C15 Peach Blossom Formation

Dawn was nearing, and weariness crept in. He retrieved a pill from his Storage Space and popped it into his mouth. As the Spiritual Energy dispersed throughout his body, he felt significantly more refreshed.

The day ahead was important; he needed to rouse Fanh Yichen and Wang Bo because they had an auction to attend in the marketplace.

"Yichen, time to get up!"

"Who's that? It's so early."

"Come on, if we're late, we won't get into the auction."

"Oh, right, the auction."

Fanh Yichen bolted upright. "Big brother, we don't have enough Spirit Stones. Even if we're late, what can we bid on?"

"Just get moving!"

"Okay, okay, don't tug on my ear."

"Wang Bo, time to rise!"

"Is breakfast ready? Anything tasty?"

"We'll eat out later. There'll be plenty of good food."

"Xiaofan, I've heard the auction will have rare treasures, including a Profound Level cultivation technique."

Seeing the eagerness in Fanh Yichen's eyes, he wondered whether the auction might hold a cultivation technique that suited him. After all, cultivation techniques weren't inherently good or bad; their worth depended on their fit with the practitioner.

His body harbored two types of Spiritual Energy: fire and wood, an ideal combination for pill refining. Securing a cultivation technique to enhance his alchemy would be ideal.

"So, you're after a top-notch cultivation technique?"

"Who wouldn't be? I dream of becoming a Pill King."

In the realm of immortal cultivation, alchemists were ranked across nine grades. Grade One was for apprentice alchemists, Grade Two for alchemists, Grade Three for Pill Kings, Grade Four for Pill Saints, Grade Five for Grandmasters, Grade Six for Great Grandmasters, Grade Seven for the Pill Sect, Grade Eight for Pill Gods, and Grade Nine was reserved for the legendary figures.

Despite the numerous ranks, Sky Burning Valley boasted only two Pill Kings. One had long retreated from public life, while the other was the current Sect Master. Both had crafted Grade Three Spiritual Pills and were revered as Pill Kings.

Rumors spoke of a Grade Four Alchemy Saint on the Rosefinch Continent, though it might have been merely a myth.

"Yichen, are you content with just becoming an Alchemy King? Don't you think that's a bit shortsighted?" Ning Xiaofan knew that with his guidance, Yichen's ambitions could reach far beyond that of an Alchemy King.

After all, he possessed the Immortal Cultivation System. With its assistance, the title of Alchemy King was just the beginning; even the rank of Grandmaster was within reach. How far he could go would ultimately hinge on his own progress.

"Mr. Ning, I'd like to learn pill refining too, but Grandpa says I'm not cut out for it. He tells me I have divine strength but lack the brains for it." Lin Bo's voice trailed off, a hint of self-doubt creeping in as he recognized the implied insult.

"By the way, Lin Bo, feeling hungry? I've heard the street food just outside the market is excellent."

At the mention of food, Lin Bo's face lit up with excitement. "Mr. Ning, I'd love to try the fried Void Spirit Worms. They're delicious."

"Sure thing, we'll get some for you once we're there."

Ning Xiaofan was well aware that Lin Bo's influence was his current pillar of support. It was crucial to maintain a good rapport with him.

But was Lin Bo's closeness solely due to Ning Xiaofan's strength? Something about it didn't feel quite genuine. Could there be another reason?

"Big Brother," came a voice as they rounded a corner, approaching the site where four Inner Sect disciples had met their end. A chilling aura enveloped the area, and the once lively trio fell silent.

What lurked within the forest?

A cold sensation crept over Ning Xiaofan. "Hurry, let's move!"

As they quickened their pace, Lin Bo's eyes widened fiercely, and he bellowed, "Out of my way!" His presence was overwhelming, like a deity in mortal form. Ning Xiaofan shuddered, and Fanh Yichen nearly collapsed, "Lin Bo, what's gotten into you?"

Lin Bo stared intently into the woods and began to stride toward them.

Was he bewitched?

A flash of light sparked from Ning Xiaofan's hand as he swiftly struck Lin Bo's neck, sending him tumbling to the ground.

"Help him up. What's the situation?"

Something was definitely lurking in the woods; otherwise, he wouldn't be in this condition.

Clutching the Heart Questioning Sword, he ventured into the forest.

The deeper he trekked, the more his mind reeled. Upon reaching the forest's edge, his heart churned, his mind plunged, and he suddenly lost consciousness.

Ning Xiaofan found himself in a somber graveyard, confronted by nine figures. "Ning Xiaofan, we've come to settle debts."

Could it be? Actual ghosts?

No way. After nine years of compulsory education, plus three years of high school and four years of college, he couldn't possibly believe in ghosts.

Wang Chan's Immortal Sword gleamed as he charged forward, with Wang Xiao and Wang Yun in tow. Why did all three share the Wang surname?

Was this a showdown with the Wang clan?

Recognizing three out of nine, all with the Wang name—could this be fate?

In a flash, three sword beams pierced his heart. "Ah!"

Paralyzed, he had thought he could evade the attack, but he collapsed instead.

His spiritual power drained rapidly, and his consciousness began to fade. Was this the end?

No, he couldn't die like this. There was still so much to do...

He glimpsed a long path ahead, beyond which lay a vast peach orchard. Distant cries reached his ears. Was this death?

It seemed he watched someone dig a grave and toss his body in. The location was decent, the Feng Shui commendable. Was this really the end?

A voice echoed from the abyss, "Come, come here. Is this... the Sinkhole?"

He barely caught the word "Sinkhole." What place was this Sinkhole?

"Ding! Soul Shield activated, consuming 1 Cultivation Point."

Revitalized, Ning Xiaofan sat bolt upright. His vision cleared, revealing a towering tree adorned with a Spiritual Talisman—the Yin Gathering Talisman.

Another Cultivation Point gone, leaving him with just four. At this rate, he'd need to diligently accumulate more Cultivation Points.

"Xiaofan, I've done it—I've become a Pill King! I need to refine pills, I must refine pills..."

Ning Xiaofan had only just come to when he noticed Fanh Yichen in the midst of his frenzied shouting.

He paid him no mind, instead focusing intently on a tree ahead that emitted a black light, pulsing and spreading outward in waves.

He hastened forward and swiftly removed the black talisman.

As the talisman stirred, the air shimmered with countless black lights, as if myriad threads were bursting forth from the talisman. His head felt heavy, as though struck by a massive hammer.

With a loud crash, the Spiritual Talisman vanished, the oppressive feeling lifting with it, leaving only dust to be carried off by the wind.

Such immense power of Spiritual Sense! He had nearly coughed up blood from the force of it. This Yin Gathering Talisman was incredibly potent.

Whoever was behind the Spiritual Talisman must be formidable, able to detect its disturbance and destroy it remotely. Or perhaps the talisman was designed to self-destruct?

Wang Bo snapped awake, "What happened? There's so much meat, and void spirit insects too. I'd eat you all, even at death's door."

"It's over now," Ning Xiaofan replied.

"Mr. Ning, my meat is gone? And the void spirit insects too?"

While Wang Bo murmured his disappointment, Fanh Yichen regained his composure, "Pill King, that sensation was so vivid, that level of mastery felt within my grasp."

Ning Xiaofan's suspicions were confirmed; all three had been ensnared by the same illusion, a powerful one at that. It wasn't just the Yin Gathering Talisman at work—there was something more.

Indeed, the scent. Amidst his trance, he had detected the aroma of peach blossoms.

That was it—the fragrance was no mere scent, but a toxin!

Combined with the energy of the Yin Spirits, the Peach Blossom Poison would expand within him, stirring desires until death. Without breaking the enchantment, he would never awaken.

With clarity, Ning Xiaofan held his breath and looked up at the towering tree, spotting a branch of peach blossoms above.

A flicker of spiritual light danced in his hand, and a tiny flame leapt from his fingertip. This was the power of the Energy Refining Divine Technique, allowing him to summon a small flame at will.

The flame darted toward the peach blossom branch, and with a soft whoosh, it was reduced to flying ash.

"Phew."

He exhaled deeply. Who had laid this snare?

Was it meant to take me down? To extinguish the life of a past killer?

"Lin Bo, Yichen, we need to get out of here—this place isn't safe to linger in."

The trio swiftly moved, heading in the direction of the bustling market.

From a distant mountaintop came a sigh, "Such a shame. The lad has potential. If he could be turned to my cause, he'd surely be a force to be reckoned with in the future."

"Yichen, what we ran into today was no minor matter. This isn't the work of your average cultivator; not even someone at the Foundation Stage has this kind of skill."

"Xiaofan, are you suggesting an elder of great power is behind this?"

"It seems likely. We must tread with even greater caution."

With Lin Bo among them, they communicated through the art of Voice Transmission, a technique commonly employed by most Outer Sect disciples.

In the mortal realm, those with profound cultivation could send messages over great distances. But here, even a mere few meters was child's play for any Worker Disciple.

Upon arriving at the market's entrance, they were greeted by a sea of people and the dazzling dance of Immortal Swords in the sky—disciples of the Foundation Stage, each deftly balanced atop their magnificent blades. The sight was nothing short of spectacular.

The enticing aroma outside the gate instantly lured Lin Bo toward a vendor selling Void Spirit Bugs.

"Mr. Ning, I'm craving meat. There, the Void Spirit Bug—I didn't get my fill earlier."

"Sure, just a second."

"Vendor, what's the price for the Void Spirit Bugs?"

"One Spirit Stone per bowl. How many would you like?"

That expensive? Several times the usual rate—these merchants sure knew how to capitalize on a crowd.

"Give us four bowls."

Four Spirit Stones took flight, and the vendor promptly served up the crispy-fried Void Spirit Bugs.

Fanh Yichen received one bowl, Ning Xiaofan another, and Lin Bo, of course, claimed two for himself.

The bugs weren't large, roughly the size of a ping pong ball, slender in build, and fried to a perfect combination of crunchy and tender.

With one bite, spiritual energy surged through his teeth and into his body.

"Mmm, that smells amazing! Truly delicious!"

Lin Bo was practically inhaling his food, the bowl emptying at an alarming rate. If he stayed any longer, he would surely eat Ning Xiaofan out of house and home.

Grabbing Wang Bo and Fanh Yichen, they headed toward the bustling market.

The central auction hall was now open, drawing crowds like a magnet. Thousands were queued up at the entrance.

The line wasn't just made up of Sky Burning Valley disciples, but also included those from the Shu Kingdom and various other sects. Sky Burning Valley had dispatched a hundred Inner Sect disciples to secure the perimeter and keep the peace.

"Come on, let's get in line. If we're late, they won't let us in," Fanh Yichen urged, having researched the market's entry restrictions. He knew that ordinary disciples had to arrive early or risk being denied entry.

The trio squeezed into the back of the line just as an Inner Sect disciple announced from an elevated position, "Quiet, please! All the market's number plates have been handed out. If you wish to enter, come back tomorrow and line up early."

Oh no, am I too late?

I woke up at the crack of dawn only to be late to the market.

"Don't worry, Mr. Ning. I'll snag a few tickets for us; my brother's got connections inside."

Lin Bo confidently waved his hand, parting the crowd as he went.

"Who's that?"

"Looking for trouble?"

"Ouch, my foot!"

Clearing a path with ease, Lin Bo soon reached the front. The crowd, recognizing him, showed a mix of respect and fear.

"Hey, you there, come here," he called out to the Inner Sect disciple from earlier. The disciple's legs wobbled at the sight of Lin Bo—not from the fear of defeat, but from the fear of confrontation. Lin Bo's backing was simply too formidable.

Besides, Lin Bo was known for his brute strength and lack of restraint; no one dared to strike him, yet he wouldn't hesitate to land a heavy blow.

"What can I do for you, Second Young Master?" the disciple asked nervously.

"I need three admission tickets."

"Um..."

"What's the problem? You looking for trouble?"

"No, no, not at all! I'll fetch them right away."

In no time, the Inner Sect disciple returned, out of breath but with three admission tickets in hand, which he handed over to Lin Bo with the utmost respect.

"What's the problem? If you have tickets, why aren't they for sale?"

"No more backdoor deals!"

"Insider trading is prohibited!"