C392 The New Emperors Invitation Happy New Year!
Ultimately, Bai Shenshen had no choice but to leave the Yu family, her resolve crumbling in the face of his unwavering stance. The overtures from the Medicine Sect, which she had brought, were firmly dismissed by Yu Yuan.
Once she departed, Yu Yuan's revelation that his Yellow Court had undergone five refinements sent Yu Lili into raptures. Comforted by Yu Yuan's assurance and the knowledge that a powerful cultivator was backing the Yu family, she was at ease.
Overjoyed, Yu Lili rushed to spread the word of Yu Yuan's fifth refinement of the Yellow Court among the Yu family members, sharing a message of hope for their resurgence with the loyal retainers who had weathered hardships without abandoning the family. Such a feat placed Yu Yuan among the ranks of prodigies like Lim Zhuyun, Su Yan, and Fan Li, all of whom stood a strong chance of being welcomed into a prestigious sect.
She was even convinced that the esteemed cultivator who had stepped forward on behalf of the Yu family to negotiate with Lim Mu was intrigued by Yu Yuan's potential, intending to take him under the sect's wing for cultivation.
After her spirited departure, Yu Yuan was left alone in the chamber where herbs were stored, pondering the Medicine Sect's intentions. "Medicine Sect..." he murmured, piecing together that the calamity in Chilly Wind Valley, Yan Qiling's emergence, Chen Qingyan's subsequent probe, and Loong Tianxiao's arrival had likely placed him under their discreet scrutiny.
Yu Zhu, a fellow native of Jade Peak who had journeyed with him across the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area to settle in Elfview, might have also caught the sect's attention. The Medicine Sect was probably unaware of the specifics, ignorant of the exact events that had unfolded in Chilly Wind Valley and the Absence Relic. Yet, they must harbor some suspicions about him.
Bai Shenshen's approach could have been an initial probe, a test of his reactions.
"The combat prowess at the Yellow Court Stage is still too feeble. The White-robed Imperial Advisor's motives are inscrutable, and I cannot depend on him," he reflected, gazing out the window. He considered the necessity of laying low, both for his own sake and the Yu family's. It seemed imperative to leave Darkmoon City and the Absence Relic, if only for a short while.
After all, the uproar from the Absence Relic was too significant, and the Spiritual Spell he practiced was peculiar. The sword soul concealed within his arm, along with the sword sheath, bore ties to the Sword Sect, potentially drawing further complications.
The space teleportation array crafted by the Spirit Void Sect, which links to the Heavenly Source Continent, is bound to be repaired and reactivated sooner or later. Once operational, it will welcome an influx of practitioners from the seven lower sects and even the three upper sects to the Heavenly Source Continent.
Yu Zhu, with his connections to the Demon Palace and the fortuitous encounter with the Asura of the Dark Domain, should be able to safely progress in his cultivation within the Absence Relic.
"It looks like it's time to make a swift departure from Darkmoon City," he mused.
With a decision made, he surveyed the medicinal herbs scattered around the room, stroking his chin thoughtfully before an idea struck him.
He then began utilizing the Yu family's stock of herbs, enlisting the help of the Zhao and Yuan families to gather more. With his preparations complete, he left Darkmoon City for Elfview to commence his work in medicine refinement.
Drawing from his past life's expertise and his current body's vitality, Yu Yuan was astonished to discover his efficiency in concocting low-tier pills had significantly improved.
The Flame Crystal blazed intensely, turning the pill furnace a glowing scarlet as a rich, exotic fragrance permeated the secret chamber.
Yu Yuan moved with the swiftness of a flying shuttle, expertly timing the addition of each herb to the pill furnace.
The furnace erupted in a burst of light, and the once robust scent of the herbs thinned out, becoming crisp and natural.
"In my previous life, my Senior Brother could refine ordinary pellets without the Earth Flame, using only his innate spiritual fire. His cultivation brought forth a surge in vitality, and his three souls became more attuned, keenly perceiving the subtle shifts within the pellets. It's clear that cultivation truly enhances the art of alchemy."
As he pondered, Yu Yuan flicked a stalk of Ice Blue Grass into the pill furnace.
The Ice Blue Grass streaked in like a frigid flash of lightning, instantly cooling the contents of the furnace and tempering the chamber's intense heat.
"No wonder my old Master lamented more than once during his lifetime. He believed that an alchemist didn't need to be a Yang God, nor pursue grand cultivation. Yet, if an alchemist dedicates some effort to cultivating, it can indeed be greatly advantageous to their alchemical practice."
"The issue with my Senior Brother lies in his deep enthrallment with cultivation, devoting excessive time and energy to achieving breakthroughs in his realm."
In the eyes of our Master, my Senior Brother had taken his practice to another extreme, forgetting that he was first and foremost an alchemist, as well as a disciple.
As for myself, being utterly incapable of cultivation, I devoted my entire life to the art of alchemy, achieving considerable success in the field.
Regrettably, my inability to cultivate meant a shorter lifespan; I wouldn't live long. Senior Brother and I represented two extremes, and ultimately, Master chose me over him.
Yu Yuan methodically added the herbs to the pill furnace, his thoughts deep and contemplative.
Gradually, he came to understand that an alchemist who could also cultivate, especially at a significant level, would find it immensely beneficial to their craft.
His Master had been cautious not to overstate the advantages of cultivation for alchemy, fearing that Zhong Chichen might become too deeply ensnared.
Now, reborn, Yu Yuan could cultivate, and with his Yellow Court Stage abilities, he recognized the advantages: abundant energy and a keenly perceptive Heavenly Soul, allowing for a more delicate mastery over the subtleties of alchemy.
If he could develop a spiritual flame, he wouldn't need to depend on Flame Crystals to melt down herbs and forge them into pills.
"Now that I can cultivate in this life, and with such exceptional talent, should I prioritize the grand pursuit of cultivation or follow the path of the Medicine God?" Yu Yuan mused. A sudden realization struck him, and he exclaimed, "With my past life's extensive alchemy experience, I am already a Medicine God! This time around, I should concentrate on cultivation. Once my level is high enough, I'll be able to concoct every pill imaginable, even those I couldn't in my past life!" It all clicked into place for him.
He was reborn, carrying with him the alchemical techniques, experiences, and knowledge from his previous existence, all etched into the memories of his Earth Soul.
In essence, from the moment of his rebirth, he remained that Divine Level alchemist!
He was born a Medicine God!
This lifetime, armed with the wisdom of a Medicine God, the alchemical techniques, and Hong Qi's insights into the Boundless Land, he stepped onto the path of cultivation, blessed with extraordinary talent.
How could one not seize the opportunity to ascend the heights of the cultivation path?
Two days later, the aroma of the pills permeated the secret chamber.
Batch after batch of Elemental Pills, along with a few particularly unique pellets, were produced in succession.
Stepping out of the secret chamber, he was greeted by Qin Yun and Ning Ji, who had been patiently waiting. But there was another person present.
"Yan Lu!"
Yu Yuan was taken aback, eyeing him with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Shouldn't you be in Silvermoon City? With the Yan family poised to supplant the Lee family, you're set to inherit the reins of the nascent Devil Moon Empire. As the Yan family's most promising member, what brings you to Elfview?"
"The strife has ceased. My great uncle, Yan Gui, is now the head of the Yan family. He's secured the Imperial Jade Seal and ascended as the new emperor." The imposing Yan Lu, now in the Middle Period of the Profound Break Stage, exuded an intense aura of Qi and blood that was almost palpable, making those around him decidedly uneasy.
With a broad grin, he said, "Back in the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area, your guidance was instrumental in my advancement to the Profound Break. A year of rigorous cultivation, coupled with the rapid progression afforded by the Devil Spell, propelled me further into the Middle Period of the Profound Break Stage. Your benevolence, Yu Yuan, is etched in my memory, never to be forgotten. Yet, my visit isn't to repay that debt; rather, I come seeking your aid, which I admit is somewhat awkward."
"What brings you here?" inquired Yu Yuan, his curiosity piqued.
Casting a glance at Qin Yun and Ning Ji, Yan Lu replied, "I'm here on my uncle's behest."
Sensing the moment, Ning Ji and Qin Yun offered sheepish smiles and discreetly excused themselves.
"I've been told that Yu Zhu of the Absence Relic holds you in high regard," Yan Lu continued, taking a deep breath. "My uncle wishes for you to advocate on behalf of the Demon Palace, to spare the life of the former empress. In exchange, he assures that the Yu family will receive favorable treatment and numerous advantages within the reborn empire."
Yu Yuan, already aware of Yan Gui's affection for Lee Yupan thanks to Qin Yun, pondered briefly before responding, "Agreed."
Yan Lu's face lit up with a smile, and he added, "And for the journey to the Ember Waters, I shall be your companion."
"Ember Waters!"
Pills, Flame Crystals, and pill furnaces were essential for those who practiced the alchemical arts. Flying shuttles zipped through the skies, and pellets were the fruits of a cultivator's labor. The Yang God was a title that few could claim, and Zhong Chichen was known as the Medicine God, a title that spoke of his unparalleled skill in the healing arts.
