Chapter 496 Attacking the Red Malabar Ridge 5

The fine sand continuously absorbs this mist, and its volume continues to increase.

In a very short time, the fine sand has grown from the size of a real grain of sand to the size of a small mountain.

As the hill grew larger, the thick fog around it quickly thinned, from almost obscuring the clear outline of one's fingers to now being like a thin veil, gently floating in front of one's eyes, only slightly hazy, and not obstructing one's vision at all.

Every grain of sand quickly turned into a small mountain.

Visibly, the mist in the Red Mist Mountains was being drawn away as if by a whale sucking water, constantly approaching and enveloping the fine sand...

After the small hill appeared, a huge black hole seemed to appear on the bow of the warship—the kind that is invisible and colorless, or rather, a huge vortex of attraction.

These small hills of fine sand were all swallowed up by this attraction and disappeared without a trace.

Then, the attraction disappears.

What appeared was Pei Xiaoling.

Pei Xiaoling held a bowl in his hand, which was clearly a very precious mystic artifact, and it was the mustard seed used to absorb the "small mountain".

Looking down, one can see that inside the bowl, only a thin layer of "sand" is faintly visible at the bottom.

It can hold countless more of these "small mountains".

·

Despite the fact that countless wisps of mist have been drawn away, this is not the end of the story.

The vast Red Mist Mountain Range was shrouded in mist, so thick that it couldn't be completely cleared up by what we had just done.

After the previous extraction, the surrounding area was indeed clearer, but fog from other places rushed in within a few breaths, quickly turning the surrounding area back into a thick fog.

The fog seemed to thin out earlier, but that was just a temporary phenomenon caused by the rapid absorption of the fog here.

Therefore, seeing that the fine sand worked, Ji Zhan did not hesitate to use it multiple times.

Just to test which method was better, Ji Zhan prepared only a small number of finished products for each method.

Now, we need to refine some more.

Ji Zhan glanced at Pei Xiaoling.

Pei Xiaoling instantly understood and gave Ji Zhan a gentle smile.

After Ji Zhan stuffed a few bottles into his hand, he turned and went into the cabin.

Pei Xiaoling opened the bottle and poured out a considerable amount of fine sand to begin a new round of absorbing miasma.

Then, the small mountain condensed again and was collected into the bowl...

This process is repeated.

Pei Xiaoling moved very quickly. As he repeated the process, the fog from other places was quickly absorbed and carried away... Finally, after several rounds of processing, the fog that had rushed over was no longer as dense as before.

Looking out over the mountains, the overall clarity has only improved slightly.

·

Upon seeing this, Zhong Cai couldn't help but exclaim in admiration!

"The sect leader is truly amazing! He can even produce such peculiar fine sand!"

"Palace Master Pei is amazing; he's so skilled at using the Sect Master's things!"

Wu Shaogan looked at Zhong Cai and saw his excited expression, so he couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Ah Cai understood it all?"

Zhong Cai immediately shook her head: "I didn't understand it at all."

Both of them wanted to know how this fine sand was made, and whether they could find out any clues about it.

However, Zhong Cai's current level is still too low. Even if he observes the ninth-level treasure carefully at all times, he still can't find any clues. He only has some vague understanding, but it is rather unclear. It may take him to advance his strength by several steps before he can slowly remember and deepen his understanding.

Zhong Cai stroked his chin and pondered, "But I'm still very interested in the miasma here. How about we go and visit Sect Master Ji later and ask if we can exchange some small hills that absorb the miasma? I can study them when I have time."

Wu Shaogan grabbed Zhong Cai's hand and said helplessly, "Let's not study level nine now."

— He said he was free, but as long as Zhong Cai was willing, he was free anytime after leaving the battlefield!

Zhong Cai laughed and said, "Do you think I'm stupid? Although this thing has been compressed, it's not just any ordinary level nine resource! It's poisonous! The amount contained in the pervasive mist is very small, but the concentration is very high after compression. I wanted to stay alive and enjoy myself with you, Lao Wu, how could I be so careless?"

"Old Wu, you're just letting your concern cloud your judgment!"

Wu Shaogan couldn't help but raise his hand and smooth Zhong Cai's hair.

"Indeed, concern leads to confusion."

He understood that even if A-Cai was very interested in the research, she would consider whether and how to proceed beforehand. But no matter what, he still had to remind her so that he could feel more at ease.

Zhong Cai was happy and wanted to lean over and kiss Wu Shaogan on the cheek, but quickly gave up with regret.

Because he was still refining pills, even speaking a few words would be considered a distraction, and they didn't even have a chance to be affectionate with each other.

After Wu Shaogan regulated his breathing and took the pill, he quietly stayed with Zhong Cai for a while.

During this period, Zhong Cai produced pills of very high quality, and the quantity reached its limit.

Soon the slightly overweight man arrived again and took the resources away.

·

The war was raging fiercely.

The appearance of the terrifying fog not only obstructed the vision of many righteous cultivators who were fighting, but also made them gradually discover that the fog they accidentally inhaled contained a very faint amount of toxins.

At the time, many cultivators didn't pay attention, and even thought that the little bit of poison in the mist was nothing. After all, many things are naturally poisonous, and the problem can be solved by taking an antidote before it affects the body.

Many people were actually prepared long ago, having made ample defensive preparations from the moment they stepped into the Red Mist Mountains.

These slightly toxic mists are unlikely to erode a cultivator's defensive mechanisms or seep into the human body.

However, during combat, in order to be able to detect various types of attacks from the enemy in a timely manner, it is inevitable to occasionally breathe freely, which may result in being forced to inhale some poison.

These cultivators were horrified to discover that this poison could not be neutralized with antidote pills!

What the hell is this poisonous fog?!

But there was nothing they could do. The poisonous fog would gradually weaken them, and the fog would further obstruct their vision, making their situation even worse.

Before Ji Zhan used the fine sand to absorb the fog, the screams of the righteous path were incessant.

Even though the righteous cultivators spared no effort, they were still at a disadvantage.

Now that the fog has cleared, everyone is even more concerned about the trace amounts of toxins that have accumulated in their bodies.

It seems there's no other way.

·

Zhong Cai handed the newly refined pills to the slightly overweight man.

The slightly overweight man lowered his head and said in a low voice, "King Zhong Dan, please refine some antidote pills next time."

Zhong Cai looked at the slightly overweight man, raising an eyebrow: "That poison is level nine. I can only refine level seven pills at most, and I probably can't even refine multiple batches at the same time. You see—"

The slightly overweight man quickly said, "It is said that an alchemist has already examined it, and the level of this mild poison is not high; it is determined by the cultivator's cultivation level. To help them remove it, an antidote made from the mild poison should suffice."

Zhong Cai narrowed her eyes: "You want your partner to come and help me with my research?"

The slightly overweight man immediately retorted vehemently, "How could that be!"

After he finished speaking, he quickly took out several thin, transparent tubes that looked like glass and handed them to Zhong Cai.

Zhong Cai looked over.

This is several vials of blood.

Before Zhong Cai could even ask a question, the slightly overweight man explained fluently, "These are poisonous blood from the three realms of Suspension Illumination, Fusion, and Palace Building. Each type comes from one man and one woman, with several people of each type having different functions."

The experimental materials are obvious.

The slightly overweight man was quite prepared. After a disciple reminded him of the problem with the mist's toxins, he immediately began preparations. He planned to talk to Zhong Cai during the next time he collected the pills and present him with a thank-you gift for his help.

Zhong Cai waved his hand, indicating that he accepted it.

That's fine. He can't study the high-concentration level nine poison, but the toxicity in these people's blood is quite special. It determines the level based on what they "possess". So as long as he thoroughly studies the lower levels now, he will naturally be able to handle the higher and higher levels after his realm improves.

With his current foundation, he will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort when he actually starts researching level nine resources!

Seeing Zhong Cai's enthusiasm, the slightly overweight man felt relieved and quickly withdrew.

However, he was still a little worried. He was absolutely confident that King Zhong Dan could easily refine the pills at hand and quickly detect and resolve any toxicity, but he was still a bit nervous.

The slightly overweight man was under a lot of pressure when facing Zhong Cai.

Even though Zhong Cai didn't embarrass him at all from beginning to end, he was still somewhat afraid.

Moreover, whenever he saw Zhong Wufu, he couldn't help but feel ashamed of himself.

The slightly overweight man left quickly.

Zhong Cai also took out the blood and began to study it.

Incidentally, because he had been refining pills for a long time, he had made up for a lot of the logistics, but it had also made his mind a bit numb. Now, he could take the opportunity of refining new medicines to change his thinking and clear his mind.

Wu Shaogan has finished his meditation and should now continue fighting.

Because once the Yin-Yang Millstone technique is used, it will crush and grind to death in the air. As long as Wu Shaogan's Xuan power is not exhausted, he can continuously pour Xuan power into the technique to keep it running.

Now that the fog has thinned, the giant millstone no longer needs to absorb energy. Instead, it continuously releases large amounts of offensive energy into the Red Mist Mountain Range, constantly killing the evil paths that have been exposed from the fog.

·

Inside the Danhuang warship.

While Sang Yunchu was refining pills, he wanted to see what his disciples were doing.

Upon seeing it, he couldn't help but smile.

Several other level-eight alchemists who happened to see his expression showed a bit of speechlessness.

I'm speechless.

Whenever Sang Yunchu showed such an expression, it meant that his beloved disciple Zhong Cai had once again demonstrated some advanced alchemy skills.

Others have long since stopped praising him.

Sang Yunchu didn't mind. Whenever he encountered this situation, he would simply look up, glance around, and then continue smiling.

Many alchemists remained silent, each preparing to glance at Zhong Cai.

Anyway, they didn't praise it much; they just went over to take a look after being "reminded."

After reading it, several more Level 8 Alchemists became reclusive.

Because Zhong Cai now has access to a variety of experimental materials.

Of course, as the number one seventh-level alchemist in the Lingxian Sect, it was only natural that he obtained so many materials. The problem was that they had already seen Zhong Cai's methods of processing the experimental materials, and the level of alchemy he displayed... would be immediately obvious to any expert.

At this moment, someone came to request an audience.

He's still in logistics.

This is the person who usually collects pills here, so he has a pretty good relationship with the level eight alchemists.

Now, he's delivering materials again.

Compared to Zhong Cai's share... it only contained more level seven and eight poisonous fog, and the total number of tubes filled with blood was also much greater.

Now, they too must begin researching antidotes.

However, not everyone present wanted to do this; there were also alchemists who wanted to refine other reserve pills.

The entire cabin was thus divided into two parts: the left side was for researching toxic fumes, while the right side was for ordinary alchemy.

Naturally, those who conduct research on the left are smarter and have a greater capacity for insight, making them more likely to succeed.

Those alchemists on the right... they're either not very bright, or they're just not naturally inclined to research, so they'd rather refine more pills here to save more lives.

Soon, the cabin became quiet again.

Many alchemists were now focused on research and alchemy.

·

Zhong Cai was exceptionally capable, and after about two days and nights, he had developed an antidote.

Moreover, he not only succeeded in the research, but also quickly designed the corresponding elixir formula and soon figured out how to refine it.

However, he hasn't started mass production yet because he always needs to use the effects, and if it's not quite right, he'll have to make some minor adjustments.

But Zhong Cai was certain that he wouldn't make a mistake—even if it didn't work, the user would definitely not die from the pill.

The slightly overweight man was quickly summoned and taken away the new level-four antidote pill that Zhong Cai had developed—specifically designed to eliminate fog poisoning, hence its other name, Fog Poison Pill.

Zhong Cai then continued to study higher-level techniques.

He felt that the approach for Level 4 was correct, so he followed the same logic for Levels 5 and 6, only raising the level a bit.

Soon, he had a complete understanding of both of these ideas.

Before long, the slightly overweight man came over and said with tears of gratitude, "Thank you very much, King Zhong Dan. The Mist Poison Pill is extremely effective. The cultivators who have taken this pill have all been found to be perfectly healthy after examination."

Zhong Cai raised an eyebrow.

He was very proud of himself; of course he was very capable!

The slightly overweight man received more good news from Zhong Cai.

Zhong Cai said, "I'm almost there for the other two levels too. Keep an eye on them later, and you can come over again."

The slightly overweight man was overjoyed and readily agreed.

As expected, Zhong Cai's level five and six pills were also successful!

He seems to have inspiration from heaven, able to quickly organize his thoughts and find the correct answer in the shortest time.

In the past, Zhong Cai was not so quick-witted. She would make mistakes when organizing her thoughts and had to try many times to find the right one.

But things are different now.

Now, Zhong Cai can easily grasp the most suitable idea in just two or three tries.

This was not because Zhong Cai's talent had improved, but because his comprehension and his previous arduous practice and deep thinking interacted with each other, allowing his alchemy skills to improve faster and making him more sensitive to the correct approach.

It wasn't due to luck, but rather to past efforts and accumulation.

In this way, Zhong Cai sorted out these ideas and adjusted the prescription to what he felt was the most suitable.

·

Zhong Cai asked, "Which grade do you want me to refine?"

The slightly overweight man hesitated for a moment: "King Zhong Dan, if we're still refining level five pills, could we mass-produce them...?"

Zhong Cai nodded: "That's exactly what I wanted to tell you. I can handle levels four and five in bulk, but not level six for now."

The slightly overweight man made up his mind and said, "In that case, I would like to ask King Zhong Dan to still refine the fifth-grade formula, and the others..."

Zhong Cai said, "Take this and give it to other alchemists. If there are any unsuitable parts, you can handle them yourselves and modify them as you see fit. But if you find a better modified version than mine, come and give me a copy."

The slightly overweight man had no objection and said gratefully, "Thank you, King Zhong Dan."

Zhong Cai handed the prescription to the slightly overweight man and waved for him to leave.

The slightly overweight man quickly left.

Wu Shaogan was still standing on the city tower. In addition to drawing his bow and shooting arrows and grinding people with a giant millstone, he released a huge nine-headed dragon out of thin air.

The dragon's tail slammed against the land in the mountains, while its head crisscrossed in all directions, frantically spewing out energy that burned all the evil spirits to death.

Moreover, this secret technique is quite strange, as it allows one to roam freely in the mountains.

If any evil cultivators escape, this secret technique will relentlessly pursue them, as if they were alive.

It's both strange and powerful.

Wu Shaogan glanced at the secret techniques, and feeling that nothing would go wrong, he walked up to Zhong Cai.

"Ah Cai is amazing."

Zhong Cai said smugly, "That's right!"

He also planned to continue refining the formula while refining the pills. Even if other alchemists could see that there was something wrong with his formula, he believed that he could find the shortcomings earlier and improve it faster than those people!

Wu Shaogan understood Zhong Cai's thoughts and took the initiative to help Zhong Cai get the necessary medicinal herbs in the ancient city.

Zhong Cai had already cleaned the alchemy furnaces, and now the wood and fire were boiling, burning beneath each furnace.

We're just waiting to continue mass production.

Still, a hundred alchemy furnaces together.

The sheer extravagance in refining the new elixir makes Zhong Cai seem somewhat arrogant.

However, the method of refining this elixir is very simple; in Zhong Cai's view, it requires no skill at all.

He can control it easily, of course.

That is indeed the case.

·

The slightly overweight man, named Hang Zhuo, was a very capable manager. He was always polite and courteous, but he was also very efficient and decisive in handling matters.

After receiving the prescription from Zhong Cai, he immediately went to the warship responsible for logistics.

At the same time, he was quite surprised.

As expected of King Zhong Dan! He sent the information and materials to more than one place, but he was the only one who came up with the formula so quickly!

Even more outrageous is that those on the alchemist's warship didn't arrive this fast!

Of course, perhaps those level-eight alchemists planned to produce all the formulas before giving them to him all at once, just like Zhong Danwang did. But overall, Zhong Danwang's speed still stood out.

After Hang Zhuo landed on the deck, many cultivators came over; they were all his temporary subordinates.

After displaying the formula, Hang Zhuo said, "Quickly copy it down and then distribute it to all the alchemists."

Many of the temporary subordinates readily agreed.

They wielded their pens with lightning speed, copying pages at an astonishing pace, creating rapid reproductions.

This is a process they've long been accustomed to.

Meanwhile, some people remembered the matter and asked, "Where did these prescriptions come from?"

Hang Zhuo was just about to rest for a bit and catch his breath when he replied, "Who else could it be?"

A figure quickly came to mind for everyone.

"Zhong Danwang, please!"

"It must be him. He's the most skilled young alchemist in our Lingxian Sect."

Why not think about the other Pill Emperors?

"If it's about alchemy techniques, then the Pill Emperors are indeed stronger. But when it comes to research methods, no one can compare to Pill King Zhong in the same level of alchemy." The person who said this paused and then added, "However, the Sect Master should be able to do it, after all, he is a Pill Venerable. But the Sect Master is currently busy researching higher-level methods and doesn't have time to research lower-level pill formulas."

"Yes! That would naturally only be King Zhong Dan!"

After quickly discussing and arriving at an answer, they all looked at Hang Zhuo.

Hang Zhuo nodded and said, "It is indeed him. Only King Zhong Dan has this ability. On the battlefield, we are much more flexible than the evil sects. With these alchemists around, even if the evil sects use any underhanded methods, they can be quickly defeated!"

The other cultivators echoed, "Yes! It's all thanks to them!"

As they spoke, all the prescriptions had been copied down. They sorted them according to their grade and then sent them to their respective areas of responsibility.

It was as if a burst of firelight suddenly scattered and landed on the decks of different warships.

Seeing how fast they were moving, many cultivators on a larger warship nearby—the one specifically used for requesting assistance and resources—saw the same scene.

Immediately, people asked what was going on.

The answer, of course, was that King Zhong Dan had devised a formula to detoxify! Soon, the detoxifying pills would be available to meet everyone's needs!

Coincidentally, the person asking the question was one of the cultivators who felt himself being corroded by the poisonous fog, and he immediately spread the news with joy.

We just need to wait a little longer for the alchemists to refine it.

·

Many alchemists were shocked when they received such a formula.

"Zhong Danwang is so fast!"

"As expected of Senior Brother Zhong!"

"Junior Brother Zhong is amazing!"

Of course, after the praise, the refining process would begin immediately.

They initially thought it would take more time to study and practice, but they soon discovered that the recipe's preparation methods were quite simple and easy to understand... What more could they say? They were completely convinced and immediately began preparing it!