Greenduck Liver Pills followed a somewhat similar process to the Gator pills. First, a concentration process, then later, a refining process. The only thing is, well, the entire workshop smells like someone’s cooking something really really tasty, and the alchemist has to endure the temptation of rushing out of the workshop and grab something to eat.

The Greenduck’s Liver is fatty, and so during the concentration process, some of the stored fat would burn and this released a very appetising aroma. It is said that some cultivators had used this aroma to tempt young children and babies who refused to eat their food or drink their milk.

It’s really a test of willpower, 2nd, and 3rd refining of the Greenduck Liver releases an even more appetising aroma, so much so it used to trigger animals and pets to enter some kind of hunger frenzy.

But first, the pre-concentration process. That meant cutting, and cleaning. The liver as it is, raw, has parts which do not add to the Qi-gathering process. Cleaning and removing those helps to increase the multipliers during the concentration process.

It’s a slow, tiring process, as he had to check each and every piece of the liver. He had to cut it, and ensure it’s clean. Impurities would decrease alchemical performance.

He would have liked a Qi-knife, that would make things easier, but for now, he had to focus on the task. It took four days to go through all the Greenduck Liver. Finally, he was ready to start making Greenduck Liver Pills. He looked at the materials, and there was probably enough for 40 pills. He reckoned with his 70% recovery rate, he should at least have 25-30 pills after the 1st refinement.

And he underestimated how challenging it was to resist the flavors of a cooked Greenduck Liver.

‘Dumplings of the West City.’

Mingwei’s memories of the great foods of his old world swamped him. He had to resist. Focus. Not think about food.

‘Oh, the juicy flavors, the tender texture of that Wildland Boar Belly.’

Damnit. How good does that taste? He had memories of those foods, but he couldn’t, no, it’s not him. Agh. Focus!!

‘...skewers of mixed vegetables and chicken with Snowmountain Fruit sauce.’

Mingwei paused. Why was the pill refinement pulling out all of his past memories of good food? His tummy grumbled like never before, and he felt thirsty and hungry.

‘The pleasant scent of the land, a good tea, and Icecity’s Snow-touched strawberry cakes.’

Mingwei froze. He was really, really hungry. So hungry he couldn’t think, and the Qi in his cauldron went wild. The materials fizzled and burnt.

That was how Mingwei failed his first pot of Greenduck liver. He wasted the materials for 15 pills.