103 - Dungeon Growth Log

**Chapter 103** The news delivered by the carrier pigeon was not good; in fact, it was terrible. Upon receiving the message, Chang Lan's gaze darkened. A disciple cautiously asked, "Senior Brother..." Chang Lan paused, "Is the Sect Leader still in seclusion?" The disciple nodded, hesitatingly adding, "The Sect Leader is in a life-and-death seclusion..." Chang Lan took a deep breath, his brows furrowing tightly as if a heavy burden weighed down on him. After a moment, he said quietly, "Bring me the details of the casualties from this incident, I'll handle it." The disciple, gathering their courage, asked, "What about the main disciple of Dan Peak...?" Chang Lan reassured, "Don't worry, she will be back soon." Yet a shadow lingered in his eyes. The disciple acknowledged and left. As the door closed, Chang Lan's expression turned gloomy. The news received was naturally not favorable. Gu Peijiu and three Sword Peak disciples had disappeared with the withering bamboo village. The vicious ghost tide was raging fiercely, and they couldn't withdraw to support. It wouldn't matter much if other disciples didn't return to aid; the mountain-protecting array could hold off the demon sect's attacks. However, the soul poison was fierce, and without the sole Xuan-level alchemist returning, it posed a significant problem. "What should I do..." Rubbing his temples, Chang Lan finally took out a communication stone. At this point... he could only seek help from his family. Just as he was about to crush the stone, the door suddenly opened again. The disciple returned, presenting processed documents, "Senior Brother, these are the casualty reports from Sword Peak." Chang Lan paused, put the communication stone back into his sleeve, and sighed, "Bring them over, thank you." "And... Xia Wuyin's side?" "I'll deal with it once I finish here." While Chang Lan was busy processing the documents and organizing the casualties from the Three Peaks, he had no time to trouble Xia Ge. Meanwhile, after blowing up the furnace three times, Xia Ge emerged, covered in ash, holding a grimy pill. Xia Ge said, "...Is this a successful product?" The observing master helplessly replied, "The Hundred Soul Pill is supposed to be white." Xia Ge was speechless. The master sighed, "I see in your process, you aim to create a genuine Xuan-level Hundred Soul Pill, right?" Xia Ge scratched her nose, "Of course, I want to make a real Hundred Soul Pill." "Your basic process isn't wrong, and you have sufficient spiritual energy, but... you lack focus," the master noted, "You're not fully concentrated." "…Huh?" Xia Ge was puzzled. She wasn't focused enough? The master said, "Maybe you think you're focused, but it's not enough." He continued, "You must also pour your spirit into it. For the Hundred Soul Pill, which heals the soul, some soul power is necessary to refine the medicinal power in the herbs. Typically, Xuan-level alchemists can automatically infuse their soul power into the pill. Each Xuan-level pill has its unique requirements; while most might not need soul power, the Hundred Soul Pill definitely requires the integration of spiritual power, medicinal power, and soul power. That's why soul-class pills can only be made by Xuan-level alchemists and above." "This is the fundamental difference between ordinary Huang-level alchemists and Xuan-level alchemists," the master explained, taking Xia Ge's pill and discarding it into the wastebin, then stroking his beard, "From my observation, you do have Xuan-level elixir veins, don't you?" Xia Ge nodded, "I do, Master." When the alchemist profession is unlocked, one begins with Huang-level elixir veins. To upgrade to Xuan-level, one only needs to amass proficiency, with 1 proficiency gained per alchemical practice. Xia Ge had already accumulated enough proficiency through her assignments over the months. Upon hearing Xia Ge's acknowledgement, the master was internally surprised but maintained his calm appearance, "Prepare your materials and try refining it again." "Don't think having Xuan-level elixir veins is enough," he observed Xia Ge while speaking, "I've read historical records, and many with Xuan-level veins failed to grasp the true essence of alchemy. Unable to concentrate fully, integrating themselves into the process completely, they remained at the Huang-level, unable to advance." --- The true essence of alchemy? --- Becoming an alchemist is not about aiming to fulfill someone else's goals or finding courage. "…Master, what is the true essence of an alchemist?" Xia Ge asked, "Do you know?" The master fell silent for a moment, then shook his head, "Every person's understanding is different. I am not a Xuan-level alchemist, so I can't say. You'll have to ask your Senior Sister when she returns." "I'm going to check on Mao Qing's condition." The master left after speaking. This process needs to be adapted. However, Xia Ge failed several more times. System: "Can't you refine it?" Outside, nighttime had fallen. Staring at the furnace, Xia Ge replied, "Ugh… seems like it." The system remained silent. The master's words about total concentration had evidently hit Xia Ge's weak spot. "Why… I thought I was very focused?" Xia Ge stared at the bin full of failed pills, feeling frustrated. The system thoughtfully suggested, "…Maybe because you don't really like it." Xia Ge retorted, "It hurts to hear the truth, you know." System: "..." Facing the smoking furnace, Xia Ge admitted honestly, "Compared to arrays, I don't really like alchemy, but I haven't been negligent in my studies, have I?" Standing up and dusting herself off, "If the essence of becoming an alchemist is to like alchemy, that's unfair. Not everyone who gets into prestigious schools enjoys studying. It's unfair that someone would be barred from becoming a Xuan-level alchemist just because they don't like it." System: "You haven't been barred. In fact, you're already a Xuan-level alchemist. You just haven't managed to refine a soul pill requiring soul power." Xia Ge: "..." "While you might do very well in something you don't like, you won't necessarily excel at it," the system observed casually, "This isn't to deny exceptions, but generally, that's the reality." Xia Ge left the alchemy room and went to check on Mao Qing. Bi Xi, who had arrived at some point, was assisting the master in changing Mao Qing's dressing. Mao Qing lay there with her eyes closed, as if asleep. Xia Ge approached Mao Qing, scrutinizing her slightly pale face, and asked softly, "How is she?" Upon seeing Xia Ge, Bi Xi was momentarily surprised, then nodded in acknowledgment. The master stroked his goatee, "The wound is a bit inflamed and her spirit is slightly unsettled. We need to monitor her closely." He then inquired, "How's your alchemy coming along?" Xia Ge shook her head, "Still… not there yet." The master sighed, "As expected, it's not easy. The medication's been changed. If you're free, you can watch over her for a while. I'll go check on things outside." "Bi Xi, come and help." "Yes." The demon sect's siege had left many Dan Peak disciples injured. Although doctors were available at the foot of the mountain, certain Dan Peak herbs were still needed for concoctions. Xia Ge pulled up a chair and sat beside Mao Qing. System: "What about the Hundred Soul Pill?" Xia Ge: "…If you ask me that way, I have no idea either." "Um..." Mao Qing's face suddenly became pained, and sweat began to form on her forehead, as if she were having a bad dream. Xia Ge quickly cooled a towel to wipe her sweat. Unexpectedly, her wrist was grabbed tightly. Mao Qing's eyes, which had been closed firmly, opened to reveal a haunting iciness, staring intently at Xia Ge. Startled by the cold and murderous gaze, Xia Ge instinctively tried to pull her hand away. However, her wrist was held tightly, without any sign of loosening. Afraid of further hurting Mao Qing, Xia Ge froze in place. Mao Qing stared at Xia Ge for a moment, the hostility slowly dissipating, replaced by confusion. Her grip relaxed slightly but did not let go entirely. She muttered, "…Am I... going to die?" The Hundred Soul Pill does tend to cause some mental disorientation. Xia Ge paused, then said quietly, "You won't." Mao Qing softly voiced, "You say... I won't die." "So I... won't die." Xia Ge: "…Yes." After saying this, she glanced at her tightly grasped wrist. Sensing Xia Ge's gaze, Mao Qing gradually released her grip and weakly smiled, "That's... really good." Although her words seemed to express belief, Mao Qing's hand, as it slipped away, trembled slightly, almost saying -- Even if it's not possible, it's fine. Suddenly struck by the realization that she had no assurance of refining the Hundred Soul Pill within a day, Xia Ge instinctively retook Mao Qing's hand, holding it firmly. She heard herself say nonchalantly, "I also think... it will be fine, and actually... pretty good." Mao Qing looked at her, then at her own gripped hand. After a moment, the smile on her lips widened slightly. After a while, she murmured softly, "Even if you can't, it's okay." Looking at Mao Qing's face and holding her hand, Xia Ge couldn't help but think of Dan Fengsuyi's elder sister, An Jing, calmly reviewing documents, marking papers with a red brush, her gaze gentle, casually saying many things to Xia Ge. So many words. Yet ultimately, just a few remained. "Um... Senior Sister once said," Xia Ge began. "'Dan Peak disciples must keep their promises,'" Xia Ge explained earnestly, tucking Mao Qing in. "So, if I say you won’t die, I’ll do my best to keep that promise." As Xia Ge spoke, her mind wandered, considering how to become "fully concentrated" during alchemy. She didn’t notice the fleeting flash of coldness in Mao Qing’s eyes when she mentioned "Senior Sister." Mao Qing’s voice was gentle, "Is that so?" Xia Ge nodded emphatically, "Yes, I never lie." The system was silent: "..." Just then, a melodious male voice echoed outside. "May I see Xia Wuyin, the Representative of Dan Peak?" Xia Ge responded crisply, "I’m busy, not seeing anyone." Mao Qing asked, "Who’s outside?" Xia Ge replied, "A nuisance." Mao Qing: "..." Xia Ge urged, "Hey, don’t worry about it. If your head hurts, just close your eyes and rest." Mao Qing looked at her, her dark eyes inscrutable, then obediently nodded and closed her eyes, "Alright." Xia Ge, pretending to fuss over the blankets, was surprisingly adept at tucking them in, a skill rarely practiced even with her younger brother. The system asked, "What about the people outside?" Xia Ge dismissed, "They can wait." Outside, a disciple tried to barge in after Xia Ge’s refusal but was restrained by Chang Lan. Speaking softly, Chang Lan said, "Xia Clan Leader need not worry, I mean no harm..." Xia Ge sauntered out leisurely, ignoring Chang Lan and his entourage, walking towards the alchemy room without sparing them a glance. "Xia Wuyin! Stop waving your authority around! You’re just a minor representative of Dan Peak, such insolence!!" An irate disciple fumed at the sight of injured and poisoned Sword Peak disciples, his anger directed at Xia Ge. Rolling up his sleeves, he charged at her, but Chang Lan held him back, frowning at Xia Ge’s disregard. Given the current circumstances and her position, he suppressed his irritation, knowing the importance of alliance and avoiding any internal conflict. "Xia Wuyin..." Xia Ge suddenly interrupted, "Are you the Senior Disciple of Sword Peak?" Chang Lan frowned, feeling belittled by a youngster's inquiry, though he was aware of the delicate diplomacy required. "Yes," he responded, albeit grudgingly. "Oh, so you're the one…" Xia Ge mused and, without further comment, turned back into the alchemy room. Chang Lan: "..." The enraged disciple couldn’t hold back anymore and stormed in, pointing at Xia Ge, "What kind of person are you?! Running around like a loose cannon with authority! Aren’t you ashamed?!! You’re nothing but a traitorous spy!! Our Senior Brother shows you respect, and you just run wild!!" The young alchemist remained poised, methodically sorting her herbs, muttering to herself. Gradually, Chang Lan and the other disciples followed inside. "Wei Yu, silence," Chang Lan instructed sternly. Though Wei Yu glared at Xia Ge, he reluctantly kept quiet. Chang Lan's first question wasn’t about her being a spy, but instead, "What are you doing?" Xia Ge didn't respond immediately, focusing on organizing the herbs. Just as Chang Lan thought she wouldn't answer, she suddenly spoke, almost perplexed, "Senior Brother, what do you think the true essence of an alchemist is?" Wei Yu sneered, "Shouldn’t you be asking the true essence of a puppetmaster?" Xia Ge ignored him and continued looking at Chang Lan. "I am not an alchemist," Chang Lan replied after a moment of silence. "Oh," Xia Ge said, tossing the herbs into the ignited furnace. Watching the herbs spark in the fire, she asked, "Then what's the true essence of a swordsman?" Chang Lan hesitated but finally answered under the boy's clear gaze, "…To slay demons and eradicate evil." Xia Ge turned her gaze back to the furnace, her legs crossed, chin in hand, eyes reflecting the flickering flames, "I see." Nearby, a disciple grew wary, "What are you doing?" "Senior Brother, could she be making poison?!" Wei Yu speculated. At those words, everyone stepped back instinctively, their expressions a mix of disgust and fear. Only Chang Lan remained unmoved. Xia Ge chuckled as if amused while observing Chang Lan, "You don't think I'm making poison, do you?" Chang Lan stayed silent. Xia Ge pulled out a delicate token adorned with intricate maple leaves, kissed it, and smiled softly before closing her eyes. The air seemed to shift subtly. Chang Lan's hand hovered over his sword, his gaze sharpening slightly. "What is he doing?" "It looks like alchemy…?" "Ridiculous! As if a spy from the demon sect could be creating anything but poison—" Whether she was crafting a potion or poison, the boy dressed in Dan Fengsuyi robes chanted an incantation, and the next moment, the furnace exploded into a radiant glow. Black hair and red ribbons danced in the ferocious wind, dark eyes reflecting the electric blue fire, as spiritual energy swarmed in! Instinctively, everyone took another step back! Under the lengthy blaze and spiritual power's embrace, the liquid in the furnace began to coalesce, yet it couldn’t advance past a critical point. Two globules of white liquid hovered, unable to merge fully. Hesitating only briefly, Xia Ge recalled Bixie’s voice from that day. "This is the token Senior Sister asked me to give you." "Keep it safe, don’t lose it." Xia Ge glanced sideways at Wei Yu. "Stop wielding authority like it's nothing!" Her eyes grew cold. Feeling her intense gaze, Wei Yu shuddered, "Why are you staring at me?!" Still such... a terrifying stare! Xia Ge remained silent, retracting her gaze. No one noticed that, at the exact moment Xia Ge looked away, a faint and almost imperceptible intent blended into the swirling spiritual aura within the furnace. **Author’s note:**