Chapter Sixty: The True Influence of Zhong Xuanhuang

After some consideration, Li Xingyu agreed to Master Zhong’s request. Ever since he had used the Jade Ginseng to break through his cultivation, he had developed a keen interest in the art of alchemy within the cultivation world. Cultivation involved absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into one’s body and transforming it into true essence for storage. Pills, on the other hand, were refined from precious medicinal ingredients that had themselves accumulated abundant spiritual energy over time. These pills, once ingested, quickly released concentrated energy that the cultivator could use to elevate their cultivation or break through bottlenecks. Thus, the auxiliary benefits of pills for cultivators were quite evident.

However, since cultivators had to progress gradually according to their own cultivation techniques and solidify their foundation to properly control their true essence, it was impossible to rely solely on pills for continuous breakthroughs and advancement. Therefore, alchemy could only serve as one of the most important aids to cultivation.

From what he had learned, the Myriad Medicine Valley was renowned for its achievements in refining and using pills for martial artists. Whether they possessed an understanding of the art of alchemy for true cultivators was less certain—most of what Li Xingyu knew were just rumors. Some said that in its early days, Myriad Medicine Valley had connections with alchemy sects among cultivators. Others claimed that, having obtained the methods of alchemy from the cultivation world, they had managed to grasp a portion of its essence and applied it to ordinary pill refinement. Regardless of the truth, Li Xingyu reasoned that even if the valley’s expertise lay only in pills for martial artists, gaining such knowledge would surely benefit his future studies of alchemy within the cultivation world.

For over a month, all seemed calm on the surface. The Tianfeng family sent no one to inquire about that day’s incident, and nothing unusual occurred within Myriad Medicine Valley. Li Xingyu remained in the valley, sometimes accompanying Zhong Ling to explore the surrounding mountains or to observe the medicinal herbs and pill-refining processes within the valley. Occasionally, he would discuss medicine and alchemy with Master Zhong. When Li Xingyu shared some of the medical theories—especially traditional medicine—from the MVP5 database, Master Zhong, who had devoted his life to medicine and alchemy, was astonished and felt a sense of regret at having met him so late in life.

Although Li Xingyu did not know much about alchemy, he also shared his ideas about pill refinement and energy from Earth’s ancient practices, which inspired Master Zhong greatly.

Naturally, this month was a period of tremendous growth for Li Xingyu as well. He acquired a basic understanding of the rare spiritual herbs on this planet, as well as some knowledge of legendary herbs and pills from the cultivation world. He also mastered much of the theory of alchemy, the properties and effects of various pills, and even attempted to refine a pill designed to help martial artists regulate their internal energy.

Master Zhong was so open in imparting his knowledge to Li Xingyu partly out of gratitude for saving Zhong Ling, but also because their exchanges truly advanced his understanding of medicine and alchemy. Over these two months, Li Xingyu and Zhong Xuanhuang had built a deep relationship, and Zhong Ling’s affection for Li Xingyu grew with each passing day. Not only did Li Xingyu sense it, but even Zhong Xuanhuang was aware of his granddaughter’s feelings.

Li Xingyu understood that the quieter things appeared on the surface, the more violent the eruption would be when it finally came. Even if Master Zhong said nothing, Li Xingyu could sense the brewing storm behind the calm—from Master Zhong’s frequent dispatch of letters in the first few days, to the steady stream of replies recently. The pressure and anxiety that Master Zhong occasionally revealed in their conversations made it clear the situation was far from easy. It was likely that Master Zhong had already received intelligence about some of the Tianfeng family’s movements. Li Xingyu considered asking for details several times, but since Master Zhong said nothing, he let it go. Nonetheless, he resolved not to leave Myriad Medicine Valley until the matter was settled. He even vaguely suspected that the underlying cause of this affair was more than Master Zhong wanting to teach the Tianfeng family a lesson or his having injured their young master. The real reason, he felt, might run much deeper.

Five days later, visitors began to arrive at Myriad Medicine Valley—some were clearly martial artists, others appeared to be clan leaders or heads of sects and elders. Each faction sent only a few people, but all were experts; altogether, over fifty arrived, among whom five were innate masters. This surprised Li Xingyu greatly. By his estimate, there were only about a hundred innate masters in the entire Celestial Empire. The diversity of backgrounds and the uniformly high cultivation of the visitors demonstrated both the breadth of Master Zhong’s connections and his influence within the empire. It was no wonder the Tianfeng family, as a top clan, dared not act rashly. With the presence of these fifty-some individuals, each powerful in their own right and backed by formidable forces, any action would have to be weighed carefully.

Since Master Zhong had gathered so many here, it was clear the Tianfeng family was also making their own preparations. Yet what puzzled Li Xingyu was why the Tianfeng family would persist in opposing the valley, knowing so many had been called in support and that their arrivals were no secret. If their purpose was merely to seek justice for their son’s injury, this level of confrontation seemed excessive. If the Tianfeng family were truly that impulsive, it would have long since ceased to exist. Even if they knew Li Xingyu was here and that he had foiled their plans multiple times, seeking his death out of anger seemed unlikely to provoke such a commotion—especially since these incidents were all best kept secret. If things escalated, the Tianfeng family would only attract greater scrutiny, even from the royal family. Why, then, were they so insistent? Weighing all possibilities, Li Xingyu faintly guessed that the real reason might be connected to his acquisition of the Jade Ginseng. Having experienced its potent effects, he understood its true value. But so much time had passed—they must know he had already consumed it. Why then, such a grand mobilization? And even if he still possessed it, creating this much noise would only draw the attention of every innate master. Did they possess the strength to fend off so many experts?

About ten days later, no more visitors arrived—presumably, all who were coming had come. Master Zhong then summoned Li Xingyu to his room to discuss the situation, which matched Li Xingyu’s own assessment. Master Zhong had originally intended to invite influential martial artists and figures within the empire to negotiate with the Tianfeng family regarding Zhong Ling. But upon learning that the Tianfeng family was also gathering forces against the valley, he had no choice but to call for even more allies. At this point, even if he wished to withdraw, it would be difficult.

Thereafter, he and the visiting innate masters and leaders of major factions discussed the Tianfeng family’s motives. Li Xingyu, of course, did not reveal he had obtained the Jade Ginseng—his suspicion that the Tianfeng family’s actions were related was only a guess. Their collective conclusion was that the Tianfeng family’s response stemmed from Li Xingyu’s injuring their young master and thwarting several of their previous schemes. Another major reason was their desire to obtain the valley’s medical and alchemical secrets, most likely by using Zhong Ling as a hostage, since everyone knew she was Master Zhong’s dearest treasure. They then deliberated on strategies to counter the Tianfeng family, and at Master Zhong’s request, all pledged their unwavering support, regardless of the Tianfeng family’s true intentions. Li Xingyu, in turn, expressed his gratitude to them.

[Editorial advertisement omitted.]