Chapter 33 - Alchemy and Medicine

After doing some refreshing exercise to really shake the sleep out of me, I then proceeded to the carpet and enjoy some reading.

"Haaaaa. It would be nice to have some kind of drink... Apple juice would be great... Is there even apples in this world? I didn't see any word of it in the dictionaries..." I sighed to myself as I sat down and picked up the book I've dropped, The Introduction to Alchemy.

"Let's see, let's see..."

『Ascendance』, 100% activate!

Introduction to Alchemy.

Alchemy is an esoteric profession, is one of the 3000 paths towards the Great Dao! Of course, the paths to the Great Dao is not limited to a mere 3000, but alchemy was created since ancient times, and each of the Primordial Races had their own form of alchemy, which are inclined towards each races' specialities and preference.

'More of the Primordial Races... Seems that they really have made their mark on history.

...Why is it history? Why not herstory? Whatever. Another one of my momentary silly thoughts.'

Alchemy is split into 2 types, simple alchemy, and Alchemy. Simple alchemy is something that is derived from Alchemy since the end of the Golden Age, where every being was born naturally able to cultivate and use their soul force.

'Interesting. So it's the unfortunate's methods. Or rather, a simpler, more likely version if soul force didn't exist. In other words, herbal tonics and stuff.'

Since the beginning of the Silver Age, more and more beings without the capability to use soul force have been born, and this simple alchemy was derived by these people who still had the passion for Alchemy, but was not able to truly practice it, for true Alchemy requires the use and application of soul force.

As of the current age, it has been a long time since the passing of the Silver Age, and currently deep into the Bronze Age. It is unknown how long this age will last, but there have been many prophecies of the coming of the new age, where all things of the Great Dao will prosper once again, but unfortunately, I do not study much about divination, nor the passing of ages. Look for another book if you seek such knowledge.

'Oooooh~ So the current age is considered the Bronze Age... When's the Iron Age? It'll be interesting to see cars and planes in a cultivation type of world...

I really should go look for the book detailing the Ages. It seems like it would go deep into the history of this world and let me know more about it.'

The Bronze Age is a 'terrible' age to be born in, so to speak. Many do not have the talent nor capability to cultivate and use soul force, forcing many to turn to simple alchemy instead. However, the original has been and always will be Alchemy!

Now, only talented children, who have awoken to Qi at the age of 10, are able to use their soul force at such an early age. Most require deeper cultivations before they could step onto the path of Alchemy.

'I see. 10 years old seems to be a milestone of sorts in this world huh? Able to awaken Qi, and in turn, able to use soul force. It's like the first step to adulthood in this world.'

Alchemy is a profession whereby a cultivator uses the Natural Treasures of Heaven and Earth, particularly herbs and animal parts, though some alchemy recipes may contain inedible metals and such, I assure you of the fact that, unless it is a poison pill, or a failed product, no self-respecting alchemist will ruin their reputation like so, unless they have deviated and become possessed by devils in their path to the Dao of Alchemy.

Such alchemists, would naturally be blacklisted at the Alchemist Association, where all of the alchemists, or future alchemists, apprentice or master, gather, to learn and exchange knowledge.

Granted, Alchemical Pills that have been created by a master will not be able to be learned at the association, as these are the blood, sweat and tears, the greatest works of these masters, or perhaps even the grandmaster of these master, passed down to them as their legacy. The only way to learn how to make these pills would be to apprentice yourself to the master who has created or inherited the recipe of the pill.

'Sigh. No such things as patents? Intellectual property? I mean, it's being abused in the modern age, but the simple concept of it isn't that bad...'

Pills have been rated accordingly to their impurities. The lesser the impurities contained within the pill, the more effective they are when consumed by the cultivator. There are a total of 10 stars by which pills can be rated. Each star represents a certain percentage of purity, by which the pill is without impurities.

A 1-star pill has 10 percent purity, or in other words, 90 percent filled with impurities.

A 2-star pill has 20 percent purity.

A 3-star pill has 30 percent purity.

A 4-star pill has 40 percent purity.

A 5-star pill has 50 percent purity.

A 6-star pill has 60 percent purity.

A 7-star pill has 70 percent purity.

A 8-star pill has 80 percent purity.

A 9-star pill has 90 percent purity.

A 10-star pill has 100 percent purity.

'Percent? Does the % symbol not exist in this world? Well, it wouldn't hurt to introduce something small like this to the world right...?'

This means that a 10-star pill has the maximum amount of effectiveness in cultivators, and its effectiveness will not decrease, provided that all of the pills taken are all 10-star pills.

However, the 10-star pill is a legendary grade of pill that only existed during the Primordial Age and the Golden Age. There may be a few rare ones made by chance, by Alchemy Grandmasters who had inheritances from the previous 2 ages in the Silver Age, but it is absolutely impossible to find a 10-star pill in the current age.

'Hmm... Seems like a weird degradation problem. Is it the lack of ambient Qi of Heaven and Earth? But thank g- Argh! Damnit, not again. Thank the Heavens! The rating system is much much better and makes more sense, and much more rational and orderly and systematic... Sigh.

I'm just happy for the lesser amount of torture and time spent on smoothening out my confusion...'

Learning alchemy requires knowledge about the Natural Treasures of Heaven and Earth, which is why the Alchemy Association is on very good terms with the Taming and Botany Associations.

Most alchemists take one or the other as their side profession, to support their endeavours in alchemy. Some of the more talented ones may even learn both. Usually, if one has determined early on that they would learn alchemy, they will go to one of these associations to obtain a copy of the Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna Vol. 1, a book compiled by all of the experienced members of both associations, detailing all of the common herbs and animals that are used in making pills below the Foundation Establishment level.

'I see, if possible, I will look around and see if I can find any encyclopedias. Both mom and dad have side professions, with mom's being formations and dad's being...alchemy? I think?'

Pills are also separated into levels, where cultivation base is a requirement. Truthfully, the exact requirements are the amount of both Qi and Soul Force, but most people require a certain level of cultivation base before the amount of both Qi and Soul Force will grow to the level required to make a certain pill.

Thankfully, alchemists who make pills all the time have stronger soul force than normal cultivators, so it is questionable whether an alchemist has the requirements to make a pill or not. However, it is a good rule of thumb to follow the requirements set, as it is at the absolute maximum and any cultivator at that level with enough skill and experience, will be able to complete making the pill at least 50 percent of the time.

'50%? Pfftt, what a waste of materials. At least get it to the point where you can't fail. Sigh. I want to shake my head, but it's pointless when my body can't keep up with my mind...'

The simplest pill in existence, that a skilled 1st stage Qi Cultivation cultivator shouldn't have a problem with making, is the Qi Gathering Pill. It is primarily made using the Qi Attracting Grass, along with some other herbs, that when purified and then carefully warmed and combined in a hot pill furnace using soul force, is able to mix and create a wonderful effect, far more than what the materials themselves would be capable of.

After the mixture is properly and evenly stirred and combined, the alchemist will then have to use their remaining soul force to compress the mixture into the shape of a pill until it coagulates, where the effectiveness of the mixture is in its highest state, due to the high concentration. It is also easier to consume as a pill.

Such is the introduction to the great Dao of Alchemy. I hope this book has given you the required insight you desire into this glorious profession, and has made you curious and passionate about the depths of Alchemy.

『Ascendance』, deactivate.

*buuk*

"Haaaaa. This is the first introductory book where it actually talked about the process, if somewhat vaguely." I sighed to myself as I closed the book.

'However, whether I do actually need such pills will remain a mystery. I know my current body is definitely far beyond what a normal baby is capable at my age. Babies my age can walk, but I don't think they can run and jump...

And this is all thanks to the Yin-Yang Qi I have in my body. I really should find a way to use these Qi besides passively like making『Yin-Yang Cycles』or acclimatizing to the burden of my cells.

Just what else can Yin, Yang, and Neutral Qi can be used for...? Ah right, I almost forgot, I was going to find a more sophisticated way to enhance my body with Yin-Yang Qi.

If I use Yin and Yang Qi separately to enhance my body, it really leaves a burning heat and biting cold, that I'm not too sure whether it actually hurts my body or not. I remember the aches of the muscles I enhanced before, they took much longer than the aches of my eyes and brain to go away.' I reflected on my experiences.

'At any rate, it will be necessary sooner or later. The regret of not having capability... ...It is truly abominable. Speaking of which, medicinal knowledge is a must-have, otherwise, it would be a real pity if I couldn't save people I care about when with proper preparation, it wouldn't have been a farewell.' I considered as I picked up the Introduction to Medicine.

『Ascendance』, 100% activate.

Introduction to Medicine.

Medicine is a sacred art of healing diseases and injuries, through the mysteries and miracles of the human body. Much of the ancient art has been lost, with the deteriorating of the Great Dao among mortals. However, what little we know compared to primordial times is more than enough for a human to study for hundreds of years.

Thankfully, with the emergence of simple alchemy, the art of medicine is much easier to learn. Normally, medicine requires complete knowledge of the 361 meridians in the body, proper acupuncture knowledge, usage of Qi in healing and the sort.

It is difficult to learn and even more difficult to master. However, with the knowledge granted by simple alchemy, smaller and simpler diseases are much easier to treat.

Usage of Qi in healing depends on 2 elements, Water and Wood. Wood element healing techniques is usually directly aspected to life force. Most cultivators will be able o take the wood type elemental healing technique, except cultivators that are extremely aspected to death-related powers.

Water Element type healing technique is about harmonizing the body, and hence, bringing out to potential in the body, and it is very gentle in nature.

Simple alchemy is able to heal by providing healing aid and nutrition to the body, and as such, might be poisonous to some, and tonic to others. However, because the herbal concoctions can be tested out in small amounts, it is much less dangerous compared to acupuncture.

Acupuncture related knowledge will not be included in this Introduction, as it is dangerous if the knowledge is incomplete, and thus, concludes the Introduction to medicine. Visit the Physician Association if you wish to learn more about the unique, sacred and useful arts of healing.

'Wheeeew. The introduction to medicine one was much shorter...'

『Ascendance』, deactivate.

"Ah, I don't want to think anymore for a while, so I'll go exercise until I'm tired, and then sleep." I spoke to myself, stretching out my body and moving over to the 'blind spot'... and started doing a routine of exercises repeatedly.