C24 Hundred Herbs Pill!

Jiang Fann's gaze was icy as he harbored no fondness for the Myriad Poison Sect. Memories of the incident at the valley's base three months prior lingered; it was highly probable that they were after Gu Ling'er.

Noticing Jiang Fann's silence, Qin Feng added, "I was concerned Lingloong Pavilion might give you trouble, Elder Brother Jiang. But now, I see there's no need to worry. With a demon expert of such caliber by your side, you're well-protected."

Jiang Fann offered a smile. "How did you cross paths with Lingloong Pavilion?"

With a secretive grin, Qin Feng replied, "Lingloong Pavilion is like a beacon, deeply knowledgeable about the Secret Realm. It's advantageous to follow their lead."

After exchanging a few more pieces of information, Qin Feng respectfully bowed with his fists clasped and took his leave.

Jiang Fann was unfamiliar with the Loongze Lake Secret Realm and needed to stick close to Han Qianxue.

Upon their return to the pond's edge, they noticed the crowd had thinned. Some adventurers were still employing the earlier technique, partnering up to scour the lakebed for treasures. It was, after all, the Black Dragon King's former bathing spot—there might be relics to uncover.

Han Qianxue had regained her vigor, yet the protective treasure concealed her true level from Jiang Fann.

As he was about to inquire, she cut him off, "No questions—let's talk as we go."

Jiang Fann and Shi Chengtian followed her away from the water's edge, venturing into the thick woods. Their next stop, as per her initial plan, was the Dragon Transformation Abyss.

About ten minutes into their trek, Han Qianxue spun around, fixing Jiang Fann with a fierce stare.

"I've been here waiting for you for days. I was starting to think you'd perished in the ant nest."

Jiang Fann chuckled. "Who do you think I am? A mere ant nest couldn't possibly take me down."

"You're too full of yourself! When Lingloong Pavilion's people showed up unexpectedly a few days back, I had no choice but to hunt for the legacy. That accursed legacy was submerged, and it took a tremendous effort to retrieve it."

As she spoke, her eyes landed on Shi Chengtian.

"A prince of the Demon Clan, the most dazzling prodigy from eight hundred years ago, Shi Chengtian! He ventured into the Loongze Lake Secret Realm and vanished without a trace."

Shi Chengtian arched an eyebrow and remarked, "It seems the Myriad Treasures Tavern's intelligence network is as formidable as ever. But I'm surprised that someone of your rank knows so much!"

Jiang Fann chimed in, "You're selling her short if you see her as just a manager. At the Myriad Treasures Tavern headquarters, she holds a significant position. The details, though, are beyond me."

Han Qianxue spoke earnestly, "To encounter a legendary figure from a generation ago in this secret realm after eight hundred years is truly unexpected. Yet, it's disappointing that your current state doesn't match the prowess you once showed within the realm!"

Shi Chengtian gave a wry smile. "State? Just staying alive is a miracle for me. Had my power been any greater, I likely wouldn't have survived."

Han Qianxue inquired, "So, do you plan to just keep following her?"

He nodded, "I'm not following you! I'm with my leader!"

Surprised, Han Qianxue turned to Jiang Fann. "You're his leader?"

Jiang Fann gave a nonchalant shrug. "Being the boss isn't too shabby. If things had gone as he initially intended, the Demon Clan would probably be hunting me down to the ends of the earth after I left the secret realm."

Han Qianxue was visibly confused, not quite grasping the situation.

Unperturbed, Shi Chengtian made a startling declaration, "I'm planning to pledge my allegiance!"

Han Qianxue was speechless.

Jiang Fann went on, "Since Shi Chengtian received an inheritance at the Dragon Transformation Abyss, perhaps we should reconsider our plans?"

Caught off guard, Han Qianxue quickly asked, "Did you find any treasures with the inheritance in the Dragon Transformation Abyss?"

Shi Chengtian shook his head, "No treasures, but I did acquire a set of demonic techniques. Without them strengthening my physique, I doubt I could have held on."

After pondering for a moment, she unfolded the map.

"The distance to either the Dragon Transformation Abyss or the Black Dragon Cave is roughly the same. Shall we head to the Black Dragon Cave first?"

Jiang Fann replied with a smile, "That suits me perfectly."

By skipping the Dragon Transformation Abyss, Jiang Fann would save a considerable amount of time, which he planned to use to concoct several batches of pills. Having acquired numerous herbs and pills in the secret realm, it was wise to be well-prepared.

When Han Qianxue heard about Jiang Fann's intention to refine medicine, she didn't object; instead, she offered to guard him during the process.

Jiang Fann accepted her offer without hesitation. He needed Han Qianxue's assistance to reach the Black Dragon Cave, and the prospect of obtaining the final inheritance was of paramount importance to him.

That very night, Han Qianxue stood watch as Jiang Fann focused on his alchemy.

Meanwhile, Shi Chengtian was practicing his cultivation not far away, his expression one of intense focus. After squandering eight hundred years, he was determined not to fall into further decline.

Jiang Fann's skills were advancing rapidly, and it was clear that he would soon no longer require assistance. Shi Chengtian couldn't help but feel that his own relevance was diminishing.

As for returning to the Demon Clan, the thought was unbearable. Going back would only make him the butt of jokes.

They paused their journey for two days.

During this time, Han Qianxue was astounded by Jiang Fann's capabilities. He managed two pill furnaces simultaneously with impeccable precision, and what was most impressive was his ability to refine two distinct types of pills at the same time. She watched in awe, remaining silent and still, careful not to interrupt his concentration.

Shi Chengtian was absent throughout. When Jiang Fann had finished his alchemy, he and Han Qianxue went to look for him, only to find Shi Chengtian unconscious, bleeding from all orifices, his complexion deathly pale.

Alarmed, Jiang Fann rushed to his side and quickly used his Spiritual Sense to assess Shi Chengtian's condition.

"What happened to him?" Han Qianxue inquired.

Without delay, Jiang Fann administered a Heart Nourishing Pill to the fallen Shi Chengtian.

"His meridians are nearly destroyed, a consequence of the backlash from forcibly cultivating his physical body," he explained to Han Qianxue, detailing the man's condition.

Upon hearing this, Han Qianxue had an epiphany. She exclaimed, "My goodness, to think he endured centuries like that. His cultivation level plummeted, and he was trapped by the Black Armored Ants. The willpower he must have had to survive! It's no surprise he chose to recognize you as his master."

Jiang Fann responded with composure, "It's not a problem. His recovery is just a matter of time. With his talent, bridging an 800-year gap is not out of the question, should he desire it."

Han Qianxue was taken aback. "He can recover from this? I doubt even the Valley Lord of Myriad Herbs Valley would make such a claim!"

Jiang Fann chuckled, "He wouldn't dare. But I do!" His demeanor shifted to one of serene confidence as he fixed his gaze on Han Qianxue. "Furthermore, I'm aware you've had people tailing me before. I prefer not to have my affairs widely known. It's far more advantageous for the Myriad Treasures Tavern to have a VIP than an enemy."

Unfazed and unsurprised, Han Qianxue replied, "I always knew you were extraordinary, Jiang Fann. Rest assured, I care too much for you to even think of plotting against you. After all, you've 'eaten my tofu' twice now."

Jiang Fann shook his head, "Let's get this straight—it was you who 'ate my tofu'; I was the passive one! And there are some things you might want to clear up for me. I don't appreciate being played and kept in the dark."

Her expression darkened, and she furrowed her brow, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Without lifting his gaze from Shi Chengtian, Jiang Fann pressed on, "Qin Feng and the others fear you for a reason—your identity. What's your connection to Lingloong Pavilion? Just be upfront about it."

Han Qianxue fell silent, her usual smile gone, leaving her uncharacteristically speechless. This only deepened Jiang Fann's suspicion and curiosity about her true identity.

Han Qianxue spoke with a serene tone, "Jiang Fann, do you trust me? What's your opinion of me as a person?"

Jiang Fann rose to his feet and faced Han Qianxue, "If I've entrusted you as my protector, it's a clear sign of my trust in your character."

A smile broke across Han Qianxue's face as she let out a sigh, "There are some things you're better off not knowing. There are matters I can't influence or change. But if a day comes when you're powerful enough to command respect from all, maybe then I'll seek your help to change everything."

"For now, you should concentrate on your growth. Many things will become clear to you in time."

Jiang Fann remained silent, his eyes closed in contemplation.

It didn't make sense for someone like Han Qianxue to be without renown.

His talents may have been modest, rising to prominence in his forties, but for a cultivator, that was a fleeting moment. How could a woman of her caliber go unnoticed in the Myriad Treasures Tavern?

Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall anyone by the name of Han Qianxue.

Snapping back to reality, Jiang Fann decided not to dwell on it. "Just don't play games with me, and you'll have my support," he said evenly.

Han Qianxue's laughter was muffled behind her hand, her allure undeniable.

"I understand! I'm usually accompanied, so I have my roles to play. But rest assured, I won't engage in such acts within this secret realm."

Shi Chengtian had been awake for half an hour, feeling out his condition before slamming his fist onto the ground in frustration.

"Damn it! I'm so useless!" he cursed.

Jiang Fann offered a smile, "Why the rush to cultivate? Couldn't you have waited a few more days?"

Shi Chengtian returned a wry smile, "I've already lost centuries. Should I waste even more time? I know my body well and have been cautious, yet I still nearly lost my life. How can I possibly follow you in this state?"

Jiang Fann gestured to his side.

"Here, take these two bottles of pills. One contains the Hundred Herbs Pill for bodily nourishment, and the other is the Spirit Recovery Pill to rejuvenate your spirit."

Shi Chengtian rose to his feet and picked up the medicinal pill. "From your description, it almost sounds like something used for pregnancy."

Han Qianxue scoffed from the sidelines, "You used to be so well-informed, yet you've never heard of these two types of healing holy medicines? Even Myriad Herbs Valley has only a few of these pills. They've long vanished from our Leehuo Dynasty. Where he got them, I have no clue."

Jiang Fann explained, "This Hundred Herbs Pill was crafted using just three types of herbs. If my skills were more advanced, I could have created something even more potent. Nonetheless, these pills should heal at least 30% of your internal injuries! I'll make sure you're on the mend before we leave the secret realm."

Shi Chengtian's eyes lit up with hope. "You mean that?"

"Try one for yourself and see. One pill a day is sufficient; any more would be wasteful. After taking it, cultivate for fifteen minutes to help assimilate the medicine."

Unable to contain his eagerness, Shi Chengtian immediately popped a pill into his mouth.

As soon as the Hundred Herbs Pill was revealed, a subtle scent of fresh grass wafted through the air for a hundred meters around. Han Qianxue looked on with envy.

"These pills have reached the Profound Rank! They'd fetch a fortune at auction. You're really generous to part with them," she remarked with a hint of admiration.

Jiang Fann replied serenely, "They're mere possessions. Once you've faced death, you realize that only what you can use holds true value."

Han Qianxue retorted with a touch of irritation, "You talk as if you've died before. You're just fifteen, try not to act so beyond your years, okay?"

Jiang Fann gave an awkward chuckle, realizing he had been overthinking things.

There was no need to live so strenuously in this lifetime; a life of ease was more than enough.

Amidst his cultivation, Shi Chengtian's face broke into a wild grin, clearly experiencing a significant improvement.

Upon awakening, he leapt to his feet and let out a triumphant roar to the heavens, releasing the pent-up frustration in his chest, his expression one of sheer thrill.

"It's really improved quite a bit—the results are incredibly clear."