The Rosefinch Furnace is a supreme treasure left behind by the Medicine Saint, Lu Changfeng.
For four hundred years, the Grand Sky Sect has tried every conceivable method but still cannot reactivate the Rosefinch Furnace.
The final conclusion is that only the Rosefinch Spirit Flame can activate the furnace.
Thus, the Grand Sky Sect has been waiting for someone with the Rosefinch Spirit Flame to appear.
Similarly, the Rosefinch Furnace is a symbol of the Medicine Saint for the Grand Sky Sect, a divine artifact in the hearts of countless people.
And if such a divine artifact were to be destroyed... being expelled from the sect seems unlikely, after all, I possess the Rosefinch Spirit Flame. Just for that, the only way I'd be expelled is if I slaughtered the Sect Master's wife and daughter.
But if I really did that, they'd probably want to chop me into pieces rather than just expel me.
So getting expelled is not an option, but being punished is inevitable.
Punishment can also help me rapidly improve, right?
Destroying the Rosefinch Furnace, and then having the Great Elder demote me to the outer sect and confine me for three to five years out of anger, seems reasonable. With that, becoming a Martial Grandmaster is just around the corner.
Thinking of this, Chu Xinghe had a new goal and was filled with determination.
Moonlight Herb... Moon Nether Herb... Moon Soul Herb... all sorts of herbs... Chu Xinghe spent half a month memorizing them, and although he made occasional mistakes, the Great Elder was still quite satisfied.
In the Great Elder's words, Chu Xinghe is an unpolished gem that he would carefully carve.
***
One morning, Chu Xinghe arrived at the Medicine King Palace, greeting his senior brothers. Shen Chun approached from the side, "Junior Brother Xinghe, in a few days, the Spirit Tomb will open. All the inner disciples of your batch will enter the Spirit Tomb to choose a Spirit Weapon. Have you decided what kind of Spirit Weapon you want?"
"Spirit Tomb? Spirit Weapon?" Chu Xinghe was confused.
Besides the Moonlight Herb, Moon Nether Herb, and Moon Soul Herb, what did he know about Spirit Weapons?
After reaching a certain time as an entry disciple, everyone in the Grand Sky Sect enters the Spirit Tomb, where countless Spirit Weapons reside. Each disciple can find their own Spirit Weapon, and once recognized by it, they can become its new master. However, the more powerful the Spirit Weapon, the harder it is to gain its recognition.
So choosing the right Spirit Weapon is crucial.
After all, a Spirit Weapon becomes one's life-bound treasure, a lifelong companion.
Chu Xinghe's cultivation level was that of a Martial Artist. Although he spent a lot of time studying at the Medicine King Palace, his spiritual power growth didn't fall behind at all.
Are you kidding? What kind of place is the Spirit Crane Palace?
A pill sanctuary!
Disciples elsewhere get only a few pills each month? Even if they train hard every day, their progress is limited.
But for Chu Xinghe, a few pills? Ha... not a chance!
Chu Xinghe practically consumed pills like candy every day. Whenever he ran out, he didn't even need to ask; a senior brother would promptly deliver more.
Plus, with the ten Spirit Gathering Pills rewarded by the Great Elder, Chu Xinghe, who barely trained, had a cultivation level no less than his hard-training peers, perhaps even better.
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But when it comes to choosing a Spirit Weapon, Chu Xinghe really had no experience.
"It seems Junior Brother Xinghe isn't very familiar, but don't worry. As long as you know what type you like, I'll find a way to get the specific location for you."
"Thank you, Senior Brother Shen Chun!"
"Not at all, we should be thanking you. Besides, with the Rosefinch Spirit Flame, it's not impossible for you to lead the Spirit Crane Palace in the future. When that time comes, we'll rely on you!"
"Senior Brother, I dare not say that. I've never thought of it. I'm too new to the sect to dream of such things. I only hope to train well in the Spirit Crane Palace and assist my senior brothers in the future."
Comfortable!
Shen Chun felt comfortable hearing Chu Xinghe's words. Even if you know you might not surpass others in the future, when someone lowers themselves and respects you like this, how can it not feel good?
So this junior brother, I'll definitely support him!
"Rest assured, Junior Brother, leave the Spirit Weapon matter to us. We'll find the most suitable one for you!"
"Thank you, senior brothers," Chu Xinghe said gratefully.
"Alright, don't delay any longer. The Great Elder is waiting for you."
"Yes... take care, Senior Brother."
After seeing Shen Chun off, Chu Xinghe returned to the Medicine King Palace. The Great Elder was not in his usual spot but standing beside the Rosefinch Furnace.
"Disciple Chu Xinghe, greets the Great Elder."
"Xinghe, after studying with me for so many days, do you find identifying herbs dull?"
"I dare not say... but since the Great Elder asks, I won't hide it. It is a bit dull."
As soon as Chu Xinghe said this, the Great Elder laughed. He liked Chu Xinghe for his humility and honesty.
Since Chu Xinghe entered the Spirit Crane Palace, the Great Elder had been observing his every move.
He was extremely respectful to his senior brothers and never showed arrogance because of his Rosefinch Spirit Flame. In just a month, everyone in the Spirit Crane Palace, whether disciple or elder, liked this kid.
This made the Great Elder immensely satisfied with Chu Xinghe. Even when facing him, Chu Xinghe answered truthfully, even if the answer might displease him or lead to punishment. Chu Xinghe never shied away from speaking his mind.
The Great Elder had been annoyed, even considering punishing Chu Xinghe, but ultimately, a disciple willing to speak the truth is far better than a sycophant who only flatters.
The Great Elder genuinely wanted to treat Chu Xinghe as a personal disciple, not just because of the Rosefinch Spirit Flame, but also because of Chu Xinghe's disposition.
He wanted to groom Chu Xinghe as the future leader of the Spirit Crane Palace. The Great Elder's biggest concern was others' dissatisfaction, but Chu Xinghe's performance over the past month won everyone over.
He even won over the Great Elder.
Seeing the Great Elder's gentle gaze, Chu Xinghe had no idea what the elder was thinking. Otherwise, he would have said... Is that honesty? I'm just trying to dig my own grave... I'm begging for punishment, Great Elder, please.
"Today, we won't study dull things. I'll teach you the art of fire control, and you can try communicating with the Rosefinch Furnace!"
Chu Xinghe was stunned, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sky!
Have I finally made it?
"Yes!" Chu Xinghe was so excited he almost wet himself.
"The art of fire control first..." The Great Elder explained a series of things, none of which Chu Xinghe heard until the elder said, "The Rosefinch Furnace is a divine artifact. Remember not to act recklessly; the Rosefinch Spirit Flame is fierce and must not harm the furnace."
"I will remember!"
Chu Xinghe remembered all the ways that could harm the Rosefinch Furnace.
Today is a good day... everything I wish for comes true!
A divine artifact, right? The Rosefinch Furnace, right? Today, it's you. Once I destroy the Rosefinch Furnace, not even the Great Elder can save me!
Following the Great Elder's guidance, Chu Xinghe began communicating with the Earthly Flame. Soon, the Rosefinch Spirit Flame was drawn out, but Chu Xinghe didn't act recklessly. He continued to follow the Great Elder's instructions, step by step, maneuvering the Rosefinch Spirit Flame closer to the furnace.
It's not that Chu Xinghe didn't want to make a bold move, but the Great Elder was present. Performing a mental lapse in front of him? Not that he feared the elder discovering it, but the elder's methods were terrifying. One move, and he'd suppress it. If Chu Xinghe wanted to act again, it would be difficult.
So on the surface, Chu Xinghe dared not show any transgression.
When the Rosefinch Spirit Flame touched the Rosefinch Furnace, the previously dormant furnace suddenly began to tremble!
"It's reacting!" The Great Elder was incredibly excited.
The trembling Rosefinch Furnace began to transform, and soon the Rosefinch phantom hovering above started revolving around the furnace.
"Just as expected... just as expected..."
The Great Elder was moved to tears.
"Indeed, only the Rosefinch Spirit Flame can rejuvenate the Rosefinch Furnace! Four hundred years! The Grand Sky Sect has waited four hundred years! The Rosefinch Furnace has returned!"
The Great Elder was beside himself with excitement, and the activation of the Rosefinch Furnace drew the attention of the Spirit Crane Palace elders. Soon, countless elders rushed over, and upon seeing the furnace reignited, they too were overwhelmed with emotion.
"God Bless Grand Sky!" the elders shouted in unison.
Their gazes all fell on Chu Xinghe, and at that moment, everyone looked at him with gratification. With the Rosefinch Spirit Flame and the Rosefinch Furnace, the Grand Sky Sect's alchemy skills would surely reach new heights.
The Rosefinch Spirit Flame receded, and the Rosefinch Furnace returned to normal. A group of elders surrounded the Great Elder and Chu Xinghe, continuing to chant "God Bless Grand Sky."
"Today is a great day for both our Grand Sky Sect and Spirit Crane Palace, the greatest in four hundred years. We must drink to this!"
"Drink we must!"
Several elders spoke, and even the usually stern Great Elder smiled, saying, "By my order, Spirit Crane Palace shall not prohibit alcohol today!"
"Whoo..." The elders cheered and jumped up.
***
The news spread, and the Spirit Crane Palace disciples shouted with joy.
Spirit Crane Palace was the only place in the Grand Sky Sect where alcohol was banned, as the Great Elder disliked it.
Even for happy occasions, disciples could only substitute tea for wine, but today was a four-hundred-year celebration, and this wine must be drunk!
In the Spirit Crane Palace kitchen, the chefs were busy, their pans and woks sparking with flames.
Various delicacies were served, and the feast was set at the Medicine King Palace.
The Great Elder first raised a glass to honor the ancestors and martyrs of the Grand Sky Sect.
Then he toasted the Medicine Saint, Lu Changfeng.
Finally, he raised his glass to drink with everyone. After several rounds, the Medicine King Palace was filled with laughter and joy. Many came to drink with Chu Xinghe, as today's great celebration was thanks to their Junior Brother Xinghe.
But Chu Xinghe couldn't hold his liquor and soon turned red-faced and tongue-tied.
Seeing that Chu Xinghe couldn't drink anymore, Feng Fei quickly stepped in to block the drinks for him, and the senior brothers were amused by Chu Xinghe's drunken state, so they stopped urging him to drink.
***
It wasn't until late at night that the banquet finally ended. The Great Elder and the other elders left first, followed by other disciples who gradually departed.
Chu Xinghe appeared drunk, but it was just an act. After sending off the already tipsy Feng Fei, Chu Xinghe told the senior brothers to leave first, saying he wanted to help clean up.
This gesture naturally earned him more praise from the senior brothers, who all exclaimed about his virtue!
Chu Xinghe didn't know where the virtue was, but once everyone left and he was alone in the Medicine King Palace, his gaze fell on the Rosefinch Furnace...
So... next... let's do something virtuous.
Heh heh... Little Rosefinch, let big brother take good care of you...