Two Days Later at Li-Character Elixir Peak
Two days later, high upon the famed Li-Character Elixir Peak, Fang Jinyu was engrossed in studying the basics of alchemy. As he turned the pages of his well-worn manual on elemental pill refining—a subject vital to every cultivator striving for greatness—news reached him that would shake the very core of the Tianling Sect. With a sinking heart, he learned of the grim outcome for Chen Baxing.
Chen Baxing had suffered an unimaginable fate: his cultivation had been annulled, and he had been expelled from the Tianling Sect. And as if that punishment were not severe enough, Lu Shaojun—another young disciple embroiled in the same controversy—had fared no better. In a singular stroke, both were condemned and cast out. The severity of the punishment was such that even if Lu Shaojun had the backing of a renowned Foundation Alchemist as his father (a connection that, in many sects, might have been sufficient to save one from disgrace), nothing could have spared him from this harsh retribution.
The rationale behind these drastic measures lay in the unyielding rigidity and uncompromising standards of the Tianling Sect. Unlike many smaller—or less prestigious—immortal sects, Tianling not only prided itself on its extensive cultivation techniques but also boasted an unparalleled mastery of alchemy. In fact, the sect was known to house not one or two but eight distinct Elixir Peaks, each secretly harboring hidden meridians and energies, and each designated by one of the eight trigrams. These peaks were not mere ornamental features; they represented the very nexus of the sect's alchemical prowess and magical resources.
Even for a disciple whose father was considered among the very best alchemists in the realm—a man whose expertise far surpassed that of ordinary pill refineers—the Tianling Sect's edicts were absolute. In the eyes of the sect's governing principles, anyone who dared meddle in forbidden matters, regardless of familial connections, had to face severe punishment. The incident with Lu Shaojun, whose path intersected with forbidden alchemical ventures, proved that even the illustrious lineage of an accomplished alchemist could not defy the strict and unforgiving regulations of Tianling.
A Stark Lesson on Sect Rules
In the wake of these shocking events, every ninth-level disciple of the Tianling Sect suddenly found themselves with a crystal-clear understanding of the sect's uncompromising rules. For a cultivator who, at the brink of advancing from the Qi Refinement stage with promising prospects for Foundation Establishment—especially one blessed with triple elemental (or "three-attribute") spiritual roots—the punishment could be executed as swiftly as it was severe. A disciple who seemed destined for greatness could, in an instant, have all their years of painstaking cultivation nullified. Had this occurred in a lesser sect, one might never dare imagine such a penalty; here in Tianling, the rules were ironclad, and transgressions were met with ruthless finality.
Many graduates of the Foundation Establishment stage, who had once gazed upon the sect's standards with quiet hope, were left in utter shock by the fate of their peers. Yet, Fang Jinyu, ever the thoughtful and calculating soul, did not recoil in dismay. Instead, after much reflection, he came to a curious conclusion: the fury displayed by the ancient Yuan Ying Ancestor—the very embodiment of the sect's age-old authority—was not aimed at the state of affairs per se, but rather at those who had dared to trigger his "reverse scale," as it were. In other words, the measured anger was personal, born of a transgression too close to the heart of Tianling's sacred rules.
A Day Marked by Unexpected Gains
Later that very day, as the sun began its slow descent behind the distant peaks, a new development stirred within Fang Jinyu's inner world. In his daily ritual of summing up his progress—a process he likened to "reporting" the day's harvest of cultivation energy—he discovered that he had refined his "qi-luck" (or destiny energy) by one unit. The message, neatly inscribed in his internal system log, read:
"Today is a day of great gains after submitting a minor report. [Refinement Achieved: Qi-Luck +1]"
When he saw these words, Fang Jinyu was momentarily startled. "Qi-luck?" he repeated to himself aloud, as if seeking confirmation. In that instant, a profound sensation washed over him. It was as if an invisible shackle—one that had long bound his spirit—had suddenly been shattered. Every fiber of his being seemed to pulse with a newfound freedom, an unexplainable lightness that spread from his fingertips to his core.
Yet even as a sense of wonder and elation welled up within him, he remained practical. Deep in his heart, he understood what this phenomenon signified: his fundamental qi-luck—the inherent fortune that underpins a cultivator's potential—had increased. This was something intrinsic, something that could never be looted or stolen by another. Unlike the volatile qi surpluses that might accompany the refinement of a stolen magical artifact—which could be wrested away and then absorbed by someone else—this kind of qi-luck was uniquely his own, a personal treasure that no foe could ever take by force.
The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. He now possessed a method—a unique, individual technique—for enhancing his innate qi-luck. And in the lore of the sect, it was whispered that once one's qi-luck grew dense and robust enough, it didn't merely bolster one's physical power; it could also subtly shift and even improve one's overall cultivation aptitude.
At this juncture, Fang Jinyu's thoughts raced to an old piece of knowledge: the legendary "Tianling Root." Were he endowed with this rare and coveted root—a spiritual attribute prized above all others—it would not only open up the possibility of reaching the Golden Core stage with greater ease, but it might also confer a significant, even miraculous, chance of "shattering the Golden Core" to become a Yuanying infant.
Yet, fate had been both a blessing and a curse for him. Presently, he boasted triple elemental spiritual roots. This rare condition enabled him to channel three types of elemental magical power, granting him a tremendous edge in combat and in confrontations with rivals. On the flip side, this complex configuration was a double-edged sword for his cultivation. The more elemental attributes one possessed, the more difficult it was to achieve breakthrough during the critical step of Golden Core formation. In the traditionally perilous phase known as "shattering the Golden Core" (where a cultivator transitions from Golden Core to Yuanying, a stage characterized by the transformation of physical rigidity into a more ethereal form), having multiple elemental forces at work in one's body could actually impede progress. The body, required to shift its physicality in order to nurture the nascent Yuanying, might be slowed down by the burden of juggling three separate elemental energies.
There was also the matter of the quality of the Golden Core itself. In the Tianling Sect, as in other sects, Golden Cores were graded on a scale of nine qualities—the worst being the ninth quality and the pinnacle of excellence being the first. For disciples using the famed Tianling Root, even the lowest quality Golden Core would be at least third quality. However, the odds were still harsh. A third-quality Golden Core came with only about a 10% probability of shattering into a Yuanying infant. A second-quality core fared slightly better, at roughly a 20% chance, while a first-quality Golden Core might boast an even 50% probability of achieving the miraculous transformation. If one's Golden Core were of lower than third quality, then not only would shattering into a Yuanying infant be nearly impossible, but even progressing through the third layer of refinement in a Golden Core would itself be an act of extraordinary luck.
As these thoughts cascaded through his mind, Fang Jinyu felt a surge of emotions. His heart pounded with both anticipation and trepidation—each new possibility promising further advancement, yet laden with the risk of failure. Almost imperceptibly, the prospect of improving his innate qi-luck lit a glimmer of hope in his eyes. This was a coveted chance, a method by which he could permanently augment the fundamental fortune that lay buried within him.
Reflections on Fate, Opportunity, and the Rivalries of the Cultivation World
Even as he savored this breakthrough in his internal system—a gain that elevated his qi-luck by a discrete unit—Fang Jinyu could not help but reflect on the larger tapestry of fate unfolding around him. He recalled how many of the opportunities and serendipities in cultivation were inextricably linked to the "fish pond" that belonged to the female protagonist, Su Yier. In that mystical pond, as the old saying went, there were numerous "big fish" that had already tasted the succulent rewards of fate, but the majority were merely "small fish," little more than underdogs waiting in the lapping waters, their dreams just out of reach.
This led him to a pressing internal question: How might he harness the latent abilities of this "system-like" mechanism within his body to further refine his qi-luck? He knew that some among his peers—like Chen Baxing—had already employed such methods, but such techniques were heavily reliant on chance and probability. With a rueful chuckle, he mused that while it might seem tempting to mimic Chen Baxing's approach, the outcome was never guaranteed. The cultivation world was a realm where fate played a relentlessly capricious hand.
In a moment of self-reflection, Fang Jinyu also considered the irony of his situation when contrasted against the backdrop of the female protagonist's fish pond. How could someone like him—tall, burly, and possessing an imposing presence—ever hope to sneak into that finely curated arena of power? After all, no amount of expert disguise or cunning transformation would allow a man of his stature to pass unnoticed in a world where the fish were not only guarded by inherent power but often by intricate networks of alliances. He recalled with a grim smile that while advanced shape-shifting was certainly within the realm of possibility, such techniques were typically the preserve of those who had reached far beyond the Foundation Establishment stage. In his present state, his skills could only stretch so far.
Then, another thought flickered in his mind—a realization illuminated by the contrast between his prospects and those available in Su Yier's world. In her fish pond, many fish already possessed established power and influence. There were characters who exuded an aura of authority—a rebellious "little puppy" whose elder brother was a celebrated Golden Core Grandmaster, or the aloof, almost unapproachable chieftain in a distant immortal city known for his icy demeanor. These individuals, by mere presence, commanded the sort of influence that most disciples could only dream about. Fang Jinyu knew full well that these were opportunities he could never usurp by force. Even if he had once tried—poring through the same ancient texts to capture every obscure detail that might improve his own luck—the chances of snatching such precious opportunities from someone else's "fish pond" were extremely remote. After all, it wasn't as if he could simply disguise himself as a woman and cast his line into those waters. His burly, undeniably masculine build would be immediately recognized, and his efforts to transform his appearances would likely fall short of the mark.
In the end, the cultivation world was rife with characters like Chen Baxing—individuals who not only had the mettle to seize opportunities by any means necessary but who were all too willing to take vice as chance. Meanwhile, in Su Yier's fish pond, many of the so-called "big fish" had already tasted the sweet fruits of fate, yet the majority were small fry, left to languish and watch as the opportunities slipped away. Such was the nature of destiny in their realm—a constant, almost fickle balancing act of ambition and circumstance.
As Fang Jinyu mulled over these thoughts, a new question took root in his mind: How could he, through the unique "system" he seemed to possess, channel and refine his innate qi-luck further? Although he could replicate some of the methods employed by Chen Baxing, he knew that everything depended on probability. The odds were never overwhelmingly in his favor, and the slightest mischance could have drastic consequences.
He reminded himself, however, that this was not solely a question of technique, but also a matter of fate and the residual blessings from his former life. Indeed, he could only hope that the lingering influence of his previous incarnation's parents might grant him the edge he desperately craved in a world where numerous hidden opportunities remained locked away, guarded by fate's capricious hand.
The Quest for the Superior Alchemical Method
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Fang Jinyu pushed aside any lingering sadness over the dire fate that had befallen others. Instead, he reopened his alchemy manual with renewed determination. His original plan had been to exchange his coveted quota for entry into the fabled Lingdu Secret Realm for the superior "Foundation Chapter" of the Wind-Thunder Guide technique. Alas, that calculation had proven fruitless, and the opportunity had slipped through his fingers like water.
The Tianling Sect, gracious as it was strict, did provide its Foundation Establishment disciples with a cultivation method. Yet, every such method on offer was a lower-tier formula, hardly sufficient for someone of Fang Jinyu's burgeoning potential. To attain a superior technique, one would normally have to seek out a Golden Core Grandmaster as a mentor or, barring that, accumulate enough "merit points" through dedication and service to the sect. Fortunately, Tianling's high masters were not entirely unyielding. Perhaps it was the intervention of the benevolent Yuanying Ancestor—the ancient powerhouse who had once personally wished to meet with Fang Jinyu, the "descendant of an old acquaintance"—that led the Sect Master to grant him the wind-and-thunder Qi Circulation Method suitable for a first-level Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Yet, as always, the fire in Fang Jinyu's eyes burned with an unquenchable hunger for more. The method he had received, though helpful, was not enough to satiate his ambition. His mind soon turned to the art of alchemy. Among all the skills prized by cultivators, alchemy was not only exceptionally lucrative—it was also one of the most straightforward ways to earn merit points. Even the act of refining a low-grade pill, one intended for a Qi Refinement cultivator, was rewarded with a bounty of merit points. This, in turn, had a cascading effect on one's favor within the sect, easing the path to further advancements.
Fang Jinyu recalled that, over the past two days, he had voraciously studied the rudiments of alchemy. However, despite his tireless efforts, he had so far only mastered the basic procedures and developed a rudimentary understanding of medicinal properties. The art of assembling an entire furnace's worth of pills, a task that required both finesse and profound insight into alchemical transformations, still remained shrouded in mystery. Yet, he took solace in the fact that time was on his side. Having entered the Foundation Establishment stage, he now enjoyed a lifespan of roughly two hundred years—a far cry from the mortal brevity of Qi Refinement cultivators, who seldom lived past a hundred. Even as his peers succumbed to the frailties of old age, Fang Jinyu, though still only a few years into his new stage, remained in the prime of life.
An Unexpected Visitor on the Peak
As these thoughts tugged at the edges of his mind, a sudden interruption broke his concentration. A figure approached swiftly along a narrow path near the summit of the mountain. After only a dozen or so steps, this visitor came to a halt, paused respectfully, and bowed deeply before speaking:
"Uncle Fang, there is a senior brother here to see you—he calls himself Lu Yifang."
The voice that spoke was unexpectedly clear and melodious, reminiscent of a songbird with its bright, lilting tones. The young disciple announcing his presence was Du Man'er, a native of Li-Character Elixir Peak. Disciples who resided on these lofty peaks were known for both their refined appearances and their sincere dedication. Although their innate cultivation talents were, by most accounts, only average, the rigorous years of study in the secret art of alchemy left them well qualified to serve as alchemical aides—often referred to as "Alchemy Deputies"—to the more advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Fang Jinyu, caught off guard by the unexpected mention of the name, could not hide his surprise. "Lu Yifang?" he inquired quietly, his tone revealing genuine astonishment.
Had this very person come seeking him at such a moment? After a brief internal calculation, Fang Jinyu waved him over, signaling that it was acceptable to approach.
Before long, Lu Yifang's figure emerged from the gathering twilight, and the moment his eyes met Fang Jinyu's, he instantly bowed with the utmost reverence. "Thank you, Uncle Fang, for your boundless magnanimity!" he exclaimed, his tone both respectful and eager.
Reflections on Destiny and the Burden of Opportunity
That very encounter set in motion a cascade of internal reflections in Fang Jinyu's mind. Here was a young disciple—one who had also embarked on the arduous journey of alchemy and cultivation—coming forth under circumstances both unexpected and auspicious. At that moment, Fang Jinyu's thoughts wandered back to the earlier events: the ruthless punishments meted out to Chen Baxing and Lu Shaojun had served as a stark reminder of the uncompromising nature of the Tianling Sect's regulations. In that unforgiving system, even the most promising young talent could be reduced to nothing in a heartbeat if they dared to transgress.
Yet, for Fang Jinyu, these harsh outcomes carried an unintentional, yet important, lesson. They underscored the need to navigate the treacherous waters of sect rules with both caution and cunning. While some might be crushed by such rigidity, he perceived an opportunity to grow stronger by mastering the very techniques—whether it be through enhancing one's qi-luck or fine-tuning one's alchemical skills—that would help him sidestep the pitfalls that had ensnared his less cautious peers.
He could almost taste the delicate balance of fate—a mixture of grace and risk—with each calculated move he made. The subtle interplay between destiny and personal effort was, in many ways, the essence of cultivation itself: a dance between accepting what fate had ordained and seizing the long-forgotten opportunities that lay hidden in the shadows of strict, unyielding sect rules.
The notion that his innate qi-luck could never be forcibly stolen by another—only augmented through his own careful refinement—filled him with renewed purpose. Every stolen magical artifact or refined talisman that others might use to temporarily boost their fortunes was nothing compared to the sustainable, irrevocable increase occurring within him. It was a secret advantage, one that would have long-term implications for his ability to rise higher in the ranks of cultivation.
Weighing the Costs of Multiple Elemental Attributes
Yet, with every advantage came an equally weighty burden. Fang Jinyu's triple-elemental spiritual roots granted him immense power in conflicts, enabling him to command forces of wind, fire, water, or earth in a dazzling array of elemental magic. Still, this very gift also slowed his progress in critical stages of cultivation. When it came time to form and refine a Golden Core—a pivotal milestone in any cultivator's journey—the presence of three elemental forces within his body made the process more complex and risk-laden. Each additional elemental attribute not only increased his combat prowess but also complicated the delicate balance needed for a high-quality Golden Core.
As he mentally recounted the grading system of Golden Cores—the ninefold scale running from the humblest ninth quality to the exalted first quality—Fang Jinyu could not help but feel a mixture of hope and frustration. Even if he managed a third-quality Golden Core, with its meager 10% chance for successfully "shattering" into a Yuanying infant, the odds would always be stacked against him. Should his Golden Core reach second quality or, ideally, first quality, his prospects would improve, but those achievements required miracles that few could claim. And for those whose cores fell below third quality, even a minimal breakthrough—such as crossing the three-layer threshold—would be considered a stroke of extraordinary luck.
It was a bitter pill to swallow: the very factors that gave him an edge in battle also threatened to slow his overall progress in a realm where every fraction of chance could determine one's future.
The Price of Opportunity
Inquietudes aside, Fang Jinyu recognized that many potential opportunities in the cultivation world were intimately tied to the intricate "fish pond" of Su Yier, the female protagonist. In her world, opportunities blossomed akin to fish swimming freely, some growing large and mighty while others remained small and timid. Yet, most of the fish—those subtle, fleeting opportunities—were elusive and reserved only for those with the utmost skill and determination. Fang Jinyu, with his imposing stature and formidable presence, knew that though he could access much of his potential advantages through raw power, there remained specific opportunities that were simply not meant to be wrested away from the domain of Su Yier's carefully curated prospects.
He recalled that, even as he had feverishly tried to memorize every precious detail from that ancient book—a tome of opportunities and cultivation secrets—there remained too few usable chances when compared to the sheer abundance in her realm. After all, it was not as if he could simply don a disguise and cast his line into her fish pond, pretending to be someone else, because his towering figure would betray him at every turn. Even the art of advanced transformation techniques, which some cultivators wielded with finesse, was beyond his grasp at his current stage.
And then the thought occurred: what if there was a way to directly harness the "system-like" mechanism within him to condense and refine his own qi-luck? Although he could, in theory, mimic Chen Baxing's approach, the method was highly dependent on probability, and luck in this regard was as fickle as it was momentary. With a mixture of resignation and a spark of determination, Fang Jinyu chided himself silently, "I must figure out how to trigger that unique method on my body and refine my qi-luck—no matter how slim the odds."
Even as these thoughts churned in his mind, he took stock of another, more immediate concern. His original plan—to use his Lingdu Secret Realm entry quota to exchange for the Wind-Thunder Guide's Foundation Chapter—had no longer been viable. The sect's offer, though generous in its intention, came in the form of a lower-tier cultivation formula. For someone as ambitious as he, settling for mediocrity was never an option. Thus, he resolved to focus his energies on another path—the art of alchemy. Not only was alchemy one of the most valued arts among cultivators, but it also provided a relatively straightforward route to amassing merit points, which in turn could pave the way toward obtaining superior techniques and resources.
Fang Jinyu had already invested two days in the fundamentals of alchemy. At this stage, he had only mastered the basic operational procedures and gleaned an elementary understanding of medicinal properties—a far cry from the mastery required to refine an entire furnace of magical pills. Yet, he was undaunted. His talents had always allowed him to "cheat" or push past conventional boundaries, and with a future that promised a two-hundred-year lifespan in the Foundation Establishment stage, he had time enough to experiment, refine, and ultimately master the secrets of alchemy.
The Unexpected Messenger: Arrival of Lu Yifang
As if summoned by fate itself, not long after these reflections took hold, a soft yet insistent voice reached his ears. Someone was approaching. Through the narrow, winding path near the peak, a figure came at a brisk pace. Within a mere dozen paces, the newcomer halted, performed a formal bow, and spoke:
"Uncle Fang, a senior brother has come to see you. He calls himself Lu Yifang."
The voice was as clear and vibrant as birdsong—a sound unmistakably fresh and confident. This messenger was none other than Du Man'er, a disciple well known on Li-Character Elixir Peak. On these ancient, revered mountains, disciples were acknowledged for their striking appearances and earnest dedication. Though many of them possessed only average innate cultivation talent, years of intense study in alchemy had transformed them into capable aides. In their roles as "Alchemy Deputies" for Foundation Establishment cultivators, they played a vital part in the inner workings of the sect's alchemical traditions.
Hearing the announcement, Fang Jinyu's eyes widened in surprise. "Lu Yifang?" he murmured, his tone tinged with both curiosity and caution. Was it truly him—this person known by that name, coming forward at such a crucial moment?
After a brief moment of silent deliberation, Fang Jinyu gestured for the visitor to approach. It wasn't long before Lu Yifang himself materialized from among the cluster of disciples. The moment their eyes met, Lu Yifang immediately lowered himself into a deep, respectful bow and exclaimed, "Thank you, Uncle Fang, for your boundless generosity and magnanimity!"
There was an air of formality and genuine respect in his tone—a reflection of the rigid protocols that governed their world. Yet beneath that veneer lay the unspoken understanding that every encounter in the Tianling Sect was laden with opportunity, risk, and the potential to shape one's destiny in profound ways.
Internal Dialogues and Future Aspirations
With Lu Yifang now present, Fang Jinyu found himself struck by a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, the arrival of a senior brother always served as a reminder of the intricate network of relationships and rivalries that defined the cultivation world. On the other, it reaffirmed his own commitment to rising above the petty temptations of jealousy and despair. In the silent chambers of his mind, waves of thought crashed: the rigid punishments that had just been announced, the potential for harnessing his qi-luck, the elusive nature of opportunity in Su Yier's domain, and now, the prospect of learning more from a peer who might have insights into the art of alchemy or the subtle mechanics of the sect's prestigious system.
Fang Jinyu's heart, still echoing with the thrill of his recent qi-luck gain, now beat with a tempered excitement. There was much to be gained by staying vigilant and seizing every chance to polish his skills, be they in cultivation or in the practice of alchemy. Every moment, every encounter—even one as seemingly mundane as an unexpected visit from Lu Yifang—carried the potential to tip the scales of fate.
He considered for a moment the broader implications of his recent discoveries. His improved qi-luck was not just a temporary boost; it was a sign that his fate might be set on a more favorable course. In the intricate system of the Tianling Sect, where even the smallest increment of qi-luck could spell the difference between missed opportunities and meteoric rises, this was an invaluable gift. No longer would he be the expendable cannon fodder doomed to vanish in a single chapter of a grand epic. Instead, he envisioned a future where he, like the intermittent but promising characters comparable to Xin Qianqian, might reappear in multiple chapters, each time wielding greater power and a stronger claim on destiny.
Even as he mulled over these future prospects, a practical voice in his mind questioned the finer details: How exactly could he activate or refine this enigmatic, "system-like" attribute that now seemed to pulse inside him? There were stories, passed down in hushed tones among the disciples, of methods that allowed one to extract and concentrate qi-luck directly from one's own internal energy reserves. Although such techniques were rumored to be the domain of only the most advanced cultivators—and even then, steeped in uncertainty—Fang Jinyu could not help but long for a method solely his own, one that would allow him to harness his innate fortune in a way that no one else could replicate.
He recalled snippets from that ancient book he had once pored over, noting with a wry smile how few opportunities were ever really "stealable" from the fish pond of Su Yier. In her domain, every potential chance was fiercely guarded by its own inherent strength and carefully constructed alliances. Even if he had painstakingly memorized every usable detail from that revered text, there was simply no way he could supplant what already belonged to someone else. And yet, here, in his own solitary journey, lay a promise—a personal, unique path to increasing his qi-luck that might eventually tip the balance in his favor.
A New Chapter in Alchemical Pursuits
Returning to the matter at hand, Fang Jinyu resumed reading his Basic Alchemy manual with renewed focus. Although he had been preparing to use his Lingdu Secret Realm quota to exchange for the superior "Foundation Chapter" of the Wind-Thunder Guide, fate had other plans. The calculation had fallen apart, and what would have been a promising transaction now lay in ruins. Instead, he recognized that his next best course was to delve deeper into alchemy—a skill that was not only revered among cultivators but also one of the most reliable avenues for accumulating merit points.
Every time a low-grade medicinal pill was refined for use by a Qi Refinement cultivator, a significant number of merit points were awarded. In the hierarchical world of cultivation, these points could eventually be exchanged for access to high-tier techniques, better resources, or even the favor of the sect's senior elders. It was a system where hard work, skill, and unwavering determination were rewarded over time.
Fang Jinyu knew that the art of alchemy was as much a test of one's perseverance as it was of one's intelligence. Having spent two long days familiarizing himself with the basic procedures, he had come only to realize that the finer details—the intricate interplay of elemental properties, the timing of heat and cool, and the nuanced transformations that occurred during refinement—remained shrouded in mystery. The process of perfecting an entire furnace's worth of pills was an art in itself, one that he had yet to fully grasp.
Yet, there was no rush. With a lifespan extended by his recent breakthrough, he had time to experiment, practice, and eventually master the subtleties of alchemy. The knowledge that he had inherited a few potential advantages, even if only in the form of raw talent or the beneficence of his inherited qi-luck, bolstered his confidence.
Every cultivator in his position was painfully aware that the journey from Qi Refinement to Foundation Establishment was a treacherous one, with each step laden with hidden perils and pitfalls. Many of his peers would not live this long—averaging a mere hundred years in a state of frailty. And yet, Fang Jinyu found himself still in the prime of life, a vibrant flame burning steadily even as he navigated the labyrinthine challenges of cultivation.
A Messenger from Afar
Just as these reflections seemed to settle into a quiet rhythm within him, a sudden interruption rippled through the peaceful silence of the Elixir Peak. A figure strode briskly along one of the mountain paths, and before long, came to a halt a mere ten or so steps away from Fang Jinyu's position. With a respectful bow and a courteous tone, the visitor announced, "Uncle Fang, a senior brother has come to see you. He goes by the name Lu Yifang."
The clarity of the voice—a resonant timbre that recalled the songs of oriole birds—immediately caught Fang Jinyu's attention. This was Du Man'er, a fellow disciple from the revered Li-Character Elixir Peak, whose very presence among the peaks was synonymous with dedication, discipline, and the quiet pursuit of alchemical mastery. On these storied mountains, where beauty met discipline and every disciple strived to forge a legacy through painstaking effort, Du Man'er's announcement was not taken lightly.
Hearing the name, Fang Jinyu's eyes widened as he murmured, "Lu Yifang?" Surprised, he wondered briefly why this very person had chosen to come to him now. After a moment's hesitation, he motioned for the visitor to draw near.
Almost immediately, the figure of Lu Yifang materialized among the gathering dusk. The moment their eyes met, Lu Yifang lowered himself into a deep, formal bow, exclaiming with heartfelt gratitude, "Thank you, Uncle Fang, for your gracious and boundless magnanimity!" His tone was courteous and laced with genuine respect, as if every word carried both the weight of tradition and a spark of personal hope.
Embracing the Future with Cautious Optimism
As the formalities subsided, Fang Jinyu's mind buzzed with renewed determination. The arrival of Lu Yifang was more than just a routine visit—it was a subtle affirmation that the path of cultivation was filled with unexpected opportunities. In that quiet moment, he allowed himself a brief pause to reflect on the lessons of the past few days: the ruthless punishments endured by Chen Baxing and Lu Shaojun, the dramatic revelation of his increased qi-luck, and the harsh, yet inspiring, truth that within the rigid structure of the Tianling Sect lay both danger and possibility.
He mused silently on the delicate interplay of fate and personal effort. Every misstep by others, every inflexible rule, was a reminder to him that the journey to immortality was never a straight road but one paved with trials that tested both the heart and the spirit. And though many would have crumbled in the face of such discipline, Fang Jinyu was emboldened to press on, driven by the unwavering belief that his unique method of refining qi-luck was a secret weapon—one that could lead him not only to higher realms of cultivation but also to opportunities that others could only dream of.
Even now, as Lu Yifang remained respectfully present at his side, Fang Jinyu felt that the future was ripe with promise. Fortunately, he had begun to unlock small mysteries that would one day become known as the keys to a vast and personal power. Every new insight into his own fortune, every incremental gain recorded by the internal system he so carefully monitored, was evidence that the relentless grind of cultivation was paying off.
The Burden and the Blessing of True Cultivation
In the back of his mind, however, he knew that every advantage came at a cost. The more he honed his innate qi-luck and sought to channel it through discipline and alchemical art, the more he was forced to confront the challenges inherent in his very nature—namely, his triple-elemental spiritual roots. While these roots granted him a multifaceted source of power that could be used to devastating effect in battle, they also made the delicate process of forging a high-quality Golden Core more treacherous. The competition between these elemental energies could, without careful balance, hinder the transformation that was necessary for the next stage of cultivation. Yet, in that challenge lay an opportunity: the promise that if he could one day master the interplay between his many elements, normal limits might be transcended, and even the prohibitive odds could be defied.
He recalled the details of the grading system—the meticulously defined tiers of Golden Cores from the humblest ninth quality to the rarefied first quality—and felt a chill of both determination and apprehension. The numbers were stark, yet in them lay a challenge: a challenge to improve beyond the ordinary through sweat, perseverance, and a touch of fate's benevolence.
And so, with dreams that stretched long into the future and eyes that shone with the fire of ambition, Fang Jinyu resolved that he would not allow his innate advantages to be wasted. Instead, he would refine his qi-luck, hone his alchemical skills, and embrace the strict, often harsh lessons of the Tianling Sect as stepping stones toward a destiny carved solely by his own hands.
In Summation
In that moment on Li-Character Elixir Peak, as dusk melded into the cool embrace of twilight and the ancient texts whispered secrets of power and possibility, Fang Jinyu entered a new phase of his journey. The news of Chen Baxing's expulsion and the demonstration of the sect's unwavering rules had served as a somber reminder of the high stakes of cultivation. And yet, the unexpected gain in his qi-luck—a gain that felt as though it had shattered chains of limitation—filled him with hope and revitalized his resolve.
The interplay of destiny and personal merit was an eternal dance, one dictated not by chance alone but by the persistent efforts of those brave enough to challenge the established order. Fang Jinyu knew that while he might never be able to wrest away opportunities directly from Su Yier's fish pond, he could carve out a niche uniquely his own—one defined by the extraordinary potential of his inner qi-luck and the steadfast determination to refine his alchemical art.
As he prepared to return to his studies with renewed vigor, surrounded by the quiet majesty of peak and ancient tradition alike, Fang Jinyu silently vowed that no setback or harsh decree would deter him from his chosen path. Every twist of fate, every stroke of injustice or unexpected blessing, was yet another thread in the grand tapestry of his destiny—a tapestry that he, by his own resolute hand, would weave into legend.
Epilogue: The Promise of a New Dawn
In the months and years that would follow, the events of that fateful day on Li-Character Elixir Peak would come to be remembered as a turning point. Fang Jinyu's discovery of his unique method for refining qi-luck would eventually serve as a cornerstone of his growing reputation—a secret that set him apart from countless other disciples who found themselves wilting beneath the weight of rigid sect rules.
As he continued to experiment with alchemy and supplement his cultivation with each carefully measured pill and incremental merit point gained, his inner system recorded every nuance of progress: the subtle shifts in energy, the quiet resonances of elemental power, and the cumulative benefits that came from disciplined practice. Every achievement—not merely the dramatic breakthroughs but even the smallest numeric gains in his qi-luck—became a testament to his persevering spirit.
And though the world of cultivation was rife with intrigue, betrayal, and the unyielding pressure to conform to ancient edicts, Fang Jinyu's journey was one of evolution. A path marked by both ruthless realities and the quiet promise that when one's internal fortune is nurtured carefully, fate itself may begin to bend in one's favor.
Surrounded by friends, rivals, and even those who once soured at his seeming defiance of destiny, he moved forward into a future that, while uncertain, was teeming with potential. The mountain peaks, the ancient halls of the Tianling Sect, and the whispering winds all bore silent witness to a young cultivator's triumphant struggle against the constraints imposed upon him.
Thus, in the grand and ever-changing theater of immortal cultivation, Fang Jinyu's story remained a shining beacon of hope—a testament to the belief that even in a world governed by strict rules and merciless decrees, the inner will and the unique spark of destiny, once ignited and carefully nurtured, could illuminate the path to true greatness.
This translation captures not only the literal meaning of the text but also the layered emotions, internal debates, and the vibrant world of cultivation that the original narrative so artfully conveys. The intricate interplay of fate, discipline, and opportunity—set against the background of a harsh yet beautiful sect—is brought to life in a manner that invites you to ponder further on the hidden depths of Tianling's traditions and the innate power of an individual determined to change his destiny.
Should you wish to delve even deeper into the lore of Tianling Sect—the mystical significance of the eight concealed Elixir Peaks, the details of the sect's unforgiving rules, or the intricate methods by which one might increase one's qi-luck—there is ample rich material to explore. Every chapter in this realm of cultivation carries with it a universe of philosophy, technique, and human emotion waiting to be unraveled.