[Minor Heavenly Qi-Absorbing Elixir Method: Mastery (Not Activated)]

[The Four Methods of Daoist Alchemy: Method of Taking the Elixir (Not Activated), Method of Controlling Fire (Not Activated), Method of Observing Qi (Not Activated), Method of Dividing (Condensing) the Elixir (Not Activated)]

This time, however, the "skill" is completely different from the previous ones.

Although they are at a highly skilled level, they are all in an inactive state.

"Perhaps it can only be truly activated after formally entering the Dao and refining magical power."

Bai Cang quickly lowered his head to hide his overwhelming joy!

Although the "Minor Heavens Qi-Absorbing Elixir Method" was not activated, it does not mean that Bai Cang gained nothing.

First, there's the Cloud Register Bird Script, which he mastered without a teacher.

Secondly, the origins of the Lesser Heavens Qi-Absorbing Elixir Method and the knowledge related to the Four Methods of Elixir Cultivation had already been imprinted in his mind.

The origin of this "Minor Heavens Qi-Gathering Elixir Method" is quite remarkable, as it comes from the orthodox Xuanmen sect and the sacred site of alchemy, Xuandu Temple.

I don't know about other places, but in the surrounding Nine Provinces and Sixteen Kingdoms, most of the unorthodox alchemists and practitioners entered the Dao of Alchemy through the "Minor Heavens Qi-Absorbing Alchemy Method".

"Is Xuandu Temple really that kind? Could it be that there's some hidden trick in this Lesser Heavens Qi-Absorbing Pill Technique, or is it just bait?"

Bai Cang felt a little uneasy, somewhat like the saying "once bitten by a snake, twice shy."

However, in any case, he now has a basic understanding of what a true alchemist is.

All alchemy must have a formula, which must record the detailed recipe, dosage, and method of administration.

If the method of consuming the elixir is incorrect, the elixir may turn into poison.

However, the most important thing is still the alchemy technique, such as the "Minor Heavenly Qi-Gathering Pill Method".

The method of ingesting medicine involves taking in the medicinal properties of medicinal materials and extracting the necessary essence.

In many prescriptions, only one or a few medicinal properties of a certain ingredient are used, while the rest are considered "impurities" that need to be removed and purified before they can be used.

The method of fire control is not only about controlling the temperature of the alchemy furnace, but also about creating the most suitable environment to promote the fusion of medicinal properties, which is a profound and complex art.

The Qi Observation Method involves observing the process of the medicinal properties merging and making adjustments as needed; this method is the most demanding test of an alchemist's skills.

The method of condensing elixir involves the medicinal properties condensing into a mass when the elixir is completed. Sometimes it is in a gaseous state, sometimes in a liquid state, and sometimes even in a solid state.

Without the methods of separating and condensing the elixir, once the alchemy furnace is opened, the medicinal properties may dissipate at best, and the entire effort may be wasted at worst. Furthermore, it affects the quantity of elixir produced, determining whether you make a profit or a loss with this batch of pills.

The four methods of Daoist alchemy are indispensable, each of which is profound and requires years of dedicated study.

For an ordinary alchemist, just mastering one method requires ten years of arduous practice.

The four methods of alchemy are all entry-level techniques, which are necessary to reach the threshold of becoming a formal alchemist.

In other words, for ordinary people, it would take at least forty years of hard work just to become a beginner-level alchemist.

How many forty-year periods does one have in a lifetime? Not to mention, during that time, one has to consume all sorts of precious medicinal herbs; it's practically a bottomless pit.

That's why there's a saying: "Practice makes one family rich, alchemy makes three generations poor."

Without sufficient family wealth, talent, and patience, one cannot even enter the door of alchemy.

This also reflects the fact that "Master Sun" spent his entire life as a pharmacist, yet he never even reached the level of a master alchemist.

"Fortunately, I have a cheat code!"

Bai Cang was secretly delighted. "As long as I step into cultivation, I can directly advance to a senior alchemist. Why would I be afraid of not earning enough cultivation resources?!"

Just then, Sun Hongbo suddenly snatched the jade book from Bai Cang's hand with a look of heartache, "Be gentle, can you afford to pay for it if you break it?"

After saying that, he carefully hid the jade book in his bosom and kept it close to his body.

Then he waved to Bai Cang and said, "The courtyard has been prepared for you. Go and settle in quickly."

Upon hearing this, Bai Cang bowed respectfully and said, "This disciple takes his leave!"

He was afraid that if he stayed here any longer, he would burst out laughing.

The way "Master Sun" was acting at this moment was quite similar to that of "Master Bai": You are reluctant to ride the bicycle that you carry with you every day, but someone will always stand up and pedal it.

"Go."

Sun Hongbo waved his hands repeatedly, as if afraid that Bai Cang would try to touch his precious jade book again.

"yes!"

Bai Cang bowed again and respectfully withdrew.

As soon as I stepped outside, my steps became lighter.

"Senior Brother Bai, Elder Sun has already arranged accommodations. Please follow me."

A disciple of the medicine hall, dressed in blue, was already waiting respectfully outside the door.

Four strongmen followed behind him, carrying various "benefits".

Let's go!

Bai Cang nodded and, led by the disciple from the medicine hall, walked towards his courtyard.

As the recipient of the "Recruitment Order," Bai Cang not only enjoys benefits equivalent to those of an elite disciple of the Inner Academy, but also receives the treatment of a "guest minister of the Pharmacy."

The most crucial components are the daily medicinal diet, a small health-preserving pill every three days, and a large health-preserving pill every ten days.

However, Bai Cang, who had already risen to the top tier, no longer cared about these benefits.

Moreover, he can refine such pills himself, so there is no need to obtain them from the pharmacy.

So they simply had it changed to one "Pure Essence Pill" per month.

This elixir is specially made to purify true qi and dissipate internal heat, which can greatly accelerate his progress in breaking through the eight extraordinary meridians.

However, these kinds of "strategic materials" have always been in the hands of Sun Hongbo, the head of the pharmacy, and they can only be officially used with his approval.

But for Bai Cang, this was just a matter of saying hello.

Who could blame him when the head of the pharmacy was none other than his beloved "Master Sun"?

With powerful backers protecting him, that's how arrogant he is!

Before long, Bai Cang arrived at his own courtyard.

The courtyard is divided into inner and outer sections, each with its own bathroom, study, and quiet room.

Most importantly, there is a 300-square-meter training ground, which is completely different from the previous retreat.

It's truly a case of "from slingshots to cannons"—times have changed dramatically!

Not long after Bai Cang settled down, Jiao Fei couldn't wait to come knocking on his door.

"Brother Bai, the treatment you receive is so different from that of us ordinary inner court disciples, isn't it?"

Jiao Fei looked at Bai Cang's courtyard with undisguised envy on his face, "Our courtyard is less than a tenth the size of yours."

Bai Cang waved his hand, "It's just an external possession. Why are you in such a hurry to find me?"

Jiao Fei laughed and said, "Brother Bai, you don't realize how popular you are as a future alchemist, do you?"

"Ever since they found out about my relationship with you, the line of people wanting to treat me to meals has stretched all the way to the front door."

"I wonder if Brother Bai could do me the honor of attending a banquet sometime?"

Bai Cang shook his head. "I'll skip the meal. If you have time, could you do me a favor?"

Jiao Fei looked disappointed upon hearing this, but then patted his chest and said, "Brother Bai, just give me your orders, and I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly for you."

Bai Cang pulled out a stack of silver notes from his sleeve, counted out 17,000 taels, and handed them to Jiao Fei.

"I would like to trouble you, Brother Jiao, to make a trip and exchange these for one thousand taels of silver and one hundred taels of gold for me!"

With just this one last bit of effort, he would have all the necessary offerings for his promotion to a higher rank.

With his promotion imminent, Bai Cang had no time to entertain those idle people with banquets and social gatherings.