By evening, Gao Manor's steward had delivered the pills to Lu Chen's courtyard.
A black wooden medicine box was bound with fine cord, its seal stamped with Gao Manor's medicinal crest in wax.
The steward presented it with both hands, his expression respectful.
"Lu Chixiao, these are the thirty Metal Essence Pills the manor lord ordered us to deliver."
"The manor lord said that with the autumn harvest approaching, everyone at Gao Manor hopes you will take another step forward in martial arts."
Lu Chen accepted the medicine box. "Thank Manor Lord Gao for me."
The steward hurriedly cupped his hands. "I will be sure to pass on your thanks."
Once the steward left, the courtyard gate closed again.
Lu Chen returned inside, placed the medicine box on the table, and opened it.
Six jade bottles lay neatly arranged inside.
Each jade bottle held five pale golden pills.
The moment he pulled out a stopper, a sharp, rich medicinal fragrance spilled out, piercing his nostrils like a dense shower of golden needles.
As Lu Chen looked at the Metal Essence Pills, his gaze gradually grew calm.
Thirty pills.
Enough for his final push.
Over this period, he had kept clear of the Jade-Faced Flying Dragon's storm and spent two months training hard in his courtyard.
He had already pushed the Gold-Thread Jade Vestment Technique into the later stages of minor achievement, leaving only one final stretch before major achievement.
And now, these thirty Metal Essence Pills were the key to opening that door.
Lu Chen did not hesitate.
Back in his room, Lu Chen took out the first Metal Essence Pill, tilted his head back, and swallowed it.
The pill entered his stomach.
Boom.
Its sharp medicinal power exploded.
It was neither as gentle as an Origin-Restoring Pill nor as