Published: March 3, 2025
Chapter 266: Mid Foundation Establishment Stage (Combined Chapter)
The alchemical manual given to Liu Yu by Elder Li Changkong was about two inches thick and appeared extremely ancient with a yellowed cover.
"Herbal Alchemical Manual"
Four hasty and random characters were inscribed on the surface of the manual.
Opening the first page, there was a long directory, with the words "Golden Core Pill Formula" prominently written at the top.
"Five Elements Spiritual Fruit," "Primordial Fruit," "Purple Ghost Root"
Liu Yu's eyes widened as he quickly flipped to the corresponding pages according to the directory, browsing through the formulas with some excitement.
After searching high and low, he finally obtained what he had been looking for without much effort.
Since establishing his foundation, he had been paying attention to news regarding the Golden Core Pill formula, but there had not been much progress. He only knew that the high-ranking members of the sect's Scripture Vault must possess this formula.
Now, it had come into his hands so easily.
Indeed, some treasures are extremely difficult for low-level cultivators to obtain, but are easily accessible to high-level cultivators. This applies to both the foundation establishment pill and the Golden Core Pill formula.
Quickly committing the formula to memory, Liu Yu felt a sense of gratitude.
He then continued browsing through the Herbal Alchemical Manual.
"Observation of the Three Primordial Fruit's characteristics, and guesses and experiments on planting."
"Changes in the medicinal properties of Snowy芝草 mixed with Crimson Blood Ginseng, and preparation experiments."
"Changes in the medicinal properties of Crimson Blood Ginseng mixed with Ice Crystal Lotus, testing different ratios."
"Soul Stabilizing Herb assisting in the changes of Purple Heart Snow Lotus's medicinal properties, and the feasibility of using both as primary and auxiliary medicines."
"Speculation on the effects of the Soul Cleansing Pill, and potential directions for perfecting the formula."
The Herbal Alchemical Manual detailed the medicinal properties of dozens of second-tier spiritual herbs, their interactions, and included several complete second-tier formulas, including that of the Golden Core Pill.
The contents of this manual were vastly different from those of the Green Bamboo Alchemical Canon.
Apart from the formulas, the latter included pill refining techniques, insights on alchemical practices, and potential difficulties encountered during the refining process, representing a legacy of pill refinement.
In contrast, the former resembled an experimental handbook; aside from a few formulas, there was little description of refining techniques or insights. It primarily consisted of recorded data on the changes in medicinal properties among various spiritual herbs.
As Liu Yu read this portion, he couldn't help but feel moved and developed a sense of respect.
It was clear that the author of the Herbal Alchemical Manual aimed to innovate, creating new formulas from scratch. Compared to the majority of cultivators who solely focused on improving their pill refining skills, such ambition was truly remarkable.
Every formula in the cultivation world, even those effective only for early-stage qi refinement cultivators, is the result of rigorous trials, often requiring a fleeting glimpse of spiritual light to achieve perfection.
Yet, the author of this manual sought to create new formulas through sheer effort.
Was this person a genius in pill refinement, or merely an arrogant madman?
Regardless, such spirit was commendable, as this cultivator did not just dream but took rigorous and determined actions.
Perhaps, it is the existence of such "geniuses" and "madmen" with a passion for innovation and thorough research that has allowed the cultivation world to develop to its current state?
Liu Yu sat up straight in respect and continued to read on.
"Oh, woe! After decades of studying, the Soul Cleansing Pill formula has yet to be completed!"
"As my lifespan wanes and my ambitions remain unfulfilled, I lament in heaven and earth~"