to disappoint her... This was truly an unfamiliar emotion for her.

With the preparations complete, the pill refining officially began.

The small, ancient bronze pill furnace grew in size with the wind, and under Lu Xianrou's hand seals, it suddenly transformed into a furnace half a person's height—three-legged and five-mouthed, with vivid and lifelike carvings of mythical beasts covering its surface. Though it wasn't as imposing and majestic as the Kui-Dragon Li-Fire Furnace of Xiangzhu Peak, it had its own delicate and exquisite charm, clearly no ordinary item.

Tong Tong watched as this calm and composed junior sister methodically crushed the Kongluo Grass and Siam Honey-Fruit, poured them into the furnace one after another, added some supplementary ingredients to stabilize and balance the medicinal properties, and then closed the lid. Orange-red flames ignited beneath the furnace.

—Huh? The process seemed pretty simple! Almost like using an electric rice cooker...

'Does this mean I can refine pills too? Ohohoho...'

Just as she was secretly comparing the differences between pill refining and cooking, she saw Lu Xianrou suddenly draw the long sword she always carried with her. Her indifferent expression changed, and her calm eyes, like shattered glass, shimmered with a dazzling brilliance, as if she had become a different person.

—Wow! Such a powerful aura!

Tong Tong was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but compare her to a certain poisoned and unconscious guy: Junior Sister Lu actually seemed a bit expressionless too! One big poker face, one small poker face... In terms of facial features alone, the big poker face was prettier!

Nodding secretly, Tong Tong glanced at the motionless Su Yan and continued observing Lu Xianrou's movements.

Her sword dance was neither rushed nor slow, yet it followed a distinct rhythm. Every move seemed to align with mysterious calculations, as if forming different runes in an intangible way. But when Tong Tong focused her attention to look more closely, she couldn't see anything clearly.

Her sword was much like its wielder—reserved and unadorned. Its bronze-colored blade resembled an antique from centuries past, steeped in mottled memories. Yet when she suddenly began to dance, those bronze rust spots seemed to awaken from deep slumber, igniting into vivid crimson spirits—warm but not scorching enough to harm.

Tong Tong stared blankly as this Junior Sister Lu, whom Su Yan had praised for her exceptional swordsmanship, focused on performing an unfamiliar sword technique. Her expression was resolute yet gentle, exuding a steady composure that made one instinctively trust her.

As she danced gracefully through each move, the flames in the furnace flickered in response, brightening and dimming as if answering a call or obeying a command—and the sword in Lu Xianrou's hand was the conductor's baton guiding the alchemical fire!

—How magical! Though it does resemble a shaman's ritual dance...

Watching in awe, Tong Tong silently pondered, her thoughts wavering about apprenticing in alchemy: Alchemists have such promising futures! But I'm hopeless at dancing... And dancing with a sword around a furnace just seems so... mystical...

Lost in her wandering thoughts, she suddenly heard a loud clang from the furnace, as if something were violently striking the walls, trying to break free.

Glancing back at Lu Xianrou, she saw her expression sharpen. Her sword movements didn't slow but instead accelerated, as if she had switched to a more intense and rapid technique. Her form shifted faster and faster until, in the end, her motions blurred into mere afterimages too swift to clearly follow.

—So impressive! But spinning so fiercely... wouldn't she get dizzy?

Afraid of disturbing her, Tong Tong suppressed the urge to applaud and held her breath, waiting intently for the moment of miracle—

Finally, after the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Lu Xianrou sheathed her sword. Her robes billowed without wind, and her pale face wore a solemn expression, as if she had completed a sacred ritual. With a swift hand seal from her left hand, a ding sounded—the furnace lid lifted automatically, releasing a cloud of white smoke accompanied by an invigorating, refreshing fragrance. Tong Tong knew: the pill was complete!

Excitedly, she leaned in to peer over the furnace's edge—three vibrant green pills, each embedded with a crimson mark at its center, lay quietly inside, as if thick spiritual energy continuously emanated from them.

—Wow! They look delicious!

Smiling, she carefully stored them in a jade vial. Turning back, she saw Lu Xianrou leaning on her sword to the side, expressionless but visibly weary. Tong Tong took another empty jade vial, poured out one pill, sealed it, and walked over to her.

"Here, for you... Um, since I don't have anything better as a thank-you gift, please accept this pill! They say the ingredients are excellent—not only do they detoxify and heal wounds, but they also enhance cultivation... Though being able to refine it was all thanks to you... Ahaha, anyway, thank you so much, Junior Sister Lu!" Tong Tong bowed formally with both hands holding the jade vial, speaking a bit sheepishly.

—This goes beyond just borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha... Well, Junior Sister seems like a considerate girl—she probably won't mind! At most, I'll just share any delicious treats I buy with her from now on...

"Senior Sister Tong, there's no need to be so polite. This is what I should do as your junior sister." Lu Xianrou lowered her gaze as she took the jade bottle, casually storing it in her pouch. Her voice was calm—seeing the other's flushed and embarrassed face, the refusal she had been about to utter simply wouldn't come out. Since it was a gesture of goodwill, she might as well accept it.

"Ahaha, Junior Sister Little Rou, you're so considerate, mwah!" Because of Lu Xianrou's thoughtfulness, Tong Tong immediately switched from the distant "Junior Sister Lu" to the affectionate "Junior Sister Little Rou," patting her shoulder in a friendly, buddy-like manner.

"..." Lu Xianrou's shoulder twitched, and she subtly shifted her steps away, turning her face aside.

The culprit who had caused a hint of embarrassment in the other remained completely unaware, continuing to beam brightly on her own.

"Oh right, we need to feed Senior Brother the antidote quickly!" After laughing for a moment, Tong Tong slapped her forehead as if suddenly realizing something. Clutching the jade bottle, she hurried over to Su Yan's side, carefully cradling his head in her arms and pouring out a pill from the bottle.

—Wait, Senior Brother is unconscious... How is he supposed to swallow the pill?

Holding the round pill between her thumb and forefinger, Tong Tong frowned, her brows twisting into knots—Could it be like in those TV dramas... feeding it mouth-to-mouth?

...That actually seems like a good idea... Ugh!

H-How could I even think such a thing?!

My first kiss hasn't been given away yet!

—W-Well, I did plan to give it to the stoic Senior Brother! B-But... this situation is so unromantic!

And what if he wakes up and mistakes it for Junior Sister Lu feeding him the medicine...

Wahhh, this is so frustrating—

Tong Tong unconsciously rubbed the pill between her fingertips, only to notice a bit of residue sticking to her thumb... Oh no, I hesitated too long and the pill is starting to dissolve!

As if making a decision, Tong Tong guiltily glanced back at Lu Xianrou—good, she was meditating again and probably hadn't noticed anything here. Still uneasy, she shifted her upper body slightly to completely block the other's line of sight. Taking a deep breath, Tong Tong gazed at Su Yan's peaceful, gentle sleeping face.

At first glance, his face was truly beautiful... and it remained beautiful upon closer inspection... Staring intently, even as a woman, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy—how could anyone be this beautiful?

Her gaze drifted from his long, shadow-casting eyelashes down his high-bridged nose, finally settling on his pale, bl0odless lips—they say thin lips mean a fickle heart... His lips are so thin, and his temperament is so aloof, yet he gives off an impression of deep loyalty and righteousness...

A wide smile spread across her face as Tong Tong placed the green pill in her mouth, leaning down slowly, inching closer and closer to those lips. She could already catch the faint scent of pine on his breath, and those perfectly shaped lips were now within reach...

Suddenly, Tong Tong stiffened, her eyes widening in disbelief. With a gulp, a soft "gulp" sound escaped her throat, and her previously shy, sweet expression turned oddly strange.

Squeezing her eyes shut tightly, she abruptly straightened up, waving her fist in frustration, unsure whether she was venting at an invisible "enemy" or simply at herself.

—Why did this happen?! What's with this cursed "melts in the mouth" attribute?!

Having mentally prepared herself to enact the classic romantic trope of feeding medicine mouth-to-mouth, Tong Tong was astonished to find that the pill melted into a warm liquid the moment it entered her mouth, sliding down her throat on its own and making her swallow involuntarily...

Was there anything more embarrassing than wanting to feed someone medicine but ending up swallowing it yourself? D@mn it!

Was this punishment for her own impure motives?

—How ruthless!

After three seconds of shame over her earlier impure thoughts, Tong Tong couldn't help but feel relieved: Thankfully, she had refined three pills and kept two for herself. Otherwise, this would have been a real mess...

Suppressing the twitch at the corner of her mouth, Tong Tong gently pried open Su Yan's lips and placed the remaining pill inside. Her fingertip accidentally brushed against the moist interior of his mouth, and the soft touch of his lips against her skin sent an inexplicable shiver through her, as if an electric current had struck that spot—an indescribable tingling sensation.

Her face flushed instantly, reddening like a ripe fruit, even more vibrant than a honeyed peach.

Hiding the hand that had touched him behind her back, Tong Tong turned nervously to look at Lu Xianrou, afraid the other girl had witnessed the scene. But as she turned, she met Lu Xianrou's calm, inquisitive gaze. Panicking, her voice stammered: "J-J-Junior Sister Lu..."

—Oh no! Did she see it?

It wasn't really a big deal... but why did she feel so awkward under her gaze?!

Ahhh—she had to change the subject! Yes, change the subject! Make her forget what she saw!

"Uh, um... oh right, Junior Sister Little Rou, could you teach me alchemy?" In her flustered state, noticing the jade bottle in her hand, Tong Tong had an idea and asked with a forced smile.

"Hmm?" Lu Xianrou was taken aback but nodded indifferently. "Of course."

Hiding the thoughtful look in her eyes, she couldn't help but find it amusing: This Senior Sister Tong truly had a childlike temperament, acting on whims...

A short while later, when Su Yan woke up and opened her eyes, she saw Tong Tong holding a Biling Sword, earnestly mimicking the movements of a girl in white robes.

The girl in white wore Chonghua Sect attire, her cold eyes concealed beneath a serene expression. Her sword stance was as precise as a textbook example, and an aura of sharp sword intent flowed around her.

Behind her, Tong Tong imitated her every move with rigid yet earnest determination, her efforts both meticulous and clumsily endearing, enough to make one smile helplessly.

Though it was a pleasing sight to behold, Su Yan suddenly felt it was unbearably irritating...

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