Request for the Spirit Nourishing Pill

In the shadows of night, the figure emanating an air of cold arrogance momentarily froze, their gaze locking with Yang Fan's. Taking a deep breath, they glided into the room like a specter.

As the warm glow of the interior illuminated the space, the identity of the enigmatic figure became clear. It was a face strikingly similar to Yang Fan's own, yet it bore an added layer of haughtiness and an icy demeanor. A faint aura of lethal intent surrounded him, and his eyes gleamed with a sharpness that seemed capable of piercing through the very soul of anyone who dared to meet his gaze.

This was Yang Lei, no longer the naive boy of yore but a man who had transitioned into maturity, his height now nearly matching that of Yang Fan. If they stood side by side, onlookers would certainly recognize them as brothers, but might find it challenging to discern who was the elder and who the younger.

"Brother, it's been two months since we last met, and your transformation is indeed remarkable. What legacy has our father left us that has allowed you to undergo such a metamorphosis?" Yang Fan marveled at the sight of his sibling, an expression of mild astonishment crossing his features.

Yang Lei had not only changed in demeanor but had also progressed in cultivation from the late Qi Refinement stage to the pinnacle of Qi Refinement—a status that commanded respect and could instill fear in the scattered cultivators of the region.

"Brother, you too have impressed me. In just two months, you've risen from a state of apparent uselessness back into the world of cultivation. I hear you've opened a clinic, healing the sick and showing compassion to all? This hardly seems like your character," Yang Lei countered, his gaze unwavering, a flicker of challenge gleaming in his eyes.

His tone carried a hint of derision, revealing their intimate familiarity cultivated over years of growing up together. Yang Lei was well aware that the tenets of compassion and altruism did not align with Yang Fan's historically pragmatic outlook.

With profound insight garnered from his early years, Yang Fan had long recognized the unforgiving nature of the cultivation world—where the weak are devoured by the strong, and decisive actions are the norm, with benefits always clearly delineated. He never engaged in endeavors that bore no personal gain or seemed futile.

"Ah, my dear brother, you do know me best," Yang Fan replied with a gentle smile, not refuting Yang Lei's suspicions. He then pivoted the conversation, "Now that you've attained what father left behind, what brings you back to Wuliu Town?"

After a moment's silence, Yang Lei took a seat on a nearby stool, then addressed Yang Fan in a calm yet deliberate manner. "In the past, your extraordinary talent always overshadowed me, placing you at the forefront of our family. You dictated the terms at home; even mother and sister followed your lead."

"However, times have changed. I now possess the right to voice my opinions; age no longer obliges me to obey you."

"Oh?" Yang Fan replied, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Yet I remain your elder brother. Father did mention before his departure that you should heed my counsel. Have you forgotten?"

"Silence! At that time, I was barely six; now I have come of age and can uphold this family, protect every relative. Tell me, brother, do you possess that capability now?" Yang Lei retorted with a mocking sneer.

"Fine, you've spoken much without getting to the point. What is it you truly seek?" Yang Fan felt a flicker of anger igniting within him.

"Brother, I am aware that your storage pouch contains substantial assets—gifts from our clan and master when you were once our family's prodigy. However, what I seek is merely the Spirit Nourishing Pill in your possession." Yang Lei's voice turned animated. "Among the third-generation disciples of the Southern Yang family, only Yang Guang and I have attained the pinnacle of Qi Refinement. We are both key candidates for the next generation's leadership. Given the hints dropped by our clan leader, one of us will likely marry his daughter, provided we outshine each other at the upcoming Wentiang Conference in two and a half years."

Yang Fan, piecing together this elaborate exposition, sighed, "So you intend to leverage the Spirit Nourishing Pill to ascend to the Spirit Condensation stage?"

Indeed, prior to dispersing his energy, Yang Fan had possessed a Spirit Nourishing Pill, gifted by his master, Liu Wuhen, to aid him in reaching the Spirit Condensation stage. Yet, fueled by confidence in his own abilities, he had ascended without it. This secret was known only to Yang Lei; what he remained oblivious to was that Yang Fan actually had two Spirit Nourishing Pills, the second obtained during a fierce clash in the wilderness with disciples from the Jin Hong Sect.

"That is correct! Yang Guang and I stand just a step away from breaking into the Spirit Condensation stage," Yang Lei pressed earnestly. "Brother, I implore you to part with that Spirit Nourishing Pill. If I can attain the Spirit Condensation stage, I will become the successor of Yang Family Fort, and no one will dare bully us again!"

"Humph! You hoarded everything father left behind and have yet to account for that. Now you come asking for the Spirit Nourishing Pill? You've just achieved the pinnacle of Qi Refinement; do you not fear the annihilation from the Kyoto Yang family should you rush into the Spirit Condensation stage?" Yang Fan's voice was laced with skepticism.

"Kyoto Yang family!" Yang Lei paused briefly, then remarked, "From what I understand, the Kyoto Yang family is currently engrossed in certain matters, deploying many personnel and powerful cultivators, likely too preoccupied to concern themselves with the remote Yang Family Fort. Besides, their animosity is limited to just a few individuals from the previous generation—it's not an insurmountable feud. Otherwise, why would father bring us to Wuliu Town and allow you to cultivate at Yang Family Fort?"

"Do you possess knowledge of events from the past left behind in father's legacy?" Yang Fan's expression shifted, a hint of urgency creeping into his voice.

"Indeed, I know a few details," Yang Lei replied with a smirk of pride. "It involves those entangled in the incident—our father, your master Liu Wuhen, and the elder from the Kyoto Yang family, Mr. Xu."

"These were merely personal vendettas, not deep-seated enmities, and they had largely faded away in the previous generation. Furthermore, according to our father's messages, those individuals are not even our true adversaries."

"Then who are our genuine enemies? And where is father now?" Yang Fan's questions poured forth, laden with anxiety.

"I don't know. Father's message offered no clarity, but he cautioned us not to investigate this matter without foundational cultivation. To seek revenge, we must at least attain the Golden Core stage…" Yang Lei's demeanor grew cold. "Thus, I need you to hand over that Spirit Nourishing Pill, allowing me to swiftly reach the Spirit Condensation stage. Given my qualifications and the resources left by father, breaking into the Foundation Establishment stage in the future is not beyond possibility."

"What precisely did father leave us? Where is his message?" Yang Fan pressed further.

"Brother, I apologize; I cannot reveal that to you at present. I burned father's message to prevent any potential complications or discovery by ill-intentioned individuals," Yang Lei stated, puffing with pride.

Yang Fan pondered for a moment, then conceded, "Fine, I will give you the Spirit Nourishing Pill. After all, it holds little value for me." 

With his soul cultivation already well beyond the late Spirit Condensation stage, a mid-grade Spirit Nourishing Pill would provide him no significant benefit. He understood that when he desired to reach the Spirit Condensation stage, it would be solely dependent on his magical power. Additionally, he possessed two of the coveted Spirit Nourishing Pills.

Yang Lei's face lit up with joy. "Brother, you truly will part with it? I can also offer you some compensation, as a form of exchange—rest assured, you won't suffer a loss!"

"Enough! You'll likely just offer me some of the resources father left behind. What value is that? I will grant you this Spirit Nourishing Pill as a testament to our brotherly bond," Yang Fan remarked, retrieving a jade bottle from his storage pouch and tossing it to Yang Lei.

"Thank you, brother!" Yang Lei exclaimed with delight, accepting the jade bottle and promptly stowing it in his pouch without even glancing at its contents, a gesture suggesting an immense trust in his brother.

"However, I advise you against rushing into the Spirit Condensation stage. Rapid ascension can lead to instability in your cultivation realm, and it would be far more detrimental if it invites calamities," Yang Fan cautioned.

"Fear not, brother. I am not foolish," Yang Lei shot him a confident smile before gracefully departing. "I have matters to attend to tonight."

As Yang Fan watched his brother's retreating figure, a complex expression flickered across his features. He muttered softly to himself, "This boy is growing increasingly arrogant; I find it hard to discern his true intentions. Could it be that the pride and haughtiness he displays are mere façades?"