When Li Nanzhu's crisp voice fell, the entire arena suddenly plunged into a strange silence.
The title was like a stone cast into a lake, yet it didn't stir the expected ripples; instead, it left everyone stunned.
"Qingming Pill Venerable?"
Whispers drifted through the audience as everyone repeated this unfamiliar title, their faces etched with confusion.
Some frowned in deep thought, some looked at each other in bewilderment, and some simply shook their heads, indicating they had never heard of it.
At the judges' bench, Su Muli instinctively looked toward Elder Tan beside him, only to find the other man equally blank.
This esteemed elder of the alchemy world actually showed a look of bewilderment at this moment.
Su Muli couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Elder Tan, you... haven't heard of this Qingming Pill Venerable either?"
Elder Tan frowned and shook his head. "I have cultivated for over eight hundred years and perused countless alchemy records, yet I have never seen a mention of this title."
Su Muli turned to Bu Qingwei on his other side. "Sect Leader Bu, what about you?"
Bu Qingwei's hand, which was stroking his beard, stopped mid-air as he furrowed his brows. "To my shame, I haven't heard of it either. Sect Leader Liu, do you know?"
Liu Changhe took out a communication jade slip and checked it for a moment before shaking his head. "There are no relevant records in our Library Pavilion. Sect Leader Zhao, what about your side?"
However, Zhao Wufeng's answer was no different from theirs.
The reactions of Qin Wuyan, Rong Lingmeng, Gong Yang, and the others were all the same.
The several sect leaders looked at each other, seeing the same bewilderment in each other's eyes. This collective ignorance made them even more confused.
The discussions among the disciples below grew louder:
"I've never heard of it!"
"The title of Pill Venerable is way too arrogant, isn't it? Even the supreme elder of the Shenmu Sect only dares to call himself a pill saint!"
"Could it be an expert from some hidden sect?"
This confusion lasted for several breaths until everyone noticed Feng Yi's expression.
The Sect Leader of the Five Elements Dao Sect remained seated, a faint, lingering smile on his lips, appearing not at all surprised by the title.
Su Muli's heart stirred, and he asked tentatively, "Sect Leader Feng, could it be that you know of this Qingming Pill Venerable?"
Feng Yi gave a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying. "Since Nanzhu said so, then such a person naturally exists."
These words were ambiguous, yet they only piqued everyone's curiosity further.
Someone who could make Feng Yi so composed and prevent him from denying the title of Pill Venerable was certainly no ordinary figure!
The sect leaders on the judges' bench exchanged glances, all secretly speculating.
Su Muli's mind was churning. He suddenly recalled records in ancient texts stating that some great powers from the upper realm would incarnate to travel the lower realm. Could this Qingming Pill Venerable be...
Li Nanzhu stood on the stage, looking at everyone's confused expressions, her heart filled with excitement and relief.
She didn't care if others had heard of her master's title. What mattered was that she had finally taken the first step—letting the name of Qingming Pill Venerable reappear in the world.
And what she had to do was prove the value of this title with her strength.
Only the members of the Five Elements Dao Sect understood clearly that this Qingming Pill Venerable had likely already truly vanished into thin air; he was now merely a cherished memory in their little junior sister's heart.
When Li Nanzhu looked up, she happened to meet Feng Yi's gaze.
That look was complex and hard to decipher—there was relief, pity, and a depth she couldn't read, as if he were looking at the shadow of another person through her.
At this time, on the judges' bench, the sect leaders were still discussing heatedly.
Su Muli stroked his beard and mused, "To make even Feng Yi not deny the title of Pill Venerable, this expert is likely..."
Elder Tan followed up, "Could it be someone from the upper realm? Otherwise, how could there be no records at all?"
An astute light flashed in Bu Qingwei's eyes. "If that's truly the case, then..."
Below the stage, the reactions of the various sects differed.
Jiang Zhi was deep in thought. "No wonder her alchemy techniques are so unique. It turns out she received the true legacy of an expert."
Ye Zhiqiu sighed softly. "It seems we all underestimated her."
Over at the Sword Heart Sect, seeing that Ling Xiao seemed to be in deep thought, the direct disciples didn't dare disturb him and could only keep their mouths shut.
Cang Dongqing looked in Li Nanzhu's direction, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes.
The ones with the greatest reaction were naturally the direct disciples of the Tianyan Sect, who gathered together excitedly:
"Qingming Pill Venerable! That sounds incredible!"
"No wonder the divination showed her as a variable! Master actually got it right this time!"
Li Nanzhu paid no mind to the discussions of the various sects. Carrying her heart full of joy and release, she returned to her senior brothers and sisters.
Duan Xianxing was the first to rush up and give her a big hug. The others also gathered around, their eyes filled with heartfelt pride and relief.
Once everyone returned to the residence, Feng Weilan had already thoughtfully prepared a celebration banquet.
Li Nanzhu was in a great mood and followed along, drinking a few more cups of spirit wine, but this time she carefully controlled the amount to ensure she didn't pass out.
Just as the banquet was in full swing, there was movement outside the residence.
It was Su Muli, the Sect Leader of the Shenmu Sect, visiting in person, followed by Elder Tan and several direct disciples.
Su Muli's gaze immediately fell on Li Nanzhu, his eyes filled with undeniable curiosity and inquiry. However, as a senior expert, it was improper for him to directly question a junior, so he first exchanged pleasantries with Feng Yi.
Feng Yi was as sharp as could be and saw through the other's intent at a glance.
He rose unhurriedly, a meaningful smile on his lips. "Sect Leader Su has arrived at the perfect time. I was just thinking about discussing the matter of exchange between our two sects."
As he spoke, he naturally led Su Muli and Elder Tan toward the inner room.
Elder Tan had originally come to find Feng Yi to discuss having Li Nanzhu focus on the Dao of alchemy, so he followed suit.
In the blink of an eye, only the direct disciples of the Shenmu Sect and the members of the Five Elements Dao Sect remained in the courtyard. For a moment, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.
Jiang Zhi cleared his throat and said formally, "Um... I haven't had the chance to congratulate you on taking seventh place yet." As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt they weren't quite right and quickly added, "Of course, with your strength, you should have been higher..."
Ye Zhiqiu hurriedly took over. "What my eldest senior brother means is that being able to take seventh among the few of us is already quite amazing." After saying that, he immediately realized it sounded more like bragging, and his face turned red.
Seeing this, Wei Zhaoheng couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Can you two even speak properly?" He turned to Li Nanzhu, trying to salvage the situation. "Fellow Daoist Li, please don't mind them. They're just..."
He suddenly got stuck mid-sentence, realizing he didn't know how to praise people either.
After struggling for a long time, he finally blurted out, "The pills you refined were... alright."
These words were dry and stiff; even he felt awkward.
The other direct disciples of the Shenmu Sect were even more at a loss.
Some looked down to study the stone slabs on the ground, some pretended to admire the spirit plants in the courtyard, and others stared at the wine cups in their hands as if they could see flowers in them.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Li Nanzhu took the initiative to raise her glass and smiled. "Since you've come, you are guests. Why don't we have a drink together?"
Duan Xianxing immediately took the hint and greeted them warmly. "Come, come, come! Everyone, take a seat! The spirit wine of our Five Elements Dao Sect is top-notch!"
After a few cups of spirit wine, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.
Jiang Zhi praised from the bottom of his heart, "Fellow Daoist Li, your technique for balancing medicinal properties today was truly admirable."
Li Nanzhu gave a humble smile. "Actually, the key lies in finding the point where the medicinal properties generate each other..."
She explained some of the basic principles eloquently, being generous yet maintaining her sense of propriety.
Everyone listened intently, some even taking out pens to record her words.
Right then, Wei Zhaoheng suddenly interrupted, "Your master... Qingming Pill Venerable, what kind of person is he?"
Rate on N.U.
