Chapter 139 – Road Trip

  It took months for Jun De to come to terms with everything that had happened, including the revelations from Mu Yanyu regarding his possible Dao Body.

  But eventually, things settled, and Jun De returned to his routine. But that didn’t mean he could ever return to how he used to be.

  He could no longer stay inside his residence and ignore the world outside. No matter how much he might want to sit in his favourite chair and watch the clouds passing overhead while drinking tea, fate would never allow him that life.

  And if he tried to push for it, Jun De knew that terrible things could happen to those closest to him. So Jun De got up with the sun every morning and cultivated, practiced with his sword and the Stonebreaking Fist, then would spend hours refining pills before returning him just as tired as he had been with Shen Weifeng during their training.

  Shen Ruolan would send him messages frequently, and he found himself looking forward to seeing the talismans fluttering through the air toward him in streaks of light.

  She would discuss what was happening in Yunlai City, while Jun De would describe the new things he learned at the Alchemy Hall, or news that filtered down to him through Shen Weifeng.

  Jun De’s pill refining had improved, and he now could confidently refine over a dozen different types of pills. A novice Pill Refiner in the Qi Condensation Stage would be required to know many more, but Elder Wen was confident that Jun De had the talent required to be successful.

  Which is how Jun De found himself making his way through the winding corridors of the Alchemy Hall, his robes smelling strongly of the herbs and pills he had just come from refining. The low hum of furnaces working within the chambers lining the hall filled the air, and hundreds of Alchemists moved between the large number of rooms.

  The Alchemy Hall, while having strict requirements to train there, was always extremely busy at all times of the day. Whether it was Alchemists working, or Disciples coming to order pills or purchase them, Jun De couldn’t recall a time when he didn’t have to avoid walking into someone as they passed.

  Eventually, Jun De came to Elder Wen’s private chambers in the Alchemy Hall, where the Elder would refine his own pills or instruct the Disciples under his care.

  Jun De bowed at the door before stepping through the threshold. The older man was sitting on a wooden chair in front of his stone table, a number of ingredients and tools necessary for advanced Pill Refinement laid out on a cloth in front of him.

  A collection of pill bottles and scrolls lay scattered around the low tables in the room, giving his chambers a slightly dishevelled and disorganized feeling.

  Elder Wen looked up as soon as Jun De entered.

  “Jun De, you have improved your refinement technique. Elder Hua of the Nine-Treasure Pagoda reported that the Qi Gathering Pills you sent her last week passed inspection with an eighty percent purity.”

  “This Disciple merely followed your guidance, Elder Wen.” Jun De said, while cupping his hands and bowing.

  Elder Wen’s lips twitched into a small, pleased smile.

  “Flattery doesn’t suit you, Jun De. Sit.”

  Jun De did as he was instructed, and Elder Wen studied him for a moment before speaking.

  “The Sect Master has asked me to assist the Ironroot Quarry Sect with their pill refinement efforts. They have unearthed a vein of Black Iron Quartz, a rare mineral that is rich in earthly essence but is toxic to handle without purification. Their alchemists have been struggling to process it safely.”

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  “But the Sect Master has also made an additional request. He wishes for me to bring along a small delegation of Inner Sect Disciples in the Qi Condensation Stage. It will serve multiple purposes, such as maintaining our relations, displaying the prestige of our Sect, and giving our young talents a chance to observe how another Sect operates.”

  “You will accompany me to the Ironroot Quarry Sect.”

  Jun De wasn’t shocked, as he knew this was coming as soon as the Elder mentioned he was leaving the Sect. Otherwise, why would he have summoned Jun De to his chambers?

  “Yes, Elder Wen.” Jun De said reluctantly. He didn’t really want to go to another Sect, especially not with a group of other Inner Sect Disciples to a Sect known for its mines.

  The Elder chuckled at the lacklustre response.

  “You have been cooped up in the Sect for too long. It’s time you stretched your legs and saw more of the cultivation world. The Ironroot Quarry Sect may be small, but they have access to resources and techniques that could benefit you. Their mines are rich with elemental minerals, and they have several hot springs that are beneficial to cultivation.”

  “Of course, Elder Wen. I look forward to going.” Jun De lied.

  “Good, we leave in the morning. I will be bringing three Inner Sect Disciples in total, and I believe you are familiar with your counterparts. Bai Xuelian, the Sect Master’s personal Disciple, is on the verge of breaking through and will benefit from the experience.”

  “The other, Zhao Wuxian, is a talent worth investing in. The three of you are amongst the best talents of your generation, and the Sect Master himself felt that you all would best represent the Tranquil Mountain Sect.”

  Jun De hesitated, unsure if he should say anything. Bai Xuelian was an obvious choice, with both a cultivation at the 10th Level of Qi Condensation, a Pure Yin Body, and a high status as the Sect Master's Personal Disciple.

  But Zhao Wuxian was someone whom Jun De preferred to stay in the Sect. The man was talented and a part of the well-connected and powerful Zhao Clan, but his personality didn’t seem appropriate for showcasing the Tranquil Mountain Sect.

  After a moment, Jun De let out a sigh and decided not to say anything.

  “The Ironroot Quarry Sect’s Master is Feng Jianyu, a Core Formation Cultivator with a good heart and a fondness for strong wine. I believe the pill refinement for the Black Iron Quartz will take a week, but we may end up for longer depending on what we find there. I would suggest that you take advantage of the time and experience everything their Sect has to offer.”

  “Understood, Elder Wen.” Jun De said, standing and bowing before leaving the room.

  The next morning, Jun De found himself standing on top of a massive Pill Cauldron as it rumbled beneath his feet. The bronze furnace was etched with arrays that shimmered faintly in the morning light. A low hum pulsed from within it, as though the ancient Core Formation Spiritual Artifacts still remembered every pill it had ever refined.

  Jun De was careful to stand at the very center as the flying cauldron rose higher into the sky. A faint stream of red fire that was Elder Wen’s personal Flame curled from several of the vents along the side, warming the air.

  Bai Xuelian stood next to Jun De with her arms folded, her platinum blond hair fluttering in the wind. Her cultivation was at the threshold of Foundation Establishment, showing small fluctuations that signified a breakthrough was soon approaching.

  Her expression was calm, composed, and entirely at odds with the commotion beside her.

  “HA! It feels good to finally leave the mountain again!” Zhao Wuxian roared as he stretched his arms wide and breathed in the fresh air. He was bare-chested as always, his skin gleaming with a mix of oils and elixirs that made him smell faintly of ginseng.

  “Junior Brother Jun De! Don’t tell me you are not excited to be travelling again? Staying in the Sect, refining pills all day long is not good for the body!” Zhao Wuxian called out loudly.

  Jun De sighed and resisted the urge to cover his face with his hand.

  “Of course, it’s good to be travelling, especially with Elder Wen. I’m just wondering if there is something wrong with his cauldron.” Jun De observed as the furnace they rode on let out a great gout of flame that lit up the sky around them.

  “Nonsense! This furnace has served me faithfully for over two hundred years. Core Formation Artifacts are nearly indestructible! It has exploded a half dozen times during my pill experimentation, and it's still as good as ever!” Elder Wen said, snorting and shaking his head at the doubt Jun De expressed.

  Bai Xuelian’s lips curved slightly as a hint of amusement broke through her icy expression at the Elder’s statement.

  “If you are feeling uneasy about our method of travel, Junior Brother Jun De, I suggest you work harder at your cultivation so that you may fly on your own.” Bai Xuelian said to Jun De, and he shook his head in response.

  “That may be a moot point, Senior Sister, if we don’t make it to the Ironroot Quarry Sect in one piece. Promise me that if you reach Foundation Establishment before we return to the Sect, you’ll let me travel with you instead.” Jun De replied.

  “You would trust your Senior Sister over a Core Formation Elder of our Sect?” Bai Xuelian asked wryly, and Jun De was interrupted from answering as the cauldron let out another gout of flame and shook once again.

  “I would trust being carried on Zhao Wuxian's back over this cauldron.” Jun De replied quietly.