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Heavenly Pill Hall still looks quite simple, just a brick and stone courtyard. However, a rich fragrance wafts from within, and the Spiritual Energy fills the air, causing everyone nearby to unconsciously take a deep breath.
In the first Alchemist's Chamber, there stands the Alchemical Furnace that the Nine Li Sect successfully refined for the first time, producing the Earth-Level Cosmic Vitality Pill. This precious Dan Furnace has almost become a symbol of the Heavenly Pill Hall. It is rarely used except for occasional refining of Ancient Pill Formula Elixir, and now it stands quietly in the center of the Alchemist's Chamber, entirely black and not small in size, with strands of spiritual light flickering across its surface.
In several other Alchemist's Chambers, there are higher quality Dan Furnaces, all at the spirit artifact level and smaller in size. These were crafted through the combined efforts of Yue Changzi and his disciples Ling Yizi and Ling Xianzi, who invested significant resources and effort to create better quality Dan Furnaces. In fact, most alchemy now uses these few Dan Furnaces. However, the one in the first Alchemist's Chamber holds different significance; for the Nine Li Sect, it is almost a sacred object and a symbol of the Heavenly Pill Hall.
The interest in these smaller Dan Furnaces grew among Xuan Xuzi and others as they carefully examined them. One furnace was currently refining the Gongxin Pill, and a familiar rich fragrance wafted out from the Alchemist's Chamber. Xuan Xuzi and others did not enter but stood outside, inhaling this aroma and exchanging knowing glances.
In the herb processing area of the back courtyard, many disciples were busy at work.
In the middle of the yard, there were several fire pits burning large chunks of century-old cypress wood that emitted an enticing aroma. The flames were controlled perfectly, not exceeding three inches in height. Above the fire pits were large drying racks where clusters of Golden Lantern Flower were being roasted. The flowers, shining like gold, gradually dried out, changing from light brown to dark brown, shrinking into tiny, slender branches resembling a Golden Lamp. At this point, disciples would carefully collect them into Jade Boxes and carry them into the medicine cellar for storage.
The roasting process of the Golden Lantern Flower left a deep impression on Xuan Xuzi and others.
Returning to the Main Hall, everyone took their seats again. Xuan Xuzi spoke up: “Ling Xuzi, you clearly haven’t closed your grain stores; isn’t the Golden Lantern Flower currently being roasted? Isn’t this approach problematic?”
This was a show of authority, but Ling Xuzi showed no fear and replied directly: “Sect Leader, we had no choice but to resort to this strategy. The Heavenly Grain hasn’t given us a single Elixir, yet we are expected to provide large quantities of Golden Lantern Flower. Is there any reason for this? Who would accept such terms? Moreover, to put it bluntly, including Kunlun, I have sent you many Gongxin Pills over these years without asking for anything in return. Hasn’t the main leader of Dao Sect deliberately chosen to ignore this? I ask everyone present, who among you can say that our Nine Li Sect hasn’t provided you with any Gongxin Pills? We have acted with a clear conscience.”
Upon hearing this, Xuan Xuzi could no longer press further; even Yiyang nodded slightly in agreement.
Indeed. Since that time during the newcomer competition over a decade ago, the Nine Li Sect had not received a single Elixir from the Heavenly Grain. Seven years ago, when the Nine Li Sect announced its ability to self-supply with Elixirs, it has since been providing various types of them free of charge to the Eight Major Sects, especially the Gongxin Pill. Each sect leader present had received them annually; although sometimes there were minor requests from the Nine Li Sect, it was still better than the exorbitant prices demanded by the Heavenly Grain.
Zhao Zhen Sect Yajiangzi, known for his fairness, spoke solemnly: “This matter cannot be blamed on the Nine Li Sect. It has been sixteen years since the appearance of the Demon Sect Monster and the incident involving a black-clad assassin killing participating newcomers at the time. To this day, the response from the Heavenly Grain has been dismissive. Moreover, since that incident, they have harbored deep resentment towards you, Ling Xuzi, refusing to provide any more Elixirs to our sect. This is simply excessive! Now they are even more restless. Since we are all allies here today, Sect Leader, there’s no need to hide this from Brother Ling.”
Upon hearing this, concern surged in Ling Xuzi’s heart.
Xuan Xuzi said gravely: “Recently, we received a letter from the Heavenly Grain, stating that due to issues at the entrance of the Ancient Celestial Field, they will no longer provide any more Elixirs to all factions of the Immortal Sect until access to that entrance is restored.”
As soon as these words were spoken, all disciples of the Nine Li Sect were taken aback in shock; even those eavesdropping at the back like Li Hong were astonished beyond belief.
The Ancient Celestial Field is actually a relic of the Ancient God, similar to spaces like the Nine Li Cave Heaven, with the entrance equivalent to a directional Teleportation Array. If there are issues with the entrance, it can only mean that someone has entered the Center Restriction and altered the teleportation settings. This is quite terrifying.
However, all of this hinges on whether Heavenly Grain is telling the truth. Perhaps they are simply looking for excuses; they might be deliberately obstructing everyone. After all, they have already been blocking the Nine Li Sect for sixteen years.
The Spirit Stone slowly asked, "Has the Sect Master sent someone to confirm?"
Xuan Xuzi replied, "No." After pondering for a moment, he added, "We cannot enter."
"I received a letter from Heavenly Grain two days ago and immediately sent an elder to confirm. Qing Yizi personally received them and provided the reasons mentioned above. However, when the Elders wanted to personally investigate the entrance, Qing Yizi flatly refused, stating that he did not want the Elders to sacrifice themselves, and then issued an eviction order. His attitude was very firm."
Everyone furrowed their brows; Heavenly Grain actually did not give face to Xuan Xuzi. It seems they are determined not to provide Elixirs for the Nine Major Sects of the Immortal Sect any longer.
Yet Xuan Xuzi did not bring people to Heavenly Grain to demand an explanation but instead mobilized them to inspect the Heavenly Pill Hall of the Nine Li Sect. Li Hong pondered; there must be something more to this.
Ling Xuzi cautiously asked, "Sect Master, what do you plan to do next?"
Xuan Xuzi's voice was steady: "Having seen the Heavenly Pill Hall of the Nine Li Sect, I believe you are still a good supplement for Heavenly Grain. However, to provide Elixirs for the entire Immortal Sect, I must speak frankly; the Nine Li Sect is not capable. What do you all think?"
This question was directed at Yiyang and others.
Yiyang was the first to agree but spoke weakly: "The Sect Master is right. Although the Elixirs provided by Heavenly Grain have decreased year by year, at least there are still many Pudan available. As for Human-Level pills like Gongxin Pill and Foundation Pill, those are mostly provided by the Nine Li Sect. However, since Human-Level pills are needed in smaller quantities while Pudan is required in large amounts, if we were to entrust all Pudan production to the Nine Li Sect, I also believe it would be impossible. There aren't enough personnel or Dan Furnaces; in fact, the Nine Li Sect is more suited for refining high-level Elixirs."
Bai Juzi and Yajiangzi echoed this sentiment. Even Ling Xuzi exchanged a knowing glance with Spirit Stone, while Li Hong at the back understood that Yiyang's words hit the nail on the head.
Xuan Xuzi slowly said, "We cannot let Heavenly Grain run rampant at this critical moment; we should intervene with them. Ling Xuzi, what do you think?"
Ling Xuzi looked up at Xuan Xuzi with an expression of undeniable surprise.
Xuan Xuzi sighed, "This is something we have to do, and it's not just my opinion. I'm speaking frankly here. I, Yiyang, Bai Juzi, and Yajiangzi all believe that this is the only way for our Immortal Sect to survive. Heavenly Grain has been acting against us for years, and I'm sure you, Ling Xuzi, are well aware of that. Now they outright refuse to provide Elixirs to us; there must be a reason behind it. If that reason is related to the Demon Sect, it would be disastrous. Therefore, we must unite and send people to occupy Heavenly Grain."
Ling Xuzi was left speechless.
Li Hong, who was at the back, felt a heavy weight in his heart. This meant civil war. Once the floodgates opened, the long-suppressed undercurrents within the Immortal Sect would no longer be contained. With the changes in the Ancient Spirit Arrangement approaching, this was definitely not a good idea.
The Main Hall was very quiet; Ling Xuzi's breathing was long yet heavy. He was nervous and had to make a significant decision.
Xuan Xuzi's intention was clear: the Eight Major Sects would unite and send troops to occupy Heavenly Grain, forcing them to continue providing Elixirs to the Immortal Sect. If Heavenly Grain refused... who knew what would happen!
Ling Xuzi anxiously considered various possibilities. Yiyang grew angry at his prolonged silence and glared at him, saying, "Ling Xuzi, be straightforward! Today the Sect Master thought of you first when he didn't go anywhere with us three; you should know what that means for your Nine Li Sect! If it were before, would I even need to ask you? Hmph!"
Bai Juzi also coldly remarked, "The Sect Master has given an order; we must obey. He is humble and gracious; you cannot refuse a toast and then drink punishment wine!"
Only Yajiangzi remained silent without urging him, looking at Ling Xuzi with a hint of sympathy.
Ling Xuzi weighed the pros and cons, thought for a moment longer, and reluctantly said, "The Nine Li Sect will follow the Sect Master's orders."
"Good!" Yiyang clapped and laughed heartily.
Xuan Xuzi smiled as well but glanced towards the back of the hall.
********
That day, Ling Xuzi began gathering personnel to occupy Heavenly Grain. However, most of the Beast Cultivator Elders had already left; only about ten remained in Nine Li Cave Heaven, and they could only be used for guarding the mountain. The manpower was becoming tight, making it a significant issue to decide who would go.
Ling Xuzi broke out in a sweat on his forehead and continuously asked Xuan Xuzi for more time.
Xuan Xuzi calmly said, "Quality is more important than quantity. Your new elder is quite impressive. He must be taken along."
With that statement, the fate of Li Hong was decided.
Soon, Li Hong was dressed in full elder attire, blending into the crowd as a guard for Ling Xuzi, following the large group out of the mountain.
The next destination was Xuan Wei Sect. Xuan Xuzi planned to do the same and personally persuade the leader of Xuanwei, Anqi Zi, followed by New Luo, Bixiao, and Penglai.
The group left Nine Li Sect and silently flew towards Xuanwei.
On Cloud Path, a grand assembly of no less than three hundred elders had gathered. Li Hong felt anxious; such a large display could not go unnoticed by the Demon Sect Monster. He had to be extremely vigilant to avoid any mishaps.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the front of the line.
Moments later, Xuan Xuzi announced that they would not be going to Xuanwei after all, and everyone was to head straight to Kunlun.
Li Hong was puzzled. Just then, Ling Xuzi turned back and transmitted a message with a frown: "It seems we have spies from Heavenly Grain among us. Heavenly Grain has already learned about our movements. They just announced their separation from Immortal Sect and have changed their name; they now call themselves 'Pharmaceutical Sect.'"
Heavenly Grain has officially declared its separation from Immortal Sect? Pharmaceutical Sect? Li Hong pondered with a furrowed brow; this name held significant meaning.
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