Chapter Sixty: Ten Foundation-Building Pills

Inside, the little white fox lay prostrate on the ground, trembling all over. Its eyes showed a stubborn refusal to yield, but no matter how it resisted, it was futile.

A figure, short and stooped with age, his head full of white hair, sat on the wooden bed, his gaze lowered in contemplation.

The pressure emanating from him was enough to subdue the little white fox, a first-rank beast at the peak of its cultivation, reducing it to such a state. This elder was none other than Elder Cui, the true overseer of the medicine garden.

He sat unmoving, as steadfast as a mountain, and the pressure he exerted on Ge Qian felt like facing a volcano that could erupt at any moment, burying everything in its wake.

Ge Qian steadied his mind. He knew Elder Cui must have failed in his attempt to break through to the Pill Condensation Stage and, with nowhere to vent his frustration, had come looking for him. So, he respectfully said, “Elder Cui, I was out gathering spirit herbs. May I ask what offense the white fox has given you?”

Elder Cui suddenly looked up, his triangular eyes flashing with a keen light. Smiling, he said, “I truly did not misjudge you. You’ve given me so many miracles. Reaching the peak of the Qi Absorption Stage—quite impressive. Let me be candid: I waited for your return because I have a favor to ask.”

Under Elder Cui’s gaze, Ge Qian felt as though all his secrets had been laid bare. He was unsettled, but fortunately, the magic gourd and tender sprout were well hidden, beyond the elder’s detection.

“I must thank Elder Cui for teaching me the art of alchemy, which allowed me to achieve what I have today. If there is anything you need from me, please instruct me,” Ge Qian said, overwhelmed by the honor.

Elder Cui nodded and said, “Your achievements are your own secret; I do not wish to probe. This white fox is indeed extraordinary—its intelligence is high. While many beasts in the medicine garden can be tamed to manage it, few can do so with such order and efficiency. Its potential is boundless; in the future, it will be a great asset to you.”

Ge Qian quickly replied, “Elder Cui is absolutely right. I’ve thought the same—the white fox’s aptitude far surpasses mine.”

Elder Cui glanced at the prostrate fox and said, “Seeing such a spiritual beast, I am surprised you have not performed the blood oath to establish ownership. This is an oversight. Do you know, taking in a spirit beast as a cultivator is highly risky? Once the beast’s cultivation surpasses its master’s, it will kill its master to gain freedom. If someone else captures your spirit beast, they can perform a blood oath, and instantly it will turn against you, bringing about your death. Do you not know this method? No matter, I’ll lend you a hand!”

With that, Elder Cui extended a withered hand, resembling a dead tree branch. He grasped at the air, and Ge Qian felt his entire body, including his magical power and thoughts, freeze—he had no power to resist.

Before Elder Cui, Ge Qian was like an ant; a gesture or a glance could end his life. Such was the gap in their cultivation levels. Moreover, Ge Qian’s intuition told him that Elder Cui was not as simple as he appeared—he might even possess abilities rivaling the Pill Condensation Stage.

Fortunately, Elder Cui was not there to kill him. He merely drew a drop of essence blood and flicked it into the white fox’s brow, his withered hand casting numerous intricate spells.

The white fox let out a proud, anguished cry, struggling to remain conscious and resist the merging of Ge Qian’s essence blood with her soul. “I am unwilling! My great vengeance remains unfulfilled, my sister’s fate unknown, the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain is a distant dream. I, a princess of Ten Thousand Demon Mountain, am to become the spirit beast of a humble human youth? My noble blood cannot accept this—better to die!” She prepared herself for self-destruction.

But then she saw Ge Qian’s eyes—calm as the moon in the sky, seemingly saying: as long as you live, there is hope. If you do not fear death, why fear life? She had intended to deceive Ge Qian into taking her to Ten Thousand Demon Mountain for his advancement, but now that plan seemed pointless. Through these years together, she had come to understand the terror of this man. Though known as a useless one, through sheer determination and effort, he had overcome every obstacle, slaying all who stood in his path. She realized: obstacles—that is what I must overcome. I am no longer a princess of Ten Thousand Demon Mountain, nor a four-tailed demon fox, but just an ordinary first-rank beast. So what if I am only a first-rank beast? I can still use my own strength to slay my enemies and rescue Xiao Yue!”

With this thought, she abandoned resistance, immediately feeling her fate bound tightly with Ge Qian’s.

Elder Cui withdrew his ugly, powerful, terrifying hand and said, “Well? I have eliminated a deadly danger for you. Now it is your turn to help me.”

Ge Qian knew that no one offers favors without reason. If someone is overly attentive, it is either a thief or a scoundrel. He realized it would be difficult to refuse and said, “I understand. If it is within my ability, I will do my utmost. If it is too difficult, my strength may not suffice, and I would hate to delay your important matters.”

Elder Cui was unmoved by Ge Qian’s hint, continuing, “You must have noticed—I failed in my attempt to reach the Pill Condensation Stage. But I have finally identified my flaws and misconceptions. Sadly, I am already two hundred and ninety years old, and in ten years, I may not succeed in advancing. Yet, heaven has not abandoned me. Long ago, I chanced upon an ancient prescription for the ‘Life Extension Pill,’ and I have gathered most of the required herbs, lacking only three main ingredients. If I can refine this pill, I will gain sixty more years of life. I wish to ask you to help me find these three main herbs.”

“Elder Cui, you must be joking. With your abilities, do you still need my help?” Ge Qian asked, puzzled.

Elder Cui’s expression grew solemn. “In a year, the trial at the Minor Dao Grounds will begin. The three herbs I mentioned, according to my investigations, are all located within the Minor Dao Grounds. Since no one knows their use, and powerful beasts guard them, they remain there.”

Hearing this, Ge Qian shivered. It was rumored that the Minor Dao Grounds had been established by great cultivators in ancient times, where spirit herbs were planted and beasts roamed freely, providing disciples with a place to hone their skills.

To ensure absolute fairness, the grounds were governed by certain rules: if a ground was meant for Qi Absorption Stage cultivators, any others would be expelled.

The ground Elder Cui referred to opened once every century and would close automatically after three months. All surviving disciples would be transported out, but only a scant few emerged alive. To gather more herbs and exchange them for Foundation Establishment Pills, the killing inside was fierce. Only those without family support or whose lifespans were nearly spent would dare risk it.

Ge Qian would rather participate in the grand competition than take such a risk. His expression changed as he said, “With my meager abilities, I fear I would not return, and might ruin your important affairs.”

Elder Cui did not grow angry, instead smiling slightly. “I know you want to enter the sect competition, win a Foundation Establishment Pill, and break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage. But with your aptitude, one pill is like a drop in the ocean. I have ten Foundation Establishment Pills here, enough to increase your chances by twenty percent. This is your reward. As they say, danger and opportunity go hand in hand—it’s up to you to choose.”

Ge Qian’s heart was clearly moved. Anyone would be excited to see so many Foundation Establishment Pills. But he maintained a calm exterior. “My concern is whether the beasts guarding the herbs are too powerful. If so, I will be powerless.”