Gu He's Dilemma

A Dou Wang was the watershed in a cultivator's journey on the Dou Qi Continent. Only after reaching this realm did one qualify to step onto the stage that belonged exclusively to the strong.

A Dou Emperor, meanwhile, was the standard by which the strong were measured. The age at which one reached this level determined whether one could become a sect founder and ancestor in the future.

"Fight!"

Yun Shan gave Yun Zimo this advice.

"As long as you keep fighting a dozen or so top Dou Kings, or 'spar' with a Dou Emperor, the Dou Emperor bottleneck will break open in battle!"

A chill rose through Yun Zimo. He hadn't expected the old sect master's advice to be so simple and brutal. Fight? Or rather, get beaten up? Against a dozen top Dou Kings, he might manage only one move before being drowned in countless Dou Techniques. And a Dou Emperor was even worse—by drawing on the energy of heaven and earth, they could beat him up without lifting a finger.

"Couldn't I go to the Gate of Life and Death and borrow—"

"No!"

Yun Shan flatly rejected Yun Zimo's plea. Given how much energy and resources this kid needed, breaking through to Dou Emperor would probably drain the Gate of Life and Death dry!

Besides, Yun Yin and Yun Yun were both in seclusion inside the Gate of Life and Death. How could it support a third person's consumption?

"Then I'll go down the mountain and challenge those old-time experts!"

Yun Zimo steeled himself. To break through to Dou Emperor quickly, he could either grind away with time and resources, or take on the world alone and fight his way to the realm!

"Mm."

Yun Shan nodded. Aside from being a little too enamored with romance at his age, the boy was an outstanding choice in both temperament and talent.

"Get ready, then head down the mountain. I'll have the elders discuss and implement these things. Don't worry about the two little ones you brought back. I'll make the arrangements."

Yun Shan pointed at the pile of scrolls and offered his advice gently.

"Zi Mo, I've finished the snacks."

As soon as Yun Zimo returned from Yun Shan's place, Zi Yan came over and held up her empty pouch.

"That fast?!"

Yun Zimo was startled by Zi Yan's speed. After thinking it over, he took out three more large bags of pill-beads and reminded her to eat them slowly.

"They're low in energy but taste too good!"

Zi Yan retorted with complete conviction.

"Without food rich in energy to replenish me, I can only eat more of these low-energy things."

Only then did Yun Zimo realize his mistake. He'd been so focused on breaking through to Dou Emperor that he'd come straight back to Yun Shan's courtyard and forgotten to ask Master Gu He for help.

"Master Gu He!"

Yun Zimo stepped lightly into the Misty Cloud Sect's newly built Alchemy Hall. It was strangely quiet. Every so often, one or two alchemists or apprentices murmured to each other, afraid of disturbing anyone's progress. The wind's whoosh and the soft crackle of flames mingled in the air, while the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs lingered through the hall. Yun Zimo felt refreshed in both body and mind.

"Hall Master."

Gu He had just opened the furnace to collect the pills. Two pills flew from the cauldron and landed precisely in a jade bottle before him. He then handed it to Xiao Yi Xian, who had been quietly watching beside him.

"These two pills should suppress the poisonous Dou Qi in your body. As long as you don't break through too quickly, your Woe Poison Body won't erupt easily."

"Hall Master, I heard a few days ago that you'd returned from Jia Nan Academy. After arranging things for the exchange students, you went straight to the old sect master. I didn't want to disturb you, so I've been staying here in the Alchemy Hall."

After making the arrangements, Gu He walked over and spoke in a calm, gentle voice.

He had returned to the sect with Yun Shan a few days earlier, and the Fire Cloud Water Flame had fallen into his hands. With the obsession he'd carried for years finally gone, he seemed even more refined and scholarly.

"Thank you for your trouble, Master Gu He."

Yun Zimo gave him a solemn bow. He'd had to trouble Gu He so many times over Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan.

Gu He, in high spirits after obtaining the Fire Cloud Water Flame, hurriedly supported Yun Zimo before he could bow any lower.

"Hall Master, there's no need for such courtesy. I've only done what little I could. It's nothing compared to your guidance."

Seeing Yun Zimo's attitude, Gu He had already decided to join the Misty Cloud Sect.

He owed the old sect master Yun Shan a debt of gratitude for recognizing his talent, and Hall Master Yun Zimo for guiding him. Gu He wasn't an ungrateful beast who didn't know how to repay kindness. In the past, he'd pretended not to notice Yun Shan and Yun Zimo's hints. Now, at last, he'd made up his mind!

"Gu He, Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall, respectfully welcomes the Hall Master on his inspection!"

Gu He stepped back. Flames as soft as drifting clouds swirled around him, blocking everyone's view. A moment later, dressed in a silvery-white moon robe, Gu He bowed deeply.

"Master Gu He!"

Yun Zimo hurried forward to help him up. He hadn't expected Gu He to take the initiative to join the Misty Cloud Sect this time. He'd thought that even after obtaining a Heavenly Flame, Gu He would still need a few more days to decide.

"With Master Gu He's help, the Misty Cloud Sect's revival is just around the corner!"

Yun Zimo laughed and offered a few words of praise. Then he suddenly grew awkward and began to stammer.

"Master Gu He, there's something I'm not sure you can... Um, well..."

"Hall Master, whatever it is, just say the word. If I can help, I'll do everything in my power!"

Gu He laughed heartily. He'd been afraid he wouldn't be able to help with anything. Now he could finally fulfill Zimo's request.

"Then that would be perfect!"

Yun Zimo gave an awkward smile.

"You already know about Xiao Yi Xian's condition. I may have to trouble you to devote more attention to her."

Gu He had thought it was something serious. A Woe Poison Body, unseen once in a century—he was deeply interested in studying it, even if Yun Zimo hadn't asked.

"Don't worry, Hall Master. Miss Xiao Yi Xian has a remarkable talent for medicine. I'll treat her as my own disciple and teach her with care."

In the few days they'd spent together, Gu He had grown quite fond of Xiao Yi Xian's intelligence and talent for medicine. If she hadn't had an affinity for poison, he might have taken her as his apprentice. It was a pity, but he could still teach her as he'd taught Zimo. After all, he knew the ropes.

"There's one more thing I might have to trouble you with..."

Only now did Yun Zimo find it difficult to ask. He pulled Zi Yan, who was behind him, closer. She was happily crunching away on "sugar beans."

"I'd like you to refine some high-energy pills for my sworn younger sister."

"Oh?"

Gu He's interest was piqued. The little girl looked only eleven or twelve. Why would she need high-energy pills... Hm?

The moment his fingers lightly touched Zi Yan's arm, Gu He's expression changed. He closed his eyes and gently held her wrist, sensing carefully.

"Zi Yan, don't move!"

Yun Zimo held down Zi Yan as she tried to resist, then leaned down and spoke softly in her ear.

"Master Gu He will refine the pills that suit you best."

A strand of soul power raced through Zi Yan's meridians and flesh. A moment later, it returned to Gu He's palm.

"You..."

Gu He looked at Zi Yan in astonishment, then cast Yun Zimo a perplexed glance.

"A young magical beast that accidentally ate an immature Humanoid Transformation Grass..."

Gu He sighed softly. In all his years, this was the first time he'd encountered something so strange. No wonder she needed high-energy pills.

Wait, given how vigorous this girl's blood and vitality were, the energy she needed was terrifying. She'd probably need tens of thousands of Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Pills?!

"Refine some..."

Gu He thought about Yun Zimo's request, then imagined himself frantically making Sixth-Grade Pills in the future and still not producing enough to feed this little girl. He felt his body go limp and nearly fainted.

This kid really knew how to cause trouble!

"Master Gu He, what do you think..."

Yun Zimo knew that this would practically mean making Gu He work like an ox, so he asked in a slightly teasing, sheepish whisper.

"Hall Master, you'd better think about how to apply for an expansion of the Alchemy Hall. Even if I break through to become a Seventh-Grade Alchemist, I alone won't be enough to feed this... this little girl."

Gu He couldn't bring himself to refuse outright, so he tactfully made clear that the task was beyond his abilities.

"Good!"

Yun Zimo had worried Gu He might refuse outright, so, to Gu He's astonishment, he took out the Sect Master Token and sent a message.

Divert the sect's resources to the Alchemy Hall and provide full assistance with its expansion!

Damn!

He'd forgotten that Sect Master Yun Yun was in seclusion and this little rascal was acting sect master!

Gu He's face turned purple with frustration. Then he let out a long sigh. Oh, well. He'd just treat it as practice for becoming a Seventh-Grade Alchemist as soon as possible. Looks like he'd have to bring that kid Liu Ling up the mountain and give him a proper education...

Oh, and he could also put the medicinal herbs his elder brother had kept in storage for so long to use...