Lin Wei had just left the room.
The twenty younger members of the Lin Clan continued cultivating behind him.
Lin Hao watched them for a moment before turning his attention back to the golden screen before him.
There was something he had almost forgotten.
The Summoning Function.
Previously, whenever he had tried to access it, the System had simply told him that it was locked.
Now that the Beginner Clan Mission had been completed, perhaps…
“System.”
[Yes, Host?]
“The Summoning Function.”
There was a brief silence.
Then—
DING!
A brilliant golden screen appeared.
[System Notification]
Beginner Clan Mission Completed.
Clan Development Requirement Fulfilled.
New System Function Unlocked.
[Summoning Function]
Lin Hao’s eyes brightened.
“Finally.”
The golden screen changed again.
[Summoning Function]
Purpose: Summon powerful individuals to assist in the development of the Lin Clan.
Summoned characters possess absolute loyalty to the Host and the Lin Clan.
Lin Hao studied the information.
“So I can summon people with different abilities?”
[Correct.]
[Summoned characters may possess different cultivation bases, professions, talents, physiques, bloodlines, abilities, and specialties.]
[They may become Clan Guardians, Pill Masters, Formation Masters, Weapon Refiners, physicians, teachers, administrators, or experts in other fields.]
Lin Hao nodded.
That was useful.
Very useful.
Then another line appeared.
[Additional Acquisition Method]
The Host may also obtain summoned characters by completing System Missions.
Lin Hao raised an eyebrow.
“Meaning I don’t always have to summon them directly?”
[Correct.]
[Certain System Missions may reward the Host with specific summoned characters.]
[Such characters may possess predetermined cultivation bases, professions, talents, abilities, or specialties suited to the mission.]
Lin Hao smiled.
“Good.”
The System sounded proud.
[I knew you would like it.]
Lin Hao ignored the comment.
“What determines the strength of a summoned character?”
The System immediately displayed another screen.
[Summoning Rule]
The cultivation realm of a summoned character is determined by the strongest member of the Host’s clan.
A summoned character will possess a cultivation realm five major realms higher than the strongest member of the clan.
Lin Hao’s expression changed.
“Five major realms?”
[Correct.]
The System continued explaining.
[The current strongest members of the Lin Clan are Lin Chen and Lin Qing.]
[Their current cultivation is Foundation Establishment Realm — Level 2.]
Lin Hao nodded.
He already knew that.
Then the System displayed the progression.
Foundation Establishment Realm
↓
Core Formation Realm
↓
Nascent Soul Realm
↓
Soul Transformation Realm
↓
Void Refining Realm
↓
Body Integration Realm
Lin Hao’s eyes widened slightly.
“So the next summoned character…”
[Will be at Body Integration Realm — Level 2.]
Lin Hao smiled.
That was considerably more powerful than the current strongest members of the Lin Clan.
The System continued.
[As the Lin Clan becomes stronger, the cultivation base of future summoned characters will increase accordingly.]
Lin Hao nodded slowly.
That meant the System would always give him people capable of standing far above the current strongest members of his clan.
“Not bad.”
The System responded immediately.
[Naturally.]
Lin Hao looked at it.
“You’re getting more arrogant.”
[I prefer confident.]
Lin Hao shook his head.
“Show me the first summon.”
The golden screen changed.
[Available Summon]
Cultivation: Body Integration Realm — Level 2
Profession: Pill Master
Pill Master Rank: King Pill Master
Loyalty: Absolute
Specialty: Alchemy
Lin Hao stared at the screen.
“A Pill Master?”
[Correct.]
Lin Hao became interested.
“A King Pill Master?”
[Correct.]
He had already learned that Pill Masters were ranked according to their ability to refine pills.
But he wanted to understand exactly how the system worked.
“What is a King Pill Master?”
The System immediately displayed another panel.
[Mortal World Pill Master Ranking]
Apprentice Pill Master
Spirit Pill Master
Earth Pill Master
Heaven Pill Master
Grandmaster Pill Master
King Pill Master
Lord Pill Master
Emperor Pill Master
Divine Pill Master
Lin Hao nodded.
The System continued.
[A Pill Master’s rank is determined by two requirements.]
[First, the Pill Master must possess the corresponding cultivation realm.]
[Second, the Pill Master must successfully refine a pill of the corresponding rank.]
Lin Hao understood immediately.
“So someone can’t simply claim to be a higher-ranked Pill Master.”
[Correct.]
[Their cultivation and alchemy ability must both meet the requirements.]
The System then displayed the corresponding levels.
[Mortal World Pill Master Requirements]
Apprentice Pill Master
Foundation Establishment Realm
Core Formation Realm
Earth Pill Master
Nascent Soul Realm
Heaven Pill Master
Soul Transformation Realm
Grandmaster Pill Master
Void Refining Realm
King Pill Master
Body Integration Realm
Lord Pill Master
Tribulation Transcendence Realm
Emperor Pill Master
Mahayana Realm
Divine Pill Master
Mahayana Realm — Level 9, Peak
Lin Hao looked at the final rank.
“Divine Pill Master is the highest?”
[Within the current Mortal World, yes.]
Lin Hao nodded.
“Then what determines the rank of the pills themselves?”
The System immediately brought up another screen.
[Mortal World Pill Ranking]
Rank 1 — Foundation Establishment
Rank 2 — Core Formation
Rank 3 — Nascent Soul
Rank 4 — Soul Transformation
Rank 5 — Void Refining
Rank 6 — Body Integration
Rank 7 — Tribulation Transcendence
Rank 8 — Mahayana
Rank 9 — Peak Mahayana
Lin Hao looked at the list.
“So the pill rank corresponds to the cultivation level it is capable of assisting?”
[Correct.]
[A higher-ranked pill contains greater energy and deeper laws, making it suitable for cultivators of higher realms.]
Lin Hao nodded.
Then another section appeared.
[Pill Quality]
Low-Grade
Middle-Grade
High-Grade
Supreme-Grade
Ancient-Grade
Lin Hao raised an eyebrow.
“Ancient?”
[Ancient-Grade Pills are pills created using ancient refinement methods and formulas that have largely disappeared from the current world.]
The System paused.
[Many of their formulas originated during the Primordial Era.]
Lin Hao’s expression became interested.
“So that’s where the Pill Veins come in.”
[Correct.]
Another panel appeared.
[Pill Veins]
Supreme-Grade Pills: 1–5 Pill Veins
Ancient-Grade Pills: 6–9 Pill Veins
Lin Hao studied the information.
“So a Rank 9, 9-Vein Ancient Pill…”
[Would be a Peak Mahayana-level Ancient Pill.]
[It represents the highest established level of pill refinement within the Mortal World.]
Lin Hao smiled.
“Interesting.”
Then he looked at the summon again.
“So the person you’re giving me is a King Pill Master?”
[Correct.]
[Body Integration Realm — Level 2.]
Lin Hao pressed the summon button.
“Summon.”
The moment he spoke, the air in the room trembled.
Golden light suddenly filled the chamber.
The spiritual energy became denser.
A figure slowly emerged from the golden light.
He appeared to be a middle-aged man dressed in elegant dark robes.
His expression was calm.
His appearance was refined.
There was an unmistakable aura of authority surrounding him.
The moment his feet touched the ground, he immediately knelt before Lin Hao.
“Greetings, Master.”
Lin Hao looked at him.
The System displayed his information.
[Summoned Character]
Name: Lin Yaochen
Cultivation: Body Integration Realm — Level 2
Profession: King Pill Master
Specialty: Alchemy
Loyalty: Absolute
Lin Hao nodded.
“Rise.”
Lin Yaochen stood.
Lin Hao studied him carefully.
A Body Integration Realm cultivator.
A King Pill Master.
And absolutely loyal to the Lin Clan.
This was the first person the System had summoned for him.
But Lin Hao suddenly remembered something.
His gaze shifted toward the younger generation.
Among the twenty cultivators was Lin Ruyan.
She possessed the Primordial Alchemy Spiritual Root, Primordial Alchemy Divine Physique, Primordial Alchemy God Bloodline, and Primordial Alchemy Scripture.
She was clearly destined for the path of alchemy.
Lin Hao looked at her.
Then at Lin Yaochen.
“System.”
[Yes, Host?]
“Can I give Lin Ruyan additional alchemy knowledge?”
[Of course.]
Lin Hao nodded.
“Then open the System Mall.”
The golden screen appeared.
[System Mall]
Alchemy Knowledge Inheritance
Price: 10,000 Family Points
Lin Hao glanced at the price.
His Family Points remained:
∞
“Buy it.”
[Purchase successful.]
A brilliant golden sphere immediately appeared in Lin Hao’s palm.
The sphere was filled with countless mysterious symbols.
Even Lin Yaochen’s expression changed slightly when he saw it.
Lin Hao walked toward Lin Ruyan.
She slowly opened her eyes.
“Ancestor?”
Lin Hao smiled.
“From now on, you will cultivate with Lin Yaochen.”
Lin Ruyan looked at the unfamiliar man.
Lin Yaochen gave her a respectful nod.
“Miss.”
Lin Ruyan looked back at Lin Hao.
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“You want me to learn alchemy?”
Lin Hao nodded.
“You already possess an extraordinary foundation for it.”
He held out his hand.
The golden sphere floated between them.
Lin Ruyan stared at the sphere.
“What is it?”
“Alchemy.”
Lin Hao’s voice became serious.
“It contains the knowledge and insights of alchemy from the Mortal World all the way to the Divine World.”
Everyone in the room became silent.
Lin Ruyan looked stunned.
“The Divine World?”
Lin Hao nodded.
“However, you won’t be able to access everything immediately.”
The golden sphere suddenly split into three layers.
The first layer shone brightly.
The second was surrounded by golden chains.
The third was sealed behind an even more powerful formation.
“The Mortal World knowledge is unlocked.”
“The Immortal World knowledge is sealed.”
“And the Divine World knowledge is sealed even deeper.”
Lin Ruyan listened carefully.
Lin Hao continued.
“The Immortal World knowledge will only unlock when you reach the Immortal World.”
“The Divine World knowledge will only unlock when you reach the Divine World.”
“Until then, you cannot access either.”
Lin Ruyan nodded slowly.
Lin Hao then looked at Lin Yaochen.
“Even though you will cultivate with him, don’t misunderstand.”
Lin Ruyan looked at him.
“Your teacher can guide you.”
“But the inheritance I am giving you contains something even more important.”
He pointed toward the golden sphere.
“It contains the complete knowledge of Mortal World alchemy.”
Lin Ruyan’s eyes widened.
Lin Hao continued.
“You already possess the knowledge required to reach the peak of Mortal World alchemy.”
“From Rank 1 to Rank 9.”
“From Low-Grade Pills to Middle-Grade, High-Grade, Supreme-Grade, and Ancient-Grade Pills.”
“And the secrets of Pill Veins.”
Lin Ruyan’s breathing became slightly faster.
Lin Hao continued explaining.
“There are nine pill ranks in the Mortal World.”
“Rank 1 corresponds to Foundation Establishment.”
“Rank 2 corresponds to Core Formation.”
“Rank 3 corresponds to Nascent Soul.”
“Rank 4 corresponds to Soul Transformation.”
“Rank 5 corresponds to Void Refining.”
“Rank 6 corresponds to Body Integration.”
“Rank 7 corresponds to Tribulation Transcendence.”
“Rank 8 corresponds to Mahayana.”
“And Rank 9 corresponds to the peak of the Mahayana Realm.”
Lin Ruyan listened without blinking.
Lin Hao’s voice became even more serious.
“Ancient Pills are extremely rare.”
“Many of their formulas originated in the Primordial Era.”
“Some have already disappeared from the world.”
“But you don’t need to rediscover them.”
Lin Ruyan stared at him.
“The knowledge is already inside the inheritance?”
“Exactly.”
Lin Hao nodded.
“You already possess the knowledge required to refine Ancient Pills, including the knowledge of Pill Veins.”
Lin Ruyan’s eyes widened.
“Even a 9-Vein Ancient Pill?”
“Yes.”
Lin Hao smiled.
“Your knowledge already reaches the ceiling of Mortal World alchemy.”
“Even the knowledge required to become a Divine Pill Master.”
Lin Ruyan was speechless.
Lin Hao continued.
“But knowledge alone isn’t enough.”
“You still need the cultivation base required to refine each rank.”
“You also need the appropriate materials.”
Lin Ruyan nodded.
That made sense.
Lin Hao looked at her.
“Once your cultivation reaches the required level, you will be able to put that knowledge into practice.”
Lin Ruyan clenched her fists.
She could already see how terrifying that future could become.
Lin Hao then placed his hand gently above her forehead.
“Are you ready?”
Lin Ruyan nodded.
“Yes, Ancestor.”
Lin Hao released the golden sphere.
Whoosh!
The sphere shot forward.
It entered through Lin Ruyan’s brows.
Her entire body suddenly trembled.
Boom!
An immense amount of information flooded into her mind.
Alchemy formulas.
Refinement techniques.
Flame control.
Ingredient combinations.
Pill Veins.
Supreme-Grade Pills.
Ancient-Grade Pills.
Rank 1.
Rank 2.
Rank 3.
All the way to Rank 9.
Knowledge that ordinary alchemists could spend their entire lives searching for poured into her consciousness.
Yet the information didn’t overwhelm her.
Her Primordial Alchemy Spiritual Root and Primordial Alchemy Divine Physique immediately adapted to the inheritance.
Inside her mind, three enormous formations appeared.
The first formation was completely open.
The second was sealed.
The third was sealed even more tightly.
The Mortal World inheritance was accessible.
The Immortal World inheritance was locked behind a powerful formation.
The Divine World inheritance was locked behind another.
Lin Ruyan slowly opened her eyes.
A profound light flashed within them.
Lin Hao smiled.
“From today onward, your path is clear.”
Lin Ruyan looked toward Lin Yaochen.
Lin Yaochen smiled faintly.
“Miss Lin, I look forward to seeing how far you can go.”
Lin Ruyan nodded.
“I’ll do my best.”
The System suddenly spoke.
[Host.]
Lin Hao raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
[You have just given a young woman enough alchemy knowledge to terrify the entire Mortal World once her cultivation catches up.]
Lin Hao smiled.
“That’s the idea.”
[Excellent.]
Lin Hao turned toward the door.
Just then—
Knock.
Knock.
Lin Hao looked up.
He already knew who it was.
Lin Wei’s voice came from outside.
“Ancestor.”
Lin Hao smiled.
“Come in.”
The door slowly opened.
Lin Wei stepped inside.
Behind him stood the elders of the Lin Clan.
Lin Hao looked at them.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
The next stage of the Lin Clan’s transformation had arrived.
End of Chapter 11