Chapter 11: New Quarters, New Plans
The path to Alchemy Peak wound upward through terraces of herb gardens, each plot shimmering with protective formations. Disciples in pale-green robes tended the plants with careful hands, bowing slightly as Lin Xuan passed in Elder Danfeng's shadow.
When they reached the top, Danfeng gestured to a row of ornate courtyards circling a lotus-shaped fountain. "This will be your residence from now on. Direct disciple quarters—private, warded, and stocked with cultivation amenities. Few in the sect enjoy such comfort."
Lin Xuan inclined his head politely. "Thank you, Master."
Once Danfeng left, Lin Xuan pushed open the courtyard gate.
Inside was a spacious cultivation chamber, a small alchemy room with its own built-in furnace, and a sleeping quarters overlooking the sect's inner valleys. Even the spiritual energy here was noticeably denser than on Stormwind Peak's outer slopes.
But what caught his attention most was the personal spirit-gathering array in the center of the cultivation chamber.
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Testing His New Pill
Lin Xuan sat cross-legged, retrieving a Moonfire Essence Pill from the Evervault. The silver-gold pill gleamed under the chamber's soft light, releasing a fragrance that merged perfectly with the surrounding qi.
The moment he swallowed it, the effects surged through him—yin and yang energies blending seamlessly, qi flowing into his meridians without resistance. The cultivation array amplified the effect, pulling in spiritual energy far denser than his old courtyard could manage.
The Origin Chaos Sutra spun faster than ever, absorbing, refining, and condensing the energy into his dantian.
Hours passed in a blur.
> [Qi Condensation – Stage 1 → Stage 2]
[Marrow and Meridians – Further Tempered]
Lin Xuan opened his eyes, exhaling a faint mist of impurities. "Heaven-grade pills… if I can refine these consistently, my progress will leave the others in the dust."
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A New Opportunity
Later that afternoon, a hall attendant arrived with a jade token etched with Danfeng's personal seal. "Master said you're to have full access to the Alchemy Hall's herb vault and the Scripture Pavilion for as long as you remain his disciple."
Lin Xuan's brows lifted slightly. "The Scripture Pavilion?"
"Yes, Senior Brother. All cultivation arts, combat techniques, movement skills, and supplementary manuals are stored there. Access is restricted by rank and contribution points… but direct disciples like you are permitted into the first three floors without restriction."
When the attendant left, Lin Xuan turned the jade token over in his hand, mind already racing.
The Empyrean Pill Scripture gave him the foundation for alchemy. His spear and movement arts were already high grade. But his combat versatility could still grow—and the pavilion might hold techniques that synergized with his triple-element affinity.
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Plans in Motion
That evening, Lin Xuan stood at his courtyard balcony, looking out toward the distant tower that housed the Scripture Pavilion. Its peak vanished into the clouds, lit by the faint glow of protective formations.
He'd go soon—but carefully. Too much interest too fast would draw questions, and Elder Qiu Wansheng's shadow still lingered in his thoughts.
For now, he would build his strength quietly, refine more pills to secure a steady cultivation supply, and then… take what the pavilion had to offer.
The Evervault helmet rested on the table beside him, a silent reminder that every step forward made him more of a target—but also more untouchable.