In a flash, Zhan Feihong’s gaze shifted from Nie Kong to Zhan Tianlun, and he asked in a low voice, “Before we came to our War God Mountain, what was this kid doing?”

“I don’t know.”

Zhan Tianlun answered truthfully. Seeing Zhan Feihong’s brow furrow, he quickly explained in a small voice, “He has amnesia; he doesn’t remember anything from before. However, there is no doubt that he only condensed his Nine Nether Stars a little over a month ago.”

“How is that possible?”

Zhan Feihong exclaimed involuntarily. What in this world could be more unbelievable than this? Having only been exposed to cultivation for a little over a month, yet already a Fourth-Tier Black Spirit Master? And having studied Nether Pills for only half a day, yet his alchemy techniques are already so skilled and seasoned?

Seeming to guess Zhan Feihong’s doubts, Zhan Tianlun chuckled, “There are always one or two super geniuses in this world!”

“Super geniuses?”

Zhan Feihong muttered the words.

If this were just a few hours ago, and Zhan Tianlun had dared to boast about Nie Kong like this, he would have scoffed without hesitation and promptly delivered a sharp rap to his head.

But now, even though he didn't know if Nie Kong’s Nether Pill would succeed, just by observing his control over the fire and his timing for adding medicine, it was clear that this was not something an ordinary person could achieve. Originally, he had suspected this fellow might have some hidden lineage, but after Zhan Tianlun’s explanation, he couldn't help but discard his previous guess.

He was an ordinary person just over a month ago, and he has amnesia—even if he had studied something related to medicine before, he would have forgotten it all by now.

Furthermore, he hadn't cultivated before, lacking even a mere spark of fire, making hands-on attempts at alchemy naturally impossible.

Perhaps this little guy is truly a super genius, evident at a glance.

“Clang!”

The cauldron lid opened again.

Placing the medicine and lowering the lid were both as swift and smooth as flowing water. Then, the Death Qi surging from the fire seed in Nie Kong’s right palm became powerful once more.

Time flew by—everything proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Finally, Zhan Feihong composed himself, took a deep breath, and quietly watched Nie Kong’s every move, his expression gradually returning to calm.

“If the Clan Leader and the Grand Elder knew Brother Nie Kong also had an aptitude for alchemy, they would probably be even more ecstatic, wouldn't they?” Watching Nie Kong’s fluid movements, Zhan Tianlun couldn't help but start contemplating the impact this would have on him, and even on the Zhan Clan.

“If it weren’t for the lack of Sixth-Tier cultivation preventing him from entering the Nether Source, the Clan Leader and the Grand Elder would likely make an exception, allowing Brother Nie Kong, this Fourth-Tier Black Spirit Master, to cultivate there now.” Zhan Tianlun stroked the short, coarse whiskers beneath his jaw and grumbled inwardly, “Of course, with Brother Nie Kong’s terrifying cultivation speed... perhaps he’ll reach Sixth-Tier in a year!”

“…”

The three Nether Pill apprentices standing nearby remained stunned and silent, smiling bitterly in their hearts. They had successfully condensed a fire seed one or two years ago, and only then began learning to refine Nether Pills under Zhan Feihong. Only recently had they gained the ability to refine medicine independently.

But this outer-clan disciple named Nie Kong was different. Not only did he condense a fire seed in half a day, but he also displayed such excellence on his very first attempt at refining a Nether Pill. Even if this attempt failed due to the formula, the extent of his ability was already apparent.

Comparing oneself to another is infuriating!

In the Zhan Clan, the status of a Nether Pill Master was exceptionally high.

Normally, the three of them would display a touch of superiority when meeting peers from the clan. But seeing what Nie Kong had accomplished in just half a day, they were utterly crushed, wishing they could hide in a corner and draw circles...

“Clang!”

Amidst a sharp, ringing sound, a gap appeared in the medicine cauldron. Nie Kong’s right palm moved slightly, sending the last five qian of “Ghost Dragon Flower” into the cauldron, after which the lid quickly snapped shut. At this point, all eight medicinal herbs in the formula had been added.

This “Ghost Dragon Flower” was different from the previous seven herbs; it exhibited a complete, inky black color.

In the Nether Soil, ink-black medicinal herbs with significant medicinal value like the “Ghost Dragon Flower” had a specific term: “Nether Medicine.”

Ever since Nie Kong showed extraordinary interest in Nether Pills, he had developed a strong curiosity about “Nether Medicine.” However, earlier, when tasting the herbs, neither Nie Kong nor the little fellow employing the “Aroma Identification” technique had discovered anything.

This meant that whatever the little fellow was interested in must stem from the refining process itself.

Therefore, when the “Ghost Dragon Flower” entered the cauldron, Nie Kong’s focus instantly sharpened. He closely monitored the changes in the “Ghost Dragon Flower” through the little fellow’s Natal Medicinal Force.

“Boom!”

“Boom!”

“…”

Streams of fire spread along the cauldron body, then pressed down from all sides. Stimulated by the intense heat, wisps of inky black medicinal power rapidly merged into the white medicinal mass, thick as a little finger, at the center of the cauldron. Nie Kong had expected that after the medicinal power of the “Ghost Dragon Flower” merged in, the already somewhat grayish-white medicinal mass would become even duller and dimmer.

However, to Nie Kong’s astonishment, as the inky black medicinal power permeated it, not only did the white medicinal mass not dim, but even the residual grayness quickly vanished. In the blink of an eye, the medicinal power became as pure white as snow, resembling transparent jade.

What was happening? Nie Kong couldn't help but be surprised.

“Boom!”

After a while, the last trace of the fine “Ghost Dragon Flower” merged into the snow-white medicinal mass. At this stage, only a brief period of gentle warming with mild fire was needed before the Nether Pill could be drawn. Nie Kong had no choice but to suppress the doubt in his heart and let the fire gradually become gentler.

“Aiya ya?”

The green aura extending into the cauldron suddenly trembled, and the little fellow’s suspicious murmur echoed in Nie Kong’s mind. It seemed to have noticed something, but its voice conveyed no specific information, making it hard for Nie Kong to grasp.

“Hmm?”

Nie Kong frowned slightly and shifted his attention to the medicine cauldron, yet he detected no anomaly inside. A thought struck him: Could that marvelous change have occurred within the already formed Nether Pill? If so, that was truly exasperating.

Through the wisp of Natal Medicinal Force extended by the little fellow, Nie Kong could clearly sense any movement inside the cauldron, but whatever change happened inside the formed Nether Pill was excluded because the little fellow’s wisp of Natal Medicinal Force could only extend to the cauldron body. To observe the internal situation of the Nether Pill, he would need to summon the “Cauldron Phantom Body.”

“I’ll have to try when no one else is around!”

Nie Kong thought to himself. After sensing the situation inside the cauldron, he quietly shut off the fire. He raised his right palm, and the color of the fire imprint on his palm had dimmed slightly, indicating that this round of alchemy had consumed a significant amount of “Nether Fire.”

“It’s done?”

Zhan Tianlun clapped his hands together, unable to help but shuffle forward a step, stretching his neck slightly toward the medicine cauldron.

Zhan Feihong showed no expression on his face, but his heart gave an involuntary jolt. He stared at the cauldron lid without blinking. Clearly, as a High-Tier Nether Pill Master, Zhan Feihong was more invested in the outcome of Nie Kong’s refinement than Zhan Tianlun.

After waiting for about two minutes, Nie Kong tapped his finger.

“Buzz!”

With a deep, muffled hum, a wisp of Death Qi shot directly toward the lock between the lid and the body of the cauldron. A “clank” sounded, and the lid sprang high open. Instantly, intense heat rolled out from the cauldron mouth like a burst dam.

At this moment, without the agitation of fire, the escaping heat would not cause the medicine cauldron to explode.

Suddenly, Nie Kong’s right hand grasped near the cauldron mouth and scooped out the small white shadow that rushed out, holding it in his palm. In an instant, the accumulated heat within the medicine cauldron was completely vented.

“It’s done, it really is done!”

Zhan Tianlun beamed with excitement, taking a stride to Nie Kong’s side, and urged eagerly, “Brother Nie Kong, come, let me see.”

Nie Kong smiled faintly, spreading his right palm. There, lying quietly on the fire imprint of his palm, was a Nether Pill, the size of a fingertip. It was snowy white and lustrous, perfectly round and smooth, reflecting the crimson fire beneath it into a faint pink, making it exceptionally eye-catching.

Zhan Tianlun was stunned for a moment, then exclaimed involuntarily, “What a beautiful Nether Pill! I’ve only ever seen black, murky ones—never a white one!” As he spoke, Zhan Tianlun extended his right hand, his two thick, black fingers reaching out to pinch it.

“Smack!”

A rough palm suddenly slapped down on the back of Zhan Tianlun’s hand, followed by a familiar reprimand: “Get back!”

“Ahem, Third Uncle, you look first...”

Zhan Tianlun shuddered, coughed twice, and quickly retracted his hand, stepping back two paces. Before he could finish speaking, Zhan Feihong had already positioned himself between Zhan Tianlun and Nie Kong, peering left and right, his white-haired head constantly moving in fascination.

“Third Uncle, isn't it boring to look from so far away?” Nie Kong chuckled at the sight, picked up the Nether Pill, and placed it into Zhan Feihong’s hand.

“…”

Zhan Feihong’s old face felt slightly hot. He yearned to feel the Nether Pill with his own hands, not just stare at it from afar. However, Nie Kong’s earlier “unreasonable pestering” had left him with a very poor impression of Nie Kong, making it awkward to suddenly lower his dignity and ask for the pill.

Since Nie Kong offered the pill himself, Zhan Feihong certainly wouldn't refuse. He pinched the Nether Pill and eagerly brought it close to his nose, even sniffing it several times. A moment later, Zhan Feihong’s eyes widened in surprise, and two syllables escaped his lips: “Sixty percent?”

“Sixty percent success rate?”

Zhan Tianlun was startled, and the three Nether Pill apprentices gaped so wide a fist could fit in their mouths.

“Only sixty percent?”

Nie Kong found it hard to believe.

Sixty percent success rate in the Nether Soil was equivalent to sixty percent medicinal power fusion in the Heavenly Spirit Continent. During the refining process, Nie Kong was confident that no mistakes had occurred. Although, being the first attempt, he hadn't infused the Nether Pill with life force, which would prevent the fusion rate from reaching ninety-five percent or higher, he was sure it would be between eighty-five and ninety percent, possibly even exceeding ninety.

Yet, to Nie Kong’s surprise, Zhan Feihong’s assessment was merely sixty percent!

A sixty percent fusion rate was already considered a rare top-grade item by people in the Nether Soil, but in Nie Kong’s mind, this was merely the lowest standard for a successful pill.

“How could it be sixty percent?”

Nie Kong found it baffling. He couldn't help but take the Nether Pill back from Zhan Feihong’s hand and sniff it close to his nose. After spending so long involved with alchemy, Nie Kong had a good grasp of judging the fusion rate of spirit medicines; judging a Nether Pill should be similar.

After a dozen seconds, Nie Kong returned the pill to Zhan Feihong’s palm with a look of astonishment, his tone full of disbelief: “It really is only sixty percent? That low!”

No matter how low it was, it shouldn't be as low as sixty percent! To Nie Kong, refining a Nether Pill to that fusion rate was equivalent to failure!

Before refining, Nie Kong was full of confidence; during the process, he was equally confident; even after the refining finished and the pill emerged, he was full of self-assurance. But now, a sixty percent fusion rate felt like a heavy blow to Nie Kong.

Since arriving in the Nether Soil, he hadn't suffered from acclimatization issues with his body, but his alchemy skill seemed to be suffering from it? Had he been careless, or was the formula flawed?

Nie Kong frowned, rapidly reviewing the eight herbs, including the (Xū Líng)...

“Sixty percent is still low!”

Hearing Nie Kong’s words, Zhan Feihong felt an urge to vomit blood.

In the two thousand years of alchemy history in the Nether Soil, success rates between twenty and forty percent were the most common. A fifty percent Nether Pill was very precious, and sixty percent was exceedingly rare. As for seventy percent, those were few and far between. An eighty percent Nether Pill seemed to have never appeared yet.

Take the Zhan Clan, for instance; their alchemy skills were quite good among the Super-Class Sects, but they had no Super-Class Nether Pill Masters, only four High-Tier Nether Pill Masters.

Among these four, Zhan Feihong’s ability ranked second. Yet, even he had succeeded in refining a sixty percent Nether Pill only a handful of times over decades—counts that could be tallied on two hands. Zhan Feihong was quite proud and boastful of this achievement.

Many High-Tier Nether Pill Masters might never refine a single Nether Pill with a success rate reaching sixty percent in their entire lives. Compared to those more unfortunate High-Tier Nether Pill Masters, Zhan Feihong certainly had cause for pride and the right to be arrogant.

Now, this Nie Kong, having just condensed a fire seed and attempting alchemy for the first time, could refine a sixty percent Nether Pill. Few in the entire alchemy history of the Nether Soil could match this. If word spread, this Zhan Clan disciple would immediately become the focus of attention for all the major Super-Class Sects.

However, upon learning the success rate was sixty percent, this fellow looked clearly dissatisfied, as if the result was hardly worth mentioning. Nie Kong’s expression made Zhan Feihong, who usually took pride in refining multiple sixty-percent pills, feel incredibly embarrassed!

“He thinks even sixty percent is low—then how should I, who am often complacent with fifty percent, feel? I’d be better off hiding underground!” Zhan Feihong stared at the white Nether Pill, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly, his face inevitably turning a little dark.

“Third Uncle, you can’t compare yourself to him; he’s a super genius.” Zhan Tianlun, feeling a bit cheeky, couldn't resist chiming in, his words clearly carrying a hint of schadenfreude. However, as soon as he spoke, he regretted it slightly.

“Hmph!”

Zhan Feihong’s face darkened further, but surprisingly, he wasn't angry this time; he just felt deeply stifled. Back at the bottom of the Pill King Tower, he had thought that even if Nie Kong failed in refinement, just based on his talent in condensing the ‘fire seed’ in half a day, he would teach the boy a good lesson before guiding him properly. But now, the Nether Pill Nie Kong refined had ended up ‘teaching him a lesson’ instead. Fortunately, despite the old man’s volatile temper, he wasn't narrow-minded. He quickly adjusted his mood and turned to the apprentices beside him, saying, “Go find a peak Second-Tier youngster—one who is bold—and have him come over to try the new medicine.”

“Yes.”

The three turned mechanically. Only when they reached the doorway did they suddenly realize they didn't know what task they were supposed to perform. The three dared not turn back to ask Zhan Feihong for clarification. Luckily, they were quick-witted enough to understand after a moment’s thought, and they quickened their pace.

Zhan Feihong brought the Nether Pill close to his nose again, inhaling the fragrant aroma that was refreshing and delightful. But was its medicinal effect truly as Nie Kong claimed?

Among the ten Nether Pills Nie Kong had tasted previously, one could elevate a Black Spirit Master from peak Second-Tier to Third-Tier. Since Nie Kong claimed his pill’s effect far surpassed that one, bringing over a peak Second-Tier Black Spirit Master was the perfect way to verify it. If this Nether Pill could indeed elevate a peak Second-Tier Black Spirit Master to Third-Tier, it would naturally mean Nie Kong’s formula was correct.

To create a new formula relying only on a few notes, tasting ten Nether Pills, and examining over a hundred different medicines—this showed that Nie Kong’s aptitude in the Dao of Nether Pills was absolutely on par with his cultivation talent. Such a genius must be cultivated with emphasis by the Zhan Clan.

“Perhaps, in my lifetime, I might yet see a Super-Class Nether Pill Master...” Maybe a Pill King will be born in our Zhan Clan,” Zhan Feihong muttered inwardly, his gaze toward Nie Kong becoming somewhat eager. The Zhan Clan hadn't seen a Super-Class Nether Pill Master in over two hundred years.

As for a Pill King, the Zhan Clan had never had one.

In two thousand years, only the Escaping Heaven Sect had produced one Pill King universally acknowledged in the Nether Soil. If this Zhan Clan disciple Nie Kong truly possessed the potential to become a Pill King, let alone suffering some humiliation in front of Nie Kong, Zhan Feihong would willingly serve him publicly and privately from now on.

“Uh...”

Sensing Zhan Feihong’s strange look, Nie Kong felt puzzled but didn't delve into it. In this short time, Nie Kong had ruled out the formula, the medicinal materials, and the factors during refinement that might cause a drop in fusion rate. He couldn't figure it out.

After racking his brain for a moment, Nie Kong suddenly recalled the little fellow’s cry just before the Nether Pill emerged. At that moment, it must have vaguely sensed something that interested him. Could it be that the Nether Pill's fusion rate changed at that very moment?

“Third Uncle, do you know why the fusion rate of Nether Pills is generally low?” Nie Kong asked subconsciously in a turn of thought.

“Isn't that very normal?” Nie Kong’s question actually stunned Zhan Feihong.

“…”

Seeing his expression, Nie Kong knew he had asked in vain. To understand this problem, he would still have to rely on his own “Cauldron Phantom Body.”

However, at this moment, Nie Kong began to somewhat understand why Nether Pill Masters in the Nether Soil used the term “success rate” to describe the fusion rate of medicinal power.

Under normal circumstances, a sixty percent fusion rate should be the lowest standard for the pill to take form.

In the Nether Soil, for some unknown reason, this standard was reduced to ten percent. However, if a Nether Pill with a fusion rate below sixty percent was consumed, the success rate wasn't high.

If the fusion rate dropped to ten percent, the success rate of consumption plummeted to its extreme. Taking a thirty percent fusion rate Nether Pill might allow for some tricks, but taking a twenty percent, and especially a ten percent fusion rate Nether Pill, was purely reliant on one's own luck.

Under these circumstances, using the term “success rate” instead of fusion rate, while not entirely appropriate, actually encouraged Black Spirit Masters to be more cautious before consumption and also reduced their dependency on Nether Pills. It seemed the original Pill Master who invented this term held such an idea.

“Stomp, stomp, stomp...”

Soon, a sound of hurried footsteps echoed, and in a moment, four figures appeared at the doorway. Leading them were the three Nether Pill apprentices, followed closely by a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy with a sturdy build. The four almost ran in.

This boy was found by the apprentices coincidentally on the first floor. He was bold enough that upon hearing it was about trying a new medicine, his eyes lit up, and he followed without a second thought. Of course, the three apprentices had been a bit clever, not mentioning that the Nether Pill was refined by Nie Kong. They only said Zhan Feihong had invited him to test new medicine. Since Zhan Feihong was a High-Tier Nether Pill Master, if he had new medicine, the boy would naturally be delighted to come.

“Eat it!”

When the boy reached them, Zhan Feihong didn't waste time and directly handed over the Nether Pill.

“Yes!”

The boy, flushed with excitement, agreed loudly and took the Nether Pill, immediately sitting down cross-legged. Compared to Nie Kong’s casual demeanor, this boy was far more cautious before taking the medicine, his expression solemn, without a hint of carelessness.

Nie Kong observed quietly for a moment and knew the boy was diligently trying to clear his mind of distracting thoughts. It wouldn't take long for him to enter a state of clear-minded cultivation. According to the experience accumulated over two thousand years in the Nether Soil, the success rate of consuming medicine in such a state was generally higher, especially when taking low-tier Nether Pills with a relatively high fusion rate.

Indeed, when the boy opened his eyes again several minutes later, his gaze was calm; the previous excitement and joy were gone. Then, his lips parted slightly, and the snow-white Nether Pill slid into his mouth, swallowed down with a single gulp.

At this moment, not only Zhan Feihong, but also Zhan Tianlun and the three Nether Pill apprentices gathered around the boy, their eyes revealing tension and anticipation. Zhan Feihong was even prepared to administer an antidote, because if the Nether Pill proved ineffective, the toxicity of the “Yan Xi King” would certainly erupt. Although trying new medicine always carried some risk, Zhan Feihong didn't want this young boy to truly die from poisoning.

Nie Kong felt rather relaxed. Zhan Feihong didn't know, but Nie Kong was perfectly aware that by the time this Ming Dan (Nether Pill) was refined, the toxicity of the "Yan Xi Wang" (Breath-Restraining King) had long since dissipated, leaving no danger whatsoever. Furthermore, in the Netherworld, a Spirit Herb with a mere sixty percent fusion rate stood a high chance of failure, but in the Nether Realm, a Ming Dan with sixty percent fusion, while still capable of failing, faced a significantly lower risk. The room descended into profound silence as time ticked by, drop by agonizing drop...

Approximately a minute later, the calm expression on the youth's face finally began to contort slightly. As time dragged on, this distortion intensified with every passing second. Two or three minutes later, the youth’s features were almost crushed together, large beads of sweat instantly forming and running down his skin as he seemed to endure pain beyond measure—a torment that showed no sign of abating.

Zhan Feihong frowned deeply, utterly perplexed. Logically, consuming a low-grade Ming Dan should never cause such an issue. He had initially suspected poisoning due to the formula’s failure, but although the young man exhibited agonizing distress, he showed none of the telltale signs of poisoning. This bizarre spectacle left Zhan Feihong hesitant and unsure of how to proceed.

"It will be over shortly."

Glancing at the varied expressions on Zhan Feihong and Zhan Tianlun, Nie Kong offered a wry, helpless smile... Having only just begun to delve into this area today, he admitted there were still nuances he hadn't fully accounted for. The formulation was correct, but it wasn't yet perfect. Of course, if the success rate had been even two or three percent higher, the medicinal power would have been utilized more completely, and the agony he endured would have been minimized.

"..."

Zhan Feihong and Zhan Tianlun exchanged glances. Was Nie Kong being falsely modest or genuinely boastful? Immediately following this thought, they watched as the distortion on the youth’s face began to smooth out. In less than half a minute, his features had completely returned to normal, leaving behind only a flush across his cheeks, reminiscent of intoxication.

Another two or three minutes passed, and the youth finally let out a breath of immense relief. The moment his eyes opened, a powerful wave of deathly energy surged out from within his Ti (Body).

"Third Tier!"

Zhan Feihong and Zhan Tianlun exclaimed almost simultaneously.

"How did it feel taking the medicine?" Zhan Feihong pressed impatiently, before the youth could even rise.

"Wonderful."

The youth first sprang up slightly, looking overwhelmed by the praise, then an undeniable joy bloomed across his dark complexion. He spoke somewhat incoherently, "Grandpa Feihong, the moment I swallowed this Ming Dan, the medicinal power spread incredibly fast. When the power reached the Gu Lu (Bone Marrow/Tubes), the Ming Li (Nether Power) surged up so quickly... Oh, yes, it was painful, but that little bit of pain means nothing. To break through to the Third Tier this fast, I could handle twice or even triple the suffering!"

Finishing his statement, the youth looked up at Zhan Feihong with profound reverence: "Grandpa Feihong, the Ming Dan you refined is not only beautiful to look at, but its efficacy is also superior to that 'Xin Long Dan' (Heart Dragon Pill)."

Zhan Feihong’s old face flushed slightly. Naturally, he wouldn't claim credit that belonged to Nie Kong just to save face: "Ahem, this has nothing to do with your grandfather. He refined the Ming Dan." As he spoke, he pointed toward Nie Kong, his tone unusually gentle, making him seem like a completely different person than before.

"Him?"

The youth glanced skeptically at Nie Kong, clearly disbelieving.

"Alright, little fellow, hurry back and cultivate!" Seeing the youth about to speak, Zhan Feihong quickly waved him away with a chuckle. The youth had no choice but to leave, taking hesitant steps, lingering at the doorway to peer back into the room for a moment after he had already stepped outside.

"Nie Kong, how did you manage it?" The moment the youth disappeared, Zhan Feihong could no longer contain himself, a string of questions erupting from his mouth like a machine gun: "'Yan Xi Wang' contains potent toxins, yet the other seven herbs cannot neutralize the poison—how is there no trace of toxicity in the Ming Dan? The medicinal properties of Xu Ling and Gui Long Hua are completely contrary; how did you reconcile them? And the Mo Yu Grass..."

"Ahem, well, about that..."

"..."

When Zhan Tianlun and Nie Kong walked out of the "Dan Wang Ta" (Pill King Tower), the sky outside had already darkened completely. Looking back, they could faintly discern Zhan Feihong’s silhouette through the second-floor window.

"Tsk tsk, I never realized Third Uncle isn't just stingy, he’s even more of a monster when he’s generous!" Recalling the scene before he left, Zhan Tianlun sighed with deep emotion.

"Brother Zhan, if you could refine a new pill like I did, Third Uncle would certainly become a 'monster of generosity' toward you too."

Nie Kong laughed heartily. Clutched in his arms was tangible proof of Zhan Feihong's sudden "generosity": twenty Mid-Tier Ming Dan, with fusion rates ranging between forty and fifty percent—all fine elixirs Zhan Feihong himself had managed to refine in recent years. If Nie Kong hadn't still been only at the Fourth Tier and unable to consume higher-grade Ming Dan, Zhan Feihong might have gifted Nie Kong some high-tier ones to sample as well.

When Zhan Feihong first brought out those twenty Ming Dan, Zhan Tianlun’s eyes had turned green with envy. Recalling that moment now made Nie Kong want to burst out laughing. Indeed, Zhan Feihong usually maintained very strict control over the distribution of Ming Dan; otherwise, Zhan Tianlun wouldn't have offered the comment he just did.

With so many Ming Dan now in hand, it should be enough for the young man to recover his innate medicinal strength. In the future, he needed to find an opportunity to use the Medicine Cauldron Phantom Body technique to refine a few Ming Dan just to see. If he could uncover the secrets behind them, perhaps he could meet the young man's needs more easily.

"I have no hope, it seems."

Zhan Tianlun shook his head gloomily. "Back then, Third Uncle thought my aptitude for refining medicine was quite promising and wanted to cultivate me into a Ming Dan Master. In the end, when guiding the fire into my body, I was careless for a moment, and the process failed catastrophically, nearly costing me my life. After that, I never dared try again. Because of that incident, Third Uncle looks at me now and feels the urge to beat me senseless." Recalling that year, Zhan Tianlun sighed deeply.

After a long pause, Zhan Tianlun snapped back to the present: "Right, Brother Nie Kong, it's so late, do you still want to go to the Ming Ling Gu (Nether Spirit Valley)?"

"Go! Of course, I'll go!"

Nie Kong answered without hesitation. The young man’s matter was temporarily resolved; now it was finally time for his own business. No matter how late it got today, he had to enter the "Ming Ling Gu" and attempt to cultivate using the "Zhan Shen Xing Yin" (War God Star Seal). Doing so would allow him to better schedule his future cultivation timeline.

"Good!"

Zhan Tianlun wasn't at all surprised by Nie Kong's answer. He led Nie Kong into the passage beneath the mountain ridge, heading toward the adjacent "Ming Ling Gu..."

The Dan Wang Ta.

Standing at the window, watching until the voices of Nie Kong and Zhan Tianlun vanished, Zhan Feihong rubbed his palms together, pacing around the room in agitation. After a considerable while, he suddenly turned to the three Ming Dan apprentices who were tidying the floor: "Ru Long, Ru Song, Ru Yuan, you three go find those three old fellows immediately. Tell them I have something critically important to discuss with them and that they must rush to the Dan Wang Ta at once..."

"Yes, Master."

Upon hearing this, the three knew that the "three old fellows" referred to the three other High-Tier Ming Dan Masters of the Zhan Clan. Unlike Zhan Feihong, who preferred residing within the Dan Wang Ta, these masters generally stayed at their homes in Huan Yue City unless there was an exceptional matter.

Noticing the urgency in Zhan Feihong's tone, the three apprentices did not wait to finish cleaning the floor before running out of the room. Hearing the rapid, echoing footsteps from outside, Zhan Feihong’s agitated excitement finally settled somewhat. He murmured under his breath: "...Dan Wang Ta... ...Dan Wang Ta... Perhaps in a few decades, the name 'Dan Wang Ta' will be truly fitting for our Zhan Clan..."

PS: Fifty-six thousand words are finally done, which took half an hour longer than anticipated. Don't think too highly of me. I had six thousand words saved from yesterday; the remaining fifty thousand were written yesterday and today, but I uploaded it all today. Updating fifty thousand words in a single day is impossible even if I worked myself to death.

However, updating over twenty thousand words a day is nearly my limit; my head is spinning now. Today's update didn't allow time for revision, so there are likely quite a few typos. Also, with less time for deliberation, the plot might feel a bit thin; please bear with me.

Lastly, tomorrow's update will be posted late in the evening. This note is not counted in the word count!