The dialogue between the Jade Emperor and Wen Zhong was kept secret from everyone else, yet Wen Zhong had a vague feeling that Yang Jian was one of those in the know. This Prince of Enlightenment, who did not enjoy a particularly good relationship with his uncle, was nevertheless extremely diligent in his official duties. For the sake of the Heavenly Court and the entire Eastern Immortal Continent, he was fully capable of setting aside his personal grievances with the Jade Emperor to take action.

Brimming with speculation, a few days later, the Jade Emperor announced before the assembled celestial officials that Wen Zhong would be dispatched as an envoy to Mount Shu!

No specific details were given about his mission, but Wen Zhong knew the situation clearly in his heart. He accepted the assignment without hesitation, immediately arranging for someone to notify Mount Shu, while he briefly packed his belongings and began preparations for departure.

Meanwhile, Ye Wen was deeply immersed in his cultivation. Neither his Glazed Pupils nor his Primordial Chaos Tome had reached their peak states. Coupled with the recent string of encounters with formidable enemies, Ye Wen knew his strength was still far from sufficient and that he needed to improve his power as quickly as possible.

“Setting aside the distant future, I must at least become a Celestial Immortal first, right?” Although Ye Wen’s combat power rivaled that of a Celestial Immortal, his actual cultivation realm lagged a full level behind. To speak of it openly would look bad! After all, Ye Wen represented the entire Mount Shu Sect. If the entire sect lacked a single Celestial Immortal capable of holding the fort, it was bound to invite mockery.

Since the entire sect was currently preoccupied with cultivation, few disciples were seen moving about in their daily lives, only the designated patrolling disciples. Thus, Ye Wen also settled into this routine and rather monotonous existence.

During this period, the disciples cultivated with extraordinary diligence. Combined with the uniquely favorable environment of the Immortal Realm, the cultivation levels of the disciples surged upward. Even with the tempering effect of the Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art—a technique that consumed significant energy—the disciples’ progress remained remarkably swift.

Moreover, the abundant ambient world energy meant that the disciples rarely encountered bottlenecks during their practice. Most obstacles that would typically form barriers simply dissolved due to the sheer profusion of heaven and earth essence, allowing the disciples to focus solely on diligent training.

Furthermore, the Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art solved another problem for them: normally, even in such an advantageous environment, one needed caution during cultivation to prevent excessive advancement from damaging the meridians. However, the Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art continuously strengthened the disciples’ bodies and meridians, granting them the capacity for sustained cultivation.

The longer they cultivated, the greater their power naturally grew. In turn, this increased physical strength, afforded by the same technique, allowed for even longer cultivation sessions, leading to even faster power gains!

The cultivation path for the Mount Shu disciples had entered a virtuous cycle, kickstarted by Ye Wen’s technique.

These advancements pertained only to the ordinary disciples. While not every single one was monstrously powerful enough to attempt forcing open the Ren and Du Meridians yet, at this pace, that day would not be far off.

As for Ye Wen’s personal disciples, their situation was even more promising.

Firstly, Zhou Zhiruo, who had been ordered to reflect in closed-door isolation after the previous matters were largely resolved, had now nearly mastered the Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art. Her body, already resistant to aging, received a qualitative upgrade. Her essence-infused Minor Formless Skill power nearly reversed her aging, making her appear younger—perhaps only around twenty-four or twenty-five years old.

These were merely external changes; the internal transformations were far more profound. Should a physician take her pulse now, they would be astonished to find that Zhou Zhiruo truly presented the vitality of someone in their early twenties, certainly not someone nearing a century old. Her vital energy was robust, and her body powerfully vigorous. Even when Zhou Zhiruo’s cultivation was already high and her appearance youthfully preserved before, it never matched this state. After this period of secluded cultivation, such a significant change had occurred that even she herself was greatly surprised.

“The technique Master taught me doesn't seem profoundly complex, yet it is astonishingly effective!” She held no resentment toward her Master’s command for seclusion; after all, it was a fact that she had thrown the internal affairs of Mount Shu into disarray. In private, the punishment was already mild, and besides, even without punishment, she needed time for serious cultivation. Thus, this period of enforced reflection hardly felt like a penalty.

As for the decree Ye Wen had set—No leaving seclusion until breaking through to Earth Immortal!—she was unconcerned. Her recent cultivation had made her realize that she would likely break through to the Earth Immortal realm sooner than expected. Given the sheer abundance of Yuan Qi in the Immortal Realm, coupled with her excellent cultivation method and decades of accumulated foundation, if she couldn't advance under these conditions, she might as well die here!

Ye Wen was not overly worried about Zhou Zhiruo’s successful breakthrough. Back in the Changbai Immortal Realm, the environment was far inferior to this place, yet several registered disciples managed to break through successively. Moreover, Zhou Zhiruo’s foundational depth was more than sufficient. For her, breaking through was merely a matter of time.

The disciples below her fared even better. Guo Jing’s situation was significantly more optimistic than Zhou Zhiruo’s! This fifth disciple’s cultivation had been steadily improving. Based on observations during this time, Ye Wen believed that even without coming to the Immortal Realm, given enough time, this fifth disciple might shatter the void through sheer effort.

For Guo Jing, bottlenecks seemed virtually non-existent. He only needed to cultivate according to his habits, and his power would certainly increase. The Pure Yang Limitless Skill, in his hands, was nearly utilized to its absolute peak. Throughout the entire Mount Shu Sect, save for the few seated at the top, no one cultivated as smoothly or rapidly as Guo Jing.

Reflecting, the hurdles Guo Jing encountered in cultivation were almost entirely in the early stages. Once he crossed those thresholds, his strength began an unrelenting ascent, right up to the present day!

Now, having acquired the Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art, Guo Jing completed the tempering of his body in a very short time. All he needed to do now was wait—maintain his daily practice and await the inevitable breakthrough.

“I estimate, sometime after this winter, it should be done!” During a casual chat with Guo Jing, Ye Wen took the opportunity to check on his progress. He concluded that Guo Jing might break through to Earth Immortal even earlier than Zhou Zhiruo, but he didn't tell Guo Jing directly, simply sending him back to continue cultivating.

Naturally, he discussed this matter privately with his senior disciple.

“Jing’er focuses solely on cultivation and doesn't need to dwell on complex matters; his mind is much purer. Progressing with the Pure Yang Limitless Skill is naturally extremely fast! Zhiruo… however, was delayed by decades due to Mount Shu’s affairs…” Ye Wen paused. This was also a fact. If not for the sect’s troubles, perhaps Zhou Zhiruo’s cultivation would be further along, perhaps she might have relied on her own strength to break through the shackles of the Nine Provinces Tripods and reunited with Ye Wen sooner?

But these were mere conjectures. Since it was already the case, the focus now had to be on making up for those lost decades!

“What about Huang’er?”

“Nangong Huang is currently receiving direct instruction from Xu Xian. And all those strange and rare items Huang Rongrong dug up while running around the Changbai Immortal Realm are now being shoveled into Huang’er’s stomach!” The Changbai Immortal Realm was, after all, a type of immortal domain, containing many natural treasures. Although these items were not considered top-tier in the current Immortal Realm, they were certainly beneficial for Mount Shu. A few days ago, when Nangong Huang was physically weak, Huang Rongrong stuffed him with many ‘big radishes.’ Thanks to that ‘white radish,’ coupled with the Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art, his condition had improved significantly.

“Senior Brother’s Spirit Confluence Physique Refinement Art actually has healing and body-strengthening effects? That’s unexpected. Looking at it this way, I should practice it too. In the future, if I suffer any internal injuries, I won’t have to rely solely on Senior Brother!” Ye Wen smiled without speaking. In truth, he was somewhat surprised by this secondary effect of the technique. This effect reminded him of the Muscle and Tendon Changing Chapter from the Nine Yin Manual: Could I have accidentally reverse-engineered the Muscle and Tendon Changing Chapter? Whether this was the case, he couldn't confirm since he hadn't summoned the Nine Yin Manual. However, it seemed Mount Shu no longer desperately needed the Nine Yin Manual, and Ye Wen wasn't urgently in need of the Muscle and Tendon Changing Chapter either, as that technique seemed to focus more on strengthening meridians and healing rather than increasing raw physical strength.

Drifting off topic, Nangong Huang’s condition had improved dramatically, and he had shed his sickly appearance. Recently, the old man seemed to have regained his youthful vigor, possessing more energy than the younger disciples. However, after a couple of days of ruckus, he returned to focused cultivation. He knew that if he didn't make up for the decades he lost, he still wouldn't have much time left to live.

Still, Ye Wen didn't need to worry too much about Nangong Huang. Xu Xian was keeping a close watch, terrified that his only remaining disciple might wave goodbye forever. Thus, for once, Xu Xian was unusually serious, dedicating himself to teaching Nangong Huang. He had even prepared the Innate Heaven and Earth Skill, waiting for Nangong Huang to break through to the Earth Immortal realm before beginning instruction.

As for the rest, there was no need to discuss Li Xiaoyao. He was currently busy learning alchemy (making snacks?). Ever since he unintentionally obtained the recipe for boiled eggs from Ye Wen, Li Xiaoyao had sought out Ye Wen several more times, and Ye Wen summoned another recipe during his leisure.

It still required only a small amount of power. This time, the result was the Foundation Stabilizing Pill—a very common elixir used to consolidate one’s cultivation base. It was usually paired with other elixirs or rare treasures. Cui Jun had also seen this formula and commented that while the pill was common, very few in the Immortal Realm could refine it well, meaning it wasn't entirely useless.

“If your sect can master the refinement of this Foundation Stabilizing Pill, relying on this elixir alone would be enough for us to open a storefront at the Heavenly Secret Gate!”

Strange and exotic items were not uncommon in the Immortal Realm, and cultivators were numerous. Thus, after discovering these peculiar herbs, many would seek out elixirs with special uses to aid them in consuming these rare treasures. The Foundation Stabilizing Pill was one such item.

Upon learning this, Ye Wen immediately instructed Li Xiaoyao to focus solely on refining the Foundation Stabilizing Pill, even relieving him of making boiled eggs for now. He told him to master this specific elixir first.

Li Xiaoyao walked off with the prescription, looking miserable, which brought relief to the rest of the Mount Shu disciples: “Finally, we don't have to eat boiled eggs every day!” Although Li Xiaoyao had made them in various styles—from plain boiled eggs to tea eggs, and later developing braised eggs, soy sauce eggs, and country-style eggs—the main ingredient remained the same, and everyone was starting to feel sick of them.

Only Li Xiaoyao was tirelessly experimenting. Now, they had found respite. However, no one expected that Li Xiaoyao would modify the materials for the Foundation Stabilizing Pill yet again, resulting in a new dish added to everyone’s dinner: quail eggs.

“……”

Regarding Li Xiaoyao’s enthusiasm for blending alchemy with cooking, Ye Wen eventually chose to ignore it and let the disciple fuss about as he pleased. Fortunately, Li Xiaoyao successfully produced some relatively standard Foundation Stabilizing Pills. Though the disciple remained dissatisfied with his creations, Ye Wen considered the Foundation Stabilizing Pill genuinely refined; it just needed more proficiency in the future.

“How can this be considered successful? The taste of this elixir is utterly dreadful—such a pill is impossible to swallow!” He turned to Ye Wen, “Master, just give me another month or two, and I guarantee I can create a much tastier Foundation Stabilizing Pill…” He then used the quail egg dish as an example: “Actually, I think using pigeon eggs as the main ingredient for the Foundation Stabilizing Pill is quite good, but they don’t preserve well, otherwise I would bottle that dish directly!”

“Whatever you wish!” Ye Wen shook his head helplessly and emerged from the Elixir Pavilion, running into the refining masters borrowed from the Heavenly Secret Gate. After exchanging greetings, he briefly inquired about the learning progress of Li Xiaoyao, Huang Yun, and the others.

The answer he received left Ye Wen speechless: “Both are exceptionally talented individuals; we have nothing more to teach them. How far they advance in the future will depend on themselves… In fact, Fellow Daoist Li’s talent is rarely seen in my life, but…”

At this point, he suddenly realized the person standing before him was the Master, and since the Master hadn't said anything, he shouldn't elaborate either. He quickly stopped himself, offered an apologetic smile, and walked away.

Ye Wen naturally knew what he was about to say. But Li Xiaoyao simply loved to tinker, and Ye Wen couldn't forcibly restrict him from messing around. Moreover, Li Xiaoyao didn't particularly enjoy refining elixirs or medicine; the command to oversee the Elixir Pavilion was one Ye Wen had imposed. So... they would leave it as is.

As for Huang Yun, while his cultivation showed nothing particularly outstanding—Ye Wen didn't expect Huang Yun to break through to Earth Immortal in the short term—he possessed considerable insight into alchemy. The only complication was that if Huang Yun’s cultivation remained stagnant, did that mean that even if he mastered his skills, he might struggle to pass his knowledge on?

Now, the hope rested on Huang Yun’s two sons having sufficient talent to properly inherit their father’s knowledge while also achieving success in their own cultivation, ensuring the development of Mount Shu’s Elixir Pavilion.

After walking a circuit, Ye Wen arrived at the Scripture Pavilion but found no one there. It was understandable that Nangong Huang was absent, but where was Wei Hong?

He asked a disciple and learned that Wei Hong had also returned long ago. It seemed this had been the routine lately, as Wei Hong felt his cultivation was too poor and, if he didn't strive harder, he would be wasting Ye Wen’s kindness in bringing him to the Immortal Realm. He had been diligently cultivating during this time.

Since there was little business at the Scripture Pavilion recently, he had left early.

Knowing what Wei Hong was doing, Ye Wen said no more. Afterwards, he checked on the younger generation: Liu Mengli, Xu Changqing, and Yue Lingshan. Xu Changqing’s health had improved significantly, and he would likely be like a normal child after some more time.

Yue Lingshan was also growing steadily, and with the tempering from spiritual medicines, her physical constitution changed daily!

Liu Mengli’s power increase wasn't very noticeable, but it was within an acceptable range. Ye Wen believed her foundation was weak, so he told her to seek out Guo Jing to solidify her base before continuing her advanced practice.

Walking toward the Artifact Crafting Pavilion, Ye Wen could hear shouting from the large courtyard long before he arrived. Zheng Ying, in particular, had an impressively loud voice; Ye Wen could clearly hear what he was shouting even from a distance.

“Hey, you guy from the Yuan Qi Field, shift a bit to the right!” “Ooh, pretty lady over there with over ten thousand Yuan Qi, lift your foot, you’re stepping on the line!” “Hmm? Someone’s coming! Hahaha, only 5 Yuan Qi? How can such trash even… Ah! Master!”

Upon clearly seeing the person entering was his Master, Zheng Ying seemed to have his throat instantly clamped shut. The words he was about to say were swallowed back down, and he awkwardly bowed to Ye Wen.

“What all the commotion?”

As Ye Wen entered, he saw Zheng Ying wearing a monocle over one eye. The style of this single-lens spectacle was incredibly familiar.

“Nothing much, Senior Cui recently created a little gadget and I’m testing it out!” As he spoke, he removed the device from his eye. Revealed without the obstruction of his hair, Ye Wen instantly recognized what it was.

“This… isn’t this…”

Zheng Ying laughed awkwardly, “It’s just the exterior that resembles it; the actual function is quite different!” As he said this, he tugged a finger-thick cable that connected to the object he had just removed.

“This thing can detect everyone’s Yuan Qi strength?” Recalling Zheng Ying’s earlier comments, Ye Wen suddenly realized that if this were true, the device would be immensely useful, at least making the search for rare treasures much easier.

“It’s not very accurate. It made a mistake when measuring Master just now!” Zheng Ying hadn't expected that his Master would display a reading of 5 on the instrument—that was too comical!

Ye Wen said nothing, looked down at the device, and then suddenly asked, “What does 1 point of Yuan Qi represent?”

This question was answered not by Zheng Ying, but by Cui Jun, who happened to be passing by: “Approximately the Yuan Qi required for one Palm Thunder strike!”