A pale red Proficiency Panel materialized before Han Yi's eyes:
Name: Han Yi
Lifespan: 60/260
Cultivation Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (1/100)
Cultivation Technique: Great Sun Divine Gang (Proficiency: 49/100)
Skills:
- Sword Control Technique (Return to Simplicity: 15/100)
- Light Body Technique (Return to Simplicity: 5/100)
- Spirit Void Finger (Peak Perfection: 78/100)
- Fire Shield Technique (Peak Perfection: 97/100)
- Wind Wall Technique (Peak Perfection: 67/100)
- Ninefold Soul Tower (Peak Perfection: 78/100)
- Li Fire Sword Manual (Peak Perfection: 69/100)
- Alchemy Technique (Perfected Purity: 49/100)
- Turtle Breath Technique (Perfected Purity: 82/100)
- Spirit Flame Art (Perfected Purity: 38/100)
- Aura Concealment Technique (Masterful: 51/100)
- Qi Observation Technique (Masterful: 48/100)
- Disguise Technique (Masterful: 31/100)
- Change Hexagram Art (Hall Entry: 11/100)
- Talisman Crafting Art (Initial Glimpse of the Dao: 29/100)
Advancing to the Late Foundation Establishment stage had only slightly increased his lifespan.
Han Yi's Sword Control Technique and Light Body Technique had both broken through to the Return to Simplicity stage. Most of his other skills remained at Peak Perfection, with a few still at lower levels.
Within the Mirage Immortal Realm, environmental limitations prevented Han Yi from freely grinding proficiency. However, through constant evasion and covert cultivation, he had made relatively balanced progress across his skills.
After emerging from seclusion, Han Yi planned to seek out a few familiar friends to share his joy at reaching the Late Foundation Establishment stage. But due to his frequent retreats, he didn't have many close friends within the sect. Even former acquaintances among his fellow disciples had gradually drifted apart as his cultivation realm advanced too rapidly.
Zheng Hai, having lost all his cultivation and become a mortal, was no longer in the sect, making him impossible to find.
Chu Jinmo had left the sect years ago for Sword Cliff and had not returned since, her fate unknown.
That left Yan Ru.
Although her cultivation realm couldn't compare to his, Yan Ru remained active within the sect, steadily climbing the rankings on Combat Peak. It was likely she would break through to Foundation Establishment in the near future.
Yet this time, Han Yi couldn't find her. When he arrived at Azure Dragon Palace, the steward informed him that Yan Ru had accepted an Inner Sect Disciple mission a month prior and left the mountain.
With no other options, Han Yi decided to visit He Fangwei instead.
Combat Peak, Nine Dragons Merchant Guild.
Han Yi stepped into the shop. The number of magic artifacts hanging on the walls was half of what it had been before, confirming He Fangwei's earlier prediction that the shop would likely close within a few years.
He Fangwei's face lit up with delight when he saw Han Yi enter. "Elder Han has finally returned!"
Han Yi nodded apologetically. "I apologize for the delay. I spent over a month searching Shu Capital, visiting twenty-seven Fu Clan branches from the Fifth to the Ninth Immortal Ring, but none met the requirements."
He handed back the storage pouch He Fangwei had given him earlier.
He Fangwei accepted the pouch with a faint sigh, then looked at Han Yi, gratitude shining in his eyes. "On behalf of our Ancestral Master, I thank you, Junior Brother Han."
"We'll decide on the Fu Clan matter after my master emerges from seclusion."
Han Yi raised an eyebrow. "Senior Brother Tang is still in seclusion?"
He Fangwei's master, Tang Yiyuan, was a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator who had entered seclusion to attempt a breakthrough to the Golden Core Stage. Judging by the duration of his seclusion, it was clearly a protracted affair.
"No. Master predicted he would conclude his breakthrough within the next six months."
He Fangwei changed the subject. "By the way, Elder Han, the Sect is introducing the position of Garrison Elder. Are you interested?"
Han Yi shook his head.
Shen Ping had warned Han Yi about this before, but he had brushed it off with a perfunctory response, uninterested in actually taking on the position.
"I'm more comfortable staying within the Sect," Han Yi said with a smile. "Being a Garrison Elder just isn't the right fit for me."
He Fangwei had only asked out of courtesy. Sensing Han Yi's lack of interest, he didn't press the matter further.
They continued chatting for a while, mostly about Sect affairs.
Han Yi suddenly realized that after returning to the Sect from Great Qian, he had immediately entered seclusion to use the Spirit Jade Gui to break through to the Mid-Foundation Establishment stage. No sooner had he achieved this breakthrough than he accepted He Fangwei's commission to repay a favor, descending the mountain only to divert to Jia Mountain City to rescue Zheng Hai. He had then hastily returned to the Sect, only to leave again almost immediately.
In all that time, he hadn't even had a chance to catch up on Sect matters.
Now, listening to He Fangwei's account, Han Yi was struck by the realization that while his own progress had been rapid, the Sect's development had been no less impressive.
In recent years, the Profound Pill Sect had gained another Supreme Elder, bringing their total to five. Even more remarkable was the explosive growth in the number of Foundation Establishment Elders.
The Profound Pill Sect had experienced an explosive surge in Foundation Establishment Elders, nearly tripling its ranks from around thirty to over ninety.
In recent years, the Sect had subdivided and leased out the Fifth-Tier Spirit Vein at its Profound Blood Branch Sect. This not only freed up Elders stationed at the Blood Sea but also generated a substantial influx of resources.
Using these resources, the Profound Pill Sect aggressively purchased raw materials to refine Foundation Establishment Pills and other high-quality medicinal pills. These were then distributed to Inner Sect disciples who had reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Such lavish treatment was unparalleled in Great Qian, rivaling even the two Holy Lands and far surpassing the Three Great Sects.
This unprecedented generosity was the reason for the explosive growth in the number of Foundation Establishment Elders within the Sect.
Finally, He Fangwei offered a gentle reminder: "I've heard that Garrison Elders receive special privileges. Elder Han might consider vying for such a position."
Han Yi smiled faintly but remained silent.
He wasn't lacking in resources; what he desperately needed was time. The role of Garrison Elder held no appeal for him, regardless of its merits.
After leaving the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild, Han Yi suppressed his aura as he walked along Combat Peak.
Combat Peak was even more bustling than before.
Three and a half years had passed since the Profound Pill Death Tribulation, and the Profound Pill Sect had opened its gates a year prior to recruit Outer Sect disciples.
With resources now flowing freely, Inner Sect disciples were advancing rapidly, with Peak Qi Refinement cultivators achieving Foundation Establishment and Mid-Stage Qi Refinement cultivators progressing to the Late-Stage. The sect was already considering expanding the Inner Peak complex from nine to eighteen peaks, planning to upgrade the nine newly added Inner Peaks' Second-Tier Spirit Veins to Third-Tier.
However, this monumental project would be time-consuming and laborious, requiring at least several years, if not decades, to complete.
Han Yi walked through Combat Peak, enjoying his anonymity. Few Inner Sect disciples recognized him, and his deliberately suppressed aura allowed him to move freely.
He approached the Three Rankings Stone Tablet.
The Heavenly Ranking had been fully restored with a long list of names.
First Place: Zhurong Peak - Zhan Yuankai
Second Place: Azure Dragon Peak - Shen Ping
Third Place: Pill Sword Sect - Zhu Siyuan
Han Yi scanned the Heavenly Ranking from top to bottom. The first thirty names were those of former Elders, while the rest were newly promoted Elders, all currently at the Early Foundation Establishment Stage.
He recognized nearly all the names on the list, Inner Sect Disciples he had studied during his Qi Refining days.
Han Yi himself was ranked eighteenth, his cultivation realm listed as Mid-Foundation Establishment—a detail he had updated with the Sect after his last practice of the Yi Yao Secret Technique.
Bai Wanqing and He Fengdi were listed above and below him.
The Heavenly Ranking displayed a total of ninety-seven names.
After reviewing the Heavenly Ranking, Han Yi moved on to the Earth Ranking. He recognized eighty to ninety percent of the names there, including Guan Di and Yan Ru.
Having finished examining the rankings, Han Yi turned to leave. But as he approached the Azure Dragon Palace, he paused slightly, sensing a Divine Sense Transmission.
Entering the Azure Dragon Palace, Han Yi ascended to the highest tower. Pushing open the door, he found Zhuge Wuyou inside.
Zhuge Wuyou's face flickered with surprise as he saw Han Yi.
"I never imagined that in just three or four years, Han Yi, you would break through to the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. Truly... truly..."
Zhuge Wuyou trailed off, momentarily speechless, unable to find the right words to express his astonishment.
Han Yi hadn't used his Disguise Technique within the sect. There was no need for such pretense; it would have seemed insincere.
"Martial Uncle Zhuge, you flatter me," Han Yi replied. "I merely happened to enter a place where time flows differently from the real world, allowing me to reach my current cultivation level. In truth, it's been about ten years since my initial Foundation Establishment Advancement."
Ten years prior, when Han Yi was fifty, he had completed his Foundation Establishment just before the nine chimes of the Profound Pill bell. Now, at sixty, he had just broken through to the Late Foundation Establishment Stage.
However, only three years had passed in the Jade Balance Realm. The remaining seven years had been spent in the Mirage Immortal Realm.
Zhuge Wuyou's expression shifted to one of understanding.
"No wonder I found your condition peculiar. That explains it."
"Even so, ten years is still a remarkable feat. Within the Profound Pill Sect, no one can match your cultivation speed."
"The flow of time is different there," Zhuge Wuyou said, his smile widening as he recalled Han Yi's recent report of visiting Shu Capital. "It seems you were in the Mirage Immortal Illusionary Realm."
"It appears you encountered an Immortal Opportunity while in the Mirage Immortal Illusionary Realm."
"Indeed, most impressive."
Zhuge Wuyou instantly deduced Han Yi's whereabouts. His smile broadened, knowing this aligned perfectly with what he was about to propose.
"You're aware of the Garrison Elder situation, aren't you?"
Han Yi nodded, a sense of unease creeping into his heart. Now a Late Foundation Establishment cultivator, he possessed a degree of autonomy in decision-making.
!
He quickly interjected, "This disciple has heard some rumors. However, having only recently advanced to Late Foundation Establishment, I still need to stabilize my cultivation. Moreover, my recent ordeal in the Mirage Immortal Illusionary Realm exposed flaws in my mental state that urgently require correction."
"This disciple is also gratified by the recent surge in Foundation Establishment Elders within the Sect. With their collective assistance, the Sect's plans will surely proceed smoothly."
Han Yi's refusal was practically written across his face.
Even at the peak of Qi Refinement, Han Yi had dared to refuse Fu Xuanxu's offer to help him reach Foundation Establishment. Now, as a Late Foundation Establishment cultivator, declining felt effortless, posing absolutely no psychological burden.
Zhuge Wuyou paused, then burst into hearty laughter. "No wonder Old Fu always called you both cowardly and stubborn. I never believed it! Remember when I took you to the Myriad Stars Sea for the Demon-Slaying Grand Assembly? You single-handedly defeated Demon Cultivators and ranked fourth in the Qi Refining Tier of the Demon Slaying Rankings! How could someone like that be cowardly and stubborn?"
"But now, I'm starting to understand what Old Fu meant..."
"Han Yi, you must recall the Demon Cave that descended upon Qian Prefecture over twenty years ago. The Profound Pill Sect, summoned by the Great Qian Dynasty, dispatched numerous Elders and Disciples to Shu Prefecture to quell the demonic threat."
"Back then, you cleverly avoided the mission. Later, when Inner Peak positions were opened to Outer Peak Disciples, your cultivation level met the requirements, but your application was rejected during the review process."
Zhuge Wuyou chuckled, lost in reminiscence. "Do you know who rejected your application?"
"That's right—it was Old Fu."
"I still remember Old Fu's fiery speech in the Council Hall, tearing into you youngsters who paid your way out of conscription. It was quite a spectacle."
Han Yi's expression was unreadable.
To be clear, he didn't regret his decision back then, even now.
But only now did he realize who had blocked his application.
The "Old Fu" Zhuge Wuyou referred to was, of course, Fu Xuanxu.
Fu Xuanxu had called him a coward for bribing the Peak Lord of Little Spirit Void Peak to have his name removed from the draft list, and stubborn for refusing Foundation Establishment during the Sect's crisis, no matter how much Fu Xuanxu urged him.
"Still, Old Fu is dead now. Even if you harbor resentment, there's nothing you can do about it." Zhuge Wuyou suddenly sighed, his tone turning somber.
Han Yi harbored no ill will toward Fu Xuanxu. When he learned someone had rejected his application, preventing his early entry into the Inner Peak, his muttered threat of "I'll make him pay" had merely been a burst of empty anger.
After all, he had been exploiting a loophole in the first place.
And now, more than ever, he couldn't possibly harbor any resentment toward Fu Xuanxu.
Fu Xuanxu and Fu Canghai, both fiercely loyal to the Sect, ultimately perished in battle. They deserved the utmost respect from every member and disciple of the Profound Pill Sect.
Time flowed relentlessly, years passing without mercy.
Han Yi suddenly recalled that all three Supreme Elders who had escorted them to Jade Capital Mountain for the second Cave Heaven Trial had since passed away: Fu Xuanxu, Fu Canghai, and Su Changkong.
In that moment, he felt the vastness of the Immortal Path and the solitude of Eternal Life more acutely than ever. A wave of complex emotions washed over him, and he hesitated once more about forming a Dao Companion relationship with Yan Ru.
He was afraid.
Afraid of seeing his pillowmate depart before him, afraid of meeting an untimely end and leaving his Dao Companion alone.
The thought had barely surfaced when Han Yi swiftly suppressed it.
"Let's get back to the matter at hand," he said.
"To be clear, it wasn't my idea to appoint you as Garrison Elder. That was Elder Qin's proposal."
"His suggestion received the full support of the Sect Leader, Elder Huoming, and myself."
"Although we recently gained a Golden Core Elder, their cultivation realm hasn't stabilized yet, so they haven't assumed any administrative duties. In theory, the five of us remain in charge. Apart from Elder Sihong, you secured four out of five votes."
"So, you're the overwhelming choice."
"However, since you decline the Garrison Elder position, I'll offer you a second option."
"Elder Qin will personally oversee the Profound Immortal Pill Shop in the Great Qian Immortal Capital. He plans to expand its operations, transforming it into the Profound Immortal Pavilion, which will rival the Myriad Immortals Pavilion. The Pavilion will not only sell Medicinal Pills but also Artifacts, Formation Arts, Immortal Boats, Spirit Talismans, and more."
"This is one of the Sect's most significant strategic initiatives in the past decade."
"Elder Qin believes you are the most suitable candidate, not just because of your strength, but because you have received the Emperor Monarch's favor and hold the position of Patrol Envoy. Your presence in the Great Qian Immortal Capital is indispensable for establishing and promoting the Profound Immortal Pavilion."
"You may accompany Elder Qin."
"Don't be too hasty to decline. The Sect will grant you special privileges. You will only oversee operations, not handle day-to-day management tasks, ensuring minimal time commitment."
"Of course, if you still find this unsuitable, we can bring the matter before the Elders' Council for a decision. The Heavenly Secrets Diagram will make the final choice, and even I must abide by its decree."
Zhuge Wuyou spoke with a smile, his demeanor deceptively casual. Yet Han Yi instantly felt immense pressure.
The Supreme Elders of the Profound Pill Sect each possessed distinct personalities. Fu Canghai was gentle, Fu Xuanxu stern, and Zhuge Wuyou... a smiling tiger.
"I'll give you three days. After that, the Sect will convene an Elders' Council, attended by every Elder in the Sect. Before then, you must inform me of your decision."
"Oh, and I heard your recent trip to Shu Capital was to fulfill a dying wish for Senior Brother Canghai. On behalf of the Sect, I thank you."
"The Sect isn't as prosperous as it appears. Many matters are concealed from Foundation Establishment Elders—burdens carried solely by us old-timers."
"Han Yi, strive to break through to the Golden Core Stage as soon as possible. The Sect needs you."
As Zhuge Wuyou spoke these final words, his tone grew heavy, as if weighed down by a colossal burden. A flicker of deep concern surfaced in his eyes.
The concern vanished as quickly as it appeared. With a dismissive wave, he ended the conversation, unwilling to elaborate further.
Han Yi bowed respectfully and slowly retreated.
Now that Zhuge Wuyou had spoken so plainly, continuing to argue would only reveal selfishness on his part.
As he descended the tower, his mind raced.
He had clearly seen that flicker of worry in Zhuge Wuyou's eyes, and it made his heart skip a beat.
The Profound Pill Death Tribulation had only passed three years ago. What new crisis was the Sect facing?
Han Yi couldn't help but think of Profound Pill Peak, perpetually shrouded in mist, obscuring certain secrets.
Could that be it?
During each Elders' Council meeting, only the Profound Pill Hall was visible, while the rest of Profound Pill Peak remained concealed.
Profound Pill Peak was the Profound Pill Sect's largest, highest, and most central Immortal Peak. Beneath it lay a Fifth-Tier Spirit Vein, exclusively dedicated to supplying the peak's immense spiritual energy. Yet, judging by the peak's vast area, the Profound Pill Hall occupied less than one-twentieth of its surface. What secrets lay hidden within the remaining expanse?
These mysteries were likely known only to the Golden Core Supreme Elders, or perhaps even exclusively to Sect Leader Yuan Shun himself.
Han Yi could think of no other explanation.
No.
That's not right.
The Profound Pill Death Tribulation had only ended a few years ago. Could it be that the calamity hadn't truly ended, but merely gone underground? Perhaps Feng Wusheng, the escaped Sect Leader of the Heavenly Soul Sect, was still plotting in the shadows. Or perhaps the Southern Dipper Divine Palace was secretly backing the Blood God Sect?
Han Yi stopped abruptly, his brow furrowing. He turned and headed toward the Elders' duty office within the Azure Dragon Palace.
Inside, Lu Li was handling administrative tasks. When he saw Han Yi enter, his eyes flashed with shock.
"Junior Brother Han, you've reached the Late Foundation Establishment Stage?"
"But... it's only been a little over half a year! That's far too fast!"
When Han Yi had come to collect his Elder's provisions over six months ago, Lu Li had clearly seen that he was only at the Mid-Foundation Establishment Stage—and had only recently entered that stage.
More importantly...
Lu Li vividly remembered Han Yi's Foundation Establishment Advancement, which had occurred just over three years ago. Yuan Shun himself had served as Han Yi's Guardian, and the Profound Pill Death Tribulation had made the event particularly memorable.
In just over three years, Han Yi had leaped from the Peak Qi Refining Stage directly to the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. Even the legendary First-Grade Immortal Foundation couldn't possibly progress this quickly.
Could Han Yi truly possess a First-Grade Immortal Foundation?
No, that was impossible.
When Han Yi achieved Foundation Establishment, many had witnessed it, but none of the rumored phenomena associated with a First-Grade Immortal Foundation had manifested.
Could it be... Sect Leader Yuan?
That must be it. Since Yuan Shun had personally safeguarded Han Yi's path, he would undoubtedly have spared no resources to nurture him.
A sudden realization dawned on Lu Li. He rationalized Han Yi's rapid progress as the result of Sect Leader Yuan's support, and it suddenly made perfect sense.
Of course.
Though envious, Lu Li harbored no jealousy. Cultivators who advanced so swiftly in their early stages would face far greater tribulations when attempting to break through to the Golden Core Stage at Peak Foundation Establishment. Whether this was a blessing or a curse remained to be seen.
Han Yi entered the administrative area, glanced around, and said to Lu Li, "Senior Brother Lu, I'm here to review the Sect's records from recent years."