The two of them spoke boldly and promoted energetically. Zhang Erdog especially used all his strength, employing his ultimate flattery technique. Although this attracted many disciples to gather around and watch, they merely glanced once before leaving with expressions of disdain, which left Zhang Erdog and the others feeling helpless. Could it be that these outer disciples truly had no faith in Wuming Peak at all?
The Sect Leader possessed supreme pill-refining techniques. It was already a great honor for these outer disciples to receive pills from him, yet now they all seemed reluctant, which enraged Zhang Erdog so much that his face turned bright red.
“I know about Wuming Peak, but how can three sets of ingredients produce a single batch of pills?”
“They must be bluffing. The Grand Elder of Danding Peak once said that being able to refine a single batch of pills from three sets of ingredients was already a tremendous stroke of luck. Look at what they’ve written on their banner—it seems like they’re making a guarantee.”
“I think I’ll just gather more materials. I don’t want to waste all the hard-earned resources I’ve collected.”
“It says they only charge a tenth as labor fees, which sounds good, but who knows if it’s genuine?”
“Nowadays, anyone dares to claim to be a pill master. I think I’ll just go to Danding Peak and have Brother Li refine my pills instead.”
…
Seeing the outer disciples so distrustful of their Sect Leader, Zhang Erdog naturally became anxious. “Hey, hey, don’t make up nonsense. Our Sect Leader’s pill-refining skills are top-notch. The Sect Leader understands how hard it is for you to gather materials, so he’s come out of seclusion to refine pills for you. You should seize this opportunity!”
“Hmph, stop trying to fool us. Who among the outer disciples doesn’t know about Wuming Peak? Isn’t it just a mountain granted by the Sect Leader? When it comes to pill-refining techniques, could it possibly rival the seniors at Danding Peak?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“It might cost a bit more to go to Danding Peak, but at least you can guarantee the success rate. Can Wuming Peak guarantee that too?” one outer disciple said with a smile.
At Danding Peak, although sometimes ten sets of ingredients only produced one batch of pills, they could genuinely guarantee a successful outcome.
But they were unfamiliar with Wuming Peak. If they handed over their materials and failed to produce pills, what then? Could they just wipe out Wuming Peak?
Zhang Erdog and Feng Buju were furious at these outer disciples who disbelieved in the Sect Leader’s pill-refining skills.
The Sect Leader was so kind as to refine pills for them, yet none of them believed him.
“Senior Brother, forget it. The Sect Leader’s willingness to refine pills for them is already a tremendous favor. Since they don’t believe him, it’s better for the Sect Leader to rest properly. One day, they’ll surely regret this,” Feng Buju said.
“Mm.” Although Zhang Erdog felt resentful inside, he didn’t want to say much more. He then ignored the gossip of these outer disciples and continued promoting.
…
At this time, at Danding Peak.
Li Shun had been extremely busy lately. Those disciples had finally come back to him for pill refinement, bringing their materials with them obediently.
Among them, one case was particularly profitable for Li Shun.
Twenty sets of materials were used to refine a batch of Suyuan Pills. When he was refining the seventh set, he had an incredible stroke of luck and successfully produced a batch—an absolute bargain.
Then, with the remaining thirteen sets, Li Shun succeeded once more. This extra batch of Suyuan Pills not only belonged entirely to him, but he would also receive a significant portion of the first batch.
In short, it was a tremendous profit.
After refining a batch of pills, Li Shun took a brief rest. The boy beside him served tea, massaged his shoulders, and attended to him diligently.
“Senior Brother, I just heard some disciples saying that someone at Wuming Peak is also setting up a stall for pill refinement. They even claimed that three sets of materials can produce a batch of pills and only charge a tenth as labor fees,” the flute-playing boy gently massaged his senior brother’s shoulders.
Having followed his senior brother for many years, he deeply understood what kind of gossip his senior brother liked to hear.
Sure enough, Li Shun, resting at the moment, revealed a faint sneer on his lips.
“Merely trying to attract attention.”
“Senior Brother, I think they’re just trying to attract attention too. Pill refinement isn’t like other things—it’s not that easy. Even the Grand Elder said that refining a single batch of pills from three sets of materials is already a tremendous stroke of luck.”
“Although these herbs have similar medicinal properties, their strengths vary. The temperature of the pill furnace differs greatly, and each herb contains different amounts of moisture. To refine a batch of pills successfully, one must observe meticulously,” the flute-playing boy softly explained.
“Mm.” Li Shun slightly closed his eyes and nodded.
He was very satisfied with this flute-playing boy. Once, he had spent months searching for rare herbs in distant places. During that journey, not only was it arduous and lonely, but it also involved heavy physical labor, so having a boy like this was indispensable.
“Senior Brother, should we go to Wuming Peak to give them a warning?” the flute-playing boy asked.
“No need. Let them be. If any disciples are truly deceived, they’ll naturally learn the truth without our warning—that without genuine skill, one dares not refine pills.”
…
As the sun set in the west.
Zhang Erdog and Feng Buju had no success all day. Not a single disciple believed them, and most were just curious onlookers.
But later on, Zhang Erdog somewhat understood their hesitation. After all, Wuming Peak was unknown and obscure. Suddenly claiming to refine pills, especially with the Sect Leader’s extremely high success rate, scared away disciples unwilling to take the risk.
As the sky gradually darkened, Zhang Erdog prepared to carry the large banner and return with his junior brother to report.
It had been a wasted day.
He wasn’t sure whether he should come back again tomorrow to promote further.
“Sigh…”
Zhang Erdog and Feng Buju sighed deeply, expressing their profound helplessness.
“Senior Brothers, can three sets of materials really produce a batch of pills?” Just as Zhang Erdog and his companion were about to leave, a faint, timid voice reached them.
Zhang Erdog and Feng Buju immediately stopped their actions and lifted their heads with joyous expressions.
“Of course.”
Mao Xiaoxiao was a servant disciple. In the morning, while delivering something to an outer disciple senior, he had seen the pill-refining situation here.
When he saw the favorable conditions, Mao Xiaoxiao had been somewhat tempted. However, this temptation lasted only for a few moments before he hid himself and dared not show his face, because the pills he needed to refine were truly difficult to bring out.
He had seen the outer disciples’ deep distrust of Wuming Peak, and he had hesitated in his heart too.
But this hesitation only lasted a short while before disappearing, because if he wanted pills, he had no choice but to come here.
“Junior Brother, what kind of pill do you plan to refine?” Zhang Erdog asked with a smile.
Mao Xiaoxiao looked at Zhang Erdog, slightly nervous. “Senior Brother, I’m just a servant disciple. I haven’t been in the sect for long, and the materials I prepared aren’t anything valuable. I want to refine a batch of Qixue Pills. Here are three sets of materials. Senior Brother, do you think it’s okay?”
Mao Xiaoxiao took out three herbs from his inner clothing. These herbs were ones he had obtained by chance and had always kept close to his body. For Mao Xiaoxiao, these three herbs were already his most precious possessions.
Qixue Pills were relatively low-grade pills, yet they were very important for servant disciples.
Before reaching the Later Heaven stage, one could take Qixue Pills to enhance one’s blood and energy. Even after reaching the Later Heaven stage, these pills still had significant effects.
The two of them dared to say that they were promoting with great effort, especially Zhang Ergou, who used all his skills and employed the ultimate art of boasting. Although they attracted many disciples to gather around, these disciples only glanced at them and then left with expressions of disdain.
This left Zhang Ergou and his companion feeling quite helpless. Could it be that these outer sect disciples simply didn’t believe in Nameless Peak?
The sect master possesses the highest level of alchemy skills, and now he is willing to refine pills for you, mere outer sect disciples. What an honor it is! Yet, one by one, they all seemed reluctant, which made Zhang Ergou’s face turn red with anger.
“I know about Nameless Peak, but what’s this about refining one batch of pills with three sets of materials?”
“They must be bragging. The elder of Alchemy Peak once said that refining one batch of pills with three sets of materials is already an incredible stroke of luck. But looking at what they’ve written on their banner, it seems like they’re guaranteeing it.”
“I think I’ll gather more materials first. I don’t want to waste the materials I’ve worked so hard to accumulate.”
“Only charging a 10% labor fee seems good, but who knows if it’s a scam?”
“Nowadays, anyone dares to call themselves a master alchemist. I think I’ll just go to Alchemy Peak and ask Senior Brother Li to refine my pills.”
…
Seeing that these outer sect disciples didn’t believe in their sect master’s alchemy skills, Zhang Ergou naturally became anxious. “Hey, hey, don’t talk nonsense. Our sect master’s alchemy skills are top-notch. The sect master understands how hard it is for you to accumulate materials, and now he’s come out of seclusion to refine pills for you. You should seize this opportunity!”
“Hah, stop trying to fool us. Every outer sect disciple knows about Nameless Peak. It’s just a peak that the sect master bestowed. When it comes to alchemy, how can it compare to the senior brothers on Alchemy Peak?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Going to Alchemy Peak to refine pills might be costly, but at least we can guarantee the success rate. Can Nameless Peak guarantee that?” one outer sect disciple said with a laugh.
On Alchemy Peak, although sometimes it takes ten sets of materials to produce one batch of pills, they can at least guarantee that a batch will be produced.
But Nameless Peak? They’re not familiar with it. If they give them their materials and no pills are produced, what then? Can they just dismantle Nameless Peak?
Zhang Ergou and Feng Bujue were now angered by these outer sect disciples who didn’t believe in their sect master’s alchemy skills.
The sect master is being so kind as to refine pills for you, yet none of you believe him.
“Senior Brother, forget it. The sect master’s willingness to refine pills for them is already a great blessing. Since they don’t believe, it’s better to let the sect master rest. One day, they’ll regret it,” Feng Bujue said.
“Mm,” Zhang Ergou responded, though he was still unconvinced. He didn’t want to say more and continued to promote their services, ignoring the outer sect disciples’ gossip.
…
Meanwhile, on Alchemy Peak.
Li Shun had been very busy lately. Those disciples had eventually come back to him to refine their pills, and they had all obediently brought their materials.
Among them, one set of materials was particularly profitable for Li Shun.
Twenty sets of materials to refine one batch of Swift Yuan Pills. While refining the seventh set, he got incredibly lucky and produced a batch. It was a huge profit.
Then, with the remaining thirteen sets of materials, Li Shun succeeded once more. This extra batch of Swift Yuan Pills not only belonged entirely to him, but he also got to keep a significant portion of the first batch.
In short, he made a huge profit.
After refining a batch of pills, Li Shun took a short rest. His flute-playing attendant served tea, massaged his shoulders, and patted his back.
“Senior Brother, I just heard some disciples say that there are people setting up a stall at the foot of Nameless Peak, claiming they can refine one batch of pills with three sets of materials, and they only charge a 10% labor fee,” the attendant said softly as he massaged Li Shun’s shoulders.
Having been by Li Shun’s side for many years, he knew exactly what kind of gossip his senior brother liked to hear.
Sure enough, a faint, disdainful smile appeared on Li Shun’s lips as he rested.
“Just seeking attention.”
“Senior Brother, I think they’re just seeking attention too. Alchemy isn’t like other things; it’s not that easy. Even the ancestors said that refining one batch of pills with three sets of materials is already an incredible stroke of luck.”
“Although the herbs have the same medicinal properties, their potency varies, the temperature of the cauldron differs, and the moisture content of each herb is different. To refine a batch of pills, one must observe carefully,” the attendant said softly.
“Mm,” Li Shun nodded slightly, his eyes closed.
He was very satisfied with his attendant. In the past, when he went out to search for rare herbs, it would take months. The journey was not only arduous but also lonely and labor-intensive. Having an attendant by his side was essential.
“Senior Brother, should we go to Nameless Peak and give them a warning?” the attendant asked.
“No need. Let them be. If any disciples are deceived, they’ll realize on their own that without true skill, one shouldn’t dare to refine pills.”
…
As the sun set.
Zhang Ergou and Feng Bujue had no success that day. Not a single disciple believed them, and most just came to watch the spectacle.
But later, Zhang Ergou came to understand them. After all, Nameless Peak was obscure, and the sect master’s claimed success rate was so high that it scared the disciples from even trying.
Seeing the sky gradually darken, Zhang Ergou prepared to carry the banner and return with his junior brother to report back.
The day had been a waste.
He didn’t know if they should come back tomorrow to promote again.
“Sigh…”
Zhang Ergou and Feng Bujue sighed, expressing their deep frustration.
“Senior Brothers, can three sets of materials really produce one batch of pills?” Just as Zhang Ergou and Feng Bujue were about to leave, a soft, timid voice called out to them.
Zhang Ergou and Feng Bujue immediately stopped what they were doing and looked up with delighted expressions.
“Of course.”
Mao Xiaoxiao was a servant disciple. That morning, while delivering something to an outer sect senior brother, he had seen the alchemy setup.
When he saw the favorable conditions, Mao Xiaoxiao had been tempted, but the temptation only lasted for a few moments before he hid, not daring to step forward. The pill he needed to refine was too humble to present.
He had seen how the outer sect senior brothers distrusted Nameless Peak, and he had hesitated.
But the hesitation only lasted for a short while before it disappeared. If he wanted pills, he could only have them refined here.
“Junior Brother, what kind of pill do you want to refine?” Zhang Ergou asked with a smile.
Mao Xiaoxiao looked at Zhang Ergou, slightly nervous. “Senior Brother, I’m just a servant disciple. I haven’t been in the sect for long, and the materials I have aren’t particularly valuable. I want to refine a batch of Blood Qi Pills. Here are three sets of materials. Senior Brother, do you think it’s possible?”
Mao Xiaoxiao took out three herbs from his inner clothing. These herbs were something he had stumbled upon by chance and had kept close to him ever since. To Mao Xiaoxiao, these three herbs were his most precious possessions.
Blood Qi Pills were relatively low-level pills, but they were very important for servant disciples.
Before reaching the Postnatal Realm, one could take Blood Qi Pills to enhance their vitality. Even after reaching the Postnatal Realm, Blood Qi Pills still had significant effects.
For servant disciples, although the sect provided some pill subsidies, they were scarce. Servant disciples were subordinate to the sect, responsible for taking care of the daily lives of sect disciples. Among servant disciples, very few could break through to the Innate Realm, and once they did, they could truly become outer sect disciples.
Every year, the sect recruited disciples. Those with poor aptitude were usually thrown into the servant disciple group, while those with good aptitude could be directly accepted as outer sect disciples or even taken in by one of the nine elders.
Zhang Ergou and Feng Bujue’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment. They hadn’t expected that the first order would be for such a low-level pill.
But never mind, this was their first business. How could they turn it away?
“Alright, Junior Brother, don’t worry. We’ll take the materials. Tomorrow morning, we’ll be here again, and you can come to collect the pills,” Zhang Ergou said.
“Thank you, Senior Brothers,” Mao Xiaoxiao’s face immediately lit up with a smile.
He didn’t know how to refine pills, and the senior brothers on Alchemy Peak wouldn’t refine Blood Qi Pills for him. To them, Blood Qi Pills were low-level pills, and refining them would just be a waste of time.
“No need to thank us. Go back now. We need to return to the mountain and report,” Zhang Ergou waved his hand.
“Yes, Senior Brothers. Goodbye,” Mao Xiaoxiao felt a sense of relief. He never doubted whether the senior brothers would take his materials. To him, the materials were important, but to the senior brothers, they were of no use.
Every year, the Holy Sect recruited disciples. Those with poor talent were generally assigned to the servant disciples, while those with good talent could be promoted to become outer disciples, or even be noticed by the Nine Grand Elders and accepted into their peaks.
Zhang Erdog and Feng Buju showed slight regret in their eyes. They hadn’t expected that the requested pill would be such a low-grade one.
But well, it was their first business deal. How could they possibly refuse?
“Sure, Junior Brother, rest assured. We’ll take your materials. Tomorrow morning, we’ll still be here. Come then to collect your pills,” Zhang Erdog said.
“Thank you, Senior Brothers.” Mao Xiaoxiao’s face immediately lit up with a smile.
He didn’t know pill-refining techniques, and the seniors at Danding Peak wouldn’t refine Qixue Pills for him, as they considered them low-grade pills, deeming it a waste of time even if they did.
“You’re welcome. Go back now. We also need to return to the mountain to report,” Zhang Erdog waved his hand.
“Yes, Senior Brothers, see you later.” At this moment, Mao Xiaoxiao felt a great weight lifted from his heart. He never doubted for a moment that the seniors might take his materials for themselves, because although these materials were perhaps very important to him, they were of no use to the seniors.
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