"I've been dedicating a lot of time to my cultivation, and my body is in a poor state. I'm interested in using the Health Elixir to improve my physical condition. As for the other elixirs, I intend to become the chief disciple within the next three months."
Upon Qin Shu's completion of this statement, a silence descended upon the elixir room. Everyone appeared incredulous, even the Elder of Elixir Refinery Room displayed traces of surprise in his eyes.
"I... I didn't mishear, did I? He intends to challenge for the chief position?"
"Is he out of his mind?"
"Is this happening? Competing for the chief position in three months isn't something you can just participate in. Do you even know the minimum requirement?"
The Sixth Elder cleared his throat, prompting everyone to resume their activities, though their ears remained attentive, eager for more gossip.
"Elder, it requires reaching the Level 10 Qi Refinement."
"Given that you understand the gap in cultivation levels, you must realize how challenging it is. However, it's admirable for young individuals to dare to take on challenges. I may not dictate your path, but I can certainly provide you with the elixirs."
"Xiao Ling."
"I'm here."
A delicate and charming female disciple emerged from a nearby shelf and bowed, awaiting instructions.
"Proceed. If you require any elixirs, obtain them yourself."
The Sixth Elder returned to his recliner and closed his eyes to rest, this time with his beard remaining still.
"Senior Brother Qin, please follow me. This is the elixir room."
Xiao Ling extended an inviting gesture, and Qin Shu followed her to the shelves.
"It's fortunate that he's young. However, can this young man truly secure the chief position within three months?"
At this moment, the Sixth Elder also contemplated the matter. It had been years since he took on a disciple, with his last disciple being accepted five years prior.
Initially, he treated Qin Shu with a lack of formality, partly because he didn't prefer it and partly because he sought to groom Qin Shu as a direct disciple.
Over the years, few of his disciples reached the Qi level, and most ranked at the bottom of the competition for the chief position. Some elders, like the Seventh Elder, had only three disciples in total.
If it weren't for the Seventh Elder's close relationship with the Sect Master, the other elders might have divided the three peaks under the Seventh Elder's care.
"Senior Brother Qin, this is the elixir you requested. Is there anything else you require?"
At that moment, Xiao Ling had helped Qin Shu obtain the elixirs he needed. He then inquired, "Miss, may I ask if there are any elixirs or methods that can enhance one's soul? Lately, I've been interested in learning the Origin Pattern Art, but my soul power has remained stagnant."
Qin Shu brought up his concern. Though he possessed the simplified system, it couldn't effectively boost his soul's power. In essence, he needed to find a solution for soul power enhancement on his own.
"Unfortunately, there aren't any effective methods," Xiao Ling responded, shaking her head.
She noticed Qin Shu's disappointment and offered an alternative perspective. "However, if Senior Brother Qin reaches the Divine Soul Realm in the future, it's not impossible to simultaneously cultivate both your divine soul and Dao techniques."
"Is the divine soul divided into realms?"
Qin Shu was surprised. He had always assumed that one's soul power was innately fixed and didn't realize it could be categorized into realms.
"It appears that Senior Brother Qin is relatively unfamiliar with this subject," Xiao Ling remarked, noting Qin Shu's lack of knowledge.
She continued, "The realm of the divine soul is simpler than cultivation, divided into ten levels. Nevertheless, cultivation of the divine soul is over a hundred times more challenging than ordinary cultivation."
"I see now," Qin Shu said, his eyes lighting up with newfound understanding. He realized his knowledge in this area was merely scratching the surface.
"Thank you for your explanations, Sister," Qin Shu expressed his gratitude.
"Senior Brother Qin, there's no need to thank me. I'm just fulfilling my duty. If you truly wish to delve deeper, I recommend visiting the Scripture Depository. An elderly expert there possesses more comprehensive knowledge than I do," Xiao Ling suggested with a smile.
Then, Qin Shu posed some additional questions to gather basic knowledge. After receiving the answers, he exited the elixir room with the acquired elixirs.
"So, you're saying that Qin Shu has become an inner sect disciple and made remarkable progress in his cultivation? He even secured a special spot from the Fifth Elder?" Luo Xue was seated, holding a teacup and caressing it before taking a sip of tea. She inquired softly.
"Indeed, what this disciple speaks is the truth. It was that scoundrel Qin Shu who knocked out my tooth. Big sister, we need you to take action on our behalf," Wu Jian implored urgently, seemingly unconcerned about his pride. He simply wished for someone to confront Qin Shu aggressively.
"You two, leave for now," Luo Xue said to Wu Jian with a casual wave as she glanced at Li Wen and Li Wu.
"But, big sister..."
"Get out," Luo Xue insisted.
Luo Xue gently positioned the teacup on the table, and as spiritual energy radiated, Wu Jian was forcefully expelled from the house, landing in the courtyard. He swiftly rose to his feet and departed.
"What brings you here?" Luo Xue asked, her smile unwavering as she looked at Li Wen and Li Wu. Since their arrival, she had sensed a strong desire for vengeance.
It had been many years since she last encountered someone emanating such an aura, and the first person to do so had been Wang Ho. It was Wang Ho's audacity that had initially captivated her.
"Yes, we've heard that Senior Brother Wang Ho is exceptionally powerful. We hoped that he could offer us some guidance. Naturally, we are willing to pay," Li Wen and Li Wu expressed, having learned from others that Wang Ho and Qin Shu harbored animosity, leading them to seek out Wang Ho.
"Treating me as an outsider by offering payment? It suffices to present me with Qin Shu's head once you've dealt with him, and that will be payment enough," Luo Xue suggested, shaking her head before tossing a storage bag to the two of them.
"Inside, you'll find several elixirs and a copy of the Burning Blood Technique. In case you can't defeat him, there's also a talisman paper that allows you to invite a deity to possess you. When affixed to your body, you'll instantly gain supreme power."
"However, remember that this power will consume your lifespan. Act according to your abilities and refrain from using it within the sect."
Li Wen and Li Wu exchanged glances before bowing to express their gratitude and taking their leave.
"Qin Shu, oh, Qin Shu, you truly are quite the challenge," Luo Xue murmured as she watched them depart. Upon working alongside Wang Ho for so long, Qin Shu was the first to give her even a slight headache, although it was hardly more than a minor annoyance.
Ten days later, within Qin Shu's modest courtyard.
"Guide the qi into the body, traverse the four bones, and arrive at the dantian."
Qin Shu mumbled these steps softly as the surrounding spiritual energy gathered. He sensed his cultivation reaching its peak once more, with this blood essence being denser than ever. He had formulated a thorough plan.
"Level 9 Qi Refinement, here I come."
After swallowing the Blood essence elixir, Qin Shu felt his meridians quivering intensely. Countless streams of spiritual qi surged from his body, while his blood essence threatened to overflow. Swiftly, he initiated circulation to prevent harm.
As he cultivated, his blood essence continued to condense. Eventually, the spiritual energy dissipated, leaving only his blood essence enveloping him, persisting for an extended duration.
[Name: Qin Shu]
[Lifespan: 21/167 years (15/365 days)]
[Realm: Level 9 Qi Refinement (12/900)]
[Cultivation Technique: Level 8 Life-Preserving Technique (Peak Entry)]
[Level 9 Space-Breaking Fist (Minor Completion-1221/5000)]
[Level 9 Burning Blood Technique (Master-102/2000)]
[Level 7 Great Strength Art, First Form (Master-84/2000)]
[Origin Pattern Art: Level 8 Beast Trapping Array (Beginner-57/100)]
"Level 9 Qi Refinement," Qin Shu remarked, feeling his blood essence substantially strengthened. He clenched his fist and threw it forward, wind whistling as it went.
"Two months remain until the competition for the chief position. I must acquire a saber technique and a body protection technique. Relying solely on fist techniques will likely not suffice for victory." Qin Shu contemplated while scrutinizing his cultivation technique on the interface.
"I should visit the Scripture Depository. The martial arts field's saber techniques are too limited."
With that decision in mind, Qin Shu pushed the door open.
"Good morning, Brother Qin."
Not long after his departure, Qin Shu encountered Zi Yue in a nearby bamboo grove.
"Good morning, Miss Zi Yue. Where is Miss Qing Yuan?" Qin Shu responded politely, although he sensed something amiss. Upon closer inspection, he realized that Qing Yuan, who usually clung to Zi Yue, was conspicuously absent.
"Oh, I'm not sure where that girl went off to play. She was dressed neatly and left early this morning. She may have encountered a romantic fate."