"What kind of alchemy technique is this? The timing of adding the spiritual herbs is so precise!"

Gu Sheng's lips curled up slightly.

“Spiritual harmony has been very beneficial to me, and as a thank you, I will demonstrate some of my unique techniques. How much you can understand is up to you.”

Before he finished speaking, he formed a hand seal, and the other nine alchemy furnaces in the alchemy room simultaneously burst into flames.

To everyone's astonishment, the nine streams of alchemical fire detached from the furnace and flowed into Gu Sheng's palm.

"Northern Star Fire Control Technique!"

Gu Sheng gave a low shout, flicked his finger, and nine streams of alchemical fire shot into the central alchemical furnace. The temperature inside the furnace suddenly rose, but he precisely controlled it below the critical point.

The speed at which the medicinal herbs were added increased exponentially, and the process of their fusion became unbelievably fast.

Tantai Xueli witnessed all of this through the mental link and was so shocked that she was speechless.

She had never imagined that alchemy could be so fluid and effortless, as if she were not following steps, but performing an art form.

Two hours passed, and while an ordinary alchemist might still be extracting the last few medicinal herbs, Gu Sheng had already completed the extraction of all the medicinal properties of the herbs.

The medicinal liquid inside the alchemy furnace was crystal clear and emitted a refreshing fragrance that soothed the mind and body.

"Turn off!"

Gu Sheng suddenly uttered a single word, and in a series of hand seals, he unleashed the Northern Star Pill Divine Technique.

An astonishing scene unfolded—the medicinal properties within the alchemy furnace burst forth, transforming into a stream of light that surged into his body.

Tantai Xueli exclaimed in surprise.

"External absorption of drug properties?! How is that possible!"

Gu Sheng did not answer. His spiritual energy surged around him, and a slight buzzing sound emanated from his body.

In just a few breaths, the medicinal properties had been completely purified.

With one finger, he pointed out the pure medicinal properties, which were then returned to the alchemy furnace. With his other hand, he drew upon the alchemical fire from a distance to continue the final refining process.

"Congeal!"

Gu Sheng clasped his hands together, causing the alchemy furnace to vibrate violently, and dazzling golden light shone through the gaps in the furnace lid.

Tantai Xueli stared intently at the alchemy furnace, her rapid fluctuations transmitted through the mental link.

Gu Sheng could sense her anticipation and trepidation, as well as her deep-seated hope—if she could truly refine the Xuancha Golden Elixir, her sister would be saved.

A quarter of an hour later, a rich medicinal fragrance filled the entire alchemy room, invigorating all who smelled it.

Gu Sheng slowly finished his practice, fine beads of sweat already seeping from his forehead.

He looked at Tantai Xueli and nodded gently.

Tantai Xueli immediately dispelled the Spirit Unity Technique, her face turning pale instantly.

But she ignored her weakness and stumbled toward the alchemy furnace, her trembling hands lifting the lid.

Three round, jade-like white pills lay quietly at the bottom of the furnace, each with nine clearly visible golden pill patterns.

Even more astonishing is that, in addition to the nine complete Dan patterns, there is another faint pattern, like a newly sprouted bud that has not yet fully appeared.

"Nine-Turn Golden Elixir... No, this is..."

Tantai Xueli's voice trembled, and her eyes were fixed.

"The tenth Dan rune?!"

Gu Sheng wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a hint of regret.

"Unfortunately, it could not be fully realized; it is still a Nine-Turn, at most a Half-Heaven Grade."

Tantai Xueli's clear, cold eyes were fixed on Gu Sheng, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the dark patterns on her cuffs.

Three Xuancha Golden Pills lay quietly in the jade box, their pill patterns flowing. These were top-grade seventh-rank pills that even she, the third master of the Linlang Pavilion, found difficult to refine.

“Gu Gongfeng”.

She spoke suddenly, her voice tinged with hesitation.

"Linlang Pavilion owes you one."

Gu Sheng was tidying up the alchemy furnace and didn't even look up when he heard this.

"I will speak up when needed."

Tantai Xueli, however, was relentless and moved gracefully to block his way.

She was half a head shorter than Gu Sheng, but her imposing aura made her appear no weaker.

"The alchemy technique you just used."

She paused.

"Could it be the 'Spiritual Guidance and Return to Origin Technique' of the Northern Star Alchemist from ten thousand years ago?"

Gu Sheng's hand movements faltered slightly.

Beichen Dansheng—this was his title in his previous life before he reached the Emperor Realm.

He looked up and met Tantai Xueli's probing gaze, then suddenly smiled.

"The Third Pavilion Master has extraordinary insight."

“I have seen records of this in the Ancient Records of Alchemy.”

Tantai Xueli conjured a wisp of icy blue flame at her fingertips, outlining ancient runes in the air.

"Legend has it that the Northern Star Alchemist could use his body as a cauldron, absorbing the essence of hundreds of medicines into his sea of ​​consciousness, instantly purifying the medicinal properties. Just now, you..."

She suddenly fell silent because the same rune was appearing in Gu Sheng's palm, only more solid.

"Not Beichen Dansheng."

Gu Sheng said softly, and the rune transformed into a golden lotus in his palm.

"It is Emperor Beichen Dan."

The air suddenly solidified.

Tantai Xueli's pupils contracted slightly, then she chuckled.

"You jest, Venerable Gu. Senior Beichen ascended to the Heavenly Realm ten thousand years ago; if someone were to impersonate him..."

She looked up at the dome and said, half-jokingly and half-warningly.

"I'm afraid it will attract divine punishment and raze this Great Wilderness City to the ground."

Gu Sheng remained noncommittal, simply looking at her calmly.

His eyes were so deep, as if he had truly experienced ten thousand years of vicissitudes.

Tantai Xueli felt a sudden tremor in her heart and quickly changed the subject.

"Those two secret techniques just now"

How much you can learn depends on your destiny.

Gu Sheng put away Jinlian.

"With your level of mental strength, you should be able to grasp it after just one look."

Tantai Xueli's expression was complicated.

She did memorize the incantation, but the more she pondered it, the more mysterious it seemed.

After a long silence, she suddenly smiled.

"I used to jokingly call you Master, and it has come true."

She made a vow with her fingers together, and the golden light of the origin of martial arts emanated from her fingertips.

"I, Tantai Xueli, swear by the martial arts that I will never reveal a single thing I have seen or heard today."

Golden light entered between his brows, signifying that his vow had been fulfilled.

"I thought I had suffered a huge loss this time."

She blinked, revealing a rare hint of playfulness.

"I never expected to make such a huge profit."

Gu Sheng smiled without saying a word. In reality, the benefits he gained were even more astonishing.

My mental strength briefly rose to the eighth rank just now, and although it has now fallen back to the fourth rank, my sea of ​​consciousness has been permanently expanded in the state of "spiritual unity".

This means that he will no longer face any bottlenecks before reaching the peak of the seventh rank—an opportunity that would drive any alchemist crazy.

"Let's go save the Grand Master first."

Gu Sheng pointed to the jade box.

"We'll talk about other things after the crisis is over."

Tantai Xueli nodded solemnly, and with a gentle wave of her hand, she put away the jade box. Before leaving, she suddenly turned around.

"Master."

She felt it was inappropriate to utter the two words, and the tips of her ears turned slightly red.

"If you have any free time in the future, would you be willing to give me some pointers on alchemy?"

"It's fine to call him Master."

Gu Sheng rarely felt like teasing someone.

"After all, imparting knowledge and skills is inherently a matter of teacher-student relationship."

Tantai Xueli glared at him, then transformed into a streak of icy blue light and disappeared into the horizon.

Gu Sheng gazed in the direction she had left, a slight smile playing on his lips.

This Third Pavilion Master appears cold and aloof on the surface, but is actually adorably innocent.

Pulling himself back to reality, Gu Sheng's expression gradually turned serious.

He is preparing to publicly break away from the Imperial Clan, and needs to make arrangements in advance. Although he doesn't have deep feelings for the Imperial Clan, they have been operating under his control for many years, and some undercover agents still need to be placed.

The runes on the Heavenly City Teleportation Array in the Great Wilderness City flickered.

As soon as Gu Sheng stepped out of the formation, he was surrounded by five martial artists dressed in black.

They wore the emblem of the Great Wilderness Holy Academy on their chests, and their auras ranged from the peak of the Profound Martial Realm to the early stage of the Earth Martial Realm.

"Who are you?"

The leader asked in a deep voice.

"Gu Sheng, Grand Master of the Linglang Pavilion."

Gu Sheng revealed the token, the two characters "Linlang" on the dark gold token shining brightly.

"Please inform Xu Lingsu of the outer courtyard."

The expressions on their faces changed instantly. Who in the Great Wilderness City didn't know that the newly appointed Grand Elder and Third Master of the Linglang Pavilion was a ruthless character? It was said that even the genius from the Shen family had suffered a hidden loss. "Grand Elder Gu, please wait a moment."

The leader became much more respectful and gestured to his companion to deliver a message.

Gu Sheng stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping across the square. As expected, no one from the Lu family appeared.

Since the news of his becoming the Grand Elder of the Linglang Pavilion spread, the evil spirits and monsters lurking in the shadows have become much more subdued.

Even a prodigy like Shen Qingyun from the inner courtyard wouldn't dare to make a move openly, let alone the Lu family, who were rooted in the outer courtyard.

About fifteen minutes later, a figure in blue rushed over.

Xu Lingsu was still dressed in a simple blue robe, but the protective aura around her indicated that she had broken through to the Xuanwu Realm.

"Senior Brother Gu!"

A flicker of surprise crossed Xu Lingsu's eyes, but she quickly suppressed it and gave a proper bow. After all, there were still people from the Holy Academy around.

Gu Sheng looked her over.

"First level of the Profound Martial Realm? That's quite an improvement."

Xu Lingsu smiled, pursing her lips.

"I can't compare to Senior Brother Gu. I've heard about you..."

She lowered her voice.

"He's become the third master of the Linglang Pavilion?"

Gu Sheng remained noncommittal.

"Please contact City Lord Xu. We need to meet in Great Wilderness City in three days. It concerns the Imperial Clan."

Xu Lingsu's expression hardened, and she nodded solemnly.

"I'll send the message right away."

She hesitated for a moment.

"Senior Brother Gu, is it..."

"Breaking away from the imperial lineage."

Gu Sheng spoke casually, but Xu Lingsu gasped in shock.

In the Xuan Tian Continent, betraying one's sect is a grave taboo.

Seemingly sensing her concern, Gu Sheng added.

"I will leave this world openly and honestly, and I will not implicate you."

Xu Lingsu said urgently.

That's not what I meant! It's just...

She bit her lip.

"Do you need any help? My father still has some connections in the Great Wilderness City."

Gu Sheng felt a warmth in his heart. He was used to being alone in his past life, but in this life he had a few people who treated him with genuine kindness.

"No need, everything has been arranged."

He paused.

"How is Ning Shuang doing lately?"

"Senior Sister Gu has been favored by a Heavenly Martial Realm instructor, and it is said that she has already reached the fifth level of the Profound Martial Realm."

Xu Lingsu's eyes showed envy.

"I went on a training trip with my mentor the day before yesterday."

Gu Sheng nodded slightly.

"During her training last month, Senior Sister Ning Shuang even made a special effort to visit Senior Brother Gu."

She murmured to herself, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at her waist.

"It's a pity I didn't get to see him in the end."

Standing beside her, Gu Sheng nodded slightly. His black outfit accentuated his tall and straight figure, and the naivety he had shown in the Imperial Clan had faded, replaced by a restrained sharpness.

"Senior Brother Gu, what are you doing now?"

Xu Lingsu hesitated before speaking, an awkward expression appearing on her fair face.

"Never mind, I shouldn't have asked that."

Gu Sheng glanced at her sideways, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"But it doesn't matter."

"I'm just curious about your current cultivation level."

Xu Lingsu bit her lower lip lightly, then gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"However, the resources of the Great Wilderness Holy Academy are far superior to those of the Imperial Sect, so my question is really unnecessary."

Gu Sheng did not answer immediately, but instead raised his hand and waved it. A solid azure aura instantly surrounded him, and a faint hum could even be heard in the air.

The sheer power of that aura caused Xu Lingsu's robes to flutter even though there was no wind, standing three zhang away.

"Seventh level of the Xuanwu Realm".

Gu Sheng's voice was calm.

"You can enter the eighth level within ten days."

Xu Lingsu's pupils contracted sharply. She subconsciously circulated her own internal energy, but only a thin, pale white halo formed on her body surface, which was like a firefly compared to the bright moon when compared to Gu Sheng's protective internal energy.

"This"

Her expression changed slightly, and her fingertips trembled involuntarily.

When they first met three months ago, she was at the seventh level of the Yellow Martial Realm, while Gu Sheng was only at the Spirit Martial Realm; now, she has finally broken through to the first level of the Profound Martial Realm, but he has already left her far behind.

Gu Sheng withdrew his protective aura and said calmly.

“My situation is special, so there’s no need for comparison, Junior Sister Xu.”

"Father is right, you are indeed destined for greatness."

Xu Lingsu shook her head with a wry smile, then said seriously.

"Is there something you need from me this time?"

"Fulfill your promises."

Gu Sheng's words were concise and to the point.

Xu Lingsu's eyes lit up as she recalled the conditions Gu Sheng had attached when he asked her father to cooperate with the Emperor.

She took out a jade ring from her storage ring.

"I need a Grade 4 Forging Qi Pill and a Grade 5 Enlightenment Pill."

She was straightforward.

"The former can increase the speed of cultivating protective qi, while the latter can enhance mental strength. The materials are all here."

Gu Sheng took the ring and understood its meaning with a single scan of his divine sense.

He nodded.

"Three days later, at the same place."

Before he finished speaking, he had already turned and walked towards the teleportation array not far away.

Xu Lingsu stared in the direction he had left, unable to come back to her senses for a long time.

"In three or four months, he went from the Spirit Martial Realm to the seventh level of the Profound Martial Realm."

she muttered.

"My father is right, I am indeed no genius."

"You know Gu Sheng?"

A clear, cold female voice suddenly came from behind, startling Xu Lingsu so much that she trembled.

She turned around abruptly and saw a girl wearing crimson soft armor and an iron mask standing three steps away.

The badge worn on the girl's chest gleamed with a dark gold light in the sunlight—it was the symbol of an inner disciple of the Great Wilderness Holy Academy!

Xu Lingsu quickly bowed.

"Hello, Senior Sister!"

"No gift."

The girl raised her hand, revealing a pair of eyes beneath the iron mask.

"You know Gu Sheng?"

"Replying to Senior Sister, we met before the assessment and had some interactions."

Xu Lingsu answered cautiously.

The inner court disciples are unapproachable to the outer court disciples, let alone the senior sister in front of them whose aura is unfathomable.

The young girl, Shen Qingtan, nodded slightly.

"Our institute needs a messenger. If you're willing to speak on Gu Sheng's behalf, that position is yours."

Xu Lingsu's breath hitched. Becoming an inner court disciple's proxy was a tremendous opportunity for any outer court disciple, meaning more cultivation resources and the chance to enter the inner court.

She suppressed her excitement and asked cautiously.

"I wonder who Senior Sister and Junior Brother Gu are?"

"Not an enemy."

Shen Qingtan spoke in a flat tone.

"We've collaborated several times. He was the one who brought the fragments of the Tongming Treasure Mirror to the Holy Academy."

Hearing this, Xu Lingsu breathed a sigh of relief.

She thought for a moment and then gestured for them to proceed.

"If Senior Sister doesn't mind, may I have a word with you in private?"

Shen Qingtan nodded, and the two walked towards the pavilion at the edge of the square. Xu Lingsu didn't notice that a dark figure quietly retreated under the shade of a tree in the distance.

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng had already arrived in Huangcheng via the teleportation array.

Huangcheng was even more bustling than Tiancheng, with the streets teeming with people and shops of all kinds lined up one after another.

The moment Gu Sheng stepped out of the teleportation array, his brow twitched—an aura had locked onto him! (End of Chapter)

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