C23 Recruitment

"Investing a wealth of resources to cultivate a prodigy is a common strategy among the great sects, and Danwu Academy is no exception. Without resources, even the most talented individuals can't rise to power. Despite having memories from a past life that give me an edge in some areas, I still require substantial resources to distinguish myself in this lifetime."

For a Cultivating Warrior, talking about cultivation without resources is tantamount to a farce. Su Ling was especially eager to amass more Profound Crystals to purchase the necessary ingredients for crafting potent pills, aiming to dramatically boost his Soul Force and martial prowess.

"Elder Leng, do you need more rest?"

Watching Elder Leng bask in the triumph of producing two Highest Grade Soul Pills, Su Ling shook his head with a hint of amusement before inquiring.

"No rest for me, Mr. Wu Chen. I'm eager to get back to pill refining."

With Su Ling's mentorship, Elder Leng had successfully crafted two Highest Grade Soul Pills, significantly bolstering his confidence.

Elder Leng was certain that this pill-making experience would greatly improve his success rate with third-grade pills. Moreover, he even dared to dream of striving for the rank of a fourth-grade apothecary with a bit more effort.

"Excellent!"

Su Ling's smile broadened at the sight of Elder Leng's fervor. With Elder Leng maintaining his current momentum, the quality of the next seven Spirit Soul Pills he was set to refine would surely be top-notch.

As Su Ling had anticipated, Elder Leng's subsequent pill refining went smoothly, as if divinely assisted, producing six Highest Grade Spirit Soul Pills in rapid succession. However, when it came time to refine the last Spirit Soul Pill, Elder Leng's insistence on judging the perfect moment for pill condensation led to a slightly less impressive result—a Superior Grade Spirit Soul Pill.

Despite this, Elder Leng was content. After all, only the first and last pills were truly his own work. The first was a flawed, low-grade pill, nearly worthless, but this last one was a high-grade Spirit Soul Pill, a clear testament to Elder Leng's remarkable progress in the art of pill refining.

Until this moment, Su Ling had utilized all ten batches of herbs he had purchased, successfully refining eight Highest Grade Soul Pills, one superior-grade Spirit Soul Pill, and one flawed low-grade Spirit Soul Pill. Although Su Ling wasn't entirely satisfied with the outcome, it was clear that Elder Leng had given his all during the process.

"Thank you, Elder Leng!"

As Su Ling gazed upon the ten Spirit Soul Pills nestled within the ornate box, he was deeply touched. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Elder Leng for his assistance in the pill refinement.

"Mr. Wu Chen, it is I who should be thanking you," Elder Leng responded, his voice filled with emotion. "Without your guidance, my simple mind would never have been capable of producing such an array of top-tier pills, especially of the third grade."

Elder Leng's Soul Force was at the third tier, and while he was able to refine third-tier pills, his success rate was far from impressive. At best, he could achieve a mid-grade quality. But with Su Ling's instruction, Elder Leng had not only crafted seven Highest Grade Soul Pills but also a superior-grade pill on his own by accurately judging the condensation timing.

The pill refinement session had been incredibly beneficial for Elder Leng.

"Elder Leng, regardless, I, Dan Wuchen, will always hold your help in refining these pills in the highest regard and will never forget it in this lifetime," Su Ling declared with unwavering determination. After securing the eight Highest Grade Soul Pills, he continued earnestly, "These two pills—one a failed attempt and the other a superior-grade pill you crafted—should remain with you."

Su Ling was acutely aware of the thrill an alchemist experiences when making strides in their craft. These two pills were a testament to Elder Leng's advancement in alchemy and held significant sentimental value for him.

"Thank you, Mr. Wu Chen," Elder Leng said, his hands quivering slightly as he accepted the pills with immense gratitude.

With a respectful smile, Su Ling gave Elder Leng an appreciative nod. He then turned to Lan Yun and spoke, "Pavilion Master Lan Yun, if there's nothing further, I shall take my leave now."

"Sure, okay!"

A shadow of melancholy flickered in Lan Yun's beautiful eyes as she cast a meaningful glance at Su Ling, watching him depart from the Lanqing Pavilion.

Once Su Ling was out of sight, Lan Yun was struck by a poignant sense of loss, yet she was aware that people like her were never meant to be in the same world as Su Ling.

Turning her attention to Lin Ling'er, Lan Yun noticed her young friend's face also bore a look of dejection.

"This poor girl, she's clearly smitten with him."

With just one look, Lan Yun recognized the stirrings of affection in Lin Ling'er for Su Ling, and she couldn't help but smile wryly. Her naive little sister had fallen in love, likely without even realizing it.

Unaware of Lan Yun's musings, Lin Ling'er's mind was entirely consumed by thoughts of Su Ling. His rich voice and his astounding prowess in alchemy had left a deep impression on her.

Elder Leng, of course, was oblivious to the young women's inner turmoil but was acutely aware of Su Ling's worth.

He approached Lan Yun and spoke with gravity, "Pavilion Master, we must spare no effort to win over Mr. Wu Chen. His Soul Force may not match mine, but his alchemy is leagues beyond—tens, even hundreds of times greater."

During the crafting of the Spirit Soul Pill, Elder Leng had come to realize the sheer depth of Su Ling's alchemical mastery.

There was even a fleeting moment when Elder Leng suspected Su Ling might be possessed by some ancient spirit, such was the level of his alchemical talent.

Elder Leng had no doubt that with the aid of the Spirit Soul Pill, Su Ling could advance to the second tier of Soul Force and be capable of concocting a third-tier pill.

"It's beyond me—what kind of alchemist could have trained Dan Wuchen to be so extraordinarily formidable? With just a first-tier Soul Force, he's guiding others to refine third-tier pills. And given his ease, I suspect he could mentor a fourth-tier alchemist, or even those of a higher caliber."

Having witnessed Su Ling's formidable abilities firsthand, Elder Leng now understood the true mark of an alchemical genius.

"Elder Leng, rest assured, I've informed headquarters. We will, by any means necessary, bring Dan Wuchen into the fold of Lanqing Pavilion."

Lan Yun's captivating eyes took on a chill as she spoke with resolve, "Only by securing Dan Wuchen for Lanqing Pavilion can I, Lan Yun, make my return to the Imperial Capital."