The dome ceiling was shrouded in swirling mist. Countless strange rocks and bizarre stones hung suspended overhead. A significant portion of these stones were transparent and shot through with variegated colors, which, under the sunlight, blazed forth in a dazzling spectacle, making the cavernous dwelling resemble a mythical palace of jade and crystal.
He Yiming stared, utterly dumbfounded, at the miraculous cavern, his heart filled with awe.
When he expressed his desire to study the art of alchemy, Elder Yao had agreed without the slightest hesitation. Observing the Elder’s expression, He Yiming even glimpsed a flicker of undisguised delight; it seemed the request was one the Yao Elder had eagerly awaited.
Subsequently, Elder Yao led them into the cavern that had been sealed, though it was currently empty.
Everything within this dwelling broadened He Yiming’s horizons. Especially in the main hall, countless skylights of varying sizes allowed shafts of daylight to pour down, illuminating the strange stones in a dreamlike, ethereal haze.
He Wude let out a long sigh. “Forty years. I never imagined I would step into this place again in my lifetime.”
He Laibao nodded firmly as well. Though he remained silent, the yearning in his eyes was no less profound.
He Yiming’s gaze finally shifted away from the colorful radiance above.
He surveyed the rest of the cavern. There were five or six other openings leading deeper into the mountain.
His expression shifted slightly. The sheer scale of this dwelling was astonishing; one could scarcely fathom the manpower and resources required to construct such a place.
Elder Yao stood beside He Yiming, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “Elder He, what do you think of my residence?”
He Yiming responded with genuine feeling: “Magnificent.”
These three simple words perfectly conveyed the shock and admiration churning within him. A hint of pride flashed across Elder Yao’s face—a gratifying balm to his aged heart.
He Yiming suddenly asked, “Elder Yao, how did you manage to build such an enormous cavern?”
His question was born of utter bewilderment. To accomplish such a feat purely by manual labor seemed impossible. Even with his Great Halberd, capable of carving out a space of comparable size, he wondered where the peculiar, colorful stones overhead had originated.
Furthermore, the cavern was so vast it seemed to hollow out the entire mountaintop, yet it exuded an impression of unyielding solidity.
The combination of these extraordinary features made even He Yiming, a master of the Xiantian realm, feel deeply incredulous.
The smile on Elder Yao’s face stiffened momentarily, then melted into a wry chuckle. “Elder He jokes. A cavern such as this is hardly something I could have constructed.”
He Yiming was slightly taken aback. “Perhaps the work of a former patriarch of the Hengshan lineage?”
Elder Yao hesitated for a moment before admitting reluctantly, “This cavern was indeed discovered by the founding ancestor of the Hengshan lineage.”
He Yiming’s eyes widened in surprise. “Discovered?”
“Yes,” Elder Yao confirmed gravely. “The founding patriarch of the Hengshan lineage established the sect here precisely because he found several magnificent caverns within this mountain range.”
Surprise filled He Yiming’s gaze as he surveyed the space once more. “Are these caverns all naturally formed?”
Elder Yao shook his head slightly. “I do not know. They might be natural formations, or they might have been excavated by some ancient, powerful expert.”
A trace of horror flashed across He Yiming’s eyes. If the cavern were natural, so be it. But if it were carved by mortal hands, the ability required to complete such a colossal undertaking was staggering.
In the main hall, there were five stone doors. Elder Yao casually approached the first one at the head position and gently pushed it open.
As his gaze flickered, He Yiming instantly absorbed the environment within the adjacent room.
It was an alchemy laboratory spanning several hundred square meters.
The furnishings were largely similar to those He Yiming had seen in the Xie family’s laboratory, but one object in this room immediately drew everyone’s attention.
At the very center of the room stood a bronze cauldron, perhaps half a man’s height. It wasn't large, but it possessed an ancient aura, and the carvings upon it were utterly foreign to He Yiming’s usual experience. The moment his eyes fell upon it, he was certain this cauldron was not a modern artifact, nor even one from the Northwest region.
Beneath the cauldron was a strange, pagoda-like object, black and unassuming. Yet, inexplicably, He Yiming felt a peculiar certainty: this item was of no ordinary origin.
Elder Yao surveyed the room with a touch of pride. “This is one of the five alchemy chambers on Spirit Medicine Peak. Although we only have five such chambers in Hengshan, they are already renowned among the various sects of the Northwest.”
He Yiming raised his eyebrows slightly and inquired, “Elder Yao, is there anything unique about this place?”
Elder Yao nodded slightly, stepping forward to the bronze cauldron. He reached out and gently tapped the pagoda-like object beneath it, manipulating some mechanism. The very apex of the pagoda immediately retracted, as if the top level had suddenly folded into the second, creating a sensation that was strangely unsettling.
Suddenly, a beam of crimson light shot out from the gap.
The moment this red light appeared, it brought with it a wave of scorching heat. The entire alchemy chamber seemed bathed in a faint red glow.
He Yiming felt a jolt of surprise and cautiously moved closer. The gap glowed intensely red, accompanied by a faint, almost spine-chilling sound.
He did not know what the sound was, but he had a distinct feeling that beneath this pagoda object lay some potent, primal force—a natural energy of heaven and earth.
He had sensed similar energies from both Cheng Fu and Elder Yao, but compared to this elemental force below, the power of those two Xiantian masters felt like a drizzle against a deluge.
Suddenly, he vaguely realized that the Fire Energy Elder Yao wielded was derived from this very power below.
This represented a cultivation method of slow, continuous accumulation. While it lacked the sudden shock of epiphany, prolonged exposure allowed his body to adapt to the energy, slowly integrating it into his own cultivation.
Though this method lacked the dramatic impact of sudden enlightenment, it was superior in its subtlety.
A three-level jump might be faster and further, but it left far less detailed tracks on the ground than a slow, deliberate footfall.
He Yiming rapidly compared Elder Cheng Fu and Elder Yao, ultimately concluding that if the two were to meet and fight, Cheng Fu’s chances of victory would be minuscule.
Elder Yao pointed to the red light before them. “Beneath the peaks of our Hengshan lineage lies the Earth Core Fire. When we refine precious elixirs on Spirit Medicine Peak, we use this very fire. It increases the success rate of our pills by at least ten percent.”
He Yiming nodded slowly and asked, “What are these pagoda-like objects?”
“They are crafted from a strange metal, impervious even to the Earth Core Fire. They serve the miraculous function of isolating the earth-fire, while allowing us precise control over the heat during refinement.”
As Elder Yao spoke, he tapped the pagoda-like object several more times. As his hands moved, the nine-layered structure continuously collapsed inward.
When the ninth layer fully retracted, the inner fire became clearly visible, and the temperature in the alchemy room soared to an oppressive level. Here, aside from the two Xiantian masters, even the three other masters at the peak of Houtian realm, Tenth Level of Neijin, were involuntarily forced to step back, channeling their internal energy to resist the heat.
Elder Yao’s hands did not stop; he continued tapping, causing the nine layers of the pagoda to reappear one by one, eventually sealing away all the crimson light. When the redness vanished completely, the cavern returned to its cool serenity.
He Yiming’s eyes gleamed faintly. He had never imagined witnessing such a bizarre spectacle.
A sect with millennia of heritage indeed possessed strength far beyond his comprehension.
“Elder Yao, what is this metal? It possesses such astonishing capabilities,” He Yiming asked curiously.
Elder Yao considered for a moment. “I recall these things are called some kind of alloy, but I know nothing further about them.”
“Is this the masterpiece of Hengshan’s previous generations?”
Elder Yao gave a wry smile. “This object was here when I joined Hengshan. Whether our first patriarch created it himself or if it was always present, no one knows.”
He Yiming was deeply intrigued. “Surely there are relevant records within the sect’s archives?”
Elder Yao shook his head gently. “I have certainly searched for them, but combing through every book in our collection yielded no information on this subject.” He then smiled. “However, I eventually realized: since this thing is so useful, we use it. What does its origin matter to me, an alchemist? Should I change my profession and become a metal refiner?”
He Yiming could not help but chuckle. Elder Yao’s point was valid; history was rife with examples of those who tried to master too many things and succeeded at none. The Elder would certainly not repeat such a folly.
Elder Yao gently stroked the bronze cauldron. “In all five alchemy chambers, there is one such cauldron. These cauldrons are at least five hundred years old, treasures originating from the eastern continent. To us alchemists, they are the most priceless artifacts.”
He Yiming’s heart stirred. “The Great Shen Empire?”
Elder Yao nodded. “Some were crafted during the Great Shen Empire, but the two most ancient ones were cast during the dynasty preceding Great Shen.”
He Yiming’s gaze rested upon the cauldron, filled with deep respect.
These objects were centuries or even a millennium old, yet they remained undamaged after so long under the relentless burning of the earth-fire. Their mere quality attested to their immense value.
“Elder He, since you wish to learn alchemy, I certainly will not hold back,” Elder Yao stated solemnly. “Our Hengshan lineage is currently experiencing a gap between generations. Naturally, my Spirit Medicine Peak is no exception. If you can master the art of alchemy, I would willingly hand over Spirit Medicine Peak to you.”
He Yiming was startled and quickly interjected, “Elder Yao, please do not misunderstand; I have absolutely no intention of seizing Spirit Medicine Peak.”
Elder Yao laughed heartily. “There are no outsiders here, so I can speak plainly.” He paused, his expression growing serious. “Elder He, we actually sensed a great crisis ten years ago: for sixty full years, no new Xiantian expert has emerged in Hengshan.”
He Yiming glanced at his grandfather, noticing a flicker of confusion in the old man’s eyes—clearly, He Wude was unaware of the underlying situation.
Elder Yao shook his head slightly. “For sects like ours, passed down for thousands of years, the most crucial element is the Xiantian masters. If the number of Xiantian masters falls below three, it invites covetousness from other sects, leading to unforeseen disaster.”
He Yiming felt a sharp pang of alarm. However, glancing at the bronze cauldron and the mysterious pagoda beneath it, and recalling the ancient medicinal gardens he had heard of in recent days, he found himself inclined to believe the warning.
If others knew that even a minor aristocratic family near He Family Village possessed such rich resources, they would certainly be tempted.
This was the greed of men; even if he himself would not act, he could not guarantee others wouldn't be moved. If the Hengshan lineage possessed such profound natural advantages, a slight deficiency in power could still invite annihilation, and their adversaries would be far more terrifying Xiantian experts.
Elder Yao’s expression was grave. “A little over a hundred years ago, Hengshan still possessed one Xiantian Golden Pill. Sixty years ago, after Elder Yu Hongbing passed away, the Grand Elder followed custom and allowed Elder Yu Xichen to consume the Golden Pill, making him one of the three new core elders.” He sighed softly. “But that was the very last one. Since then, our Hengshan lineage has searched relentlessly for Xiantian spiritual beasts that are five hundred years old. Over decades, we found only one. Although we obtained its inner core, regrettably…”
He glanced in He Wude’s direction, a look of genuine regret in his eyes.
He Wude’s face immediately flushed red with embarrassment.
He Yiming smiled slightly. “Elder Yao, if that past Golden Pill had been successfully refined, then there would be no He Yiming today, nor these two mutated inner cores.”
Elder Yao paused, then burst into laughter. “Correct, you speak the truth!” He instantly cast aside his look of regret. “Xiantian experts are the sole guarantee of a sect’s continued existence, and the quantity of Xiantian Golden Pills determines how long that sect can last. After using that last Golden Pill, we began searching for news of Xiantian spiritual beasts while simultaneously doing our best to cultivate the younger disciples. But over decades, not only have we found no trace of a spiritual beast, but we also see no hope of any disciples breaking through to the Xiantian realm.”
His gaze shifted, becoming serious. “We are growing old. It has been sixty years—I am over one hundred and fifty, and even the youngest Elder Yu is over one hundred and twenty. What is more concerning is that the Grand Elder and Senior Brother Zhang are also aged. If another few decades pass without anyone in Hengshan breaking through to Xiantian, then…”
Although he did not state the consequence, He Yiming and the others understood perfectly.
He Wude sighed heavily. “Master, I heard Senior Brother mention that when the elders and several Tenth Level Neijin disciples left the mountain, I suspected something was amiss. However, as I had not received your permission to formally re-enter the fold, I dared not inquire further. Only now do I realize they went out to search for Xiantian spiritual beasts.”
Elder Yao nodded gently. Though his appearance was youthful, he naturally carried the air of seniority before He Wude and the others without any awkwardness.
“Wude is correct. The only current path is to venture deep into the mountains and search for traces of Xiantian spiritual beasts. If our ancestors watch over us, perhaps we might find something.” Elder Yao suddenly laughed here. “But our ancestors have indeed blessed us! At this time of generational gap, not only has Elder He arrived, but he has also brought two Xiantian inner cores. This means our Hengshan lineage has effectively gained two more Xiantian experts, guaranteeing us at least a century of safety.”
He Wujin stepped forward. “Master, what is even more joyous is that Elder He shows great interest in the art of alchemy. Our Spirit Medicine Peak has a successor!”
Elder Yao’s happiness deepened, but he sighed immediately. “It is a pity that Elder He does not cultivate the Fire-Wood arts. While he can refine elixirs, making significant progress on this path will be… quite challenging.”
He Yiming gave a wry smile. “Thank you for your guidance, Elder Yao.”
Elder Yao waved his hand. “Since Elder He is interested in alchemy, how familiar are you with the Dao of Elixirs?”
He Yiming’s spirit lifted, and he laid out everything he had learned from the Xie family.
Elder Yao slightly shook his head. “Wude, you have studied under me for decades, and your alchemy is respectable, but in terms of imparting knowledge, you have fallen short.”
He Wude’s face reddened slightly. “Master, Yiming’s path in alchemy was not taught by your disciple.” He took a deep breath and stated firmly, “Without your permission, I dared not pass it on.”
Elder Yao looked over, surprised. He Yiming quickly clarified, “My ancestor spoke correctly; I obtained my alchemy knowledge from the Xie family in the Fire Crow Kingdom.”
Only then did Elder Yao understand. He pondered for a moment, then pulled a token from his robe and handed it over. “Elder He, if you wish to learn the Dao of Alchemy, it is best to start from the fundamentals. Although the medicinal garden on Spirit Medicine Peak is not vast, the herbs grown there are all top-grade specimens. Wude, take Elder He and introduce him to the medicinal ingredients in the garden and those on the nearby mountainside. Once he is familiar with them, I will begin teaching the Dao of Alchemy.”
He Wude repeatedly agreed. A moment later, he and He Laibao escorted He Yiming away.
After they had been gone for some time, Elder Yao seemed to recall something and asked, “Wujin, is Elder He Wude’s grandson? How old is he this year?”
He Yiming’s features were remarkably youthful, which was precisely why Elder Yao found it hard to believe.
He Wujin gave a wry smile. “Master, the New Year is in two months. After the New Year, Elder He will be seventeen.”
Elder Yao’s eyes widened slowly, then he murmured after a long silence, “Sixteen… Could it truly be that the ancestors are blessing us, allowing the Hengshan lineage to produce another expert of the Tianxian level?”
P.S. Another chapter in two minutes ^_^