Immortality and Cultivation: Starting with Improving Spiritual Root Aptitude

Wu Fan rode a feather-shaped flying artifact, slowly traversing the air, his destination being the Pill Hall of Falling Star Valley.

This feather-shaped flying artifact is a standard artifact issued by Falling Star Valley.

It is said that not every disciple in the valley can possess it. Leaving aside the situation of inner disciples, at least outer disciples need to have been in the sect for five years and accumulated enough contribution points before they can exchange for it.

Wu Fan was able to possess this item thanks to the Bai family's letter of recommendation.

All disciples who enter the valley with a letter of recommendation from their family can directly receive this feather-shaped flying artifact.

However, this feather artifact was far inferior to his Wind Chaser, with a flight speed of less than half that of the Wind Chaser.

However, Wu Fan was new to the sect and did not want to be too flamboyant, so he could only suppress his temper and steadily move forward on his feather magic weapon, letting the wind brush against his clothes.

About an hour later, a lush and verdant mountain came into view. It was the location of the Dan Hall marked on the map, Luo Dan Peak.

A glint of light flashed in Wu Fan's eyes, and he immediately quickened his pace, landing steadily on the plaza atop the mountain peak.

The moment he landed, Wu Fan was stunned by the sight before him.

Unlike the three pavilions marked on the map, the Dantang Pavilion Complex is built against the mountain, with several pavilions stacked on top of each other in a well-organized manner.

With black stone as its base and blue stone as its walls, the upturned eaves and corners resemble a phoenix spreading its wings, pointing straight to the sky. A crystal jade bell hangs from each corner of the eaves. When the wind blows, the bells ring, clear and melodious, dispelling the loneliness of the mountains.

The most magnificent pavilion is located in the very center, standing nine stories high. Its solemn and dignified aura is palpable, showcasing the profound heritage of the Nascent Soul sect.

In the center of the square stands a ten-zhang-tall stone sculpture of a cauldron. The cauldron is covered with intricate patterns and carved with mythical herbs and beasts. The mouth of the cauldron is slightly open, as if wisps of medicinal fragrance are emanating from the stone sculpture. Although it is not a real cauldron, it exudes a solemn aura that suppresses all directions.

Even from the square, one could feel an invisible pressure.

Even having lived two lives, Wu Fan had never seen such a magnificent and solemn place. He was stunned for several breaths before he could barely calm his emotions and regain his composure.

This Pill Hall truly lives up to its reputation as one of the three major halls of Falling Star Valley; its grandeur is worlds apart from that of the General Affairs Hall.

Wu Fan dared not delay and climbed the steps, soon arriving at the central pavilion.

At the entrance of the pavilion, two disciples dressed in blue Taoist robes stood with their heads held high and their expressions respectful.

Wu Fan quickly stepped forward and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting:

"Disciple Wu Fan, carrying the token of Chief Supervisor Wang, has come to the Outer Alchemy Room to pay respects to Uncle-Master Chen. Please inform my two senior brothers."

The gatekeeper on the left glanced at him, his gaze lingering briefly on the token in the man's hand, before speaking in a flat tone:

"Wait a moment, I'll go inform Uncle Chen. You wait here and do not move."

"Thank you for your trouble, senior brother."

Wu Fan nodded slightly, stood at the door with his hands at his sides, his posture upright and his expression calm.

The time it takes for an incense stick to burn passes in the blink of an eye. The gatekeeper disciple quickly stepped out and waved to Wu Fan:

"Uncle Chen wants you to go in. The external alchemy room is on the west side of the alchemy hall. Follow me, and remember not to make a sound."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior brother."

Wu Fan nodded in agreement and followed closely behind into the pavilion.

Upon entering, a faint medicinal fragrance lingers in the air, mixed with the refreshing scent of various spiritual plants. It is neither strong nor overpowering, yet surprisingly pleasant, leaving one feeling refreshed.

The attic was decorated in a very simple style, with a bronze lamp every few steps, its warm yellow light illuminating the slightly dim passage and dispelling the chill.

On the tables on both sides of the passage, there were various small jade alchemy furnace ornaments, each with a different shape and exquisite craftsmanship. It was clear that they were all made by skilled craftsmen. Wu Fan glanced at them briefly, then withdrew his attention and focused on following the disciple who was leading the way.

After passing through several winding corridors, the two arrived at the outer alchemy room on the west side of the alchemy hall.

Although it is called "room", it is actually a series of pavilions, and you can smell the strong aroma of medicine from afar.

Wu Fan followed the gatekeeper into the third pavilion and climbed the steps to the third floor.

What came into view were four pitch-black alchemy furnaces, the fires burning brightly, their crimson flames illuminating half the room, and the faint aroma of elixirs wafting from them.

Behind the alchemy furnace, four disciples dressed in light blue Taoist robes were concentrating on refining elixirs, their expressions focused.

Beside the furnace, an elderly man in a gray Taoist robe stood with his back to them, bowing to check the fire in the alchemy furnace.

The old man had gray hair and a thin body, but his back was ramrod straight. Without asking, he was none other than Uncle Chen, whom Wu Fan was looking for.

"Uncle-Master Chen, Wu Fan has arrived."

As he spoke, the gatekeeper bowed deeply, his voice hushed, as if afraid of disturbing the old man before him.

"Yes, you may leave."

Upon hearing this, the old man did not turn around, but simply waved his hand casually.

"Yes, Uncle Chen."

The gatekeeper bowed again, took three steps back, and then turned and left.

At this moment, the old man slowly turned around and his gaze fell on Wu Fan.

Those eyes, though somewhat cloudy from their advanced age, seemed to possess a penetrating power, as if they could see right through people's hearts.

With just one glance, Wu Fan felt an invisible pressure rushing towards him. His whole body stiffened, and a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back. The spiritual power in his dantian was almost disrupted.

Wu Fan quickly steadied himself, took out the token from his pocket, held it with both hands, bowed, and presented it, his tone becoming increasingly respectful:

"Disciple Wu Fan greets Martial Uncle Chen."

Uncle Chen did not accept the token. His gaze slowly swept over him, then glanced at the token in his hand. His tone was cold and scrutinizing.

"Did Junior Nephew Wang send you? He dares to recommend people? Isn't he afraid I'll kick you out?"

"Reporting to Uncle Chen, it was Chief Abbot Wang who recommended me here."

Wu Fan raised his head, his gaze firm and neither humble nor arrogant, "This disciple has studied alchemy since childhood and has now reached the level of a first-grade high-level alchemist. I humbly request Uncle Chen to test this disciple. This disciple will do his best and will not disappoint Uncle Chen."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Chen first snorted coldly, his scrutinizing gaze intensifying. He pointed to an empty alchemy furnace not far away, then to a pile of medicinal herbs on a nearby table:

"Since you so arrogantly claim to be a first-grade high-level alchemist, then I will give you the opportunity. Here are the medicinal herbs for refining the Qingling Pill; use these herbs to refine a batch of Qingling Pills."

He paused, then his tone suddenly became more serious, carrying a hint of warning:

"But remember this: although the Qingling Pill is only a mid-grade first-level pill, I want you to refine it into a high-quality pill. If you fail to refine it or it doesn't reach the high-quality level, then you'll go back to where you came from, and from now on, you can forget about ever stepping into the outer alchemy room again."

Wu Fan felt a chill run down his spine, but a serious expression appeared on his face.

He had heard from Chief Executive Wang that Uncle Chen was aloof and stubborn, and after meeting him today, he realized that the rumors were true, and that Uncle Chen was even more demanding than the rumors suggested.

As a master alchemist, Wu Fan was naturally aware of the difficulty involved.

It should be noted that reaching the first-grade superior level in alchemy does not mean that one can consistently produce high-quality first-grade mid-grade pills.

This is what willow mats used to be like.

Liu Xi has been a first-grade high-level alchemist for many years, but even when refining pills below first-grade high-level, he cannot guarantee that they will be of high quality. Only when he is in the best condition can he have a certain degree of confidence.

Even so, Liu Xi was already the top alchemist in Yunxi Market back then.

But today, this Uncle Chen immediately demanded that we refine high-quality pills.

Wu Fan glanced at the medicinal herbs on the table and estimated that they would only be enough to support three batches at most. Yet, he was still able to refine a high-quality Qingling Pill. This requirement had already exceeded the standard of ordinary assessments.

However, since the external alchemy room was under the jurisdiction of Uncle Chen, his word was law.

However, Wu Fan was not flustered. With the help of the Five Elements Pearl, he had already mastered the refining of the Qingling Pill. This pill formula was his specialty.

Now, let alone borrowing the power of the Five Elements Pearl, he is 70-80% confident that he can refine a high-quality product on his own, even relying solely on his own strength.

Having made up his mind, Wu Fan's face showed a hint of difficulty and pressure.

Seeing his reaction, Uncle Chen let out a cold snort:

"What, are you scared? If you are, then go back."

Upon hearing this, Wu Fan's expression hardened, his eyes revealing determination, and he quickly cupped his hands and bowed.

"This disciple is willing to give it a try!"