"Five hundred years, even at a rate of one every ten years, we could secure at least fifty Innate Golden Elixirs." The Daoist of Medicine's eyebrows twitched slightly; clearly, even he was staggered by such a massive undertaking.

Since He Yiming joined the Hengshan lineage, he had managed to acquire a total of six Innate Golden Elixirs or Innate Inner Elixirs from the Two-Headed Spirit Beast, the Western powerhouse Romia, the Hohhot cave, and the Red Wolf King and Stone King. Of these elixirs, only the one Innate Golden Elixir from the Hohhot cave was given to Yuan Lixun; the remaining five Innate Inner Elixirs were handed over to the Daoist of Medicine.

Including the Innate Inner Elixir taken from Yu Xichen, the Hengshan lineage had obtained six inner elixirs in total. The Daoist of Medicine had attempted to refine them before, but even with the miraculous effect of the Fruitless Berries assisting him, he still ended up ruining one during the process.

Before He Yiming arrived at the Hengshan lineage, they had exhausted all efforts searching for Innate Inner Elixirs with little success. Now, Zhang Zhongjin's offer was for fifty Innate Golden Elixirs—not unrefined Innate Inner Elixirs—and while it wasn't a lump-sum payment, it was enough to make everyone's heart race with desire.

He Yiming pondered for a long time, saying, "Is Zhang Zhongjin's promise reliable? Five hundred years is an exceedingly long time."

Yu Jinglei let out a bitter laugh. "This isn't just Zhang Zhongjin's promise; Jin Zhanyi was present and also gave his guarantee. Moreover, they agreed that as long as we can discover the medicinal formula, or are willing to refine the Youth-Preserving Elixir with them, we can ask the Venerable Master on the Heavenly Pool to act as guarantor. Under such circumstances, unless the Lingxiao Palace is truly destroyed, these elixirs will never be lost."

Only then did He Yiming slowly nod. Sects passed down through generations were different from secular dynasties and empires.

Although no force in the world was truly immortal, and even major sects experienced regime changes—even the once universally acknowledged top sect, the Five Elements Gate, had collapsed overnight—nevertheless, the cohesion and vitality of such a sect far surpassed that of an imperial dynasty; this was undeniable.

Five hundred years seemed like an immense span of time, enough for one dynasty to rise and another to decline. But for these super-sects, it was merely the duration from one Venerable's birth to their demise...

The Daoist of Medicine nodded heavily. "They have shown considerable sincerity."

Yu Xichen, undoubtedly holding the lowest status among them, also nodded repeatedly. Since he wasn't the one handing over the elixir formula, he had nothing to lose and was naturally delighted by the prospect.

Yu Jinglei coughed lightly. "Elder Yao, the formula was provided by you. If this transaction is concluded successfully, the Spiritual Medicine Peak can receive one Innate Golden Elixir every thirty years. Elder Yao, what do you think of this arrangement?"

The Daoist of Medicine felt a warmth in his heart and agreed without hesitation. "Uncle-Master is wise; everything is at your discretion."

The Innate Golden Elixir might not mean much to He Yiming, as he had acquired quite a few in just a few years. But for the Daoist of Medicine, it was something treasured above all else.

This was evident from his desire to slaughter the Treasure Pig for alchemy the moment he saw it.

After all, the Daoist of Medicine had truly known the bitterness of poverty.

He Yiming suddenly asked, "Elder Yu, based on what you said, it seems the Lingxiao Palace can consistently obtain Innate Golden Elixirs. Why is that?"

Yu Jinglei hesitated for a moment. "Elder He, do you know the origin of the Innate Golden Elixirs awarded during our Heavenly Pool Grand Competition held once every decade?"

He Yiming's heart stirred with surprise. "The Great Shen Lingxiao Palace?"

"Precisely. Approximately every ten years, the Lingxiao Palace dispatches escorts to deliver a batch of Golden Elixirs. While the quantity isn't excessive, there are usually around twenty. The Old Ancestor established a rule in the early days: the main branch receives ten, and the remaining branches share the other ten. This is precisely why the strongest young talents across all Heavenly Pool branches have opportunities to advance to the Innate realm, and why the unity of the Heavenly Pool sect remains the strongest in the Northwest."

He Yiming nodded with a solemn expression. He highly approved of this decision made by the Heavenly Pool Ancestor.

If the main branch had hoarded all these elixirs, the subsidiary branches would only have been able to watch enviously, with no grounds for complaint.

However, this decree ensured that all branches received a fair share while simultaneously binding them tightly to the main branch. He Yiming felt utterly inadequate compared to such foresight and magnanimity.

He asked himself honestly: if he had obtained such a quantity of Golden Elixirs, he absolutely would not have shared half of them with outsiders. They would have been given to Hengshan disciples or close friends and relatives in his estate.

Perhaps this difference stemmed from their respective positions; one could not adopt a holistic perspective without standing at that height.

"Elder Yu, why does the Lingxiao Palace send these elixirs, and where do their Golden Elixirs come from?" He Yiming asked in a deep voice.

"We do not know," Yu Jinglei replied seriously. "It is a tradition passed down over thousands of years. As for the reason, perhaps the Venerables know, but we do not."

He Yiming exchanged a look with the Daoist of Medicine, recognizing the decision forming in the other's eyes.

The Youth-Preserving Elixir might be precious, but it wasn't of great use to the Hengshan lineage. In that case, it was better to trade this item for Innate Golden Elixirs.

Of course, given the high price the other party was willing to pay, it was clear they were determined to obtain it. If the Hengshan lineage refused, perhaps the pressure they would face next would not come from Zhang Zhongjin and Jin Zhanyi, but from the main branch itself.

Fifty Innate Golden Elixirs could move their hearts, and they would naturally move the hearts of the Venerable Masters as well.

"Elder Yu, we can hand over the formula for the Youth-Preserving Elixir, but I have one small request." He Yiming raised a single finger and spoke solemnly.

"What is your request?"

"Since they wish to obtain the formula, they naturally intend to start refining. If they fail, that's acceptable. But if they succeed, I demand half of the first batch of elixirs produced."

Yu Jinglei was momentarily stunned; he couldn't make a decision on this condition.

"Elder He, why do you need the Youth-Preserving Elixir? That item is supposed to be used by women..." He suddenly stopped speaking, a flash of realization crossing his eyes.

He Yiming let out a wry chuckle, knowing the elder had guessed his intentions.

Yu Jinglei offered a wry smile. "Elder He, since you have this thought, then follow me."

He Yiming looked surprised. "Where are we going?"

"To discuss it with Zhang Zhongjin, naturally." Yu Jinglei waved his hand gently. Having settled the main issue, he felt quite pleased. "I can sense that the fellow is extremely wary of you and seems to have a favor to ask. If you go to negotiate in person, he might accept this condition."

He Yiming considered for a moment and immediately understood. Zhang Zhongjin had only met him a few times and had little actual interaction with him. If he sought a favor, it was probably concerning Jin Zhanyi.

Jin Zhanyi had failed to fight Xiong Wuji this time, and He Yiming could feel his disappointment. He could also clearly sense the powerful fighting intent Jin Zhanyi directed toward himself. Zhang Zhongjin's request was likely on his behalf.

The two left the Hengshan courtyard and walked along the mountain path.

Currently, the Heavenly Pool's main peak was filled with countless disciples from various branches. They did not use any movement techniques, instead openly seeking out a main peak disciple to guide them.

When the disciple saw Yu Jinglei, he only offered a slight bow, but upon spotting He Yiming behind him, his attitude instantly became exceedingly respectful, his gaze even flickering with a touch of fervent admiration.

Yu Jinglei inwardly sighed. It was surprising that among peers of the same high rank, there was such a massive disparity in how others perceived them.

However, recalling that He Yiming was from Hengshan, and that the future prosperity of the Hengshan lineage would rest upon him, Yu Jinglei also felt a sense of lightness. Yet, He Yiming's relationship with the Spiritual Medicine Peak was too close; if he eventually became the Chief Grand Elder of Hengshan, the hierarchy among the various peaks of the lineage might shift again.

A moment later, the disciple led them to a massive courtyard on a higher level. On the main peak, there were countless such independent courtyards, but the higher the elevation, the more noble the residents. Those dwelling in the cloud-shrouded areas at the very summit were rumored to be Venerable Masters deep in secluded cultivation, detached from worldly affairs. This location was already one of the highest accessible levels.

Guests from the Great Shen Lingxiao Palace, as well as those from the Northern Territory's Seven-Colored Ice Palace, all resided on this level.

After leading He Yiming and Yu Jinglei to this spot, the disciple bowed respectfully and took his leave. His sincere attitude stemmed from the heart. He had personally witnessed He Yiming use the Heaven Overturning Seal to drive Xiong Wuji and the Fox-Bear Spirit Beast underground, and then use the Earth Drilling Technique to force Xiong Wuji and the others out of their location.

These displays of extreme power had established an image of invincibility for He Yiming in the minds of the more than ten thousand Houtian disciples gathered from various regions. That was why he showed such profound respect upon seeing He Yiming.

They arrived before a heavily closed double door. Yu Jinglei knocked twice, and the door immediately swung open. The contingent from the Great Shen had brought quite a few people, so arranging a few guards behind the door was no issue.

When the door opened, a large man with a thick, full beard emerged. His gaze was piercing, yet his face held a faint trace of arrogance—a common ailment among guests from the Lingxiao Palace, who seemed to possess an inherent, self-aggrandizing pride.

He glanced at Yu Jinglei standing before him, a hint of confusion in his eyes. He cupped his hands in greeting. "May I ask who you are..." He stopped abruptly, as his gaze had fallen upon He Yiming standing behind Yu Jinglei.

After a brief pause, his face immediately flooded with respect, the previous trace of arrogance completely vanishing.

"So, it is Elder He visiting! Please, come in quickly. I shall immediately report to Ancestor Zhang and Ancestor Jin."