With his preparations complete, Zhang Lie began to brew Potion #2. Compared to Potion #1, the brewing process was at least tenfold more complicated.

First, the various ingredients had to be individually prepared.

The main ingredient, black coral, had to be nourished with genetic energy until it turned a golden yellow before its herbal properties could be extracted.

The bear's-heart grass had to be incinerated into ash, before being combined with the extract of the eye-of-night flower.

Preparing each ingredient was a lengthy, tedious, and time-consuming process, one that occupied much of Zhang Lie's time and attention.

When he grew hungry, he would consume some roasted...