《Thunder Cultivation》 Chapter:1 Ah! Ziyan, are you serious?!" Rong Yu groaned in pain, clutching the back of his head as if struck by a hammer. The piercing ache overwhelmed his senses, leaving him reeling. Slowly, he opened his eyes, only to find himself in a completely unfamiliar environment. The ten-square-meter hall lay in shambles. Overturned tables and broken chairs were strewn across the floor, and a toppled bronze furnace sat in the center, its lid ajar. Several light-yellow pills rolled near the edge of the room, glinting faintly in the dim light. Rong Yu blinked, his confusion mounting. Wasn''t he just in his luxurious office back on Blue Star, sharing a playful moment with his secretary? How had he ended up in this chaotic, dilapidated space? Before he could make sense of his surroundings, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him, and the world spun violently. When the sensation subsided, Rong Yu''s mind was suddenly flooded with unfamiliar memories. "Jiang Country... Yunzhou... Qianbo Lake... Rong family... Cultivation..." Murmuring the words aloud, Rong Yu¡¯s expression shifted from disbelief to awe. He had transmigrated to another world¡ªa world of cultivators!
From the fragments of memory now ingrained in his mind, Rong Yu pieced together the story of his new identity. The original owner of this body shared his name¡ªRong Yu. Born into the Rong family, a prestigious clan of cultivators, he had been hailed as a prodigy due to his rare lightning spiritual root. However, his gift came with a flaw. His spiritual root was incomplete, a defect that hindered his cultivation progress and reduced him to mediocrity. Once celebrated as the family¡¯s great hope, Rong Yu had been showered with resources to support his growth. Yet, years of effort yielded little progress. By the age of twenty-five, he had barely reached the third stage of Qi Refinement, a level even ordinary cultivators surpassed with ease. His slow progress shattered the family¡¯s expectations. Experts were called in to examine him, and the truth of his flawed spiritual root was revealed. No matter how many resources he consumed, his potential was forever capped. With his value diminished, the family¡¯s support dwindled. Rong Yu became a target of ridicule among his peers, his former glory reduced to a cruel joke. Unwilling to give up, he turned to alchemy, hoping to reclaim his status by becoming the family¡¯s alchemist. But the art of alchemy was demanding, requiring both talent and a steady supply of costly spiritual materials. Despite years of effort, Rong Yu¡¯s alchemical skills remained rudimentary.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. To make matters worse, his parents¡ªonce his strongest supporters¡ªwere ambushed and killed during a war with the rival Qian family. Left with no allies and mounting debts, Rong Yu¡¯s desperation led him to make a dangerous bet with Rong Xianyu, the family¡¯s infamous Fifth Elder. The terms were simple: if he could become a recognized family alchemist within a year, his debt would be forgiven. If he failed, he would become her dual cultivation cauldron for three months. Despite his best efforts, Rong Yu¡¯s predecessor failed to fulfill the bet. Exhausted and hopeless, he succumbed to despair, leaving behind a broken body for Rong Yu to inherit.
As the memories settled, Rong Yu sat in stunned silence, processing the gravity of his situation. A mixture of excitement and dread coursed through him. The prospect of living in a world of cultivation thrilled him. Here, individuals wielded unimaginable power, shaping mountains and rivers with a wave of their hand. High-level cultivators enjoyed lifespans stretching for centuries, even millennia. But his joy was tempered by the harsh reality of his circumstances. His new body was weak, burdened by a defective spiritual root and mired in debt. Worse still, he had only one month to avoid becoming a tool for the infamous Rong Xianyu. ¡°I¡¯ve really landed myself in a mess¡­¡± he muttered, shaking his head. A sudden knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Rong Yu froze, his heart pounding. Through the fragmented memories, he knew the original Rong Yu had grown reclusive, avoiding most interactions. Whoever was outside wasn¡¯t likely here with good intentions. The knocking grew louder, accompanied by a sharp female voice. "Rong Yu! You can¡¯t hide forever! If you don¡¯t open this door in ten breaths, I¡¯ll break it down myself!" Rong Yu clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the decision before him. He couldn¡¯t afford to draw unwanted attention, but neither could he continue hiding. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and moved toward the door.
Standing on the other side was a young woman in a green dress, her arms crossed and a scornful expression on her face. Behind her was a man in a blue robe, his dark eyes gleaming with schadenfreude. ¡°Finally decided to show yourself, huh?¡± the woman sneered. ¡°Rong Yu, have you forgotten your bet with the Fifth Elder? Or do you think you can weasel your way out of it by hiding?¡± Rong Yu¡¯s mind raced as he recalled the bet¡¯s terms. He managed a weak smile. ¡°I still have a month, don¡¯t I?¡± The woman¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°A month won¡¯t make a difference. You¡¯ve already failed the family¡¯s alchemy assessment. You might as well accept your fate and prepare to serve the Fifth Elder!¡± The man in the blue robe chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to clean yourself up first, cousin. You reek of failure.¡± Rong Yu¡¯s fists tightened at their words, but he forced himself to remain calm. Deep down, he knew they weren¡¯t wrong. His predecessor¡¯s failure had left him with nothing but debts and humiliation. But now, as a transmigrator with the knowledge and determination of his previous life, he refused to accept defeat. ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out,¡± he muttered, his eyes flickering with resolve. As the pair left, their laughter echoing in the distance, Rong Yu turned back to the alchemy furnace. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t give up without a fight. Chapter:2 In this world of cultivation, power belonged to those who cultivated. For mortals to step onto the path of immortality, they had to be born with spiritual roots. Spiritual roots, a gift determined at birth, were rare¡ªonly one in ten thousand people possessed them. These roots were categorized into five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The aptitude for cultivation depended on the quality and number of spiritual roots. The fewer spiritual roots one possessed, the greater their potential. Most cultivators had low qualifications, such as four or five-element spiritual roots. Rarely, some had three-element roots, while dual-element roots and heavenly single-element roots were regarded as extraordinary. Beyond these were unique spiritual roots formed by mutations of the basic five elements¡ªlightning, wind, ice, shadow, and others. Cultivators with such roots were said to be blessed by the heavens. Though their cultivation speed wasn''t as fast as those with pure single-element roots, their power far exceeded the five-element roots. With the right techniques and resources, these unique roots allowed their wielders to rival multiple cultivators of the same rank. Rong Yu, the man who had just awakened in this world, happened to possess one such rare spiritual root¡ªlightning. The Rong family, a lineage of cultivators with over 600 years of history, had never produced a disciple with a unique spiritual root. When they discovered Rong Yu''s potential, the family was ecstatic. He became their pride and hope, and vast resources were allocated to aid his cultivation. Yet, to everyone''s disappointment, Rong Yu''s progress was painstakingly slow. Despite the family''s investment, he had only reached the third level of Qi Refinement, far below expectations.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Puzzled, the elders invited an expert to examine him. The conclusion shattered their hopes: Rong Yu¡¯s lightning spiritual root was incomplete. Though he possessed the gift, it was flawed¡ªan imperfect lightning root. His cultivation speed was comparable to someone with the weakest aptitude. At first, the family refused to believe it, but after exhausting numerous methods to improve his progress, they gave up. Resources were withdrawn, and Rong Yu was cast aside. Once the family¡¯s pride, he became its disgrace, a laughingstock among his kin. The humiliation was unbearable. Desperate to prove himself, Rong Yu turned to alchemy, a noble and respected art among cultivators. However, his alchemical talents were mediocre. Years of effort and a fortune in resources yielded only entry-level skills. With his parents killed in a territorial war with the rival Qian family, and the family unwilling to fund his alchemy pursuits further, Rong Yu''s situation became dire. The compensation given for his parents'' deaths was barely enough to cover his basic needs, let alone the costly materials required for alchemy. Desperate, Rong Yu turned to the Fifth Elder, Rong Xianyu, and borrowed 500 spirit stones. They made a wager: if Rong Yu could become an official alchemist within a year, he would keep the stones. If he failed, he would serve as her dual cultivation partner for three months. Rong Xianyu, the fifth elder of the family, was renowned for her dual-element spiritual roots and exceptional talent. By twenty, she had reached the late stage of Qi Refinement and was unmatched in combat among her peers. Her ruthless reputation in battles against the Qian family earned her the title "Crimson Witch." Her eccentric and unpredictable nature made her both feared and avoided, despite her beauty. Many in the family secretly referred to her as a "demonic witch," and few dared to cross her path. Yet Rong Yu had no choice but to accept her terms, hoping against hope to reclaim his honor. Now, with the odds stacked against him, he had one year to achieve what seemed impossible¡ªor face the consequences of his desperate gamble. Chapter:3 Rong Xianyu, often called the "Crimson Witch," was infamous for her unorthodox methods, reminiscent of the Demon Sect. Among her eccentricities was her practice of dual cultivation, though it was more accurate to call her partners "cauldrons," as their energy was unilaterally drained by her. Those who became her cauldrons rarely escaped unscathed. Most suffered severe losses to their life force, and many had their cultivation crippled, making future advancement nearly impossible. Yet, due to her high status in the Rong family, few dared to oppose her. Blood ties were no obstacle, as most family members were distant relatives after generations of branching lineages. Rong Xianyu, with her power and beauty, was a figure who could command submission through inducements rather than threats. To sweeten the deal, she offered her chosen partners generous rewards, such as precious spirit stones. For struggling cultivators, this was a tempting offer. Disciples with mediocre talent, like Rong Chuanwei¡ªa pseudo-spiritual root cultivator with no hope of advancing¡ªoften desired her attention. However, Xianyu''s standards were exacting, and most of these aspirants failed to meet them. Rong Yu, with his rare but flawed lightning spiritual root, was someone Xianyu had long coveted. Initially protected by his status as the family''s "great hope," Xianyu refrained from approaching him. But once the family abandoned him, she found her opportunity. When Rong Yu''s predecessor had exhausted all resources in his pursuit of alchemy, Xianyu presented her terms. Desperate and out of options, he agreed to her wager, borrowing 500 spirit stones in hopes of becoming a recognized family alchemist. His failure ultimately led to his death, leaving Rong Yu to inherit his body and predicament. Now, with one month left on the bet, Rong Yu faced the grim reality of becoming Xianyu''s cauldron.
Rong Yu sat on a stone chair in the courtyard, staring at the alchemy furnace with a bleak expression. "Even if I¡¯ve traveled to another world, I¡¯m still backed into a corner," he muttered, a hint of self-deprecating humor in his voice.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Although he could still joke, the weight of his situation pressed heavily on his mind. Becoming Xianyu¡¯s cauldron might not kill him, but it would shatter his path to immortality. Knowing the heights cultivators could reach¡ªshaping mountains, parting seas, and extending their lives indefinitely¡ªmade the thought unbearable. "If only there was a miracle..." Rong Yu sighed, rising to his feet. He returned to the hall, now serving as his alchemy room. Scanning the room, his gaze fell on the small furnace and the five cracked pills scattered nearby. Bending down, he picked up the pills, turning them over in his hands. They were the size of a little finger, emitting a faint fragrance that refreshed his senses. However, their imperfections were evident¡ªcracks marred their surfaces, and their shapes were irregular. These were [Qi-Boosting Pills], first-grade low-tier elixirs meant to enhance a cultivator¡¯s magical power during the Qi Refinement stage. Each could sell for ten spirit stones¡ªif they were intact. Unfortunately, these were failures. Despite being one step away from perfection, the gap in potency was vast. The previous Rong Yu had struggled with this very issue. Refining pills consistently had eluded him, and his failures had cost him everything. The last batch of materials he¡¯d scraped together had produced these flawed pills, sealing his fate. As Rong Yu examined the pills, a sudden burning sensation flared on his right arm. Startled, he cried out and pulled up his sleeve. A long white mark, glowing faintly, appeared on his skin. Before he could react, the mark flew from his arm in a burst of light, transforming into a floating scroll that radiated an otherworldly glow. Rong Yu¡¯s eyes widened in shock. The scroll looked eerily familiar. "Isn¡¯t this... the antique I bought as decoration back on Blue Star?" He remembered the day he had stumbled across it in a market. It had seemed ordinary, but something about it had caught his attention. Could this be the reason he had been transported to this world? The scroll unfolded on its own, revealing a sheet of material that resembled animal hide. Intricate patterns swirled across its surface, making Rong Yu dizzy if he stared too long. White light danced across the scroll, forming tiny runes that eventually coalesced into an image. Rong Yu leaned closer and gasped. The image depicted five pills, identical to the ones in his hand¡ªlight yellow, cracked, and irregularly shaped. "What... is this?" he murmured, staring between the pills and the scroll. The patterns shifted again. A white line extended from the pill image, forming another design below it¡ªan illustration of various herbs. Rong Yu¡¯s mind raced. Was this scroll trying to tell him something? Could it hold the key to perfecting his alchemy? Chapter:4 Rong Yu¡¯s eyes widened as he studied the glowing scroll in front of him. The illustrations of spiritual herbs on its surface seemed oddly familiar. "Bellflower, Water Heart Grass, Verdant Leaf¡­" he murmured, naming the plants one by one. A realization struck him like lightning. "These are the spiritual materials for refining Qi-Boosting Pills!" He couldn¡¯t suppress his surprise. His predecessor had attempted to refine these pills countless times, and the process was etched into his memory. The herbs depicted on the scroll were exactly the ingredients required. Rong Yu¡¯s gaze returned to the scroll. At the top, there was an image of five cracked Qi-Boosting Pills¡ªidentical to the ones in his hand. Below it, a series of seven herbs were connected by white lines. A daring thought emerged in his mind, causing his heart to race. Taking a deep breath, Rong Yu reached out and lightly touched the patterns of the herbs. To his astonishment, the patterns glowed, transforming into a ball of white light that floated towards his hand. The light surrounded the five cracked pills he was holding. He quickly let go, watching as the pills were enveloped in the radiant glow. For a moment, countless tiny runes flashed within the light. Then, as suddenly as it began, the light vanished. The pills were gone, replaced by seven freshly formed spiritual herbs floating in mid-air. Rong Yu stared, dumbfounded. "It¡­ it restored the waste pills into spiritual materials!" He pinched himself to confirm he wasn¡¯t dreaming and let out a yelp of pain, followed by a grin of pure joy.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The implications were staggering. Even in this mystical world of cultivation, such a phenomenon was unheard of. The ability to reverse waste pills into usable ingredients defied all logic. This revelation sent his thoughts racing. If he could refine these herbs into pills again, would the scroll allow him to repeat the process indefinitely? Would he have an endless supply of practice materials? The path to mastering alchemy suddenly seemed attainable. Rong Yu clenched his fists, his confidence surging.
He glanced at the mysterious scroll again. The images of herbs and pills had vanished, leaving only the intricate patterns on its surface. Rong Yu hesitated, then touched the scroll once more. It transformed into a ball of light, returning to the mark on his right arm. When he pressed the mark again, the scroll reappeared. "It can be used repeatedly," Rong Yu muttered with relief. Though he couldn¡¯t test it further without more waste pills, the herbs restored by the scroll were enough to attempt refining the Qi-Boosting Pills once more. With renewed determination, Rong Yu began preparing for another attempt. He tidied the alchemy room, set the furnace upright, and reviewed the steps to refine the pills. His predecessor¡¯s memories provided the knowledge, but translating that into practice required effort. He closed his eyes and meditated, replaying the process in his mind until he felt ready.
Three hours later, Rong Yu opened his eyes and began the process. He activated the furnace with a spell, igniting the black saltpeter beneath it. Blue flames roared to life, their steady heat warming the room. Carefully, he extracted the essence from each herb, transforming them into glowing liquids. His hands moved with increasing confidence, weaving spells that controlled the process. Once the furnace was preheated, Rong Yu added the first liquid, counting his breaths before adding the next. His movements grew smoother, but a lingering unease tugged at his thoughts. As he added the final liquid, his timing faltered. The interval had stretched too long, and his last spell was off. A muffled bang came from the furnace, followed by a faint burning smell. Rong Yu sighed as he opened the furnace. Inside was a charred, unrecognizable mass¡ªnot even close to a waste pill. Though disappointed, he remained optimistic. "It¡¯s only my first attempt. Mistakes are bound to happen." He glanced at the restored herbs. There was still enough for another try. With the mysterious scroll¡¯s power at his disposal, failure no longer felt like the end. For the first time, Rong Yu truly believed he could succeed. Chapter:5 "t¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. The scroll can restore the materials, right?¡± Rong Yu muttered, comforting himself. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he thought of the mysterious scroll¡¯s incredible ability. With this treasure, he believed he could refine pills again without fear of failure. But his optimism was short-lived. When he unfolded the mysterious scroll once more, it remained unresponsive. No matter how he tried, the scroll showed no reaction. Rong Yu froze, staring blankly at the empty surface. After a long pause, he clenched his fists and reluctantly considered two possibilities. First, the scroll might require a ¡°cooling period¡± before it could be used again. It could be a few hours¡ªor, worse, several days. Second, the pills likely needed to meet a certain threshold¡ªperhaps close to forming fully as waste pills¡ªfor the scroll to restore them to spiritual materials. Both possibilities posed problems. A lengthy cooldown period would be disastrous, given the mere month he had to prove himself. And if he couldn¡¯t create even a proper waste pill, the scroll¡¯s utility would be rendered meaningless. By morning, despite anxiously waiting all night, the scroll remained dormant. Rong Yu¡¯s heart sank, but he refused to wallow in despair. He needed spirit stones to buy more spiritual ingredients for the Qi-Boosting Pills. Only by refining waste pills could he test the scroll again.
He calculated the costs. Each set of ingredients for Qi-Boosting Pills required ten spirit stones. To have a decent chance of success, he needed at least five sets¡ªfifty spirit stones in total. For a low-level cultivator like him, fifty spirit stones were an astronomical amount. And currently, he didn¡¯t have even one. Rong Yu began sifting through his predecessor¡¯s memories, searching for ways to acquire the spirit stones he desperately needed. His father, Rong Zhiyuan, had three brothers and one sister. Their lineage, once among the family¡¯s most respected, had a storied past. Over 300 years ago, a foundation-building cultivator emerged from their branch, elevating their status to the Ning family¡¯s direct line.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. According to family rules, branches with foundation-building cultivators were granted direct lineage status, enjoying superior resources and influence. But this status wasn¡¯t permanent. If a branch failed to produce another foundation-building cultivator within three generations, their status reverted to that of a side branch. By the time of Rong Yu¡¯s father¡¯s generation, their branch had long lost its direct lineage status. To regain it, they needed either a new foundation-building cultivator or to place in the top two at the family¡¯s decennial succession competition. The odds were grim. Among the 400 cultivators in the Ning family, there were only eight direct branches, while dozens of collateral branches vied for limited opportunities. Yet, Rong Yu¡¯s lineage had once been a beacon of hope. His father, Rong Zhiyuan, possessed a middle-grade spiritual root and reached the late stage of Qi Refinement by his twenties. His uncle, Rong Hongye, was even more extraordinary, possessing dual spiritual roots and achieving the late Qi Refinement stage at the unprecedented age of fifteen. Their branch was poised for a resurgence. But fate was cruel. First, Rong Hongye disappeared seven years ago on a mysterious trip, leaving no trace. Then, Rong Zhiyuan suffered a shocking defeat in the family competition, dashing their branch¡¯s hopes of reclaiming direct lineage status. Rong Yu¡¯s own fall from grace followed, as the family discovered his lightning spiritual root was incomplete. Finally, three years ago, Rong Zhiyuan and Rong Yu¡¯s mother were ambushed and killed during the war with the Qian family. In just a few short years, their once-proud lineage had crumbled. Now, Rong Yu, burdened by a defective spiritual root, was reduced to the humiliating role of a potential dual cultivation cauldron.
Rong Yu shook his head, brushing aside these bitter memories. Dwelling on the past wouldn¡¯t help him now. Instead, he focused on a crucial detail from his predecessor¡¯s memories: his father¡¯s hidden inheritance. During his lifetime, Rong Zhiyuan had reached the peak of Qi Refinement and held considerable power within the family. He had amassed wealth, including the ownership of a shop in the family¡¯s internal market on Jinchang Island. Though the shop was small and located in a remote corner of the market, the rapid growth of the Ning family had transformed Jinchang Island into a bustling hub. The value of shops there had skyrocketed. This inheritance, now in Rong Yu¡¯s hands, could be his salvation. If he sold the shop, he could raise enough spirit stones to purchase the ingredients he needed to practice alchemy.
Rong Yu¡¯s eyes gleamed with newfound determination. ¡°If I can sell the shop and use the spirit stones wisely, I might still have a chance to become the family¡¯s alchemist,¡± he murmured. This glimmer of hope reinvigorated him. No matter how bleak his situation seemed, he was determined to rise above it and forge his own path. Chapter:6 After the tragic death of Rong Yu¡¯s parents, the deed to their shop fell into the hands of his aunt Rong Muchun and her husband, Meng Jinliang. The shop, located on Jinchang Island, had been a reliable source of income, initially rented out to another merchant. However, when Muchun and her husband expressed interest in using it to sell spiritual materials, the previous Rong Yu had naively agreed. Out of familial loyalty, he even lowered the rent. But his trust was misplaced. Instead of adhering to their agreement, Muchun and Meng Jinliang tricked him into transferring the title deed entirely. To make matters worse, they began neglecting their rent payments, eventually stopping altogether. In his desperation for spirit stones, the previous Rong Yu had tried to reclaim the deed, only to be met with endless excuses and refusals. Muchun¡¯s status as the head of their branch, coupled with Meng Jinliang¡¯s power as a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator, made reclaiming the shop an uphill battle. Now, with a clear mind and the memories of his predecessor, Rong Yu sighed at his own misfortune. ¡°That foolishness ends now,¡± he muttered. He resolved to confront his aunt and demand at least fifty spirit stones. That amount would suffice to purchase materials for refining Qi-Boosting Pills and set him on the path to fulfilling his goals.
As Rong Yu stepped out of his house, the crisp sound of waves greeted him. The air was thick with humidity, and a faint mist clung to the morning sky. Pyeongchang Island, where Rong Yu lived, was one of the many islands dotting Thousand Waves Lake¡ªa sprawling body of water so vast it rivaled the largest lakes on Blue Star. To the untrained eye, it could easily be mistaken for a sea. Thousand Waves Lake was home to numerous cultivator families and independent factions. Among them, the Rong family ranked as one of the most powerful, second only to the Xue family. With four foundation-building cultivators and nearly five hundred Qi Refinement practitioners, the Rong family had established a dominant presence on the lake.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Their influence extended across hundreds of islands, forty of which contained spiritual veins. The crown jewel was Jinchang Island, which housed a superior-grade spiritual vein and served as the family¡¯s ancestral home. But Thousand Waves Lake was far from peaceful. Its waters were teeming with aquatic monsters, and its shores were plagued by rogue cultivators. The Iron Armor Alliance, a notorious band of lake pirates, operated freely, led by two formidable foundation-building cultivators. Small families and sects were often forced to band together for survival. Only major powers like the Rong family could stand firm amidst the chaos. Their wolf-like nature set them apart, instilled through generations of ruthless competition and survival. Unlike other families, the Rong clan encouraged internal rivalry. Resources and opportunities were distributed based on merit, not birthright, forcing members to fight for their place. The strong thrived, while the weak were left behind. This philosophy had bred a clan of ambitious, battle-hardened cultivators, feared and respected across Thousand Waves Lake. But it also came at a cost¡ªloyalty within the family was fragile, and betrayal was not uncommon. Rong Yu couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the family¡¯s rise to power, even as he cursed its cutthroat culture. ¡°Of all the families to be reborn into, it had to be this one,¡± he muttered.
As he made his way through Pyeongchang Island, Rong Yu took in the sights. The island, though large, was far less prestigious than Jinchang Island. Its spiritual vein barely qualified as mid-tier, making it suitable for side branches and low-ranking cultivators. Rong Yu¡¯s thoughts drifted to his lineage¡¯s fall from grace. Once among the most promising branches, they had been reduced to obscurity following a series of misfortunes. His uncle Rong Hongye¡¯s disappearance, his father Rong Zhiyuan¡¯s defeat in the family competition, and his own failure as a cultivator had all contributed to their decline. Now, even a simple shop¡ªtheir last significant asset¡ªwas beyond his reach. Rong Yu shook his head, pushing away the bitterness. There was no time for self-pity. If he wanted to reclaim his family¡¯s honor, he had to start with the basics. Today, that meant confronting his aunt and retrieving what was rightfully his. Chapter:7 Rong Yu followed the path southwest, relying on the memories of his predecessor. The landscape around him was dotted with spiritual fields, lush with vibrant plants swaying gently in the breeze. Monks moved among the fields, chanting incantations and weaving hand seals. Misty spiritual rain fell from their hands, nourishing the plants and enveloping the area in a serene, ethereal glow. Rong Yu paused to admire the sight, his excitement reignited at the thought of living in this magical world of cultivation. Before long, he arrived at his aunt Rong Muchun¡¯s home, a sprawling courtyard atop a small hill. It was clearly the most luxurious residence in the area, reflecting her position as the leader of their branch. He knocked on the large wooden door but received no response. Frowning, he wondered if they were deliberately ignoring him. Knocking again, this time more firmly, the door creaked open to reveal a tall, dignified middle-aged man dressed in fine robes. His aura of authority and the oppressive spiritual pressure of a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator made Rong Yu instinctively tense. The man, Meng Jinliang, was Rong Yu¡¯s uncle by marriage. Despite being a son-in-law, his power ensured he held considerable influence in the family. Meng Jinliang¡¯s expression betrayed no surprise¡ªhe had likely sensed Rong Yu¡¯s arrival with his spiritual awareness. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his eyes before he spoke with a smile. ¡°Xiao Yu, what brings you here?¡± Rong Yu was taken aback. His predecessor had always faced cold indifference or disdain from this man. This sudden warmth seemed out of character. ¡°I came to discuss some matters with you and Aunt Muchun,¡± Rong Yu replied cautiously.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Meng Jinliang raised a hand to cut him off. ¡°No need to explain. It¡¯s good you¡¯re here. We were about to send for you. Come in.¡± This unexpected response deepened Rong Yu¡¯s confusion. Was he missing some crucial piece of information?
Following Meng Jinliang into the house, Rong Yu found himself in a spacious hall filled with people. To his surprise, it wasn¡¯t just his aunt¡¯s family¡ªhis eldest uncle Ning Zhengqian and his fourth uncle Ning Baiquan were also present with their families. Aunt Rong Muchun, elegantly dressed in a water-green robe, sat in the place of honor beside Meng Jinliang. Her son, Rong Furong, sat nearby, his expression smug. Ning Zhengqian and his wife Guo Ru looked tense, while Ning Baiquan remained silent, his face unreadable. Scattered among the group were older cultivators, all from the early to mid-stages of Qi Refinement. Rong Yu¡¯s attention was drawn to two unfamiliar figures¡ªa shrewd-looking elderly man in a black robe and a teenage girl in a yellow dress. The girl¡¯s delicate features and jade-like complexion marked her as a budding beauty, though her unstable breathing indicated she had only recently begun cultivating. As Rong Yu entered, all eyes turned to him. Ning Zhengqian¡¯s family looked wary, while Rong Muchun and Meng Jinliang exchanged knowing glances. Rong Muchun broke the silence with a warm smile. ¡°Xiao Yu, it¡¯s fortunate you¡¯ve come. As a member of our branch, your presence is important for this discussion.¡± Her uncharacteristic politeness only fueled Rong Yu¡¯s suspicion. In the past, this woman had treated him with contempt, avoiding him like a plague. Now, her demeanor reeked of ulterior motives. Before she could continue, Rong Yu interrupted. ¡°Aunt, since everyone is gathered here, I¡¯d like to address an important matter first.¡± Rong Muchun¡¯s smile stiffened slightly, a glimmer of annoyance flashing in her eyes. Without hesitation, Rong Yu fixed her with a steady gaze. ¡°Aunt, when will you return the deed to the shop on Jinchang Island that my father left me? I¡¯m in need of spirit stones and would like to sell it.¡± The hall fell into an uneasy silence. Ning Zhengqian and Ning Baiquan exchanged glances, while Rong Muchun and Meng Jinliang¡¯s expressions darkened. Though they had clearly anticipated this confrontation, Rong Yu¡¯s directness seemed to catch them off guard. Meng Jinliang¡¯s initial warmth faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. Rong Muchun, however, maintained her composed fa?ade, though the corners of her mouth twitched in irritation. The tension in the room was palpable as Rong Yu stood his ground, waiting for their response! Chapter:8 Rong Muchun stood up, her tone calm yet authoritative. ¡°Xiao Yu, let¡¯s take this opportunity to clarify the matter.¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true that your father purchased the shop. However, before his passing, he expressed his intention to make the shop a shared property for our lineage. His untimely death meant he never got the chance to tell you this.¡± Rong Yu frowned, his mind racing. With his parents gone, there was no way to verify her claims. The title deed was already in Muchun¡¯s hands, giving her leverage. But Rong Yu wasn¡¯t willing to back down. ¡°Aunt, with all due respect, holding the title deed doesn¡¯t make it legally yours. The clan¡¯s records still list the shop under my father¡¯s name. Upon his death, it automatically became my inheritance. If I request family arbitration, the shop will be returned to me.¡± At this, Meng Jinliang¡¯s once-smiling face hardened. He narrowed his eyes, his calm demeanor giving way to a calculating intensity. Rong Muchun, however, remained composed. Her expression betrayed only a flicker of surprise. Clearly, she hadn¡¯t expected Rong Yu to respond with such decisiveness. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she admitted, her smile thinning. ¡°But you must understand, Xiao Yu, our lineage isn¡¯t in a favorable position right now. If you seek arbitration, the family might seize the shop due to ambiguous ownership and offer only a token compensation. To prevent that, we need you to officially transfer the shop¡¯s registration to our lineage.¡± Rong Yu¡¯s eyes widened. So that was their plan. By convincing him to reassign the shop¡¯s ownership, they could secure it permanently under their control. The audacity left him momentarily speechless. Muchun pressed on, her voice softening. ¡°Xiao Yu, this isn¡¯t just about the shop. Do you know why we¡¯ve all gathered here today?¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Her words piqued his curiosity. It seemed this meeting wasn¡¯t solely about the shop. ¡°The Ning family holds a direct lineage competition every ten years,¡± she explained. ¡°The next one is approaching, and there are rumors it will be different. After our victory over the Qian family, the competition is expected to feature more direct lineage spots than ever before.¡± She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. ¡°For the first time in decades, our branch has a chance to secure a direct lineage spot. But to compete, we need someone to reach the late stage of Qi Refinement. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve decided to pool our resources and support one candidate. The shop is crucial for funding this effort.¡± Rong Yu remained silent, his gaze steady. ¡°Xiao Yu, you¡¯re part of this lineage. I hope you can put the overall situation above personal interests,¡± she concluded, her tone almost pleading. Rong Yu finally understood the broader scheme. Muchun and Jinliang intended to concentrate their resources on Furong, their son, to give him a shot at the direct lineage competition. But he wasn¡¯t convinced. Furong¡¯s mediocre talent had been bolstered by excessive reliance on pills, and breaking through to the late stage of Qi Refinement seemed unlikely. Rong Yu¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You want me to prioritize the overall situation? Fine. I have an overall situation of my own¡ªI¡¯m confident I can pass the family alchemist assessment within a month. Once I become a family alchemist, my status will surpass that of an ordinary late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator. For the sake of our branch, why not pool resources to support me instead?¡± Muchun¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Xiao Yu, stop being ridiculous. Everyone knows you failed the family alchemist assessment just two days ago. You lack the talent for alchemy. It would be a waste to invest any more resources in you.¡± Rong Yu¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And can you guarantee Furong will break through? He¡¯s already consumed far more pills than necessary to reach the sixth stage. The bottleneck to the late stage is no small hurdle, and with his mediocre talent, there¡¯s no guarantee he¡¯ll succeed. If he fails, won¡¯t all those resources be wasted?¡± A tense silence fell over the room. Rong Yu¡¯s pointed remarks left everyone stunned. Furong¡¯s face flushed red with anger, while Muchun glared daggers at Rong Yu. Meng Jinliang looked to his wife, shaking his head subtly. Finally, Rong Yu broke the silence. ¡°Let me make this clear¡ªI won¡¯t agree to your demands. If you want the shop, take me to the clan affairs hall. Even if the family seizes it, I won¡¯t let you benefit from my father¡¯s legacy without a fight.¡± With that, he turned and left the hall. As the door slammed shut, the room remained silent. Ning Zhengqian and Guo Ru exchanged amused glances, while Muchun and Jinliang¡¯s expressions were dark with suppressed fury. The old man in black, who had remained silent throughout the discussion, frowned slightly as he watched Rong Yu leave. After a moment, he joined the others in resuming their discussion, though the tension lingered in the air. Chapter:9 Rong Yu returned home, but despite the satisfaction of standing his ground against Rong Muchun, he couldn¡¯t shake the bitterness in his heart. Ungrateful¡ªthat was the only word to describe them. His father, Rong Zhiyuan, had treated them well when he was alive, and this was how they repaid his kindness? Rong Yu shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. He would remember this insult, but there was no point in dwelling on it now. There would come a time to settle these accounts properly. Weary from the day¡¯s events, he dozed off at the stone table in the courtyard. He wasn¡¯t sure how long he¡¯d been asleep when the sound of knocking roused him. Rong Yu jolted upright, his heart skipping a beat. Could it be the Fifth Elder¡¯s maid, returning with another set of demands? Approaching the door cautiously, he peeked through the crack and was startled to see familiar faces. When he opened the door, four figures stood before him. The first two were the old man in black and the young girl in the yellow dress he had noticed earlier at his uncle¡¯s house. The other two were far more familiar. One was a thin, middle-aged man with a stern expression and the faint scent of fish clinging to him¡ªhis uncle, Xu Changtai. Beside him was a tall young man with a warm, easy smile, his cousin Xu Guanting. ¡°Uncle, Brother Ting!¡± Rong Yu exclaimed, surprised. Guanting stepped forward and patted Rong Yu¡¯s shoulder affectionately. ¡°Xiao Yu, it¡¯s been too long.¡± Xu Changtai, usually stern and serious, allowed a small smile to break through. Rong Yu turned to the old man in black and finally placed him. Ning Xilin, a manager overseeing the mortal branch of their family. Though not a cultivator, Xilin wielded considerable influence within his domain.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Uncle Xilin,¡± Rong Yu greeted him, nodding respectfully. ¡°I didn¡¯t greet you earlier¡ªI hope you¡¯ll forgive me.¡± Xilin, flattered by the acknowledgment, waved it off with a chuckle. ¡°You embarrass me, Xiao Yu.¡± The old man turned to the girl in the yellow dress. ¡°Xiaoyu, greet your uncle properly.¡± The girl¡¯s large, curious eyes studied Rong Yu before she offered a crisp, ¡°Uncle.¡± Xilin smiled proudly. ¡°This is my granddaughter, Xiaoyu. She¡¯s been living away from the family, but she recently returned after being tested for spiritual roots. We finally have another cultivator in our lineage!¡± Rong Yu nodded, understanding now why Xilin had appeared so pleased earlier. Cultivators were rare among the Ning family¡¯s vast mortal bloodlines. The addition of even one could significantly elevate a family¡¯s standing. He turned back to Xilin. ¡°Uncle Xilin, you¡¯re not here to try and persuade me to give up the shop, are you?¡± Xilin shook his head quickly. ¡°Of course not. Frankly, I agree that Muchun¡¯s behavior was out of line.¡± Relieved, Rong Yu invited them inside. After they settled in, Rong Yu moved to pour tea, but Xu Changtai stopped him with a firm gesture. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out a small cloth bag and handed it to Rong Yu. Puzzled, Rong Yu opened the bag to reveal a pile of thumb-sized emerald stones radiating pure spiritual energy. Spirit stones¡ªone hundred of them. Rong Yu¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Uncle¡­?¡± Xu Changtai sighed. ¡°Xiao Yu, I can¡¯t do much to help you in this matter, but take these. It¡¯s not much, but it should ease your burden for now.¡± For a moment, Rong Yu was too stunned to speak. He knew how difficult life had been for Xu Changtai¡¯s family. As a small offshoot of the Ning family, reliant on aquaculture for their livelihood, they struggled to make ends meet. The hundred spirit stones in his hands represented a fortune they likely couldn¡¯t spare. His cousin Guanting stepped forward, his expression serious. ¡°Xiao Yu, don¡¯t hesitate. Your father helped us countless times. Now it¡¯s our turn to repay that kindness.¡± He gently pushed the bag into Rong Yu¡¯s hands. A wave of warmth washed over Rong Yu. Swallowing hard, he nodded. ¡°Thank you, Uncle, Brother Ting. I¡¯ll repay this kindness someday.¡± Xu Changtai waved dismissively. ¡°No need for that. Just focus on getting through this mess.¡± At this point, Xilin cleared his throat and pulled out another, smaller bag. ¡°Xiao Yu, thanks to your father¡¯s support, I was able to rise to my current position. Here are thirty spirit stones from me. Take them¡ªthey¡¯re nothing compared to what Zhiyuan did for me.¡± Rong Yu accepted the gift with a deep bow. He realized now that Xilin must have noticed his predicament at Muchun¡¯s house and rallied Xu Changtai to help. For the first time in a long while, Rong Yu felt a sense of support, a reminder that not everyone in this family was driven by selfish ambition. Chapter:10 The thirty spirit stones from Ning Xilin might not seem like much, but for a mortal like him, they represented years of hard-earned savings. As the manager of the Ning family¡¯s mortal branch, even he didn¡¯t earn spirit stones easily. When Rong Yu hesitated to accept, Xilin smiled faintly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Xiao Yu? Think thirty stones are too few? There¡¯s more. Your uncle Zhengqian also asked me to give you fifty spirit stones.¡± Rong Yu was stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected his uncle to send such a generous gift. Swallowing his hesitation, Rong Yu took the spirit stones, bowing deeply. ¡°Uncle Xilin, I will repay you for this kindness.¡± Xilin waved his hand with a chuckle. ¡°No need for that, Xiao Yu. Use it well.¡± With that, Xilin and Xu Changtai bid their goodbyes. Rong Yu stood at the door, holding the two small pouches of spirit stones, his heart a storm of emotions. In a single day, he had experienced the cold greed of some family members and the genuine warmth of others. Looking at the 180 spirit stones in his hands, Rong Yu felt a surge of determination. With these stones, he could purchase enough materials for over a dozen attempts at refining Qi-Boosting Pills. If he could successfully refine waste pills and restore them using the mysterious scroll, his path forward was clear. Wasting no time, Rong Yu set off for Jinchang Island, where the family¡¯s internal market was located. Jinchang Island, the hub of the Ning family¡¯s trade and resources, lay hundreds of miles from Pyeongchang Island. Without sufficient magical power or a flying treasure, he had to rely on the family¡¯s spirit boats, which ferried members between islands daily. Arriving at the dock just as the spirit boat was departing, Rong Yu silently thanked his luck and quickly boarded. The spirit boat was modest, about ten feet long, with a towering flying fish-shaped sculpture at its bow. Its sides were fitted with wing-like appendages that glowed faintly.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The elderly helmsman cast a spell, activating the wings, which began to shimmer with light. A gust of wind propelled the boat forward, and it glided smoothly across the lake. Rong Yu marveled at the craftsmanship, his first glimpse of a spirit boat in action leaving him in awe. Two hours later, they arrived at the bustling dock of Jinchang Island Jinchang Island was a gourd-shaped landmass teeming with activity. As the central hub of the Ning family¡¯s territories, it housed a second-grade lower spiritual vein and served as the distribution center for resources traded with the outside world. The dock was a hive of activity, with mortals unloading cargo, cultivators moving supplies, and dozens of spirit boats of various sizes anchored along the shore. Among them, Rong Yu spotted a massive vessel nearly a thousand feet long, its grandeur a testament to the Ning family¡¯s growing power. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of awe and pride. Despite its flaws, the Ning family was undoubtedly at its peak. Four foundation-building cultivators led the clan, and their recent victory over the Qian family had solidified their position as the second-strongest force in Thousand Waves Lake, second only to the Xue family. But that victory hadn¡¯t come without cost. Many elites, including Rong Yu¡¯s parents, had perished in the war. Even the great elder Ning Zhongyuan, a mid-stage foundation-building cultivator, had been severely injured and rarely appeared in public since. Still, the clan¡¯s future seemed bright. Prominent among the younger generation was the Fifth Elder, Ning Huarong, whose talent and combat prowess were the pride of the family. Navigating the market streets, Rong Yu forced himself to stay focused. The bustling stalls, overflowing with spiritual treasures, were tempting, but he couldn¡¯t afford distractions. His destination was a large pavilion atop a high slope¡ªthe largest spiritual material shop in the market. This was where he had purchased alchemical materials in the past, and he knew they would have what he needed. Entering the pavilion, Rong Yu paused, his excitement dimming as his gaze locked on an unexpected sight. Standing in the center of the hall was a young woman in a flowing white gauze dress. Her elegant figure, creamy skin, and delicate features made her a striking beauty, and many of the male cultivators in the room were openly stealing glances at her. Beside her stood a fair-faced young man in pristine robes, exuding an air of confidence. His cultivation, at the seventh level of Qi Refinement, marked him as someone in the late stage, a feat that placed him well above most of his peers. ¡°Qinghui,¡± the young man said, his voice soft and gentle, ¡°it seems this shop doesn¡¯t have any moon orchids. But don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll accompany you to Tianshui Market. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find it there.¡± Rong Yu¡¯s eyes narrowed as he recognized the pair. The woman, Ning Qinghui, was a rising star among the younger generation, while the man, Ning Yuanhang, was her constant companion and admirer. Their paths had crossed before, and Rong Yu knew all too well that Ning Yuanhang harbored a deep disdain for him. Chapter:11 The beauty in the white dress didn¡¯t speak immediately, but she turned towards the door as if sensing something. Her jade-like face lit with a trace of surprise, and a complicated emotion flashed briefly in her misty eyes. The man in white beside her noticed her reaction and followed her gaze, spotting Rong Yu standing at the entrance. His lips curled into a smile, though a glint of coldness lingered in his eyes. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this a surprise?¡± the man thought, his smile deepening. ¡°Enemies truly do meet on narrow roads.¡± Rong Yu¡¯s own thoughts turned bitter. ¡°Tsk, so we meet again, you manipulative schemer,¡± he mused, his lips twitching with a mix of disdain and irony. ¡°You really are as beautiful as a goddess. Even the legendary beauties of my past life pale in comparison to you. No wonder my predecessor was so captivated. Too bad that allure hides a rotten core.¡± The woman¡¯s name was Liu Qinghui, and her story was one that had deeply scarred Rong Yu¡¯s predecessor. Born to a small vassal family under the Ning clan, Liu Qinghui was a childhood friend of Rong Yu. Their fathers had been close friends, and the two families often visited each other. When Rong Yu was just ten years old, their fathers had even arranged a marriage between him and Liu Qinghui. But as fate would have it, Rong Yu¡¯s incomplete thunder spiritual root shattered his potential, while Liu Qinghui¡¯s prodigious talent in alchemy blossomed. Recognized as a genius, she quickly became one of the Ning family¡¯s official alchemists. When this disparity became apparent, Liu Qinghui¡¯s father wasted no time tearing up the engagement. Rong Yu¡¯s father, furious and humiliated, had spat blood upon receiving the news, but there was nothing he could do. The family¡¯s focus on Liu Qinghui¡¯s alchemical talent left them no room to care about Rong Yu¡¯s lineage. The betrayal devastated Rong Yu¡¯s predecessor. His health suffered, and when he recovered, he became obsessed with mastering alchemy, hoping to prove himself worthy. It was all for her¡ªa futile attempt to regain her attention.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Now, standing before Liu Qinghui, Rong Yu could feel the echoes of his predecessor¡¯s humiliation. Narrowing his eyes, he silently vowed, Don¡¯t worry, old friend. I¡¯ll repay this disgrace a hundredfold. The man in white, Ning Ruiming, broke the silence with a sly smile. ¡°Rong Yu,¡± he called out mockingly, his voice dripping with condescension. ¡°We meet again. Didn¡¯t expect to see you so soon after¡­ well, you know.¡± Rong Yu raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t reply immediately. He recognized Ning Ruiming instantly. A member of one of the eight direct branches of the Ning family, Ruiming was the son of the tenth elder. His branch had risen to prominence in recent years, largely at the expense of Rong Yu¡¯s family. The rivalry between their lineages stretched back generations. When Rong Yu¡¯s ancestor had become a foundation-building cultivator, it had crushed Ruiming¡¯s branch underfoot. But the tables had since turned, with Ruiming¡¯s father defeating Rong Yu¡¯s father in the last lineage competition to secure a coveted direct branch position. Now, Ruiming was a rising star in the Ning family, a first-class intermediate alchemist with aspirations of becoming the chief alchemist. To him, mocking Rong Yu was a pastime. Rong Yu met his gaze calmly, suppressing the anger that simmered beneath the surface. Without a word, he turned and walked straight to the counter, where he began negotiating with the shop clerk. His actions were deliberate, as if Ning Ruiming¡¯s presence was of no importance. The hall grew quiet as Rong Yu concluded his purchase: fourteen sets of spiritual materials for Qi-Boosting Pills, costing him 140 spirit stones, along with twenty Bigu Pills for sustenance. Tucking the items into his storage pouch, he left without sparing Ning Ruiming or Liu Qinghui a glance. Liu Qinghui watched him go, her eyes clouded with doubt. Something about Rong Yu seemed different¡ªcalmer, more resolute. Ning Ruiming, however, wasn¡¯t as introspective. Frowning slightly, he muttered, ¡°Rong Yu just bought spiritual materials for Qi-Boosting Pills. It seems he still hasn¡¯t given up. But no matter how many times he tries, he¡¯ll fail. He doesn¡¯t have the time to accomplish anything before his bet with the Fifth Elder takes effect.¡± Liu Qinghui¡¯s soft voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°That¡¯s not certain. There¡¯s still a month left. Who knows? Maybe there will be a miracle.¡± Ruiming glanced at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. Though her tone was neutral, he detected a faint trace of something¡ªconcern, perhaps? He quickly dismissed the notion, his lips curling into a sneer. ¡°Miracles are rare, Qinghui,¡± he said, though his expression turned calculating. ¡°But¡­ you¡¯re right. Anything¡¯s possible.¡± He turned back to her, his smile returning to its usual practiced charm. ¡°Let¡¯s head to Tianshui Market. We don¡¯t want to keep you waiting for your moon orchids, do we?¡± Liu Qinghui hesitated for a moment before nodding. With that, the pair left the shop, leaving behind the whispers of curious onlookers. Chapter:12 Before sunset, Rong Yu boarded the last spirit boat heading back to Pyeongchang Island. As soon as he returned home, he bolted the door behind him, resolving not to step outside until he had successfully refined the Zengyuan Pill. Rong Yu began by meticulously recalling the details of his last failed attempt, replaying each step in his mind. Then, taking a deep breath, he pulled out the spiritual materials for his next attempt and got to work. This second attempt went significantly smoother. He extracted the spiritual liquids effortlessly and timed the process more accurately. Everything progressed seamlessly¡ªuntil the final stage. A muffled sound from the alchemy furnace signaled failure. Rong Yu, however, wasn¡¯t disappointed. He¡¯d anticipated needing three tries to produce even a waste pill. Opening the furnace, he found a thick milky-yellow residue instead of a properly formed pill. It was far better than the charred mess from his first attempt. Curious, Rong Yu rolled up his sleeve and pressed his hand against the white mark on his arm. The mysterious scroll reappeared, its runes glowing faintly before the residue¡¯s image manifested on the parchment. Moments later, seven patterns of spiritual herbs emerged beneath it, linked by white lines. His heart raced with excitement. His earlier hypothesis was correct. The scroll didn¡¯t need a fully-formed waste pill to function; even partially failed attempts could be restored. The implications were extraordinary. Without hesitation, he touched the spiritual herb patterns on the scroll. A burst of radiant light illuminated the room, and seven pristine spiritual herbs materialized midair. The residue in the furnace vanished entirely.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Suppressing his elation, Rong Yu took a short rest to analyze his mistakes before starting another attempt. The third time, the process felt even smoother, culminating in three waste pills. The fourth attempt yielded five waste pills. By the fifth, he had refined six waste pills¡ªa significant milestone. On his twenty-first attempt, he successfully refined one genuine Zengyuan Pill alongside four waste pills. Rong Yu had fallen into an obsessive rhythm. He alternated between refining pills and meditating to replenish his energy. When hunger struck, he relied on fasting pills; when exhaustion crept in, he took brief, restless naps. His mind never strayed from alchemy, replaying each step and refining his technique even during his breaks. Day by day, his skills improved. By the second day, he successfully refined his first genuine Zengyuan Pill, a moment that left him nearly euphoric. Through relentless practice and the scroll¡¯s miraculous assistance, Rong Yu¡¯s proficiency grew. By the tenth day, he could consistently produce one genuine pill per attempt¡ªa feat his predecessor could only dream of. The family alchemist assessment required a 30% success rate to pass. By this point, Rong Yu had reached that threshold, but he wasn¡¯t satisfied. He continued refining, pushing himself to achieve perfection. By the fifteenth day, he could produce at least two genuine pills per batch, with the occasional three. With each attempt, he saved thousands of spirit stones worth of materials thanks to the scroll. Without it, his practice would have cost more than 2,000 spirit stones¡ªan impossible sum for most cultivators, let alone him. As the final days of his deadline approached, Rong Yu¡¯s dedication bore fruit. On the eve of the last day, he opened his alchemy furnace to a sight that nearly brought tears to his eyes. Six perfectly round, gleaming Zengyuan Pills lay nestled inside, their delicate fragrance filling the room. They were flawless, with no cracks or imperfections¡ªtrue masterpieces. Rong Yu let out a hoarse laugh, his voice filled with exhaustion and triumph. At that moment, with his disheveled hair, unkempt beard, and bloodshot eyes, he might have looked like a madman. But his gaze was steady, his smile calm and self-assured. ¡°Master Dao,¡± he murmured to himself, ¡°I¡¯ve done it.¡± With that, he collapsed onto the floor, finally allowing himself the rest he had long denied. End of the Chapter. Chapter:13 After a well-earned rest, Rong Yu awoke feeling rejuvenated. The next morning, he tidied himself up and immediately set off for Lingchang Island, home to the Rong Family¡¯s Alchemy Hall¡ªhis next crucial destination. Since no direct spirit boat traveled from Pyeongchang Island to Lingchang Island, he first had to transfer at a larger island before continuing his journey. Lingchang Island, positioned at the heart of the Rong Family¡¯s territory, boasted a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein, second only to Rongchang Island, the family¡¯s ancestral land. It housed not only the family¡¯s Alchemy Hall, but also their largest spiritual herb garden, making it a core asset of the family. With such significance, the Rong Family had invested heavily in fortifying the island, erecting a second-tier defensive array and stationing elite family guards year-round. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would find it difficult to breach. After three hours of travel, Rong Yu finally arrived at Lingchang Island¡¯s dock. A Familiar Gatekeeper At the dock, a team of silver-armored family guards rigorously inspected arriving ships and cultivators. Leading them was a towering, bearded man with a build resembling an iron fortress. His aura exuded a strong killing intent, and his sharp, tiger-like eyes were enough to make most people avert their gaze. Rong Yu quickly recognized him¡ªRong Zonglie, an elite family warrior and a member of the Lie Feng Hall, the Rong Family¡¯s internal security force. He was already at the eighth level of Qi Refinement, a force to be reckoned with. The moment their eyes met, Rong Zonglie scowled and barked, ¡°Rong Yu, why are you here again?¡± Rong Yu maintained his composure, bowing respectfully. ¡°Uncle Lie, I have come to the Alchemy Hall to request an assessment.¡± Rong Zonglie frowned deeply. ¡°Still refusing to give up, boy?¡± Rong Yu only responded with a humble smile, offering no further explanation. After a moment of silence, Rong Zonglie sighed and waved him through without an inspection. Rong Yu exhaled in relief and stepped onto Lingchang Island. Immediately, he was struck by the thick spiritual energy that blanketed the land, far richer than Pyeongchang Island. To his right, an iridescent mist shimmered over an enclosed area, from which a potent medicinal fragrance emanated. He knew without looking¡ªthis was the Rong Family¡¯s Spiritual Herb Garden, home to hundreds of years-old herbs and invaluable spiritual medicines, fiercely protected by the family. Shaking off distractions, he pressed forward.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The Rong Family¡¯s Alchemy Hall Ten miles ahead, a hundred-foot hill stood tall, at its base a series of elegant pavilions forming the Alchemy Hall, where the family¡¯s top alchemists resided¡ªincluding Liu Qinghui and Rong Ruiming. With steady steps, Rong Yu approached the grandest pavilion. A majestic plaque above the entrance bore the words: "Rong Family Alchemy Hall" However, before he could enter, a faint, restrictive formation barred his way. He knocked respectfully and waited. A few minutes later, a young maid answered the door. After Rong Yu explained his purpose, she led him to a side hall, instructing him to wait. He complied, settling into a chair. However, time dragged on, and no one came. Half an hour passed. His patience wore thin. Finally, footsteps echoed down the corridor. A figure emerged¡ªa middle-aged man dressed in fine brocade robes, his face serene yet unreadable. The Real Challenge Begins Rong Yu¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. This man was Wei Chengzong, the Deputy Head of the Alchemy Hall. Though not a member of the Rong Family, he was a renowned guest alchemist, specializing in pill refinement for the family. Despite being only at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, his quasi-second-tier alchemy skills made him the most skilled alchemist in the family. He oversaw all alchemy assessments, and his word carried considerable weight. Although Rong Zhongjiu, the family¡¯s Third Elder, was the official head of the Alchemy Hall, he rarely managed its affairs, leaving Wei Chengzong in charge. Seeing the elder arrive, Rong Yu politely bowed. ¡°Greetings, Master Wei.¡± Wei Chengzong¡¯s expression was unreadable, but his gaze held a flicker of amusement and pity. ¡°Rong Yu,¡± he began, his voice neutral, ¡°you still refuse to give up?¡± Rong Yu¡¯s heart tightened slightly, sensing something off. Still, he kept his tone respectful. ¡°I believe I have mastered the Pill¡¯s refinement and have come to request another assessment.¡± Wei Chengzong let out a long sigh, shaking his head. ¡°According to family rules, any clan member with the required spiritual materials may request an alchemy assessment at any time. However¡­ today is unfortunate.¡± He gave a regretful smile. ¡°I am currently refining an important pill, and I do not have the time to oversee your assessment.¡± A Deliberate Delay Rong Yu¡¯s expression remained calm, though his mind sharpened like a blade. He took a slow breath. ¡°If not today, what about tomorrow?¡± Wei Chengzong sighed again. ¡°Tomorrow? Impossible. The day after? Also impossible. You¡¯ll have to return in five days.¡± Silence fell between them. Rong Yu¡¯s gaze remained steady, but within, cold fury surged. Five days? That was two days too late. In just two days, his bet with Fifth Elder Rong Huarong would take effect. If he failed to become a family alchemist by then, he would forfeit his freedom, bound to become her dual cultivation cauldron. Worse, if his Tao Foundation was damaged, his cultivation speed¡ªalready hindered by his incomplete Thunder Spiritual Root¡ªwould be crippled forever. That was the true goal behind this obstruction. A Web of Manipulation Rong Ruiming. Rong Yu immediately knew who was behind this. Though only a first-class intermediate alchemist, Rong Ruiming was a direct descendant, personally groomed as the next Chief Alchemist. He held significant influence. And Wei Chengzong, an opportunist, would not hesitate to curry favor with someone of his status. ¡°Master Wei,¡± Rong Yu¡¯s voice remained calm, though a cold edge crept in. ¡°Three furnaces. Just three. The entire process will take no more than four hours of your time. Surely, a distinguished master like yourself can spare that?¡± Wei Chengzong¡¯s gaze turned sympathetic, as if mourning Rong Yu¡¯s fate, but his stance remained firm. ¡°No,¡± he said simply. ¡°Come back in five days.¡± Then, without another word, he turned and left. End of the Chapter. Chapter:14 Rong Yu¡¯s face flashed with anger, but he forced himself to suppress it. He knew that pleading further was meaningless. An old fox like Wei Chengzong would never risk offending Rong Ruiming for the sake of a fallen scion of the Rong Family. Saying any more would only bring humiliation upon himself. At that moment, Wei Chengzong coughed lightly and said, ¡°Rong Yu, I still need to continue refining pills. If you have nothing else to do, please leave.¡± Rong Yu met his gaze with an expressionless stare. Something about his calm but icy look made Wei Chengzong feel uneasy. Then, without a word, Rong Yu turned and walked out. He slowly made his way toward the pier, his mind racing. He frowned. The problem was clear. Even if he had a 100% success rate, what good was it? With Rong Ruiming¡¯s interference, he couldn¡¯t even attempt the assessment. The only way to break this stalemate was if someone influential spoke up for him. That person had to outrank Rong Ruiming in the family and have enough authority to override him. But after thinking hard, no one came to mind. His heart grew heavier. Just then, he caught sight of Rong Zonglie still on duty at the pier. His eyes lit up. Perhaps this man could help? Even if it was a long shot, he had to try. Rong Yu quickened his pace. Rong Zonglie immediately noticed him and sighed, as if he already knew what had happened. ¡°Back so soon?¡± he asked gruffly. ¡°I take it you failed the test again?¡± His expression darkened. ¡°Boy, I told you¡ªstop chasing this impossible dream. Instead, think about pleasing the Fifth Elder and securing her protection in the future.¡± Rong Yu ignored the insult and got straight to the point. ¡°Uncle Lie, it¡¯s not that I failed. Rong Ruiming blocked my assessment outright.¡± He quickly explained how Wei Chengzong had refused to test him under Rong Ruiming¡¯s orders.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Rong Zonglie¡¯s expression turned grim. His brows furrowed as he pondered the situation, but then he shook his head and sighed. ¡°It looks like you want to ask for my help, but I¡¯m telling you now¡ªit¡¯s useless.¡± Rong Yu felt his heart sink at the blunt rejection. Still, Rong Zonglie continued. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to help you, boy. With my friendship with your father, I would if I could. But I simply don¡¯t have the power.¡± He crossed his arms. ¡°You should know who Rong Ruiming is. The family is grooming him to be the next Chief Alchemist. His status far outweighs mine. Not only is his lineage one of the eight direct branches, but he also has a close relationship with the Third Elder. ¡°You think a mere Fierce Wind Hall warrior like me can change anything?¡± Rong Yu clenched his fists. He knew his uncle was right. But then¡­ Was he truly doomed? Was his only choice to submit and become Rong Huarong¡¯s cauldron? The idea sickened him. He had finally traveled to this mystical world of immortal cultivation. He possessed a heaven-defying artifact¡ªthe Mysterious Scroll. And now, because of some petty power struggle, he was being robbed of his future? Unacceptable. Still¡­ He had to be realistic. If he couldn¡¯t take the test, he had no way to pass. And if he couldn¡¯t pass, then the bet with Rong Huarong would be enforced. If his Dao foundation was damaged, his cultivation¡ªalready slowed by his incomplete Thunder Spiritual Root¡ªwould be crippled forever. However, there was one hope left. Even if he had to become her cauldron, with his current mastery over Zengyuan Pill refinement, he could earn enough spirit stones to later repair his foundation. Though it would be difficult, it was not impossible. Rong Yu sighed, his tension easing slightly. ¡°¡­I understand, Uncle Lie. I¡¯ll head back now.¡± He bowed and turned toward the dock. ¡°Wait, kid.¡± Rong Yu stopped. Rong Zonglie¡¯s tiger-like eyes flickered with thought. After a long moment, he said in a low voice, ¡°Boy¡­ Maybe there is someone who can help you.¡± Rong Yu¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Who?¡± Rong Zonglie quickly looked around, then leaned in and whispered. As he listened, Rong Yu¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Thank you, Uncle Lie! I¡¯ll go try it right away!¡± Rong Zonglie sighed and added, ¡°Just remember¡ªdon¡¯t tell anyone I sent you. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be in trouble.¡± Then he gestured toward a blue spirit boat docked nearby. ¡°That¡¯s the Blue Wave Spirit Boat. It¡¯s heading to Yunchang Island soon to deliver spiritual materials. I¡¯ll let them know to let you on.¡± Rong Yu nodded eagerly and rushed to the boat. Yunchang Island was only a hundred kilometers away. With the speed of the spirit boat, Rong Yu arrived in less than half an hour. A hazy white mist covered the verdant mountains of the island. Occasionally, cranes and mystical birds soared in the sky, filling the air with melodious cries. It was the most fairy-like place he had ever seen. But he wasn¡¯t here for sightseeing. He was here to see the Ninth Elder, Rong Shaohong. Rong Shaohong was one of only two female elders in the family, the other being Rong Huarong. However, unlike Rong Huarong, she wasn¡¯t known for combat or seduction. Instead, she was a rare and respected Spirit Embroiderer. Spirit Embroiderers were artisans who crafted enchanted robes for cultivators. It was a niche profession, but highly lucrative. Though it was not as crucial as alchemy or talisman-making, wealthy cultivators paid fortunes for finely crafted enchanted garments. Rong Shaohong was one of the best. She even founded Lingxiu Hall, the Rong Family¡¯s exclusive embroidery guild, which supplied high-end robes to elite cultivators. Her craft had earned the Rong Family immense wealth, and for this, she was given the rank of Ninth Elder. And most importantly¡­ She once had a history with Rong Yu¡¯s father. A history that might just save him now. Rong Yu approached Yunchang Island¡¯s dock, but was immediately stopped. A female guard stepped forward, her gaze sharp. ¡°Who are you?¡± she demanded coldly. ¡°And why are you here without a pass token?¡± Rong Yu smiled slightly. He had been expecting this. (End of Chapter)