Spirit-Infused Pills

A fierce verbal duel unfolded, only to be swept away like smoke with the arrival of Town Chief Liu Degui, transforming the confrontation into a different form of fair competition. The surrounding townsfolk displayed expressions of wonder; some idly commented to the Town Chief, "Honorable Chief, we've witnessed duels between martial artists, but we've never seen a contest of medical skills. Can we townfolk be granted the chance to witness it in seven days?"

Liu Degui hesitated momentarily, concerned for his daughter's well-being. However, as Yang Fan's smile brightened, Hu Bansian interjected, "Since the townspeople are curious, let them witness this event, serving as witnesses to prevent certain individuals from using mere words to mask their defeat."

The sarcasm in his words was palpable. Liu Degui turned to Yang Fan, "What is your view on this matter?" 

"Hu Bansian has articulated precisely what I intended to convey," Yang Fan replied, his demeanor as tranquil as the sky, as though this contest were merely child's play. 

"Very well, dear villagers. You are welcome to come and observe, but you shall remain at the doorway as witnesses. Additionally, I shall invite the most skilled apothecary from the county to serve as an impartial judge, ensuring the contest's fairness," Liu Degui announced to the gathered crowd.

He was astute enough to realize that both Yang Fan and Hu Bansian sought to elevate their reputations through this contest, thus attracting more patrons to their respective clinics. 

A smug smile crossed Hu Bansian's face as he thought, "This boy from the Yang family is merely a novice in medicine, just entering the Qi Refinement stage. Though he might possess some skill compared to common apothecaries, to challenge me would be akin to a child wielding a sword before a master." 

Indeed, Hu Bansian prided himself on his medical expertise, honed over decades of practice, and believed he could easily best Yang Fan, a mere eighteen-year-old apprentice. He was convinced that in terms of cultivation, experience, and knowledge, there was no way a young novice could surpass him.

Thus, with Liu Degui mediating, the friction and discord between Yang Fan and Hu Bansian became focused on the upcoming medical contest in seven days. 

"Now, I must return to my clinic. As for these petty thugs, I shall spare them for the time being. Should they cross my path again, they shall not be so fortunate," Yang Fan warned, casting a sharp gaze at Hu Bansian and the thugs before departing.

A tremor of apprehension coursed through Hu Bansian as the thugs turned pale with fear. "Strange… This boy is merely in the initial stage of Qi Refinement, yet he manages to exert pressure upon me!" Hu Bansian mused, momentarily taken aback. But as he considered the boy's history as a once-promising prodigy, a semblance of respect lingered, though it was overshadowed by the thought of demonstrating his superiority in the forthcoming competition. "Hmph, in seven days, I shall ensure you suffer utter humiliation. Until then, I must devise a foolproof plan."

Watching Yang Fan's retreating figure, Hu Bansian's eyes gleamed with a sinister light as he hastened to his "Sage Apothecary Hall." 

In the following days, news of the upcoming medical contest between Yang Fan and Hu Bansian spread like wildfire to the surrounding villages, small towns, and even the county seat. The curiosity even attracted idle cultivators in the vicinity, enhancing the recognition of the two clinics in Wuliu Town. 

A contest of medical skills was indeed a rarity. For the next few days, the "Universal Love Apothecary" thrived under Yang Fan's stewardship, and Hu Bansian, wary of employing his underhanded tactics in such public scrutiny, also saw an uptick in business. The apothecary's staff—shopkeepers, doctors, and apprentices—basked in newfound joy.

Yang Fan regarded this gamble with utmost seriousness, knowing it was pivotal for establishing the "Universal Love Apothecary" in the realm of cultivation. Although brimming with confidence, he understood the need for meticulous preparation. 

Three days later, Yang Fan visited Lin Zhong's residence, discovering that his injuries had healed, and he was currently refining the several magical items Yang Fan had gifted him. The initial phase of this refinement took little time. Yang Fan contemplated for a moment before presenting Lin Zhong with a mid-grade **Spirit-Infused Pill**.

"This mid-grade Spirit-Infused Pill should suffice to elevate you from the peak of the initial stage of Qi Refinement to the middle stage," Yang Fan stated calmly.

He possessed several Spirit-Infused Pills, including a precious mid-grade **Spirit-Infused Divine Pill**, which significantly enhanced the likelihood of breakthrough into the Condensation stage. Initially, he had intended to reserve these pills for his brother Yang Lei. However, having discovered Yang Lei's acquisition of a substantial treasure left by their father Yang Tian, Yang Fan decided to relinquish that plan.

"A mid-grade Spirit-Infused Pill…" Lin Zhong's voice quivered with disbelief; this was a treasure he had long yearned for. Having spent several years in the Qi Refinement stage without a complete cultivation technique, he was now poised to push himself to the peak, just a hair's breadth away from the middle stage.

The effects of a mid-grade Spirit-Infused Pill were even beneficial for those in the later stages of Qi Refinement. 

"Master… this pill is far too precious…" Lin Zhong remarked, feeling a mix of trepidation and gratitude.

Yang Fan's expression turned serious. "I recently encountered Hu Bansian and was surprised to find he has already advanced to the middle stage of Qi Refinement." 

"What? When did he level up?" Lin Zhong gasped in astonishment.

"Indeed, his strength exceeds what I had anticipated, especially with the backing of a wealthy patron, Li Paozi. Therefore, I entrust this Spirit-Infused Pill to you, hoping you can swiftly break through to the middle stage," Yang Fan conveyed directly.

By giving Lin Zhong the mid-grade Spirit-Infused Pill, along with the previous magical items, Yang Fan aimed to empower him to stand against Hu Bansian and Li Paozi. After all, Yang Fan merely wished to return to the realm of cultivation under the guise of an apothecary and did not wish to reveal his true strength just yet.

"Rest assured, Master. Even without the mid-grade Spirit-Infused Pill, I would still have the confidence to reach the middle stage with just a couple of lower-grade ones," Lin Zhong declared confidently.

"Good. I hope you can achieve the middle stage soon; only then can we join forces against Hu Bansian and his ilk," Yang Fan replied, pleased.

That evening, Yang Fan imparted many insights into cultivation to Lin Zhong before finally urging him to consume the mid-grade Spirit-Infused Pill. With Yang Fan's guidance, Lin Zhong achieved a breakthrough from the peak of the initial stage to the middle stage of Qi Refinement overnight.

"Middle stage of Qi Refinement! I can hardly believe I succeeded so quickly, and it's all thanks to you, Master!" Lin Zhong exclaimed, promptly bowing in gratitude to Yang Fan.

"You were already half a foot into the middle stage. This Spirit-Infused Pill was merely the catalyst for your breakthrough. Even without it, you would have succeeded in less than a month," Yang Fan smiled, having noted Lin Zhong's progress upon his return.

"In the next three days, concentrate on refining those magical items. In seven days, accompany me to Liu Town Chief's residence. I've made a wager against Hu Bansian, competing in medical skills," Yang Fan instructed.

"Competing in medical skills?" Lin Zhong's eyes lit up; he had witnessed Yang Fan's prowess firsthand.

"If it's a contest of medical skills, then Hu Bansian is no match for you, Master," Lin Zhong chuckled, exuding even more confidence than Yang Fan himself.

"This competition in medical skills is the first step in my return to the realm of cultivation. I must ensure it goes flawlessly," Yang Fan declared earnestly. "With the dawn still some time away, I will venture into Liu Degui's residence to ascertain the nature of his daughter's ailment."

"Master, isn't that a bit inappropriate? If you're discovered sneaking into a noble's daughter's home, it could ruin your reputation…" Lin Zhong hesitated, concern etched on his face.

"You're a cultivator; why concern yourself with mundane laws? Besides, who could possibly discover me among mere mortals?" Yang Fan replied with a bemused expression.

"Master, how about I take the lead? Having just entered the middle stage of Qi Refinement and possessing some medical knowledge, I could handle this task," Lin Zhong proposed eagerly.

"Very well, I'll entrust this matter to you for now." Yang Fan narrowed his eyes slightly, giving a few last instructions before departing.

After Yang Fan left, Lin Zhong donned a black cloak and melded into the night like a shadow. 

"Heh, this fellow moves with great stealth; I'll follow him and see what he's up to," a man emerged from the shadows, a smirk tugging at his lips as he murmured to himself.