10: Ancient alchemical formulas created from nothing

"Yeah," Third Brother Wang slapped his thigh.

"Senior Brother Lin, have you forgotten? For us Utility Disciples, if we reach eighteen and still haven't achieved a Breakthrough to the Fourth Level of Qi Refining, we'll be expelled from the Sect."

"Senior Sister Ye is the same age as you, right? There are only four months left."

He paused. "I heard this rule is even harsher for female Disciples."

"If they reach the age without a Breakthrough, they either leave or... they can only find a way to become a Dao Companion to a formal Disciple to barely stay."

"But like that... sigh, even though they're called Dao Companions, they might as well be servants."

"Chen Qing is using this to pressure Senior Sister Ye!"

Third Brother Wang's words were like a heavy hammer, smashing into Lin Feng's heart. He himself was only at the Second Level of Qi Refining, and Yuner's cultivation was even lower... "Chen Qing..." Lin Feng's voice grew low, a cold light flickering in his eyes.

Third Brother Wang didn't notice his change and continued talking to himself.

"That Chen Qing even arrogantly said Senior Sister Ye has poor Aptitude and can't possibly achieve a Breakthrough on her own, so choosing him is the smart move... Ptooey! Isn't it just because he sees Senior Sister Ye has a soft personality and is easy to manipulate? Lin Feng, you have to think of something."

"Senior Sister Ye's eyes have been swollen for days..."

"I understand, thanks." Lin Feng interrupted him, his voice calm but cold. "I'll go see Yuner first."

After bidding farewell to Third Brother Wang, Lin Feng walked quickly to his small hut. When he saw Ye Yuner, her eyes were indeed red and swollen, and she was forcing a smile.

Lin Feng didn't ask much. After comforting Ye Yuner, Lin Feng began to calculate calmly.

'To achieve a Breakthrough to the Fourth Level of Qi Refining, a massive amount of Qi is needed. I can't take peiyuan pills right now, so I can only rely on qi condensing pills.'

'A bottle of qi condensing pills at the market costs five Spirit Stones for only three pills, and the quality is poor.'

He silently estimated the amount of Medicinal Pills and Spirit Stones they both needed, and his scalp felt numb.

You see, he had worked hard farming and selling High Grade Spiritual Plants, and after saving for a long time, he had barely paid off his old debt to Wang Mazi; he had almost nothing left.

Relying on the meager Spirit Stone income of a Menial Servant was simply not enough.

'Refine them myself?' The thought flashed through his mind.

But refining qi condensing pills also required costs—buying Materials, practice losses... Not to mention, how would he get the Pill Formula?

Lin Feng shook his head. A brief separation is better than a honeymoon; he did not return that night.

On the way back to the Spirit Pill Pavilion, Lin Feng kept thinking about this problem.

The prerequisite for Alchemy is a Pill Formula. Although the qi condensing pill is the most basic Medicinal Pill, its Pill Formula is definitely not something a Utility Disciple can access.

'The Pill Formula... must be in the hands of some Elder in the Spirit Pill Pavilion.' Lin Feng's eyes flickered.

Just then, a powerful surge of spiritual energy erupted, followed by Steward Han's uncontrollable, ecstatic roar.

Qi Refining Fifth Layer.

He succeeded.

Steward Han emerged from seclusion, looking high-spirited, the gloom on his face having dissipated significantly. When he saw Lin Feng, a smile immediately spread across his face.

"Lin Feng. Good lad. You've done a great service." He slapped Lin Feng's shoulder hard. "Your peiyuan pill is indeed miraculous. Tell me, what reward do you want?"

Lin Feng sneered inwardly, but on the surface, he acted overwhelmed by the favor. "It's all thanks to your great fortune, Steward. This Disciple doesn't dare take the credit. I only ask to continue serving you."

"Good. Sensible." A sharp light flashed in Steward Han's eyes. "How about this: your Spirit Stone salary will be paid according to the standard for Outer Sect Disciples. You've been working hard lately, so I'll grant you a few days off to rest well."

This rare holiday was indeed what Lin Feng needed most right now.

His mind whirled. "Thank you for your kindness, Deacon. It is this Disciple's blessing to share your burdens. However..." He paused, appearing somewhat hesitant to speak.

"However what? Speak freely." Steward Han was in an excellent mood and waved his hand dismissively.

Lin Feng lowered his voice, looking ashamed.

"I wouldn't dare hide it from you, Deacon. That ancient Pill Formula... what this Disciple obtained was after all a fragment. Although I luckily succeeded in refining the peiyuan pill last time, there were several critical points that I still recall as being extremely dangerous and ambiguous."

"This Disciple's cultivation is shallow and my knowledge limited. I fear that during the next refinement... if I were to fail and waste your precious Materials, I would be unable to atone for my crime even with ten thousand deaths..."

Hearing this, Steward Han's brow indeed furrowed.

Having just achieved a Breakthrough, he was counting on this ancient Pill Formula to get more peiyuan pills to consolidate his cultivation or even progress further. He didn't want anything to go wrong with this treasure.

"Hmm... your concerns are not without reason." Steward Han stroked his chin, pondering for a moment.

"The Dao of Alchemy is indeed profound and subtle; a tiny error can lead to a huge mistake. It's only natural that with your meager cultivation, you can't fully master it."

"Tell you what," Steward Han's eyes darted around.

"I'll put aside my pride and introduce you to Elder Wu, who is in charge of the Pill Formula records."

"Elder Wu has been immersed in the Dao of Alchemy for decades. He is experienced and has a sharp eye."

"Go consult him. Perhaps he can resolve your doubts, and your mastery of this ancient Pill Formula can reach the next level."

"This is good for you and for me."

Lin Feng was secretly delighted, but he appeared terrified on the surface. "This... how can this be? Elder Wu is of such high status, and I am a mere Menial Servant..."

"Ah, it's fine." Steward Han waved his hand. "You are now a capable person under me. Elder Wu will surely give you some pointers. I'll write you a note right now; just go and request an audience yourself."

"Thank you for your cultivation, Deacon!" Lin Feng bowed deeply, hiding the sharp glint that flashed through his eyes.

"Go on. I need to continue my seclusion for a few more days to stabilize my current Realm." After saying this, he walked toward the depths of the side hall.

With Steward Han's note, Lin Feng smoothly met Elder Wu, whose eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, in the Pill Scripture Room deep within the Spirit Pill Pavilion, which was filled with medicine boxes and Jade Slips.

"The qi condensing pill Pill Formula?" Elder Wu put down the Jade Slip in his hand, glanced at Lin Feng's Menial Servant attire, and sneered. "The Sect has rules: Pill Formulas are not passed to Menial Servants, and even Outer Sect Disciples need contribution points to exchange for them. You are not qualified."

Lin Feng's heart sank, but he refused to give up. "Elder, this Disciple is willing to pay any price..."

"Any price?" Elder Wu seemed to find it interesting, tapping his fingers on the table.

"As it happens, I need a three-leaf ghost face mushroom, which grows deep within the Black Wind Ravine on the Back Mountain."

"Recently, I've sent several useless Inner Sect Disciples to find it, but they all returned empty-handed."

"If you can retrieve it, I will make an exception and allow you to view the qi condensing pill Pill Formula."

"If not, never mention this matter again."

three-leaf ghost face mushroom. Black Wind Ravine.

Lin Feng had heard of that place. The terrain was steep, filled with miasma, and fierce venomous insects often appeared. Ordinary Outer Sect Disciples didn't dare to go deep into it. This task was almost a blatant rejection.

"This Disciple... is willing to try." Lin Feng gritted his teeth and accepted.

A hint of surprise flashed in Elder Wu's eyes, and then he waved his hand. "Go on, go on. If you die, don't blame me."

At the entrance of the Back Mountain, two Disciples were on guard. Seeing Lin Feng approach in his Menial Servant attire, the Mountain guard disciples immediately showed impatient expressions.

"Beat it! Utility Disciples are not allowed to enter the Back Mountain without permission!"