Chapter 7
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This chapter is edited by omileye nofisat. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 7: Not Refining a Pill, but a Special Effect!
After returning to the inn, Xiao Jinse immediately got to work.
Her first priority was to purchase the alchemy materials listed on the incomplete ancient elixir’s prescription. While most of these materials were available at the Chuncao Pavilion, she decided to explore other shops in the city to save money.
Bai Lian couldn’t help but sigh.
“Younger Martial Sister is really sensible.”
Mom loves you.
Since the city was bustling with all kinds of people—good and bad—Bai Lian specifically instructed the jade rabbit, who had nothing better to do, to accompany the second Martial Sister.
“If anything happens, send me a message immediately, and I’ll come at once,” Bai Lian urged.
“Yes,” Xiao Jinse replied, her heart warm with gratitude.
Before leaving, she couldn’t resist throwing a provocative glance at Su Youwei.
Wait and see!
She was the owner of the Holy Spiritual Root, something Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian herself had acknowledged. Bai Lian had once said her Spiritual Root was a rare masterpiece. Although it appeared inconspicuous now, one day, it would grow to a level where even gods and Buddhas would look up to it.
When that day comes, I’ll stir the heavens and shake the earth! A mere ancient elixir’s prescription can’t stop me. Xiao Jinse, let’s go!
Su Youwei rolled her eyes.
“You think I want to help you?”
In truth, Su Youwei wanted to see Xiao Jinse fail. It would mean one less rival for her. However, she knew that seeing Xiao Jinse struggle would upset Bai Lian, and she couldn’t bear to see her beloved Elder Martial Sister in distress.
So, Su Youwei took the initiative to provoke Xiao Jinse.
That white-haired dwarf must be furious now, she thought smugly.
But she didn’t care. What kind of enemy would flatter you? Certainly not someone as proud as the second Elder Martial Sister.
Returning to the table, Su Youwei smiled. With Xiao Jinse and the pesky rabbit gone, she could now enjoy Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian’s undivided attention.
The fragrance of Martial Sister Bai Lian… It goes straight to my heart. How wonderful!
She sat quietly, watching Bai Lian’s silhouette at the window. Her Elder Martial Sister looked so serious, yet so beautiful.
I want to be closer to her.
At that moment, Bai Lian was discussing the prescription with her younger Martial Sister He Yurou.
He Yurou was renowned for her medical skills. With her Taixuan Holy Needle, even seasoned practitioners often admitted inferiority. However, while He Yurou excelled in medicine, alchemy was a different art. She had promised to think about the prescription, but it would take time.
Bai Lian sighed. It seemed she would need to wait.
Standing up, she said, “I’m going to see Taoist Lingye.”
Su Youwei immediately asked, “Elder Martial Sister, where are you going?”
“To investigate Taoist Lingye. I need to make preparations.”
“Then I’ll go with you!” Su Youwei said, smiling sweetly.
“Alright, let’s go together,” Bai Lian agreed.
—
By the time they left the inn, the sun had set, and the bustling nightlife of Hening City had begun.
Initially, Bai Lian wanted to ask Yu Ying about Taoist Lingye’s whereabouts, but a passerby informed her instead:
“Taoist Lingye is holding an alchemy course at the Chuncao Pavilion!”
Proclaiming his dominance over the Green Grain Cauldron? Bold move.
When Bai Lian and Su Youwei arrived near the Chuncao Pavilion, it was packed with people. Even the outfield was crowded.
Among the crowd, some enterprising individuals were making the rounds.
“Don’t miss Taoist Lingye’s alchemy performance! Close-up viewing for just 20 medium-grade Spirit Stones!”
Bai Lian was appalled.
Scalpers? Here too?!
Despite her indignation, plenty of people were willing to pay. However, Bai Lian, ever the frugal and justice-driven cultivator, refused to give in.
“Twenty Spirit Stones for a seat? Only fools would pay that!”
Grumbling, she led Su Youwei to the back of the pavilion. This area was less crowded, making it easier for her to cast a spell and observe the performance.
The Chuncao Pavilion’s defenses were weak, and its sect leader was no match for Bai Lian. Confident her spell wouldn’t be detected, she summoned a mirror to watch the proceedings.
—
Taoist Lingye’s alchemy performance had already begun.
In the mirror, Bai Lian saw a black pill furnace surrounded by flickering flames. Taoist Lingye stood beside it, stroking his white beard with a faint smile.
“Two young alchemists came to me earlier, asking for guidance. Though I’ve never been a teacher, I thought, why not share some real skills today?”
He conjured a flame, lighting the furnace. As spiritual power surged from his right hand, the pill furnace levitated, carried by a dazzling torrent of energy.
“Look!” someone shouted. “The Nine Dragons Pill Lifting Method!”
As Taoist Lingye moved his hands, more dragons materialized, coiling and dancing around the furnace. The display of nine vividly detailed dragons performing alchemical tasks was breathtaking.
“How magnificent!” Bai Lian exclaimed.
Su Youwei, skeptical, asked, “Is it really that impressive?”
“Of course,” Bai Lian replied. “It’s not just alchemy; it’s a spectacle!”
But Bai Lian’s sharp divine sense detected something amiss. The pill furnace was rigged. Hidden compartments and magical arrays ensured that pre-prepared pills appeared perfect, even if the process failed.
So, it’s all just a show.
—
A new task appeared before Bai Lian:
[Task Options]
1. Confront Taoist Lingye and expose his deception. (Reward: Imperial Talisman)
2. Shout, “Taoist Lingye is cheating!” (Reward: Kongming Pill)
3. Pretend nothing happened. (Reward: Alchemy +1)
The rewards weren’t impressive, but Bai Lian chose the third option.
She reasoned, Exposing him now would yield little benefit. It’s better to let him continue and use this against him later. If the Green Grain Cauldron ends up with him, I can always blackmail him for it.
For her Martial Sister, Bai Lian didn’t mind abandoning a little morality. She smiled confidently.
The end justifies the means.
