60: Chapter 60 First Entry into the Mountain Gate, Danxia Medicine Boy

Lin Ye's gaze became increasingly calm and reserved as he followed behind Elder Liu, landing on the reception platform on the outskirts of the Lingyun Sword Sect.

The Lingyun Sword Sect was truly the leader of the cultivation world in the Tianfeng Kingdom.

The reception platform was located on the summit of a massive floating Peak, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist with immortal cranes soaring above.

In the distance, the main Peak, "Lingyun Peak," towered into the clouds, with faint Sword Qi and a mighty pressure emanating from it.

Dozens of slightly smaller Peaks surrounded it, some filled with imposing Sword Qi, others shrouded in Danxia mist, or densely covered in Formations, presenting a magnificent scene.

Elder Liu took Lin Ye, rose into the air on his sword, and flew toward one of the Peaks shrouded in pale purple mist—Danxia Peak.

The scenery of Danxia Peak was different from the sharp Sword Intent of the main Peak; it appeared more peaceful and spiritually elegant.

Spiritual Plants and exotic flowers were planted all over the mountains and plains, and the scent of medicine was intoxicating.

On the mountainside, pavilions and towers were arranged in an orderly fashion, mostly consisting of Alchemy rooms, medicine huts, and meditation rooms.

The Peak was shrouded in a layer of purple mist, making it impossible to see clearly, but it was likely the location of the Immortal Cave of the Peak Revered Master and core Elders.

Elder Liu brought Lin Ye to a secluded courtyard on the mountainside.

The words "Hundred Herbs Garden" were inscribed in ancient, simple characters on the courtyard gate.

"This place is one of the main medicine gardens you will be responsible for tending in the future. Most of the Spiritual Plants planted here are commonly used for refining first and second-tier Medicinal Pills, but there are also a few precious third-tier Spirit Medicine seedlings that require careful tending."

Elder Liu's voice was indifferent, "Your duty is to tend to the Spiritual Plants in the garden every day: weeding, watering, pest control, and recording their growth status. You must submit a fixed quota of mature medicinal materials every month. In addition, when I am performing Alchemy, I will summon you to come and do some odd jobs like processing medicinal materials and controlling the fire for the Pill Furnace."

As he spoke, he handed Lin Ye a jade token and a Jade Slip: "The jade token is your proof of identity, and it is also the key for entering and exiting the Hundred Herbs Garden Formation. The Jade Slip contains records of the habits and care methods for various Spiritual Plants in the garden, as well as the Sect's rules and regulations, and some precautions for Danxia Peak. You should settle in here first and begin your duties in three days."

"This Disciple will strictly follow the Elder's instructions." Lin Ye respectfully accepted them.

Elder Liu nodded, pointed out a room in the courtyard for Lin Ye to live in, and then left on his sword.

Lin Ye pushed open the door to the room. The furnishings inside were simple: a bed, a table, a chair, and a meditation cushion, but it was clean, and the Spiritual Qi was several times denser than outside. He tidied up a bit, sat on the meditation cushion, and immersed his Divine Sense into the Jade Slip.

The information in the Jade Slip was vast, so he first quickly browsed through the Sect rules. The Lingyun Sword Sect was founded on the sword, and its rules were strict. The core principles were "respecting the Revered Master and the Dao, diligent cultivation and practice, strictly forbidding infighting among fellow Disciples, and strictly forbidding betrayal of the Sect," among others. Violating the Sect rules would result in punishment ranging from wall-facing reflection and deduction of monthly salary, to the more severe consequences of having one's cultivation crippled, being expelled from the Sect, or even being executed on the spot.

Next was the introduction to Danxia Peak. Danxia Peak focused on the Dao of Alchemy. The Peak Revered Master, Master Zi Xia, was a Golden Core Stage Alchemy Grandmaster. Under her were three Foundation Establishment Late Stage Alchemy Elders (including Elder Liu), more than a dozen Foundation Establishment Early and Middle Stage Alchemy Stewards, as well as numerous Qi Refinement Stage Inner Sect Disciples, Outer Sect Disciples, medicine boys, and servants.

The Hundred Herbs Garden was one of the three major public medicine gardens on Danxia Peak and was under the responsibility of Elder Liu. Besides Lin Ye, there were three other medicine boys in the garden, all of whom were at the Qi Refinement Middle Stage, responsible for different areas.

Finally, there were detailed methods for tending to the Spiritual Plants, complete with illustrations and text, which were extremely comprehensive. Lin Ye was already well-versed in pharmacology, and with his insights from the ancient Cultivator and his experience at the Hundred Herbs Hall, he had mastered it after reading through it once.

For the next three days, Lin Ye kept to himself. Aside from familiarizing himself with the environment in the courtyard, he spent his time silently meditating and cultivating to adapt to the dense Spiritual Qi of this place, while further studying the Jade Slip to memorize the Sect rules and precautions.

Three days later, at the hour of the rabbit (5:00 AM).

Lin Ye arrived at the entrance of the Hundred Herbs Garden on time. The other three medicine boys had also arrived: two men and one woman.

The leader was a round-faced youth of about twenty, at the Peak of Qi Refining Stage 6, named Zhou Tong. He seemed to have joined the Sect earlier and had a hint of arrogance in his expression. Another tall and thin youth was named Sun Yu, at Qi Refining Stage 5. He had agile eyes and was quite sycophantic toward Zhou Tong. The female medicine boy was about sixteen or seventeen, at Qi Refining Stage 4, named Liu Xiaoying. She had delicate features and appeared somewhat timid.

"The new guy? What's your name? What is your cultivation level?" Zhou Tong looked Lin Ye up and down, his tone casual.

"I am Lin Han, Qi Refining Stage 5." Lin Ye cupped his hands, his expression calm.

"Qi Refining Stage 5? So-so." Zhou Tong curled his lips, "Since Elder Liu arranged for you to come, you will work with us from now on. I am your little manager; you will listen to my arrangements for matters in the garden. Junior Sister Liu is responsible for the 'Heart-Cleansing Grass' and 'Dew-Condensing Flower' in the East Area; Junior Brother Sun is responsible for the 'Chi Yang Ginseng' and 'Earth Root Vine' in the West Area; Junior Brother Lin, you will be responsible for that patch of 'Ice Heart Orchid' and 'Cold Mist Grass' in the North Area. The South Area contains a few third-tier Spirit Medicines that Elder Liu personally tends to; you are not to approach them without permission."

He assigned the tasks, gave a few more instructions on daily precautions, and then waved his hand, telling them to get to work.

Lin Ye went to the North Area. The temperature here was significantly lower than in other areas, and the ground was covered with a thin layer of white frost. In a medicine field of about half an acre, dozens of "Ice Heart Orchids" grew, their bodies crystalline, leaves like orchids, emitting a faint cold aura, along with some "Cold Mist Grass" with narrow, grey-blue leaves.

Both of these were first-tier Medium Grade ice-attribute Spiritual Plants, which had demanding environmental requirements. They needed to be watered once daily with "Mystic Frost Water" condensed from ice-cold Spiritual Qi, and one had to constantly pay attention to the temperature, which could not be too high, otherwise, their medicinal properties would be lost.

For Lin Ye, who cultivated the Ice Soul Sword Art, this was easy to handle. He followed the methods recorded in the Jade Slip, condensed "Mystic Frost Water" with his own ice-cold Spiritual Qi, watered them carefully, removed weeds, and checked for pests.

His movements were not fast, but extremely stable and precise, and his control over his Spiritual Qi was meticulous. Soon, he had the North Area organized and in good order. Under his care, the Ice Heart Orchids and Cold Mist Grass seemed even more spirited, and the frost on their leaves became a bit more crystalline.

In the distance, Zhou Tong and Sun Yu were chatting while tending to their own areas half-heartedly. Liu Xiaoying was very serious, but it seemed her Spiritual Qi was insufficient, and sweat was visible on her forehead.

At noon, a servant brought simple food (spirit grain and vegetables, containing weak Spiritual Qi). The four of them gathered in a stone pavilion in the garden to eat.

"Junior Brother Lin, seeing that you are very skilled at tending to the Ice Heart Orchids, have you had contact with Spiritual Plants before?" Zhou Tong asked casually.

"I once worked as a similar servant in the market; I know just a little bit," Lin Ye said vaguely.

"Oh." Zhou Tong stopped asking and instead started talking about gossip within the Sect: which Inner Sect Disciple had broken through again, and which two Senior Sisters had gotten into a dispute over a Spirit Medicine, his words filled with longing. Sun Yu chimed in from the side. Liu Xiaoying ate with her head down, occasionally stealing a glance at Zhou Tong, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Lin Ye listened silently, extracting useful information from it.

Days passed by. Lin Ye followed his routine every day: tending to Spiritual Plants, cultivating, and occasionally being summoned by Elder Liu to the Alchemy room to help out with processing some basic medicinal materials.

He was low-key and diligent, always completing his assigned tasks quickly and well. The Ice Heart Orchids and Cold Mist Grass that passed through his care grew significantly better than before. Although Elder Liu did not say anything, he would occasionally nod slightly when his gaze swept across the North Area.

Zhou Tong initially had some airs of a manager, but later, seeing that Lin Ye did not compete or fight and that his completion of tasks was impeccable, he gradually stopped interfering much. Sun Yu became a bit more curious about Lin Ye and would occasionally strike up a conversation. Liu Xiaoying remained silent and shy, but she seemed to admire Lin Ye's exquisite technique for condensing "Mystic Frost Water."

One day, while Lin Ye was weeding in the North Area, Elder Liu's voice suddenly sounded in his ear: "Lin Han, come to my Alchemy room."

Lin Ye put down his work and went to Elder Liu's Alchemy room.

The Alchemy room was rich with the scent of medicine. Elder Liu was processing a medicinal material that was completely crimson and shaped like a Ganoderma, which was the main ingredient for refining "Chi Yang Pill," the "Chi Yang Ganoderma."

"This Chi Yang Ganoderma was harvested with slightly too much heat, so its medicinal power is somewhat restless, making it quite troublesome to process. You must use your ice-cold Spiritual Qi to help me soothe the restless fire energy within it. Remember, be gentle, be slow, and do not suppress it forcefully," Elder Liu instructed.

"Yes." Lin Ye stepped forward, extended his right hand, and pressed it in the air above the Chi Yang Ganoderma. A wisp of pure and gentle ice-cold Spiritual Qi was slowly released, like the finest ice veil, gently wrapping around the Chi Yang Ganoderma without invading it. It simply used its coldness to slowly permeate and soothe the restless fire-attribute energy inside the medicinal material.

This was delicate work, requiring extremely high control over Spiritual Qi and Divine Sense. Lin Ye was fully focused, not daring to be even slightly careless.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the crimson light on the surface of the Chi Yang Ganoderma gradually became warm and reserved, and the restless energy subsided.

"Good." A trace of satisfaction flashed in Elder Liu's eyes as he put away the Chi Yang Ganoderma and looked at Lin Ye, "The ice-attribute Cultivation Technique you practice seems to have its own unique merits; your Spiritual Qi is pure and your control is meticulous. Have you ever had contact with Alchemy?"

"Before entering the Sect, this Disciple learned some rudimentary Alchemy at the Hundred Herbs Hall and can refine a few types of first-tier Medicinal Pills," Lin Ye said truthfully. This was not a secret, and Elder Liu would know if he inquired slightly.

"Hmm. Old Man Hu from the Hundred Herbs Hall knows how to teach his Disciples." Elder Liu nodded, "On the 5th, 15th, and 25th of every month, Danxia Peak holds public Alchemy lectures at the 'Lecture Hall,' taught in turns by the Peak's Alchemy Stewards or Elders. Both Outer Sect Disciples and medicine boys can attend as auditors. If you are interested, you can go yourself."

"Thank you for telling me, Elder!" Lin Ye was overjoyed; this was a good opportunity to systematically learn Alchemy.

"Go. Work well and Cultivate diligently. Danxia Peak does not keep idlers, but it never treats those who work hard unfairly either." Elder Liu waved his hand.

"This Disciple will take his leave."

After that, Lin Ye's life gained another activity: going to the Lecture Hall three times a month to listen to lectures.

The Alchemy Stewards who taught Alchemy had varying levels of skill, but each had their own expertise. Some were good at controlling fire, some were proficient in the Fusion of medicinal properties, and some had unique insights into ancient Pill Formulas. Lin Ye listened very carefully every time, combining his own insights from the ancient Cultivator and what he had learned at the Hundred Herbs Hall, drawing inferences from one instance to others, and gained a great deal. His understanding of the Dao of Alchemy was deepening at an astonishing speed.

Occasionally, he would encounter other medicine boys or Outer Sect Disciples at the Lecture Hall. Zhou Tong and Sun Yu would occasionally come, but he never saw Liu Xiaoying once. Most people did not care about him, the new medicine boy. Only a few people noticed the focused gaze he had when listening and the questions he occasionally asked that hit the nail on the head, and they secretly took note of him.

One day, after the lecture ended, Lin Ye walked out of the Lecture Hall with the crowd.

"Junior Brother Lin Han, please stay a moment." A gentle voice came from behind him.

Lin Ye turned around and saw a young man wearing the attire of an Inner Sect Disciple, with a handsome face and a gentle temperament, whose cultivation had actually reached Qi Refining Stage 8.

He recognized this person as a Personal Disciple of a Foundation Establishment deacon alchemist from Danxia Peak, named Chu Yun, who was quite prestigious among the younger generation of Disciples and was said to have impressive talent in Alchemy.

"Senior Brother Chu." Lin Ye saluted with cupped hands.

"No need for formalities." Chu Yun smiled. "I just heard you asking Junior Martial Uncle Wang (the lecturing deacon) about the 'influence of geothermal fire stability on pill Formation' problem. Your insights were unique; did you figure that out yourself?"

"This Disciple was just guessing wildly, making a fool of myself in front of Senior Brother." Lin Ye said humbly.

"No need to be overly modest. I observe that Junior Brother has quite the Comprehension Ability for the Dao of Alchemy, and your foundation is solid. I have been attempting to refine a type of Medicinal Pill recently and need someone proficient in ice-attribute Spiritual Power, who is also careful, to assist in processing a primary medicinal ingredient with cold properties. I wonder if Junior Brother might have some free time to help me? There will naturally be a reward." Chu Yun's attitude was sincere.

Lin Ye's heart stirred. Chu Yun was an elite Inner Sect Disciple; if he could befriend him, it would naturally be a good thing. But to rashly agree and get involved in someone else's Alchemy was something that required caution.

"I wonder what kind of Medicinal Pill Senior Brother intends to refine? And what is the medicinal material that needs processing? This Disciple's cultivation is low, and I fear I may not be up to the task." Lin Ye asked.

"It is a furnace of 'Cold Marrow Pill,' and the primary ingredient is 'Hundred-Year Cold Marrow Grass.' This grass is extremely cold in nature. After being picked, it must be immediately sealed with pure icy Spiritual Power to keep the cold energy within and prevent it from dissipating. The Cultivation Technique I practice leans towards fire and wood, so handling this grass is quite inconvenient. Junior Brother's Spiritual Power is pure and icy, which is just right. Rest assured, you only need to process the medicinal material; there is no need to participate in the Alchemy, and there is no risk. After it is done, I will gift you ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. How about it?" Chu Yun explained.

Cold Marrow Pill? A High Grade Tier 1 Medicinal Pill that can purify ice-attribute Spiritual Power and assist in breaking through small Bottlenecks; it is of great value. The Hundred-Year Cold Marrow Grass indeed requires special handling.

Ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones were a significant amount of wealth for a Cultivator in the Qi Refinement Stage.

"I am honored by Senior Brother's regard. This Disciple is willing to try my best." Lin Ye pondered for a moment and agreed. It was just processing medicinal materials, so the risk was controllable, and being able to witness an Inner Sect Disciple's Alchemy might allow him to learn something.

"Good! Come to my 'Liuyun Pavilion' at noon tomorrow." Chu Yun's smile broadened, and he handed over a sound-transmission Jade Slip. "You can use this token to pass."

"Yes."

At noon the next day, Lin Ye arrived as promised at "Liuyun Pavilion," an elegant courtyard halfway up Danxia Peak.

Chu Yun was already waiting in the Alchemy room. In the center of the room, a Tier 1 High Grade Pill Furnace, which was clearly of superior quality to the ones in the Hundred Herbs Hall, had already been preheated. On the jade table beside it lay a jade box overflowing with cold air, and inside the box lay a Spiritual Plant that was translucent white throughout, with leaf veins like ice crystals—this was the Hundred-Year Cold Marrow Grass.

Besides Chu Yun, there was also a beautiful young girl in a goose-yellow long dress in the Alchemy room, with a cultivation of Qi Refining Stage 7, who was curiously observing Lin Ye. Chu Yun introduced her as his Junior Sister, Su Waner, who had come to observe and learn as well.

"Junior Brother Lin, this is the Cold Marrow Grass. You need to use its roots as a guide to slowly extract the cold energy within, wrap and condense it with your icy Spiritual Power, and transform it into nine wisps of 'Cold Marrow Qi,' then inject them into these nine jade bottles. Remember, the process must be steady and cannot be interrupted, otherwise, the cold energy will dissipate and all previous efforts will be wasted." Chu Yun pointed to the jade box and the nine special cold jade bottles beside it, explaining the technique and key points in detail.

Lin Ye focused and memorized them, then walked to the jade box. He could feel the astonishing cold energy contained within the Cold Marrow Grass, more than ten times stronger than the Ice Heart Orchid.

He took a deep breath, circulated the "Ice Soul Sword Art," and adjusted his state to the best. Then he extended the index finger of his right hand, and a wisp of pure and condensed icy Spiritual Power slowly probed into the roots of the Cold Marrow Grass.

As his Spiritual Power entered the plant, he immediately felt the vast and violent cold energy within. Lin Ye was neither impatient nor rash; using his own Spiritual Power as a guide, like the most patient craftsman, he combed and guided those cold energies bit by bit, following specific Meridians, and slowly extracted them from the plant's body.

As the cold energy left the plant, it immediately condensed into fine ice crystals in the air. Lin Ye formed a Seal with his left hand, and the icy Spiritual Power he had prepared in advance turned into nine fine threads, precisely catching the nine wisps of "Cold Marrow Qi" that were extracted, and leading them into the nine cold jade bottles respectively.

The entire process required extremely high concentration and precise control of Spiritual Power. Lin Ye was fully focused, and fine sweat gradually seeped from his forehead, but his movements were steady without a hint of trembling.

Chu Yun and Su Waner watched quietly from the side, with expressions of surprise in their eyes. They did not expect that this seemingly ordinary medicine boy would have such exquisite control over icy Spiritual Power, not even inferior to some Inner Sect ice-attribute Disciples.

Half an hour later, all nine wisps of Cold Marrow Qi were successfully introduced into the jade bottles. Lin Ye withdrew his Spiritual Power, his face turning slightly pale, as the consumption was not small.

"It's done! Junior Brother Lin has great skills!" Chu Yun clapped in praise, his eyes full of appreciation. "Your Spiritual Power is pure, your control is meticulous, and your Heart-Nature is steady. With time, you will surely achieve a Major Achievement in the Dao of Alchemy."

"Senior Brother is too kind." Lin Ye said humbly, taking the bag containing ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones from Chu Yun.

"Junior Brother Lin, you've worked hard. Sit here for a while and recover. After I finish refining this furnace of Cold Marrow Pill, I will talk to you in detail." Chu Yun was in a very good mood; he turned around and began to process other medicinal materials, preparing to start the Alchemy.

Lin Ye did not decline; he walked to the futon in the corner and sat down, took a Qi-Recovery Pill, and silently adjusted his breath, while his gaze appeared casual but was actually carefully observing every step of Chu Yun's Alchemy.

Chu Yun was indeed an elite of the Inner Sect; his technique was skilled, his fire control was exquisite, and he grasped the timing of the Fusion of various medicinal materials just right. Lin Ye compared it with what he had learned, secretly verifying it, and gained a lot.

Two hours later, the Pill Furnace vibrated, and the fragrance of medicine filled the air.

Opening the furnace, three Cold Marrow Pills, translucent white throughout and with biting cold air, lay quietly at the bottom of the furnace, all of medium-high quality.

Chu Yun looked happy, carefully put away the Medicinal Pills, then looked at Lin Ye and smiled: "Junior Brother Lin, this time it is thanks to your help. I see that your talent in the Dao of Alchemy is excellent. Would you be interested in studying the Dao of Alchemy with me? In my Liuyun Pavilion, it is usually just me and Junior Sister Su, and we are just lacking a like-minded helper. Although you are a medicine boy, if you are willing, I can inform Revered Master and have you transferred to Liuyun Pavilion to be an Alchemy assistant. It will have a better future than staying in the Hundred Herbs Garden. How about it?"

This is... a recruitment?

Lin Ye quickly weighed the pros and cons in his heart. Liuyun Pavilion had a better environment, richer resources, and the guidance of Chu Yun, an elite Inner Sect Disciple, so his progress in the Dao of Alchemy would definitely be faster. But from then on, he would be tied to Chu Yun, inevitably getting involved in his interpersonal network and even potential competition.

Staying in the Hundred Herbs Garden, although plain, had the advantage of freedom and low profile, with more time for self-cultivation and exploration.

Just as he was thinking about how to politely decline.

Outside the Alchemy room, a commotion suddenly came, along with a slightly arrogant voice:

"Chu Yun! I heard you got a Hundred-Year Cold Marrow Grass and are about to refine Cold Marrow Pill? This pill is of great benefit to my breaking through the Bottleneck. Why not sell it to me? The price is negotiable!"

Before the voice fell, the door of the Alchemy room was pushed open, and a young man in expensive clothes with an arrogant face, at the Peak of Qi Refining Stage 8, walked in swaggeringly with two followers.

Seeing the Cold Marrow Pill that had not yet been put away beside the Pill Furnace, the young man's eyes lit up, and then he glanced at Lin Ye in the corner, frowning: "Where did this medicine boy come from? Is he worthy of being here? Get out!"

Chu Yun's face sank: "Zhao Wuji, this is my Liuyun Pavilion, how can you be so presumptuous! I have already refined the Cold Marrow Pill and have my own use for it, I will not sell it!"

Zhao Wuji? Lin Ye remembered that when Zhou Tong was chatting, he mentioned that this person was the nephew of another Foundation Establishment Elder of Danxia Peak. Relying on his uncle's power, he acted recklessly among the Qi Refinement Stage Disciples and seemed to have long-standing grievances with Chu Yun.

"Not selling?" Zhao Wuji sneered, his gaze falling on Lin Ye, and he suddenly remembered something, "Oh, I remember, you are that new medicine boy who is said to be very good at taking care of the Ice Heart Orchid? Chu Yun, you let a lowly medicine boy help you process the Cold Marrow Grass? Aren't you afraid of ruining the spiritual medicine!"

He turned to Lin Ye, his tone grim: "Kid, I heard your ice-attribute Spiritual Power is not bad? That's perfect, my uncle's medicine garden is missing a handyman who knows how to take care of the 'Profound Ice Fruit.' Tomorrow, you get over there and report for duty!"

This was clearly an attempt to snatch someone and slap Chu Yun in the face.

Chu Yun's face was livid: "Zhao Wuji, Lin Ye was arranged to the Hundred Herbs Garden by Elder Liu. How can you just transfer him as you please?"

"Elder Liu?" Zhao Wuji sneered, "My uncle is the Law Enforcement Elder of Danxia Peak. Transferring a medicine boy, isn't that just a matter of a word? Kid, listen carefully, if you don't report to my uncle's 'Profound Ice Garden' before noon tomorrow, suffer the consequences!"

After speaking, he glanced at Chu Yun triumphantly and walked away with his followers.

In the Alchemy room, the atmosphere was heavy.

Su Waner was so angry that her face turned red: "Senior Brother, this Zhao Wuji is too bullying!"

Chu Yun's face was gloomy. He looked at Lin Ye and sighed: "Junior Brother Lin, it is I who have implicated you. This Zhao Wuji is a person who will revenge for the slightest grievance. Since he has spoken, I am afraid..."

Lin Ye's heart was also cold. He did not expect that shortly after joining the Sect, he would get involved in the fight between Inner Sect Disciples. Zhao Wuji had a Foundation Establishment Elder as a backer, and he was just a rootless medicine boy. If he defied his will, the outcome would likely be bad.

But if he yielded and went to that so-called Profound Ice Garden, he would inevitably become a handyman to be manipulated by Zhao Wuji at will, and might even be punished by him under some pretext, ruining his future.

To go, or not to go?

He looked at Chu Yun. Although Chu Yun had the intention to recruit him, it was clear that he was unwilling (or unable) to completely tear his face with Zhao Wuji and the Elder behind him for the sake of a new medicine boy like him.

It seemed he could only rely on himself.

He took a deep breath and saluted Chu Yun: "Senior Brother Chu, this matter has nothing to do with you; it is a trouble I brought upon myself. I have my own plans, so I will take my leave now."

After speaking, he turned and left Liuyun Pavilion.

Returning to his own room in the Hundred Herbs Garden, Lin Ye sat cross-legged, his brows furrowed tightly.

Noon tomorrow... time was running out.

Resist hard? It would be like an egg hitting a rock.

Give in? The future would be worrying.

Perhaps... he could go find Elder Liu? After all, he was brought in by Elder Liu. But would Elder Liu offend another powerful Elder for a medicine boy?

Or, find another way?

His gaze swept across the room and suddenly fell on the Jade Slip on the table that recorded the Sect rules.

Sect rules... perhaps he could find a glimmer of hope in them?