Gradually, the Minor True Yang Pills that Gu Zuo supplied everyday remained steady at the standard of five top grade pills, twenty high grade pills, and no mid grade or low grade pills.
At first, the members of the Hundred Rivers League thought that Xiao Tianqi was going to take a mix of top, high, and mid grade Minor True Yang Pills. In the end, they discovered that he would take, on average, three top grade pills every day, which could ensure proper treatment. Later on, after taking two more pills every day, his improvement speed gradually quickened. To their surprise, he didn’t need to take the high or mid grade pills!
Thus, all of the high and mid grade Minor True Yang Pills were hoarded by the Hundred Rivers League.
This instance of Xiao Tianqi being assailed by the cold yin qi was also considered a wake-up call for them. They needed to store up some of this kind of medicinal pill that carried the power of the sun — One shouldn’t assume that, just because they found Gu Zuo, the medicinal pills would be coming in very quickly. What if Gu Zuo left in the future? What if there was an emergency? It was better to make preparations in advance to avert any disasters.
This treatment process lasted a little more than twenty days.
On average, a batch of medicinal ingredients were delivered every seven to eight days. After a total of three deliveries, Xiao Tianqi’s injuries had already completely recovered. Following this, he digested some top grade Minor True Yang Pills as before, but that was merely to nurse his body and to clear away the last bits of hidden damage.
After Xiao Tianqi swallowed the final medicinal pill and opened his eyes, his eyes glimmered with a deep light and the qi emissions of his whole body overflowed. His entire person had become incomparably relaxed and unhindered! His strength, which had previously been suppressed by the ailment, had suddenly risen. In a short period of time, it had recovered to reach the beginnings of the pseudo high realm. Moreover, he could sense that the distance from a true high realm was a barrier so thin that it could practically be broken with just a poke!
One could imagine that, so long as Xiao Tianqi worked hard for a length of time, he could smoothly enter a new realm in a couple of days to a month!
Hai Tian and the others observed on the side. Upon seeing that Xiao Tianqi had finished, they all hurriedly asked: “Senior Sect Brother Xiao, how are you?”
Xiao Tianqi gave a hearty laugh: “I’ve gotten rid of all the hidden dangers. My meridians and flesh also don’t have any built-up impurities. Presently, after a few days of cultivation, I can break through to the high Immortal Realm!”
Hai Tian’s eyes flashed with a trace of joy: “So to say, although Senior Sect Brother Xiao suffered some pain, this realm breakthrough hasn’t wasted your time!”
The hearts of the other few Immortal Realm martial artists were also full of happiness:
“This is seriously too good!”
“Luckily, that Junior Sect Brother Gu’s pills have helped us out a great deal!”
“After this, let’s see if that wolfish guy can still use any tricks!”
Each member of the Hundred Rivers League felt proud and elated. The pervious melancholic air from being threatened by the He Clan was all spat up at this moment. Everything was swept clean.
They also didn’t anticipate that, while the previous use of tens of millions of gold couldn’t heal Xiao Tianqi and could only keep him from worsening, the current amount that didn’t even reach one million gold already allowed Xiao Tianqi to completely recover and that it could also give him a breakthrough — This was simply inconceivable!
After their rapturous moods gradually cooled down, the numerous martial artists of the Hundred Rivers League felt that Gongyi Tianheng and the others were even more unfathomable.
But at the present time, their relationships were pretty good, and business was often smooth. As such, even though it was for the sake of Pharmacist Gu Zuo, who was of an even bigger help than some high-level pharmacists, they still needed to continue making friends with Tianheng. The league absolutely couldn’t be the least bit neglectful to them.
After Xiao Tianqi laughed, his tone carried a cold aggression: “You guys, take control of this matter for the time being. Wait until I enter the high Immortal Realm. Then, I’ll look for that He Clan twerp for a challenge and reclaim my seat on the Sky Leaderboard!”
Everyone from the Hundred Rivers League all said: “Senior Sect Brother Xiao’s might is unrivaled!”
Xiao Tianqi waved his large hand: “No need for flattery. The top priority right now is to prepare a generous gift and send it to that Junior Sect Brother Gongyi. It’s to express our gratitude to him and Junior Sect Brother Gu for coming to our aid. If it wasn’t for Junior Sect Brother Gu’s painstaking efforts in pill refining these days, it basically would’ve been impossible for me to obtain this benefit!”
The Hundred Rivers League’s people naturally affirmed once more: “Yes, Senior Sect Brother Xiao.”
Hence, when Gu Zuo was in the medicine refining palace hall to refine enhanced versions of the Minor True Yang Pill for his big brother, he learned that the Hundred Rivers League’s Xiao Tianqi and the others were coming to pay a visit and to express their gratitude.
Tianheng leaned outside the doorframe. He had a smile on his face as he said: “A visitation notice has already been delivered. Ah Zuo, go freshen up.”
Gu Zuo calmly finished refining this cauldron of pills. He looked at the peach juice inside the jade bowl and saw that it was almost used up. Then, he stood up and plugged the jade gourd in his hand with a cork: “Big brother, here.”
Tianheng took it. After his gaze swept passed and he saw the amount inside, he put it away: “Ah Zuo has put in a lot of effort. I have enough Minor True Yang Pills for the time being, so there’s no need to keep working this hard.”
While Gu Zuo was walking out with his big brother, he said: “But there’s also nothing else for it. Since the Hundred Rivers League gathered up so many medicinal ingredients, it would be better to refine and store them.”
Tianheng knew that his little pharmacist had his own plans, and also didn’t say much. He only reached out a hand to lightly pinch his cheek: “Only a little bit. You can’t be as reckless as that time a few days ago.”
Gu Zuo nodded his head with a bit of embarrassment: “Rest assured, big brother. I won’t be so foolish.”
Tianheng broke into laughter: “If I’m around, there’s no harm in being foolish occasionally.”
Gu Zuo: “…”
This was making fun of him! He didn’t take this seriously!
After the two walked out, Gu Zuo first went to tidy himself up. It didn’t take long for that Xiao Tianqi to lead Hai Tian as well as a bunch of trusted aides over.
The Tianlong Guard assigned to taking care of things guided them to a quiet place under a large tree. The Tianlong Guard asked them to take their seats, and conducted a reception.
Xiao Tianqi had previously heard about those two people, but he hadn’t met them. Later on, Gu Zuo dropped by to give him a medical checkup, but he was more or less in an unconscious state. If things were truly put into consideration, this was the first time they would be meeting in person.
He cupped his fist towards the two people, and spoke candidly: “Many thanks to these two sirs for the grace of saving my life!”
Gu Zuo followed behind Tianheng, but didn’t say anything.
Tianheng smiled: “Ah Zuo only refined some medicinal pills. It’s nothing much. Senior Sect Brother Xiao is exaggerating by saying that we saved your life.”
Immediately after, Gu Zuo hastily nodded his head.
Xiao Tianqi heard what was said, and didn’t keep up the formalities any longer.
Whether it was considered a life-saving grace or not, he himself would remember this. There was no need to disagree about these things.
Soon after, Hai Tian worked with the other couple of Immortal Realm martial artists to deliver a large quantity of congratulatory gifts.
Among these gifts, ninety percent were all categories of medicinal ingredients that had good product grades.
It wasn’t that they didn’t hold Tianheng in high regard. Rather, Tianheng’s current identity and position were both adequate, and they weren’t able to tell what he specially needed. On the contrary, it could be seen from Gu Zuo’s medicine refining level and the refinement of certain medicinal pills that he was superior to many high-level pharmacists. As such, it was never a wrong move to give precious ingredients.
Sure enough, Gu Zuo was very happy. He received the medicinal ingredients, and numerous stockpiles arose in his storage space once again — When there was free time, he wanted to refine all of these ingredients into medicinal pills!
Xiao Tianqi and the others were polite and courteous. They came over bearing feelings of deep gratitude, so Gu Zuo wasn’t stingy towards them. After using top-notch medicinal cuisine to entertain them, Gu Zuo also gave them a present before they left.
His present was naturally top grade medicinal pills.
Considering the fact that Xiao Tianqi had easily suffered a scheme, the pills that Gu Zuo gave were all top grade Detoxification Pills that had extensive medicinal effects — These things could dispel the majority of poisons. As for the poisons that couldn’t be dispelled, the pills could also let one survive.
One couldn’t focus on that these were only Human-Level medicinal pills. The pills suited Xiantian Realm martial artists, but in the end, the product grades were very high. To Immortal Realm martial artists, these also had certain effects.
Additionally, Gu Zuo also secretly gave three Dust Molting Pills.
These were his newly-attempted medicinal pills. They could increase the probability of a peak Xiantian martial artist’s breakthrough to the Immortal Realm. Originally, Gu Zuo’s realm was low, and he wasn’t able to refine this pill. However, he now had a Wondrous Fire and the necessary medicinal ingredients. Working until he drained himself dry, he could only produce these few pills. However, with his present level, he still could only refine mid grade pills.
But even though it was like this, Xiao Tianqi and the others were very happy.
One’s own side was polite, and the other party’s side was also polite. With this back and forth approach, their friendly relations naturally deepened.
…Especially after they gained first-hand knowledge of Gu Zuo furthered potential.
Once Xiao Tianqi and the others departed, things were peaceful and carefree for several more days.
During this time, Gu Zuo suddenly reacted. That mission of Xiao Tianqi was completed, but for the first mission, Huang Ji had yet to respond.
Did he not take the matter of that day to heart?
After Gu Zuo thought it over, he discussed this with Tianheng and didn’t go to find Xu Lingxiu. Rather, Tianheng had gone to find Xi Yangyun, and asked him whether they could meet Huang Ji.
Xi Yangyun’s identity and position were rather high. Hearing Tianheng’s purpose in coming, he helped out and went to inquire. Merely, Huang Ji’s temperament was strange. Whether Huang Ji agreed to meet them or not wasn’t something that Xi Yangyun could decide.
After about a day, Xi Yangyun replied.
Tianheng’s complexion was tranquil.
Xi Yangyun’s expression was a little peculiar: “Junior Sect Sister Huang has agreed.”
Originally, Huang Ji was always unwilling to get into contact with too many people. Usually, he was a cultivating madman who would remain in seclusion or would be out adventuring all year round. He would almost never associate with others. After Xi Yangyun mentioned Tianheng and Gu Zuo, that Huang Ji unexpectedly didn’t ask about anything else. Huang Ji had already agreed to meet with them…
This was truly strange.
However, Xi Yangyung also didn’t intend on getting to the heart of the matter. He only pulled some strings to build a bridge. As for any peculiarities amid all of this, he didn’t make any conjectures.
It was just that, using this as a pretext, Xi Yangyun placed greater regard upon Tianheng’s abilities. If he could smoothly connect with even Huang Ji, then his future prospects were immeasurable!
After Xi Yangyun bade farewell, Tianheng went back and told Gu Zuo the news.
Gu Zuo blinked his eyes: “He agreed so directly?”
He thought that, at the very least, there’d be a few more probing instances.
Meanwhile, Tianheng slightly pondered: “After Huang Ji heard Xi Yangyun mention us, he agreed immediately. This is sufficient to prove something.”
Gu Zuo stared blankly: “What is it?”
Tianheng didn’t answer, and replied with a rhetorical question: “Ah Zuo, have you and I gotten acquainted with Huang Ji in the past?”
Gu Zuo replied: “Ah, no. We haven’t.”
Tianheng faintly nodded: “But Huang Ji ‘immediately’ agreed to see us.”
Gu Zuo startled. After that, he reacted right away: “Big brother’s meaning is that, although Huang Ji didn’t take the initiative to find us, he has already investigated us!”
Tianheng nodded his head: “Correct. Otherwise, with our reputations, I’m afraid it would’ve been unlikely for Huang Ji to recognize us.”
Gu Zuo’s heart thumped a bit nervously.
After investigating, this Huang Ji kept silent. Could it be that he was waiting for them to voluntarily deliver themselves to his front door… No, no, no. Maybe it wasn’t this complicated?
But in short, it was better to put this off for another discussion after meeting in person.
The two soon came to a decision. With the help of Xi Yangyun, the time of the meeting between them and Huang Ji was set.
And the location of the meeting was a place that Huang Ji decided upon — It was at the hill that Huang Ji dwelled.
Before leaving, Tianheng told Xi Yangyun about the matter of them paying Huang Ji a visit that day. Off to the side, although Xi Yangyun didn’t know what was going on, if Tianheng and Gu Zuo were kept busy by Huang Ji for a long time, he naturally would think of some methods.
Those two people had a tacit mutual understanding. While Gu Zuo didn’t think about it that much, he remained calm. Following Tianheng, they sat on a wild bird and immediately came to Huang Ji’s residence.
This was a lush, forested hill. Compared to ordinary mountain peaks, it was taller and its soil was more fertile. A dense forest covered the entire hill. In this forest, the howls of wild beasts were often transmitted outwards. It was quite unlike the residences of other Immortal Realm disciples.
After Gu Zuo ascended the hill, his heart was somewhat surprised.
Odd. Where did Huang Ji live?
On the entire summit, he didn’t even see any constructed dwellings that could be seen on other hills. Could it be that Huang Ji lived directly in the forest?
…Naturally, Huang Ji didn’t live in the forest.
But the place he lived in was actually nearly the same as a forest.
Huang Ji’s residence was a cavern cut into the top of this summit. The area inside was considered relatively spacious. However, compared to the areas of other martial artists’ dwellings, it was clearly simple and crude.
Everything was made of stone, and some places were spread with animal hides. This didn’t look like a woman’s boudoir. It looked like a man’s dwelling… It all felt somewhat barbarous.
Gu Zuo followed Tianheng up here, and didn’t encounter any obstacles during the whole journey. With great difficulty, they found traces of someone’s dwelling here, but they didn’t find any trace of Huang Ji himself.
That said, it was agreed upon that they would be paying a visit. So where did Huang Ji go?
Gu Zuo was a little speechless: “Big brother, will we wait here or go back?”
Tianheng smiled and said: “Since we’ve come and we’ve also made an agreement, it wouldn’t be good to just leave. What’s more, the specific agreed-upon time hasn’t arrived. Huang Ji not returning yet isn’t considered as having reneged on our agreement.”
Gu Zuo understood.
In any case, they would wait until the agreed-upon time arrived.
Hence, the two didn’t actually walk into that cavern. At the cave mouth, they saw that there was no one within, so they patiently waited outside. This wait was nearly fifteen minutes long.
Soon, the time was about to arrive.
Suddenly, amid the mountainous trees outside the cavern, a din of birds swiftly taking flight was heard. A vast stench of blood emanated from the interior. Immediately following that, a figure dashed out like lightning!
Gu Zuo jumped in fright.
Tianheng kept both of his hands on Gu Zuo’s shoulders, which helped to calm him down.
Gu Zuo was placated, and that rushing human shadow also halted right outside of the cavern.
After that, Gu Zuo got a clear view of this person. His throat moved, and he swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
Damn…
Sure enough, the person who came was Huang Ji!
Huang Ji was wearing full-length leather robes, his short hair stood on end, and his qi emissions were swift and fierce.
At this moment, one of his arms was crooked up, and clutched in the palm of his hand was a wild beast’s horn. That wild beast was being rigidly slung over his shoulder.
Altogether, Huang Ji was nearly three meters tall, but the wild beast being carried was dozens of times larger than him. It was like a pillar supporting a small hill. One couldn’t help being shocked by that sight.
With a glance, Gu Zuo saw that this wild beast was a Spirit-Level wild beast, which was comparable to Immortal Realm martial artists! When it was held aloft by Huang Ji, it was like Huang Ji was carrying a dead pig… One couldn’t see the imposing majesty that it originally should’ve possessed.
For a moment, Gu Zuo nearly harbored doubts. Was Huang Ji giving them an initial show of strength?
After that, the facts told him that Huang Ji wasn’t interested in doing such a thing.
Because, after Huang Ji nodded slightly towards the two, his two hands were like lightning as the Spirit-Level wild beast was swiftly dismantled. The agility of his actions was even more nimble than when Gu Zuo first started harvesting medicinal ingredients and dissecting wild beasts. Clearly, this skill was borne from hard work and numerous revisions. Huang Ji had done this countless times.
Once Huang Ji finished dismantling the wild beast in less than ten minutes, he hung the animal hide on an enormous, ancient tree, which was in front of the cavern. The blood on the fur rained down in a patter, and gathered into a small puddle on the ground. It released the rich and heady stench of blood — This scent caused numerous wild beasts in that dense forest to utter lengthly roars, hisses, and cries. However, not a single wild beast dared to leap out of the forest and charge into the vicinity.
It was at this time that Gu Zuo discovered that, on the enormous, ancient tree that he hadn’t paid attention to previously, the dark-brown of the tree bark wasn’t its original color. Rather, after having the blood of numerous beasts dribble upon it, the passage of many years had congealed into this color. The black soil beneath the tree wasn’t originally black, too. Rather, the beast blood had soaked it. After mixing with the earth, it had gradually accumulated, and formed this kind of color and luster.
So to say, Huang Ji’s proficiency and the appearance of the ancient tree and the soil…was enough proof that this was Huang Ji’s daily life! This had absolutely nothing to do with an initial show of strength.
Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed.
Okay. It was him who was thinking too much.
Tianheng stood on the side, and quietly watched Huang Ji’s movements.
Both of Tianheng’s hands were still pressed on Gu Zuo’s shoulders like he was still placating him. As if Tianheng was accompanying him.
Gu Zuo’s heart also calmed down.
In the end, he didn’t need to wrack his brains over what Huang Ji wanted to do…
On that side, Huang Ji’s movements were very simple.
After he dismantled that wild beast, large chunks of flesh were piled up on the stony floor to the side. Soon after, he acquired some tinder. Just like this, he started to grill right outside the cavern. After using the sticks of some sturdy tree branches to skewer those chunks of flesh, he quickly sprinkled some powder-like things, which caused the surfaces of those chunks to turn yellow.
Gu Zuo: “…”
In other words, Huang Ji’s series of actions were all basically to just start a barbecue?
Immediately following this, Huang Ji sat before the bonfire. Towards the two people, he said: “My humble home is simple and crude. Please take a seat.”
Gu Zuo’s frame of mind instantly became complicated.
As it turned out, Huang Ji came to barbecue in order to treat his guests… In which case, the guests were him and his big brother.
Tianheng heard Huang Ji’s words. He arranged and settled his robes, and was already sitting on the opposite side of the bonfire. At this time, Gu Zuo reacted, and, without the least bit of ambiguity, he sat in the same manner as Tianheng.
Huang Ji looked across, and his sharp gaze seemed to ease up a tad.
Gu Zuo’s heart seemed to realize something.
Meanwhile, Tianheng’s words echoed within his Tianfu Acupoint.
[Although Huang Ji’s temperament is grim and callous, it’s also very pure. Ah Zuo’s actions are brisk and straightforward, which is pleasing to his eyes.]
Gu Zuo wasn’t a fool. There wasn’t any need to think about it too much, and he came to an understanding.
[Big brother, it looks like Huang Ji isn’t the sort of person who’ll scheme behind someone’s back. This time, maybe this matter can be resolved.]
There was a smile on Tianheng’s face.
[Ah Zuo, when handling matters, just rely on your heart. Don’t overthink it.]
Gu Zuo was clear about this reasoning, so it was only natural that he agreed as well.
[Rest assured, big brother.]
This exchange only lasted for an instant.
Huang Ji quickly finished roasting the meat. The golden-yellow beast oil dripped into the bonfire, which emitted waves of scorching fragrance. And the Spirit-Level wild beast’s meat essence itself carried a type of intense pungency. The power it emitted was incomparably exquisite. When breathing it in, it would feel spicy. But in the next moment, one would felt gladdened and refreshed.
Afterwards, Huang Ji took out two sticks of roasted meat, and handed them over to Gu Zuo and Tianheng.
Upon seeing this, the two naturally received them and took a bite.
Sure enough, the flavor was mellow and rich. It was incredibly splendid.
Gu Zuo thought it wasn’t bad. He only felt a burst of power circulating in his body, which quickly scattered to his limbs, bones, and many acupoints. And as a martial artist, Tianheng’s senses were even sharper. After swallowing a piece of meat essence, he felt that the circulation speed of the true qi within his body had increased by at least twenty to thirty percent. The power emitted from the meat essence was very exquisite. It made his body nice and warm; it was very comfortable. The bone pearls of his entire body were voraciously absorbing this power. After a couple of breaths, it was completely digested!
The expression in Huang Ji’s eyes also eased up a little.
He also grabbed a stick, bit a large mouthful of the meat, and swallowed it into his stomach. It looked like he often ate this way. He was much faster than Tianheng and Gu Zuo’s speeds. The meal seemed extremely delicious.
Gu Zuo ate to his heart’s content. He shared a glance with Tianheng, and simply didn’t care about anything else. First, they would eat these chunks of meat essence from a Spirit-Level wild beast, which was hard to come by, and then they would discuss things.
Tianheng ate very quickly, and the bone pearls within his body also operated very quickly.
It was probably because it was the final bone pearl being condensed. After Tianheng ate the entire chunk of meat essence, by using this burst of power’s impact, a bone pearl was rapidly formed. This caused the bones in Tianheng’s body to make crackling sounds. In a split second, he broke through the shackles and smoothly advanced to Xiantian stage six!
Gu Zuo was immediately depressed.
Ah, he lost this round to his big brother…
Just a little bit short. He needed to make the most of this and rush in!
It was probably the effect of Gu Zuo’s “indomitable willpower”. After he finished eating the meat essence on hand, Gu Zuo also suddenly broke through and likewise reached Xiantian stage six.
Merely, Gu Zuo and Tianheng’s true realms were revealed before Huang Ji’s eyes.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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