After so many years of refining medicinal liquid, Qin Yu had a decent understanding of purification.
But, not much.
He just knew that he needed to use Spiritual Power to remove impurities from the medicinal liquid.
He had tried it before, but always ended in failure. Now, he finally understood why he failed in the past.
"Hoo!"
After recovering, Qin Yu once again ignited the flame with Spiritual Power, preparing to purify.
He actually didn't feel much pressure, because even if he couldn't purify it, at most he'd just waste some time and energy; it wouldn't turn the medicinal liquid into useless sludge.
Unless he couldn't control the heat properly.
Under the high temperature, the medicinal liquid inside the Alchemy Furnace slowly began to boil. Qin Yu focused, Spiritual Power spreading into the furnace, transforming into an invisible palm and scooping at the bubbling liquid.
He did manage to scoop out some impurities, which stuck to that palm.
The so-called impurities, actually the residue left in the medicinal liquid when refining herbs; if too many impurities remain, taking the liquid would make its effects slow and less effective.
So, those with a good foundation, especially cultivators heading out for adventures, would always carry some First Grade medicinal liquid with them.
Besides, the purity of the medicinal liquid also affects the likelihood of forming pills!
"It really works!"
Qin Yu's eyes filled with excitement.
Next, he controlled his Spiritual Power, scooping impurities from the liquid again and again.
At the same time, he could feel that purifying the medicinal liquid consumed his Spiritual Power at an increasing rate.
After all, he had to control the heat and remove impurities at the same time.
Each time Qin Yu removed impurities, he was extra cautious; after just a few moments, sweat beads covered his forehead.
With the fifth scoop, the visible impurities in the medicinal liquid were finally completely removed by Qin Yu.
"Did I succeed?"
Pouring it into the bottle, Qin Yu's eyes were full of joy!
First Grade medicinal liquid!
This was a clear difference from what he'd refined before.
Ordinary medicinal liquid was like a scoop of muddy water pulled straight from the riverbank.
You could see dust and impurities at a glance.
But the bottle in Qin Yu's hand was crystal clear to the naked eye.
"This bottle is worth twice as much as ordinary medicinal liquid!"
And the cost of the herbs was fixed!
Ordinary medicinal liquid cost ten coins, and even just the materials took up half!
Now, counting pure profit, it's three times more than before!
This was Qin Yu's first purified medicinal liquid, officially marking him as having reached the level of an Alchemy Apprentice!
"No wonder even Alchemy Apprentices are so sought after!"
Qin Yu was delighted; before, whether mining or refining, he was just selling basic labor.
But purifying medicinal liquid counted as skilled work now!
Of course, Qin Yu knew, maybe his success rate at purification still wasn't the best.
But his success rate at refining ordinary medicinal liquid had improved greatly!
Looking at it this way, pure profit was still remarkable!
Before, after supporting himself, there wasn't much left.
But now, things were different. As long as he focused on alchemy, wealth would gradually accumulate.
The most important thing: he could gain Flame Points; entry into the Initial Stage was just the beginning for him!
After organizing his herbs, Qin Yu walked out of the small partition.
The sky was already dusk, and Lin Qianqian and her sister were eating dinner.
"Sis, why do you always give me the meat? You eat some yourself, too."
"It's fine, Sis can't eat that much. You're growing, eat more."
Qin Yu had just come out, and saw Lin Qianqian lovingly picking meat from her bowl and giving it to her little sister.
"Qin... Uncle."
When she saw him come out, Lin Qianqian immediately stood up. Seeing he was a bit tired, she quickly got up and pushed her untouched bowl toward him, saying, "Sit down and eat something. I'll go make some more."
With her little sister watching, Lin Qianqian's address still carried a hint of shyness.
Lin Shuishui had also stood up, clearly showing respect for Qin Yu. Though still a young girl, she understood that her and her sister's safe stay in Spring Rain Lane was thanks to Qin Yu taking them in.
This kindness, she remembered from the heart.
"It's alright, just mentally draining."
Qin Yu had just bent to sit, but suddenly frowned.
"Shuishui, has your sister only been eating white rice these days?"
He'd already noticed that there was only enough meat on the table for one person.
Lin Shuishui was chewing her rice, still too young to think much, "Mm, Sis said she didn't have any appetite, just eats some white rice..."
As she said this, Lin Shuishui realized something too, put down her bowl and chopsticks, and looked at Lin Qianqian, aggrieved and surprised.
Qin Yu was already staring directly at her.
"Qin... I..."
Lin Qianqian didn't know how to explain for a moment; being able to safely stay in Spring Rain Lane was already a huge blessing for her.
Even though Qin Yu had told them to treat themselves well, she knew he carried a lot of burden, so how could she bear to waste anything?
"Qianqian, you promised me you'd take good care of yourself and Shuishui."
Qin Yu looked at Lin Qianqian—had he not said it enough times?
How dare she disobey!
Lin Qianqian's eyes dodged, and seeing Qin Yu's expression, she seemed to recall something embarrassing; her delicate, just-matured face turned a rosy pink.
"I... I'm just a girl, don't need meat for every meal."
Lin Qianqian replied softly, more mature and sensible than her age would suggest.
Qin Yu just felt a deep ache in his heart.
"I told you, in this home, whatever I eat, you eat!"
"Since you and Shuishui are with me, I won't let you freeze or go hungry."
The conviction and confidence in Qin Yu's words made Lin Qianqian's delicate figure tremble.
He might have struggled before, but things were different now.
And Qin Yu believed that as his Flame Points increased, their days would grow more comfortable and prosperous.
"If anything's missing at home, I'll figure it out. Sit tight, don't move; I'll go cook."
Qin Yu said this as he headed for the stove, not forgetting to add, "Shuishui, if she ever tells you she feels unwell while I'm refining, let me know—I'll give her an injection and cure her."
"Oh..."
Lin Shuishui didn't know what an injection or cure meant, but she nodded earnestly anyway.
Lin Qianqian, at the side, was stunned for a second, then seemed to realize something; her lovely face flushed so red it seemed water might drip from it.
A moment later, staring at the table piled high with delicious dishes, Lin Qianqian's eyes moistened—she could feel Qin Yu genuinely cared for her from the heart.
This... this was him making up for all the meals she missed these past days, all at once!
"Thank you..."
Lin Qianqian's gentle voice choked with emotion. She knew the world could be harsh, and when Qin Yu took them in, she'd imagined so many things...
She never imagined that after her own efforts, Qin Yu would still treat her so well.
Lin Shuishui's whole attention was fixed on the array of food; her tender lips couldn't help but glisten as drool threatened to spill, but out of respect for Qin Yu, though her chopsticks were already raised high, she fought hard to resist her hunger.
That look was so adorable, it made you want to scoop her up and fill that delicate little mouth until she was stuffed and happy.