Cheng Lao stopped and turned to look at him, his gaze filled with pride and a hint of sadness. "That’s all I ask."

As they resumed their walk, Cheng Lao added with a chuckle, "Oh, and one more thing—don’t let those juniors slack off too much. They’ll use your kindness as an excuse to laze around."

Looking at Cheng Lao’s weary steps, Hao Yu thought, I hope this isn’t the last journey I’ll take with you, Master.

And then, in an attempt to lighten the mood, he added aloud, "Don’t worry, Master. When I’m in charge, I’ll make sure Du Bin and Bing Ning do all the heavy lifting."

Cheng Lao laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, so you plan to become a tyrant already, do you?"

Hao Yu grinned. "I prefer the term ‘efficient leader.’"

The two continued their journey, their laughter echoing softly through the forest, a fragile warmth in the chill of winter.

Snowflakes pirouetted gently in the crisp air, settling like a delicate blanket over the towering outer city nestled between the ridges of the Heavenly Sword Mountains. The city gates stood tall, reaching an imposing height of ten zhang. Streams of people flowed in—some trudging in on foot, others soaring elegantly atop flying swords, and a few arriving on majestic mounts.

Hao Yu trudged along the winding mountain path, his eyes widening in awe as the city loomed before him for the first time. The grandeur of the outer city left him speechless.

Cheng Lao, walking beside him with a slow yet steady gait, seemed to sense his amazement. He chuckled softly. “The Heavenly Sword Sect has three outer cities. Beyond them lie two inner cities, and at the heart of it all is the main sect city, a place reserved only for the most talented and prestigious.”

His voice carried the weight of nostalgia.

Hao Yu glanced sideways at his master, curiosity getting the better of him. “Master, how big is the Heavenly Sword Sect?”

Cheng Lao’s footsteps paused momentarily, his gaze distant. “Boundless. Even I don’t know its full extent,” he admitted with a wry smile before continuing their journey.

For four days, they had traversed mountain paths, leaving Hao Yu increasingly bewildered. He realized just how secluded the Medicine Garden was from the rest of the sect.

When Hao Yu had first joined the Heavenly Sword Sect, he’d been recruited directly into Cheng Lao’s Medicine Garden by a passing disciple. This was his first glimpse of the outer city, and it was proving to be far more impressive than he’d imagined.

As they approached the towering gates, Cheng Lao retrieved a token from his sleeve. Hao Yu caught a glimpse of the two characters engraved on its surface: Medicine Pavilion.

Once they stepped inside, the sudden clamor hit Hao Yu like a wave. It was as if an entire world had sprung to life within the walls of the city.

Wait… the gates are sealed with a barrier? No wonder I couldn’t hear anything from the outside!

The vibrant cries of street vendors filled the air.

"Spirit-enhancing talismans! Boost your Qi circulation instantly—guaranteed or your spirit stones back!"

"Freshly harvested Thousand-Year Ginseng! Only three roots left—perfect for breakthroughs!"

"Rare beast eggs! Hatch your own spirit beast companion! Limited stock!"

"Dragonbone Armory! Swords forged from True Dragon essence! Test them yourself—cut through steel like butter!"

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"Elixirs for every stage of cultivation! From Body Tempering to Nascent Soul, we've got what you need!"

"Protective jade amulets! Survive tribulation lightning with ease! Crafted by a Formation Master!"

Hao Yu’s gaze darted around, taking in the bustling streets lined with elegant shops housed in tall, well-crafted buildings. Unlike the chaotic markets of the mundane world, there were no ground stalls here—everything exuded sophistication.

Even a brothel caught his attention, its signboard glittering with bold confidence.

Impressive! So this is the Heavenly Sword Sect’s outer city… No wonder it’s called the pinnacle of cultivation!

Cheng Lao seemed to notice Hao Yu’s amazement and chuckled. “Don’t gawk too much, boy. It’s just the surface. Focus on what’s important.”

Despite his master’s words, Hao Yu couldn’t resist activating his special ability, secretly scanning the lifespans of passersby.

Three cultivators with lifespans exceeding five hundred years… and this is just the outer city? He stifled a gasp, his heart racing. The outer sect is truly a lair of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!

After half an hour of winding through the crowded streets, Cheng Lao led Hao Yu to a grand estate. Above the entrance, three gilded characters gleamed on a large plaque: Alchemy Hall.

The hall was a hive of activity. Disciples bustled in and out, some carrying baskets of herbs, others holding bottles of refined pills. A few appeared worried, their steps hurried, while others laughed in delight, their faces radiant with success.

Hao Yu followed Cheng Lao into the courtyard of the Alchemy Hall, his steps steady but his mind racing with curiosity. Inside, they were greeted by Elder Xian Feng, a Core Formation cultivator who oversaw twenty medicine gardens, making him Cheng Lao’s direct superior.

Xian Feng was a fat man draped in a yellow robe that seemed to barely contain his ample figure. His round face wore a kindly smile, giving him the appearance of a benevolent uncle rather than a cultivator of significant power.

In the main hall, they were ushered to sit, and a young disciple brought out tea, the fragrant steam curling into the air.

"Brother Lao, you don’t look too well," Xian Feng said, his tone laced with genuine concern.

Hao Yu, standing respectfully beside Cheng Lao, activated his ability to check lifespans.

[Xian Feng (Third Layer of Core Formation Realm): 161/317]

He’s lived for 161 years! Hao Yu thought, his face betraying none of the surprise that rippled through his mind.

Cheng Lao chuckled weakly, setting his teacup down with a slight tremble. "To be honest, my time is nearing its end. I’ve come today not only to hand over the medicinal herbs but also to ensure my affairs are in order. This boy here, Hao Yu, is my chosen successor. I plan to pass the title of Medicine Pavilion Master to him."

Xian Feng’s eyes flickered toward Hao Yu, his expression unreadable for a moment before he smiled faintly. "A Qi Refining cultivator at the Second Layer, hmm?" he remarked, his tone neutral but carrying a trace of doubt. "This child must have... untapped potential."

Untapped potential? Hao Yu nearly twitched but kept his composure. Tch, what an elegant way to say I’m weak.

Cheng Lao laughed heartily, though it sounded more like a wheeze. "Potential isn’t everything, Brother Xian Feng. This child is pure-hearted and has a patient nature. He’s content to remain in the Medicine Pavilion for the rest of his life. Isn’t that precisely what the pavilion needs? Someone who can endure?"

Hao Yu bit the inside of his cheek to suppress a wry smile. Pure-hearted? Patient? Content for life? Master, you’ve certainly painted a saintly picture. If only they knew I’d sell my soul for immortality if needed.

Xian Feng leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he waved to a disciple standing at the entrance. "Bring the Pavilion Master’s token."

Time seemed to stretch as they waited, the silence broken only by the occasional clink of teacups. Hao Yu’s thoughts raced, but outwardly, he maintained his respectful posture.

When the disciple returned, he carried a bronze token engraved with the characters Medicine Pavilion. Faint spiritual energy radiated from it, and Hao Yu could sense a restrictive spell embedded within the token—a measure of control and security from the sect.

Xian Feng handed the token to Cheng Lao, who in turn passed it to Hao Yu with a solemn expression. "Take this, Hao Yu. From today onward, the responsibilities of the Medicine Pavilion rest on your shoulders."

From that moment on, Hao Yu’s new official title within the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Alchemy Hall was Master of the Medicine Pavilion.

Feeling a mixture of pride and responsibility, Hao Yu turned to Cheng Lao and asked, "Master, where are we headed next?"

Though he masked it with a calm expression, he was eager to return to the Medicine Garden. A precious batch of herbs was nearing harvest, and he wanted to harvest them quickly.

"We’re going to the Servant Hall," Cheng Lao replied without looking back. "To recruit a servant."

The Servant Hall was a short walk from the Alchemy Hall. The air buzzed with whispers and quiet anticipation as potential servants waited anxiously to be selected.

Cheng Lao glanced at Hao Yu. "Take your time and choose. Once you’ve made your pick, we’ll return to Medicine Pavillion."

Hao Yu nodded, his mind already forming a plan.

Time to use my trump card!

Activating his ability, Hao Yu scanned the lifespans of everyone in the square.

Most of the candidates had depressingly short lifespans. Some were even clinging to their final year of life, yet they still stood there, eyes filled with desperate hope.

What a bleak sight. He suppressed a shiver.

As he sifted through the crowd, his gaze landed on a promising candidate—someone with a lifespan exceeding a hundred years.

Not bad, but let’s not rush. Let’s see what other treasures are hidden in this crowd.

After another sweep, Hao Yu’s eyes were drawn to a young monk sitting cross-legged in the far corner of the square. The boy’s robes were tattered, his appearance unassuming, and his head bowed as if deep in thought.

Curious, Hao Yu activated his ability again.

[Lin Feng Xian (None): 14/300]

A lifespan of 300 years?!

Hao Yu’s eyes widened in disbelief. A mortal with such longevity? Could it be a special physique? Or perhaps some hidden cultivation technique?

Suppressing his excitement, Hao Yu approached the boy. Lin Feng Xian sensed his presence and opened his eyes, revealing a calm, indifferent gaze.

Hao Yu smiled warmly. "Young boy, would you like to join my Medicine Pavilion? It’s peaceful work. You won’t be overburdened, and you’ll have plenty of time to cultivate."

Lin Feng Xian studied Hao Yu for a moment, then gave a single nod.

"Good choice!" Hao Yu said, clapping his hands together.

However, as they left the Servant Hall, Lin Feng Xian didn’t utter a single word. Not a greeting, not a question, not even a grunt. He simply followed Hao Yu in complete silence.