“I didn’t expect the identity of a pill servant to have such a huge drawback. Lai Ren, I originally just wanted to torment you for a while, but now it seems I really can’t do without you!” Lin Yuan muttered, then began planning how to enter the inner sect.
Outer sect disciples generally had cultivation between the 5th and 9th stage of the Qi Refining Realm, inner sect disciples ranged from the 9th stage of the Qi Refining Realm to the Foundation Establishment Realm, and core disciples were essentially the strongest seven inner sect disciples.
“Outer sect disciples are not like the Servant Quarters. They have deep foundations and outstanding combat power. If I want to stand out, I must not only reach the required cultivation level but also improve in every other aspect. I must quickly master the second form of the Seven-Slaughter Demon Blade, Soul Sever, and the third form, Wave Overlap. At the same time, I need to practice a movement technique, otherwise I will be completely passive in future battles. My physical strength must also increase because Wave Overlap places very high demands on the body; the stronger the physique, the greater the power accumulated.”
After careful thought, Lin Yuan realized he still lacked a lot.
Actually, it would be best to wait another year.
With the Side Effect Transfer System, entering the inner sect next year would be almost guaranteed.
However, the Blood Demon Sect was still lurking and could erupt at any time; he no longer had time to wait.
He exhaled slowly and returned to Hundred Herbs Peak. Just as he arrived at the bamboo hut, Sang Xiaoya followed right after him.
“Did you win? Did you beat your opponent so badly he was completely crushed?” She waved her pink fists excitedly, looking even more worked up than Lin Yuan.
“I won, but also didn’t win.”
“What do you mean won but didn’t win?” Sang Xiaoya stopped, confused.
“I defeated my opponent, but because I’m a pill servant, I still can’t enter the outer sect.”
“So that’s it, then I’ll go find Grandpa and ask him to restore your original identity.” Sang Xiaoya immediately turned to leave.
“No need, I can handle it myself.” Lin Yuan felt warmth in his heart and stopped her.
When they first met, he thought Sang Xiaoya was a spoiled rich girl, but later he realized she was simply focused entirely on alchemy and not good at communicating with people.
Deep down, she was not a bad person.
“By the way, did you finish refining today’s Strength Pill?” he asked.
“Here, with added royal jelly!” Sang Xiaoya handed him a pitch-black pill.
The Strength Pill melted instantly in his mouth, tasting like a minty hawthorn candy—sour, sweet, and surprisingly pleasant.
When the medicinal power activated, Lin Yuan suddenly let out a soft sound of surprise.
He could feel powerful medicinal force rushing into his limbs, actually giving him noticeably more strength.
The Strength Pill’s effect was simple; after consumption, it temporarily increased physical power.
Previously, Sang Xiaoya’s pills could only barely enhance strength, but today the effect was extremely clear. More importantly, this pill had no side effects at all.
Lin Yuan walked outside and immediately spotted a massive green boulder half-buried in the ground. He wrapped his arms around it.
“Up!” he shouted.
With a loud sound, the enormous stone weighing several thousand kilograms was forcefully lifted out of the earth. The next moment, Lin Yuan released his grip and the giant boulder slammed back into the ground.
“Did I succeed?” Sang Xiaoya widened her eyes, full of anticipation.
“Probably not yet,” Lin Yuan said helplessly. “Even without using strength I can feel the medicinal power, but once I exert force it only lasts about one breath’s time.”
One breath was roughly three to five seconds, even shorter than the time it took to swallow the pill. In that sense, this batch of Strength Pill was a failure. However, the effect truly existed, and from here onward she only needed to work on extending the duration.
Hearing this, Sang Xiaoya was slightly disappointed, but quickly cheered up again and prepared to continue researching.
“Elder Sang Mu knows many pill recipes, so why must you insist on refining the Strength Pill? Even if you insist on refining it, why not ask Elder Sang Mu for help?” Lin Yuan asked casually.
Elder Sang Mu’s alchemy skill was unquestionable; such a small pill should not be difficult for him, yet Sang Xiaoya had never approached him.
“I’m not telling you, it’s a secret!” Sang Xiaoya turned to run, only to crash straight into someone.
“Hehehe, you almost shattered these old bones of mine.” A gentle voice sounded.
“No need to be so polite with me.” The old man smiled kindly and patted her head.
Lin Yuan instantly understood who the visitor was and stepped forward to greet him. “Greetings, Elder Shen.”
This Elder Shen’s full name was Shen Lixin, a Golden Core Realm mid-stage cultivator, publicly recognized within the Immortal Gate Sect as a master alchemist.
There were three elders in the Fragrant Pill Pavilion, with Shen Lixin ranking first, Sang Mu second, and Yan Kun third. Rumor said Shen Lixin devoted himself entirely to alchemy and avoided worldly affairs, rarely appearing in public for three to five years at a time. Lin Yuan hadn’t expected to meet this legendary figure today.
“I know you. It seems the Servant Quarters have truly committed many disgraceful deeds, actually forcing a disciple with your talent to become a pill servant. Truly outrageous.” Shen Lixin’s expression carried anger and dissatisfaction toward the Servant Quarters, which unknowingly made Lin Yuan develop a favorable impression of him.
It was widely said that Elder Shen was gentle, righteous, and upright, often helping disciples in need, and now this reputation indeed proved true.
“Don’t worry, the sect will never abandon any disciple with potential. In next year’s grand competition, I grant you special permission to participate. When I was refining pills earlier, one furnace happened to produce an extra Cleansing Spirit Pill. Take it.” Shen Lixin raised his hand, and a jade bottle appeared in his palm.
“Many thanks for the pill, Elder Shen.” Lin Yuan received it with both hands, inwardly ecstatic. The Cleansing Spirit Pill was made from the discarded remnants created while refining the far more precious Spirit Awakening Pill, which showed just how valuable the Spirit Awakening Pill truly was.
Though it was just a small pill, its worth rivaled a lower‑grade magical artifact and was valued at dozens of spirit stones. This was truly an unexpected blessing.
Seeing Lin Yuan accept the pill, Shen Lixin smiled even more warmly before taking Sang Xiaoya and leaving.
After watching them disappear, cold sweat suddenly poured down Lin Yuan’s forehead. His eyes widened as text flashed before his vision.
[Side effect bearer selected: Shen Lixin (Elder of the Fragrant Pill Pavilion of the Immortal Gate Sect, Elder of the Blood Demon Sect).]
The Elder loved and respected by everyone was actually a Blood Demon Sect elder?
If this news spread, no one would believe it.
“The water of the Immortal Gate Sect is truly filthy. This is bad, I must become stronger as soon as possible. I don’t have much time left to grow!”
If the Immortal Gate Sect and Blood Demon Sect clashed, forget a mere Qi Refining Realm disciple like him—even Golden Core Realm elders would fall.
If he didn’t quickly improve his strength, he wouldn’t even be able to protect himself. Lin Yuan lifted his gaze toward the back mountain.
Ancestor Yuan Lingqing had left behind an illusion formation to test disciples there, and its danger should not be too high. If he could obtain even a portion of a Nascent Soul Realm inheritance, he would no longer be so restricted and helpless.
“On the path of cultivation, talent and luck are important, but cultivation techniques and resources are equally indispensable.”