The vast valley is lush and verdant, occasionally accentuated by clusters of fiery maple trees, creating a most pleasing sight. At the heart of the valley stands a broad plaza constructed from deep red volcanic stone. At its center is a stone platform rising approximately ten zhang in height. Currently, numerous figures gather around the plaza, most of them dressed in red robes—clearly disciples from Burned Flame Valley. On the opposite side of the plaza, there is a slightly elevated platform, though not as tall as the central platform, it offers a perfect vantage point to overlook the entire plaza. At this platform, several figures stand with hands resting at their sides—upon closer inspection, these are precisely the so-called Master Pharmacists who had previously been present in the great hall. Amidst the murmurs in the square, a sudden gust of wind blew through, followed by four figures swiftly materializing from afar and gently landing upon the stone platform, revealing themselves—none other than Tang Zhen, the Master of Burned Flame Valley, the red-robed woman named Huo'er, Xiao Yan, and the guest elder of the Dan Tower, the Master Huan. Tang Zhen's arrival immediately quieted the murmurs around the square. The disciples of Burned Flame Valley knew that Tang Zhen was joining two master pharmacists today to jointly prepare medicinal pills, so they naturally kept their voices low, not wanting to disturb the delicate process. Upon landing, Tang Zhen slowly surveyed the surroundings before turning his gaze toward Xiao Yan and Master Huan, smiling, "Both of you, ready?" To which both Xiao Yan and Master Huan nodded in affirmation. "The elixir I am currently refining is called Huo Pu Dan, of seventh-rank advanced grade. Here are partial recipes—each of you shall receive one. When you begin the refining process, simply follow the instructions on your respective scroll and carry out your assigned duties." With a wave of his hand, Tang Zhen sent two scrolls flying toward Xiao Yan and Master Huan. "However, just this portion of the prescription is already so intricate—imagine the complexity if it were a complete set. This medicine truly deserves its seventh-rank premium status." Although only reviewing a part of the prescription, Xiao Yan could already sense the difficulty involved in its preparation. "Have both of you studied it carefully?" Seeing that both Xiao Yan and the Master of Illusions had now opened their eyes, Tang Zhen smiled warmly. Both Xiao Yan and the Master of Illusions nodded in agreement. "The process of preparing this medicine will likely take a considerable amount of time, so both of you should be mentally prepared—there must be no unexpected setbacks along the way." At this point, Tang Zhen's expression grew slightly serious, as he placed great importance on this particular batch of medicine; a failure would undoubtedly be a significant blow to him. As seasoned practitioners of alchemy, both Xiao Yan and the Master of Illusions were fully aware of this, and thus offered no objections. "Master Tang is not a pharmacist, and thus my control over the manipulation of soul energy is not as precise as yours. Therefore, I shall be responsible for extracting the herbs, but the blending of the herbs will rely upon the two of you." As he spoke, Tang Zhen gestured toward two stone seats situated on either side of the platform. "If there are no objections, please take your seats." Upon exchanging a glance, Xiao Yan and the master of illusions nodded in mutual agreement, then moved their bodies directly to the stone seats and settled into a meditative posture. Seeing both of them seated, Tang Zhen lightly stepped on the ground, appearing on the opposite stone seat, and turned his gaze toward the red-clad woman, speaking solemnly, "Fire, during the period of alchemy, no one shall disturb us!" "Yes, Father." The red-clad woman, known as Fire, lightly nodded, glanced at Xiao Yan with a composed expression, and then swiftly descended from the platform, beginning to organize the disciples of Fen Yan Valley to secure and defend the area. Everything had been arranged properly, and Tang Zhen's expression gradually grew serious. With a sweep of his sleeve, a massive object emerged from his storage talisman and landed squarely at the center of the stone platform, its heavy weight causing the platform to tremble slightly. Tan Zhen smiled, then waved his sleeve once more. Instantly, a dense stream of herbs poured forth from his nianji, swirling gracefully above the stone platform. The variety was impressive—no less than a hundred different types. As the herbs emerged, a rich, fragrant aroma filled the air, clearly indicating that these were no ordinary ingredients. To prepare such a famed fire-buddha pill required so many rare herbs—indeed, it was no surprise that this was a seventh-rank premium pill. Xiao Yan nodded slightly. His soul was protected by the Lirui Lotus Heart Flame, and although the Nine-Drake Thunder Gale Flame was also a unique fire, it could not penetrate his defenses. Seeing this, Tang Zhen smiled and flicked his finger—silver flames shot out and swiftly plunged into the mountain-melt cauldron, where they instantly transformed into a roaring blaze. Nine small fire dragons within the cauldron surged instantly and began to swirl freely, their mouths opening and closing, spewing out streams of silver flame. "Since everyone is ready, then—let's begin!" As he watched the surging silver flames within the cauldron, Tang Zhen's smile gradually softened, and he spoke solemnly. With his words, a brilliant flash of light erupted from his eyes. He extended his hands, and the herbs floating in the sky cascaded down one after another, continuously pouring into the cauldron. The herbs had just been introduced into the cauldron when the nine fire dragons surged forward with deep dragon roars, instantly engulfing them whole. Immediately, the fire within the cauldron intensified, becoming remarkably dense. As Tang Zhen began refining the herbs, Xiao Yan and Master Huan quickly focused their minds, drawing their spiritual energies from their foreheads, which then swiftly flowed into the cauldron, protected by their respective flames. Upon hearing this, both Xiao Yan and Master Huan felt a sudden tightening in their hearts, constantly reviewing the relevant section of the prescription in their minds, preparing to act. After approximately twenty minutes, the nine dragons within the cauldron suddenly trembled, opened their massive mouths, and continuously expelled clusters of objects rich in an intense aroma of herbs. These substances—essentially the refined essences of the medicinal ingredients—were in powder form, liquid form, or solid form, now floating within the cauldron. "Act now!" As soon as these purified, impurity-free essences appeared, Tang Zhen's deep voice followed immediately. Hearing Tang Zhen's words, Xiao Yan and Master Huan also took a deep breath, then unleashed their spiritual energies, sweeping across the medicinal liquids beyond the prescription and gathering them with their respective knowledge of herbs. Using their spiritual forces, they enveloped these collected liquids, and as their flames surged forth, they began to slowly blend the extracted medicinal energies according to the prescription. The herbs floating within the cauldron were just perfectly cleared away by the combined sweep of Xiao Yan and Master Huan's spiritual energies. Both were seasoned alchemists with extensive experience; though it was their first time working together, no mistakes arose. Observing the two clearly dividing their tasks without any hiccups, Tang Zhen managed to ease his breath, then, with a subtle mental effort, drew in another batch of herbs into the cauldron and began to refine them once again!