"There are rumors that some people can extract flames from magical beast blood or natural energy, flames that are far stronger than ordinary fire. This human's blood flame is likely one of those."
Elder Baru stroked his short beard and continued, "I can sense the aura of a magical beast within this flame. It must be a beast flame."
"Beast flame?" Yue Nu murmured, unfamiliar with the concept.
"Judging by the intensity of this blood flame, I estimate this human's strength is around four-star Dou Shi."
Since Chen Mo hadn't released his Dou Qi, Baru could only make a rough guess based on what he observed.
After all, Baru was only a Dou Ling, not a Dou Wang—he lacked the ability to instantly see through someone's cultivation.
"He is a four-star Dou Shi," Yue Nu confirmed before furrowing her brows. "Maybe he was able to refine such a perfect Healing Pill because of his beast flame?"
"He is indeed surprising, but alchemy isn't just about controlling flames.
Soul perception, precise control over flame intensity, and the exact composition of each ingredient—these are all critical factors in refining pills.
Let's watch a little longer."
With that, the room fell silent again, but their gazes remained locked on Chen Mo, eyes unblinking.
Chen Mo had refined Healing Pills countless times—he had even done it in bulk.
Refining a single pill was child's play.
With practiced ease, he picked up the floating medicinal ingredients one by one, carefully dropping them into the cauldron.
Under the suppression of his soul power, the raging blood flame inside the cauldron turned as gentle as a lamb.
It wrapped around the ingredients delicately, extracting the essences needed for the pill with remarkable precision.
As the process continued, a pill embryo gradually formed within the cauldron.
"What extraordinary fire control..."
Baru's pupils contracted slightly, a flicker of shock flashing across his face.
Even he couldn't control flames as precisely as this.
Moreover, this human's expression remained completely calm—as if he was performing the simplest task in the world.
A rich medicinal fragrance began to fill the room.
Everyone present felt their spirits tighten—they instinctively knew that the pill was about to be completed.
Under Chen Mo's focused attention, the pill inside the cauldron became round and smooth.
Seeing the pill's flawless surface, Chen Mo smiled slightly and withdrew his hand from the cauldron.
As he did, the blood flame inside gradually dissipated.
With a snap of his fingers, a gentle gust of wind lifted the cauldron's lid slightly.
Then, with a single gesture, a brownish pill flew out of the cauldron and into Chen Mo's palm.
Turning around, Chen Mo handed the pill to Baru.
"Elder Baru, please inspect it."
Baru narrowed his eyes as he carefully took the pill.
It was about the size of a dragon's eye, with a deep brown hue.
A faint emerald-green ripple swirled across its surface—like gentle waves spreading outward.
The sight stunned Baru.
"A pill pattern...? This is a perfect-grade Healing Pill..."
He clicked his tongue in admiration.
When refining pills, only those with the highest purity and flawless balance of medicinal power could form pill patterns.
The Healing Pill in his hand was even purer than the one he had previously examined—with zero impurities.
After a brief silence, Baru let out a long sigh and bowed slightly.
"I am humbled... truly humbled. I have learned much today."
"I will keep my word. Here—this is your Iceheart Grass."
Baru handed the Iceheart Grass to Chen Mo before adding,
"If you ever need more medicinal ingredients in the future, just ask. If I have them, they're yours."
Yue Nu was visibly stunned.
Elder Baru was a Tier 3 Alchemist—and the only one in the Snake Tribe.
His status was second only to the Queen and the three great elders.
And yet, here he was, showing such admiration for a mere human.
Chen Mo accepted the herb with a polite bow.
Internally, he let out a sigh of relief.
He had feared running into one of those stubborn novel characters who refuse to admit defeat—that would have been a pain.
After all, this was the Snake Tribe's territory—if Baru refused to acknowledge his skill, Chen Mo wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
Fortunately, Elder Baru was reasonable.
Baru studied the flawless Healing Pill for a while before returning it to Chen Mo.
Then, with a smile, he asked,
"With such high-level alchemy skills, who is your teacher?"
He wanted to say he had no teacher, but he was afraid they wouldn't believe him, forcing him into a long-winded explanation.
Maybe he should just make something up?
Seeing his hesitation, Baru waved his hand dismissively.
"Never mind. If you don't want to say, I won't force you.
Everyone has their secrets."
Chen Mo nodded without speaking further.
"Alright then. If you ever have free time, feel free to visit and discuss alchemy with me."
"The Queen was right—you are different from other humans."
After exchanging some polite words, Chen Mo took his leave.
Returning to his quarters, Chen Mo immediately took out the Tiger Soul Cauldron and began refining Iceheart Pills.
Queen Medusa had already been informed of what had transpired in the alchemy chamber.
Baru spoke, his tone serious:
"A 19-year-old Tier 2 Alchemist, possessing a beast flame, capable of refining perfect-grade pills...
Your Majesty, you must not let him leave."
Queen Medusa arched a brow.
"If I don't let him leave, what should I do? Forcefully imprison him?"
She had originally planned to drive Chen Mo out of the Snake Tribe once her sister finished her inheritance and forgot about him.
"No, Your Majesty, that's not what I meant," Baru clarified.
"I'm suggesting... we find a way to recruit him—make him one of our own."
"Make him... one of us?"
Queen Medusa muttered to herself, then said,
"Let me think about it."
"Understood. I will take my leave."
Baru bowed and exited the Queen's chamber.
Alone in her grand palace, Queen Medusa lazily reclined on her throne, twirling a small pendant between her fingers.
It was the Twin Heart Pendant—now fully merged into one.
Chen Mo was indeed a rare genius.
Queen Medusa could clearly sense his rapid growth.
And he didn't possess just one beast flame—
In just two weeks, he had advanced from four-star Dou Shi to six-star Dou Shi.
That kind of insane growth speed...
Even in the entire Jia Ma Empire, he would be considered a monstrous talent.
Any major force would do anything to recruit someone like him.
Even she was tempted by the thought.
"A human is still a human."
"The Snake Tribe and humans are mortal enemies."
"Making him one of us... isn't that easy."
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