Chapter 84: Storing Pills

## Chapter 84: Sealing the Elixir

For nearly ten days hence, Ye Chen remained secluded within the inner hall, his form unseen beyond its thresholds.

Only on the eleventh night did he finally emerge from the Spirit Pill Pavilion, a trace of weariness clinging to his frame.

These past days had witnessed a significant leap in his alchemy technique. And with each successful refinement, his soul force had grown, blossoming like a lotus bathed in moonlight.

The night within Heng Yue Sect was far from tranquil.

As he made his way, he observed disciples seated cross-legged upon scattered stones, diligently absorbing the essence of heaven and earth.

"Is this the sharpening of weapons before battle?" Ye Chen mused, thinking of the impending outer sect grand competition. The pressure was palpable, driving many disciples to forsake even the respite of night.

However, as he passed by, Tian Que Sword slung across his back, he inevitably drew gazes. His recent fame had spread like wildfire, reaching even the ears of the inner sect.

"You are Ye Chen?" A white-robed disciple materialized before him, blocking his path.

"True Yang Realm." A slight furrow creased Ye Chen's brow. He instantly perceived the cultivation of the individual before him – a breakthrough into the True Yang Realm.

Raising his eyes, a sense of familiarity washed over him. The person before him bore a striking resemblance to Qi Hao of Ren Yang Peak. It was evident they were of the same lineage, bound by ties of blood.

"Senior Brother, do you require something?" Ye Chen's tone was neither warm nor cold.

To Ye Chen's indifferent demeanor, the white-robed disciple showed no displeasure. A playful smile touched his lips. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Qi Yang of the inner sect. And, I am the cousin of Qi Hao of Ren Yang Peak."

"Senior Brother Qi has journeyed from the distant inner sect. Surely, it is not to settle a score with this humble Qi Condensation Realm cultivator?"

A chilling smile curved Qi Yang's lips. He leaned closer to Ye Chen's ear, his voice a low, cold whisper, "Ye Chen, you had best remain within Heng Yue Sect for the entirety of your days. Otherwise, the Qi family will teach you a truth: some individuals are beyond your ability to provoke."

"Is this a threat?" Ye Chen's gaze met Qi Yang's.

"Indeed." Qi Yang's smile held a hint of playfulness.

"Then I shall await it."

"Dare to provoke my Qi family, and you are destined for a miserable end." With another cold laugh, Qi Yang flicked his sleeve and turned, making his way directly towards Ren Yang Peak.

"Who is destined to die is yet to be seen." Ye Chen's own laughter was cold, a stark contrast to Qi Yang's. He then proceeded down the mountain.

Before he even reached the entrance of the small spirit garden, the rich aroma of cooked meat assailed his senses, accompanied by a boisterous voice. "Come, come, eat, eat! Eat more, it was hard-earned!"

A faint smile touched his lips as Ye Chen pushed open the door and stepped inside. The first sight that greeted him was Xiong Er, shamelessly devouring from a large iron basin.

Besides Xiong Er, his wife Tang Ru Xuan was also present. Along with Zhang Feng Nian, Hu Wa, and even the little spirit eagle, they were gathered around a large iron pot, heartily enjoying the stewed meat.

"Yo!"

Upon seeing Ye Chen's return, a gleam of brilliance bloomed in Xiong Er's small eyes. "Boy, what wind has blown you back?"

"Missing you, of course!" Ye Chen replied casually, then rolled up his sleeves, conveniently taking the chopsticks offered by Hu Wa. Without a hint of awkwardness, he fished a piece of stewed meat from the iron pot.

"Heh heh!"

"Heh heh heh!"

Xiong Er immediately set down the iron pot he had been embracing. Rubbing his greasy hands, he sidled closer to Ye Chen. "Boy, did you bring me any gifts?"

Looking at Xiong Er's avaricious, bear-like demeanor, Ye Chen felt an urge to kick him. However, he still took out a Hui Xuan Pill from his bosom and handed it over. "This is for you, brother."

Xiong Er chuckled, taking the pill. Then, he extended his chubby little hand again. "And for my wife?"

"Yes, yes, there's a share for everyone." Ye Chen said, feigning exasperation. He then produced four more spirit pills, distributing them to Tang Ru Xuan, Zhang Feng Nian, and Hu Wa. Even the little spirit eagle was fortunate enough to receive one.

Within the small spirit garden, the fragrance of meat lingered in the air. Several individuals sat together, like a family, a scene both warm and comforting.

After the meal, Tang Ru Xuan, ever virtuous, cleaned the bowls and chopsticks. The honest and sturdy Hu Wa also rolled up his sleeves to assist.

As for Ye Chen and Xiong Er, they huddled together once more.

"Boy, have you heard? After winning the outer sect grand competition this time, there's still another test to enter the inner sect." Xiong Er said, picking his teeth.

"A test? What kind of test?" Ye Chen was somewhat surprised.

"Between the inner and outer sects lies a stretch of wasteland. The disciples who win the grand competition must cross this wasteland to enter the inner sect. My old uncle told me that this wasteland is filled with array traps, demonic beasts, and even humanoid puppets. These are minor matters. I hear the inner sect will dispatch several dozen core disciples into that wasteland. Their cultivation is at least at the peak of the Human Yuan Realm. The outer sect disciples must break through their defensive line to be considered successful."

"I rely, are they playing games?" Even Ye Chen's composure couldn't help but crack, exclaiming a vulgarity. "The inner sect is clearly trying to make things difficult! This test might result in the utter destruction of the hard-earned victorious outer sect disciples!"

"My old uncle said that this is to test the disciples' ability to cooperate. The final outcome depends on individual performance."

"Why do I have a bad premonition?" Ye Chen rubbed his eyebrows.

This assessment to enter the inner sect of Heng Yue Sect might be far more challenging than that of Zheng Yang Sect. First, one had to stand out from thousands of outer sect disciples to even gain the qualification to enter the wasteland. But the test in the wasteland was even more grueling than the outer sect grand competition.

Late at night, Xiong Er and Tang Ru Xuan departed the small spirit garden.

Hu Wa and Zhang Feng Nian also settled down to sleep. Only then did Ye Chen take something out from his storage bag.

It was a spirit bead, and sealed within it was precisely that half of the Tian Ji Dan.

Looking at this Tian Ji Dan again from the perspective of an alchemist, Ye Chen's heart was filled with awe. Especially seeing the broken six patterns upon it, he was endlessly moved. With his current understanding of the Dao, how far was he from refining a six-pattern spirit pill?

"One Tian Ji Dan could very well create a Tian Ji Realm expert. I wonder if this half of a Tian Ji Dan can help a quasi-Tian Realm cultivator advance."

"The forces that vied for that Tian Ji Dan must be incredibly anxious now!"

"If they knew that the remaining half of the Tian Ji Dan was in my hands, I would surely meet a very miserable end."

Ye Chen stroked his chin, deep in thought. His mind was already contemplating finding a place to hide this half of the Tian Ji Dan. Keeping it on his person was a risk. If it were discovered, heaven only knew what troublesome events might unfold.

"Where should I hide it?" Ye Chen looked around.

Finally, his gaze fell upon the walls surrounding the small spirit garden. Three sides of the wall were constructed from large marble stones, while one side leaned against a rock face.

"Just there." He strode to the base of the rock face and, with a single finger, poked a small hole in it. The spirit bead containing the sealed Tian Ji Dan fit snugly within. Once done, he sealed the hole with a small stone.

Having completed these tasks, he settled down cross-legged in the garden.

Calming his heart and condensing his Qi, his mind stirred, and the true fire surged forth. He then used his mind to control the true fire, condensing it into an alchemy furnace.

One by one, spirit grasses were placed within.

This time, he was not refining pills, but Jade Spirit Liquid.

He understood that the upcoming outer sect grand competition, and especially the test in the wasteland, would be fraught with difficulty. Consumption was inevitable. But he couldn't possibly rely solely on Hui Xuan Pills for every instance of depletion.

Jade Spirit Liquid was different. Although its efficacy was not as potent as Hui Xuan Dan, it was far easier to refine. In general situations, as long as his true Qi was severely lacking, having Jade Spirit Liquid would suffice.

After several days of refinement, coupled with the tempering of alchemy, he could be said to be proficient in the refining of Jade Spirit Liquid.

In the quiet night, the small spirit garden was filled with the refreshing fragrance of medicine.

Near dawn, he finally withdrew the true fire. The refined Jade Spirit Liquid was poured into his purple-gold small gourd.

"Enough to last me a long time." Shaking the purple-gold small gourd, Ye Chen revealed a contented smile.

(End of Chapter)