Marrying Wives and Attaining Immortality in a Chaotic World

Chapter 361: A Skill Beyond Divine

“Open the furnace and retrieve the Metamorphosis Elixir !”

Xu Lian, Ning Meixue, Huangpu Shuyi, along with thousands of alchemist apprentices and tens of thousands of gardeners, gathered under the “High Furnace” for the opening ceremony.

It was said that every top-tier faction held such a ritual in their exclusive cultivation resource zones where Metamorphosis Elixir was produced. This was mainly because the elixir was incredibly precious. It required tens of thousands of rare medicinal herbs and exotic beasts as raw materials, and the process itself was time-consuming. Every attempt to refine it had to be successful, otherwise the losses would be catastrophic. Thus, the opening ceremony was born.

In reality, the so-called “opening ceremony” was more of a reward and punishment ritual. Success brought rewards, while failure demanded accountability.

Thousands of alchemist apprentices and tens of thousands of gardeners stood tense, their faces pale and their bodies rigid. Although they’d heard that Qin Feng was Master Chi Sui’s prized disciple, this was his first time serving as the overseer of an exclusive cultivation resource zone and his first attempt at independently refining the Metamorphosis Elixir . None of them felt confident about the outcome. If the refinement failed, the responsibility would inevitably fall on them.

Upon hearing the news, Chi Sui arrived in a hurry. Qin Feng’s success or failure in this first attempt was very important to him. After all, both Qin Feng and Zhao Ming were his direct disciples, and it was he who had recommended them to the new emperor to serve as overseers of these exclusive cultivation zones. Should the refinement fail, as their master and recommender, he would bear some responsibility.

“I have full confidence in your alchemy skills,” Chi Sui said with a smile, looking confidently at Xu Lian. “In my own exclusive cultivation zone, you’ve successfully refined the Metamorphosis Elixir and even improved its quality. Clearly, you are capable of completing the refinement on your own.”

Chi Sui chuckled slightly. “The only factors that could lead to failure would be problems elsewhere, such as the apprentices making mistakes when adding herbs, or the gardeners growing herbs of insufficient quality. Only such external factors could cause the refinement to fail.”

Hearing this, the apprentice alchemists and gardeners became even more tense.

Huangpu Shuyi let out a soft laugh. “Master, rest assured. I personally supervised the herbs and exotic animals. I kept a strict check on every single material to make sure the quality met the standards.”

Chi Sui nodded. “Then there should be no problem.”

Ning Meixue cast a spell and the furnace lid opened.

Two transparent objects flew out.

Two?

Everyone froze. How could there be two?

Chi Sui’s pupils contracted. With a wave of his hand, he quickly caught the two Metamorphosis Elixirs and began inspecting them closely. The more he observed, the brighter his eyes became and his voice trembled with excitement. “Refining two Metamorphosis Elixirs in one try… this is divine skill! Truly beyond comprehension!”

He then abruptly turned to Xu Lian, looking at him as though he were a priceless treasure. “Refining two Metamorphosis Elixirs in one go, how did my talented disciple manage that? Could it be that you added double the ingredients? But even with double the ingredients, refining two elixirs at the same time is almost impossible!”

How should I know… Xu Lian was also somewhat confused. He had simply followed the [Technique], meticulously performing each step. The timing, the spells, he had perfected everything. “I didn’t use double the ingredients. I just used one portion of materials, and somehow, I ended up with two Metamorphosis Elixirs.”

Somehow? Chi Sui opened his mouth, but found himself at a loss for words.

Ning Meixue and Huangpu Shuyi were completely stunned. They had witnessed Xu Lian’s entire refining process firsthand. There was no doubt that he had actually used only a portion of the materials and still produced two Metamorphosis Elixirs. This was far beyond their understanding of alchemy.

After all, the supply of Metamorphosis Elixirs among the top factions was already strained due to the scarcity of raw materials. Each elixir required tens of thousands of rare medicinal herbs and various exotic beasts, making the materials extremely difficult to obtain. And now, he had managed to produce two elixirs from one set of materials! What did this mean?

It meant that without increasing the availability of herbs or exotic beasts, the production of Metamorphosis Elixir in Qian Dynasty had effectively doubled!

Doubling the amount of Metamorphosis Elixir meant that they could cultivate more sages. More Sages meant more Supreme-level experts, which would significantly enhance the dynasty’s strength!

If this divine-level alchemical technique were to spread across the world, it could even reshape the balance of power among the major factions!

The thousands of apprentice alchemists and tens of thousands of gardeners were equally awe-struck. Producing two elixirs from one batch of materials was truly eye-opening.

Chi Sui examined the Metamorphosis Elixirs in his hands for quite some time before suddenly bursting into wild laughter. “I get it now! My brilliant disciple’s unparalleled alchemical skill has drastically increased the efficiency of utilizing every herb and material. As a result, two elixirs were refined with the same amount of materials!”

“This is my fortune-to have such a disciple-and the empire’s fortune-to possess an alchemist comparable to the reincarnation of a Medicine Sovereign!”

Inside the stone chamber where the Quasi-Supreme was cultivating, he had already opened his eyes when Xu Lian announced the opening of the furnace. Upon discovering that two Metamorphosis Elixirs had been refined in one attempt, even he was shocked. He quickly stepped out of the stone chamber and snatched the two elixirs from Chi Sui’s hands.

“Esteemed Senior, please take a look.”

Chi Sui stroked his beard and smiled. It was only fitting that the highest echelon of the Empire should appreciate his disciple’s masterpiece, to truly understand the incomparable value of his disciple.

After confirming that these were indeed genuine Metamorphosis Elixirs, the Quasi-Supreme gazed at Xu Lian intently. “Excellent! Your alchemy skills are extraordinary! I will report this to the imperial court, and you will be richly rewarded. Furthermore, you will be entrusted with even greater responsibilities.”

Xu Lian cupped his hands in a respectful bow. “Thank you, Esteemed Senior.”

The Quasi-Supreme left with the two Metamorphosis Elixirs. Clearly, he was heading to report directly to the Imperial Court. As the Quasi-Supreme, who else would he report to but the Supreme of the Empire?

Xu Lian’s eyes flickered. Producing two elixirs in one attempt had exceeded even his expectations. Moving forward, he would undoubtedly receive greater favor from the Empire. In fact, in their desperation to produce more Metamorphosis Elixirs, it was entirely possible that the Empire might entrust him with all the rare medicinal herbs and materials from every exclusive cultivation resource zone.

Taking all the Empire’s resources for refining Metamorphosis Elixir – sweeping them up, packing them away, and running off… now that would be a fortune beyond imagination.

His heart raced at the thought. Such an outcome would be incredibly satisfying.

But by then, heavy guards would be stationed around him. The Empire might send several Quasi-Supremes to supervise, or even have a Supreme personally oversee the process.

“Under such close supervision, it would be almost impossible to take all of the Qian Dynasty’s resources to refine Metamorphosis Elixirs. The net is too big and the catch too abundant – I wouldn’t be able to carry such a massive load.”

Xu Lian’s thoughts churned as he decided against being overly greedy. Greed often led to downfall.

“I’ll stick to my original plan. First, secure the benefits I’m entitled to – that’s the safest way to happiness.”

With his decision made, he proceeded accordingly.

“The Metamorphosis Elixir has been successfully refined, and I managed to produce two elixirs in one attempt. Everyone will be granted a three-month holiday, and each of you will be able to claim double the usual rewards from the Ministry of Revenue!”

He announced to the gathered crowd.

The thousands of apprentice alchemists and tens of thousands of gardeners erupted in cheers. Nothing was more tangible than a doubled reward.

Xu Lian turned to Ning Meixue and Huangpu Shuyi with a smile. “Let’s go. After twenty years of working on the Metamorphosis Elixir , it’s time to relax for a while.”

And so, the three of them traversed space together, heading toward the imperial capital.

When they arrived in the royal city, Ning Meixue and Huangpu Shuyi both looked at him expectantly, their eyes filled with anticipation. Clearly, they hoped that Xu Lian would celebrate with them.

Huangpu Shuyi had already given birth to a child with Xu Lian. Initially, she hadn’t planned on maintaining their relationship, intending to sever ties completely. However, after witnessing Xu Lian refine two elixirs from one batch of materials, she foresaw that he would receive immense favor from the Empire. Consequently, she no longer wished to cut ties with him. Instead, she wanted to continue their relationship – and perhaps even take it further. Marriage wasn’t out of the question.

Of course, Ning Meixue didn’t want to be left behind. As Xu Lian’s original partner, she still hadn’t borne him a child. She was eager to solidify her position by giving him an heir, lest Huangpu Shuyi, that cunning little vixen, gain the upper hand. After all, Huangpu Shuyi was young, beautiful, and at the prime of her life. Moreover, as a princess of the royal bloodline, her family background far surpassed Ning Meixue’s. Ning Meixue had no advantages to speak of, save for the deep bond of over two thousand years she shared with Xu Lian. But in this world, emotions were worth nothing compared to interests. Love had no value when weighed against profit.

“I plan to visit my father and brothers first, then I’ll come and find you both,” Xu Lian said, voicing his intentions.

Huangpu Shuyi quickly chimed in with a soft laugh. “Third brother, go ahead. I’ll wait for you at my estate on the outskirts.”

Ning Meixue frowned and immediately followed. “Husband, I’ll also wait for you at my estate in the outskirts.” She emphasized the word “husband,” clearly signaling to Huangpu Shuyi that she was the rightful wife.

“Alright,” Xu Lian replied casually, waving his hand before setting off toward the Marquis Qin’s residence.

Ning Meixue and Huangpu Shuyi exchanged glances before leaving separately, heading to their respective estates in the outskirts of the city.

What they didn’t know was that Xu Lian didn’t return to the Marquis Qin’s residence. Instead, he crossed through space and returned to the Exclusive Cultivation Resource Zone.

Rather than using the secret method required to access the area, he unleashed his full power, smashing through the gates of the Exclusive Cultivation Resource Zone and forcing his way inside. This was done to create the illusion of a raid by outsiders.

Once inside, he treated the place like an “all-you-can-eat buffet”-packing up tens of thousands of rare medicinal herbs and various exotic beasts without hesitation.