Ancient Family members noticed fewer people coming to them for pills, and the resting place of the Tian Family became lively. A senior from the Ancient Family questioned, "What's happening on the Tian Family's side? Why are all those cultivators running over there?"
Even with a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Tian Family, it shouldn't be to the extent that each cultivator flocks there. The astonishing performance of Late Night, which reached the ears of the Ancient Family's senior, made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
"Yes, Elder. I'll go check right away."
The guard went to investigate and quickly returned with a surprised expression, saying, "Elder, it's Young Master Gu Yao selling pills over there. They're saying that Young Master Gu Yao is an alchemist, selling intermediate-grade pills. Some people even claim that the detoxification pills from the Tian Family earlier were refined by Young Master Gu Yao."
He saw the excellent pills in people's hands, and there was a temptation to buy some. However, thinking about his position, he suppressed the urge and quickly returned to report.
"Gu Yao is an alchemist? How is that possible? Who taught him alchemy?" The Elder had not spoken yet, and Gu Yan, who overheard, questioned first.
"Let's go and take a look." The Elder also wanted to get to the bottom of this and headed towards the Tian Family. Gu Yan quickly followed, adding a touch of hostility towards Gu Yao this time.
"Any Revitalization Pills left? I'll add some spirit pearls. The price is not a problem."
A person inquired at Gu Yao's impromptu stall.
Revitalization Pills are essential for supplementing spiritual power during cultivation and battles. Today, apart from Recovery Pills, these pills sold the best. Gu Yao's reserves were insufficient since these were only a portion of the spirit herbs that the Tian Family sent over after deducting their share. So, he shook his head and said, "Sorry, none left. But if you have spirit herbs, I can refine a batch for you when we camp tonight."
Disappointed at first, the person's spirits lifted when they heard about the possibility. "Sure, sure. These are the spirit herbs for refining Revitalization Pills. Take your time, Young Master Gu Yao." Even if Gu Yao refined the pills and handed them over before reaching the destination, it was acceptable.
Gu Yao checked the spirit herbs, confirmed their quality, and accepted them. The cultivator left happily. Seeing this, other cultivators who also wanted customized pills became active. If they couldn't collect enough herbs themselves, they could pool resources to buy the pills together, ensuring everyone had a share. Missing this opportunity meant no more such deals after leaving this village.
Gu Yao, as well as Late Night on the other side, was popular. Late Night also brought out some spirit charms for sale. His spirit charms had gained fame in Far Yang Town, with none complaining about their quality compared to those from the Lu Family.
When the Ancient Family Elder and Gu Yan arrived, they witnessed the cultivators praising Gu Yao and Late Night. Even Tian Fei Rong, who was handling a temporary stall, was being approached by many cultivators. Tian Fei Rong looked pleased with himself.
Spotting the two approaching figures, Tian Fei Rong enthusiastically called out, "Isn't this the Elder and the Young Master from the Ancient Family? What brings you here? Could it be you want to buy pills refined by Young Master Gu Yao or the spirit charms drawn by Late Night?"
Gu Yao, currently handling another alchemy request, heard Tian Fei Rong's voice but didn't stop checking the spirit herbs. With a smile, he said to the person, "All good. Follow the same rules. I'll have Tian Er notify you when the pills are ready."
"Alright, we'll wait for good news from Young Master Gu Yao." Several cultivators who pooled herbs bid farewell and left. They didn't want to get involved in the mess between the Ancient Family and Gu Yao.
Everyone has never seen Gu Yao refining pills in person, but based on the pills he presented, his alchemy skills are obviously superior to the younger generation of the Gu Family. Although many cultivators didn't speak up for Gu Yao, they were happy to watch the commotion around the Gu Family. The Gu Family monopolized the town's pills, setting exorbitant prices. Cultivators had no choice but to save up to buy them. Now that someone is challenging the Gu Family's alchemy status, they are more than willing to support it.
Gu Yao put away the spirit herbs into his storage bag and then looked up at the two people in front of him. Tian Fei Rong was grinding his teeth on the side. He warmly greeted these two, but they ignored him, infuriating him! It serves the Gu Family right to lose such an alchemical talent as Gu Yao!
The Gu Family Elder looked down on Tian Fei Rong, a playboy who only knew how to enjoy life. He couldn't fathom why the Tian Family still let him participate in the Ascension Conference, essentially wasting a spot. Therefore, he was uninterested in conversing with him. When he noticed Gu Yao looking over, he raised his beard, looking down at them and asked, "Can you refine pills? Whose alchemy did you learn, and did you refine the pills you are selling?"
When these two arrived, Late Night had already stood beside Gu Yao, assuming a protective stance. Gu Yan's pupils contracted because he couldn't discern the depth of Late Night's cultivation. Could it be that Late Night's cultivation was higher than his?
Where did this person come from? Where did he learn such astonishing swordsmanship?
Gu Yao chuckled, "Of course, I refined the pills myself. Is it possible for someone else to give them to me? As for whom I learned from, it's definitely not from the Gu Family. Elder, rest assured. During my time in the Gu Family, I wasn't qualified to touch the Gu Family's alchemy. Besides, there's more than one family in this world that understands alchemy."
Tian Fei Rong hastily applauded, "Gu Yao is absolutely right. Even the Elder can be at ease. Consider this: in my time with the Gu Family, I wasn't eligible to access their alchemical knowledge. In this world, alchemical expertise isn't exclusive to the Gu Family."
Gu Yan's eyes flashed with a stern look. Tian Fei Rong really needed a lesson, but seeing Tian Fei Yang approaching, he suppressed his anger. Having a Foundation Establishment-level aunt was convenient. Tian Fei Yang's strength had noticeably increased since the incident in the Ancient Tomb. Presumably, he was going to practice in the Heavenly Sea Sect with Aunt Tian Ru. But what did it matter? At most, he was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The Gu Elder said displeasedly, "Gu Yao, don't forget your surname is Gu, and you carry the blood of the Gu Family. The outside world is even more dangerous than Far Yang Town. With your cultivation and talent, it's challenging to stand out outside. Others' support may only be temporary, not everlasting. When you return to the Gu Family, we can still offer you protection. Consider your choices carefully. You're on your own!"
Unable to say more in front of the Tian Family, he left these words and turned to leave. Did Gu Yao really think the Tian Family could protect him forever? The Tian Family values the pills he refines. Otherwise, why would they shelter him?
"Brother Fei Yang, I'll take my leave." Gu Yan nodded at Tian Fei Yang, glanced at Gu Yao, looked at Late Night with suspicion, and left as well. Although Gu Yao might surprise him with his alchemy skills, as the Elder said, how far could someone with his talent go? If he were smart, he would return to the Gu Family. With his current alchemy skills, the Gu Family would undoubtedly value him more than staying with the Tian Family
The most vigilant and cautious person is Chi Changye. Originating from an unknown place, Chi Changye seems to appear out of thin air, possessing formidable strength and cultivation. Currently, there seems to be little goodwill toward the Gu family, causing Gu Yan to furrow his brow.
Watching the two depart, Tian Fei muttered discontentedly about being ignored, questioning what they were up to. Now that he knows Gu Yao's surname is Gu, why didn't he realize it earlier?
"Tian Fei, you, " Tian Fei Yang looked at his younger brother helplessly, "say a few words less. After all, that's the Gu family's elder."
Moreover, Tian's family shouldn't interfere too much in Gu Yao's matters. As the elder mentioned, Gu Yao is, after all, surnamed Gu, with the blood of the Gu family. Previous dealings with Gu Yao were handled by the second brother.
Chi Changye looked at Gu Yao, who chuckled, "It's fine. I haven't thought about going back to the Gu family since I left."
In the Dan Pavilion, Xu Chen sighed, "Just a Qi Refining Ninth Layer cultivator dares to command you, Gu Yao. What kind of life have you been living? You're the heir of the Dan Pavilion! Don't disgrace the Dan Pavilion!"
Although Xu Chen doesn't appreciate Gu Yao's Four Spiritual Roots talent, now that Gu Yao carries the Dan Pavilion's legacy, he is not to be underestimated as a Qi Refining cultivator. If Gu Yao compromises easily, Xu Chen would rather teach him a lesson.
Gu Yao chuckled in his sea of consciousness, "They don't know about my connection to the Dan Pavilion. Fortunately, I have an uncle. Others think my alchemy skills are passed down by my uncle; otherwise..."
He couldn't easily deceive others, especially the people from the Gu family.
Continuing forward to leave the dangerous Xiongju Pass, they encountered two more demonic beast attacks. The final attack involved a Foundation Establishment stage demonic beast. Despite some casualties, they successfully left Xiongju Pass without ambushes from hostile cultivators. The leaders of the three factions breathed sighs of relief.
In a relatively safe area, they halted to regroup and heal. Gu Yao's and Chi Changye's reputation grew louder due to their contributions in the battles. Some cultivators owed their lives to the pills sold by Gu Yao and the talismans sold by Chi Changye.
Due to the extended stop, Gu Yao decided to refine pills. His reputation irked some disciples skilled in alchemy from the Gu family. They couldn't accept being compared to Gu Yao, who they considered a discarded waste.
"We can't let Gu Yao off so easily. What is he, just a waste abandoned by his father! He dares to gain fame by stepping on us. Can a Four Spiritual Roots trash really refine pills? Let's go find Gu Yao and settle the score!""