The tools for refining poison were not overly complex, differing little from those used in pharmaceutical preparation.
They consisted of nothing more than a crucible, a mortar and pestle, and various other sundries – equipment that even an ordinary person could operate with proficiency.
Of course, while ordinary people could handle the equipment, it didn't mean anyone could refine poison.
The crucial step in poison refinement was control, far more so than the selection of materials.
Wu Tian wasted no time. He took the herbs and approached the equipment, commencing the poison refinement.
Throughout the process, Liu Xue and Liu Chuanxiong closely observed Wu Tian's technique.
As the refinement progressed, Liu Chuanxiong repeatedly nodded in approval, while Liu Xue wore an expression of surprise.
Wu Tian's movements were exceptionally skilled, showing no hint of awkwardness.
This clearly indicated that Wu Tian knew how to refine poison, and was in fact an experienced practitioner.
However, what they didn't know was that Wu Tian had never actually refined poison before.
He was a doctor, dedicated to healing and saving lives; how could he possibly create something meant to harm?
But precisely because he was a doctor, he knew how to prepare medicine, and the essence of medicine preparation and poison refinement was identical. Hence, his technique was flawless.
Half an hour later, both Wu Tian and Xiao Jin had completed their Duan Chang San.
The so-called Duan Chang San was essentially a powdered poison.
Whether ingested by humans or animals, it would cause rapid ulceration of the intestines and stomach, leading to a painful death.
Observing their finished products, Liu Chuanxiong nodded and said, "Since you have both finished refining the poison, who will proceed with the testing first?"
Xiao Jin stated coldly, "He is the junior. Let him go first. Regardless of who goes first or last, he will ultimately lose to me."
Wu Tian smiled and replied, "No need. Since I am the junior, by rights, should I not show you courtesy? Therefore, please, you test first."
This action was interpreted by Xiao Jin as Wu Tian being afraid.
Thus, he maintained his condescending attitude, saying, "I fear if I test first, you will be even more hesitant to test afterward."
Despite his words, he was the first to approach the testing apparatus.
The instrument was an electronic device, and the testing method was simple: pour the refined poison into the bowl on the instrument, and it would analyze the poison's composition, displaying the corresponding score.
Xiao Jin poured in his Duan Chang San. After a short while, a number immediately appeared on the instrument.
93.
Upon seeing this number, Xiao Jin lifted his chin slightly, appearing quite satisfied.
Liu Chuanxiong also smiled and said, "Elder Xiao, it seems your poison refinement skills have advanced further during this period."
"A Duan Chang San with a score of 93 is already a top-tier poison."
Xiao Jin remarked, "It seems I was perhaps too serious. For such a junior, a score of 70 should have been sufficient."
Wu Tian smiled and said, "Elder Xiao, isn't 70 points a bit excessive? In your eyes, am I truly that insignificant?"
Xiao Jin replied coldly, "Otherwise? Do you truly believe you are worthy of my attention?"
"Let me tell you, were it not for this trial, you wouldn't even be qualified to compete with me. So, you should first put yourself in the proper place."
Liu Xue felt she had found an opportunity and chimed in, "Exactly. You think submitting a finished product is such a great feat?"
"It's laughable. This is merely the most basic of tasks."
"If you ask me, you shouldn't even bother submitting your poison. Surrendering now would be better than anything."
"If you lose too miserably later, I'm genuinely worried you might cry."
Wu Tian chuckled, "Victory and defeat are common in warfare. If I truly lose, then I lose. What is there to cry about?"
Liu Xue pouted and said, "Hmph, keep being stubborn. I want to see what score your pathetic creation will get!"
Wu Tian no longer replied. Instead, he walked over to the instrument.
He swapped out the bowl and poured his Duan Chang San into the new one.
During this process, both Xiao Jin and Liu Xue wore expressions of mockery.
In their eyes, Wu Tian was destined to lose, and they had already mentally prepared how they would ridicule him.
Soon, the instrument emitted a series of beeps, and then, the corresponding numbers appeared on the display.
Upon seeing the number, the faces of those anticipating a spectacle froze, their smiles vanishing.
Even Liu Chuanxiong was momentarily stunned.
94!
The number displayed on the instrument was, in fact, 94!
"How could this be!" Xiao Jin's arrogance evaporated instantly.
He stared with wide eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing.
Nor could he accept that Wu Tian's score was higher than his own!
Liu Xue also exclaimed in surprise, "How is this possible? How could the Duan Chang San he made have a score of 94?"
After his initial surprise, Liu Chuanxiong did not question Wu Tian. Instead, he stated, "This instrument is newly made and should not have any issues."
"Wu Tian's Duan Chang San is indeed 94 points. There should be no problem with this."
"This..." The atmosphere in the entire pharmacy fell into a profound silence.
No one had anticipated that Wu Tian could produce Duan Chang San of such quality!
After all, once a score exceeded 90, every subsequent point gained was incredibly difficult.
The fact that Wu Tian had scored one point higher than Xiao Jin indicated that Wu Tian's poison refinement skill was significantly superior to Xiao Jin's.
"Who exactly are you!" Xiao Jin, unable to accept this outcome, roared at Wu Tian.
"With your poison refinement skills, how could you possibly surpass me? Impossible, this is impossible!"
Wu Tian smiled and replied, "Who am I? I am merely a small village doctor from Peach Blossom Village. You have been too kind."
"A small village doctor?" Wu Tian's words made Xiao Jin's head buzz.
At this moment, Liu Chuanxiong began to smile again.
He said, "It seems our Wu Tian is truly no ordinary person. No wonder he possessed such confidence to undergo the trial at the Myriad Poisons Sect."
"The result of this competition is clear. Wu Tian has emerged victorious."
"Elder Xiao, it appears your poison refinement skills still have some gap compared to Wu Tian."
Xiao Jin opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he couldn't utter a single word.
Just moments ago, he had looked down on Wu Tian so profoundly, believing he could easily crush him.
But now, it seemed he was the one being suppressed by Wu Tian...