The bustling Wuming City finally quieted down after a day's work.
The people who came to Wuming City had gradually grown accustomed to the lifestyle here. In reality, apart from the Level 4 crystals that had to be submitted daily, everything else was largely the same as other bases.
However, the supplies in Wuming City appeared more abundant and diverse. In the city's exchange, almost all pre-apocalypse goods imaginable were available for sale.
Life necessities ranged from various ready-made furniture, quilts, and clothing to all kinds of grains, vegetables, and meat. Gas stoves and various cooking appliances were also provided.
Combat supplies included all sorts of firearms and melee weapons. Off-road motorcycles were also sold, and these were all brand new. In essence, all types of vehicles that were available in the original city were present here.
Since off-road motorcycles were sold, diesel and gasoline were also provided. However, Lu Heng had stipulated the daily sales quantity for fuel, which led many people from other bases to come and purchase it periodically, or to move to Wuming City for convenience.
With both city gates closed, and excluding the administrators still on duty, many households had already begun their evening meals.
Lu Heng decided to stay overnight in Wuming City. It was Lin Yu's first attempt at refining pills, and Lu Heng was eager to see the results of his efforts.
All the necessary items for pill refinement were prepared. Apart from Lin Yu's Netherworld Fire, everything else was brought from another world.
Lu Heng had personally witnessed Wu Chenzi refining pills several times in that other world. At that time, Wu Chenzi had explained the process to him as he worked.
"It is said that some of these herbs need their medicinal properties stimulated by wood-element abilities before being placed in the cauldron for refinement."
"Yes, Brother Lu, the books on alchemy I've read also mention this. I'll give it a try."
Lu Heng then fell silent, sitting quietly to observe.
Lin Yu stood before the cauldron, using his Netherworld Fire to heat the exterior while adding various herbs one by one according to the descriptions in the books. With each herb he handled, he channeled his abilities, stimulating the herbs according to his understanding.
As the herbs were added, a refreshing aroma gradually emanated from the cauldron.
The pill Lin Yu was refining this time was a basic Qi-Restoring Pill. These were also sold in the city, but only alongside special weapons and once a month. Although a small quantity was available for purchase, few people bought them.
However, Lu Heng believed that after facing large numbers of zombies and exhausting their abilities, the sales of such pills would skyrocket.
As time passed, Lin Yu gradually withdrew the flames he was channeling to the exterior of the cauldron.
He looked at Lu Heng with excitement, "Brother Lu, the pill is ready."
"Good. Open the cauldron, let's see the quality of the pill."
Lin Yu nodded and looked at the cauldron with a serious expression. He took a deep breath and lifted the lid of the cauldron. Instantly, an even richer aroma wafted out, filling the entire room with a pleasant scent.
"It seems to be successful. This aroma is much better than the basic Qi-Restoring Pills we sell now."
Lin Yu also smiled broadly. From the fragrance, he could tell that his refinement had gone well, and he was surprised by his success on his first attempt.
"Did you soak these herbs in ancient well water?"
"Yes, I felt that water was unusual, so I washed the herbs with it."
"Ah, give me a few of those pills. I'll have someone examine them for you tomorrow."
Lin Yu carefully placed the pills he had refined into two small porcelain bottles. He handed one bottle to Lu Heng and kept the other in his storage ring.
...
Danyang Sect Branch.
"Young friend Lu, are these pills refined by your young friend?" Wu Chenzi poured a pill from the bottle into his palm and crushed it to smell.
"Yes, I think they are better than the basic Qi-Restoring Pills sold in Jinyang City."
"Hahaha, 'better' is an understatement. These are intermediate Qi-Restoring Pills. Is your young friend truly refining pills for the first time?"
"Intermediate Qi-Restoring Pills?" Lu Heng raised an eyebrow. The shops selling finished pills in Jinyang City only offered basic ones. He hadn't seen any intermediate pills.
The pills Wu Chenzi had given him were all high-grade.
"Your young friend isn't too far from here, is he?" Wu Chenzi suddenly looked up at Lu Heng, as if recalling something.
He had just given the cauldron to Lu Heng yesterday. Lu Heng had also mentioned that his young friend had awakened the ability to refine pills but lacked a cauldron. Yet, today, he had brought the finished product.
Lu Heng...
"If it's convenient, I truly wish to meet your young friend. Someone who can refine intermediate pills on their first attempt is a rare talent in alchemy."
"He doesn't wish to reveal his information. As for how these pills reached me so quickly, it's because his family has a secret technique that allows for rapid item transmission."
"Oh? Such a secret technique? I haven't heard of it. However, someone like this, passed down through seven generations, must have a reason. Does this secret technique harm one's foundation?" Wu Chenzi's speculation became more outlandish, likely influenced by the many unsavory novels he had read.
"This young man has potential. Although I cannot meet him, I truly don't want this child's talent to be buried. I have a few more books on alchemy here; you can give them to that young friend to read."
With that, Wu Chenzi took out several worn booklets from his storage space and handed them to Lu Heng. Lu Heng opened one and saw handwritten text, with revisions and drawings that looked somewhat messy.
"These are also my early insights into alchemy. If it weren't for Du Feng's exceptionally ordinary talent, I wouldn't have given these to your young friend."
"Yes, thank you very much. However, these booklets are so precious; after he makes a copy, the original manuscripts should be returned to you."
"Mm, that's fine."
"By the way, I heard from Du Feng that King Lu wanted to cooperate with you last time, specifically wanting to squeeze out Danyang Sect and cooperate with you alone. You didn't agree."
"That is indeed true. However, these crystals are not particularly rare items, so I doubt King Lu would resort to any underhanded tactics behind my back."
"These crystals are no ordinary items. But you don't need to worry. After hearing about this, I have already sent someone to report the matter to the Imperial City. The imperial family will likely rein in King Lu. Such a beneficial endeavor for the nation and its people cannot be disrupted by a mere feudal king who wishes to use these crystals to expand his military power. This shows he harbors rebellious intentions."
The power behind Wu Chenzi was the imperial family of this nation, specifically the current reigning emperor. This was why he could confidently engage in this transaction with Lu Heng.
In fact, as soon as he learned of the crystals' function, he had secretly informed the current emperor. The emperor had no concerns about Danyang Sect expanding its influence; as long as these sects did not collude with the feudal kings, they posed no threat to his rule.
A person engrossed in refining pills typically had simple desires. As long as their alchemy was not hindered, they generally wouldn't cause trouble.