C8 Difficult to Deal With.

An hour later, Loong Jiaoyang followed Zi Shan through the Profound Girl Sect's complex of halls and entered a valley ringed by terraced mountainsides.

Zi Shan appeared to have let go of her earlier displeasure as she stood shoulder to shoulder with Loong Jiaoyang atop a rather high hill. Gazing down from their vantage point, they could see a lush spirit field cradled within a Spirit Gathering Formation.

"See that? That's our sect's Thousand Acre Mountain Herbal Field, home to a myriad of exotic flowers and herbs. Those small houses encircling the field are basic pill refining chambers where novices practice their craft. Only those who master pill refining earn the right to relocate to the Pill Refining Courtyard. There, each alchemist is granted their own private courtyard," Zi Shan explained, gesturing to the modest dwellings nearby before pointing towards the grander courtyard-style homes in the distance.

"The disparity in treatment between apprentices and alchemists is staggering," Loong Jiaoyang remarked, astounded.

"Indeed, it's quite unjust. These rudimentary refining chambers lack even a basic soundproofing array. An explosion nearby would be deafening. In contrast, the Pill Refining Courtyard offers not just soundproofing to shield against external disturbances but also the safeguard of the Saint Level Profound Girl Formation. If an alchemist displays the sign for closed-door cultivation, any intruder risks the wrath of the formation," Zi Shan said, her eyes filled with longing as she looked towards the distant courtyards.

"Alchemists are treated that well? If they're in seclusion and outsiders can't enter, couldn't they potentially starve?" Loong Jiaoyang was genuinely shocked, having never imagined such generous provisions for alchemists.

"Which sect would ever allow an alchemist to starve? Each one can select their own attendants and servants to ensure their well-being. Anyone wishing to communicate with those inside must resort to voice transmission talismans," Zi Shan explained with a hint of envy. "It's such a shame I can't wield fire Spirit Power. I'd choose to be an alchemist over a saint in a heartbeat."

Loong Jiaoyang gazed toward the Pill Refining Courtyard, his eyes igniting with fervor. In his heart, he yearned, "If only I had my own Alchemy Courtyard, I could wholeheartedly cultivate the Righteousness Mantra."

In that instant, Loong Jiaoyang's desire for alchemy was ablaze with intensity!

Zi Shan, Loong Jiaoyang, and Xiaohong approached the entrance of the Herbal Field.

"Greetings, Saintess!" The four disciples stationed at the entrance of the Dan Qing Hall knelt in reverence.

"Rise," commanded Zi Shan with an air of authority.

"Saintess, what brings you to the Pill Fire Area today? Do you have any specific instructions?" inquired the fair-faced youth with utmost respect.

"My friend here wishes to test his aptitude for pill refining. Please arrange a superior alchemy room for him," Zi Shan directed.

The fair-faced youth, known as Yue Bai, was already privy to the rumors about the Saintess bringing a young man home the previous day. This young man had boldly claimed to be Zi Shan's partner, infuriating Holy Son Gao Bing to the point of vowing to claim Loong Jiaoyang's life in a month's time.

"Are you Fellow Daoist Loong Jiaoyang?" Yue Bai inquired with a congenial smile.

"Yes, that's me. Do we know each other?" Loong Jiaoyang responded, puzzled.

"Fellow Daoist Loong Jiaoyang, you've become quite the celebrity within the Profound Girl Sect. So, what do you say? Would you like me to show you the ropes of pill refining?" Yue Bai asked, his eyes betraying a hint of scorn.

"I require no guidance. Just provide me with an alchemy room and ten batches of ingredients for the Qi Gathering Pill," Loong Jiaoyang stated confidently, his mind filled with the Pill Devil's extensive knowledge of pill crafting.

Yue Bai's face stiffened as he retorted icily, "Fellow Daoist Loong Jiaoyang, I will not supply you with even a single ingredient for the Qi Gathering Pill!"

"How dare you! To give such trouble to a friend of the Saintess?" Xiaohong rebuked sharply.

Zi Shan's expression darkened. Her almond eyes narrowed, fixing Yue Bai with a piercing, frosty glare.

"I'm not trying to be difficult with the Saintess's friend, nor would I dare to cross the Saintess. It's simply that the Medicine Pavilion in the Elixir Fire District has its rules. Only a Tier 2 alchemist is permitted to handle Tier 2 Medicine Pill ingredients. Fellow Daoist Loong Jiaoyang, without any experience in pill refining, you lack the qualifications to access second-grade medicinal materials," Yue Bai stated emphatically. "These are the regulations of the Profound Girl Sect's Pill Fire District. Should the Saintess have any questions, she may consult the Sect Master."

"Excellent, just excellent! You're on my radar now. You'd best qualify as an alchemist and make a place for yourself here in the Pill Fire District!" Zi Shan retorted with a laugh tinged with fury. "We're leaving!"

"Hold on!" Xiaohong gave Yue Bai a fierce look, feigning authority, then turned to follow Zi Shan.

"Hang on a second," Loong Jiaoyang interjected.

"What are we waiting for? You want to stick around for more humiliation?" Zi Shan asked, turning back with scorn in her voice.

"I'm confident I can concoct a Spirit Gathering Pill," Loong Jiaoyang declared, shaking his head resolutely.

Zi Shan, her face a picture of incredulity, replied, "You're confident? On what basis? You've never even refined a pill!"

"Indeed, I've never refined a pill, and I've never failed. That's why I trust in my ability to successfully create a Spirit Gathering Pill!" Loong Jiaoyang asserted with self-assurance.

Zi Shan's forehead creased with frustration as she exclaimed, "Fool Loong, I'm starting to think you're not just clueless but also quite daft!"

Loong Jiaoyang turned to Yue Bai and inquired, "Esteemed fellow Daoist, how might I go about obtaining the ingredients to refine the Spirit Gathering Pill?"

"It's quite straightforward. Just successfully produce a batch of Power Boosting Pills," Yue Bai replied with a congenial smile.

The Power Boosting Pill, a first-grade Medicine Pill, is known for enhancing the strength of both humans and animals. It's a highly practical and commonly found Medicine Pill on the market.

The details of the Power Boosting Pill's effects and its preparation process came to Loong Jiaoyang's mind. "May I freely take the ingredients for this Power Boosting Pill?"

"No one can take more than three sets of medicinal ingredients per day," Yue Bai stated as he watched Loong Jiaoyang prepare to refine a pill and gather the necessary herbs for the Spirit Gathering Pill. Internally, he scoffed, "Loong Jiaoyang, do you really think mastering the art of alchemy is that easy? And you believe you're fit to be Saintess Zi Shan's partner?"

The Profound Girl Sect had more than one Holy Son vying for Saintess Zi Shan's affections.

"What are you trying to do, Loong Jiaoyang?" Zi Shan demanded.

"I'll start with the Strength Boosting Pill and then move on to the Spirit Gathering Pill," Loong Jiaoyang replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"You fool, if you need the ingredients for the Spirit Gathering Pill, I can have my father send them to you directly. Why waste time here?" Zi Shan's icy gaze cut through Yue Bai.

"If I can't successfully refine a basic medicine pill, there's no point in attempting the Spirit Gathering Pill," Loong Jiaoyang countered, shaking his head.

"Hmph, refine by yourself then, you fool!" Zi Shan huffed, her frustration evident as she turned on her heel and stormed off, with Xiaohong throwing Loong Jiaoyang a glare before following her.

Watching Zi Shan's retreating figure, Loong Jiaoyang realized he had much to learn about this mercurial woman.

Yue Bai, witnessing Saintess Zi Shan's departure, gave Loong Jiaoyang a sidelong appraisal. Within the Profound Girl Sect, few had ever managed to provoke Saintess Zi Shan to such a degree, and even fewer could remain indifferent to her fiery demeanor.

"Fellow Daoist, please arrange an alchemy room for me and provide three sets of ingredients for the Strength Boosting Pill," Loong Jiaoyang requested, turning his attention back to Yue Bai and disregarding Zi Shan's outburst.

"Sure, follow me," Yue Bai replied, nodding agreeably.

A few meters away, Zi Shan slowed her pace and inquired, "Xiaohong, is that fool Loong following?"

Xiaohong was taken aback, glancing back as she responded, "No, he's gone to the pill refining room with Yue Bai."

"He's such an idiot! Completely clueless about reading the room..." Zi Shan fumed, stamping her foot in frustration.

"Indeed, the guy's a total blockhead. Miss, let's just ignore him and let him make a fool of himself here," Xiaohong chimed in, twisting the knife.

"Xiaohong, you stay put. Once he's done with his alchemy, escort him back to the guest room," Zi Shan abruptly instructed, then quickened her stride and departed. Xiaohong halted, bewildered, and murmured to herself, "Miss, what are you really thinking?"