Godslayer: Reincarnated with SSS Rank Cultivation System-Chapter 155: Crafting the Pill Under the Moonlight

Those eyes on Wen Ran's master's face held gratitude, yet beneath that quiet appreciation lingered something else — something far heavier. Wen Ran couldn't see it, but the old man's heart ached with regret.

He wasn't upset with Wen Ran — no, not at all. He hated himself. Hated that he had grown so frail and useless that his own disciple had to feed him like a child.

Wen Ran wasn't even his son or grandson — they weren't family, yet here he was, caring for him with a stubbornness that defied logic. The old man had two other disciples — righteous, diligent, and honorable — yet he knew, without a doubt, that neither of them would have acted the way Wen Ran had. No matter how noble they claimed to be, their sense of duty would never push them this far.

Somehow, the old man understood now — those who wore the mask of righteousness were often the most rotten beneath their polished smiles. But those who walked the path of so-called evil… they were the ones who carried a soft heart for the few people they allowed into their lives.

Wen Ran… The old man sighed inwardly. You're more human than you realize…

After his master had eaten enough to the point where he seemed ready to burst, Wen Ran moved to his own corner. He chewed on the remaining pieces of meat while his gaze lingered on the cave entrance, watching the world outside in silence. Time seemed to crawl, the quiet stretching endlessly between them. Neither spoke a word, and before long, the old man drifted off into an exhausted sleep, his breathing heavy and strained.

Wen Ran let out a sigh and set the empty jar aside. He sat cross-legged, closing his eyes as he began to circulate his spiritual energy. Each breath was slow and measured, his focus precise as he guided the energy through his meridians. He was refining the energy from his meal — absorbing every trace of nourishment rather than wasting it like a mortal would. For those who walked the immortal path, even food could be fully converted into vital energy, leaving nothing behind to be expelled.

He exhaled deeply, his breath slow and cold, and his eyes opened once more. The moonlight spilled softly through the cave entrance, bathing the rocky walls in a gentle silver glow.

"It's time…" Wen Ran muttered under his breath, his voice low and resolute.

He stood up and walked toward his master, placing a firm hand on the old man's shoulder.

"Old man, wake up. It's night now — time to craft your pill."

Xiao Lingyun jolted awake, his body trembling as though he had just escaped a nightmare. His expression twisted with confusion until his gaze settled on Wen Ran's face. The tension in his features eased, and a smile — faint yet genuine — broke through.

"Hahaha… my dear disciple," the old man chuckled weakly, "what's the rush? Can't you let this old fool sleep a little longer?"

"No." Wen Ran's voice was firm, unwavering. His sharp gaze bore into the old man's tired eyes. "You're running out of time."

Xiao Lingyun let out another soft laugh, though this one lacked strength. "Good... good... I like your determination, kid."

But Wen Ran's eyes lingered on his master's face. The cracks were spreading — thin lines stretching like fractured porcelain, webbing across his skin. His body was deteriorating, falling apart with each passing moment. The longer they waited, the worse it became.

"First," the old man said, his voice faint yet firm, "you need to do the most important step…"

With trembling hands, Xiao Lingyun reached into his robes and pulled out a spirit pouch, his fingers shaking as he passed it to Wen Ran. Wen Ran accepted it carefully, feeling the weight of his master's hope resting on his palms.

Peering inside, his eyes widened in awe. The pouch was like a miniature treasury — thousands of spiritual plants, rare herbs, and precious materials neatly stored within. His mind spun with possibilities.

I know exactly what I'll ask him for in return... Wen Ran smirked inwardly, already plotting.

But before he could get too far into his thoughts, the old man's gaze drifted behind Wen Ran. His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, confusion flickered across his face. He rubbed his eyes hard, swearing he'd glimpsed what looked like a fox tail flickering in the shadows. Must be my imagination… he told himself.

"You'll need to craft these pills in the moonlight," Xiao Lingyun instructed firmly. "Its yin energy will help condense the pill. Since you possess no ice energy, we'll rely on your fire to guide the process."

Wen Ran's expression twitched slightly. If only you knew...

"Usually this pill requires two experts — one wielding yin energy, the other yang. The balance between the two creates a pill so potent it could practically drag an immortal back from the underworld." The old man chuckled dryly, his laughter turning into a fit of coughing. "Of course, I'm joking. No such pill exists in the mortal world... but you understand my point."

Wen Ran gave a short nod, his mind already spinning. He could secretly enhance the pill with his ice energy later, but for now, he would follow his master's instructions.

I'll make it his way now… but if it fails, I'll fix it properly when he's asleep.

Wen Ran sat before the cave entrance and retrieved his master's pill furnace — an ornate cauldron decorated with carvings so intricate that it seemed destined for immortals themselves.

Xiao Lingyun dragged his frail body closer, coughing weakly before settling beside Wen Ran. "Start by cleansing the Ice Spirit Lotus with the Ethereal Moondew," he instructed, his voice thin. "Drip it slowly... and you'll need to channel your flame to mimic the calmness of moonlight."

Wen Ran pulled the fragile Ice Spirit Lotus from his pouch. Its translucent petals glistened like carved crystal, radiating an icy chill that bit into his skin. Gritting his teeth, he retrieved the jade vial of Ethereal Moondew.

With painstaking care, he trickled the shimmering liquid over the Lotus. Cold mist curled from its surface, like frozen breath on a winter morning.

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"Now..." Xiao Lingyun's voice broke into a harsh cough. "Light your flame... steady... gentle... and make sure it doesn't leave the moonlight."

Wen Ran hesitated. Using fire energy this way went against everything he'd mastered — fire was meant to burn and devour, yet here he was being asked to temper it into something soft and delicate. It felt unnatural.

I can do this… he thought. He ignited a flickering flame in his palm — barely the size of a candle's glow — and slowly guided it above the Lotus. The warmth brushed the petals, causing the cold mist to waver.

"Slower," Xiao Lingyun warned. "Too much heat, and you'll destroy it."