Xu Chuan made a trip to the market district, sold some pills, and brought his savings up to around a hundred and fifty spirit stones before heading to the third floor of the Pill Hall.
Before the glowing barrier of the third floor's restriction, he transmitted his voice inside.
A moment later, the restriction opened, and Yun Zhongzi's voice reached his ears.
"Come in."
Xu Chuan entered and approached Yun Zhongzi.
He was sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion, apparently engaged in quiet cultivation.
Had he been refining pills, Xu Chuan would likely have had to wait a while.
"Fellow Daoist San Shu, what brings you to this old man?" Yun Zhongzi asked evenly.
"I came to learn the Nine-Flame Art and the Jade Elixir Return-to-Truth Art. Please grant me permission, Chief Disciple."
A sharp light flashed in Yun Zhongzi's eyes. After sizing Xu Chuan up, he stroked his beard and smiled. "I thought you would come sooner. Instead, you devoted yourself entirely to pill refinement, then buried yourself in Pill Dao texts after finishing your annual quota early."
Xu Chuan cupped his hands. "The Third Attendant opened my eyes."
Yun Zhongzi nodded slightly. "No wonder you know about the Nine-Flame Art. In the entire Pill Hall, only he and I have cultivated it."
"As for the others, the Second Attendant was qualified, but he ultimately gave up after seeing how difficult it was.
"Even if the rest came begging, I would not agree."
"Then, this junior..."
"Your talent in the Pill Dao is outstanding, so naturally you qualify. Otherwise, I would not have personally recommended you to the Pill Hall. You have yet to reach sixty, correct? At your age, even my attainments in the Pill Dao fell short of yours."
"Indeed, I still have some years to go."