In front of everyone, Sun Yu mixed a batch of gunpowder using the new formula and set it off.

There was a thunderous boom, and a wave of hot air swept over everyone, accompanied by a tingling sensation. As promised, the new gunpowder was immensely powerful and even contained a hint of thunderous might. It also produced almost no smoke or dust as well[1].

After the demonstration, Sun Yu waited for the group’s feedback. This was also a crucial part of the research process in the Palace of Absolute Beginning. The other mountain's stone can polish jade; sometimes, even comments from laymen could spark new ideas or help identify shortcomings.

Wei Yuan had a basic understanding of the Dao of pillmaking and apothecary, so he had little to say about the formula or the properties of the ingredients. If he tried, he could only come up with the exact same phrase as Xu Wenwu: “Holy shit.”

However, Wei Yuan’s focus lay elsewhere. While the new gunpowder had significantly improved potency, it was also over ten times more expensive than the old gunpowder.

The original gunpowder, after mass production, had dropped to a few hundred catties per tael of immortal silver. Wei Yuan reckoned that a tael of immortal silver could only purchase five catties of the new gunpowder.

After watching Sun Yu’s demonstration, Yu Zhizhuo remarked, “If we’re only aiming for explosive power, then there is still some room for improvement. If you refine it like this….”

Yu Zhizhuo scooped up a handful of the new gunpowder and, using his Dao energy, compressed it into round, sand-like granules. The interior of the granules was loose and not compact. Upon retesting, its destructive power had indeed increased by 20%.

Sun Yu continued, “This formula...