Chapter 148: Peak Qi Refinement

The flawless Foundation Establishment Pill awarded by the Myriad Stars Sea was primarily refined from a Demon Core.

Han Yi retrieved a purple jade box, carefully placed the extracted Demon Core inside, and reverently stored it away. This Demon Core would remain untouched until he advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage and perfected his Alchemy Technique to Peak Perfection. Only then would he attempt to refine it.

Next, Han Yi collected the massive corpse of the Fire Phoenix Demon, along with the remains of several other Demon Beasts he had slain during his time in the Myriad Stars Sea. He intended to sell them all, as every part of a demon's body—blood, brain matter, organs, bones, flesh, and hide—served as valuable raw materials for Pill Refinement, medicine brewing, and even artifact forging.

The following day, Han Yi went directly to the Azure Dragon Palace to deliver the corpses of the Demon Beasts and Demon Cultivators to the Sect. He exchanged them for points, amassing a staggering total of over 1.3 million. At the Sect's exchange rate of 15 Low-Grade Spirit Stones per 100 points, this haul translated to approximately 2,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. Among these, the Fire Phoenix Demon's corpse alone accounted for over 1.1 million points.

Moreover, this was because Han Yi had already retrieved the Demon Core. If it had been included, the value would have been several times greater.

Upon seeing the corpse of a Demon Cultivator, the steward on duty didn't dare make a decision alone and summoned the Elder on duty.

After a thorough appraisal, the Elder determined the points value.

Interestingly, Han Yi recognized this Elder. It was Gu Yu, the Foundation Establishment Stage Elder who had led his group during his second expedition to Heavenfall City.

Gu Yu clearly recognized Han Yi. News of Han Yi's Demon-Slaying achievements in the Myriad Stars Sea, which had earned him fourth place in the Qi Refining Tier of the Demon Slaying Rankings, had spread throughout the Sect. Though lower-level disciples of the Inner and Outer Peaks might not know of it, every Elder in the Sect had heard of his accomplishment. As a result, Gu Yu didn't adopt the haughty demeanor of an Elder towards Han Yi.

Shortly after, Han Yi left the Azure Dragon Palace.

This time, he didn't exchange his points for pill refinement materials or Spirit Stones. Instead, he saved them, already having a plan for their use.

Returning to his courtyard on Azure Dragon Peak, Han Yi began his closed-door cultivation.

His intention was to remain secluded until he reached the Peak Qi Refining Stage.

With his Root Bone enhancement and the perfected state of his cultivation technique, Han Yi's cultivation speed after entering the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement was no slower than it had been before reaching the Seventh Layer.

This progress stemmed from the solid foundation Han Yi had laid.

After a year and a half of cultivation in the Myriad Stars Sea, he had advanced from the initial stage of the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement to the Advanced Ninth Layer. According to his calculations, it would take roughly another two and a half years to progress from the Advanced Ninth Layer to Peak Qi Refinement—essentially advancing his progress bar to 90/100 or higher in the Ninth Layer.

As he secluded himself for cultivation, Han Yi was now forty-five years old. Sixteen years had passed since the Blood God Sect's first attack, and twenty-four years since his transmigration.

Time held no meaning in cultivation.

Whether due to Yuan Shun's instructions or simply because no one had any business with him, Han Yi remained undisturbed throughout those two and a half years. The courtyard seemed to have been completely forgotten.

Two and a half years later...

Outside the courtyard, the jade plaque inscribed with "Do Not Disturb" hung from the lantern by the gate, still clean and dust-free.

Within the courtyard, the Seven Stars Profound Origin Formation activated silently, leaving no trace of its presence. Yet even if someone managed to breach the courtyard's inherent defensive formations and step inside, they would find it impossible to break through this Second-Tier formation in a short time.

In the meditation chamber, a young man sat cross-legged. The concentration of Spirit Qi in the room was astonishing; a low-level Qi Refining cultivator entering would feel every cell in their body surge with delight, as even a single breath would noticeably increase their Mana.

Suddenly, the seated youth opened his eyes, his gaze hazy with swirling Spirit Qi.

The young man was, of course, Han Yi.

He frowned momentarily, then calculated the time with his fingers. Realizing only two and a half years had passed, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

During this seclusion, he had completely detached himself from external thoughts, losing track of time, just as he had when he first transmigrated and, engrossed in cultivation, missed the deadline for submitting his Medicinal Pills, resulting in his outpost assignment down the mountain.

However, this time, even without lingering thoughts, the increasing difficulty in enhancing his Mana had jolted him awake.

A semi-transparent, fiery red panel now displayed new changes:

Name: Han Yi

Lifespan: 47/149

Cultivation Realm: Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement (91/100)

Cultivation Technique: Fire Astral Profound Art (Perfected 49/100)

The progress bar for his cultivation realm had reached 91% of the Ninth Layer. In other words, after two and a half years of cultivation, Han Yi had reached the Peak Qi Refining Stage.

He slowly stood up. The quality of his mana remained largely unchanged, and its quantity had increased by less than half a percent. Yet even this minuscule growth seemed to have hit an invisible, predestined ceiling, causing his progress to slow to a snail's pace, almost grinding to a complete halt.

A Peak Qi Refining cultivator could attempt Foundation Establishment at any time. Further cultivation, even reaching 100/100 progress, would have a negligible impact on their success rate. Only by breaking through to the Legendary Qi Refining Stage would their chances of success in Foundation Establishment leap to an entirely new level.

Generally, an Advanced Ninth Layer cultivator had a 20% chance of successfully establishing their foundation. A Peak Qi Refining cultivator's chances improved to 50%, while a Legendary Qi Refining cultivator enjoyed an 80% success rate.

However, to establish a First-Grade Immortal Foundation, one needed to be at least at the Peak Qi Refining Stage.

Han Yi's strength had already reached the level of a Legendary Cultivator, and he ranked among the elite even within this prestigious group, as he had proven in the Myriad Stars Sea.

It was important to note that "Legendary Cultivator" wasn't a distinct cultivation stage, but rather an honorary title.

Typically, only cultivators who have reached the Peak Qi Refining Stage, advanced their cultivation realm to 100/100, and achieved new insights into combat prowess can be crowned with the title of "Legendary."

However, Han Yi was an exception.

For him, the title of "Legendary" was already deserved.

The only question was whether his Foundation Establishment success rate would be calculated at the 50% chance for a Peak Qi Refining cultivator or the 80% chance for a Legendary cultivator.

In truth, none of this mattered. Once his progress bar reached 100/100, the success rate would undoubtedly rise to the full 80%.

Han Yi flicked his sleeve. The door to his Meditation Chamber creaked open, and he stood up. The fragments of Spirit Stones scattered around him, dissolving into the wind.

He stepped out.

Little Spirit Void Peak, Spirit Void Pavilion.

Zheng Hai drank wine, his joy bubbling over uncontrollably.

"Senior Brother Han, you finally found time to join me for a drink! I thought you'd forgotten about me entirely."

Zheng Hai teased, his mouth working ceaselessly as if determined to drain every drop of the wine Han Yi had offered before stopping.

Han Yi retorted with a playful curse, but a smile tugged at his lips.

After leaving his Meditation Chamber, Han Yi suddenly remembered he hadn't contacted Zheng Hai in a long time. Recalling a past promise, he headed to Little Spirit Void Peak, where he found Zheng Hai and immediately invited him for a drink.

Over the past few years, Han Yi had repeatedly secluded himself for cultivation, his mind constantly taut. Now, feeling relaxed, he sensed a subtle shift in his mental state.

Cultivation was difficult, and enduring required balancing exertion with rest.

"Oh, by the way," Zheng Hai said, "Peak Master Li accumulated enough merit last year to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill. He successfully reached Foundation Establishment and was promoted to Elder status. He's already moved from Little Spirit Void Peak to Little Dragon's Whisker Peak and become its Peak Lord."

"The three-year term is almost up, leaving the Peak Lord position on Little Spirit Void Peak vacant. According to sect rules, it will be open for competition among all Qi Refining disciples. Han Yi, are you going to try for it?"

The Peak Master Li Han Yi mentioned was Li Heng, the second Peak Lord Han Yi had known after joining Little Spirit Void Peak. He hadn't realized Li Heng had been secretly accumulating points all these years, finally breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

It wasn't just him quietly building up his strength; others were doing the same.

"No," Han Yi replied.

"Why? Let me see... You've been on an outpost assignment, were forcibly conscripted, went to Ten Thousand Demon Mountain, and even attended the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering—four expeditions in a row! Your strength must have skyrocketed by now. I wouldn't be surprised if you told me you'd already reached Foundation Establishment," Zheng Hai said, gulping down a large cup of wine and refilling his glass.

Han Yi paused, momentarily stunned, before realization dawned. Zheng Hai was referring to the rapid progress he'd made each time he ventured down the mountain.

While not entirely accurate, Zheng Hai's assessment was largely correct. Moreover, Han Yi had also secretly traveled to Daofu City and Nanhua City, trips Zheng Hai knew nothing about.

"Oh, right! You've reached the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining! Congratulations!" Han Yi suddenly changed the subject, showering Zheng Hai with congratulations. He tossed a Storage Pouch across the table, saying, "Here are some Spirit Stones, Spirit Pills, and Magic Artifacts. Use them for now."

"If you need any other resources, just let me know."

"Once you reach the Peak Qi Refining Stage, I'll get you a Foundation Establishment Pill."

This was Han Yi's silent promise, never spoken aloud but firmly etched in his heart.

Zheng Hai didn't stand on ceremony with Han Yi. He probed the unclaimed Storage Pouch with his divine sense and exclaimed in surprise, "So much?!"

Han Yi smiled. "It's not much at all."

Indeed, the resources Han Yi had given Zheng Hai weren't substantial: ten thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones, numerous Spirit Pills and Medicines, and three Mid-Grade Sword Artifacts. To Han Yi, this was but a drop in the ocean.

In the past, he had hesitated to reveal such wealth, fearing it would draw unwanted attention. He had been content to cultivate quietly on his own. But now, his strength provided the necessary security. With sufficient power, sharing some of his resources with Zheng Hai carried no risk in his eyes.

"Don't overthink it," Han Yi added. "Just focus on your cultivation."

Zheng Hai's face flushed with excitement. For someone who had just reached the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining, these Spirit Stones represented an extraordinary Immortal Opportunity.

"That's perfect! Since we're so close, I won't stand on ceremony," Zheng Hai said without hesitation. He knew Han Yi's straightforward nature; any reluctance would be counterproductive.

"By the way, has the Sect implemented any new policies recently?" Han Yi asked.

He had been in secluded cultivation for two and a half years. Upon emerging, he immediately sought out Zheng Hai instead of heading to Combat Peak. Zheng Hai, however, remained deeply involved with Combat Peak, splitting his time equally between cultivation and combat over the years.

"Not really," Zheng Hai replied. "The Sect seems to have lowered its profile recently."

"Two years ago, they even discontinued the Escort Program and the Consultant Elder Program, leaving only the New Peak Lord Plan intact."

"Still, we now have plenty of Foundation Establishment Stage Elders. Excluding the Consultant Elders, the number of regular Sect Elders alone has exceeded one hundred. Yet the Heavenly Ranking only lists the top hundred, and those ranked below haven't even made the list."

Han Yi's eyebrows furrowed. With only a year and a half remaining until the twenty-year deadline with the Profound Pill Sect, this should be a critical moment. Why had the Sect relaxed its vigilance instead?

There must be a crucial piece of internal information he was missing.

"Oh, by the way, Senior Brother Guan Di has reached the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement," Zheng Hai added. "I ran into him at Combat Peak last time I was there."

Han Yi nodded, Guan Di having become a distant figure in his memory.

Whenever he thought of Guan Di, he was reminded of Guan Sheng, Guan Di's paternal uncle, whom he had met over twenty years ago during his outpost assignment to Mengshan City.

Back then, fresh from his transmigration, Han Yi had arrived at the Profound Fire Pill Shop in Mengshan City. Looking back, Guan Sheng's overly friendly attitude had seemed suspicious, hinting at hidden motives. But at this point in his life, Han Yi had no desire to investigate further.

In a way, it was his experiences in Mengshan City that had instilled his cautious and preference for a low profile.

After discussing recent Sect affairs, Han Yi rose to leave.

Once Han Yi had departed, Zheng Hai's relaxed demeanor vanished, replaced by a complex and contemplative expression.

Though he had long understood that he and Han Yi now belonged to different worlds, Zheng Hai had refused to accept his fate. But when Han Yi offered him resources, he suddenly felt a sense of relief.

"Han Yi," he murmured, "the Immortal Path stretches endlessly onward. I truly wish I could witness how far you will ascend."

With a soft sigh, Zheng Hai resumed his own path.

Meanwhile, Han Yi descended Little Spirit Void Peak and returned to Azure Dragon Peak. As he climbed the mountain, he encountered a familiar figure: He Fengdi.

Clad in a dark Xuan robe, He Fengdi had just emerged from Azure Dragon Palace. His eyes flickered when he spotted Han Yi.

"Junior Brother Han," he greeted.

Han Yi recognized He Fengdi and greeted him, "Senior Brother He."

He Fengdi smiled, pleased that Han Yi hadn't addressed him as "Elder He," but instead used the familiar "Senior Brother He." This indicated that their relationship hadn't changed despite He Fengdi's recent breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Indeed, over two years prior, He Fengdi had been among the ten disciples selected for the third batch of the Escort Program. During that trial, he had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment and become an Elder of White Tiger Peak.

"Junior Brother Han," He Fengdi said, "I visited your courtyard some time ago, but you were already in seclusion, so I didn't want to disturb you."

"Do you have any urgent matters, Junior Brother? If not, would you care to join me for a drink at the Ascension Pavilion?"

Han Yi considered it briefly. Having no pressing business, he accepted the invitation.

Moments later, they entered the Ascension Pavilion. He Fengdi had reserved a private room on the third floor, typically reserved for Foundation Establishment Stage Elders.

This was only Han Yi's second visit to the Ascension Pavilion, and his first time entering a private room.

"It's truly an honor to finally experience the true splendor of the Ascension Pavilion thanks to Senior Brother He's invitation," Han Yi remarked.

He opened the window. Outside, a misty sea of clouds swirled, permeated with faint immortal energy. A gentle breeze brushed his face, invigorating him.

Although the Ascension Pavilion was built on the edge of Azure Dragon Peak, it was protected by Formation Arts, ensuring that violent storms would never reach it.

"What a breathtaking view!" Han Yi exclaimed, gazing at the panoramic vista of the Profound Pill Sect. "The White Tiger guards the east, the Vermilion Bird graces the south, and the Black Tortoise coils in the north. Beyond them rise the five towering peaks of Zhurong, Golden Court, Crimson Sun, Overturning Sea, and Sword Pill, their layered summits vying endlessly for prominence."

He Fengdi chuckled, understanding Han Yi's earlier remark as a jest. "Junior Brother Han, your strength is no less than mine. The Ascension Pavilion should consider itself honored to have you grace its halls."

"By the way, Junior Brother Han, news of your single-sword Demon-Slaying feat in the Myriad Stars Sea has already reached the Foundation Establishment Elders of the Sect."

Han Yi's expression remained unchanged. Two and a half years prior, upon returning to the Profound Pill Sect, he had anticipated that news of his Demon-Slaying exploits would inevitably spread, at least among the Sect's Elders. He even suspected that most Peak Qi Refining Inner Sect Disciples might know of his Legendary Qi Refining prowess.

However, with his current strength, he no longer feared attracting unwanted attention.

"Senior Brother He overestimates me," Han Yi replied tersely.

He half-closed the window, returned to his elegant seat, and suddenly felt a stirring of unease.

"Senior Brother He, I've heard the Sect has been relatively stable these past two years, with no major incidents. Do you have any news to share?"

Han Yi didn't need to elaborate; He Fengdi understood his unspoken meaning perfectly.

His expression turned serious. "Junior Brother Han, you're unaware of the true situation. While the Sect appears tranquil on the surface, conflicts have quietly resurfaced beneath the surface."