JSCMU-Chapter 176: Waiting for Yun Jin to Emerge from Seclusion

“Little Junior Sister,” Yue Zhao hesitated a moment before saying, “On the way back earlier, I encountered someone.”

Yue Zhao briefly described the situation and added, “He’s very likely a senior from a Holy Land. It seemed he came specifically for you.”

“Another one trying to take me as a disciple?” Yun Jin was stunned.

Lately, was her luck a bit too good?

“Another one?” Yue Zhao keenly caught the key word.

Yun Jin quickly shook her head, “It’s nothing. Eldest Senior Brother, let’s not worry about whether he’s a senior or not. Now that we’ve gathered all the herbs, I need to start refining the pill as soon as possible. If this pill is successfully made, we won’t lose in the upcoming Grand Sect Tournament!”

Yue Zhao’s expression also turned serious, “Alright. I’ll stand guard for you.”

Yun Jin shook her head, a mysterious smile appearing on her face, “No need. I’ve just discovered a really good place to refine pills.”

Yue Zhao was confused.

Yun Jin grinned mischievously, “I’m planning to use the Earthfire Chamber. Although the spiritual energy there is weak, that doesn’t affect me much. What’s important is that it’s soundproof, lightproof, and highly private.”

Yue Zhao was dumbfounded.

Does that also work?

Come to think of it, it actually could work.

So what if the spiritual energy was lacking?

Yun Jin didn’t really absorb spiritual energy to begin with, her cultivation depended mostly on pills. So that wouldn’t be a problem for her.

The other potential issue was the underground fire in the Earthfire Room, which could interfere with the alchemy furnace. But Yun Jin’s furnace was… fully self-operating, so it probably wouldn’t be affected either.

Taking these into account, the Earthfire Chamber really was a great place.

It was secure and protected her privacy, so it was the most suitable place to refine the Heaven Mending Pill.

There was no time to waste.

Now that everything was in place, Yun Jin brought the herbs and rented an Earthfire Chamber for a full month, then immediately entered it.

She probably wouldn’t need the full month.

But renting a bit more time was better, she could leave partway through if necessary.

The door to the Earthfire Chamber soon shut tightly, and what happened inside became a complete mystery.

“Eldest Senior Brother! Third Junior Brother!” Si Wanning rushed over, panting. She looked at the two with anticipation. “How did it go?”

Yue Zhao replied, “Little Junior Sister has already gone in to refine the pill.”

Already started?

Si Wanning’s expression immediately became tense.

They had worked so hard and for so long for this Heaven-Mending Pill.

Struggling to earn contribution points and scouring for herbs.

Even though they knew that successfully refining the pill was highly unlikely, they still kept working tirelessly.

But the appearance of Little Junior Sister gave them hope where there was once almost none.

A third-rank alchemist attempting a Grade-7 pill.

It sounded like a legend.

But somehow, when it was Little Junior Sister, it felt like she could do it!

“No matter the outcome, we mustn’t put too much pressure on Little Junior Sister,” Yue Zhao said gently.

He was afraid everyone’s expectations were too high. If it failed, it would crush her.

Si Wanning and Yu Songnian both nodded.

Si Wanning softly said, “I understand. Xiao Jin… has only been cultivating for two months, give or take. She’s already created so many miracles, we can’t expect her to keep doing the impossible.”

It wouldn’t be fair to Yun Jin.

Yue Zhao nodded, “All we can do now is wait.”

The three of them waited quietly outside the Earthfire Chamber.

The room’s soundproofing and light-blocking worked really well, they couldn’t hear or see anything inside.

Eventually, the three returned to Heavenly Sword Peak.

However, just as they arrived back at Heavenly Sword Peak…

They saw two figures standing by the lakeside, watching them.

One of them had white hair, but his face was rosy and smooth, and his eyes seemed to hold endless wisdom.

The other, they all recognized to be the famous seventh-rank alchemist, Qi Yu.

Yue Zhao’s heart skipped a beat, then came a strange feeling of inevitability.

“Huh? You’re…” Qing Yun looked at Yue Zhao in surprise.

This kid was clearly the one he met on the sea.

Even though the boy wore a disguise at the time, how could such a disguise fool his eyes?

“Senior,” Yue Zhao respectfully saluted.

Qing Yun stared at him, brow furrowed.

He had the nagging feeling that there was something off about this boy.

“I believe I know why Senior has come, why don’t we discuss this inside?” Yue Zhao said.

Qing Yun nodded indifferently.

Si Wanning and Yu Songnian looked at Yue Zhao in confusion.

Yue Zhao gave them a barely noticeable shake of the head, signaling them to leave.

Based on earlier interactions, he could tell that this senior, while reasonable, was still a frighteningly powerful cultivator.

And the whim of someone at that level could destroy the entire Tianxing Sect. Yue Zhao didn’t want to risk involving his junior brothers and sisters.

Though confused, Si Wanning and Yu Songnian realized their presence would only complicate matters, so they watched anxiously as Yue Zhao led the two inside.

Inside the room.

Yue Zhao calmly prepared tea for the two of them.

Qing Yun chuckled, “Your composure is impressive.”

Yue Zhao gave a bitter smile, “My life and death depend on your whim. Whether I panic or stay calm, the day passes all the same. Might as well face it with some dignity.”

Qing Yun raised a brow, “Oh? That attitude seems like you’re hiding something. Tell me, why didn’t you say you were a disciple of Tianxing Sect before? And where’s my precious disciple? Do you know her?”

Yue Zhao thought for a moment, “Senior, regarding the alchemy genius you’re looking for, I do have some leads that most people wouldn’t know.”

Qing Yun’s eyes lit up instantly, “Speak! If you help me find my precious disciple, I’ll overlook everything that happened before.”

Yue Zhao replied, “But, I can’t tell you right now.”

Qing Yun narrowed his eyes, and his expression darkened.

Is this brat toying with him?!

Yue Zhao quickly explained, “The one who knows her best is actually my Little Junior Sister. She just went into the Earthfire Chamber for seclusion and won’t be coming out anytime soon. Would Senior consider asking her again after she emerges?”

Becoming the disciple of a ninth-rank alchemist was a tremendous honor.

But no matter what, this decision had to be hers.

Qing Yun frowned, “She won’t be out for a while?”

“She really won’t,” Yue Zhao answered with a wry smile.

“What if I demand she come out right now?” Qing Yun pressed.

“Then I’m afraid, you’ll never get the information,” Yue Zhao said calmly.

“You dare threaten a senior?!” Qi Yu scolded.

Qing Yun waved a hand to silence him.

He gave Yue Zhao a long look, “You’re certain that only after your Little Junior Sister comes out, I’ll get the clue?”

Yue Zhao steeled himself and nodded.

Qing Yun raised an eyebrow, “Very well. Prepare a place for me, I’ll stay here until she emerges. The moment she does, I want to see her!”

Stay… here?

Yue Zhao was momentarily stunned.

“What? Not allowed?” Qing Yun snorted. “If it turns out you really had the clue, fine. But if you’re lying, you’ll pay the price.”

Yue Zhao had no choice but to agree.

And so, within Heavenly Sword Peak, Qing Yun and Qi Yu settled in discreetly.

Inside the Earthfire Chamber.

Yun Jin took a deep breath and opened her alchemy furnace.