The morning wind was cold, but Ye Tian's blood felt hotter than ever.
He hadn't just slapped two disciples—he had slapped away his shame of being weak.
[System Notification]Your face-slap streak has earned you respect points.+5 Reputation among Outer DisciplesCaution: Jealousy Levels Rising – Prepare for pettiness.
Host, you're on a roll. But let's not get carried away. You're still a weak in terms of cultivation. Want some training missions or are we gonna keep slapping everyone ahead?
Ye Tian walked toward the Flame Orchid Pavilion, an area reserved for alchemy apprentices. Rumor had it, someone there sold low-grade pills in secret. Just what he needed now.
Just a few steps in, he heard glass shatter.
"Useless!" a sharp, female voice snapped.
Ye Tian followed the sound to the back of the building. Inside the pill room, an alchemy cauldron knocked over. Three outer disciples were bowing nervously, while a girl in white robe stood at the center, arms crossed.
Her face was like snow—beautiful and cold, with icy blue eyes that could freeze fire.
Qin Yueran.
She was known throughout the sect as a rising alchemy genius. Also known for never smiling--a cold beauty.
And now?
She was glaring at the three trembling disciples like they had insulted her ancestors.
"If you don't know the difference between flame root and frost root, don't waste my time. Get out."
They quickly fled the scene.
Ye Tian watched from the door, silently.
Daaaaamn. That girl's colder than my system core. You sure you wanna go in there, Host?
Ye Tian stepped forward.
She looked up sharply. "What?"
"I need Qi-Gathering pills," he said calmly.
Her eyes narrowed. "You? You're that Ye Tian, aren't you? The one who fell off the cliff?"
He didn't respond.
"And now you want pills? Go beg the sect alchemists."
"I'm not begging. I'll pay you."
Qin Yueran blinked. "With what? Your shattered pride?"
He pulled out a silver token—a small reward from a previous mission, something he'd never had a chance to use.
She stared at it, then at him. "...Follow me."
Inside the room, the air smelled of herbs and ashes. She picked a small wooden box and tossed it to him. "Three pills. Not enough to make a difference. Unless... you have talent."
Ye Tian pocketed them.
"I do."
She raised an eyebrow. "Prove it. Try refining this." She handed him a basic flame essence.
[System Prompt]Begin Trial Mission: Alchemy IgnitionObjective: Successfully refine 1 Flame Condensation Pill using the Heaven's Wrath AssistanceReward: Fire Qi Affinity +1, Reputation with Qin Yueran +2
Host, I can assist. But just so you know, alchemy is 90% focus, 10% not blowing yourself up.
Ye Tian nodded. "Let's begin."
Thirty minutes later...
A faint scent of burnt herbs filled the room. The cauldron stopped shaking. A single, glowing red pill rolled gently into the tray.
Qin Yueran's eyes widened a little.
"You... actually refined it."
Ye Tian smirked. "You said I lacked talent?"
[System Update]Alchemy Trial Complete!+1 Fire Qi AffinityQin Yueran's Interest +2 (Status: Slight Curiosity)SP: 30 | Skill Slot: 1/5
Host, I think she likes you. Or maybe she's planning to dissect you. Either way, it's getting exciting.
Qin Yueran turned away and said, "Come back tomorrow. If you don't explode before then."
Ye Tian stepped out of the room.
The wind was still cold, but for the first time in days—he felt warmth.