Chen Yujin's mention of "renting a Cave Heaven" wasn't entirely accurate.
To be precise, the Profound Pill Sect had purchased cultivation slots within a Cave Heaven belonging to the Jade Capital Mountain Holy Land.
While the announcement didn't specify the cost, it was undoubtedly far beyond ordinary people's imagination.
This was because only one hundred slots were available.
Considering the Profound Pill Sect had well over a hundred disciples at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement, why hadn't they purchased more?
The only logical explanation was that acquiring these slots had strained even the Profound Pill Sect's resources.
The announcement also identified the Cave Heaven where the slots had been purchased: the True Dawn Grand Void Heaven.
Furthermore, each slot granted only one year of cultivation time. After that, all one hundred disciples would have to return to the Sect.
"Oh well, the list is already finalized. Looks like this opportunity isn't for me," Han Yi thought.
Though tempted, he saw no viable way to secure a slot at this point. The only option would be to boldly challenge a powerful Ninth Layer Qi Refinement disciple within the Inner Sect, thus drawing the attention and favor of the Sect's higher-ups.
Such a brazen move was out of the question. For now, his strategy remained to stay as low-key as possible. Only when absolutely necessary would he reveal a portion of his strength, but he would never expose his full capabilities.
In the Cultivation World, it's always wise to keep something in reserve.
As Han Yi prepared to descend the mountain, he ran into an acquaintance, Luo Yunzhou.
Luo Yunzhou's eyes lit up when he saw Han Yi. "Junior Brother Han, what a pleasant surprise! Senior Brother here would like to treat you to a drink, and thank you for saving my life."
"I'm going all out today. Let's head to the Ascension Pavilion, the premier establishment on the Inner Peak."
Han Yi considered briefly and accepted.
Luo Yunzhou's intentions were clear: he wanted to strengthen their ties, expand his network on the Inner Peak, and gain another channel for gathering information in the future.
Moreover, Luo Yunzhou was a disciple of Azure Dragon Peak, the foremost Inner Peak. Their intelligence network should be the fastest and most reliable.
Besides, Han Yi had long wanted to experience the renowned splendor of the Ascension Pavilion.
Within the Profound Pill Sect, there was a pavilion and a tower whose offerings were highly coveted by all disciples.
The pavilion was none other than the Ascension Pavilion, the crown jewel of the Inner Peak.
The tower was the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, the premier establishment on the Outer Peak.
Han Yi and Zheng Hai had visited the Drunken Immortal Pavilion some time ago, but he hadn't yet had the opportunity to see the Ascension Pavilion. This seemed like the perfect chance to finally witness its splendor.
Seeing Han Yi nod in agreement, Luo Yunzhou's heart leaped with delight.
This junior brother might still be green, but he's destined to become a major powerhouse. Getting on his good side now would guarantee a substantial return in the future.
In any world, personal connections matter.
The Ascension Pavilion stood atop Azure Dragon Peak, the foremost of the Inner Peaks.
Azure Dragon Peak reigned supreme among the Inner Peaks, surpassing all others in grandeur, overall strength, resource allocation, and even the richness of its Spirit Veins. It stood unrivaled among both the Inner and Outer Peaks.
As Han Yi followed Luo Yunzhou into the Ascension Pavilion, he was immediately enveloped by a rich, spiritual atmosphere.
The pavilion's interior gleamed with countless rare treasures and spiritual artifacts. The entire structure was built atop a secondary node of a Fourth-Tier Spirit Vein, making its Spirit Qi concentration second only to that of the Profound Pill Peak, the sect's main peak. It even surpassed the cultivation chambers Han Yi had used during his time on the Outer Peak.
Luo Yunzhou didn't reserve a private room. Not only were they prohibitively expensive, but their prestigious nature meant they were typically reserved for cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Stage or even the Golden Core Stage.
Instead, he led Han Yi to a wine table by the window in the main hall.
As they ordered food and wine, Han Yi noticed Luo Yunzhou's unfamiliarity with the menu. It seemed this might be his first time treating someone at the Ascension Pavilion, a thoughtful gesture nonetheless.
The dishes arrived, the wine flowed, and after a feast of delicacies and spiritual energy, Han Yi felt thoroughly satisfied.
This meal far surpassed their previous one at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Han Yi hadn't asked the price, but when Luo Yunzhou later settled the bill, he overheard the sum of three hundred Spirit Stones. The pained expression on Luo Yunzhou's face confirmed that this was indeed an extravagant affair.
Five courses of food and fifty rounds of wine later, Luo Yunzhou leaned in and whispered, "Junior Brother Han, you've surely heard of the Cave Heaven Trial."
"Honestly, it's such a shame. By my standards, you absolutely deserved to be selected."
"I was even considering sounding you out to see if you wanted me to recommend you to my Master, to try and get you added to the list."
"But before I could act, the trial roster had already been announced."
Luo Yunzhou's face clouded with regret before straightening his expression.
"Still, Junior Brother Han, rest assured. I promised you I wouldn't reveal your true strength without your permission."
"And I, Luo Yunzhou, keep my word," he declared firmly.
Han Yi nodded and smiled faintly.
This Senior Brother is truly perceptive.
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Luo," Han Yi said, cupping his hands in gratitude. "Since the Sect has already finalized the roster, there's no need for further discussion."
Respect is mutual. Han Yi wouldn't presume superiority simply because his senior had adopted a humble posture.
"But don't worry, Junior Brother Han," Luo Yunzhou continued. "I've heard the Cave Heaven Trial won't be a one-time event. If it goes well, the Sect plans to hold it regularly in the future."
"The Sect is deeply committed to this initiative. I even heard the Sect Leader authorized the use of the Sect Secret Treasury—a truly grand gesture!"
"Moreover, after the hundred disciples return from the Cave Heaven Trial in a year, there will be a Great Competition between the Inner and Outer Peak disciples. When you participate, Junior Brother Han, you'll undoubtedly make a splash and surpass all your peers. You won't have to worry about being selected for the next Cave Heaven Trial."
Han Yi pondered briefly. "The Inner and Outer Peak Disciple Great Competition?"
"Exactly. The recent Great Immortal-Demon War, and especially the conflict with the Blood God Sect, exposed the Profound Pill Sect's military weakness. Everyone in the Sect is aware of this."
"Our Sect leaders aren't fools. They possess far more information than we do and understand the situation more clearly. They're considering both immediate concerns and long-term strategies."
A complex expression flickered across Luo Yunzhou's face, but it vanished in an instant, replaced by his usual cheerful demeanor.
"Oh, and one last thing," Luo Yunzhou said.
"Junior Brother Han, you've reached the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining. Your next step is to break through to the Seventh Layer. When you do, please come find me. I'll recommend you for Azure Dragon Peak."
"Azure Dragon Peak is the foremost Inner Peak, unrivaled in resources. We even have two Supreme Elders stationed there full-time to guide the disciples. Such treatment is simply unheard of elsewhere."
Han Yi's heart stirred. He considered it briefly but didn't respond immediately. His original plan had been to join Pill Sword Peak.
"I'll think about it," he murmured.
Shortly after, Han Yi left Azure Dragon Peak and returned to Little Spirit Void Peak.
He sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in his quiet chamber, facing the unremarkable Sword Immortal Diagram. Closing his eyes, he cleared his mind, then opened them again.
"The Great Dao stretches endlessly, without limit."
"Only patience will lead to victory."
"So be it. Whether it's the Cave Heaven Trial or the Inner and Outer Peak Great Competition, these are merely external methods that cannot disturb my inner peace."
"I shall remain an observer, seeking eternal life."
Han Yi began his secluded cultivation.
This time, he intended to cultivate uninterrupted until he reached the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.