The shopkeeper Hua pulled his daughter up and bowed to the two men: "Thank you, Master Li and Elder Liu, for your help!"

"You're welcome."

Li Sheng extended a hand, seeing her troubled expression, and asked, "If there's something on your mind, just say it."

Manager Hua stood up, smiling wryly: "It's a bit embarrassing. During the demonic disaster, the two fourth-grade martial artists loyal to the lady have fallen, leaving only the fourth-grade Liao as the sole protector. Things were fine initially, but lately, Liao has developed ulterior motives towards the lady... If he hadn't been seriously injured and the lady promised to seek a high-grade healing pill for him, he might not even make it to the Qing Ling Sect..."

"What does that mean for you?" Li Sheng raised an eyebrow.

"I hope Master Li can delay the pill-making process for a bit longer."

"Is that all?"

Li Sheng was surprised, thinking they might ask him to deal with Liao. Given Liao's current state, taking his life would be easy, especially amid such pressing resource needs. Li Sheng wanted to build a good relationship for the benefit of the sect.

"The lady said she doesn't want to trouble you too much; she'll handle the rest." Manager Hua nodded in explanation.

"Alright."

Li Sheng didn't press further, sensing they might have their own plans. He bid farewell and went to the alchemy room to wait quietly.

After a little over an hour, a prompt chimed:

*Ding, Alchemy Room Upgrade Complete.*

Li Sheng looked over, realizing he could now refine pills twenty times a day, producing four high-grade pills daily. He nodded to himself and tossed the herbs into the furnace. Moments later, two high-grade Blood Solidifying Pills and ten top-grade Blood Solidifying Pills emerged. After packing them up, he headed to the council hall.

Inside the hall, Liao and four fifth-grade martial artists were resting in the guest rooms. Only four women remained in the hall. When Li Sheng arrived, Manager Hua and Qingyi approached him.

"Miss Qingyi, here you go."

A jade bottle was tossed, and Qingyi caught it, examining it before saying in surprise, "Master Li, we agreed on seven top-grade pills, so why...?"

"The extra three are a token of appreciation," Li Sheng smiled.

"Appreciation..." Qingyi's mouth slightly opened in shock. Who would use nearly ten thousand spirit stones as a gift?

"Miss Qingyi, I hope you look forward to our next transaction. As long as the materials are sufficient, I won't disappoint you."

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Li Sheng's gesture wasn't just to win her favor; he had ulterior motives. After encountering the colossal demon, he realized the demonic disaster would only intensify, making survival increasingly difficult. Qingyi possessed black mysterious stones and would eventually learn of this. Without substantial incentives, she might not return, which Li Sheng wanted to avoid. Hence, he presented the extra pills as thanks; to him, pills weren't precious, but the materials were.

"Um..."

"You don't have to refuse, Miss Qingyi. If you consider me a friend, just accept it."

"Okay then." Qingyi's smile became more genuine.

"By the way, regarding the high-grade healing pills..." Li Sheng inquired.

"To be honest, the person sent by the clan has already entered from the west side of Lingchuan City. They should arrive in five days at most. As for the pills, Master need only pretend to make them; no need for actual refinement..."

"I see..." Li Sheng nodded slightly, swallowing the words he had prepared.

Once Qingyi and the others left, only his senior sister remained in the hall.

"Sister, although progress in demonic cultivation is swift, the risks are considerable. If you sense anything amiss, please stop..."

Liu Hongfeng's expression darkened, and she muttered, "You've noticed?"

"I sensed it when I first healed you, Sister. Your spiritual energy has intertwined with demonic energy, leading to changes."

"Combining that with your actions these days and your ability to handle demonic creatures, I've made a guess..."

"Do you despise me...?"

"Of course not!"

"Sister, don't overthink it. I'm just worried about your safety."

"Sudden elevation in cultivation isn't a good thing. If you feel anything wrong, just disperse your energy... I have the ability to help you safely advance to a first-grade Earth Immortal realm or even transcend to the higher realms!"

Li Sheng spoke confidently.

"Dispersing energy... It's not that easy." Liu Hongfeng lowered her head, feeling bitter.

If it were just the demonic energy, it wouldn't be an issue, but she had a demonic seed planted by the colossal demon, which couldn't be dispelled. Moreover, she felt an inexplicable connection to it, constantly tempting her will, trying to draw her in and devour her. As the seed within her grew stronger, the temptation intensified.

"Junior Brother... don't worry... I know what to do." Liu Hongfeng's tone was notably downcast.

"Sister, just be cautious. Also, you might try going to the Wuyun Mountain or the Ancient Path of Comprehension. These places focus on spirit and willpower; perhaps they'll yield some unexpected results."

After saying this, Li Sheng turned and left the hall.

Some things are best left unspoken; saying too much might spoil the atmosphere.

"Let Sister decide for herself..."

"Wuyun Mountain... Ancient Path of Comprehension..."

Watching Li Sheng's departing figure, Liu Hongfeng's eyes brightened with a hint of hope.

Outside the hall, Bai Ye leaned against a pillar with her sword, waiting quietly.

As Li Sheng emerged, Bai Ye approached and whispered, "What did Sister say?"

"The situation is a bit dire. We'll observe for now; if necessary, I'll intervene."

Liu Hongfeng had changed significantly after returning from her three-day trip, exuding a seductive aura far different from her usual graceful demeanor.

Li Sheng hadn't intended to interfere but changed his mind after speaking with his junior sister.

"Yes, Brother, thank you. Sister usually listens to you."

"Enough of that; let's focus on cultivation."

Li Sheng sighed, ending that topic.

It was still a matter of insufficient strength. If he could advance to the first-grade Earth Immortal realm, troubles would shy away from him.

...

At the sect gate, in the left-side guest room, Liao swallowed a pill, a sinister smile creeping across his face.

"The shopkeeper Hua and that Li kid seem to have an affair; I must be cautious with this pill...

"Such a pity; I intended to save this pill, but it's not a loss...

"As long as I control that kid, high-grade pills will keep coming, and I'll be closer to qualifying as a master.

"And those two stunning beauties, plus that Qingyi girl..."

Liao muttered to himself, a heat rising from his belly, feeling as if he'd returned to his youth.

"Soon, in no more than two days... Pills, beauties, and mastery will all be mine..."