Shi Fang’s introduction gave Zhang Yang a slight pause. A sect differed from a prominent family; the head of a family held limited authority, constrained by the elders above. In a sect, however, the Abbot or the Sect Master wielded immense power.

Sect leaders governed under a lifetime tenure system, another point of difference from the families. One could say that the personal arrival of the Shaolin Abbot carried far greater weight than the personal visit of the patriarchs from the Three Great Families. Shaolin was showing significantly more deference this time.

“I was unaware of the Abbot’s arrival; my apologies for not greeting you sooner!”

Zhang Yang paused only for a moment before cupping his hands in salute, his manner respectful. Setting aside the Abbot Shi Cheng’s status, his actual strength placed him firmly in the middle stage of the Fourth Layer—a level equal to Zhang Yang’s own. Zhang Yang had only recently broken through to this stage, whereas the Shaolin Abbot clearly possessed the settled strength of someone who had been at this level for much longer. In terms of sheer internal energy, the Abbot held a slight edge.

“Benefactor Zhang, you are too polite!”

Abbot Shi Cheng dipped his body slightly, returning the courtesy with equal respect. Judging by his demeanor, the Shaolin Abbot held no perception of Zhang Yang as a mere youngster or junior.

“Young Master, esteemed Masters, your tea is ready!”

Qu Meilan arrived with the freshly brewed tea, then stood respectfully to the side, watching Abbot Shi Cheng with a mixture of curiosity and genuine awe. Shaolin and Wudang—these were the two greatest reclusive sects, both having produced cultivators at the Fifth Layer. Qu Meilan knew little about the Fifth Layer, but she had heard the names of these two major sects countless times. Among internal energy practitioners, few were ignorant of them. It was much like how all internal energy practitioners knew the Four Great Ancient Families. The Four Great Families and the Two Great Sects had long served as the pillars of the entire internal energy cultivation world.

“Mr. Zhang, congratulations on your latest breakthrough!”

As he accepted the tea, Shi Fang spoke again. Both Abbot Shi Cheng and Master Shi Yuan’s bodies trembled almost imperceptibly, though they recovered instantly. Even Qu Meilan, who was serving them tea, noticed nothing.

He broke through again? Zhang Yang had already possessed the strength of the early Fourth Layer. This advancement meant he was now in the middle stage of the Fourth Layer? The transition from early to middle Fourth Layer had taken less than a year. Zhang Yang’s growth rate was terrifyingly fast. Even the Shaolin Abbot, a renowned figure in the cultivation world, was utterly stunned by Zhang Yang's pace.

They harbored no doubt about Shi Fang’s words. They were well aware of Shi Fang’s capabilities; if he said it, Zhang Yang must indeed be in the middle stage of the Fourth Layer.

“Brother Shi is not lacking either. I predict that within the year at the latest, Brother Shi will surely shatter this bottleneck!”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly. He wasn't surprised that Shi Fang had noticed his advancement. He already knew that Shi Fang practiced a miraculous Heavenly Eye Penetration technique that allowed one to discern the cultivation levels of others merely by looking. Shi Fang could see him, and he could see Shi Fang. Shi Fang had reached the late Third Layer long ago and was now at its peak, stable and firm. At his current pace, barring accidents, he would begin attempting his breakthrough within a year, adding another young expert of the Fourth Layer to Shaolin. A venerable sect that had produced Fifth Layer experts and spanned a millennium naturally possessed deep foundations.

“Mr. Zhang overestimates me. It might be possible within a year, but I cannot be entirely certain.”

Shi Fang shook his head slightly, a hint of resignation in his tone. Advancing to the Fourth Layer was not simple; one needed complete preparation. However, his feeling was only mild resignation; his confidence remained intact. Confidence was the one thing internal energy cultivators could not afford to lose; lacking it would almost guarantee failure during the breakthrough attempt.

“Last time, I received such a precious gift from your sect and have yet to properly reciprocate. This small pill, which I formulated myself, I present to Brother Shi as a token of thanks!”

Zhang Yang smiled, producing a jade bottle and placing it directly on the table. Shi Fang and Shi Yuan had visited once during his engagement, bringing a rare Shaolin Great Reverting Pill. Zhang Yang had not used that spiritual medicine, but its value was undeniable. With that Shaolin Great Reverting Pill, there was no worry about cultivation deviation (Qinghuo Rumao). Even if such an event occurred, the worst outcome after taking the pill was the complete loss of internal energy. Thanks to the pill’s miraculous efficacy, one retained the potential to cultivate anew and quickly recover their strength. That was the pill’s greatest treasure, not to mention the slight chance it offered to retain one’s current cultivation.

Zhang Yang was not one to accept favors without repayment. He always felt indebted, and this was the perfect opportunity to settle that score by returning a gift.

“What is this?”

Shi Fang looked puzzled, as did Shi Yuan and Shi Cheng, who all focused on the jade bottle on the table.

Zhang Yang smiled slightly and said softly, “A Saintess Pill. It cannot compare to your sect’s Great Reverting Pill, but it should offer Brother Shi some small assistance!”

“Saintess Pill?” Shi Fang exclaimed, his eyes wide open. The two Masters were equally stunned, staring intently at the jade bottle.

The Saintess Pill did not increase internal energy, nor did it detoxify or heal injuries from cultivation deviation. However, its unique function was unparalleled by other spiritual medicines. The Saintess Pill could assist internal energy cultivators in advancing without hindrance. Whether moving to the Fourth Layer or any other stage, consuming the Saintess Pill precisely during the breakthrough moment ensured a smooth advancement, provided the cultivator already possessed the necessary foundational strength and deep internal energy. Forcibly taking it without reaching the threshold could lead to cultivation deviation.

But Shi Fang was on the verge of breaking through; he was already preparing for the ascent, which was why Zhang Yang estimated it would take at most a year. Normally, advancing to the Fourth Layer required extensive preparation. This was without the Saintess Pill. With it, Shi Fang would need no more than a month to attempt his advancement, and it would be a one hundred percent success rate.

On one side stood a year of preparation with no absolute guarantee. On the other, only a month’s wait for guaranteed success. Even with Shi Fang’s hardened willpower, he felt a brief sense of disorientation, his breathing growing slightly heavier. The temptation of advancement was something not everyone could resist.

“Benefactor Zhang, this gift is far too precious. We cannot accept it!”

Abbot Shi Cheng suddenly spoke. Shi Fang snapped out of his daze, looking at the jade bottle with palpable reluctance and regret. He shook his head at Zhang Yang. As a disciple, Shi Fang was bound to obey the Abbot’s every word. If the Abbot declared the gift too valuable to accept, then it must be refused. Shi Fang would comply, though his heart ached somewhat for the item whose temptation was immense.

“Shi Fang, you must believe in yourself. After all your training, where is that spirit of unparalleled determination, that sense of bearing the weight of the world?” Abbot Shi Cheng added. Shi Fang blinked, his eyes instantly clearing.

“Yes, Abbot. This disciple understands. I became fixated,” Shi Fang quickly returned to a formal salute, then sat down, sipping his tea, and did not spare another glance for the jade bottle on the table.

Zhang Yang observed all of this in silence, wearing only a faint smile. Yet, in his heart, he felt a stirring of admiration. Truly worthy of being the most famous of the great reclusive sects. Shaolin disciples were indeed different. To resist such temptation—a shortcut to a critical breakthrough—was rare indeed. This kind of self-control was unimaginable to those who had never experienced it. It was akin to knowing you have the potential to become a billionaire in twenty years, yet someone suddenly offers you billions in assets and companies right now, demanding nothing in return. Many would fail to refuse such a proposition. That Shi Fang could refuse so decisively was truly difficult.

“Abbot Master, I trust Brother Shi will succeed through his own efforts, but there is no precedent for taking back a gift once offered. Please, accept this Saintess Pill. As friends, exchanging courtesies is proper. Are you implying that the Saintess Pill’s value is too low to compare with the Great Reverting Pill?”

Zhang Yang spoke again, this time addressing Abbot Shi Cheng directly. Zhang Yang did not wish to owe Shaolin any further favors, and this was the moment to repay them. While the Saintess Pill might not surpass the Great Reverting Pill in general worth, it was still an extremely rare elixir, and its specific function often made it more valuable to many than any other spiritual medicine. Returning such a gift was entirely appropriate. Furthermore, the Zhang family was no longer poor as it once was. After seizing the Huyan family’s stronghold, the sheer wealth left behind was enough for ten generations of the Zhang clan to spend without effort. The Zhang family was too small in number; even a sudden influx of wealth would sustain them for generations. Now Zhang Yang understood why ancient families, once their protectors were gone, went into hiding. Without guardians, their treasures became magnets for disaster. Other families, even those at the Great Perfection stage, might attack to seize such riches, inviting utter destruction upon themselves.

“Benefactor Zhang, since you put it that way, I shall shamelessly accept this precious Saintess Pill.”

Abbot Shi Cheng hesitated slightly before finally nodding slowly. Zhang Yang’s gesture of repayment was generous, but Shi Cheng had no intention of using the Great Reverting Pill to make Zhang Yang feel indebted. Their primary goal was to forge a favorable early relationship with the Zhang family and establish goodwill with Zhang Yang. Since Zhang Yang had framed it as mutual friendship and suggested the Saintess Pill was less valuable than the Great Reverting Pill, refusing now would be impolite and suggest they did not truly regard him as a friend.

Sitting upright, Shi Cheng’s expression grew slightly more serious as he spoke softly, “Benefactor Zhang, the main reason for our visit today is to inquire about one matter. We received intelligence suggesting that you have managed to materialize energy. We wish to know if this is true?”

Shi Cheng asked slowly, while Shi Yuan and Shi Fang also adopted grave expressions. This question was the core purpose of their visit; the patriarchs of the Three Great Families shared this exact goal but had been too hesitant to ask upon meeting Zhang Yang, waiting for a suitable opportunity to probe.