[Today is a Day of Bitter Struggle with the Foundation Pill Formula—and Yet, Still, No Breakthrough][Extraction: Gained the First Refinement Insight for Foundation Pills]
It was as if a sudden blow to the head—like a dose of enlightening nectar—had jolted Fang Jin‑yu into a true understanding of the essence behind Foundation Pills. Almost in a moment of instant telepathy with his own inner spirit, he ignited his alchemy furnace.
Following the familiar steps of his past alchemical routines, the unique fragrance of the Foundation Pill soon began to drift through the air. At that moment, Fang Jin‑yu snuffed out the fire. When he opened the furnace door, he discovered that the first batch had yielded thirteen perfectly formed pills.
Not wasting a moment, he carefully divided the pills between two exquisite jade bottles and then resumed his work. One after another, he fired up three more furnaces. Each batch produced in excess of ten pills. It was not until the fourth furnace that he encountered a problem—and so, exhausted by the day's overexertion, he halted further refinement for the day. His energy had been spent; in the final furnace he simply could not control the flame properly, and thus his efforts fell just short.
After counting his harvest, Fang Jin‑yu found that he had obtained a total of forty‑seven Foundation Pills. He was more than satisfied. Not only had this achievement fulfilled the task assigned by the two Golden Core black pig spirit beasts, but the remainder of the pills were entirely his to keep—a bounty sufficient to exchange for the ten thousand merit points he so desired.
Casting a quick glance at the text box in his field of vision, he noted:
0:22:00:000:22:00:00
"There's still eleven hours remaining—the time available is more than enough."
His next plan was clear. He intended to dispatch ten of his Foundation Pills to Spirit Beast Valley, while the other twenty were to be exchanged for that coveted Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl. Following this, he planned to retreat into seclusion to refine the stone treasure he possessed—aiming, in effect, to sidestep the next troublesome opportunity that loomed ahead.
Yet, as he set out to deliver the Foundation Pills, a change of heart struck him. Halfway along the path, he decided to send ten extra pills along with the original batch. After all, Fang Jin‑yu was known as an "honest man" among those here. Having spent a month at this location, he was well known among the black pig spirit beasts. So when he approached one of the Foundation Establishment–level black pigs and explained his intentions, the creature—though still incapable of speech—seemed to understand him. The pig then ushered him along to meet the king of their group.
This "king" was an enormous black pig, as massive as a small hill in stature. Its eyes glimmered with astonishing golden light, and although the creature strove to keep its overwhelming aura in check, the pressure it emanated was palpable. Fang Jin‑yu couldn't help but feel the weight of its presence.
"Disciple Fang Jin‑yu, greetings. Previously, two of your seniors commissioned you to refine one furnace batch of Foundation Pills—and I see you have done so," the black pig king rumbled as Fang Jin‑yu presented the two jade bottles.
The king's voice was remarkable—gentle and smooth like that of a refined young gentleman. If one heard only his voice without seeing his form, one might easily imagine him to be one of the most dashing of scholars.
"Disciple can manage… though only barely," Fang Jin‑yu replied modestly.
The black pig king nodded slowly. Then, as his gaze swept over the contents of the bottles, it suddenly paused, eyes narrowing with surprise. "Inside… there are twenty Foundation Pills?"
The king was visibly astonished. It was well known among his kind that the task of refining Foundation Pills was arranged by mutual understanding—after all, the Foundation Fruit Tree itself resided in the depths of his cavern. This very time, within his tribe, three Qi Refinement–stage juniors were on the brink of breakthroughs, and so they had sought out someone to produce a few Foundation Pills. According to an unwritten custom, a large number of Foundation Fruits would be exchanged for just a modest number of Foundation Pills.
"While refining, I achieved better results than expected—so I ended up producing far more pills," Fang Jin‑yu explained, half in jest. In truth, out of the thirty‑five Foundation Fruits provided, he had used less than a third.
The black pig king was momentarily taken aback before bursting into hearty laughter. "Hmph! You are quite amusing!" he chuckled. Then, changing the topic, he asked, "Since you are an alchemist, tell me—have you ever studied the intricacies of the Yuanling Pill?"
"Disciple hasn't delved into that," Fang Jin‑yu replied, his eyes steady.
"Then take this and study it for three days," the black pig king commanded, as a small jade slip fell gently before him. Clearly, this was the formula for the Yuanling Pill.
Fang Jin‑yu's heart leaped with joy. The Yuanling Pill was not only of a higher grade than the summoning pill but was also extremely versatile. Its formulation allowed it to be used by cultivators from the lowest level of Foundation Establishment all the way up through Foundation Establishment nine. In the refining process, one needed only to adjust by reducing or omitting certain ingredients. Furthermore, this pill was known to assist with the production of some special pills—even aiding in the refinement of Golden Core pills.
It was said among the sects that a true alchemist was not one who merely refined Foundation Pills—but one who could master the art of forging Yuanling Pills. Otherwise, one was relegated merely to the role of an alchemy tool. For this reason, the Yuanling Pill formula was considered a closely guarded secret in many immortal sects; some minor sects did not even possess a copy. For instance, Xin Qianqian's aunt's sect, Tujian Mountain, had once sent envoys to request some of the formula. Fang Jin‑yu could hardly have imagined that the black pig king would bestow upon him such a tremendous boon!
Though the time allotted was only three days—likely the maximum the black pig king was willing, or able, to extend—Fang Jin‑yu was confident that he could master the formula within that span.
In that moment, memories stirred of a passage in an old book describing this very black pig king. Though his appearance was rather unsightly, his heart was kind, and he never forgot a good deed. Even a slight indignity—a bird pecking at him centuries ago—was not soon forgiven by his petty nature.
"Thank you, esteemed elder!" Fang Jin‑yu exclaimed, and he made a point to display genuine excitement and gratitude.
The black pig king laughed once more, his voice resonating warmly: "Hmph! Hmph! If you return after three days and I am not here, then come back on another day."
Fang Jin‑yu understood immediately. The king was deliberately stalling him—after all, the exact day for his return was not mentioned at all.
So, once again, Fang Jin‑yu expressed his thanks before departing from Spirit Beast Valley. Originally, his sole intent had been to further curry favor with these black pig spirit creatures so they might look upon him more kindly next time a similar opportunity arose. Yet fate had chosen to reward him with the formula for Yuanling Pills instead!
"Now, with this in hand, I'm confident that within thirty years I'll be solidly entrenched in Foundation Establishment nine!" Fang Jin‑yu thought ecstatically. Without a moment to spare, he hurried off to exchange his new achievements for merit points.
Every disciple of Tianling Sect possessed a personal token. For those in Qi Refinement, it was a talisman; for Foundation Establishment practitioners, it was a spirit artifact token. Typically, Foundation Establishment tokens were of the low-grade variety, but when one amassed sufficient merit, the sect would promote them to mid‑grade. Fang Jin‑yu's token was already upgraded to the mid‑grade—an honor he had won after contributing many Minor Dao‐entry pills. At this juncture, as he carefully placed twenty Foundation Pills onto the merit exchange platform, his token immediately updated, displaying an additional ten thousand merit points. Even more, a special pearl materialized above the token.
"Thank you, old ancestor!" Fang Jin‑yu exclaimed with boundless joy. He had never expected that the old ancestor had long ago bound the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl with his personal sect token—only waiting until his merit points had accumulated enough to claim it.
Without delay, Fang Jin‑yu exchanged his merit points and claimed the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl.
Soon after, a white bird bearing a special jade box swooped down. As the bird landed gracefully before him, the familiar voice of the Nascent Soul old ancestor spoke: "Where did you get so many Foundation Pills?"
Although Foundation Pills were one of the strategic resources of an immortal sect, even cultivators at the Nascent Soul level were expected to pay close attention to their production. Fang Jin‑yu did not hide a thing; he recounted every detail of the events that had unfolded.
"Were you sent by those two foolish pigs to refine Foundation Pills? And you actually succeeded? And in such large numbers? You all really have the audacity to send someone and even have them refine them!"
The old ancestor could not help but offer a teasing rebuke. After all, only those foolish pigs would trust a beginner in the art of Foundation alchemy to produce pills. It was not as if they expected him to squander every single Foundation Fruit!
Fang Jin‑yu offered no further explanation. Yet then, the Nascent Soul old ancestor inquired further: "Then how many more can you refine? If you're able to refine one hundred pills, Tianling Sect will be able to extricate itself from this matter—and I, too, would have one less worry. Of course, I won't let you refine for free. In addition to one Wind Spirit Pearl and one Fire Spirit Pearl, and the most essential genuine essence fruit used for Yuanling Pills, I will allow you to take away one box. Also, I will include a report detailing my insights from refining magical treasures."
A New Proposition and the Turning of Fate
Fang Jin‑yu's heart pounded at the magnitude of the offer. The prospect of studying the Yuanling Pill formula—now granted to him for three days—was a boon he could scarce have imagined. That formula not only ranked above the summoning pill but also had wide applicability in aiding the refinement of special medicines and even Golden Core elixirs. In short, only an alchemist who could successfully refine Yuanling Pills was regarded as a true master of the craft—and anyone lacking that aptitude was merely a tool in the process.
It was for that reason that many great immortal sects classified the Yuanling Pill formula as secret, with some minor sects not possessing it at all. Even Xin Qianqian's aunt's Tujian Mountain was known to be deficient in this precious knowledge. Fang Jin‑yu recalled that this very sect had once sent envoys to request some of the formula.
Never in his wildest dreams would Fang Jin‑yu have expected that the black pig king would bestow upon him such a significant advantage! Even though the opportunity—limited to three days—appeared brief, it was likely the maximum duration the pig king could generously lend. Moreover, Fang Jin‑yu was supremely confident that he could master the formula within the imposed time.
His thoughts then drifted to the old book's description of this black pig king: though physically ungainly, he possessed a generous heart and repaid kindness, albeit in a somewhat petty manner. It was said that a few hundred years ago, even a single peck from a bird had left a wound in his memory that had lasted to the present day.
"Thank you, honored elder!" Fang Jin‑yu said promptly, ensuring his expression bore the excitement and deference required.
Hearing this, the black pig king once again erupted in laughter. "Hmph! Hmph! If you do not return in three days—and if I happen not to be present—you may come back on another day instead," he teased.
Fang Jin‑yu instantly understood the subtle message: this alien delay was intentional, for the pig king had not specified an exact return day.
So with heartfelt thanks and a nod, Fang Jin‑yu departed from the Spirit Beast Valley.
What had begun as a simple attempt to boost his favor among the black pig spirit beasts had unexpectedly yielded him the formula for the Yuanling Pill.
"Now, with this, I am confident that within thirty years, I'll be well-established at Foundation Establishment nine!" Fang Jin‑yu thought gleefully, and immediately he set off to exchange his merit points.
Every disciple in Tianling Sect sported a personal token—at the Qi Refinement stage, it was a talisman; at the Foundation Establishment stage, a spirit artifact token. Usually, tokens at this level were low grade, but with sufficient merit, the sect would upgrade them to mid‑grade. Fang Jin‑yu's token was already a mid‑grade spirit artifact, awarded after his many contributions of Minor Dao‑entry pills. At this moment, as he carefully placed twenty Foundation Pills on the merit exchange table, his token swiftly updated, reflecting an increase of ten thousand merit points. In addition, a special pearl lit up above the token.
"Thank you, old ancestor!" Fang Jin‑yu cried out in joy. He could hardly believe that the old ancestor had long ago bound the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl with his personal Sect token—and now, once his merit points became sufficient, he could immediately claim it.
Without delay, Fang Jin‑yu exchanged his merit points and secured the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl.
Not long after, a white bird appeared carrying a specially crafted jade box. When the bird alighted before him, the voice of the Nascent Soul old ancestor resounded once again: "And where did you acquire so many Foundation Pills?"
Even though Foundation Pills were one of the strategic resources of an immortal sect, even a Nascent Soul cultivator was required to be meticulous regarding them. Fang Jin‑yu did not attempt to hide any detail and recounted the entire story.
"Did those two foolish pigs send you to refine Foundation Pills? And you did manage to produce them—and in such a large quantity? You all sure seem daring: both in asking someone to refine and then in daring to go ahead with it!"
The Nascent Soul old ancestor could only shake his head in playful reproach. After all, it was typical for such foolish pigs to engage a neophyte from the Foundation Establishment stage in refining such pills—risking the wastage of many Foundation Fruits.
Fang Jin‑yu said little more. At that point, the old ancestor inquired further: "Then, how many more can you refine? Should you manage to produce one hundred pills, then Tianling Sect could very well extricate itself from this matter—and I, in turn, would have one less worry. Naturally, I won't let you refine them for free. I will supplement your work with one Wind Spirit Pearl and one Fire Spirit Pearl, and also provide you with a box of genuine essence fruits—the key ingredient for Yuanling Pills. Additionally, I'll include a copy of my own insights gathered from my experiences refining magical treasures."
A World of Opportunity and Intrigue
Fang Jin‑yu listened, heart pounding. The promise of refining one hundred Foundation Pills was tantalizing, as it would let both Tianling Sect and the venerable old ancestors step aside from further entanglements—and it was an offer that also came with tangible rewards. His own spirit soared at the prospect of obtaining not only the Wind and Fire Spirit Pearls but also that primary ingredient for the coveted Yuanling Pill, along with an invaluable report on refining magical treasures.
These secret formulas were held in the highest esteem within many great immortal sects. To many, the ability to refine Yuanling Pills marked the difference between a mere alchemy practitioner and a true master of the craft. Without such skills, one was little more than a tool—an "alchemical apparatus" to be used by others.
Thus, as Fang Jin‑yu departed from the Spirit Beast Valley, his thoughts bristled with excitement and ambition. He realized that with the guidance of this formula, his cultivation might reach heights previously deemed unattainable. The promise of a rapid breakthrough in Foundation Establishment was almost within his grasp.
He quickly made his way to the merit exchange hall, where every disciple of Tianling Sect had his or her own token. Fang Jin‑yu's mid‑grade spirit artifact token, born of previous contributions in Minor Dao‑entry alchemy, now flashed an update: an immediate addition of ten thousand merit points. Even a special pearl appeared above his token—a signal that his hard work was paying off.
With a joyful cry of gratitude—"Thank you, old ancestor!"—Fang Jin‑yu exchanged the required merit points and claimed his long-awaited Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl.
But fate was not yet done with him. No sooner had he secured his prize than a white bird, clutching an intricately designed jade box, flew in. As the bird settled before him, the Nascent Soul old ancestor's voice once more echoed through the ethereal space: "Where did you get so many Foundation Pills?"
The reverberation of the question carried weight—Foundation Pills were a crucial strategic resource of the sect, and even cultivators at the Nascent Soul level had to regard them with the utmost seriousness.
Fang Jin‑yu then candidly recounted the entire sequence of events—how those two foolish black pigs had approached him to refine their pills, how he had succeeded, and even the surprising surplus he had produced, despite using less than a third of the sixty‑five Foundation Fruits provided.
The Nascent Soul old ancestor could only laugh at the story. "You two foolish pigs dared send you to refine Foundation Pills—and you actually managed to do so, and in such quantity! Truly, you're full of nerve!" he teased.
Then, turning his attention back to Fang Jin‑yu, the old ancestor inquired, "Tell me—how many more pills are you capable of refining? If you can produce a hundred in total, Tianling Sect might very well remain uninvolved—and I, too, will be much less troubled. Of course, I won't let you labor for free. I will also bestow upon you one Wind Spirit Pearl, one Fire Spirit Pearl, and a box containing the essential genuine essence fruits needed for Yuanling Pills. Along with that, I'll attach my own refined report on magical treasure refinement."
Fang Jin‑yu's heart swelled with anticipation. Such a proposition promised not only increased personal achievement but also the potential to transform his entire cultivation journey. Even as he marveled at the generosity of the Nascent Soul old ancestor, he could not help but recall that within the mystical world of Tianling Sect, every task carried with it unwritten expectations—and every success, even if modest, held the power to reshape destiny.
Setting in Motion the Future
After the conversation concluded with hearty laughter and mutual respect, Fang Jin‑yu set off once again. His mind now raced with the implications of his newfound bounty: forty‑seven Foundation Pills harvested in a single day, the promise of additional merit points worth ten thousand more, and above all, the greatest prize of all—the secret formula for Yuanling Pills.
"Now," he thought ecstatically, "with this advantage, I can confidently say that even reaching Foundation Establishment nine within the next thirty years is well within my grasp!" His thoughts turned to his next actions: he would first exchange twenty of his Foundation Pills through the merit system, then use that accumulated merit to secure the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl. Later, he planned to retreat into deep seclusion—to refine the stone treasure he possessed further in order to avoid an impending, troublesome opportunity.
Yet on the way to Spirit Beast Valley, driven by his innate honesty and a suddenly generous impulse, he decided to send an extra ten Foundation Pills along with the original consignment. Among the black pig spirit beasts, who had grown accustomed to his presence over the past month, this gesture would surely raise their favor. He even approached one of the Foundation Establishment–level black pigs, clearly stating his intent.
Though that pig could not speak, it understood perfectly and proceeded to lead him to the presence of their king—a colossal black pig whose massive form rivaled a small hill, and whose eyes shone with golden brilliance. Despite its efforts to keep its overwhelming aura subdued, the king's presence filled Fang Jin‑yu with a deep sense of awe and respectful trepidation.
"Disciple Fang Jin‑yu, greetings. I have heard that earlier two of your seniors tasked you to refine a batch of Foundation Pills—and you have indeed completed that task," said the king as Fang Jin‑yu presented the two jade bottles.
"You are still an alchemist?" the king inquired, his voice as soothing and refined as that of a most exemplary gentleman.
"Disciple manages, if only barely," Fang Jin‑yu replied, his tone respectful yet humble.
The black pig king's eyes caught sight of the pills again, and he paused in surprise. "There are twenty Foundation Pills inside?" he exclaimed.
Clearly aware of the arrangement—that a large number of Foundation Fruits were traded for a few precious Foundation Pills—he was astonished at the excess Fang Jin‑yu had produced.
"While refining, I performed quite well, and so I ended up producing extra," Fang Jin‑yu explained with a wry smile, careful not to reveal too much since he had used only a fraction of the thirty‑five Foundation Fruits available.
The king laughed heartily. "You're quite amusing! Now then, since you are an alchemist, tell me—what research have you done on Yuanling Pills?"
"Disciple has not studied them further," Fang Jin‑yu admitted honestly.
"Then take this and study it for three days," the black pig king said, dropping a jade slip before him. It was unmistakable—the formula for Yuanling Pills, a treasure of immense value and versatility.
At that moment, Fang Jin‑yu's heart soared with hope. He knew that the Yuanling Pill, superior to even the summoning pill, was applicable to cultivators across the entire span of Foundation Establishment—from the first level all the way up to the ninth—with only minor adjustments needed during refinement. Beyond that, it could also be used to assist in creating some of the special elixirs and even those used by Golden Core practitioners. In short, only alchemists who could successfully refine Yuanling Pills would be regarded as true masters of the art—and without this ability, one was little more than an alchemy "tool."
No wonder, then, that the Yuanling Pill formula was regarded as a secret transmural among the great immortal sects. Even smaller sects, such as that of Xin Qianqian's maternal aunt at Tujian Mountain, did not always possess it. Fang Jin‑yu recalled that this very sect had once sent envoys to acquire some formulas of the Yuanling Pill. He could hardly have imagined that the black pig king would grant him such a generous boon.
Although the time permitted was only three days—the maximum, it seemed, that the pig king could lend—Fang Jin‑yu was confident he could master the intricacies of the formula within that brief span.
"Thank you, honored elder!" he said again, deliberately allowing his expression to show a trace of exhilaration.
The black pig king burst into another round of hearty laughter. "Hmph! Hmph! If you return after three days and find that I am not here, then merely come back another day," he said merrily.
Immediately, Fang Jin‑yu grasped the subtle hint: this was a deliberate delay tactic, for the black pig king never specified an exact day of return.
So, after offering another round of heartfelt thanks, Fang Jin‑yu departed from Spirit Beast Valley.
As he walked away, he reflected that his original aim had been merely to curry favor with these black pig spirit beasts—to have them remember him when opportunities arose—but fate had granted him far more: the formula for Yuanling Pills itself.
"Now then—within the next thirty years, reaching Foundation Establishment nine is practically assured!" he thought, his heart brimming with joy.
Without delay, he proceeded to convert his accumulated merit points. Every Tianling Sect disciple possessed a personal token—used at the Qi Refinement stage as a talisman, and at the Foundation Establishment stage as a spirit artifact token. Typically, a Foundation Establishment token was of low grade, but if one amassed enough merit, the sect would upgrade it to mid‑grade. Fang Jin‑yu's token was already mid‑grade—a prized award he had earned previously by contributing many Minor Dao‑entry pills. In a flash, as he carefully placed twenty Foundation Pills onto the merit exchange platform, his token's display updated to show an addition of ten thousand merit points. Moreover, a special pearl materialized, suspended above his token.
"Thank you, old ancestor!" Fang Jin‑yu cried, overcome with gratitude. He could hardly have imagined that the old ancestor had long ago bound the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl with his personal sect token, merely waiting for the moment when his accumulated merit would be sufficient.
Immediately, Fang Jin‑yu exchanged his merit points and claimed the Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl.
Not long after, a white bird—carrying a specially crafted jade box—soared towards him. As the bird alighted before him, the voice of the Nascent Soul old ancestor resonated once more: "Where did you get so many Foundation Pills?"
Even though Foundation Pills were a strategic resource for any immortal sect, even those at the Nascent Soul stage were required to treat them with the utmost care. Fang Jin‑yu then recounted the entire episode—the foolish pigs' request, his subsequent success in refining, his surplus production—all without reservation.
The old ancestor then remarked teasingly, "So those two foolish pigs sent you to refine Foundation Pills? And you truly managed to produce them—and in such abundance! You all really do have the nerve to both request and refine them!"
The Nascent Soul old ancestor couldn't help but chide him—indeed, such a task would normally be entrusted only to a beginner in the Foundation Establishment stage, lest all the Foundation Fruits be turned to waste.
Fang Jin‑yu said little more. But then the old ancestor asked, "Then how many more can you refine? If you can produce one hundred in total, then Tianling Sect might very well remain uninvolved, and I would have one less worry. Naturally, I will not let you work for free! I will provide you with one Wind Spirit Pearl and one Fire Spirit Pearl, and also a box of the key genuine essence fruits for the Yuanling Pill. In addition, I'll include a copy of my insights on refining magical treasures."
At these words, Fang Jin‑yu's heart raced with anticipation. The offer was staggering—and with it came the promise of not only additional merit and recognition but also the chance to master a treasured secret that would mark him as a true alchemist of his generation.
A New Era Beckons
Thus, with his newly refined harvest of forty‑seven Foundation Pills safely in hand—and with the promise of further rewards and secret techniques on the horizon—Fang Jin‑yu set about his next task of converting his merit points. He steeled himself, knowing that the days ahead would be filled with intense study, practice, and the pursuit of aloof breakthroughs in alchemy. Every moment in Tianling Sect was fraught with both risk and opportunity; every exchange, every conversation, carried the potential to dramatically tilt the scales of fate.
Among these events, his token now bore a special emblem—a unique pearl—that signified more than just an increase in merit: it was the veritable emblem of his growing destiny. "Thank you, old ancestor!" he exclaimed, his heart light yet determined.
Suddenly, as if on cue, a white bird bearing a unique jade box swooped in once more. When it came to rest before him, the Nascent Soul old ancestor's warm, familiar voice reverberated: "Where did you get so many Foundation Pills?"
Even at this late hour, Fang Jin‑yu's recounting of the foolish pigs' request and his own successful refining had not ceased to amaze the old sage. The old ancestor continued to jest playfully, remarking on the sheer audacity that such a young alchemist had accomplished something so significant, a feat that even the most seasoned members of the Foundation Establishment rarely attempted without risking the total ruin of their Foundation Fruits.
Fang Jin‑yu listened quietly, nodding in acknowledgment of the old ancestor's playful ribbing. He then recounted every detail honestly, leaving nothing to be hidden.
Before concluding their conversation, the old ancestor posed one final challenge: "Then tell me—how many more pills can you refine? If you manage to reach one hundred, then Tianling Sect shall be free from these entanglements, and I too shall have one less worry on my mind. Of course, I won't let you labor in vain; I will reward you with one Wind Spirit Pearl, one Fire Spirit Pearl, and a box of the most essential genuine essence fruits needed for Yuanling Pills. Furthermore, I'll include a copy of my own refined findings on the art of refining magical treasures."
Fang Jin‑yu's eyes gleamed as he absorbed this challenge. It was an opportunity not only to prove his worth as an alchemist but also to secure his place among the truly talented cultivators of his age. Although the task ahead was daunting, he felt the thrill of destiny stirring in his veins.
As the conversation drew to its close, the old ancestor let out a final, good-humored laugh, adding, "Now, go refine some more—and if you can get to one hundred Foundation Pills, then Tianling Sect really will be spared my constant worrying. In the meantime, remember: nothing in this world is given freely. Strive, and you shall reap the rewards in abundance."
Fang Jin‑yu bowed deeply, promising silently to meet the challenge, and then took his leave of the Spirit Beast Valley.
Reflections on Ambition and Fate
As Fang Jin‑yu departed, his mind was awash with possibilities. The bounty of Foundation Pills produced in a single day—forty‑seven in all—was more than he could have hoped for. Combined with the extra ten pills he had sent along, he felt a surge of confidence in his promise of mastery over Foundation Establishment and beyond. The formula for Yuanling Pills, bestowed upon him by the magnanimous black pig king for three days of study, shimmered in his thoughts like an uncharted treasure. Such mastery could transform him from a mere alchemical practitioner into a true master—a status that separated the genuine alchemists from those who were, in effect, mere tools used by others.
And so, with his soul brimming with determination and his mind teeming with new insights, Fang Jin‑yu hastened to exchange his merit points using his personal token. Within seconds, his mid‑grade spirit artifact token flashed with an additional ten thousand merit points. The special pearl shone proudly above it—an emblem of his rising power.
"Thank you, old ancestor!" he whispered, filled with gratitude and excitement. The path ahead was steep and fraught with challenges, but every small victory—every extra Foundation Pill, every new secret formula—brought him one step closer to the destiny he longed to forge.
A Glimpse of a New Chapter
As Fang Jin‑yu continued on his journey, the words of the Nascent Soul old ancestor still resonated in his ears. The challenge to refine one hundred Foundation Pills was not just a test of his craft—it was a promise that, if accomplished, the entire burden of future responsibilities for Tianling Sect might be eased, and that his own fate would be transformed. Along with the promise of additional Spirit Pearls and the essential ingredients for Yuanling Pills, the old ancestor's offer was a rare opportunity to amass a wealth of alchemical knowledge that few others could claim.
"This is it," Fang Jin‑yu thought fervently. "If I master this, then within thirty years, I'll be firmly settled at Foundation Establishment nine. All the better to avoid the misfortune of that troublesome chance event that looms on the horizon."
He steeled himself for the days to come. In three days, with nothing but determination and the weight of destiny on his shoulders, he would study the Yuanling Pill formula until he had internalized its secrets. There was no room for error—only relentless perseverance.
At that moment, Fang Jin‑yu recalled a passage from an old book describing the black pig king: "Ugly on the outside but kind at heart—one who never forgets a debt of kindness and who, if wronged, will harbor even the smallest grievance for centuries." The recollection filled him with a wry smile. Such details, trivial as they might have seemed, served to remind him that in the immortal realms both honor and petty vengeance could coexist in unexpected harmony.
"Thank you, respected elder!" he said once more, his voice echoing with heartfelt sincerity as he set off to begin his dedicated study.
The Promise of Mastery
As the days passed and the allocated three days of study drew near, Fang Jin‑yu's mind was aflame with ideas and breakthroughs. Every moment in seclusion was devoted to deciphering and practicing the intricate formula for the Yuanling Pill. He experimented with minute adjustments, channeling his inner energy with unwavering focus to capture the elusive essence of the formula.
At last, in a burst of clarity that felt like the gentle kiss of enlightenment itself, Fang Jin‑yu achieved his first genuine breakthrough in refining the Yuanling Pill. A hidden insight, long obscured behind the intricacies of alchemical refinement, now shone clearly before him—a radiant beacon of possibility that promised to unlock his true potential.
This moment of epiphany was nothing short of transformative. It was as though the universe itself had shifted, aligning with his newfound understanding. The secret of the Yuanling Pill—the elusive and potent elixir that could be used by cultivators across the entire spectrum of Foundation Establishment—was now his to command.
"You have done well, Fang Jin‑yu," he murmured to himself, as though speaking a quiet oath to the very forces that had guided him thus far. "Now, with mastery of this formula, I shall truly step into my destined role as a genuine alchemist. No longer shall I be merely a tool; I shall create wonders that even the gods might envy."
And so, with his spirit alight, Fang Jin‑yu resolved to press onward, knowing that each subsequent step—the production of more Foundation Pills, the exchange for more merit, and ultimately the refining of his stone magical treasure—would forge a new chapter in his cultivation journey.
The path remained steep and fraught with uncertainty, yet the promise of greatness flickered in every determined beat of his heart. In that moment, within the sacred confines of his secluded study, Fang Jin‑yu felt as though the entire future lay open before him—a future where his talent and hard work would converge to propel him to legendary heights.
Epilogue: The Weight of Destiny
As Fang Jin‑yu eventually emerged from his seclusion and returned to the bustling corridors of Tianling Sect, he carried with him not only the tangible rewards of his labor—forty‑seven refined Foundation Pills and a newly acquired formula for Yuanling Pills—but also an inner confidence borne from breakthrough after breakthrough in the art of alchemy.
Later that day, as he placed twenty of his Foundation Pills on the merit exchange table and watched his token update with an added ten thousand merit points, a special pearl appeared above his token—a silent herald of his rising status. With a sense of deep gratitude, he exclaimed once more, "Thank you, old ancestor!" as he exchanged his merit points for the prized Yin‑Thunder Spirit Pearl.
Yet fate, as always, had more in store. A white bird carrying a unique jade box soon appeared, and as it landed, the familiar voice of the Nascent Soul old ancestor rang out: "Where did you get so many Foundation Pills?" This query, though seemingly simple, carried the weight of immortal strategy and the often unspoken rules governing the distribution of strategic resources within the sect.
Fang Jin‑yu recounted everything—the foolish request from the black pigs, his success in refinement, and even the excess he had produced—leaving nothing hidden. The old ancestor listened, interjecting playful criticisms and pondering aloud how many more pills Fang Jin‑yu might be able to produce. "If you can manage one hundred Foundation Pills," he said, "then Tianling Sect might be spared from future complications, and I too will have fewer worries brewing in my heart. Naturally, you will not labor without reward—I will furnish you with one Wind Spirit Pearl, one Fire Spirit Pearl, and a box of the precious genuine essence fruits essential for Yuanling Pills, along with my own refined insights from years of experience in magical treasure refinement."
It was then that Fang Jin‑yu felt the full, exhilarating burden of destiny settle upon him. In that moment, he understood that every step he took—every carefully refined Foundation Pill, every secret formula learned—was a stitch in the grand tapestry of his fate.
So, with determination in his eyes and destiny echoing in his heart, Fang Jin‑yu stepped forward into the uncertain, yet luminous future of cultivation, ready to forge ahead and embrace the perpetual dance between ambition, duty, and the promise of transcendent power.