Satisfaction!
That was everyone's first feeling. To have persisted this long atop Thunder Mountain, all just to witness with their own eyes the birth of a legendary 8th Tier Pill — and now they had. The tri-colored Pill Lightning, the birth of a sentient pill — it all felt like a dream. Yet when the dream ended, reality still awaited.
An 8th Tier Pill was not something ordinary people could ever covet.
The spectators who had come to watch gradually departed from Thunder Mountain in groups. As for the other three pavilions — Falling Star, Yellow Spring, and Ten Thousand Sword Pavilions — their people too began to withdraw from the Wind Lightning Mountain Range.
Venerable Huang, Venerable Jian, and Venerable Feng invited Liu Xi several times, yet none succeeded. Regretfully, each left in turn.
There was still less than a year before the Pill Gathering. Liu Xi simply decided to stay, cultivating while also guiding Lin Yan and the Han sisters, Han Yue and Han Xue.
It was a rare opportunity to meet them again, so gifting a few chances of fortune cost him little time.
That day, Liu Xi awoke from cultivation to learn that a Dou Zun-level expert calling himself the Venerable Yao had come seeking him. His spirit immediately stirred.
'When Elder Yao left, it was to find the medicinal ingredients for the Green Fungus Pill. Since he's come on his own now, that must mean the ingredients are finally complete.'
He rose and stepped out the door — where the Xiao Yixian was already waiting.
Seeing him emerge, she softly said, "Young Master, Venerable Lei is personally accompanying Elder Yao. They've been waiting quite a while."
Liu Xi smiled. "Let's go. It's been nearly a year since we last met."
He walked leisurely through the corridors and plazas he already knew by heart. Wherever he passed, Wind Lightning Pavilion's deacons and disciples halted respectfully, bowing as they greeted, "Grandmaster Liu Xi."
Liu Xi returned their smiles, secretly pleased — 'The title Grandmaster truly did sound far more satisfying than Master.'
In Central Plains, such titles carried enormous weight. Without reaching 6th or 7th Tier, one wasn't even qualified to be called an Alchemist Master. Only those who had attained the rank of 8th Tier Alchemist were worthy of the title Alchemist Grandmaster.
"…Venerable Yao is truly a powerhouse from ancient times — no wonder his knowledge runs so deep…"
"…Heh — just an old man who's lived too long. Pavilion Master Lei of Wind Lightning Pavilion is enviable indeed…"
From afar, Liu Xi could already hear the laughter between Venerable Lei and Yao Tianhuo — casual, amicable, like old friends.
Outside the great hall, the guards recognized Liu Xi and immediately bowed, letting him enter unimpeded.
"Hehe… long time no see, Elder Yao, still as spirited as ever."
Liu Xi stepped inside, spotting Yao Tianhuo with his radiant smile and vigorous bearing. The old man's eyes lit up at the sight of him.
"Haha, I'm the same as ever — but you, little friend, I didn't expect that after only a year you'd truly become an 8th Tier Alchemist Grandmaster. Your name now echoes throughout Central Plains!"
Liu Xi chuckled lightly. With his surging Spiritual Power, mastery of the Five Ring Flame Expelling Technique, and the aid of the Green Lotus Core Flame, becoming an 8th Tier Grandmaster was only natural.
He casually sat down near a chair — by now, completely at ease within Wind Lightning Pavilion, holding a position second only to Venerable Lei himself. Even Venerable Lei treated him with utmost respect, so such informality was more than acceptable.
Venerable Lei's expression carried undisguised awe. "To think, sir, that you're not only an 8th Tier Alchemist Grandmaster but even possess the power to bring the dead back to life — such an ability is unheard of. Truly astounding."
Liu Xi cast Yao Tianhuo a glance; the latter smiled knowingly and nodded, confirming his suspicion.
"It was merely refining a vessel fit for a soul's habitation. By the way, Elder Yao — have you gathered all the ingredients for the Green Fungus Pill?"
Yao Tianhuo's face brightened with both relief and excitement. "Indeed! I personally traversed dozens of cities across Central Plains — through auction houses, apothecaries, and noble clans — and at last, I've gathered three full sets of ingredients."
"That's excellent," Liu Xi replied with a smile. "With several sets, the margin of error is much smaller. In a few days I'll refine the Green Fungus Pill so Elder Yao can restore his former strength."
Hearing their exchange, Venerable Lei's shock deepened. Yao Tianhuo's strength even now surpassed his own after taking the Zun Shi Pill — and this wasn't even Yao Tianhuo's peak? Just how powerful had he been then?
With both Xiao Yixian and Yao Tianhuo — two mighty Dou Zun's — by Liu Xi's side, and his growing network of allies, Venerable Lei could only feel increasing awe. Without realizing it, his posture before Liu Xi grew ever humbler.
Suddenly, Yao Tianhuo smiled faintly. "By the way, during my travels in Central Plains, I befriended a man who wields the Heavenly Flame — the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame. I sparred with him twice and lost both times. He later mentioned wanting to refine a high-grade 7th Tier Pill, so I told him about you. But now… he likely can't afford your services."
"Nine Dragon Lightning Flame…"
Venerable Lei murmured, startled. "Elder Yao, could that be Tang Zhen, Pavilion Master of Burning Flame Valley — one of the Three Valleys? He possesses an inherited Heavenly Flame and stands among the most formidable mid-tier Dou Zuns."
Yao Tianhuo nodded. "Yes, that's him."
'Nine Dragon Lightning Flame — ranked 12th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking…'
A flicker of desire flashed in Liu Xi's eyes. Every Heavenly Flame could elevate both his Spiritual Power and Dou Qi. That flame was naturally on his list — though he would not seize it by force.
"It's not impossible," he said mildly. "It depends on whether he can offer something that truly moves me."
Yao Tianhuo looked intrigued, then mused silently: 'I wonder if Tang Zhen would be willing to part with Burning Flame Valley's inherited Heavenly Flame…'
Venerable Lei quickly asked, "Sir, are you planning to visit Burning Flame Valley?"
Liu Xi smiled and nodded. "I am. I owe you thanks for your hospitality, Venerable Lei — I'll remember your kindness."
Knowing he couldn't stop Liu Xi, Venerable Lei sighed. "I always knew this day would come. Wind Lightning Pavilion could never hope to keep you. But if ever you need assistance, both I and my Pavilion will stand by you unconditionally."
Liu Xi accepted with calm gratitude. A Dou Zun and a top-tier force like Wind Lightning Pavilion — they would indeed be valuable allies.
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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