A month later, his fourth senior brother, Gong Chu, came by. According to Gong Chu, their master wanted to see him. Xu Qingtong's heart stirred. Had there been a result from Ancestor Dongfang? Ever since I returned from Gloomwind Valley last time, Master hasn't summoned me. I've been on tenterhooks!
Entering Yu Tiancheng's cave abode, Xu Qingtong greeted his master, stood to one side, and asked, "Master, what instructions do you have for this disciple?"
Yu Tiancheng said, "Qingtong, I have discussed it with Martial Uncle Dongfang, and he is also very pleased with your talent for alchemy. This is our sect's Second-Tier Elixir Formula. I am now passing it on to you. You must swear a Heart Demon Oath not to disclose it to outsiders. Practice diligently from now on. If you can refine second-tier elixirs, the sect will grant you the status of Second-Tier Alchemist."
With that, he took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Xu Qingtong.
Xu Qingtong accepted the Jade Slip, swore a Heart Demon Oath, and stood with his head lowered, waiting for Yu Tiancheng's instructions.
Yu Tiancheng fell silent for a moment, seemingly remembering something, then said, "Qingtong, I still have a use for those Purple Sun Pills with Pill Flowers you refined last time. How about this? Go speak to Gong Chu and have him give you ten sets of ingredients for Essence-Congealing Pills. Consider them payment for those Purple Sun Pills!"
Xu Qingtong flushed at these words and said, "Master, those elixirs were this disciple's offering to you. I'll find a way to obtain the ingredients for Essence-Congealing Pills myself."
Yu Tiancheng said nothing more and waved a hand, signaling him to leave.
Bowing, Xu Qingtong withdrew from his master's cave abode and went to the main hall, where he