After a bit more discussion, the two finally bid farewell.
Long Chen: "Take care of yourself, Elder Xie. I will see you again soon."
Elder Xie: "And you, Long Chen. May the heavens always guide your path."
With that, Long Chen turned and left, making his way back toward the Royal Palace.
Upon his arrival, he was greeted by the familiar sight of his father-in-law, the Emperor, as well as his wives, brothers, and sisters. The halls of the palace were filled with warmth and laughter, a moment of peace before the next great journey.
A few days later, Dragon Blood Legion arrived with their families who were given place outside the Capital yet near to the Imperial Palace. Everyone was looking at the marvelous state of the Empire.
After their return to the Phoenix Cry Empire, the Dragon Blood Legion gathered beneath the imperial palace, within the Alchemic Chamber.
This chamber was filled with its potent herbs and Pill's essence (aura) Pill Emperor Yun, Long Chen's master had summoned them.
Alongside the Dragon Blood Legion, the Empire's Starry Sky Legion, of the Starry Sky Sect guided by Elder Xie Yuan, had also assembled.
Long Chen stood head, flanked by his lovers as well as the Higherups of Dragon Blood Legion and Starry Sky Legion, each prepared for the trial ahead. This was not just a gathering—it was the beginning of the refinement of their bodies to achieve unparalleled strength.
Long Chen starts speaking of the various Herbs listed in a Scroll::
Tier-3 Poison Pill Herbs (Main Herbs/Ingredients):
Nightshade Blossom, Black Venom Vine, Crimson Fang Root, Shadow Lotus, Toxic Blaze Lily, Silver Poison Fern, Darkthorn Berries, Soot Blossom, Nightbane Root, Death's Kiss Flower, Violet Fang Grass, Swamp Canker, Raven's Tear Leaf, Cinderheart Stem, Blightspore, Black Widow Herb, Ghostweed, Soulvine, Moonshade Petal, Red Mist Tuber, Frostbite Fern, Scorched Root, Serpent's Eye Blossom, Cursed Thorn, Bloodroot, Doomfruit, Shiverleaf, Deathmoss, Inferno Blossom, Poisonous Inkweed, Ashroot, Dreadvine, Gloomthorn, Wraith's Whisper Herb, Vile Flower, Tearful Blossom, Nightmare Vine, Venomstrike Leaf, Scalding Frond, Dragonthorn Root, Serpent's Venom Bloom, Crimson Ivy, Rotspore Mushroom, Phantom Root, Widow's Fang, Sablethorn Vine.
Tier-4 Poison Pill Herbs (Main Herbs/Ingredients):
Blackened Bloodwood, Demon's Tears, Witch's Fang Mushroom, Specterleaf, Demon's Tongue Root, Death's Grasp Herb, Yin Blood Orchid, Raging Blaze Flower, Blooddrain Lily, Cursed Soul Petal, Hellvine, Obsidian Thistle, Black Dagger Root, Ironfang Grass, Gravekeeper Herb, Skyshatter Blossom, Phantomshade Vine, Crimson Soulflower, Ghostfire Mushroom, Icefang Leaf, Nightmare Thorn, Bloodthorn Orchid, Infernal Root, Searing Moonflower, Shadowfang Blossom, Frostspike Lily, Black Scourge Leaf, Demon Lotus, Dragon's Poison Tuber, Abyssal Spore, Withering Mist Flower, Midnight Baneberry, Pestilent Orchid, Choking Vine, Phantom Weeping Grass, Voidshade Fungus.
Tier-5 Poison Pill Herbs (Main Herbs/Ingredients):
Abyssal Nightshade, Dreadmist Flower, Death Lotus, Cursed Moon Petal, Venomous Soul Root, Bloodshade Orchid, Netherworld Ivy, Bone-Chilling Thorn, Wraithfire Blossom, Phantom Venom Lily, Corrupting Whisper Leaf, Shadow Reaper Root, Black Flame Lily, Ghostly Banevine, Crimson Phantasm Herb, Forbidden Nightmare Bloom, Plagueborn Root, Oblivion Spore, Soul-Stealing Vine, Noxious Bloodweed, Witherfang Thistle, Eternal Venom Lotus, Dire Rot Blossom, Ashen Deathstalk Root, Devouring Banshee Flower, Malice Shade Herb, Desolation Thorn, Forsaken Widow's Bloom, Blackened Curse Ivy, Venomous Moonshade, Reaper's Weeping Vine, Sinister Phantom Tuber, Dark Hellfire Orchid, Doomweave Moss, Hellbound Serpent Root.
Long Chen stated to all of his comrades, "This list ensures distinct and thematically fitting herbs for each tier, with increasing toxicity and mystical properties as the tiers progress."
Long Chen stood before the group, holding the scroll with all the poison herb names, his voice serious. "These herbs were used as Main Ingredient to create Posion Pills. They will poison you, break you, and then... you will become stronger. The pain will be unimaginable!"
The group listened intently, some nodding with determination, others looking a bit pale at the thought.
Tang Wan'er, who had been quietly watching, raised an eyebrow and spoke up with a mischievous smile. "Wait a minute, Long Chen. You're saying we have to eat all this poison, right?" She tilted her head, teasing, "Do the girls really have to go through this too? I mean, do we get a glow-up after?"
Long Chen blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Of course, you have to endure it just like everyone else!" he said, his voice suddenly flustered. "Strength doesn't discriminate based on gender!"
Tang Wan'er smirked. "Oh, I get it. So after the poison, I'll be all glowing, my skin perfect, maybe even get some sparkles going?" She fluttered her eyelashes dramatically. "I can just picture it now... 'Oh, I need a facial after all this torture!'"
The entire camp burst out laughing. Even Longchen's face turned red. "It's not about facials, Wan'er!" he protested. "It's about suffering for power!"
Tang Wan'er, unfazed, continued, "Right, right. But you know, after all the poison, I might just ask, 'Do you have something to soak my feet in? Maybe some nice lavender oil?'"
The laughter grew louder. Longchen sighed, throwing his hands up. "Why am I even trying to be serious?"
Tang Wan'er grinned. "Because you love me, that's why. But hey, you're right. I'll be tough. Just... I hope this poison gives me perfect nails too."
Longchen groaned, holding his head in his hands. "We're all going to die from poison, and you're thinking about manicures?!"
She winked. "Hey, I gotta look good while I'm enduring, right?"
Longchen, thoroughly defeated, looked at the laughing warriors and sighed. "Alright, alright! We'll endure. But no spa treatments, please."
Tang Wan'er giggled. "I'll take a foot rub when we're done. Deal?"
Long Chen facepalmed. "We're doomed." While so, the camp erupted in laughter.
Tang Wan'er leaned closer, her smile as mischievous as ever. "Aw, come on, don't be so dramatic. It's not like we're going to die or anything... probably." She winked, causing another round of chuckles to ripple through the group.
Longchen glared at her, trying to keep a serious face, but he couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips. "I swear, you're the only one who can turn a deadly poison cultivation technique into a joke."
"Well," Wan'er said, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "If I can't joke about it, then what's the point of enduring all that pain, huh? Might as well make it fun." She stretched dramatically, showing off her battle-ready, yet utterly nonchalant demeanor. "I'm sure I'll come out of this with perfect nails, glowing skin, and a body that could rival the heavens. I'm practically glowing already."
"You're glowing in all the wrong ways, Wan'er," Longchen retorted, shaking his head with a grin. "You won't be glowing until after the poison has done its job, and trust me, you're going to feel like a pile of mush by the time it's done. Perfect nails won't help you with that."
Wan'er sighed with exaggerated disappointment. "You're no fun, Longchen. But fine, I'll survive, just like everyone else. I'll even sacrifice my beauty routine for the sake of strength... for now."
The warriors around them snickered, the mood light despite the terrifying challenge ahead. Even the most battle-hardened fighters couldn't help but crack a smile at Tang Wan'er's antics. It was just like her to make light of the most serious situations, as if facing death by poison was just another excuse for a little fun.
Longchen gave her a pointed look. "Alright, enough jokes. Let's get serious. This will test every one of you like never before. The poison herbs you're about to consume will break you. Some of you will wish for death, but you'll survive, and when you do, you'll come out stronger than ever. But remember—this isn't a game. It's not a spa day. There's no turning back once you begin."
His voice dropped lower, more intense. "The pain will be unimaginable. Some of you will collapse from it, but that's part of the process. Don't let it break your will. If you do, the poison will take over. Fight through it. You fight for your strength, your power, your future."
The warriors' smiles faded, and a hush fell over the group. There was no mistaking the seriousness in Longchen's eyes. His words weighed heavily on them, but even in the face of death, they stood firm. This was their path. This was the road they had chosen to walk beside him, and they would endure it together. There would be no turning back.
Tang Wan'er's usual playfulness softened, and she gave Longchen a nod of understanding. "Alright, alright. We're ready. Let's do this," she said, her voice more serious now, though a glint of humor still danced in her eyes. "But just so you know, if I do die, you're responsible for making sure my nails stay perfect. Promise?"
Longchen chuckled despite himself, shaking his head. "You're not dying, Wan'er. Just focus on getting through this and stop thinking about manicures."
The warriors around them chuckled again, their resolve strengthening with every passing moment. Longchen was right—they had no time for distractions. This was their trial, and they would face it with everything they had.
"Alright, everyone," Longchen called out, his voice returning to its commanding tone. "Let's get into position. We'll begin the first cycle now."
The group moved into a formation, each person preparing themselves for the upcoming challenge. The Poison Pills lay before them, each one a tool of agony. But with it came the promise of unimaginable strength.
Tang Wan'er cracked her knuckles and adjusted her gear. "Ready when you are," she said, her teasing tone back in full force, though her eyes shone with determination. "Let's see what this poison really has in store for us."
Longchen watched as the others stood tall, their eyes gleaming with focus, their resolve unshaken. Even though some of them were still a bit pale from the earlier jokes, there was no doubt in his mind that they were ready. They had endured so much already—this was just another step in their journey.
Long Chen then introduced the technique as:
[Poison Body Refinement Technique]
The gathered warriors paid attention intently.
Master Yun stepped forward, holding a Large wooden box. Inside it lay the 108 poison pills—36 Tier 3 Poison pills, 36 Tier 4 poison pills and 36 Tier 5 poison pills, each representing a different kind of poison. Beside in another antidotes, equally essential to the process.
"These pills," Master Yun explained, "are not to be taken lightly. Each one will introduce a unique form of poison each sgronger than before into your body. The purpose is not only to endure but to allow the poison to flow through every vein, nerve, and muscle of your body. The antidotes are equally crucial, as they will allow you to detoxify the poison and prevent death. But don't be mistaken—the antidote only cleanses the poison from your body. The pain remains, and the growth is permanent."
Long Chen nodded, signaling Master Yun to continue, "The technique would be performed in 12 cycles, each consisting of 9 stages. Every stage involved taking one poison pill, enduring the effects as the poison worked through the body, and then using the antidote to clear the toxins. The process would require incredible endurance, not only physically but mentally."
"Each stage," Master Yun continued, "forces your body to accept the poison, letting it seep into your blood and organs. Your body's natural defenses will fight back, but this is precisely what we want. As the poison flows, your body will rebuild itself, learning to reject the poison without harm. The antidote will neutralize the toxins, but the effect on your body will remain—your muscles will grow stronger, your senses sharper, and your physical power will increase tenfold."
Long Chen elaborated further, speaking with quiet confidence, "Poison will infact affect you throughout your body and more importantly, every time you endure the poison, your body becomes stronger, more resilient, and immune to more toxins."
"As the poison begins to work through their veins, it creates disruptions in their cultivation energy flow, but this is where the antidotes become pivotal. The antidotes don't just cleanse the toxins—they assist in redirecting the energy through the body. This process of redirecting the internal energy allows cultivators to refine their spiritual energy more effectively."
Master Yun smiled slightly, adding, "It is through this process that your physical instincts will sharpen as your senses become more acute. You will not only be stronger but will feel more alive—you'll be able to perceive the world in ways you never imagined."
"The goal of this process is to temper your body to the point where it can resist and control any poison, making you immune to a thousand types of toxins. You can gain the 1000 Poison Body. But it doesn't end there. You will also gain the Clear Jade Body."
Long Chen the explained, "The ultimate reward, however, would be their 1000 Poison Body. By enduring the poisons of all types and overcoming them, the cultivator would gain immunity to a thousand different toxins, no poison would be able to harm them, no matter how potent upto certain extent and would assure safety from assassination through poison."
"After completing the full refinement process," Long Chen said with a smile, "The Clear Jade Body will also be obtained which will enhance your pill consumption i.e. maximum energy extraction from Pill and give you an edge over others in terms of absorption and energy. You will also be able to cultivate much faster, with greater efficiency."
Master Yun stepped forward once again, holding up a single pill and started explaining::
"The Poison Pills were created using a meticulous process, with 108 pills in total, categorized into three tiers based on the strength of the herbs used."
"Tier 3 Pills (Pills 1-36): These pills were crafted with Tier 3 herbs. Pill 1 contained just 1 Tier 3 herb, while Pill 36 contained a blend of 36 Tier 3 herbs. The poison strength increased with each pill, gradually tempering the body to resist mild toxins."
"Tier 4 Pills (Pills 37-72): These pills included a mixture of Tier 4 herbs and Tier 3 herbs. Pill 37, for example, combined 1 Tier 4 herb with 36 Tier 3 herbs, while Pill 72 had 36 Tier 4 herbs and 36 Tier 3 herbs. These pills introduced stronger toxins, significantly increasing the body's resistance to poisons."
"Tier 5 Pills (Pills 73-108): The final set used Tier 5 herbs along with Tier 4 and Tier 3 herbs. Pill 73 combined 1 Tier 5 herb, 36 Tier 4 herbs, and 36 Tier 3 herbs, while Pill 108 contained the most potent combination of 36 Tier 5 herbs, 36 Tier 4 herbs, and 36 Tier 3 herbs. These pills were the most toxic, refining the body to its limits."
"Each pill's potency increased gradually, providing a step-by-step process to refine the body's resistance, aiming to achieve the ultimate 1000 Poison Body, enabling one to withstand even the deadliest of poisons."
Long Chen gave one final nod, looking at each of the warriors in the room.
"You will be stronger ftom this," he said, his voice ringing with conviction. "This is a test, a trial, and a step forward on our path. By the end of this, we will not just be warriors—we will be immortal in body and soul. And the world will bow to us."
With that, the warriors began the first stage of their Poison Body Refinement, ready to face the trials ahead, their hearts set on the powerful future that awaited them.
To Be Continued...