Given the old man's reminder, Ming Qi took a closer look at the so-called additional conditions.
A remarkably recognizable name, coupled with a very significant identity.
Dan Pavilion Elder, Zhao Qi.
Sure enough, he was connected to the old alchemists. Ming Qi knew the moment he saw the name. Zhao Qi was the head of the Biyou Sect's Dan Pavilion, overseeing the expenses of the numerous disciples. While his rank was similar to that of other elders, his status was significantly higher.
Alchemy is the foundation of a cultivator, like the rations and logistics of an army. Think about it, would anyone sincerely want to offend the logistics chief?
The answer was obvious: no.
In this additional content, Zhao Qi's message was simple: if you complete the basic quest requirements, you'll receive a personal meeting from Zhao Qi and be taught an alchemy recipe on the spot. If you can use the rewarded alchemy furnace to refine a batch of elixirs according to the given recipe within the time limit, you'll have the opportunity to become an alchemist at the Alchemy Pavilion.
If you pass the test and become an alchemist, Zhao Qi will hand you an Alchemy Pavilion token, granting you access to most key areas within the pavilion and allowing you to learn more about elixirs and furnaces.
Clearly, this path is long and the temptation is immense.
Alchemists are highly sought-after professions, and possessing an alchemy furnace is like the God of Wealth's treasure bowl.
Ming Qi suddenly felt that becoming an alchemist would be a truly promising option.
But becoming an alchemist isn't easy. Just looking at Zhao Qi's search for disciples with alchemy talent, even focusing on the sect's quests, shows how well-intentioned he is.
While ordinary innate masters can mobilize the vital energy of heaven and earth to refine a batch of elixirs, or forge a formidable magical weapon using natural fire, there's a huge difference between them and true alchemists and weaponsmiths.
To put it in the language of the experts, true alchemists and weaponsmiths possess their own souls, distinct souls capable of bridging the worlds of elixir and weaponry.
Devoting their souls to their craft is the essence of alchemy and weaponsmithing.
Ordinary innate masters simply can't be called masters.
Like alchemists and weaponsmiths, both require unique talents to qualify. Take alchemy, for example: the first fundamental requirement is reaching the innate realm, and the second is the ability to manipulate various forms of fire. Simply relying on external forces will never make one a master.
Thinking of this, Ming Qi was stunned. Could it be that this mission wasn't even for post-natal cultivators?
So, Ming Qi's attention naturally fell on the mission requirements.
"Twenty Innate Demon Pills!"
Ming Qi immediately wanted to curse. Twenty Innate Demon Pills meant twenty Innate Demon Beasts. You'd have to kill twenty Innate Demon Beasts to get them!
"Do you think I can kill that many Innate Demon Beasts?"
Ming Qi looked at the old man before him, unsure of how to express his surprise.
Innate Demon Beasts aren't watermelons that can be killed at will?
"It's not like you haven't killed Innate Demon Beasts before. If you can kill one, you can kill twenty. Don't forget, this offers the chance to become an alchemist and enter the Alchemy Pavilion."
The old man had indeed seen through the key point, especially the immense temptation.
Entering the Alchemy Pavilion was undoubtedly a massive temptation, one that any cultivator would find irresistible.
While others may not know, Ming Qi himself is well aware that the credit for his acquisition of the several innate demon pills went entirely to Meng Ling, and he himself hadn't contributed much. Given his current strength, slaying an innate demon beast wasn't impossible, but it would be extremely difficult. He simply hadn't considered asking Meng Ling to do it directly. Ming Qi's personality was such that he didn't want to rely too heavily on others.
"There are plenty of experts in the Inner Sect, why did you choose me?"
This mission involved a lot, and Ming Qi wouldn't simply assume this old man was being kind.
Indeed, there were many talented Inner Sect disciples, all of whom were innately powerful. Logically, many aspired to become alchemists, so there was no reason to leave this task to Ming Qi.
"Those from the inner sect?"
The old man, upon hearing this, immediately revealed a hint of disdain. "Many of their hearts are no longer with the Biyou Sect."
It's true that the inner sect disciples are excellent, but the more outstanding they are, the more dissatisfied they are with the status quo. As a third-rate sect, the Biyou Sect may have a place in the vast land of Xilan Province, but ultimately it's still a second-rate force, far inferior to the Seven Great Prefectures, let alone Xilan Province's Xiongfeng City.
These major factions, knowing full well that people's minds tend to change, have even developed specialized selection methods, periodically conducting mass scouting of disciples from their smaller sects.
This way, given the prospect of better protection and resources, anyone could leave their current sect at any time and join a larger group.
This seems to be an unchangeable fact among small sects: the elites they painstakingly cultivate often end up serving as wedding dresses for others.
While these small sects are affiliated with the seven prefectures and Xilan Province's Xiongfeng City, who would sincerely give away the fruits of their hard work?
The old man's statement that the inner disciples' hearts were no longer with the Biyou Sect was undeniably true.
After all, everyone aspires to ascend to higher positions, especially in the world of immortal cultivation, a world characterized by the survival of the fittest. Planning a good shelter is far more important than finding a suitable cultivation technique.
The logic is simple. You're a genius, indeed, and you've reached the Xiantian realm in just a few years. But what? Wouldn't anyone at the seventh or eighth level of the Xiantian realm still defeat you?
"You're willing to disobey the Sword Elder's wishes for Tianqi Academy. This shows your sincerity. The Biyou Sect needs disciples like you."
The old man's expression deepened with regret as he spoke.
Ming Qi shook his head and said, "Even if I gather twenty Xiantian demon pills, what's the point? I haven't broken through to the Xiantian realm, so I can't refine pills at all."
The old man's words were true, but Ming Qi wasn't going to believe them outright. Fact versus fact, he wanted to see if the old man had any other ideas.
"Zhao Qi has his reasons for doing this. The lack of a time limit on this mission shows it. He doesn't want the inner disciples to interfere, so many things aren't explicitly stated. I'm sure you can guess why, so I don't need to explain."
The old man addressed Zhao Qi directly, clearly indicating a special relationship with Dan Pavilion Elder Zhao Qi.
From this, it seemed Zhao Qi was genuinely interested in selecting someone from the outer sect who could truly serve the interests of the Biyou Sect.
"Since there's no time limit, then fine. I can't let your kindness go to waste. I'll take this mission."
Ming Qi put the mission information away.
Business done, the old man didn't linger any longer. After exchanging a few simple pleasantries, he left Tianqi Academy.
After the old man left, Ming Qi began to weigh the pros and cons of the matter.
He had considered alchemy, but he also knew how difficult it was to become an alchemist. Now it seemed there was hope. Although the Biyou Sect was only a third-rate sect, Zhao Qi's alchemy skills were far superior. If he could receive his guidance, he would surely achieve great success in alchemy.
Furthermore, Ming Qi had already activated the Red Refining Heavenly Fire from the Mountain and Sea Map, a truly powerful alchemy weapon. With an alchemy furnace, even if he hadn't yet reached the Xiantian stage, it wouldn't be impossible.
Of course, he wouldn't act rashly without thoroughly understanding the underlying circumstances.
And there was another, more obvious point: Zhao Qi's true intention: to train an alchemist who would wholeheartedly serve the Biyou Sect, not just someone who would learn the techniques and then leave.
If Ming Qi accepted Zhao Qi's guidance and successfully became an alchemist for the Biyou Sect, it seemed he would be forever bound to the sect.
Of course, Ming Qi didn't believe Zhao Qi would use any coercive means to force him to serve the Biyou Sect; his restraint stemmed entirely from his own moral compass.
As for what the old man had just said, about the inner disciples' changing minds and their desire to seek better opportunities, Ming Qi also understood this.
The seven major prefectures had different selection systems. For example, the Dongling Chifu, the current ruler of the Arbitration Hall, recruited outstanding talent through a process known as the Rookie Flag. Another example was the selection of Xiongfeng City, the highest authority in Xilan Province, based on a large-scale adventurous trial known as the "Fanatical Envoy." From this selection, a young generation of exceptional strength and talent was selected and carefully nurtured.
In short, the various major factions employed a myriad of methods to recruit talent, offering countless opportunities for status, profit, and power.
It's no wonder that countless cultivators from smaller sects are abandoning their current pursuits.
Is the Biyou Sect planning a major move?
The eighth largest faction in Xilan Province?
Ming Qi pondered this and suddenly felt as if he'd missed something crucial. His mind seemed to be stuck on the assumption that the Biyou Sect was a third-rate sect.
Prince Xu was clearly recruiting disciples with a natural kung fu talent. His dedication was evident in the fact that he personally presided over the assessments for incoming disciples.
Then there was Zhao Qi from the Dan Pavilion, and more!
Ming Qi immediately thought of the upcoming Golden Autumn Festival. With the festival imminent, rumors were circulating about the rewards.
Ming Qi didn't know what previous Golden Autumn Festivals were like, but from the private discussions of the disciples, he had caught a crucial glimpse: the rewards for this year's event would be significantly more generous than before!
Much more, not just a little!
The perceptive Ming Qi seemed to have smelled a subtle scent from it.