After a well-earned rest, Rong Yu awoke feeling rejuvenated. The next morning, he tidied himself up and immediately set off for Lingchang Island, home to the Rong Family’s Alchemy Hall—his next crucial destination.
Since no direct spirit boat traveled from Pyeongchang Island to Lingchang Island, he first had to transfer at a larger island before continuing his journey.
Lingchang Island, positioned at the heart of the Rong Family’s territory, boasted a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein, second only to Rongchang Island, the family’s ancestral land. It housed not only the family’s Alchemy Hall, but also their largest spiritual herb garden, making it a core asset of the family.
With such significance, the Rong Family had invested heavily in fortifying the island, erecting a second-tier defensive array and stationing elite family guards year-round. Even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would find it difficult to breach.
After three hours of travel, Rong Yu finally arrived at Lingchang Island’s dock.
A Familiar Gatekeeper
At the dock, a team of silver-armored family guards rigorously inspected arriving ships and cultivators. Leading them was a towering, bearded man with a build resembling an iron fortress. His aura exuded a strong killing intent, and his sharp, tiger-like eyes were enough to make most people avert their gaze.
Rong Yu quickly recognized him—Rong Zonglie, an elite family warrior and a member of the Lie Feng Hall, the Rong Family’s internal security force. He was already at the eighth level of Qi Refinement, a force to be reckoned with.
The moment their eyes met, Rong Zonglie scowled and barked, “Rong Yu, why are you here again?”
Rong Yu maintained his composure, bowing respectfully. “Uncle Lie, I have come to the Alchemy Hall to request an assessment.”
Rong Zonglie frowned deeply. “Still refusing to give up, boy?”
Rong Yu only responded with a humble smile, offering no further explanation.
After a moment of silence, Rong Zonglie sighed and waved him through without an inspection.
Rong Yu exhaled in relief and stepped onto Lingchang Island. Immediately, he was struck by the thick spiritual energy that blanketed the land, far richer than Pyeongchang Island.
To his right, an iridescent mist shimmered over an enclosed area, from which a potent medicinal fragrance emanated. He knew without looking—this was the Rong Family’s Spiritual Herb Garden, home to hundreds of years-old herbs and invaluable spiritual medicines, fiercely protected by the family.
Shaking off distractions, he pressed forward.
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The Rong Family’s Alchemy Hall
Ten miles ahead, a hundred-foot hill stood tall, at its base a series of elegant pavilions forming the Alchemy Hall, where the family’s top alchemists resided—including Liu Qinghui and Rong Ruiming.
With steady steps, Rong Yu approached the grandest pavilion. A majestic plaque above the entrance bore the words:
"Rong Family Alchemy Hall"
However, before he could enter, a faint, restrictive formation barred his way. He knocked respectfully and waited.
A few minutes later, a young maid answered the door. After Rong Yu explained his purpose, she led him to a side hall, instructing him to wait.
He complied, settling into a chair. However, time dragged on, and no one came.
Half an hour passed. His patience wore thin.
Finally, footsteps echoed down the corridor. A figure emerged—a middle-aged man dressed in fine brocade robes, his face serene yet unreadable.
The Real Challenge Begins
Rong Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly.
This man was Wei Chengzong, the Deputy Head of the Alchemy Hall. Though not a member of the Rong Family, he was a renowned guest alchemist, specializing in pill refinement for the family.
Despite being only at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, his quasi-second-tier alchemy skills made him the most skilled alchemist in the family. He oversaw all alchemy assessments, and his word carried considerable weight.
Although Rong Zhongjiu, the family’s Third Elder, was the official head of the Alchemy Hall, he rarely managed its affairs, leaving Wei Chengzong in charge.
Seeing the elder arrive, Rong Yu politely bowed.
“Greetings, Master Wei.”
Wei Chengzong’s expression was unreadable, but his gaze held a flicker of amusement and pity.
“Rong Yu,” he began, his voice neutral, “you still refuse to give up?”
Rong Yu’s heart tightened slightly, sensing something off. Still, he kept his tone respectful.
“I believe I have mastered the Pill’s refinement and have come to request another assessment.”
Wei Chengzong let out a long sigh, shaking his head. “According to family rules, any clan member with the required spiritual materials may request an alchemy assessment at any time. However… today is unfortunate.”
He gave a regretful smile.
“I am currently refining an important pill, and I do not have the time to oversee your assessment.”
A Deliberate Delay
Rong Yu’s expression remained calm, though his mind sharpened like a blade.
He took a slow breath. “If not today, what about tomorrow?”
Wei Chengzong sighed again. “Tomorrow? Impossible. The day after? Also impossible. You’ll have to return in five days.”
Silence fell between them.
Rong Yu’s gaze remained steady, but within, cold fury surged.
Five days?
That was two days too late.
In just two days, his bet with Fifth Elder Rong Huarong would take effect. If he failed to become a family alchemist by then, he would forfeit his freedom, bound to become her dual cultivation cauldron.
Worse, if his Tao Foundation was damaged, his cultivation speed—already hindered by his incomplete Thunder Spiritual Root—would be crippled forever.
That was the true goal behind this obstruction.
A Web of Manipulation
Rong Ruiming.
Rong Yu immediately knew who was behind this.
Though only a first-class intermediate alchemist, Rong Ruiming was a direct descendant, personally groomed as the next Chief Alchemist.
He held significant influence. And Wei Chengzong, an opportunist, would not hesitate to curry favor with someone of his status.
“Master Wei,” Rong Yu’s voice remained calm, though a cold edge crept in.
“Three furnaces. Just three. The entire process will take no more than four hours of your time. Surely, a distinguished master like yourself can spare that?”
Wei Chengzong’s gaze turned sympathetic, as if mourning Rong Yu’s fate, but his stance remained firm.
“No,” he said simply. “Come back in five days.”
Then, without another word, he turned and left.
End of the Chapter.