While the player is in Battle Through the Heavens, the system is in The Great Ruler.

Chapter 163 Xuan Kongzi's Shock, Dan Tower Guest Elder!
Just after Lu Yu's figure disappeared outside the door, everyone in the hall seemed to wake up from a dream.

An elder couldn't help but stroke his beard in amazement: "Chairman, this boy..."

"An eighteen-year-old eighth-grade alchemist, truly astonishingly talented!" another elder chimed in, his tone filled with disbelief.

Xuan Kongzi gazed intently at the direction of the palace gate, then slowly nodded: "This child has extraordinary talent, and his future achievements are limitless."

After a moment of contemplation, he solemnly announced, "Since Lu Yu has passed the assessment, let us grant him the title of Rank 8 Alchemist."

As he spoke, he turned to Elder Xuanqing beside him and said, "Xuanqing, please invite Lu Yu to my study for a chat later."

Elder Xuanqing bowed respectfully and accepted the order.

Just then, Lu Yu stepped out of the hall and was greeted by Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan. Both women wore joyful smiles, clearly having guessed his success in the test from the strange phenomenon of the pill lightning earlier.

"Congratulations!" Zi Yan patted his arm happily, her eyes sparkling.

Little Fairy Doctor smiled gently and said softly, "The power of that pill lightning was astonishing just now, so we knew you must have succeeded."

Lu Yu nodded with a smile, feeling a warmth rise in his heart as he looked at the two women's happy expressions for him.

Just as he was about to speak, a maid dressed in an elegant cheongsam respectfully came forward to greet him.

She held a sandalwood tray in her hands, on which lay a black alchemist's robe embroidered with gold thread and a gleaming eighth-grade alchemist's badge.

"Congratulations, Master, on passing the test," the maid said, bowing with genuine respect in her voice.

Seeing this, Little Fairy Doctor smiled gently and moved gracefully. She carefully took the robe that symbolized her identity as an alchemist and gently draped it over Lu Yu, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles at the collar.

Zi Yan curiously stepped forward, staring intently at the shimmering badge, her eyes filled with amazement.

Once Lu Yu was dressed, his tall and straight figure was accentuated by a black robe embroidered with gold, and the eighth-rank badge on his chest shone brightly, adding to his dignified and elegant demeanor.

He looked up at the two women in front of him, a smile on his lips, and suggested, "Since we've come all this way, let's take a stroll around this Pill Tower and see the splendor of this holy land of alchemists."

The two women readily agreed. So the three of them walked side by side and began to tour the headquarters of the famous Dan Tower.

Alchemists passed by frequently along the way, and when they saw the brand-new eighth-grade alchemist badge on Lu Yu's chest, they all showed awe and took the initiative to make way and pay their respects.

This made Zi Yan puff out her chest proudly, as if she herself had passed the test.

Just as the three of them strolled into a long corridor displaying ancient, incomplete medicinal prescriptions, Elder Xuanqing hurried over and respectfully said to Lu Yu, "Master Lu Yu, President Xuan Kongzi invites you to his study for a chat."

Lu Yu exchanged a glance with the two women, knowing that the results of the recent assessment must have caught the attention of this giant of the Pill Tower. He nodded slightly and said, "Please lead the way, Elder."

He turned to face Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, his tone gentle yet reassuring: "Please wait here for a moment, I'll be right back."

The two women nodded obediently, watching him follow Elder Xuanqing toward the top of the Pill Tower.

Soon after, led by Xuan Qing, Lu Yu and his companion arrived at an elegant and solemn hall on the top floor.

Elder Xuanqing straightened his robes, gently knocked on the carved door, and respectfully reported, "President, Master Lu has arrived."

"come in."

Xuan Kongzi's calm yet authoritative voice came from inside the door.

Upon entering, one sees Xuan Kongzi sitting upright at a rosewood table, holding an ancient scripture in his hand, his demeanor calm and serene.

To Lu Yu's slight surprise, Cao Ying was also standing quietly to the side, her figure accentuated by a black dress. Upon seeing Lu Yu enter, a hint of undisguised rivalry flashed in her alluring eyes.

Xuan Kongzi put down the scripture in his hand, looked at Lu Yu with gentle eyes, and slowly said, "Young friend Lu, your performance today was truly amazing. With your talent, if you stay in the Pill Tower, you will definitely receive the best resources and training."

His tone was sincere, tinged with anticipation: "Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Lu Yu remained calm and composed, having anticipated this outcome.

He first bowed respectfully, then replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Thank you for your kindness, Chairman. However, I am used to being carefree and prefer to cultivate and comprehend the Dao alone, so I am afraid I will fail to live up to your good intentions."

As soon as she finished speaking, Cao Ying couldn't help but scoff, clearly not taking Lu Yu's words seriously.

If she could become an eighth-grade alchemist at this age by comprehending on her own, then she would dare to eat all the medicine cauldrons in this pill tower today.

However, Xuan Kongzi nodded slightly upon hearing this, praising, "Good! Aspiring to reach the Ninth Rank should indeed not be confined to the views of one person or one sect. I was too narrow-minded. So..."

He changed the subject, his gaze now scrutinizing: "Young friend, have you ever considered joining the Pill Tower and becoming an elder of our Pill Tower?"

Lu Yu hesitated for a moment, then met Xuan Kongzi's deep gaze with composure and said, "I understand the president's meaning, but I only wish to join as a guest elder and form a good relationship with the Pill Tower."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Kongzi's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Cao Ying, standing to the side, narrowed her eyes slightly. Although she still had a faint smile on her lips, her tone was a bit indifferent: "Mr. Lu has quite the airs."

She moved with light, graceful steps, her voice steady yet firm: "Within the Central Plains, there are countless alchemists who hope to become disciples of my master, including many who are at the seventh rank or even just entering the eighth rank. Even so, I accept that you do not think highly of my master."

She paused, her gaze falling on Lu Yu, and continued, "But now my master has personally invited you to join the Pill Tower, yet you are still declining... Could it be that you feel the position of Pill Tower Elder is not worthy of your current achievements?"

When confronted with questions, Lu Yu simply smiled calmly and did not immediately refute them.

Xuan Kongzi looked at Lu Yu thoughtfully and said slowly, "Since you have chosen the position of guest elder, you must have your own reasons."

A glint flashed in his eyes, and he stroked his beard and smiled, his tone carrying a profound meaning: "However, the Pill Tower has stood in the Central Continent for thousands of years and has never lacked eighth-grade alchemists. As for the position of guest elder, although one can act in the name of the Pill Tower, one does not need to assume the corresponding responsibilities. It is even rarer than the official elder, and historically only those eighth-grade peak alchemists whose alchemy skills have reached the pinnacle can be qualified for it."

His gaze fell on Lu Yu, and he slowly said, "Young friend, although you are exceptionally talented, you are still young and have only just entered the eighth rank. I wonder how you will prove that you are capable of shouldering this important responsibility?"

As soon as he finished speaking, even Cao Ying temporarily suppressed her dissatisfaction, staring intently at Lu Yu, waiting to see how he would respond. Seeing this, Lu Yu cupped his hands in a salute, saying neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Senior, you are wise. Although I have only recently entered the eighth rank, and my alchemy skills may not be as good as those of you seniors who have been immersed in this field for many years, I believe that catching up with them is only a matter of time."

He paused slightly, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable confidence: "Moreover, I possess a special medicinal formula. With this formula, I can contribute a unique strength to the training of alchemists in the Pill Tower."

"Oh?"

Xuan Kongzi frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of doubt and scrutiny, "A prescription?"

He simply couldn't imagine what medicinal formula the Pill Tower didn't possess, one that could have such a crucial impact on the training of alchemists. The Pill Tower had such a vast foundation; what rare medicinal formula didn't it have? Why would it lack this one?
However, Lu Yu's next words made his expression change instantly.

"This junior can refine Spirit-Nourishing Powder."

"what?!"

Xuan Kongzi suddenly stood up, his previously calm eyes suddenly flashing with a terrifying light, and even his voice trembled with disbelief: "You just said... Spirit-Nourishing Powder? That ancient wonder that has long been lost, capable of nourishing the soul and helping people step into the spiritual realm?"

The entire hall fell silent in an instant. Cao Ying was so shocked that she covered her red lips, her beautiful eyes wide open, her gaze towards Lu Yu filled with astonishment.

The name "Spirit-Nourishing Powder" might be unfamiliar to ordinary alchemists, but it is a household name for those who have reached their level!
This item was an essential material for refining elixirs of grade eight and above in ancient times. It can also be integrated into the soul, nourish the soul power, and nurture spiritual energy. It is an unparalleled treasure that helps alchemists step into the "spiritual realm" of their soul!

And the "Spirit Realm" is the key to becoming an eighth-grade alchemist!

If they could obtain this item, how many of the alchemists in the Pill Tower who had been stuck at the peak of the seventh rank for many years would be able to break through their bottlenecks in one fell swoop? It would even have immeasurable benefits for the soul cultivation of eighth and ninth rank alchemists!
Xuan Kongzi's breathing quickened slightly. He stared intently at Lu Yu and asked, word by word, "You... are you serious?"

Lu Yu smiled calmly and replied, "This junior would naturally not dare to speak presumptuously."

The method for refining this Spirit-Nourishing Powder came from the eighth-grade alchemist inheritance he obtained from the Endless Fire Domain.

His alchemy skills were built on a solid foundation thanks to the meticulous guidance of the old alchemist before he reached the third rank; after reaching the third rank, he mainly studied the profound inheritance from the Endless Fire Domain.

Whether it's the third-grade Golden Essence Pill, the fourth-grade Jade Marrow Pill, the fifth-grade Purple Jade Barrier-Breaking Pill, the sixth-grade Emperor-Breaking Pill, the seventh-grade Azure Essence Pill, or this eighth-grade Spirit-Nourishing Powder, each one is one of the most valuable and core medicinal formulas in each grade of the Endless Fire Domain's inheritance.

Except for the fourth-grade Jade Marrow Pill, which is a body-refining pill and he has never personally refined, he has carefully studied and mastered the essence of all the other prescriptions.

The alchemist inheritance given by the old alchemist only went up to the seventh rank and did not include anything above the eighth rank. Naturally, his trump card, the "Spirit Ascension Method," was not passed on to Lu Yu.

However, he learned another method to improve the quality of pills from the inheritance of the Endless Fire Domain—that is, Spirit-Nourishing Powder!

This substance is incredibly profound; it not only nourishes the alchemist's soul and enhances the spiritual energy within it, but it can also infuse spiritual energy into elixirs. As everyone knows, after the eighth rank, the leap in elixir quality is closely related to this "spiritual energy."

Spirit-nurturing powder is one of the most ingenious methods to enhance the spirituality of elixirs and help them develop intelligence!

The only drawback is that the medicinal herbs used in this product are extremely precious...

Thinking of this, Lu Yu met Xuan Kongzi's burning gaze and said calmly, "This junior is willing to use this item—that is, the refined Spirit-Nourishing Powder itself, rather than the prescription—as a means to exchange for the position of Guest Elder of the Pill Tower."

His tone was calm yet firm, clearly drawing a line: "The prescription is the foundation of my livelihood, and I cannot hand it over. However, I can provide the Pill Tower with a sufficient amount of Spirit-Nourishing Dust on a regular basis, as long as the Pill Tower can provide the required medicinal materials in sufficient quantities."

"With this item as a help..."

Lu Yu paused briefly before continuing, "The chances of those alchemists in the Pill Tower who are stuck at the peak of the seventh rank breaking through to the Spirit Realm and successfully entering the threshold of the eighth rank can be increased by at least 30%."

"Even for alchemists who are already at the eighth rank or higher, this item is an excellent aid for nourishing soul power and enhancing the spirituality of pills. I'm sure the guild leader already has a good idea of ​​its value."

After he finished speaking, the entire hall fell into an even deeper silence.

Xuan Kongzi's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he pondered in silence, clearly weighing the pros and cons rapidly. Providing a finished product instead of a prescription, while not fully mastering the method, could certainly alleviate the Pill Tower's urgent need to cultivate high-level alchemists, and its strategic value was already enormous.

Cao Ying stood to the side, having long since abandoned all her contempt, her gaze fixed on Lu Yu with a complex expression, her heart filled with indescribable shock.

This person actually knows how to refine the Spirit-Nourishing Powder?

Isn't that an ancient medicine formula that has long been lost?
Who exactly was he, the disciple trained by some old monster, that he possesses such an astonishing legacy?

Xuan Kongzi pondered for a long time, the sharp light in his eyes gradually fading. Finally, he slowly nodded and said in a deep voice, "Very well! Since you have such sincerity and reliance, young friend, I, on behalf of the Pill Tower, grant you the position of Guest Elder. I hope you will remember my words today and not let down the Pill Tower."

Lu Yu cupped his hands in a respectful bow and said, "This junior will certainly keep his promise."

He then took out a jade slip that had been prepared beforehand and handed it over, saying, "This is a list of medicinal materials needed to refine the Spirit-Nourishing Powder. Please take a look, Guild Master."

Of course, what Lu Yu provided was merely a list of medicinal herbs, not a proper prescription. The two are worlds apart.

The true prescription is a scroll inscribed with the power of the soul. It not only records in detail the required medicinal materials, but also contains all the key information such as the precise amount of each medicinal material, the order of addition, and the fusion reaction. Its complexity and precision are comparable to those precise chemical formulas in my previous life.

Without this core information, even if one obtains the list of medicinal herbs, and no matter how skilled one is in alchemy, it is almost impossible to successfully refine the corresponding pills.

Xuan Kongzi naturally knew all this, and calmly accepted the jade slip. However, after scanning it with his soul power, even with his composure, the corner of his mouth couldn't help but twitch slightly.

The medicinal herbs on this list are all rare and precious, with some even comparable to eighth-grade elixirs. Even with the Pill Tower's abundant resources, collecting them would be no easy task and would require considerable effort.

"These medicinal herbs... are indeed quite unusual."

Xuan Kongzi took a deep breath, suppressing the pain in his heart, and said slowly, "Even if we use the Pill Tower's reserves, it will take some time to gather enough."

Lu Yu remained calm and said indifferently, "It's alright, I can wait."

He thought to himself, "If these medicinal herbs weren't so hard to find, and it would take forever to collect them on my own, why would I have taken this opportunity to expose this Spirit-Pregnant Powder?"

"Now is the perfect time to make the Pill Tower bleed. Since it's all for refining pills for them anyway, it's only natural to intercept a few materials along the way and train a few high-level alchemists for my Spirit Treasure Pavilion. After all, isn't this always the rule in the alchemist world?"

……

(End of this chapter)