Chapter 139: Different Treatments

Lin Fan knew why they wouldn’t let him go—he was simply too valuable to risk getting hurt.

He could refine pills with a single thought, a rare alchemical skill so precious that any sect would treat its possessor like a priceless treasure. How could they allow him to face danger? If anything happened, it would be an immense loss.

At this moment, Sect Leader Yan remained silent, observing Lin Fan.

Lin Fan stepped forward, his expression firm and resolute, bowing deeply. “I owe my life to the Sect Leader and all senior brothers for rescuing me from that disaster. It has been several months since I joined the sect, yet I have not contributed anything. Now, with this opportunity before us, I humbly request that the Sect Leader and senior brothers grant me the chance to prove myself.”

“You mustn’t go, junior brother,” spoke the Elder of the Pill Cauldron Peak. “You’ve already done enough by refining pills for the outer disciples. That is a great contribution in itself. Furthermore, this mission is extremely perilous—your life could be at stake. It would be better for you to remain safely within the sect.”

But Lin Fan refused to back down. “A Small Celestial Beast is no ordinary foe. The disciples sent to slay it will face great danger. If I can refine pills in the rear, I can save many more lives. I beg you, Sect Leader and senior brothers, grant me this chance.”

“This…” The Elders exchanged uneasy glances with the Sect Leader, unsure of how to proceed.

Lin Fan’s words were noble and sincere, with no trace of falsehood. They had to admit—if he joined the expedition and refined pills from the rear, his skills might indeed save many disciples.

This mission was no ordinary one—killing the Small Celestial Beast was secondary; the true purpose was to train the sect’s disciples.

The last trial in the Forbidden Ground had been a devastating loss for the Holy Sect, especially the tragic death of a prodigy disciple, which had left everyone deeply grieved.

Though Lin Fan’s cultivation might not be high, his pill-refining skills were unparalleled, making him an invaluable asset to the sect.

Seeing their hesitation, Lin Fan spoke even more firmly. “During the last trial in the Forbidden Ground, the Holy Sect suffered a humiliating defeat, losing face before all other sects. Not only did we come away empty-handed, but we also lost a gifted disciple. This time, going to the Misty Snow Peak, I vow to empower our disciples with my pills, restoring the Holy Sect’s honor and showing all the other sects our might. I beg you, Sect Leader, grant me this opportunity.”

The Elders hesitated once more. Lin Fan’s words were true—last time had indeed been a disgrace. The Holy Sect had become the laughingstock of other sects, suffering heavy losses without gaining anything.

If Lin Fan joined the inner disciples on the journey to Misty Snow Peak, perhaps his pills could indeed restore the sect’s dignity.

Still, they couldn’t shake their doubts.

A single thought, and the pill is formed—this was a once-in-a-thousand-years alchemical genius. If he were to perish in Misty Snow Peak, it wouldn’t be just the loss of one or two prodigies—it would be a catastrophe.

“Very well,” said Sect Leader Yan, finally, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his eyes. “You may go, but you must not reveal your one-thought pill refinement in front of outsiders.”

This young fellow had ulterior motives, but Yan hadn’t expected him to fight so hard to leave. Still, accompanying the sect wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The path of martial cultivation required relentless courage. A flower grown in a greenhouse would break easily—it needed trials to become something great.

“Sect Leader, this…” The Elders were stunned, unable to believe their ears.

Lin Fan’s heart leapt with joy. “Understood, Sect Leader. I will never reveal my one-thought pill refinement in public.”

“Good. But remember, this time you must not interact with any other sects while at Misty Snow Peak. Be cautious,” Yan warned once more.

“Yes, Sect Leader.” Lin Fan smiled broadly, thrilled at how smoothly things had gone.

The Elders had no further objections. If the Sect Leader had already decided, then so be it.

“Junior brother,” said the Elder of the Pill Cauldron Peak, “once you’re ready, come to our peak and take whatever herbs you may need for the journey.”

“Thank you, senior brother,” Lin Fan replied gratefully. He had practically taken over the Pill Cauldron Peak’s business by refining pills at Nameless Peak, yet his senior brother was still so generous—how could he not be moved?

But for the Elders, matters of superiority no longer mattered. As long as the sect thrived, even if the Pill Cauldron Peak were to dissolve, it would be of little consequence.

Perspective shaped one’s priorities.

…

After Lin Fan left.

“Sect Leader, are you truly going to let him go with the inner disciples?” asked Elder Wuya, puzzled.

“Yes,” Yan nodded. “Ever since he arrived, I’ve been watching him closely. Though he may be a bit mischievous, his loyalty to the Holy Sect is genuine. Now that he wishes to go out and see the world, we cannot keep him confined just because he possesses such a rare pill-refining technique.”

As Yan recalled Lin Fan’s deeds at Nameless Peak, he shook his head with a helpless smile.

What impressed Yan even more was that Lin Fan had helped someone restore their foundation—an act that seemed almost unbelievable.

“But what if he’s in danger?” asked Elder Lü Mingyang of Zhongtian Peak.

“No worries—I have my plans,” Yan replied calmly.

“In that case, this young man may well become the next generation’s leader of the Holy Sect,” Elder Wuya remarked highly of Lin Fan.

“Elder Brother Wuya, you’re overestimating him,” Elder Yan Zhanwen chuckled, shaking his head. “There are many outstanding prodigies among the inner disciples.”

“Junior brother, just wait and see,” Wuya smiled faintly, without further explanation.

The Elders exchanged knowing smiles. Who would lead the next generation didn’t concern them. As long as the sect endured forever, that was their greatest wish.

…

Now, Lin Fan was walking along, humming a cheerful tune, utterly delighted. Everything had gone so smoothly—thanks to his silver tongue and a little acting, he had convinced the Elders in an instant.

Now he headed toward the Pill Cauldron Peak. The Elder had already given him permission to gather herbs freely.

Before, he had to sneak around, but now he could do it openly. What a difference that made.

As Lin Fan arrived at the Pill Cauldron Peak, the outer-disciple apprentices spotted him and scattered like startled birds.

They all remembered him vividly—this was a truly cunning fellow who had brought the outer hall of the Pill Cauldron Peak to the brink of ruin.

Now, few disciples came to the peak to refine pills, even after the Elders had waived all refining fees following the complaints.

Previously, ten sets of ingredients would yield one pill. Now, it had changed to five sets guaranteeing one pill.

Even for low-grade pills, the requirement was now two sets of ingredients per pill.

These demands were extremely harsh for the outer disciples of the Pill Cauldron Peak.

Especially for Li Shun, who had once been able to slack off while refining pills. Now, he had to focus entirely, without the slightest lapse.

For if he failed, the loss would be entirely his own.

…

And all of this was caused by that bastard from Nameless Peak.

“Senior Brother Li! It’s bad! That bastard from Nameless Peak is here!” someone shouted in panic from outside.

Li Shun shot to his feet, his eyes filled with both fear and anger, before storming out the door in fury.