Fei Biao was deeply shocked. He had always assumed Lin Feng's cultivation level wasn't particularly high. Yet now, it seemed Lin Feng actually intended to join the sect competition! Could he possibly be at the 8th level of Foundation Building already?! Was he hiding his true strength?!
Lin Feng chuckled softly. "Haha, Senior Brother Fei, did you forget what I just said? The Vice-Sect Master and Elder Guo rewarded me with more than one Xuanyang Pellet last time."
Understanding dawned on Fei Biao. Lin Feng could afford to gift him a pellet precisely because he either had ample supply or had already consumed his fill. He offered well-meaning advice: "So... Junior Brother Lin used Xuanyang Pellets to reach the 8th level? Forgive this senior brother for speaking out of turn, but while those pellets are incredibly potent... it's best not to rely on them too heavily..."
"I appreciate the reminder, Senior Brother Fei," Lin Feng replied with a smile. "Could you now elaborate on the specifics of the sect competition? My interest is genuine."
Though Fei Biao privately thought Lin Feng's ambition was somewhat unrealistic, he also understood the irresistible allure of the Blackmist Herb Valley trial. Wasn't he himself, against better judgment, hoping to try? After a brief pause, he began slowly: "Junior Brother Lin, how much do you know about the Blackmist Herb Valley? It's an exceedingly mysterious place, perpetually shrouded in thick, black fog. That fog... it's actually poisonous miasma."
"When the miasma thickens, even Golden Core cultivators cannot withstand it. However, it's said that once you enter the valley proper, the miasma disappears. Inside… it's a treasure trove. Countless second and third-grade spirit herbs, even fourth-grade herbs have been found!"
"But normally, the valley's miasma is utterly lethal. Nine out of ten cultivators who enter never return. Eventually, someone discovered that the miasma at the valley's entrance thins dramatically once every five years. That brief period is the only safe entry point."
"Once this secret was out, every time the valley opened, hordes of cultivators descended upon it." Fei Biao's voice grew somber. "Each opening became a bloodbath. Countless died. Death by the valley's toxins or its savage beasts? That was rare. Most were killed by fellow cultivators vying for the treasures."
"The losses became unbearable for the major sects. They convened and forged an agreement: Blackmist Herb Valley would become an exclusive trial ground for their disciples. Each opening, the sects could send disciples inside to seek fortune. This served two purposes: training the next generation and securing the valley's riches."
"The agreement stipulates each sect can send a maximum of ten disciples per opening," Fei Biao explained. "They must be contemporary disciples under fifty years of age. Our Lingyue Sect adds its own rule: no disciple can participate in two consecutive trials. If you go this time, you must skip the next opening five years later, waiting for the one after. This ensures more disciples get a chance."
"The next opening is in one month," Fei Biao continued. "And in ten days, our sect holds its competition to determine who goes this time. Many senior inner disciples, like the Sect Leader's chief disciple, Xu Huaishan, or the top disciple of the East Courtyard, Qin Muchu… they all went five years ago. So, this year's trial presents a much larger opportunity for others."
"That's why so many disciples are burning with ambition, sharpening their skills to seize one of the coveted spots."
...
Lin Feng listened intently as Fei Biao recounted the details of the Blackmist Herb Valley trial. After a long moment of silence, he asked, "The sect competition is in ten days? How does one register? And what is the format?"
"Registration happens directly at the main plaza in front of the Sect Hall on the day of the competition," Fei Biao answered. "I hear the Great Elder himself will preside. Once all participants are counted, he'll announce the challenge on the spot. Typically… everyone is tasked with refining the same type of pill."
"Victory goes to those who produce the highest quantity and quality within the time limit. The top ten earn their place in the Valley. Even those who don't make the top ten can benefit," he added. "Outstanding performance might catch the eye of an elder... perhaps leading to becoming a personal disciple!"
Lin Feng's brow furrowed slightly. "Do they refine the pills right there on the plaza?"
"Of course not!" Fei Biao exclaimed. "How many of us junior disciples could focus amid such a crowd? All participants are led to a side hall and assigned to isolated rooms where they refine alone."
Relief washed over Lin Feng, a faint smile touching his lips. "Ah, I see. Thank you for the detailed explanation, Senior Brother Fei. I must head to the back mountains now to check on the spirit beasts. Would you care to join?"
"No! Absolutely not!!" Fei Biao recoiled violently, shaking his head like a rattle drum. "Since Junior Brother has duties, I'll take my leave! I... I also need to prepare! Try my luck in ten days! Farewell, Junior Brother Lin Feng!!"
He dashed away as if fearing Lin Feng might drag him along, showing no sign of his previous injuries in his haste.
"Ha…" Lin Feng chuckled softly, shaking his head before turning towards the path behind the dwellings, his mind already working.
"Blackmist Herb Valley… Little Jing will be going. Will Zhang Fangzhou also participate? Regardless… it's worth trying. There might be substantial gains inside."
"After emerging from the Valley… it will likely be time to leave this place…"
...
Pondering the upcoming competition, Lin Feng entered the forested back mountains. He sought out each spirit beast in turn, distributing large quantities of pills.
The beasts had endured days of deep dissatisfaction. Previously content with defective pills, half a year of Lin Feng's top-grade offerings had spoiled them utterly. These past days, starved of proper pills, they'd suffered—not physically harmed, but like addicts deprived of their vice, deeply uncomfortable.
Lin Feng's return brought immense joy. Even the notoriously aloof Ironhide Grizzly Bear cracked a terrifying semblance of a grin at him.
Having placated the beasts, Lin Feng did not return to his quarters. Instead, he made his way to the secluded cave he had dug out when he first consumed a Xuanyang Pellet. This spot had become his primary cultivation site, especially when employing the third-grade Spirit Gathering Array. Its isolation offered safety; discovery would invite trouble.
Today, he returned with a purpose: to ascend further, reaching the 8th level of Foundation Building.
He had resolved to abstain from further Xuanyang Pellets. Yet, the emergence of the Blackmist Herb Valley trial compelled him. Only by using one now could he reach the required 8th level in time for the competition and secure qualification.
Before consuming the pellet, however, Lin Feng had another matter to address…
Settling onto a meditation cushion deep within the cave, Lin Feng retrieved his alchemy furnace and placed it centrally. After a moment of contemplation, he withdrew a set of herbs for refining Qi Gathering Pills. Channeling his True Essence, he conjured a sphere of spiritual fire from nothingness and directed it into the furnace.
Flames roared to life within. Lin Feng carefully added the herbs, focusing intently on the refining process.
He deliberately bypassed the furnace's built-in fire-gathering array. Instead, he fueled the flames solely with his own conjured spiritual fire. This granted him unparalleled control, but at a staggering cost to his reserves. At only the 7th level of Foundation Building, his True Essence was limited.
Soon, beads of sweat glistened on his forehead, and his brow furrowed with deepening concentration.
Moments later, Lin Feng's gaze sharpened. He raised his right hand and struck the furnace sharply. Bang!
The flames within seemed to leap violently. A faint, pure medicinal aroma began to waft from the furnace vent…
Lin Feng's pill-refining skills were now quite proficient; concocting the basic Qi Gathering Pills posed no real challenge. This batch was successfully completed. Yet, instead of retrieving the pills, his expression grew even more focused and grave. Raising his left hand, he surprisingly tossed several more herbs into the furnace. His eyes narrowed, his entire being concentrating intensely, as if straining to perceive something elusive.
Another tense moment passed. Suddenly, Lin Feng's eyes flashed with profound insight. He whispered the command with fierce determination:
"Repair!!"