After the sect-wide competition at Haoran Sect concluded, it triggered a wave of cultivation fervor. Disciples who had gained new insights during the event, broken through on the spot, or discovered their own shortcomings, all entered secluded cultivation, hoping to transform their realizations into real progress.
Yun Xi also went into a short seclusion, primarily to study formations. It was a gap in her knowledge that needed to be filled.
But before that, she used the pretext of consulting Dan Yang Zhēnrén about pill refinement and brought Dian Dian along to visit Dan Peak. Of course, she had Zong Hao make the introduction.
Dan Yang Zhēnrén wasn't surprised by Yun Xi's visit. He had heard from his disciple, Wei Zonghao, that Yun Xi came from a renowned pill-refining family and had been exposed to alchemy from a very young age.
Combined with her connection to Yu Ling Zhēnjūn, Dan Yang Zhēnrén was more than happy to build a rapport with her. It's a mistake to assume technical cultivators don't need allies. In fact, it's cultivators like them who need to cultivate strong ties with powerful peers.
Everyone knows that pill refiners are typically weak in combat. It's rare to find one who excels in both alchemy and fighting, since pill refining consumes so much time and spiritual energy. That forces most to specialize in only one path—unless, of course, they're some once-in-a-generation, all-round genius.
As such, once a pill refiner's skills reach a certain level, they often become targets. Pills are indispensable in cultivation, and some cultivators have been known to forcibly seize pill refiners for personal use.
There were incidents in the cultivation world where pill refiners were kidnapped. In response, the Weiyu Realm established the Pill Alliance.
The Pill Alliance not only organizes examinations and evaluates the ranks of pill refiners, but also researches new recipes and monitors those who receive official recognition. Its goal is to prevent pill refiners from being manipulated or coerced.
Of course, if a powerful sect, family, or individual chooses to sponsor and protect a pill refiner, the Pill Alliance won't interfere. That's a mutually beneficial agreement between both parties.
When Yun Xi arrived at Dan Peak, Wei Zonghao was already waiting at the foot of the mountain.
As they walked, their conversation revolved around alchemy. Midway through, Zong Hao brought up the topic of apprenticeship.
"Yun Xi, Yu Huo Zhēnjūn wants to take me as his disciple."
"Oh? I thought you said Dan Yang Zhēnrén wanted to take you in?"
Zong Hao scratched his head and replied, "It was Dan Yang Zhēnrén who taught me alchemy from the start, but the peak master sometimes visits the pill furnaces too. He knows who I am.
Since I did well in the sect competition, the peak master's been considering formally taking me under his wing."
"Does Dan Yang Zhēnrén know about this?"
"He does. He even encouraged me to join the peak master."
"Then what are you hesitating for?"
Zong Hao looked a little embarrassed.
"I just feel bad for Dan Yang Zhēnrén."
It was his genuine feeling.
Yun Xi smiled. "I actually think becoming the peak master's disciple would help you learn far more."
"But still—"
Yun Xi raised her hand to stop him from continuing. She sent him a voice transmission.
"Zong Hao, you're already in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Within ten years, you'll definitely form your Golden Core. Once that happens, you'll be able to refine third-grade pills. Dan Yang Zhēnrén is only a fourth-grade alchemist. There's only so much he can teach you, and it might even start holding you back.
The reason Yu Huo Peak Master wants you is not just because of your cultivation speed, but because you can protect yourself. Add your talent in pill refining to that, and your future potential is undeniable. That's why he wants you.
All things considered, I think you should join him.
Besides, I have a small personal reason too. Wei Yunqing is currently a registered disciple under the peak master. Whether he'll formally take her in is still unclear, but if he does, then with you nearby, you can keep an eye on her for me. Just in case she tries to make trouble for me again."
Wei Zonghao nodded. "I understand. I've never slacked off in my cultivation. I want to be the kind of pill refiner who can protect himself."
"As you should. And I believe you can do it."
The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other without needing to say more. With the speed they cultivated, there was no way either of them would fall behind.
When they reached the halfway point up the mountain, where Dan Yang Zhēnrén resided, they entered into another round of discussion.
Yun Xi and Dan Yang Zhēnrén spoke about various alchemical tricks and subtle techniques. After a while, she turned to Zong Hao.
"Zong Hao, I have some private matters to discuss with Dan Yang Zhēnrén. Could you help refine some Beast Spirit Pills for my spirit beast?"
She reached into her robes and pulled out Dian Dian, handing him over while giving Zong Hao a playful wink.
Zong Hao got the message and left the cave with Dian Dian.
Dan Yang Zhēnrén chuckled. "Does Junior Sister Wei have something to ask of me?"
Yun Xi gave a small laugh. "I do have something to talk to you about—regarding Zong Hao's apprenticeship."
At the mention of Wei Zonghao's apprenticeship, Dan Yang Zhēnrén waved a hand. "The peak master already told me. I have no objection. Zong Hao is a fine seedling—not only gifted in alchemy, but diligent in cultivation as well. That Yu Huo Zhēnjūn took notice doesn't surprise me at all."
"That's very generous of you, Zhēnrén. Zong Hao's alchemical foundation was laid by you. Even if he never officially became your disciple, you're still his first true teacher."
"Haha, you clever girl. Speaking up for your brother at such a young age. No wonder Zong Hao is always talking about you."
Yun Xi smiled sheepishly. Compared to Dan Yang Zhēnrén, who had a bone age of over three hundred, she really was still a girl. But then, she took out a jade slip and handed it to him.
"This is?"
"Senior Brother Dan Yang, this is a pill refinement technique passed down in my maternal family. It differs somewhat from the techniques taught here in the sect. I'd like to share and discuss it with you today. I hope it can help you refine your own craft."
At the mention of alchemy, Dan Yang Zhēnrén's interest was piqued. But before accepting, he asked again to be sure.
"This is a family technique. Are you allowed to share it?"
Yun Xi nodded. "Of course. The ancestor has approved my exchanging pill refinement knowledge with senior members of the sect."
She wasn't making it up. When she stayed with the Feng family in Kunyu City, she had already discussed it with the ancestor Feng. In fact, she had shared several advanced techniques from the sect's alchemy with him too.
Coming from an era of information explosion, Yun Xi deeply understood the value of sharing technology. Working in isolation leads to stagnation, and she didn't want that for her family.
Ancestor Feng Feng had been convinced and was even supportive of exchanging techniques—though Yun Xi would always notify him beforehand.
Now, hearing her explanation, Dan Yang Zhēnrén finally accepted the jade slip. His disappointment at not taking Wei Zonghao as a disciple faded a little. Improving his alchemy skills was an excellent consolation prize.
Meanwhile, Zong Hao had tucked Dian Dian into his sleeve and brought him to the Dan Peak herb fields. He didn't have the necessary spirit herbs on hand to refine Beast Spirit Pills, so he needed to gather some first.
After explaining the situation to the senior guarding the herb fields, Zong Hao handed over his identity jade slip for registration.
Once everything was logged, the senior allowed him to enter the fields and pick herbs as needed. Points or spirit stones would be deducted later. Zong Hao offered polite thanks before heading into the herb fields.
The fields were divided by region. The ingredients for Beast Spirit Pills were located in the northwestern corner, so he made his way in that direction.
Dian Dian gave a sharp chirp. Zong Hao didn't break stride but gave his sleeve a subtle flick. Dian Dian took the cue, leapt down, and dove straight into the ground.