Chapter 18: My Name Is Jia Zhuangxian

"Truly impressive, young friend, to be able to concoct such a potent pill—Master Liu is deeply admiring!"
"With such alchemical skill, you are nothing short of a prodigy!"

The old man beamed warmly at Mu Feng, his eyes brimming with gratitude. Although the pill was not of the highest grade, producing a flawless elixir so swiftly spoke volumes about his extraordinary talent.

"Just a small stroke of luck, nothing worth mentioning," Mu Feng said, wiping the soot from his face and offering an embarrassed smile. If the old man knew the Seven Absolute Shadow Corps had appeared because of him, he’d probably tear Mu Feng apart on the spot.

"My apologies for speaking rudely to you earlier, young sir."
"Here is a silver note for ten thousand taels, both as thanks for your aid and to ask forgiveness for my daughter's earlier rashness."

The girl sincerely expressed her gratitude as she handed over the note, which Mu Feng noticed came from a storage ring.

"Oh, no need for such formalities."
"Since you insist, then thank you very much."

Mu Feng’s eyes gleamed as he eagerly accepted the note, leaving the girl and old man stunned. Though they meant well, Mu Feng’s decisiveness was surprising. Ten thousand taels was not a fortune for an alchemist, so why did he seem so desperate for money?

"You truly are a man of passion. Pray tell, who is your master, that such a prodigious disciple could be nurtured?"

The old man chuckled, curious to learn more. In this small Yellow Sand Town, a hidden talent like this was rare indeed, and a strong connection was worth cultivating.

"My master prefers to roam the world, so I am afraid I cannot say," Mu Feng lied smoothly, unwilling to reveal the fairy’s secret.

The old man showed no displeasure, understanding that geniuses often had their own ways.

"By the way, may I ask your full name, young friend?"

"Oh, I am Jia Zhuangxian, just a clerk at the Mu Family Alchemy Hall."

A mere clerk? Someone capable of effortlessly refining flawless pills was a prodigy indeed—no one would believe such a humble title. Yet Mu Feng had no choice but to use Jia’s name. If they found out the Seven Absolute Shadow Corps had arisen because of him, the consequences could be dire. Using Jia’s identity would protect the Mu family from any fallout, though poor Jia was fast asleep and oblivious to it all.

"Today’s events have truly made me understand the saying 'true masters do not reveal their prowess,'" the old man mused.
"Would you be interested in joining the Taichu Martial Manor?" he asked with keen interest.

"To be honest, I plan to take the Taichu Martial Manor’s examination in two months," Mu Feng replied with a smile.

"How fortuitous," the old man said with a mysterious smile, bowing deeply.
"You saved me today; I owe you a great debt."
"If you ever need anything, come find me in the capital."

"Alright, alright," Mu Feng nodded cheerfully, though inwardly he just wished they would leave quickly. Seek me out? He hoped they wouldn’t.

"Then we shall not disturb you further. Farewell."

With that, the old man and girl departed. Though still regaining his strength, the old man moved swiftly, vanishing from Mu Feng’s sight in no time...

"Master, that fellow’s alchemy skills are remarkable. Why not recommend him to Grandmaster Gu Xuan?" the girl asked curiously along the way.

The old man smiled faintly.
"Recommend him? Though he hasn’t reached your level, his surging vitality even surprises me. His master is no one to compare to Gu Xuan."
"With such talent and humility, if he truly joins Taichu Martial Manor, it will be a great blessing for them."
"When we return, you must investigate the Mu family thoroughly. To have such a prodigy, the Mu family must not be ordinary!"

———

Morning dawned.

Many customers flocked to the Alchemy Hall to buy pills. With the Xiao Family’s hall burned down and the Mu Family’s flawless pills now available, business was booming beyond imagination.

Mu Feng was earning handsomely.

Moreover, aided by various pills, his cultivation had reached the third tier of the Spirit Realm. Among the young generation in Yuan Zhou City, few could rival him.

Yet he still felt it was not enough.

"Though I have reached the third tier of the Spirit Realm, I am still far behind Jiang Wuying."
"After reaching the first level in swordsmanship and body cultivation, progress becomes extremely difficult—especially body cultivation. Fairy, do you have any ideas?"

Looking at his own hands, Mu Feng’s anxiety grew.

Less than two months remained until the Taichu Martial Gathering. Jiang Wuying was a genius at the Profound Yellow Realm, and Xiao Ruoxin was at the ninth tier of the Spirit Realm. Compared to them, Mu Feng was insignificant.

But to rise from no cultivation to the Spirit Realm in a single month was rare, even across the entire Snow Moon Empire.

"Impulsive boy, don’t be anxious," the fairy said lazily as she hovered nearby.
"Haste makes waste."

Mu Feng rolled his eyes. Of course she wasn’t anxious—she wasn’t the one facing constant death threats.

"Alright, alright, no need to glare like you’re about to eat me alive. There is a method, but it’s rather difficult."

With that, the fairy touched him lightly with one hand.

Countless golden lights surged into Mu Feng’s mind.

The Blood Forging Method.

Using the blood of a spirit beast as a catalyst, one forges the body’s strength—a path of body tempering.

If taken to the extreme, it could grant power comparable to that of a spirit beast.

"Power comparable to a spirit beast!"

Mu Feng’s eyes shone bright upon seeing this technique.

Spirit beasts were a terrifying breed, far surpassing ordinary beasts. Even warriors at the Heavenly Realm would be daunted by them.

The Snow Moon Empire had once suffered a spirit beast invasion, requiring almost all of its forces, including many from Yuan Zhou City, to quell it.

However, practicing the Blood Forging Method required spirit beast blood.

Where was he going to obtain such a thing?

"I’ve got it! The Treasure Pavilion!"

"Now that I have the money, there’s nothing I can’t buy."

Mu Feng had nearly twenty thousand taels on him—surely he could purchase some spirit beast blood.

With that thought, he dashed toward the Treasure Pavilion.

Half an hour later...

"Young Master Mu, I’m sorry, but we really don’t have what you’re looking for," said Yu Linglong apologetically inside the room.

"Aren’t you the Treasure Pavilion specializing in martial artists’ needs? How do you not even have spirit beast blood?" Mu Feng asked in surprise.

Yu Linglong shook her head helplessly.

"It’s true we don’t have it. Spirit beast blood is exceedingly rare. Hunting a spirit beast requires Heavenly Realm warriors. Our little Treasure Pavilion simply can’t obtain such treasures."

Hearing this, Mu Feng felt a pang of disappointment.

If even the Treasure Pavilion lacked it, he would have to find another way himself.

Sighing, Mu Feng prepared to leave.

Just then, a group of attendants entered Yu Linglong’s room carrying boxes of all sizes.

"Pavilion Master, here are the items prepared for tonight’s collection. Please have a look."

Mu Feng was about to step out when the fairy stopped him.

"Wait!"

"What is it?" Mu Feng asked curiously.

"I sense the power of spirit beast blood—it’s hidden somewhere in this pile!"