Chapter 100: Entering the Azure Pool Sword Sect (Part 1)

"I only have a superficial understanding, but I do possess the ancient manual of the Golden Hand technique. If I can study it carefully again, by the time I reach the initial or entry-level stage, I should have some confidence in successfully separating the essence," Che Wuyou thought disdainfully of Elder Qingdan before replying calmly. Just as he had expected, Elder Qingdan had appeared at first like a refined cultivator, embodying the aura of a seasoned Daoist. However, upon hearing about this ancient alchemical method, Golden Hand, he unexpectedly lost composure and displayed an unusual expression.

"Oh, so young friend, you have the Golden Hand manual. You must take great care of it; any mishap would be unfortunate. Though such manuals are not exceedingly rare, they are still quite precious," Elder Qingdan said, as if realizing his earlier lapse, quickly tidying his robes and returning to a composed demeanor.

"Thank you for your reminder, senior. But rest assured, my manual is currently with Master Li. I believe it couldn't be safer than in his hands," Che Wuyou replied.

"What?" Elder Qingdan was puzzled. Li Muqiu should not understand the Golden Hand technique, so why was he interested in the manual? Could he have recognized its value as well? Instinctively, Elder Qingdan glanced at Li Muqiu, who wore a serious expression and seemed oblivious to Che Wuyou’s words. This only deepened his suspicion—there was a high probability that the manual was indeed with Li Muqiu. Others present also cast curious glances at Li Muqiu, each harboring their own thoughts.

Li Muqiu ignored the various expressions around him, his gaze fixed intently on Elder Qingdan as he spoke with gravity, "Elder Qingdan, since you have no doubts about this young man’s method, please tell us how we might obtain the Xu Li herb. From what I gathered earlier, we don’t need to venture into the Western Wasteland to acquire it. But how exactly do you intend to procure it?" This was the matter Li Muqiu was most concerned about, and having finally heard the conversation between Che Wuyou and Elder Qingdan, he asked eagerly.

"…Master Daoist, this matter is of great importance. Perhaps we should return first and discuss it more thoroughly," Elder Qingdan said after a brief pause, bowing slightly to Li Muqiu.

"Very well. Autumn’s health is poor; we shouldn’t keep her here any longer. Let us return to Qingchi," Li Muqiu agreed, aware that some secrets might involve other major forces and were not for everyone to know. With that, he prepared to head back to the Qingchi Sword Sect.

As they emerged from the rear mountains, the disciples of Qingchi who had long awaited the master’s return seized the opportunity. They stepped forward together, bowing deeply and calling out loudly, "Welcome back, Master Daoist…"

Before they could finish, Li Muqiu impatiently interrupted, "Enough, enough. Return quickly. I have important business to discuss with Elder Qingdan." With that, he and Li Yiqiu led the way toward the rear mountains, leaving the others exchanging uncertain glances.

After entering the Qingchi Sword Sect, Che Wuyou was assigned a small, isolated room. Aside from the restriction on his freedom, the sect was generous in all other respects. In addition to various daily cultivation supplies, they even bestowed upon him a small piece of medium-grade Yuan Stone.

This was the first time Che Wuyou had ever seen a medium-grade Yuan Stone. Back in the Miao family, Yuan Stones were seldom used; only Miao Shilin’s direct disciples received a small piece of low-grade Yuan Stone monthly, and others had no access at all. Fortunately, Liu Lanzhi’s high standing in the Miao family allowed him to use some low-grade Yuan Stones, but this medium-grade one was a novelty.

The value of a medium-grade Yuan Stone far exceeded that of a low-grade one. For the same weight, a medium-grade Yuan Stone was worth nearly a hundred times more. Holding the medium-grade Yuan Stone in his hand, Che Wuyou couldn’t help but admire the strength of the Qingchi Sword Sect. Although he was not yet an official disciple, he already had the privilege of using medium-grade Yuan Stones. He eagerly anticipated what it would be like once he became a formal disciple.

The Yuan Power within the medium-grade Yuan Stone was abundant and pure. No wonder so many preferred cultivating with Yuan Stones—the energy was so refined that it required little refinement and was easily absorbed, and the higher the grade, the more pronounced this effect.

For several days, Che Wuyou diligently cultivated and meditated using the medium-grade Yuan Stone. Since breaking through the Purple Mansion Realm, his cultivation had stalled, but after using the medium-grade Yuan Stone, he sensed daily progress. This brought him great joy. At this rate, he estimated that within two months he could reach the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm.

Such rapid advancement was previously unimaginable—truly astonishing. He thought of the disciples of great sects who were fortunate enough to have both talent and ample cultivation resources. It was strange if they did not progress quickly. Che Wuyou recalled Wu Haotian of the Huashan Sword Sect, who had come once to mediate disputes between the Che and Miao families.

Back then, Che Wuyou was young and had no clear idea of Wu Haotian’s strength, only hearing later that he had reached the mid-stage of the Returning Origin Realm. Reflecting carefully now, he suspected Wu Haotian had concealed his true power or never revealed it fully.

As Huashan Sword Sect’s seed disciple, Wu Haotian’s talent was unimaginable—at least no weaker than Che Wuyou’s own brother. Che Yeming, his brother, had reached the mid-stage of the Returning Origin Realm by then. With the vast resources of Huashan Sword Sect, far surpassing the Che family, Wu Haotian’s cultivation should have been at the later stage or even peak of the Returning Origin Realm.

Che Wuyou sighed deeply at the thought. The gap between himself and such geniuses was vast, and even his brother was likely far behind. Shaking his head with a smile, he thought, “Comparing myself to such prodigies is only making things difficult for me. I have no grand ambitions. If I can just form my core, I will be satisfied.” Judging by his current progress, staying at Qingchi and forming his core was entirely possible.

If he succeeded in forming his core, he could go find Lanzhi. Also… it seemed the Demonic Pill hadn’t caused trouble recently. Perhaps it was being suppressed by the Remedy Pill. Everything seemed to be moving toward the best possible outcome, and a faint smile of relief crossed Che Wuyou’s lips.