Upon hearing that alchemy requires an Elixir Furnace, Yue Jinghua was momentarily stunned.
Just as Ancient Summoners need to possess a Summoning Treasure Book to perform Summoning Techniques, the Alchemy Master World has long established the rule that Pill Masters require an Elixir Furnace in alchemy.
A good Elixir Furnace can enhance an Alchemist's control over the heat of the Elixir Pills, and there are even legends that top-notch Elixir Furnaces could achieve a mental link with the Alchemist.
Once fused with the consciousness of the Alchemist, it is said one could refine Holy-grade or even Divine-grade Elixir Pills. However, this is merely part of legend, as the Canglong Continent hasn't seen such Elixir Pills for many years.
But since Qing Pu was able to invent a Summoning Array without a Summoning Treasure Book, accordingly, it suggests that alchemy could possibly be performed without an Elixir Furnace.