C5 The Young Master Was Refining Pills

"Cousin, make sure this stays under wraps. You can't tell anyone, especially not Second Uncle or Big Brother Shi Tian. If this leaks out, it'll be bad news for both of us."

"Don't worry, Cousin. Your great kindness will never be forgotten. I'll keep this matter close to the chest." Shi Wei stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his stern expression betraying a poorly concealed excitement. Shi Luo had been insistent about keeping the secret. Did he really think he was as naive as him? Setting aside the question of self-preservation if the news spread, what if his father and big brother found out? His father might remain silent, but his big brother? He might just use it as an excuse to cause trouble.

After all, once his father took over as the head of the Shi family, the competition for the position of young patriarch would inevitably pit brother against brother. By mastering the Profound Qi Cleansing Technique early, he'd gain a critical advantage in the impending power struggle.

"That's reassuring to hear," Shi Luo said with a cold smile, though his face softened to show a veneer of trust. "Cousin, give me a couple of days to compile my cultivation insights, then I'll pass them on to you. You've got to put in the effort. I'm confident that with your leadership, the Shi family's future will shine even brighter." Without waiting for a response, Shi Wei hurried off, leaving Shi Luo to watch his retreating figure with a sly grin.

What Shi Wei clutched so tightly was the Profound Qi Cleansing Technique given to him by Shi Luo. But unknown to him, the document had been thoroughly altered. Should he follow the instructions within, he'd be lucky to end up merely insane. At worst, he'd become catatonic, his meridians completely severed.

"Don't hold a grudge, Cousin. You were the one who harbored thoughts of killing me first," Shi Luo sighed softly. Wherever there were people, the jianghu existed. As a former Battle Emperor, Shi Luo had weathered bloody storms and survived countless betrayals and traps. He knew all too well the importance of crushing dangers before they could take root.

"It's time for me to begin my cultivation. Without some spiritual medicines, there's no way to quickly advance my cultivation level in this frail body." Shi Luo gazed at his feeble form and spoke to himself.

Cultivation is a journey of Qi Refining, Bone Forging, and mastering divine abilities, culminating in the Earth and Heavenly Reincarnation Nirvana. The Qi Refining Stage is comprised of Nine Layers, followed by Six Layers of Bone Forging, and then the Third Layer of the Divine Ability Stage, with the Earth and Heavenly Nirvana also spanning Three Layers. Advancing through each realm relies heavily on a multitude of elixirs and fortuitous encounters.

Shi Luo was aware that the most powerful cultivator in Green City was a peak expert of the Divine Ability Stage. The city's lord, Shi Qingtian, was second only to his own father. The third most influential figure was the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, a shop dealing in spiritual herbs and magical weapons. With the backing of its formidable owner, the Treasure Pavilion had subtly risen to become the third major force in Green City.

"Divine Ability Stage, huh? Just a small pond in the end. It's certainly not the stage for my talents," Shi Luo remarked with a click of his tongue.

"Stone, come over here."

"What do you require, young master?" Shi Tou couldn't help but feel an overwhelming respect looking at the young master's serene yet self-assured expression. Ever since the young master's memory loss, he seemed to have undergone a profound transformation, shedding his former self who was only interested in trivial pastimes. Now, as the young master was about to embark on cultivation, Shi Tou had his doubts, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that the young master was destined for greatness.

"Fetch these spiritual herbs for me. If you can't find them, go directly to my father and tell him I need them urgently," Shi Luo instructed, handing over the list before promptly turning and striding back to his room.

"Lingyu Grass, Yin Yang Flower, Hundred-Year Savage Beast Core, Ice Attribute, Nine Yang Raging Flame Fruit... What in the world are these?" Shi Tou scrutinized the list, his brow furrowed in confusion. Despite racking his brain, he couldn't recall any of these medicinal herbs.

"It looks like I have no choice but to seek out the master," Shi Tou said, shaking his head in dismay. He had hoped to complete the young master's task and earn his reward, but now he was just relieved not to be punished.

"All of this is what the young master requested for you," Shi Zhenshan said with a furrowed brow and a grave tone.

"Yes, the young master told me to ask the master for it if I couldn't find it. He mentioned he needed it urgently," Stone replied quickly.

"Tsk tsk," Shi Zhenshan inhaled sharply. His own knowledge far surpassed that of a servant. Each of these medicinal ingredients was rare and hard to come by. Even from his prized collection, he could only produce most, but not all, of what was required.

"This kid has really set a tough challenge right from the start. He's after my life savings. But I'm curious, what exactly are you up to?" Shi Zhenshan murmured, his voice low. He had subtly sensed his son's transformation, initially attributing it to maturity, but now he realized there was more to it. Though he didn't understand the purpose of the prescription, its significance was clear from its contents. Perhaps his son had encountered someone of high status.

With this thought, Shi Zhenshan shuddered and wasted no time in acting.

"Go, take this to Steward Wang and retrieve what you can. If anything is missing, head straight to the Treasure Pavilion; they're likely to have it. And hurry," Shi Zhenshan instructed urgently. He then looked towards the Shi family's inner courtyard, his face a mix of solemnity and veiled hope.

"It seems the expert prefers to remain hidden, or else Luo would have surely informed me. But perhaps it's for the best; I'll play the fool," Shi Zhenshan whispered, quelling the excitement bubbling within him.