Chapter 63

Chapter 63

After that day, Ning Yuzhou became even busier. He was either summoned to Lingyao Peak every day or Fei Yubai would rush to the peak where they resided. The two men would discuss alchemy and Dao, leaving no room for anyone else's intervention.

Many in Crimson Sky Sect found Fei Yubai's actions perplexing.

If Ning Yuzhou were a Heaven Rank Alchemist, their equal status might justify the exchange of knowledge about alchemy.

However, the disparity in their ranks was vast – one was a Heaven Rank Alchemist, while the other was a Yellow Rank Alchemist. Logically, wouldn't it be the Heaven Rank Alchemist guiding the Yellow Rank Alchemist? To others, it seemed as though Fei Yubai was persistently attaching himself to Ning Yuzhou, eagerly seeking him out each time.

In his busy schedule, the Sect Leader, Sheng Zhenhai, also found time to inquire about the savior of his son who was currently a guest at the Crimson Sky Sect. He noticed Fei Yubai's unusual behavior and, after questioning Fei Yubai, called his son over with a puzzled look on his face.

"What's going on between your Master Uncle and Mister Ning?"

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Sheng Yunshen replied, "How would I know? A few days ago, I brought Mister Ning and the others around for a tour. When we reached Lingyao Peak, we unexpectedly encountered Master Uncle Fei. Then, he wouldn't let go of Mister Ning. When I tried to take Mister Ning away, he scolded me."

By the end of his explanation, Sheng Yunshen sounded quite aggrieved.

As the son of the Sect Leader and the youngest among the elders, he had always been doted on by the senior members of the sect, who affectionately called him "Little Yunshen." It was unexpected for Master Uncle Fei to suddenly scold him.

"The disparity in their Alchemy ranks, what is there to discuss?" Sheng Zhenhai was utterly perplexed, unable to fathom his junior apprentice brother's perspective.

This remark displeased Sheng Yunshen, who defended, "Father, that's not the right way to look at it. In cultivation, age doesn't matter, and those who have achieved more lead the way. Many times, it's not about rank but individual strength. Young Master Ning is proficient in Alchemy and can nurture spirit herbs; wouldn't it be normal for him to know more than Uncle-Master in this aspect?"

If not for Ning Yuzhou's limitations due to his cultivation, his rank might not be as such. At least, his uncle-master couldn't guarantee a full yield of high-quality pills when refining low-grade ones.

Looking at his son's fervent admiration, Sheng Zhenhai could clearly see the same expression on Fei Yubai's face when he spoke of Ning Yuzhou.

Both were filled with fanatical adoration. Did they forget that he was just a low-ranking Yellow Rank Alchemist in the early stages of the Yuanming Realm?

When he had asked Fei Yubai, the latter had looked at him with disdain, bluntly stating that ordinary people like them could never understand. He left with a sigh, leaving Sheng Zhenhai utterly baffled.

Now, looking at his son's similarly dismissive expression, his mood soured.

In cultivation, it was true that the most accomplished led the way, but one had to consider the actual situation, right? How much knowledge could a young, low-ranking Alchemist with limited cultivation possess? Even if the other party started cultivating from birth, their combined age would still pale in comparison to their centuries-old seniors, wouldn't it?

Sheng Yunshen ignored his father, believing that he knew nothing about Ning Yuzhou and was unaware of how remarkable his savior was.

Sheng Zhenhai had no desire to engage with his unlucky son and instead asked, "And Miss Min? Since your uncle-master is holding onto her husband, you mustn't neglect your manners towards Miss Min."

"No worries, Sister Min is currently at Lingyun Peak," he reassured.

At this point, it was Sheng Yunshen's turn to feel disheartened.

He genuinely regarded Wen Qiao as a younger sister. Given her young age and charming appearance, he believed that she should be pampered like Dao Yan Realms couple did with their daughter, rather than embarking on the physically demanding path of Body Cultivation like a tomboy.

But since her husband didn't voice any concerns, it wouldn't be appropriate for him, an outsider, to comment.

Sheng Zhenhai was astonished. "Could it be that she wants to temper her physique?"

Lingyun Peak's intense gravity is immensely beneficial for the refinement of one's physical body. Many cultivators, during their practice, first hone and temper the strength of their physiques to pave a smoother path for their future cultivation journey. As their cultivation level rises, the strength of their bodies also keeps pace, minimizing potential aftermaths or side effects.

This was a principle well understood by many prominent sects, each of which would establish a training ground like Lingyun Peak for their disciples to temper their bodies.

"Not really, because she's a Body Cultivator."

Sheng Zhenhai: "..."

Sheng Yunshen looked at him and said, "Father, you can't tell either, right?"

Sheng Zhenhai cleared his throat gently. "Well, since they saved your life, you can't practice anyway for this period of time. You should entertain them properly."

"I got it..."

As the father and son were conversing, Qin Hongdao entered in her red attire, asking with a smile, "Master, what were you guys talking about?"

Seeing her return, Sheng Zhenhai was delighted. He chuckled. "Hongdao, how's the mission going?"

"There's been some progress. I'll settle it personally after some time." A fleeting coldness flashed across Qin Hongdao's brows before she donned a smile again and inquired about Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao's life in Crimsonsky Sect.

"Senior Apprentice Sister, let me tell you..."

Listening to her junior's animated recount, Qin Hongdao learned about the two and was somewhat surprised. "So Meimei Min is a Body Cultivator? I really didn't see that coming, but it's good all the same."

Observing that his eldest disciple was merely surprised by Wen Qiao being a Body Cultivator but not at all startled by Fei Yubai seeking advice from Ning Yuzhou, Sheng Zhenhai couldn't help but ask, "Hongdao, what's your take on Mister Ning?"

Qin Hongdao stroked her long saber and smiled. "Master, if I were to say that Mister Ning will one day become a Saint Rank Alchemist, would you believe me?"

Sheng Zhenhai was left speechless.

Though the tone of the eldest disciple was overly arrogant, it could also be seen as a strong endorsement and affirmation of Ning Yuzhou's abilities.

Looking at his son, there was not the slightest hint of surprise; he accepted it all with remarkable calmness.

"Master, I have high hopes for Young Master Ning and little sister Min. If not for the fact that they already belong to their own families, I would have wished to enroll them in Scarlet Heaven Sect and make them our sect's disciples."

Fully aware of their prowess, it would be a pity if she didn't recruit them into her sect early on, only for others to benefit from it later. Unfortunately, after her probe, Ning Yuzhou did not give a straightforward answer, clearly declining in a polite manner.

Though Qin Hongdao felt regretful, she wasn't someone who would insist on others doing what they didn't wish to. Fortunately, the other party had agreed to visit Crimson Heaven Sect as a guest. Given their relationship, anything could happen in the future.

Upon completing his mission report to his sect, Qin Hongdao accompanied his junior brother in leaving Heavenly Cloud Peak to visit Wen Qiao and the others.

Ning Yuzhou was engaged in a discussion about alchemy with Fei Yubai today on Tianling Peak. The two of them, not wishing to disturb their conversation, went straight to Lingyun Peak to check on Wen Qiao's cultivation progress.

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Wen Qiao has been practicing on Lingyun Peak for nearly five days now.

Initially, she and Wen Tuituitu were at the training grounds at the foot of the mountain, acclimating to the gravity that was twice as heavy as Earth's. After about an hour, once they had grown accustomed to the gravitational pull at the mountain's base, the duo, human and rabbit, embarked on their ascent.

At Lingyun Peak, there was a training ground at regular intervals, each with varying gravity levels.

When Wen Qiao arrived at the training ground with five times the gravity, she nearly stumbled and fell to the ground, causing Wen Tuzi on her shoulder to tumble down, dazed and confused.

This sight amused the nearby Red Cloud Sect disciples.

However, once Wen Tuzi adjusted to the gravity, it was their turn to be ridiculed. With a swift kick, it sent all those who had laughed at it soaring through the air.

Wen Qiao was also swiftly adapting to the gravity around her.

Perhaps due to her transformation into a monster form, her physical strength surpassed that of cultivators at her level. She adapted to the gravity at an incredible pace. While others were still acclimating to the one-to-five or one-to-ten gravity ratios, Wen Qiao had already climbed to the thirty-to-one training ground, scaling the heights rapidly alongside Wen Tuzi.

After five days of acclimatizing in the fifty-to-one gravity training ground, Wen Qiao took Wen Tuzi to the Gravity Chamber.

Located halfway up the mountain, the Gravity Chamber allowed users to adjust the gravity according to their needs, making it much more convenient than gradually ascending the mountain's gravity zones.

Nonetheless, not everyone could enter the Gravity Chamber. Access required contribution points from the sect.

Sheng Yunshen had given her a substantial amount of contribution points on the deputy token. With the card in hand, Wen Qiao was able to enter.

Choosing a gravity chamber, Wen Qiao brought Wen Tuttu inside for their cultivation session.

When Qin Hongdao and Sheng Yunshen arrived, they learned that Wen Qiao had entered the gravity chamber. They decided not to disturb her and instructed the disciple in charge of Lingyun Peak to keep an eye on the chamber, requesting immediate notification when she emerged.

The duo then left Lingyun Peak and headed back to Heavenly Spirit Peak.

Upon reaching the peak, they heard that Ning Yuzhou was in the alchemy room. Curiosity piqued, they sneaked over, only to be discovered by Fei Yubai as they approached.

Fei Yubai waved them over. "Little Yunshen, come here and give me some blood. Little Hongdao, don't leave either, help me test this spirit pill."

Both siblings' faces turned green but they obediently stepped inside. One bled while the other held a jade-green spirit pill, nervously asking Ning Yuzhou, "Young Master Ning, what is this spirit pill?"

"It's a Demon Exorcism Pill," Ning Yuzhou answered truthfully. "Senior Fei and I developed it together. We're unsure of its effects yet."

The Demon Exorcism Pill, as the name suggested, was a spirit pill designed to dispel inner demons.

Inner demons were a trial that cultivators inevitably encountered on their path of cultivation. Without resolving these inner demons, one's cultivation would stagnate, and they might even fall into demonic corruption, dooming their cultivation journey – known to the world as the Inner Demon Tribulation.

Yet cultivators had to face their inner demons alone; no external aid could help them. If they managed to overcome it, they would ascend smoothly to the next level. Failing to do so might result in regression of their cultivation or even lead to demonic corruption.

Qin Hongdao observed them thoughtfully. Relying on his trust in Ning Yuzhou, he promptly swallowed the Demon Expelling Pill.

"Senior Sister, don't randomly consume Uncle Fei's newly refined pills!" Sheng Yunshen cried out in fear. While Uncle Fei Yubai had some talent for alchemy, he often indulged in unconventional ideas, resulting in peculiar spiritual pills.

Qin Hongdao laughed heartily. "Don't worry, I trust Mister Ning."

Thus, even though he didn't trust their uncle, Qin Hongdao placed faith in Ning Yuzhou.

However, just as he spoke, Qin Hongdao suddenly shut his eyes and collapsed.

"Senior Sister!" Sheng Yunshen exclaimed, promptly catching her. "Uncle, Mister Ning, come quickly!"

Ning Yuzhou and Fei Yubai hurried over for an examination. Afterward, Fei Yubai sighed in relief. "It's fine, she'll wake up after a nap."

"Huh?"

While Fei Yubai left to examine the blood he had drawn earlier to study any toxins within, Sheng Yunshen could only turn to Ning Yuzhou for answers.

"Ning Yuzhou reassured gently, 'Miss Qin should currently be transcending her Heart Demon Tribulation. If she succeeds, her cultivation will progress. There's no need to worry.'"

"Sheng Yunshen blinked. His senior sister was now at the peak of the Yuanling Realm. Upon successfully advancing to the Yuan Zong Realm, she would be honored as a 'True Yuan Zong' and become one of the True Elders of Crimson Heaven Sect."

'Could it be that this Demonic Exorcism Pill is truly that potent? '

***

Three days later, Qin Hongdao finally opened her eyes.

Upon waking, she immediately found a spot to meditate and began her attempt to break through the barrier of the Yuan Zong Realm.

Sheng Yunshen promptly retreated to the side, not daring to disturb her.

Upon hearing the news, Sheng Zhenhai hastily rushed to Heavenly Spirit Peak. Seeing his first disciple's fluctuating aura, indicating an imminent breakthrough to the Yuan Zong Realm, he was startled.

The Heart Demon Tribulation beneath the Yuanling Realm was relatively simple. Some cultivators with unwavering determination could even transcend it effortlessly. However, the Heart Demon Tribulation after the Yuanling Realm was the most terrifying. The tribulation for advancing from the Yuanling to the Yuan Zong Realm was a cruel test. If one failed to overcome it, they would be stuck in the Yuanling Realm for hundreds of years, unable to advance until their lifespan expired.

Knowing the severity of the Heart Demon Tribulation, when Qin Hongdao reached the late-stage Yuanling Realm, Sheng Zhenhai repeatedly exhorted her to remain steady and not attempt to transcend the tribulation or challenge the Yuan Zong Realm rashly. He emphasized the importance of stability above all else.

Little did he expect that his eldest disciple was about to ascend a rank.

Sheng Zhenhai had no choice but to ask his son what had happened and why his eldest disciple suddenly aimed for the Yuan Zong realm.

"Uncle Fei gave Senior Sister a Demon-Dispelling Pill, and after she slept for three days, she began her attempt to reach the Yuan Zong realm when she woke up," Sheng Yunshen answered honestly.

Sheng Zhenhai nearly suffocated from shock.

He wanted to scold his junior brother, but he knew what kind of person he was. Scolding him would be useless, so he could only scold his younger son. "You knew full well what kind of person your uncle is. Why didn't you stop him? How could you let your senior sister consume a Demon-Dispelling Pill?"

Who knew if that Demon-Dispelling Pill was even effective? At least, Sheng Yunshen had never heard of cultivators relying on spirit pills to overcome their tribulation.

Sheng Yunshen said pitifully, "Dad, even if you don't trust Uncle Fei, you should still believe in Lord Ning, right?"

"What does Lord Ning have to do with this?"

"Because this Demon-Dispelling Pill was also researched by Lord Ning and Uncle Fei together."

Sheng Zhenhai: "..."

Sheng Zhenhai was speechless at his two foolish apprentices who had clearly become brainwashed fans of Ning Yuzhou, resembling his own disciple's behavior.

Just as he was about to scold his brainless son, a sudden thunderbolt roared through the sky.

The members of Crimson Sky Sect were startled, and cultivators from each peak emerged, looking up at the sky.

"Ah, it's a Yuan Zong tribulation lightning. Who is undergoing the tribulation?"

"Judging by that direction, it seems to be Heavenly Spirit Peak."

"Heavenly Spirit Peak isn't home to a group of alchemists? Which alchemist is attempting to transcend the Yuan Zong tribulation?"

"..."

The elders of Crimson Sky Sect rushed towards Heavenly Spirit Peak one after another.

Staring blankly at the gathering tribulation lightning outside, Sheng Zhenhai was unable to react.

It was Sheng Yunshen who was quicker to respond, nudging his father urgently. "Dad, Sister is transcending her tribulation! Aren't you going to hurry? What if the lightning thinks you're trying to interfere and strikes you instead?"

Sheng Zhenhai was tempted to discipline his impudent son but, instead, he quickly dragged him away, retreating to a safe distance beyond the reach of the lightning tribulation.

At that moment, he noticed Fei Yubai and Ning Yuzhou emerging from the alchemy laboratory.

These two alchemists, one at the Heavenly Rank and the other at the Yellow Rank, had a vast difference in their levels. However, when they stood together, they both strangely exuded an aura of grandmaster alchemists.

Sheng Zhenhai's gaze fell on Ning Yuzhou, and the thought of the "Demon-Extinguishing Pill" made his heart skip a beat.

If this "Demon-Extinguishing Pill" truly aided cultivators in overcoming their Heart Demon Tribulation smoothly, it would undoubtedly create a sensation throughout the cultivation world. Both Fei Yubai and Ning Yuzhou would become figures of great interest within the alchemy community.