The "Ten Thousand Stars Paying Homage" phenomenon triggered by the sprouting of the Myriad Stars Sundial seedlings was like a stellar bomb dropped on the Tianyan Sect and even the entire Eastern Region. The title of Starfall Peak as the "Sacred Land of Stars" was now fully confirmed.
At the core of the peak, the three-inch-tall Myriad Stars Sundial seedling quietly grew, enveloped in a chaotic star halo. Its two star-patterned leaves slowly rotated, absorbing and releasing massive amounts of star power, radiating a captivating Daoist aura. Feng Qinghuang, like the most loyal guardian, sat cross-legged before the seedling, her Tribulation Transcending Realm aura perfectly resonating with the sapling. The dark red aura of the Annihilation Seal was gradually fading under the continuous flow of star power. The person and the seedling together formed the most mysterious and powerful core of Starfall Peak.
And our Peak Master Lin has finally ushered in the most glorious moment since his transmigration: "serious chain repair"!
Thanks to the [Myriad Stars' Protection] state brought by the Myriad Stars Sundial Seedling, and the faint "planter" connection with the seedling, the abundant star power of Starfall Peak became exceptionally "friendly" to him. The originally obscure and difficult-to-understand [Star-Guiding Chapter] scripture now seemed to have its veil lifted, becoming much clearer.
Lin Yuan sat cross-legged in a corner of the stone platform, far from the core but still rich in star power, and cleared his mind of distractions (mainly because the Empress's disciple's gaze put him under immense pressure), circulating his spiritual power according to the method.
Buzz!
This time, it wasn't a case of throwing good money after bad! Strands of pure and gentle stellar power, like fireflies summoned, willingly and joyfully merged into his parched meridians! Although the quantity was still small and the speed still slow, it was indeed a genuine induction of stellar power into his body!
"It's done! I'm finally not just a pure AFK player anymore!" Lin Yuan was overjoyed, almost unable to contain his excitement. He carefully guided this precious wisp of star power, circulating it throughout his body along the most basic route recorded in the [Star Guiding Chapter]. With each cycle, the wisp of star power grew stronger and more refined, like the gentlest carving knife, slowly widening and nourishing his narrow meridians.
Although it was nowhere near as spectacular as Feng Qinghuang's swallowing of the starry sea, this was a genuine, active cultivation of the body! A breakthrough from zero! Lin Yuan was so moved he almost cried. He even felt that the cultivation speed of the [Star Tempering Technique - Divine Treasure Chapter] had increased considerably, and the soreness in his muscles had lessened somewhat (it might just be a placebo effect).
Just as Lin Yuan was immersed in the self-intoxication of "I am a genius," a gentle yet undeniably authoritative voice rang out from the mountaintop:
"Peak Master of Starfall Peak, young friend Lin Yuan, I, Xing Yun, have come to pay my respects."
A slight ripple appeared in the void, and the figure of Sect Master Xingyun Immortal King silently appeared at the edge of the stone platform. He wore a star-patterned Daoist robe, his face was gentle, but deep in his eyes was a complex and... undisguised longing. No other peak masters followed behind him, and he kept a very low profile, even using humble terms such as "young friend" and "paying a visit."
Gu Chen and the group of handyman disciples were so frightened that they immediately bowed and greeted the Sect Master!
Feng Qinghuang merely opened her eyes slightly, glanced at Xingyun, and nodded gently as a greeting before focusing on protecting the Myriad Stars Sundial Seedlings. In her view, apart from the Emperor Ancestor and Lin Yuan (who could be considered a minor figure), everyone else was insignificant.
Lin Yuan quickly stopped his practice and stood up, patting the dust off his backside (although the stone platform was very clean), trying his best to put on the composed demeanor that a "peak master" should have (but the effect was limited): "So it is the sect master who has graced us with his presence! I am so sorry for not welcoming you properly! I wonder what brings the sect master to my humble peak?" He knew perfectly well that the sect master had come for the Star Seedling and Star Pill Dao.
Xingyun Immortal King's gaze swept over the wondrous Myriad Stars Sundial seedling in the core area and the Phoenix Qinghuang guarding it, a flash of shock crossing his eyes. He looked at Lin Yuan, a warm smile on his face, his tone carrying a hint of negotiation, even a touch of...pleading?
"Peak Master Lin, Starfall Peak has received the blessing of the Emperor Ancestor, and the divine seed has sprouted, becoming the supreme holy land of our sect. This is a great fortune for our sect!" Immortal King Xingyun first flattered them, then changed the subject, "However, the Great Dao of the Stars is vast and profound. The core of the peak is where my friend Feng Qinghuang and the divine object coexist, and I dare not disturb them. But... this outer area is rich in star power and naturally imbued with Daoist charm, truly a supreme treasure land for comprehending the laws of the stars."
He paused, observing Lin Yuan's expression, and continued, "Many core disciples of the sect, and even some elders, yearn for the Dao of Stars, yet lack the means to attain it. I humbly request Peak Master Lin to open up a portion of the outer area of Starfall Peak, allowing core disciples of the sect to come and comprehend it for several days each month... well, a limited number. Peak Master Lin, please feel free to ask for the contribution points or resources required!"
Opening the enlightenment area? Charging admission? Lin Yuan's eyes lit up instantly! This was a lucrative business opportunity that would make money hand over fist! Moreover, the sect leader's attitude practically elevated Starfall Peak to a status comparable to the Dharma Transmission Hall!
"Sect Master, you flatter me!" Lin Yuan rubbed his hands together, his face revealing an undisguised "shrewd businessman" smile. "Cultivating talent for the sect is the duty of us cultivators! Opening up the comprehension area is a piece of cake! As for the quota and fees..." He deliberately dragged out his words.
"Ten spots per month! Each person must pay 10,000 high-grade spirit stones or equivalent contribution points each time! Each enlightenment session is limited to three days! The allocation of spots will be decided by our peak!" Lin Yuan demanded an exorbitant amount. 10,000 high-grade spirit stones! That's a huge sum even for core disciples! But considering the impact this place will be, there will definitely be people fighting tooth and nail for it!
Immortal King Xingyun's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, but he still readily nodded: "Alright! As Peak Master Lin agrees!" Things that can be solved with spirit stones are no problem for the Tianyan Sect.
"Furthermore..." Immortal King Xingyun looked at Lin Yuan, his eyes even more fervent, "Peak Master Lin pioneered the Starry Sky Alchemy Path, turning the rotten into the miraculous, truly a new path in alchemy! Everyone on the Dan Ding Peak of the sect yearns for it. I wonder if Peak Master Lin... could spare some time to occasionally offer guidance? Even just explaining some basic concepts would greatly enhance the sect's alchemy! Of course, Dan Ding Peak is willing to repay you with the highest honors!"
Guiding Dan Ding Peak? Lin Yuan's heart skipped a beat. Let him teach alchemy? Wouldn't that expose his ignorance in no time? His "Stir-Fryer Alchemy Technique" relied entirely on the system and the [Starry Sky Pill Decipherment] to maintain appearances. If he were to actually teach, he'd probably be seen as a fraud and beaten up.
"Ahem, well..." Lin Yuan's eyes darted around, and an idea came to him. He pointed to Gu Chen, who was drooling over the Chaos Star Cauldron (which Lin Yuan had deliberately placed in a conspicuous spot to show off), and said, "Sect Master, you may not know this, but my Starry Sky Pill Dao is profound and cannot be mastered overnight. Elder Gu Chen is exceptionally talented and obsessed with the Dao of Pills. He has already received some of my true teachings! It is most suitable for him to represent our peak and regularly go to Pill Cauldron Peak to exchange ideas and discuss basic pill principles! As for more profound things... well, the time is not yet right, so it cannot be passed on lightly!" He directly passed the buck to the fanatical fan, Gu Chen.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chen was so excited he almost jumped up! To represent the Peak Master at Dan Ding Peak for exchanges? To guide his (former) colleague? This was simply the pinnacle of his life! He immediately patted his chest and assured him, "Sect Master, rest assured! This old man will certainly live up to the Peak Master's high expectations! I will carry forward the 'fundamental principles' of the Starry Sky Pill Dao!" He specifically emphasized the "fundamental principles," deeply understanding Lin Yuan's essence of shifting blame.
Xingyun Immortal King glanced at Gu Chen, then at Lin Yuan, knowing this was probably Lin Yuan's bottom line. He was already pleasantly surprised to have Gu Chen's offer of communication. He nodded in satisfaction, "Excellent! Thank you, Peak Master Lin! Thank you, Elder Gu Chen!"
Just as the sect leader was preparing to take his leave, and the guests and hosts were enjoying themselves immensely—
"It's done! I've done it! Hahahaha!!!"
A burst of wild, almost manic laughter came from the makeshift "alchemy shed" that Gu Chen had set up on the other side of the stone platform!
Elder Gu Chen, with his messy hair scorched by the pill fire, his face streaked with black and white, and holding a jade bowl high in his hand, rushed out in a mad manner. The bowl contained a dozen or so pills the size of longan, pale blue in color, with faint star patterns flowing on the surface, and emitting a familiar sweet scent.
"Peak Master! Sect Master! Look!" Gu Chen's beard trembled with excitement. "I! I've finally succeeded in refining a simplified version of the 'Star Gathering Spirit Pill'! I call it... 'Minor Star Powder'! Although its efficacy is less than one percent of the original version, Peak Master, its advantage lies in the easy availability of materials! The refining threshold has been greatly lowered! It only requires basic spiritual herbs and a small amount of star nectar juice! The cost is low! It's suitable for large-scale refining! It's more than enough to give to outer sect disciples as candy... ugh, as an auxiliary pill for cultivation! Hahahaha!"
Gu Chen presented the jade bowl to Lin Yuan and Xing Yun like a treasure. The pills looked good and had a pure fragrance, but compared to the original version that Lin Yuan made with a wok, it was far inferior in terms of both the starlight content and the fluctuation of the aura. It was a "youthful version" among "youthful versions".
Lin Yuan picked up a "Little Star Powder," weighed it in his hand, and smelled it. He secretly praised, "This old Gu is something else! After learning from him for so long, he actually managed to produce a knock-off! Although the effect is weak, it's mass-producible! Isn't this a benefit tailor-made for lower-level disciples?"
Xingyun Immortal King's eyes gleamed! He picked up a pill and carefully sensed it. Although its effects were weak, the pure stellar aura and gentle nourishing properties were undeniable! Moreover, the cost was low! What did this mean? It meant that even the outer disciples and menial disciples of the Tianyan Sect could enjoy the benefits of the Star Pill Dao! This was a monumental achievement for solidifying the sect's foundation!
"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" Immortal King Xingyun exclaimed three times, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Gu Chen. "Elder Gu Chen is truly talented! This pill is of immense merit to the sect! I will immediately order the Pill Cauldron Peak to fully cooperate in the large-scale refining of 'Minor Stardust Powder'! The required stardust juice will be purchased from Starfall Peak at market price... no! At a 30% premium!"
"Sect Master is wise!" Gu Chen was so excited that tears streamed down his face, feeling that his life's value had been realized to the fullest.
Lin Yuan was overjoyed. The berries could be sold for money again! And it was an exclusive supply! This was practically a guaranteed way to make spirit stones! He waved his hand and said, "No problem! Xiao Cui! From now on, we'll take half of the berries we pick, juice them, and sell them to Dan Ding Peak!" He could almost see countless spirit stones beckoning to him.
The atmosphere at Xingyun Peak was jubilant, with a harmonious and joyful spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.
However, when the news reached Dan Ding Peak, it was like a bomb going off!
"What?! That traitor Gu Chen! He actually managed to create a simplified version of the Star Pill?"
"You can refine it using basic spiritual herbs and fruit juice? This... this makes us old folks who have spent hundreds of years painstakingly researching pill formulas look ridiculous!"
"Starry Night Pomegranate Juice? Meteorite Peak monopoly? And they want us to pay a premium to buy it? This is outrageous!"
"Peak Master! This cannot be tolerated! Who does Gu Chen think he is! And that Lin Yuan..."
Lie Yangzi's face turned ashen as he slammed his palm against the Xuan Yu alchemy furnace in front of him, making it vibrate loudly! He felt his dignity as an alchemist being brutally trampled into the ground! Especially seeing the longing and curiosity on the faces of the young alchemists on Dan Ding Peak after hearing about "Little Star Powder," his anger burned even more fiercely!
"Gu Chen... Lin Yuan..." Lie Yangzi's eyes flashed with cold light. "Trying to climb to the top by stepping on my Dan Ding Peak? Not so easy! Stardust Pomegranate Juice? Hmph! Without those berries, let's see how you refine your 'Little Stardust Powder'!"
A sinister plan quietly took shape in his mind. Since an open approach wouldn't work, then... he would destroy the source of the Starfall Peak's berries!