The Flowing Cloud Shuttle plowed through the blue waves, speeding northeast toward Hundred Herb Island. Han Li stood at its prow, the sea breeze brushing his robes with its salty dampness. He rubbed the jade slip Elder Sun had given him, his heart filled with both anticipation for Pill Dao and reluctance to leave the Formation Pavilion.
"Hundred Herb Island... I hear it's a famous medicinal isle in the Chaotic Star Sea, with spirit plants growing everywhere. The Pill Pavilion stands in Medicine King Valley at its center." Han Li recalled the scattered rumors Elder Mo had once mentioned and looked toward the faint outline of a green island in the distance. This transfer was both an opportunity and a challenge-the Pill Pavilion had strict rules. Despite his foundation establishment middle stage cultivation, he would have to start from scratch among the apprentices. If he failed the examinations, he might be expelled.
Three days later, the Flowing Cloud Shuttle landed at Red Cloud Harbor on Hundred Herb Island. The harbor bustled with people, mostly herb-gathering disciples carrying medicinal baskets and cultivators transporting pills. A rich herbal fragrance filled the air, utterly unlike the salty tang of Green Wave Island. Following the jade slip's directions, Han Li headed toward Medicine King Valley at the island's center.
Medicine King Valley lay encircled by mountains, its air suffused with spiritual energy and its grounds planted with rare flowers and exotic herbs. A vermilion pavilion rose at its center. The words "Pill Pavilion" adorned its plaque in powerful strokes, with a faint aura of Pill Flame flowing through them. As Han Li reached the entrance, a young attendant in blue came forward. "Are you Steward Li Feiyu? Pavilion Master Dan Chenzi has been waiting for some time."
Upon entering the Pill Pavilion, Han Li