Chapter 66: Companion Amethyst Source
The Amethyst Winged Lion King was a naturally gifted magical beast. Each time it gave birth, there was a small chance that along with the cub, it would produce a Companion Amethyst Source.
The Companion Amethyst Source was incredibly rare. It was a part of the lion's essence and could only be nurtured within its body. Because of this, its energy was extremely pure. Its main purpose was to replenish the offspring's core origin. Once the cub reached Tier 4, consuming it would allow it to advance directly to Tier 5 and grant its innate violet flame even greater potency than those who had never absorbed such a source.
Yao Yan had seen records of this in the clan's alchemical archives. Such Companion Amethyst Sources could only be produced willingly by the Amethyst Winged Lion King itself and were essentially a supplemental essence prepared for its cub—to boost its potential.
Led by the Amethyst Winged Lion King, Yao Yan and Cai Die entered its cave. As Yao Yan had suspected, the interior was incredibly clean—no trace of waste, completely unlike the dens of lower-tier beasts. The walls were embedded with violet crystals, radiating light and warmth that filled the cave with brightness and comfort.
Soon, they reached their destination.
A large pedestal-like structure made from violet crystal rose over a meter tall. Atop it rested a purple orb the size of a human head, still and quietly nestled within, connected to the pedestal itself.
"A Companion Amethyst Source!"
Yao Yan's eyes gleamed. He clearly understood its value. Even within the Medicine Clan, a source like this was considered a rare treasure—not only could it enhance a magical beast's potential, but also boost the cultivation of fire-type Dou Qi users. With luck, one could even condense the Amethyst Winged Lion's innate violet flame!
Because of these dual values, adventurers and alchemists across the Central Plains had gone mad for them. This had led to a severe decline in the lion's population across the continent, and the remaining ones were increasingly reluctant to produce such sources.
Though beneficial for their cubs, it came with a steep price—it attracted endless human greed.
Humans didn't care. As masters of the continent, they took what they wanted. There was no reasoning.
Weakness was the original sin.
This lion, having lived in the Jia Ma Empire all its life, clearly didn't realize what this item meant to humans… Yao Yan glanced at the battered creature. If he hadn't been born in the Medicine Clan, had it been someone from the Central Plains, this beast would've been stripped bare—or even imprisoned like livestock.
"You really care for your child."
He turned his gaze back to the Companion Amethyst Source, sighing with genuine admiration.
Given its link to the lion's essence, the fact that it had produced such a large source showed just how much it hoped for its cub's future.
The lion wasn't moved by the sentiment. It spoke gruffly, "When can you begin refining?"
"Right now."
Yao Yan raised his hand and summoned his cauldron. Several medicinal ingredients floated from his storage ring. He intended to refine a modified version of the Tier 5 Miben Guyuan Pill—a pill originally designed by the Medicine Clan to strengthen the bodies of its direct descendants. It also worked on magical beasts.
With the Companion Amethyst Source, he could tailor the formula precisely for the cub—a true custom pill. Perhaps it should be called the Amethyst Source Solidifying Pill.
Previously, Yao Yan wouldn't have dared attempt such a variation. But since receiving guidance from Hun Xuzi, he had begun to grasp the deeper essence of alchemy. Lower-tier pills required knowledge of medicinal properties—but high-tier ones required synergy of spiritual qualities. That was the threshold to becoming a Tier 7 alchemist.
Given his current soul power, it was worth trying.
Huu~
He ignited the cauldron with his Illusory Gold Flame and tossed the ingredients in. His spiritual force surged from his brow, wrapping each herb to begin the fundamental refining. Without looking up, he said, "You may extract the Companion Amethyst Source now."
He waved his hand, pulling several jade bottles from his ring and placing them in front of the lion, then turned back to refining.
Doesn't this human need to leave first?
The lion was puzzled but said nothing. If Yao Yan wasn't worried, neither would it. Bringing its cub forward, it approached the orb and gently tapped it with the spiral horn on its head.
A small opening appeared, and drops of violet liquid dripped down, neatly collected into the bottles below.
Before long, seven bottles were filled.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King, clearly a straightforward beast, placed all seven bottles beside Yao Yan, then laid down beside its cub and silently watched the refinement process.
So that's how it's collected… Yao Yan muttered inwardly.
Ying ying~
Ling'er, sensing the alchemy process had begun, jumped out of Yao Yan's arms. Her eyes sparkled as she stared at the herbs being refined, drooling. She sniffed, catching a whiff of something. Then she turned her attention to the Companion Amethyst Source.
Naturally, this drew the lion's furious glare. A terrifying aura surged toward her.
A mere Tier 2 Green Wood Fox… daring to covet its origin essence?!
But Ling'er didn't flinch. She bristled, eyes blazing with defiance. Ever since following Yao Yan, her courage had grown. The once-untouchable Tier 6 beasts didn't scare her anymore.
"Stop it. Cai Die, keep an eye on her."
Yao Yan grabbed her by the scruff and tossed her to Cai Die. Then, he said to the others, "Refining the ingredients will take about half a day. Once that's done, all of you need to leave—the pill condensing stage can't be disturbed. If I fail, I'll redo it. The Companion Amethyst Source you've provided is enough for more than a dozen attempts."
He paused.
Then looked to the lion. "While I'm refining, have your flying beasts search for a human cave residence. It should be in the northwest part of the range, near a cliff with traps inside. Once you find it, have Cai Die retrieve an item from there."
He wasn't worried about the lion stealing anything important—because the most valuable item was a remnant map hidden inside a skeleton. The lion wouldn't know its worth. As for the superficial treasures, aside from a flight technique scroll, nothing else interested him.
Rather than waste time searching, he might as well let the ruler of this region mobilize its minions to do it.
Working with humans risked betrayal. Working with magical beasts—far less so. Even if they saw it, they wouldn't recognize or need it.
"This king understands."
The lion didn't object. It was a minor favor. As for valuables within the cave—unless it was a pill, nothing else mattered to it.
All it cared about now was the pill Yao Yan would refine. For that, it had offered a treasure tied to its child's future—its own Companion Amethyst Source.
If Yao Yan failed… it would fight to the death.
But until then—
No one would be allowed to disturb or harm him.
(END CHAPTER)
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