Yun Lan Sect.
As the most powerful sect in the Jia Ma Empire, the Yun Lan Sect's headquarters is located on a majestic mountain just over ten miles from the capital of the Jia Ma Empire.
Because of the name of the Yun Lan Sect, this mountain is also called Yun Lan Mountain.
A mountain named after a sect highlights its extraordinary nature.
Yun Lan Mountain is steep, surrounded by cliffs on three sides, with only one road leading to the top. It is a dangerous place that is easy to defend but difficult to attack.
Moreover, the entire mountain is closely patrolled by Yun Lan Sect disciples, making it resemble a small fortress.
Just two miles from the foot of Yun Lan Mountain, 50,000 cavalrymen are stationed by the empire.
Although these 50,000 cavalrymen are said to be guarding the capital, it is clear that they are actually stationed to guard against the powerful force of the Yun Lan Sect.
This demonstrates the immense size and influence of the Yun Lan Sect.
At this moment, outside the main hall of the Yun Lan Sect, a middle-aged man with an elegant appearance walked in with noticeable anxiety.
This person is Gu He, an elder of the Yun Lan Sect and the most powerful alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire.
Upon hearing that Yun Yun had returned to the sect, Gu He rushed over immediately.
"Sect Master!"
At this time, Yun Yun was also in the hall.
As soon as Gu He entered, he quickly greeted her and looked at her expectantly.
"Did Sect Master obtain the Purple Spirit Crystal on this trip? I heard that a very intense battle took place in the Magic Beast Mountain Range a few days ago. It should have been between you and the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King."
Yun Yun's eyes flickered. She shook her head and remained silent, indicating that she did not obtain the Purple Spirit Crystal.
She had been feeling a bit distracted since leaving the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
Seeing this, Gu He sighed. He assumed Yun Yun's distraction was due to not acquiring the Purple Spirit Crystal.
Had he obtained the Purple Spirit Crystal, he could have refined the Purple Crystal Pill for Yanran.
However, Yun Yun then smiled and said, "Although I didn't get the Purple Spirit Crystal, I accidentally received a pill from a young alchemist that is even better than the Purple Crystal Pill."
Hearing this, Gu He raised his eyebrows, feeling a bit skeptical. Before he could ask, Yun Yun continued.
"I have already given the pill to Yanran. So far, the effects are excellent, with no side effects, and her cultivation has improved significantly."
Yun Yun's voice held deep admiration.
After all, most medicine contains some degree of poison, even if mild. While occasional use is fine, long-term, high doses can damage one's essence.
Yun Yun had not encouraged Nalan Yanran to take elixirs frequently, but in pursuit of faster cultivation, she trusted Gu He's ability to refine medicine. Thus, she had been eager to help him find the Purple Spirit Crystal.
But the pill given by Gu Fei was different. It showed no sign of toxicity.
It was mild and harmless, appearing to have no side effects at all. Yun Yun estimated that within a month, Nalan Yanran would successfully break through to the Grand Fighter realm.
Gu He frowned, puzzled by Yun Yun's admiration for another alchemist. How powerful could a pill made by a young man be? His Purple Crystal Pill was the best choice for a Dou Shi aiming to reach the level of a Grand Dou Shi.
Where had this young man obtained the elixir's recipe?
Nevertheless, Gu He observed that Nalan Yanran's cultivation had indeed improved after taking the elixir. The aura around her was much heavier, and her fighting spirit seemed solid and stable.
This pill indeed exceeded the expected effects of the Amethyst Pill.
"…" This result made it difficult for Gu He to express his concerns. Previously, Yun Yun had agreed to help him find a strange fire in the Tagor Desert as part of a condition for refining medicine.
However, since Yun Yun had already obtained a better pill from someone else, Gu He felt embarrassed to mention his request now.
His lips moved, and Yun Yun, who was somewhat slow to understand, knew what he was about to say from previous experiences.
"Elder Gu He, don't worry. I will still help you with what I promised before!"
"Just consider it a thank you for your previous help to the Yun Lan Sect."
Yun Yun spoke coldly.
Gu He had made great contributions to the Yun Lan Sect, providing rare alchemical services at minimal cost and often asking for little in return.
As the sect leader, Yun Yun knew that, despite Gu He's inability to help this time, it would be unjustifiable not to assist him.
"Thank you very much, Master!"
Gu He was overjoyed and continued, "This should be done as soon as possible. Let's set off tomorrow."
Yun Yun agreed readily.
…
In Shimo City.
With Gu Fei's help, Hai Bodong finally recovered his Dou Huang cultivation.
He broke the seal and felt his strength return.
However, Hai Bodong still did not dare to attack Gu Fei and handed over the half of the map as promised, albeit reluctantly.
In addition, he gave Gu Fei a map he had drawn that might indicate the location of the strange fire.
Of course, Gu Fei didn't actually need the strange fire's location, as he knew it had already been taken by Queen Medusa.
Searching for it now would be a waste of time.
What Gu Fei needed was a map of the desert.
"Very good! Thank you very much."
Gu Fei took the map with a smile, then left Gu Tu's shop with Xiao Yixian.
They needed to enter the desert itself.
Shimo City was only on the edge of the desert, and they were heading into the deep desert, where no human habitation existed.
The climate there was harsh, with extreme heat and scarce water resources. Thus, Gu Fei began purchasing supplies in Shimo City with Xiao Yixian.
Water was essential, and they also bought some food.
The Little Fairy Doctor followed Gu Fei obediently. Gu Fei did not ask her to help carry things but placed everything into the storage ring.
After gathering the supplies, they left the city, mounted the Lion King, and set off into the depths of the desert.