C10 Pill Refining
"Xing, we have your miraculous pill to thank for this time."
Zhuang Dou couldn't help but feel a surge of anger when he thought about that pill. He had never anticipated that it was actually a Rank One Top Grade Pill. Such a pill was far more valuable than a Rank Two Middle Grade Pill. It was the ideal type of pill for cultivators, completely free of any side effects.
Zhuang Xing claimed he was the one who had refined the pill. If his claim held true, then he was indeed a Pill Refining Master. Not just any Pill Refining Master, but one capable of producing Top Grade Pills. Yet, it seemed impossible for the Zhuang family to produce such an extraordinary talent.
Zhuang Xing's attention shifted to Ma Xiaoyan. His mother had been at the Qi Refining Stage Level Nine Heaven for quite some time, so it was high time for her to advance to the Spirit Wheel Stage. Without a breakthrough, she might never achieve it in her lifetime.
"Someone clean up this area. Additionally, convey my command that today's events are not to be disclosed by anyone. Should anyone dare to reveal what has transpired, they will be dealt with according to our family's laws."
The great elder's strength was immense. He was a formidable force within the Zhuang family and throughout Cloud Peak City. The loss of such a powerhouse was a significant blow to the Zhuang family, diminishing their ability to intimidate other clans. If word got out, it could provoke an assault on the Zhuang family, putting them at risk.
However, the Zhuang family had lost the great elder but gained Zhuang Xing, who was even more formidable. This turn of events could be seen as a positive development. What's more, Zhuang Xing was a Pill Refining Master, a true boon for the Zhuang family.
With this thought, Zhuang Dou allowed himself a proud smile. Having such a son was indeed a source of pride.
"Yes, Patriarch."
With that, the matter was temporarily concluded. Zhuang Xing, having slain Zhuang Shaoying and disabled Zhuang Xiang and Zhuang Guai, had cemented his unassailable authority. Henceforth, no one would dare challenge his eligibility for the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition.
Zhuang Xing re-entered the Western Garden.
Upon Zhuang Xing's arrival, the people around him quickly gathered. They held great admiration for such a legendary figure. What's more, Zhuang Xing was a Pill Refining Master with exceptional skills, and they were eager to receive his guidance.
"Young Master."
What was most astonishing was that the third elder had shed his usual arrogance. Instead, he treated Zhuang Xing with utmost respect.
Zhuang Xing observed the third elder's demeanor with delight. He was accustomed to wielding his status as a Pill Refining Master to act haughtily. But now, recognizing Zhuang Xing's extraordinary talent, he had promptly come seeking guidance.
"Third elder, there's no need for such formality."
The third elder bowed and said, "I failed to recognize your potential before. I hope you can forgive me."
Zhuang Xing smiled. The third elder had often used his status to trouble Zhuang Xing. If not for Zhuang Xing's need for the Pills he could refine, Zhuang Xing would have considered eliminating him long ago.
Everyone was astounded by the third elder's change in attitude; they had never seen him like this. To these apprentices, the third elder had always been exceedingly proud, quick to reprimand them for any dissatisfaction. However, given the third elder's position as a Pill Refining Master, even the Patriarch and the great elder held him in high regard. Naturally, the apprentices also refrained from speaking out.
"Young Master, have you come to refine Pills?"
Zhuang Xing nodded in affirmation.
The third elder looked up at Zhuang Xing, seemingly wanting to speak but hesitating.
"Third elder, what's the matter? Are you reluctant to let me into the Pill Room?"
"No, of course not," the third elder quickly replied, shaking his head. No one in the Zhuang family dared to challenge this young master anymore. The fates of Zhuang Guai and the great elder were clear warnings.
Zhuang Xing gave a cold snort. Even if the old man had the audacity, he wouldn't dare to cross him.
After a pause, the third elder bowed again and said, "Young Master, I have a bold request. May I ask if you would consider it?"
"Speak."
The third elder bowed once more, his demeanor exceedingly deferential.
"May I have your permission to observe your pill refining? I would like to learn from you."
Zhuang Xing was a Pill Refining Master capable of producing Top Grade Pills. If the third elder could witness his technique, perhaps he might manage to craft a genuine Top Grade Pill himself.
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Xing burst into hearty laughter. "Third elder, you're taking this very seriously. If you wish to watch me refine pills, then by all means, come inside. Everyone is welcome to join."
Zhuang Xing had, in fact, planned to mentor these individuals, as he would soon be departing to compete in the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition. Once he left, the Zhuang family's pill refining responsibilities would fall to them.
Their eyes sparkled with anticipation. The opportunity to watch a true Pill Refining Master at work was a matter of great honor.
"Thank you."
With a casual wave, Zhuang Xing entered the Pill Room, the others quickly trailing behind him.
As a One-generation Pill God, Zhuang Xing's Pill Refining Arts were beyond reproach. Whether using a small Pill Cauldron or a large Pill Furnace, the Pills he produced were of exceptional quality.
In no time, the batch of pills was ready. As they opened the furnace to inspect, everyone was astounded.
Inside the Pill Furnace lay twenty pills, each resting in silence. Initially, Zhuang Xing had placed twenty portions of herbs into the furnace. This meant his pill refining success rate was an astonishing 100%.
Even more astounding, each of the twenty pills was a Top Grade Pill. His Pill Refining Arts were nothing short of breathtaking.
Everyone involuntarily gasped, at a loss for words to express their astonishment.
The third elder was utterly flabbergasted, having never before encountered such a formidable Pill Refining Master. Zhuang Xing's Pill Refining Arts defied description.
"Do you wish to learn?"
All present, including the third elder, knelt down, their gazes fixed on Zhuang Xing with fervent longing. They were thoroughly captivated by his Pill Refining Arts. Only a fool would pass up the chance to learn such a skill.
Zhuang Xing smiled and declared, "Since you all wish to learn, I shall impart my knowledge to you."
"Thank you, Young Master. We will certainly not disappoint you and will strive to do our best."
The group was visibly moved, their enthusiasm running high. To receive guidance from such a Pill Refining Master was a fortune they must have cultivated over many generations.
"Excellent. As long as you remain faithful to the Zhuang family, I assure you, you will be treated justly."