People from the Heavenly Serpent Palace

In the days that followed, Shen Wen was almost completely immersed in the deduction of the “zong ji pill.”

Inside the Quiet Room, papers were scattered everywhere, covered densely with names of medicinal ingredients, energy ratio formulas, and mysterious spatial rune drafts.

Shen Wen occasionally furrowed his brow in contemplation, then swiftly took up his pen to write; subtle spatial fluctuations would sometimes unconsciously ripple around him, a manifestation of his comprehension when activating the space ancestral talisman.

On this day, a thought struck him, and he invited Elder Yao to come discuss.

Elder Yao's Soul body floated out of Xiao Yan's storage ring and landed in the Quiet Room. He first glanced at the deduction manuscripts covering the floor, a look of admiration flashing in his eyes.

“Little friend, this deduction of yours is truly bold,” Elder Yao said, stroking his beard. “Using a Medicinal Pill to carry spatial power to aid a Dou Zong in their Breakthrough... unheard of throughout history.”

“Precisely because it's unheard of, it's worth trying.” Shen Wen handed a compiled outline of his ideas to Elder Yao. “Elder Yao, please take a look. These are some of my current thoughts.

Spatial power is violent and difficult to tame. Introducing it directly into a Medicinal Pill can easily lead to the pill's destruction or even a backlash against the user.

Therefore, we need several rare medicinal ingredients that are mild in nature and slightly sensitive to space to act as a 'bridge,' combined with a special technique.

We must inject a minuscule, layered, and buffered Spatial Rule Imprint into the core of the pill body the instant the pill is formed.”

Elder Yao took the outline and read it carefully, his expression gradually becoming serious.

He was a Grade 8 Alchemist during his lifetime, possessing vast knowledge, and now his entire attention was captured by Shen Wen's unprecedented concept.

After Han Feng was executed, his greatest obsession was resolved. Now, his focus was more on nurturing Xiao Yan, though he occasionally got a headache over that kid Xiao Yan's messy romantic life.

Shen Wen's challenging deduction, conversely, allowed him to rediscover the pure enthusiasm he once had for researching the Path of Medicine.

“Here... is the dosage of 'Ethereal Crystal Marrow' too conservative?” Elder Yao pointed to a section. “Although this item can stabilize spatial fluctuations, its medicinal properties are cold, and an overdose might affect the Fusion of the main ingredient, 'Earth Core Soul Marrow.'”

Shen Wen leaned closer to look, and the two began discussing the details, sometimes arguing, sometimes achieving sudden enlightenment.

Time quietly slipped away amidst their focused discussion.

Several days later, Shen Wen's deduction was interrupted by an announcement.

The people from the Heavenly Serpent Mansion had arrived.

The person who came was none other than Elder Huang Ling, who had previously traded with Shen Wen. She was led into the Main Hall and bowed respectfully to Shen Wen, who was seated in the main position.

“Master Shen, long time no see.” Huang Ling's attitude was respectful. “We are immensely grateful to Great Master for intervening and saving Elder Qing Mei the other day.”

Shen Wen raised a hand. “It was a chance encounter, no need to dwell on it. Have you come because the Mansion has made a decision?”

Huang Ling nodded. “The Mansion hopes to request the Great Master's assistance in refining five Break-Sect Pills and one bone-generating blood-fusing pill. We have already prepared the necessary medicinal Materials.”

The Break-Sect Pill, a Peak Grade 6 Medicinal Pill, can increase the chance for a Dou Huang expert to Breakthrough to Dou Zong, making it highly valuable.

The bone-generating blood-fusing pill is a Peak Grade 7 Medicinal Pill. Even if a Dou Zun suffers severe injuries, taking one of these will restore them to full vitality.

He nodded slightly. “I can do that. Ten sets of Materials for the Break-Sect Pill, and three sets of Materials for the bone-generating blood-fusing pill.”

“That is only natural.” Huang Ling quickly took out a storage ring and placed it on the table, saying, “The remuneration has been prepared separately and will be presented shortly.”

Shen Wen swept his Soul Power across the storage ring. Inside, ten sets of medicinal ingredients for refining the Break-Sect Pill and three sets of Materials for the bone-generating blood-fusing pill were neatly arranged, all of superior quality.

After the main business was concluded, Huang Ling did not immediately take her leave; a hint of hesitation flashed across her face.

Shen Wen noted her expression, picked up his teacup, and asked calmly, “Is there something else?”

Huang Ling pursed her lips, seemingly finding it difficult to speak.

Shen Wen put down his teacup and looked at her calmly. “Is this about the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?”

Huang Ling's body trembled slightly. She looked up at Shen Wen, and seeing no anger in his expression, she breathed a slight sigh of relief and gave a wry smile. “As expected, nothing can be hidden from the Great Master.

The Mansion... is indeed extremely concerned about the talent of that little girl, Qing Lin.

The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils hold extraordinary significance for our Heavenly Serpent Mansion.

I wonder, Great Master...”

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was already clear.

Shen Wen lightly tapped his fingertip on the table, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority. “Qing Lin is someone under my protection.

Her coming and going, her Cultivation, are decisions for her alone to make.

If the Heavenly Serpent Mansion wishes to offer some guidance or reference material for Eye Technique Cultivation, that is acceptable.

But any other intentions, it is best to put them away.”

Huang Ling's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said, “Great Master, you misunderstand!

The Mansion absolutely has no intention of forcefully taking her. It is just that... the desire to cherish talent is hard to suppress. If Miss Qing Lin is willing, the Heavenly Serpent Mansion is ready to open up some of its Secret Collection of Classics for her reference, which would be considered establishing good karma.”

If Qing Lin had no background, she would certainly be brought back to the Heavenly Serpent Mansion to Cultivate, and could even be designated as the next Mansion Master.

Even if she were a Dou Zong, the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's foundation would have to be mobilized to seize Qing Lin back.

But Qing Lin happens to be following Shen Wen.

Even if the entire Heavenly Serpent Mansion were to press forward, they couldn't defeat Shen Wen, so establishing good karma would be the better choice.

The Heavenly Serpent Mansion isn't foolish to have become the Number One Power in the Northwest Continent; they even nearly became the sole power to Unify the Northwest.

Shen Wen's expression eased slightly. “I will relay this matter to Qing Lin. If she is interested, she will contact you herself. If she is not, there is no need to bring it up again.”

“Yes, it will be entirely according to Miss Qing Lin's wishes.” Huang Ling replied respectfully, knowing this was the maximum concession Shen Wen would grant. She dared not say more, left the remuneration, and wisely took her leave.

Shen Wen watched her retreating figure, his gaze slightly profound.

The allure of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils is indeed considerable.

However, as long as he is here, no one can force Qing Lin to do anything.

He inventoried the medicinal ingredients in the storage ring and put away the remuneration.

After the people from the Heavenly Serpent Mansion left, Shen Wen sat quietly in the Main Hall for a moment.

He took out the Jade Slip that recorded the Hall of Souls outpost information, rubbing his thumb across its smooth, warm surface.

A moment later, his mind stirred, and he sent out a message.

Before long, Xiong Tao' sturdy figure appeared outside the Main Hall door.

“Young Master.” Xiong Tao bowed, his voice low.

Shen Wen handed the Jade Slip over.

“This contains the locations of some Hall of Souls outposts in the Northwest Continent. Go investigate them, see how many personnel are left in these places, and what their strength is.”

He paused, then looked up at Xiong Tao.

“Remember, only investigate, do not engage. Once I finish handling matters here at Jia Nan Academy, we will set off together.”

Xiong Tao received the Jade Slip with both hands and nodded solemnly.

“I understand.”

He hesitated briefly, then added.

“Master, rest assured, I won't alert the enemy.”

Shen Wen nodded, saying nothing further.

Xiong Tao put away the Jade Slip, bowed again, and then turned and withdrew.

Stepping out of the Main Hall, Xiong Tao felt the slight coolness of the Jade Slip in his arms, his heart filled with reverence.

By now, he no longer had any doubt about Shen Wen's identity.

Not only because of the various incredible methods Shen Wen had displayed, but also because of... Zi Yan.

He had seen that purple-haired little girl.

Although the girl looked merely like a human maiden, Xiong Tao would never mistake the Soul-shaking pressure that originated from the depths of her Bloodline.

That was the aura of the Void Ancient Dragon, and definitely not that of an ordinary clan member.

Xiong Tao gripped the Jade Slip tightly and strode away.

Investigating the Hall of Souls outposts—this was a task he had to execute flawlessly.