Chapter 8: Hong Seolhwa (3)
“Phew.”
It had to work.
Mixing the two wasn't a snap decision.
Just a moment ago.
I'd wondered if blending them was possible.
So I searched on the Superhuman Net.
Would there really be anything relevant?
Honestly, I was only half hopeful.
But surprisingly, there was.
Hey? This is my twenty-fifth post. Today's elixir is Taeumyangjeong.
This isn't a naturally occurring elixir—it's born from blending two others.
Specifically, Gongcheong Oil and Baekyang Herb.
Both are high-grade elixirs, right? Imagine what happens when you mix them.
Exactly. It creates an elixir worthy of the supreme grade.
The deep Yin energy of Gongcheong Oil and the intense Yang energy of Baekyang Herb are neutralized through the Huncheon Furnace... (abridged)...
This elixir balances Yin and Yang energies... (abridged)...
In short, Taeumyangjeong maximizes the consumer's body and internal energy, while enabling simultaneous control of Yin and Yang forces.
It's especially excellent for correcting energy flow imbalances that cause meridian issues from mismatched Yin and Yang.
The explanation was long.
But the conclusion was simple.
An incredibly difficult elixir to make.
“Can I pull this off?”
If I tried blending now.
It'd be pure luck.
“Tch.”
For now, I plucked just three petals from the Baekyang Herb.
The rest?
Planted in the soil.
And luckily—or whatever.
The Baekyang Herb from Hong Seolhwa had seeds inside.
So I planted those too.
No clue if they'll sprout.
But it felt like insurance.
“Just a bit of Gongcheong Oil too...”
I transferred a portion of the harvested Gongcheong Oil.
About 50mL.
Then added all three Baekyang Herb petals.
The petals were huge by nature.
Made me wonder if there was enough oil.
But Baekyang Herb is Lv65.
Gongcheong Oil?
??? Lv.
It might be lower than Baekyang Herb on inspection.
But unlikely.
This Gongcheong Oil is special.
Its transparent color screams higher grade than normal.
“No big risk if it fails.”
Plenty of Baekyang Herb left.
And Gongcheong Oil formed a whole pool.
Huncheon Furnace activated.
Vrrrrm!
The furnace hummed to life.
Please, succeed on the first try.
If the blend worked.
It could be a turning point for my growth.
Even boost our lucky egg's hatching speed.
So please!
I placed a hand on the egg and prayed.
No deep reason.
Just borrowing some of its good vibes.
Then.
Oath of the Dragon (EX) trait effect activated.
Spiritual exchange with Dragon's Egg.
System messages floated before my eyes.
Roooar!!
Golden particles streamed from the Dragon's Egg.
“Huh?”
A sense of fullness washed over my body.
Like floating on clouds in euphoria.
“My God!”
What is this?!
Elixir Master (SSS)
• High proficiency and expert ability in handling elixirs and herbs.
• Dramatically increased elixir blending success rate
• Dramatically increased elixir cultivation success rate
• Dramatically shortened elixir cultivation time
• Viewable elixir cultivation timer
• All elixir levels viewable
• Elixir appraisal possible
Insane.
A master trait for all things elixir-related.
Elixir Master (SSS) activated!
Fusion success rate of Gongcheong Oil and Baekyang Herb dramatically increased.
With the message, brilliant light poured from the Huncheon Furnace.
Splash!
The result of transparent Gongcheong Oil meeting the red-and-white Baekyang Herb petals.
A pink liquid.
Congratulations. Gongcheong Oil and Baekyang Herb successfully fused.
“...!”
Success!
The power of Elixir Master (SSS) was tremendous.
Truly SSS-grade.
But...
The level's weird?
Lv82?
How, with Lv65 Baekyang Herb?
A Superhuman Net comment surfaced.
Then.
I immediately checked the Essence Harvester holding Gongcheong Oil.
Elixir Master (SSS) effect activated.
Appraising Gongcheong Oil level.
A level I couldn't see before.
Now I could.
Gongcheong Oil, Lv99
“Insane!”
Nearly dropped the Essence Harvester.
Lv99?
Does that even make sense?
Then maybe?
Checked Lunadria too.
Lunadria, Lv99
Same, Lv99.
Millennium Stone Mushroom, Lv99
All Lv99.
“Hah!”
Mind-blowing.
Has Lv99 ever appeared before?
Rushed to Superhuman Net.
Elixir, herb, synthesized—anything. Has Lv99 ever dropped?
None.
Top superhumans just hit Lv80s.
Lv99 was unreachable.
“What the...”
A place littered with Lv99 elixirs and herbs—what is this?
What else? The Dragon's Lair.
Home of the ultimate, fiercest beings. Dragons.
“Yeah... makes sense.”
Herbs grown in a dragon's lair? Lv99 clicks.
The dragon effect.
Damn.
Realizing it hit with a thrill.
Insane. For real.
Wait, then I sold Lunadria for 50k coins? Bargain!
Level info would've jacked the price.
Still good.
Better late than never.
Heh heh heh.
Grinning ear to ear.
I'm loaded now!
Sell some Lunadria, Millennium Stone Mushrooms, Gongcheong Oil—richest in the world.
No, why sell?
Lucky egg and I eat it all.
Sell extras later.
Buy skillbooks or items for growth.
Or seeds to farm more.
Heh.
Anyway.
This fresh Taeumyangjeong.
Time to taste.
High level, so just a sip.
Overdose risks mana overload.
Took a tiny gulp.
Ah!
Fireworks in my mouth.
The first touch.
Ice-cold energy enveloped my tongue, spreading through.
Like a chilly winter night.
It didn't last.
The chill ignited into blazing heat.
Like a warm hearth on a frozen day, warming my whole body.
Cool and hot intertwined, swirling—like ice and boiling water flowing together in my mouth.
As energies settled, deep umami lingered.
Heavy broth coating from tongue to throat, letting the elixir's potency sink in long after.
Not done yet.
After the heat faded, crisp freshness returned.
Like sipping clear mountain stream water.
A clean aftertaste, lingering long, calming the mind.
Taeumyangjeong's flavor was a mystical contrast of cold and hot.
Felt the mana surging through every cell.
Insane.
Like savoring the perfect hot tea.
Lost in the novel taste.
System messages flooded in.
Mana greatly increased.
Five levels in a flash.
“Whoa.”
Now Lv9.
Special note.
Day 1 in the Dragon's Lair.
“I'll hit Lv100 leaving this place.”
Muttered jokingly.
But it felt plausible.
Elixirs alone skyrocketed levels.
“Can't have more now.”
Craved it, but mana churned wildly inside.
Felt like the energy poured from mouth and nose.
Kyuuung... Hungry.
Perfect timing—our lucky egg stirred.
My eyes lit up.
“Then the rest goes to you, lucky egg.”
I'll make more tomorrow.
Poured the Taeumyangjeong over the egg.
Kyu, kyuuu?!
The egg cried out in surprise.
Haha.
Startled by the novel flavor too.
Kyuuu—tasty!!
With its cry.
Vrrrrm!
A brilliant golden light, unlike any before, erupted from the Dragon's Egg.
Private trade completed.
“Ah.”
Hong Seolhwa gasped at the three Lunadria stalks in her hand.
Why three?
Madoje was a superhuman of virtue and conscience.
In this selfish world, what a beautiful soul.
“Thank you. Truly.”
She murmured, trembling hands clutching the three Lunadria.
“Then...”
She shot a look at Hong Ganghyeon ahead.
Meaning: I'll take it now.
He nodded, standing guard as her protector.
Please.
Like Chef An Jaeseong's dish.
Let it work.
With desperate hope.
She plucked one Lunadria petal with shaking fingers.
Put it in her mouth.
Gulp.