Luan Xiu Administers Medicine, Honggu Obtains the Pill

"I've planned and guarded against everything all these years, but I never imagined that Junior Brother Pei would fall into demonic possession before you." This long sigh from Sect Leader Kang Da caused Yuan Jin, who had rushed over, to give a bitter smile.

However, he knew that these words were not Kang Dabao's true intention, so he didn't mind at all. Instead, he comforted him, saying, "It's fortunate that Senior Brother not only gained prestige from his trip but also specially invited Senior Luan. Otherwise, Senior Brother Pei might have been in some danger this time."

"Hmm," Kang Dabao did not feel relieved by Yuan Jin's words of comfort. Qi Deviation astray in cultivation is no small matter. Many True Person cultivators have fallen because of this, despite hundreds or thousands of years of hard work.

Strangely enough, even among ordinary True Cultivator, those who fall into demonic possession are extremely rare.

I don't know what good fortune Sect Leader Kang Da's Chongming Sect has received. They only have a few fellow disciples of the same generation, yet two of them have emerged. Pei Yi is just a minor Qi Refinement.

Ye Zhengwen appeared much calmer than the other man. This wasn't because he and Pei Yi had little to do with each other; after spending so many years face-to-face on this cramped little hilltop, how could anyone, unless they were heartless, not develop some warmth and intimacy?

"There's no use in being anxious. Even Third Tier Alchemist has personally intervened. What can we do? We mustn't lose our composure."

Kang Dabao was also blinded by concern; he knew this all too well. After Ye Zhengwen pointed it out, he calmed down and turned to Duan Anle, who was standing to the side, to ask, "Has your master's wife arrived yet?"

The latter replied respectfully, "Just now, Yu'er, who serves my master's wife, sent a reply, so she must have already left Green Lotus Courtyard."

"Yes, call Yaoling and Zhu'er back and have them, along with your master's wife, keep your aunt company. Tell them to be careful; there's nothing serious going on, don't make a scene."

"I understand, disciple." Duan Anle bowed in response, then took out two more tokens and began to trace their meanings.

Ye Zhengwen looked at Duan Anle thoughtfully and thought to himself, "If I could ask Senior Luan to prescribe another tonic for Anle, he could try to Foundation Establishment within a few months. With the lesson learned last time, I should have a better chance of success."

It wasn't that Ye Zhengwen had the leisure to be distracted at such a crucial moment.

Rather, it's Chongming Sect has made too great strides in the past few decades, and its own leader has progressed too quickly. Apart from Jiang Qing, who can be considered to be on par with him, the other disciples can hardly provide much assistance.

If Sect Leader Kang Da were merely an ordinary Foundation Establishment, and Chongming Sect were not a prominent Exoteric Buddhism dominating several counties, Pei Yi might not have developed such impatience, leading to a loss of composure and falling into demonic ways during his cultivation.

Just as Ye Zhengwen was lost in thought, a graceful figure entered the courtyard.

"Madam has arrived," Kang Dabao forced a smile. They were an old married couple, so there was no need for formalities. He simply asked softly, "My sister-in-law is a little anxious. I would appreciate it if you could come and keep her company. It's nothing serious; it would be worse if Junior Brother Pei, after recovering, saw his sister-in-law and became upset."

Fei Shuhe glanced at Sect Leader Kang Da with a hint of reproach, then said crisply, "It's only right, why do you need to 'invite' me, sir? Has Attendant Luan come out? I met him with my father when I was young, so I've had a brief encounter with him."

Kang Dabao knew what Fei Shuhe meant by those words. Since it was a request, if the amount was increased, Attendant Luan would have to be more attentive.

However, since Luan Attendant Luan still in the cloud room guarding Pei Yi and had not yet come out, Fei Shuhe could not pay her respects. Instead, she lent Kang Dabao a Returning to the Hidden Tranquil Reflection Ring, which her father had given her when she was young and which was said to have the wonderful effect of calming the mind, and then went to find Lady Kuai.

Not long after Fei Shuhe left, the door to Pei Yi's room was pushed open by a strong gust of wind.

"Bring in someone who can take charge,"

Kang Dabao had a bad feeling. There was no ease in Attendant Luan's tone, only impatience. Pei Yi's situation was probably not optimistic.

As he had expected, as soon as he entered the Cloud Chamber, he saw Pei Yi lying supine among seven life lamps. The lamps were all burning, but the flames had an eerie indigo hue.

On a celadon medicine jar on a tiled floor, the semi-solidified amber-colored medicine swirled into a hexagram.

The several kinds of soup that Attendant Luan just poured into his body had condensed into spider web-like golden threads under his skin. At this moment, however, those golden threads broke off inch by inch as if they were being corroded, turning into foul-smelling black water that seeped out from his pores.

Three talismans were affixed to his neck, and the vermilion runes on them were visibly fading to grayish-white at a rapid pace.

Although Pei Yi's original spiderweb-like purplish-blue veins had subsided, a thick black line of blood had appeared on his forehead, running straight from his brow to his hairline. His expression was ferocious, and he looked extremely painful.

"Senior Luan, this is my junior brother..."

"There's nothing I can do. I'm not good at this kind of thing," Attendant Luan, his brows furrowed. After all, it was an order given to him by Fei Tianqin, the most respected elder, and he was having a hard time explaining himself for doing it this way.

Attendant Luan into the Fei Household for many years, and while he may not have been completely devoted to serving them, he has certainly made great contributions. If he were to offend Elder Fei Tianqin over such a trivial matter, then his hard work in accumulating merits and obtaining the resources for Core Formation might be in jeopardy.

As for taking out one's own treasured possessions to save such a lowly repairman? That would be an extremely bad deal. It would be better to go back and receive a mild reprimand, hoping to find an opportunity to regain favor in the future.

Thinking of this, Attendant Luan couldn't help but feel some dissatisfaction with the Sect Leader Kang Da, who had asked him to make a house call.

It should be noted that in the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, the status of Third Tier Alchemist is not low. To be precise, they are on par with most Golden Core cultivators in the world. Therefore, Luan Gongfeng, who is worshipped by others every day Attendant Luan a temper that can hardly be called good.

If it weren't for the fact that Kang Dabao's previous victories were truly dazzling, and that he was now Fei Tianqin's favorite, the Alchemist might have lost his temper on the spot.

Even so, Attendant Luan was still very displeased. He snorted coldly, "Sect Leader Kang, my Seven Stars Soul-Suppressing Formation is originally used to heal injuries to the Primordial Spirit. I'm afraid it won't be able to maintain Junior Brother's condition for too long. Sect Leader Kang, you should think of a solution as soon as possible."

Kang Dabao, however, appeared somewhat composed at this moment and asked, "This junior is of limited knowledge and learning, and hopes that Senior Luan will not hesitate to offer guidance."

Attendant Luan shook his head and said, "It's not that I'm unwilling to help, but I'm not good at this kind of thing and really can't help Sect Leader Kang. My life lamp oil costs six hundred Spirit Stone per case, and I need to use three cases every hour."

If Sect Leader Kang is willing to pay the price, I can hold out for another day and night. If he is unwilling but has no other choice, I will go to Tianqin to apologize.

"Senior Luan, what do you think of this jade ring?" Sect Leader Kang Da held the jade ring, still warm from the beauty's touch, in front of him. At first, Attendant Luan didn't think much of it, but after just one glance, he became serious.

After a moment of contemplation, a glint of light appeared in Attendant Luan Gongfeng's eyes. He nodded and said, "This jade ring is indeed quite good. Although it is not yet a Law Treasure, it is certainly very beneficial for calming the mind and spirit. If Sect Leader Kang has this ring to help him, he might be able to hold on for another ten days or half a month. However, the lamp oil..."

Kang Dabao knew that few Alchemist in this world possessed an otherworldly air; most were just as mercenary as others. However, those as unabashed as Attendant Luan were truly rare. He immediately became suspicious. "What kind of lamp oil costs six hundred Spirit Stone per case? Is this old cultivator trying to take advantage of me?"

"No, according to what I heard from Fei Wen before, this Attendant Luan is almost the most outstanding non-family member in the Ying Prefecture Fei Household when it comes to Alchemist. He shouldn't only have this kind of skill."

Having grasped the point, Sect Leader Kang Da immediately bowed and said, "My wife was just saying she wanted to come and pay her respects to you, Senior. I wonder if you could allow her to come in and discuss things with me?"

Attendant Luan his eyebrows slightly, clearly understanding, but still replied coldly, "That's unnecessary. The noise is detrimental to opposing Junior Brother Sect Leader Kang."

Kang Dabao's expression remained unchanged, but he thought to himself, "That's it. Even in Ying Prefecture, this Attendant Luan is a figure of considerable importance, but Shuhe's influence is somewhat lacking, making it difficult to control him. Therefore, there is only one option left."

Just when Attendant Luan thought that Sect Leader Kang Da was about to give up, he heard the latter whisper in his ear. At first, the old cultivator was indifferent, but by the end, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

As Kang Dabao uttered his last word, Attendant Luan Gongfeng exclaimed in surprise, "You're not lying to me?"

"How could I dare to deceive you, senior? If you don't believe me, Xuanwei City isn't far from here. You can send a Second Tier message talisman to ask Ancestor Tianqin. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, you should receive a reply within half a day."

The hesitation on Attendant Luan's face gradually faded, and his gaze toward Pei Yi became much more serious.

The murmur was so low that only he could hear it, "The uncle of the Prince of the South's disciple?"

No one knows what happened to Attendant Luan after that. Kang Dabao only knows that after he left Yunfang as instructed by the former, Attendant Luan never asked him for a single fragment of spirit again.

The room remained brightly lit that night, and as the sun rose, everyone in the courtyard waited with trepidation. The door to the room opened again, and behind the threshold stood a familiar male figure.

The man spoke with his usual gentle and refined manner, his gentlemanly demeanor returning. Those in the courtyard only saw him bow respectfully and say softly, "Junior brother is useless, causing the sect leader great worry."

"It's good that nothing's wrong."

"Not only is everything alright, but we can also try to Foundation Establishment." Attendant Luan stepped out from behind Pei Yi, his tone still tinged with weariness as he spoke to Sect Leader Kang Da.

"This time I've expended a great deal of resources, so Sect Leader Kang, the Foundation Establishment materials you've prepared must be of high quality!"

---- Two Instruments Sect, Rosy Lake Mountain, Black Sand Peak

A bright red pill, resembling a solidified blood amber, was suspended in a large brass cauldron. Its surface was covered with intricate patterns resembling hundreds of thousands of red worms intertwined.

Daoist Peng sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, controlling the heat of the elixir in the cauldron by making hand gestures.

Suddenly, Daoist Peng's withered fingertips pinched up half a spider silk with a human face and injected the last "Blood Refining Inducer" into the elixir embryo. After a few strange noises, a three-foot-high dark blue flame immediately boiled up inside the bronze cauldron, so hot that the Daoists outside the cauldron twitched their faces incessantly.

Daoist Peng's face was deeply furrowed, as if bloodworms were wriggling within it, making him look extremely ferocious. However, even the scorching heat of the cauldron could not compare to the burning passion in his heart.

Over the past two hundred years, he has devoted himself to the cultivation of the Two Instruments Sect, committing countless heinous acts and reaping countless lives. Only now has he finally gathered enough Blood Qi essence to refine the elixir. With the test about to be completed, how could he not feel anxious?

The Daoist priest inhaled the scalding heat of the elixir again, and it was unclear what secret he was pondering. Suddenly, without any warning, he opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of Essence Blood.

Before the blood arrow even reached the cauldron, it was refined into vapor. The cauldron lid immediately burst open, and a tongue of indigo flame leaped out of the furnace, engulfing Daoist Peng's blood vapor into the cauldron.

In an instant, the Spiritual Qi around the bronze cauldron surged wildly, the pill suspended in the cauldron spun rapidly, countless dark blood droplets were thrown out, and countless Blood Qi were wrapped around the pill again.

Daoist Peng's face was beaming with joy. His fingers moved incessantly, forming the elixir-condensing seal. As the bloody mist in the room gradually dissipated until it was almost completely gone, the huge weight on the Daoren's heart finally lifted. Unable to contain his joy, he laughed heartily, "Haha, the elixir is complete!"

The Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill lived up to its reputation as one of the 106 most notorious pills of the world, registered in Dao of Alchemy Dragon Tiger Sect, the Daoist Peng Dragon and Tiger Sect of alchemy. The moment the pill was completed, a string of blood-red lightning exploded in the dome of Peng Daoren's alchemy chamber.

The instant the cauldron lid was overturned, seven resentful ghosts formed from Blood Qi roared through the air, each corresponding to an extremely ominous celestial direction.

Before long, countless pale white faces appeared on the surface of the pill, all remnants of the essence that had not dissipated during the refining process.

Daoist Peng summoned the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, which he had already refined into his natal magic Law Treasure, and forcefully suppressed the backlash of karmic fire back into the cauldron. The banner trembled incessantly. If it weren't for the extremely high grade of this Law Treasure weapon, it would have been torn to pieces by the backlash.

Fortunately, the Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill was only ranked in the lower-middle range among the 106 kinds of evil pills in the Dragon and Tiger Sect's "Record of Evil Pills," and even with his Golden Core Peak cultivation, Daoist Peng could barely suppress it.

If one wanted to collect the pills after they were among the top ten, wouldn't it require the help of several True Person or even True Lord to do so properly? After finally calming down the remaining Vicious Spirit of the refining materials, a large amount of mysterious light emanated from the palm of Daoist Peng's hand, enveloping the crimson pill in the center of the Pill Cauldron in his hand.

Even though he had managed to refine it by sheer luck, it was the first time that Daoist Peng had ever seen the true form of the Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill -Extending Pill. He couldn't help but stare at it intently for a while.

The Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill had been circulating since the previous dynasty, but it has rarely appeared in the world since the founding emperor of this dynasty unified Pill Formula country. However, such a pill with a long history is bound to have many stories.

Legend has it that although this elixir can extend one's life by two Jiazi (60 years), those who consume it must suffer the calamity of "blood calamity." According to the incomplete copy of "Nine Nether Pill Record" obtained by Daoist Peng in his youth, within three days of swallowing this elixir, cinnabar-like blood will seep from the body, and red bone spurs will grow in the hair, which will damage Divine Sense and make it difficult to cultivate.

Even more bizarrely, every six years on the night of the new moon, the person who takes the pill will hear the wails of the creatures used as ingredients in the alchemy. Those who are not of firm mind will be disturbed by it, and it is not surprising that their Dao heart will be shattered and their body and Dao will be destroyed.

Daoist Peng stroked the golden threads moving around the elixir's exterior thoughtfully, a slight smile playing on his lips, "This legend is probably hard for people in this world to discern as true or false, but the claim that taking the elixir prolongs life is certainly true. My senior brother, I'm afraid he won't hesitate for a moment."

His mind was now completely focused on the fragrant pill in his hand, oblivious to the fact that within his natal magic Law Treasure, which had just been suppressing karmic fire, a gaunt ghost soldier was struggling to leap out of the banner and secretly devour a large amount of remnant spirit from the cauldron to strengthen itself.

The Grand Elder of the Two Instruments Sect held a scalding hot jade bottle in his hand. Although his face remained calm, his slightly trembling hands betrayed his excited thoughts.

"Extending my lifespan by two Jiazi! Even if much of the Blood Qi is taken from the disciples and relatives around Rosy Lake Mountain, what is there to be reluctant about? My Pu Honggu is only one step away from becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator. In the past, I was only held back by my lifespan. Now, there is much to be done!! When my Two Instruments Sect breaks free from the thousand-year shackles of the Star-Picking Pavilion, what are the small sacrifices made by these relatives?"

After the old cultivator had calmed down a bit, he finally spoke up and praised, "Junior Brother Peng is indeed farsighted and insightful. Two hundred years ago, he already knew to stockpile resources for refining elixirs now. He has truly made a great contribution to our sect!"

"If it weren't for Senior Brother's shelter, I, a mere Rogue Person, would still be a lost soul somewhere, how could I have achieved this fortune today?! My talents are insignificant, and after many years of cultivation, I have only managed to repay Senior Brother with this one pill; I am truly ashamed."

Daoist Peng spoke with such True Intention that the area around his narrow eyes was even reddening. Yet, the old cultivator opposite him was genuinely wary. If he hadn't still retained some reason, he would have almost smashed the jade bottle in his hand.

Over the course of two hundred years, Pu Honggu watched as Daoist Peng grew from an ordinary unorthodox Outer Dao Golden Core cultivator into a peak cultivator capable of rivaling him. How could his heart be filled with more than just "fear"?

Heaven knows how much profit this guy reaped from the numerous tragedies he instigated through the Two Instruments Sect after the Two Instruments Sect.

The fact that Pu Honggu knew of things like the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, Third-Tier Supreme-Grade Law Treasure that was extremely close to a spiritual treasure, and one or two Third Tier bronze corpses that could be compared to True-Grade Golden Core cultivators, was enough to move many Golden Core sects that had been passed down for thousands of years.

"However," Pu Honggu lowered his head, the warmth from the jade bottle intermittently radiating through him, causing the old cultivator to sigh inwardly, "It's all worth it. Once I Nascent Soul Formation stage, this fellow will be nothing more than a clown, easily dealt with! If he knows what's good for him, he can be put to good use; if he harbors any wicked thoughts, then it's best to keep him locked up and use him as a pill slave."

Even though he was extremely eager, Pu Honggu suppressed his desire to take the pill immediately. After all, he couldn't say he completely trusted this Fellow Daoist Peng. If he was going to take the pill, he needed to find a suitable time and properly test it before he could feel at ease.

Seeing that Pu Honggu carefully put the Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill away from his body, Daoist Peng pondered for a while before asking in a doubtful voice, "Senior Brother, I heard that Senior Bai of the Star-Picking Pavilion seemed to have emerged from seclusion some time ago and even met with Chan Master Gelie Original Response Temple in Xuanwei City."

"Junior Brother Peng has been in seclusion these past few days, focusing on condensing his core, yet he's still so well-informed. That's truly remarkable."

"I had originally planned to ignore everything that was going on outside, but the news was coming in too fast and too intensely, and it was impossible to keep quiet."

Daoist Peng's reply was quite witty, Pu Honggu also gave him face by putting on a smile:

"It is true. Star-Picking Pavilion did not try to cover it up, and even if Gelie wanted to, he couldn't. However, the reaction of the people Kuang Liuting left in Cloud Horn Prefecture is somewhat strange."

Daoist Peng became curious. "Senior Brother, could you tell me how strange it is?"

Old Xiu immediately stopped smiling, shook his head, and said slowly, "I can't explain it, but even if it's strange, it's not as strange as Bai Canhong going to Xuanwei City to help Fei Tianqin out of the predicament. Originally, I guessed that Bai Canhong would not choose either the Baokuang or Miewei factions."

While sitting on the sidelines and observing may not guarantee success, the risk of choosing sides after the situation becomes clearer is much lower. Among the thirty-three Nascent Soul forces in the Immortal Dynasty, only a few, like the Blood Sword Sect of the Two Rivers Circuit, dare to openly raise the banner of rebellion. Most of them, like the Star-Picking Pavilion before them, are in no hurry to take sides.

Daoist Peng frowned. "Does Senior Brother think this is a sign that the Star-Picking Pavilion has already sided with the Immortal Dynasty? If so, what should our Two Instruments Sect do in the future?"

Pu Honggu understood why Daoist Peng was nervous. After all, although the laws and regulations of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty were now lax, it still needed to manage things to some extent. The methods of the officials and clerks in the court were far more ruthless than those of the Star-Picking Pavilion.

The laws of life and death remained as they were, and even a Golden Core cultivator like Daoist Peng probably couldn't calculate how many lives he would need to repay the debts of bloodshed from the first half of his life.

Although they secretly enjoyed watching it, Pu Honggu and Daoist Peng shared the same stance: neither wanted Star-Picking Pavilion to completely side with the Immortal Dynasty.

Back then, the Mountain Barbarians rampaged through the mountains, leaving most of the prefectures and counties of Shannan Circuit devastated and countless lives lost, whether immortal or commoner. The Two Instruments Sect, as the local power, maintained a very good relationship with the two families of the Imperial Guards who had come from the Capital Circuit.

Shen Lingfeng, the chief administrator of Shannan Circuit who led the Imperial Guards to quell the barbarian rebellion back then, is now Nascent Soul True Person and a Golden Knife Prince Consort. If this guy drags him out to settle old scores in the future...

It's even more unrealistic to expect Bai Canhong to intervene. The Two Instruments Sect's actions during that chaotic time were so significant that even the head of the Star-Picking Pavilion sent a message to inquire about their affairs.

As a result of this situation, Pu Honggu's mood has not been good lately. Especially after he went to visit Bai Canhong to try to get some accurate information, only to be turned away, he was even more troubled.

Pu Honggu coughed a few times and then said, "To forge iron, one must be strong oneself. We still need to strengthen our defenses and diligently cultivate our internal strength. Recently, the Upper Sect has been busy with many matters, and Senior Bai is too preoccupied with his many duties to have time to discuss things with us 'Three Administrations' in the short term. After some time, I will go to the Xianyu Household and the Cloud Water Sect to inquire about the plans of their respective leaders before making further arrangements."

Seeing that Daoist Peng nodded obediently, Pu Honggu then instructed, "Junior Brother, you can have some fun with the Demon Officer in Cold Crow Mountain. As for when to make your move, we still need the sect's approval."

"Junior brother understands," Daoist Peng replied respectfully. Seeing that Pu Honggu was about to leave, he quickly took out something from his robes. "These are turbulent times. How can we manage by merely cultivating internal energy without resorting to extraordinary means? Senior brother, take a look at this. Perhaps it can alleviate your worries?"

Pu Honggu nodded slightly as a thank you, then reached out to borrow it for a look. Upon seeing the two characters "Change Yin" on the cover of the Daoist scripture, his expression turned solemn and his spirits lifted.

Daoist Peng took in Pu Honggu's reaction. The latter remained silent for a long time, and Peng Daoren did not urge him. He simply held his breath and remained silent.

After a long while, Pu Honggu seemed to have finally made up his mind. "This matter also needs to be considered carefully!"

"Yes!"