Qi Zixiao the Saintess always had the attention of all disciples, and even more so after she obtained the Dusty Divine Arts at the Scripture Chamber.
Already, many disciples were keeping a subtle eye on the Saintess' movements.
As such, Lin Fan had barely stepped out of Bright Moon Peak when many disicples reacted to the news.
"Quick, report back to the senior sister that the Saintess had came out of seclusion again, current destination, unknown!"
"Inform His Grace the Saint at once, the Saintess had come out of seclusion again. Judging from her direction, she seems to be heading towards the pellet refinery!"
"Wow, did you hear? Her Grace the Saintess was heading to the pellet refinery."
"Why would she go there?"
"Who knows? But since she's in the middle of a secluded attempt of ascension, she would not come out if it was unnecessary."
"Doesn't that mean that someone impressive would be inside the pellet refinery, and a pellet that might help her ascension has been brewed?"
"Quick, go take a look!!!"
The human ability to fill in the blanks were exceedingly impressive. Even if they were not aware of many things, but a 'perfect' conclusion would somehow be drawn by following bits and pieces of clues.
That was why many of the disciples who were watching the Saintess believed that some astonishing pellet must have been concocted out of the pellet refinery, even aiding the Saintess in her ascension. Why else would she step out of seclusion at such a vital moment?!
For example, the last time the Saintess broke seclusion was to claim the body text of a world class technique.
So, could the pellet refinery develop some outstanding pellet this time that had no side-effects, whilst helping the Saintess ascend beyond Refined Void?
After all, there was no other reason the Saintess would leave seclusion, would she?!
Once that idea popped up, many disciples who had rank and status could not simply just sit and watch.
That was especially the case for the Snow Maiden and other high-ranked disciples but were neither the Saint nor the Saintess. They were all scrambling wildly for the unobtainable!
As for most of the inner sect, outer sect or even handyman disciples, all of them could only sigh in their powerlessness.
Such was the gap between their positions.
Even if such a pellet exists, which of them would be able to obtain it aside from the disciples who have sufficient rank?
That bit of common sense was needed.
***
The Saint stepped out of his door with a composed look.
"Qi Zixiao had gone to the pellet refinery?"
"Yes, Your Grace. Word is that the pellet refinery had produced a pellet that could promote ascension from Divine Separation-pinnacle to Refined Void, and without any side effects at that."
"Oh?"
The Saint's gaze lifted slightly. "There's such a thing? Not bad…"
"Your Grace, should we…'
"Go for a look yourself. Trade for it if it is available since you could use it in the future, but it doesn't matter if you can't get it."
"Your Grace, about the Saintess…"
"That's unnecessary."
The Saint smiled proudly. "I'm one step ahead of her, and she would really have fallen if she truly ascended by taking medicine."
"Still, I do hope she takes it. That way… Hehe."
The Saint turned and returned inside his chamber, the doors closing on their own behind him.
After that, there was nothing to be heard from within.
His guardian disciples all shared a glance and exclaimed in awe.
"Nothing less could be expected of His Grace. His talent is peerless—why would he be afraid of someone who ascended with drugs?!"
"That's right. Perhaps from his perspective, Qi Zixiao was not a threat if she ascended with medicine."
"If that's so, let's head to the pellet refinery for a look…"
***
Over the skies, a transparent longsword streaked through the air. The Snow Maiden was standing upon it, having a hopeful look on her face despite feeling a sense of urgency inside."
"I could ascend to Divine Separation at any moment. If I could obtain a Refined Void Pellet… I might become an equal to Qi Zixiao. When that happens…"
"I need to get that Ideal Refined Void Pellet regardless!!"
Almost every disciple bought into the rumor.
The Snow Maiden even named the pellet the Refined Void Pellet.
No side effects? Then it shall be named the Ideal Refined Void Pellet.
How about that? Fitting, right?
***
"So that's the qi refinery..."
On a flying raft, Lin Fan could see the smoke billowing out of the pellet refinery, but kept a cool face despite his inward shock.
"It's quite… what's the word… identical inside out.'
From a distance, an enormous pellet cauldron stood over Pellet Peak. Disciples could be seen entering and exiting it from time to time, and the many columns of smoke swirling above seemed unable to fade for all eternity.
Thousands of plantations for medicinal herbs were spread across the mountain as well, with various spirit herbs planted within. Many handyman disciples were present, busy tending to the plants.
Moreover, the Spirit Qi wafting from the many spirit herbs were shrouding all of Pellet Peak, presenting it as a divine realm.
Whoosh!
The flying raft cut through the air, descending towards Pellet Peak.
There were not many rules binding Pellet Peak such as no-flying or whatnot, which was why they landed directly outside the qi refinery.
In fact, the many disciples spread across Pellet Peak detest others walking up the mountain.
After all, the plantations were everywhere, and locations seemingly unused were always planted with the seeds of spirit herbs…
Walking up the peak?
What if you trampled over a seed?
Even if you did not, treading the lawn is not good either.
***
"Saintess…"
As Lin Fan entered the qi refinery which resembles a pellet cauldron, the aroma of medicine came rushing to his nose while every disciple in the viscinity bowed. Keeping calm, he did not even offer a word in greeting.
Qi Zixiao did mention that when he encountered average disciples, he could act as if he did not see… In fact, she also offered instructions about what to do when it comes to non-average disciples.
And as he looked around, he found the interior of the pellet refinery infinitely larger than the outside.
"Dimensional transcendentalism, huh?" Lin Fan exclaimed his awe inwardly despite his composed reaction.
There were many pellet rooms in the pellet refinery.
Most were empty, although there were many disciples inside the occupied rooms cooking pellets and they were either very busy or frowning in thought…
There was even one whose face dropped as he dashed out of his room, shouting, "It-it-it's…"
"Check it out?"
Lin Fan could not resist offering inwardly.
However, that was when that disciple shouted, "It's going to blow!"
Lin Fan: "…"
And here I was thinking you were about to sing, he retorted inside his head.
At the same time, a group of people rushed towards Lin Fan and his escort.
The one in the lead had a fat head and large ears and stood around one point six meters, but his weight most certainly exceeded two hundred catties!
The fat over his body seemed to ripple in waves every step he took…
Nonetheless, Lin Fan immediately identified him thanks to that unique figure of his.
He is the head disciple of the Sacred Violet Manor's pellet refinery, prodigy of pellets—Dan Chengzi!"
"You grace us with your visit, Saintess. Apologies for not coming out to receive you, it's such a mistake on my part…"
Even from afar, Dan Chengzi was smiling exaggeratedly.
Still, Lin Fan was puzzled by his reaction.
Why does this person not feel like your typical cultivator?
Lin Fan had his suspicions.
Still, before he could clear it, he heard an exclamation from outside the door, "Brother Dan, brother, big trouble!"
"Word is that the Saintess is coming to our refinery, and that you had invented an Ideal Refined Void Pellet, which helps ascending up to Refined Void with no side effects…"