The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin clouds above the Body Sect, spilling over the massive bluestone buildings and bringing a hint of warmth.
On the eastern side of the sect lay a separate stone compound—the Apothecary Pavilion, one of the Body Sect's core facilities. It was built far from the residential area, both to prevent any accidents during refinement and to avoid disturbing the disciples. The surroundings were quiet, ideal for alchemy.
The apothecary grounds were spacious. Its walls were thicker than ordinary stone houses, and several cleverly designed vents ensured air circulation and regulated the interior temperature. Even before reaching the entrance, a distinctive scent drifted over—an intoxicating blend of herbs and faint traces of sulfur and fire.
When Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, and Ye Cien arrived with Ye Lingling, the little girl's hand clasped in Ye Cien's, they found that the Body Sect's three elders and Chen Yi were already waiting outside.
The Grand Elder had changed into a simple gray robe. He stood with his hands behind his back, his breathing deep and calm like an abyss. The Third Elder, sharp-eyed and efficient, was carefully checking the processed auxiliary herbs laid out by the door.
Standing beside the Grand Elder was someone who hadn't appeared yesterday—the Second Elder.
Seeing them approach, the Grand Elder smiled warmly and stepped forward to greet them.
"Elder Yang, Elder Yang, Elder Ye, and Miss Ye—early as always."
The Third Elder paused as well, smiling as he nodded.
The instant Ye Cien saw the Second Elder, an excitement he couldn't suppress surged across his face. He squeezed Ye Lingling's hand, then released it, took quick steps forward through the group, and walked straight up to the Second Elder.
Under Yang Wushuang's slightly startled gaze, Ye Cien bowed deeply, giving a solemn salute. His voice caught slightly.
"Senior Hua!"
Ye Lingling, standing nearby, had often heard her grandfather mention "Grandpa Hua." She had grown up hearing how he helped rebuild the Ye Family from ruin. Seeing her grandfather act with such gravity, she immediately followed with a respectful greeting.
"Lingling greets Grandpa Hua."
For a moment, Yang Wudi and Yang Wushuang were surprised by Ye Cien's sudden formality—then realization struck.
Yang Wushuang whispered, "Brother, what the Ye Family head said yesterday… that must be him. The Second Elder—the one who once took down Glazed City on his own."
Hearing that, understanding and respect flickered in Yang Wudi's eyes.
The Breaking Clan valued loyalty and repayment above all else. They admired those who would risk themselves to return a favor to the strong. And yesterday, Ye Cien had spoken of how, when the Body Sect was once pushed into danger due to a book donation by the Ye Family's young patriarch, the Body Sect had repeatedly ignored their own safety and openly clashed head-on with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, one of the three great powers.
After learning the history between the Body Sect and the Ye Family, Yang Wudi's impression of the sect subtly changed.
He had been extremely wary of major powers ever since the Clear Sky Sect's betrayal, but the Body Sect's style—repaying a drop of kindness with a spring—and their willingness to confront powerful forces without hesitation struck a value he recognized deep in his heart.
In contrast, the Clear Sky Sect's behavior back then seemed all the more despicable.
Coupled with Yang Wushuang's suggestion—using this alchemy cooperation to observe the Body Sect and seek a way out for the clan—Yang Wudi's subconscious resistance faded considerably.
A righteous sect like this is far more trustworthy than a sect of traitors like Clear Sky.
The Second Elder hurried forward and supported Ye Cien as he bowed. His usually serious face softened into a sincere, relieved smile.
"Brother Ye, why are you doing this? Quickly—get up. Lingling too, get up."
He studied Ye Cien carefully, then said with feeling, "After so many years apart, Junior Brother Ye hasn't changed at all. Your cultivation is even more refined."
"Yesterday, I had urgent matters within the sect and couldn't greet you properly. I truly neglected my duty. I hope Brother Ye won't take offense."
Ye Cien straightened at once, waving his hands repeatedly. The excitement in his eyes still hadn't faded.
"Senior Hua, you're too serious! Back then, Senior Brother and the Body Sect rebuilt the Ye Family together—such a favor can never be forgotten."
He took Ye Lingling's small hand and introduced her.
"Senior, this is Lingling, my son's daughter."
"Lingling—this Grandpa Hua is the greatest benefactor to both Grandfather and you. You must remember it in your heart."
Ye Lingling nodded obediently, curiosity shining in her eyes as she looked at the legendary elder she'd only heard of.
The Second Elder looked at the slender little girl and smiled with affectionate warmth.
"Good child. Nine Heart Begonia has a successor. Hui'er in heaven should be glad."
After the greetings, Ye Cien and the Second Elder naturally moved to one side, speaking quietly about their past experiences and the Ye Family's current situation. Ye Lingling and Chen Yi followed behind, listening silently.
At that moment, the Third Elder—responsible for the practical arrangements of the refinement—clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention.
"Everyone, the furnace and all auxiliary materials are fully prepared. We can open the furnace and begin refining at any time!"
Hearing that, the Second Elder ended the reunion talk with Ye Cien and turned back, his expression becoming solemn.
"Good. Immortal herbs are no trivial matter. The energy of heaven and earth within them is vast—and violent. During refinement, the medicinal properties may clash, and the risk of energy going out of control is extremely high."
"A moment of carelessness won't just waste our efforts—it could cause an explosion, endangering the alchemist and the apothecary itself."
"Therefore, I will personally use soul power to guard the furnace. The Grand Elder will use spiritual power to harmonize the internal medicinal liquid, suppress and guide the drug force, and ensure the refinement proceeds smoothly."
Hearing how thoroughly the Body Sect had prepared—even accounting for a worst-case furnace explosion, with an elder near the peak of a Titled Douluo personally standing guard—Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, and Ye Cien all nodded in secret, their hearts easing slightly.
Both the Breaking Clan and the Ye Family were proficient in alchemy. They knew better than most the danger of refining treasures as rare as immortal herbs. The strictness and professionalism the Body Sect displayed gave them far more confidence in the cooperation.
Yang Wudi unconsciously clenched his fist, thinking to himself:
This Body Sect acts cautiously and methodically. They're truly different from the arrogant, domineering Clear Sky Sect.
However, just as everyone thought everything was ready and they were about to open the furnace, they noticed the Grand Elder quietly observing the surroundings.
From time to time, he looked toward the deepest part of the sect. His brows lifted slightly, and a faint, surprised smile appeared—as if he had been expecting something.
He then turned to the Second Elder, who was about to mobilize his soul power, and said unhurriedly:
"Second Brother, today's task of guarding the spiritual medicine… likely won't fall to you."
"Huh?" The Second Elder froze, surprise and confusion flashing across his face.
The refinement was about to begin. If not him, who else could possibly take on such an important role? The Third Elder had only broken through less than a year ago—how could this be entrusted to him?
Before the Second Elder could voice the question—
Buzz—!
A pillar of pure, dazzling golden light shot up without warning from the depths of the sect's residential area, surging straight into the sky.
That golden light was neither as fierce as flame nor as warm as the sun. It was straight like a blade, piercing the heavens as if it meant to punch a hole clean through the firmament.
Where the light passed, the surrounding air hummed faintly. The vitality between heaven and earth seemed to be forcibly drawn in, trembling violently.
A terrifying aura—ancient and savage, as if born from a barbaric era—swept across the entire Body Sect in an instant, riding on that golden pillar!
Under that breath alone, even the Second and Third Elders' expressions turned grave in an instant.
Yang Wushuang's face changed dramatically. His breathing stalled, and within his body, the Soul Breaking Spear martial soul trembled faintly, teetering on the edge of losing control—an instinctive reaction to a higher existence.
Ye Cien subconsciously pulled Ye Lingling behind him, shock written across his face.
Everyone's gaze was drawn irresistibly toward the golden pillar that connected heaven and earth. Stormy waves surged through their hearts.
Before the apothecary, the tense atmosphere of alchemy preparation was completely shattered by this sudden, shocking spectacle.
The Grand Elder stared at the golden light. The smile in his eyes deepened, and he murmured so softly that only he could hear:
"At last… did you succeed?"
…
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