Chapter 761 -761: Elder Miao’s Wish
Fang Lin followed Elder Miao into a Pill Refining Room.
Although referred to as a Pill Refining Room, it was actually a grand hall and was exclusive to Elder Miao alone.
“What instructions does the Elder have for me?” Fang Lin respectfully asked with a bow.
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Elder Miao looked Fang Lin up and down, then asked, “Do you know the significance of owning this token?”
With these words, Elder Miao returned the badge and token to Fang Lin.
After taking them, Fang Lin replied, “At first, I didn’t know, but I do now. Owning this token means that I am a registered disciple of the Hall Master.”
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Elder Miao nodded, “It’s good that you understand. Although a registered disciple is not a real disciple of the Hall Master, soon a competition will be held, allowing you, along with the other registered disciples, to compete for the title. Whichever of you ends up the winner will become a true disciple.”
Fang Lin was already aware of this, as it had been explained by the Master of North Town Hall, although it hadn’t been mentioned then that possessing the token would make one a registered disciple.
“In North Town Hall, besides you, there are several other promising registered disciples, who are excellent young Pill Refiners. You might be strong in Martial Arts, but when it comes to Pill Refining, it might be quite difficult for you to surpass them,” Elder Miao stated calmly. Fang Lin couldn’t immediately discern the underlying meaning in his words.
“May the Elder please enlighten me,” Fang Lin inquired directly.
Elder Miao revealed a smile, “You’re quite smart. Among the other registered disciples, there’s one named Ling Zhongtian whose background is uniquely special. But even putting his background aside, just his Alchemy Tao talent and strength alone could make him the most outstanding among all the registered disciples.”
Fang Lin frowned slightly, but he didn’t pay too much attention to Elder Miao’s words. When it came to Pill Refining, he himself didn’t feel second to anyone and doubted anyone dared claim the top spot.
Seeing Fang Lin frowning, Elder Miao interpreted it as Fang Lin being worried and continued, “If you want to gain an advantage in the upcoming competition, you must quickly improve your Alchemy Tao skills. I can give you some guidance on this matter.”
Upon hearing this, Fang Lin started to comprehend the situation. Apparently, the old man wanted to teach him Pill Refining. Though somewhat amusing, Fang Lin began to question his motivations.
“It would be an honor for a junior like me to receive guidance from the Elder. But it’s only my first day in North Town Hall, and your kindness towards me is indeed a bit overwhelming,” Fang Lin courteously replied, subtly expressing his suspicions.
Elder Miao, being an old fox, clearly understood Fang Lin’s implicit doubts and swiftly responded, “My assistance, of course, isn’t without reason or expectation of return. If you emerge victorious in the competition, it’s certain that the Hall Master will allow you to enter the Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area. I hope that in there, you can find and bring back a Pine Crane Pill for me.”
In saying this, Elder Miao’s face showed a hint of regret.
Fang Lin immediately understood. It turned out that the old man wanted a Pine Crane Pill.
The Pine Crane Pill was similar to the Lifespan Extension Pill. It could lengthen one’s lifespan and was more potent than the Lifespan Extension Pill. However, this pill was probably lost to the world long ago, possibly only to be found in some ancient ruins.
Although Elder Miao had disguised it well, Fang Lin, with his exceptional perception, could tell from the old man’s countenance and aura that his life was ending, that he probably wouldn’t live much longer than another decade or so.
However, Fang Lin didn’t readily agree. Firstly, he didn’t need any guidance, and secondly, he was unsure about the so-called Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area.
Not hearing a response from Fang Lin, Elder Miao assumed he had reservations and added, “You need not worry about anything. I bear no ill intentions towards you; I simply hope to acquire a Pine Crane Pill.”
Fang Lin paused for a moment, then asked, “May I ask where this Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area is, Elder?”
Elder Miao composed himself before responding, “The Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area is a relic left by an ancient sect. Inside are many ancient pills and Ancient Pill Recipes. With enough luck, you might also find some superior Pill Furnaces.”
He paused, then continued, “The disciples from all 32 Halls enter the Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area at a specified time. In there, they are allowed to engage in fights and struggles for the coveted items. What one obtains depends entirely on one’s luck and strength.”
Hearing this, Fang Lin nodded in understanding. It seemed this Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area was not simple. The disciples from all 32 Halls would enter it to compete for opportunities.
Thinking about this, Fang Lin felt a bit interested in the Ancient Alchemy Prohibited Area.
“So, if you accept my guidance, although it will not guarantee your victory, at the very least, it will significantly increase your chances. Elder Miao said, his eyes fixed on Fang Lin, waiting for his response.”
Fang Lin pondered for a moment, then replied, “I am grateful for the Elder’s help.”
Seeing Fang Lin’s willing acceptance, Elder Miao let out a sigh of relief, his face bearing a smile.
The reason Fang Lin agreed wasn’t for the guidance. It was just that Elder Miao had made his proposition so plainly. If Fang Lin were to decline now, it might breed discontent in the old man, resulting in unnecessary troubles.
Moreover, with this arrangement, Fang Lin had formed a connection with Elder Miao, ensuring he wouldn’t be without support in the North Town Hall.
“Elder Miao, what is the background of that Ling Zhongtian you mentioned earlier?” Fang Lin asked.
Mentioning Ling Zhongtian made Elder Miao’s face turn serious, and he provided Fang Lin with a detailed explanation.
After listening, Fang Lin nodded. No wonder Elder Miao said this person was the most likely one to become a real disciple of the Hall Master. His background was indeed extraordinary.
The Ling Family of the Pill Alliance was a genuine Alchemy Tao lineage, with a tradition of thousands of years in Alchemy Tao. Many members of the family held high positions within the Pill Alliance.
Ling Zhongtian was one of the most outstanding of the younger generation in the Ling Family. He had arrived at North Town Hall for training, and being at the right place at the right time, he had easily become a registered disciple due to his strength.
“The Ling Family is incredibly powerful. Although they are a lineage mainly focusing on Alchemy Tao, they are also a cradle for powerful individuals and hold significant influence within the Pill Alliance. Ling Zhongtian, who was nurtured by the Ling Family from a young age, has a much deeper understanding of Alchemy Tao than his peers. It would be incredibly difficult to surpass him,” Elder Miao added.
Fang Lin remained silent. To his mind, what was a mere lineage with a few thousand years of tradition claiming kinship?
“Rest assured, Elder, I am confident in surpassing him,” Fang Lin declared.
Elder Miao shook his head, he didn’t hold the same conviction. Many geniuses might seem formidable elsewhere, but upon arriving here, where true geniuses gathered, defeating their competitors seemed extremely challenging.
“Let’s not dwell on this for now. Let’s see where you stand in regards to Alchemy Tao,” Elder Miao suggested.