https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-106-Soaring-Strength-Scarlet-Cloak-Guards-Blame-It-on-the-Fragrant-Pills-Part-1-/12963617/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-107-Lin-Fan-Creates-a-Technique-Lu-Ming-Makes-an-Appearance-Thousand-Transformations-Tec/12963677/
Chapter 106: Soaring Strength! Scarlet Cloak Guards! Blame It on the Fragrant Pills~ (Part 2)
Chapter 106: Soaring Strength! Scarlet Cloak Guards! Blame It on the Fragrant Pills~ (Part 2)
"
"When you have some free time, prepare yourself and take an advance on the Sect's monthly allowance. Then, return to the Northern Region."
"With the Northern Region as the foundation, develop the Scarlet Cloak Guard's intelligence network, and establish the intelligence network there to prevent any delays in information."
Lin Fan was particularly concerned about the Northern Region.
The little girl was in the Northern Region!
Xiao Ling'er was also from the Northern Region, and the three-year pact was approaching!
With the intelligence network, it would be easier to receive news.
Moreover, if Qin Yu returned to the Northern Region and learned that Xiao Ling'er was in trouble, he would surely offer his assistance.
This would also help reduce the difficulty of the three-year pact.
"Yes, Master!"
Qin Yu agreed.
Lian Bo remained silent.
If it were any other sect, he would have certainly quipped, "A mere monthly allowance, even if I don't take it, it's no big deal!"
To return to the Northern Region, he could just go to the Palace and take what he needed. What couldn't the Palace provide?!
But Xiao Ling'er's pills...
Cough, cough.
Those were truly good things.
He couldn't possibly not take them~!
...
"It's done!"
After half a month of seclusion, Xiao Ling'er was overjoyed.
The cultivation of the Heavenly Dragon Bone Fire was successful!
Although it was only 'barely usable,' it was, at the very least, a genuine Unusual Flame! From now on, she only needed to slowly nurture it.
"Next, I'll adjust my state."
Xiao Ling'er suppressed the joy in her heart, "Then, I'll refine it and elevate the Flame Burning Art to a higher level!"
"At that time, my cultivation will also increase once again!"
"By then, my alchemy techniques will also advance further, perhaps even by several steps!"
Although cultivation and alchemy were not directly proportional, one's cultivation level had a significant impact on alchemy.
For example, a first-stage cultivator, no matter how hard they tried, would never be able to refine third or fourth-rank pills.
A fourth-stage cultivator, even with all their might, could only refine a few sixth-rank pills, and that would already be considered an extraordinary talent.
Therefore, before this, Xiao Ling'er had mainly refined fourth and fifth-rank pills, rarely attempting sixth-rank pills, and seventh-rank pills were beyond her imagination.
But...
After this, she could try to give it a shot!
After all, with the support of four Unusual Flames and her fifth-stage cultivation, what was there to fear?!
Half a day later.
Xiao Ling'er circulated the Flame Burning Art and began to refine the Heavenly Dragon Bone Fire.
The entire process was extremely dangerous.
However, Xiao Ling'er already possessed the Earth Core Demon Fire, Unceasing Swallowing Flame, and Yao Mu's Hundred Forge Divine Flame. She was also well-versed in handling Unusual Flames.
Thus, after spending some time, she successfully refined the Heavenly Dragon Bone Fire without any major issues, making it her third Unusual Flame!
Her cultivation surged once again!
In just half a day, she advanced from the fifth stage second level to the fifth stage fifth level! However, after a brief contemplation, she chose to conceal a portion of her cultivation and only revealed herself as being at the fifth stage second level.
This was to avoid being too shocking to the world.
At the same time, she also wanted to keep some tricks up her sleeve.
Despite her excitement, Xiao Ling'er did not leave her seclusion.
"Teacher, I have already mastered fifth-rank cultivation, healing, and detoxification pills. Next, please teach me how to refine sixth and seventh-rank pills."
After adjusting her state, she asked Yao Mu for guidance.
"Oh?!"
Yao Mu smiled, "Are you going to refine pills that are two ranks higher?"
"It's just that."
"With your current cultivation and the ability to control three Unusual Flames, even refining seventh-rank pills is not impossible."
"Moreover... the quality should not be low!"
"However, the spirit herbs you have are not sufficient."
"With your current stock, sixth-rank pills might be manageable, but for seventh-rank pills, even the most common cultivation pill, the Unification Elixir, you only have enough materials for two pills."
"We'll have to ask the Liu Family to acquire some."
"But..."
"It's likely that even the Liu Family will struggle."
Yao Mu sighed, "It's not that I look down on the Liu Family, but the seventh stage is a watershed. Those above the seventh stage are Great Powers, and those below are at most considered strong."
"It's not just a matter of title, but the strength is also vastly different. Simultaneously, the herbs required for the Unification Elixir are also extremely expensive."
"The Liu Family should have Great Powers, but the number is definitely no more than three."
"And their cultivation levels are most likely at the first or second level, at most the third level."
"Or perhaps those old undying ones, who are always on the verge of sitting in meditation. It's difficult to acquire such high-quality resources when they can't travel far."
"In a situation where they don't sell externally and only use the pills for themselves, with the Liu Family's financial strength, being able to buy ten or so portions of the Unification Elixir's materials is already the limit."
"This is indeed a problem."
Xiao Ling'er frowned slightly, "But if we sell externally, I'm afraid the Liu Family... won't be able to handle it."
"They won't be able to handle it."
Yao Mu sighed, "The Liu Family has quite a few enemies. The other two major families in Hongwu Immortal City would never sit idly by and watch the Liu Family grow stronger."
"However, fifth-stage cultivators can't influence the fundamentals for the time being."
"But if the Liu Family sells Unification Elixirs, they will surely do everything in their power to destroy the Liu Family."
"If the Liu Family sells them in secret..."
"It will likely be even more dangerous."
Xiao Ling'er nodded.
She understood the logic.
If they sold openly, the Liu Family's reputation would back them up, and those who wanted to make a move would have to think twice.
But if they sold in secret, who knew how many people would want to take advantage of the situation?
"The Return to Origin Sect's side is also insufficient."
Xiao Ling'er frowned.
She had just visited the Return to Origin Sect's treasure trove, and it was unlikely that she would go again. Moreover, even if she did, there weren't any suitable spirit herbs, unless she sold all the other treasures...
But she didn't have the face to do something so shameless.
"If it really doesn't work out, we can only take it slowly."
"By borrowing from the Return to Origin Sect, the Liu Family, and even selling fourth, fifth, and sixth-stage pills, we can then exchange them for resources."
"However, this will significantly increase the time required for alchemy, which may affect cultivation.
"Yao Mu's tone shifted, "However... I do have a method."
"Please enlighten me, Master!"
"Just some experience." Yao Mu chuckled.
"Jin Zhen is already a Seventh Stage cultivator, and that Lian fellow hasn't left yet either."
"With their status..."
Xiao Ling'er's eyes lit up.
"But it won't be easy to convince them, and the cost of the spirit herbs is not insignificant."
"So, you need to show them the results first."
"Disciple."
Yao Mu smiled, "Do you have the confidence to refine Fifth Rank Unification Elixirs or higher from the two sets of materials you have?"
"..."
"I'll just do my best!"
"Please guide me, Master!"
Xiao Ling'er took a deep breath, her gaze intense.
Refining a Seventh Rank elixir across two major stages, and with only two attempts! Not only did she need to succeed at least once, but the elixir also had to be Fifth Rank or higher. The difficulty was immense.
However, with her teacher's guidance and her own diligent practice over the years, it wasn't an impossible task.
"Begin!"
"Yes, that's the spirit!"
Yao Mu laughed heartily.
As cultivators, how could they lack this bit of spirit?
Refinement complete!
However, refining a Seventh Rank elixir was no small feat. With Xiao Ling'er's current strength and means, it would take several days of effort to succeed.
...
On this day, Lin Fan inspected the sect.
Looking at the inner sect, which had already shown signs of life, and the bustling outer sect, Lin Fan couldn't help but smile.
"Not bad!"
"Indeed, it's impressive."
"This is the empire I've built..."
"Cough."
"Moreover, I seem to have misjudged the seven mascots. Aside from Qiu Yongqin, who underwent a 'mutation' and became a protagonist, the other six are also quite capable."
Though they weren't invincible or rapidly advancing, they were steadily improving.
And not at a slow pace either.
Compared to the so-called geniuses, they might fall short, but they were still commendable.
At the very least, they could be cultivated as core disciples of a regular sect.
"Was it because the previous conditions were too poor, and even with decent talent, they could only display a fraction of their potential?"
"Or is it more 'occult'—after consecutively accepting protagonists as disciples, the sect's fortune rose, and they, influenced by the sect's fortune, followed suit and 'took off'?"
"Or perhaps it's a combination of both?"
The concept of fortune was elusive, intangible, and yet no cultivator would dismiss it as nonsense.
It was enough to prove its existence, but...
It was hard to judge.
"Regardless, in the end, it's still a good thing."
"If it's good, then be happy."
As Lin Fan pondered, he arrived at the Armory Peak.
At this moment, the Armory Peak was bustling.
Lin Fan swept his spiritual sense and found that Jin Zhen, the Golden Elder, was teaching interested disciples the basics of armory techniques...
"Speaking of which, the agreed-upon time was once a year, but now the Golden Elder has been in the Hongwu Immortal City for almost two months, and he hasn't shown any intention of leaving despite the doubled workload."
"He's a man of his word."
Perhaps he had his own agenda, but at least when teaching his own disciples, he was doing his best.
That was enough.
Who could be without desires?
Would he be here if he had no desires?
Those without desires are called Sages!
As Jin Zhen sensed Lin Fan's arrival, his heart skipped a beat. When imparting knowledge, he felt even more energized.
Why was he still here past the agreed-upon time?
Wasn't it to show off?
He wanted Lin Fan to see his efforts, so his 'contributions' would be 'counted'!
After earning enough goodwill, he could then seek guidance from Xiao Ling'er.
If he wasn't mistaken, she must have obtained that inheritance, and even a tiny bit of her alchemy skills would be enough to propel the Fire Virtue Sect's alchemy prowess to new heights.
The Fire Virtue Sect didn't need him, a skilled armorer, to sit tight.
If he could help the sect solve some alchemy problems...
Then his stay in the Hongwu Immortal City would be worthwhile!
At this moment, Lin Fan witnessed Jin Zhen's dedication, and he couldn't help but give Xiao Ling'er a stern lecture on this matter.
As Lin Fan approached, Jin Zhen didn't stop teaching. He simply acknowledged Lin Fan with a nod and continued his lesson, setting an exemplary model for teachers.
Lin Fan nodded in approval.
"Not bad~"
Regardless of his intentions, as long as he was earnest and capable, he was a good person.
No complaints!
...
Around noon.
Lin Fan had already left, and the day's lesson came to an end. Jin Zhen said calmly, "Today's teachings end here. Use the remaining time to reflect and understand on your own."
"Come back here in three days, and I'll teach you the next stage of armory basics."
"Dismissed."
"Yes, Elder Jin!"
The Hongwu Immortal City disciples dispersed.
Having learned this much, they could clearly sense their progress in armory techniques.
It was all about the basics.
And it was far better than blindly experimenting on their own.
With a bit more persistence, they should be able to attempt refining the most basic magical tools.
This was a valuable skill! As the saying goes, a skilled artisan never goes hungry. With this skill, their future would be full of opportunities.
...
In the evening.
Jin Zhen, carrying several alchemy problems encountered by the Fire Virtue Sect's alchemists, arrived outside the Alchemy Pavilion.
Just as he was about to call out, Xiao Ling'er's voice rang out again.
"Elder Jin?"
"Is there something you need from me?"
"Come in."
Jin Zhen's eyebrows furrowed.
Why did her voice sound so tired?
She pushed open the door and saw Xiao Ling'er kneeling on a meditation cushion, her face exhausted and bloodshot.
"You?!"
Jin Zhen was startled, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Xiao Ling'er replied, her voice weary. Despite her fatigue, a smile graced her face, "I pushed myself too hard in alchemy, but a good rest will do the trick. Elder Jin, you must have something important to discuss, please don't hold back."
"It would be better if I came another day," Jin Zhen suggested, unwilling to tarnish his image.
You're already this exhausted, and I'm still here bothering you. Isn't that being inconsiderate?
Anyway, this matter isn't urgent, I can always come back tomorrow or in a few days.
"I'm truly fine," Xiao Ling'er smiled helplessly.
But Jin Zhen insisted repeatedly.
Seeing this, Xiao Ling'er had no choice but to give in.
However, just as Jin Zhen was about to leave, she stopped him.
"Elder Jin, wait a moment."
"Oh?"
"Do you have something to discuss, young lady?" Jin Zhen asked curiously.
"Our agreement was for you to teach the ways of Tool Refinement at the Moonseizing Sect for a month, but you've already been teaching for two months. Such a magnanimous gesture, I'm truly impressed!"
"However, I don't have much to offer..."
"These two or three Pills are the only things I can present. Please, Elder Jin, don't refuse."
Xiao Ling'er's eyes gleamed, her joy evident despite the bloodshot appearance, as she opened her jade-like hands.
In her palm, three Pills with six light rings stood out prominently.
Jin Zhen's eyes widened, and his body trembled as he couldn't tear his gaze away.
"Sixth Rank Unification Elixir?!"
Even with his status and wealth, he couldn't afford many Unification Elixir.
Even if they were just Third Rank, he wouldn't have many! Usually, he relied on Essence Stones to assist his cultivation, not Pills.
Pills were too expensive!
But Xiao Ling'er was offering Unification Elixir as a token of gratitude, and they were Sixth Rank, three of them?!
This?!
So far, I've only taught an extra month of Basic Forging, and such a valuable gift... How can I accept it?
If I do, it's not the Moonseizing Sect that owes me, but I who owes the Moonseizing Sect.
And it's a significant debt at that~
How can I ask for guidance after this?
But...
Compared to the three Sixth Rank Unification Elixir and the questions I wanted to ask, no matter how I look at it, these Pills are more attractive.
I'm not being unreasonable, am I?
But this this this...
Jin Zhen's face contorted with inner conflict, and for a moment, he was torn.
He wanted it!
The desire was hard to conceal.
But it felt inappropriate to accept, this this this.
Jin Zhen's expression changed repeatedly, and for a moment, he.
But suddenly, he realized something crucial, "These Unification Elixir, did you, did you make them yourself?!"
"Elder Jin, Huoyun'er and I are close as sisters. You've been calling me 'young lady' for so long, it's a bit distant."
"Just call me Ling'er."
"As for these Unification Elixir..."
"It's just luck."
Xiao Ling'er smiled faintly, "This Pill... is still warm."
Jin Zhen's scalp tingled.
What a statement, 'this Pill is still warm.'
He should be the one described as terrifying!
You're only at the Fifth Stage?!
And you achieved this relying on the Guiyuan Sect's Secret Realm and Nectar Pouring Overhead, without any Stage Accumulation, at least not the Experience or Empty Realm.
Yet, you managed to leap across two major Stages and produce Unification Elixir.
And they're Sixth Rank Unification Elixir!
This shock is no less than a Fifth Stage cultivator defeating a Seventh Stage powerhouse, and the latter was at the Sixth Level of the Seventh Stage!
Jin Zhen was indeed shocked, his entire body tingling, and his mind buzzing.
After a long while, he finally accepted this fact.
"Ling'er, you truly are a genius in alchemy, and in this aspect, no one in this world can match you!"
He secretly affirmed that his choice was correct!
And his guess was right!
With that inheritance, her alchemy skills should...
What nonsense!
Even if that person were alive, they wouldn't be this shocking!
But it's true that the girl before him has mastered three types of Unusual Flame, a formidable talent! Even that person only had one type of Unusual Flame.
However, why does she seem more familiar, with a sense of familiar warmth, every time I see her?
Could it be an illusion?
Amidst his shock, Jin Zhen forced himself to look away, sighing, "No reward without effort, this is too valuable, I can't accept it."
"Why do you say that, senior?"
Xiao Ling'er's pretty face turned stern, feigning displeasure, "Strictly speaking, you're an outsider, but as an outsider, you've contributed so much to our sect's development. These two or three Pills, what's the harm in accepting them?"
"Moreover, I have a request for you."
"If you don't accept them, how can I bring it up?"
"Could it be that you're unwilling to help me with this favor?"
As she spoke, she flicked her finger, and the three Unification Elixir flew towards Jin Zhen.
He was startled.
Hurriedly taking out a specially made jade bottle, he carefully placed the Pills inside, saying, "If left exposed like this, the medicinal properties will dissipate, even if it's just a trace. But..."
His face reddened.
This meant he was willing to accept them, right?
It's not my fault for being greedy; it's these Pills that are too tempting!
"Ahem."
"If I keep delaying, it'll make me seem petty." Jin Zhen discreetly put away the jade bottle and said solemnly, "These Pills, I'll accept them."
"Go ahead and speak, I'm listening."
"Your matter is my matter!"
As the saying goes, 'Take a man's money and solve his problems.'
Having accepted the Pills, he naturally had to handle the matter.
Otherwise, where would he put his face?
Otherwise... how could he have the face to come back for more Pills?
Ahem!
Tomorrow, Lu Ming will make his appearance, and no one has guessed it yet. Oh dear!
(End of Chapter)
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