Although the Foundation Establishment Pill was a Tier 3 low-grade spiritual pill, it was exceedingly difficult to refine. Even Old Ancestor Chen, with his Tier 4 Mid-grade alchemy skills, had to proceed with the utmost care and needed nine days to complete it.
Once the nine days had passed and the pills emerged from the furnace, Zhou Minghan and the other Foundation Establishment Cultivators, who had long been waiting outside White Camel Peak, immediately received Old Ancestor Chen's invitation and entered his cave dwelling atop the mountain.
"Greetings, fellow Daoists. In this pill-refining session, this old man has fortunately not failed his mission and successfully produced six pills!"
After everyone had gathered in the cave dwelling's reception room, Old Ancestor Chen did not waste words and immediately addressed the matter everyone cared about most.
It was clear that when they heard him say "six pills produced," the dozen or so Foundation Establishment Cultivators present all revealed looks of immense delight.
Everyone knew that Foundation Establishment Pills were difficult to refine. In the past, when Old Ancestor Chen refined such pills, he usually produced four or five. This time, he had actually produced six—a truly joyous occasion worth celebrating.
"Congratulations, Old Ancestor, on your tremendous advance in alchemy! Producing six pills in a single batch is something only a Tier 4 High-grade Alchemist can accomplish. Even within the Yellow Sand Sect, there is only one alchemist of that caliber. Old Ancestor, you truly possess heaven-bestowed talent and the bearing of a celestial!"
A flash of joy crossed Zhou Minghan's face. He was the first to recover, quickly bowing as he loudly congratulated Old Ancestor Chen on the advancement of his alchemy.
Hearing his words, the others also snapped out of their delight. While secretly cursing Zhou Minghan for his slyness, they