Yellow Court Daoist-Chapter 308 - 288: Succession

"Do you know why I called you here today?" Gu Bu Yan looked at Lu Qingfeng with a smile and asked.

"Disciple does not know."

Lu Qingfeng shook his head.

He spent most of his attention on gaming, and of the little he had left, he had to allocate a substantial part to matters outside of the Xuanyuan Sect. He wasn't very familiar with the internal situation of the Xuanyuan Sect and the Combined Pill Hall.

With the all-encompassing and exceedingly protective Gu Bu Yan above him, Lu Qingfeng could practice calmly. He didn't need to bother with any trivial matters.

With a heightened Root Bone, his cultivation sped up.

In just twenty-six short years, he made tremendous progress from the Condensed Liquid Realm, passing through Nourishing Yuan and Body Refining without obstacle, reaching the Spirit Void Grain Avoidance state.

Four years ago.

The day he achieved the Spirit Void, Gu Bu Yan immediately appointed him as the junior master of the Combined Pill Hall.

A position far above that of a True Inheritor.

He was the only one in the Xuanyuan Sect, ranked just below the various Hall Masters and Peak Masters. After a hundred years following Gu Bu Yan, he would definitely be the steadfast master of the Combined Pill Hall, seated equally among the sect's True Men.

This provoked many True Inheritors within the Xuanyuan Sect to become envious.

But what could be done?

Alchemy was not easy.

And with a situation like that of the Combined Pill Hall, plus Lu Qingfeng's rare talent and diligent effort, even some disapproving True Men in the sect were forcefully suppressed by Gu Bu Yan alone.

It didn't cause so much as a ripple.

Gu Bu Yan's eyes narrowed, his face full of wrinkles, and with a hint of jest, he gestured behind him—

"Are you interested in trying out that position?"

Lu Qingfeng looked at the head seat.

There sat a chair engraved with exquisite flowers, herbs, a furnace, and elixir pills.

But what it represented was the master's seat of the Combined Pill Hall.

"Master."

Lu Qingfeng looked at Gu Bu Yan.

He indeed had the intention to take over as the master of the Combined Pill Hall, and had that ambition even when he first joined the hall.

But faced with Gu Bu Yan's unreserved offer, Lu Qingfeng was momentarily silent.

He was only Fourth Rank.

Gu Bu Yan's eagerness was clear and couldn't be more obvious.

Without waiting for Lu Qingfeng to answer, Gu Bu Yan continued, "You've served as junior master for four years. Now, most of the high-level alchemists in the Combined Pill Hall are on your Feiyun Island. And most of the elixir recipes refined by the Alchemists and Alchemy Apprentices of the Combined Pill Hall were produced by you."

"I've been in this position for eight hundred and sixty-two years, truly weary of it."

Lu Qingfeng looked up.

On the face of his always-smiling master, there was indeed an unmistakable weariness hidden. Having experienced death from old age multiple times in games, Lu Qingfeng understood this sort of weariness that came from the soul when life was nearing its end.

Lu Qingfeng stood there, stunned.

Joining the Xuanyuan Sect for forty years, everything had gone far smoother than imagined.

With Gu Bu Yan's high status and great prestige, being his disciple meant being escorted and protected by him, except for the initial three years in the Xuan Yin Cave, after which it was all smooth sailing.

The long-coveted position of the master of the hall was finally within reach.

He was momentarily moved.

Then, he calmed down.

"I will follow Master's command."

Lu Qingfeng spoke in response.

"Good."

"Very good."

Gu Bu Yan praised him with a clap, his smile even dispelling some of the weariness on his face.

Continuing to smile.

Greatly comforted.

After a while, Gu Bu Yan reached into the void and pulled out a Jade Box, handing it to Lu Qingfeng, "This is Dragon Pattern Grass. I had Luo Zhen Hall pay attention to it, and not long ago, they found its trace. Kou Xuan and Weng Shaoqing personally took action to take it from Yun Che, the 'Sangmen Guardian' of the White Bone Demon Sect."

"Sixth Rank Spiritual Medicine, make good use of it, do not waste it."

"Thank you, Master."

Lu Qingfeng took over the Jade Box, promptly giving thanks with a look of pleasant surprise in his eyes.

In these last days of the Fourteenth Generation, he had focused on gaming and neglected the news from the real world, not even hearing of the emergence of Sixth Rank Spiritual Medicine like Dragon Pattern Grass.

Fortunately, he had long asked Gu Bu Yan to have Luo Zhen Hall search for it.

And due to Gu Bu Yan's immense influence, Luo Zhen Hall Master Kou Xuan and Demon Suppressing Peak's Weng Shaoqing personally stepped in, directly taking it from Sangmen Guardian, one of the White Bone Demon Sect's Four Guardians.

In this matter.

Gu Bu Yan must have put in a lot of effort.

Otherwise, for a Sixth Rank Spiritual Medicine obtained by Sangmen Guardian, it wouldn't be worth it for two real Solid Pill Realm masters of the Xuanyuan Sect to risk themselves. But this was probably unexpected by the White Bone Demon Sect, leading to the guardians being outmaneuvered by the two True Men.

Now the Dragon Pattern Grass has passed on, ending up in Lu Qingfeng's hands.

"Dragon Pattern Grass obtained."

"Wind Chime Flower, Returning Yang Fruit, and other lower-grade Spiritual Medicines were prepared long ago; now, the Lifespan Extension Pills can be refined!"

Lu Qingfeng felt joy in his heart.

...

The succession ceremony was set seven days later, at the beginning of the twelfth lunar month.

Walking out of the waning Yang Peak.

The temperature plummeted, and snowflakes filled the sky over the Water Realm.

Falling onto the water surface without melting, it seemed to coat the earth. The vast Water Realm was wrapped in silver, strikingly beautiful.

Lu Qingfeng walked through the air, allowing snowflakes to fall upon him. His long hair became frosted with snow, just like his appearance under the stars of the Black Star Realm.

Upon reaching Feiyun Island.

Lu Qingfeng stepped onto the already foot-high accumulated snow and entered his cave dwelling.

"Lifespan Extension Pill!"

[Elixir Pills: Lifespan Extension Pill]

[Grade: Sixth Rank]

[Explanation: Refined from Dragon Pattern Grass, Wind Chime Flower, and dozens of precious Spiritual Medicines, can extend life by a hundred years when consumed by those in or below the Core Formation Stage.]

Sixth Rank Spirit Pill.

Only a Sixth Rank Alchemist could refine it.

And Lu Qingfeng, throughout three thousand years of the Fourteenth Generation, searching for the Gang Sha Land among the stars, used his spare time to enhance his understanding with the Enlightenment Great Method, and had already brought both Alchemy and Artifact Refining to Sixth Rank.

Even if Lu Qingfeng were dull-witted.

With time passing, he continuously gathered Spiritual Medicines across the stars, constantly experimenting, and with rapid insights from Enlightenment, not only did he achieve Sixth Rank but also became one of the outstanding figures among Sixth Rank Alchemists and Artifact Refiners.

With more effort in the next life, advancing to Seventh-Order was not far off.

He sat down cross-legged, not in a rush to refine.

Refining a Sixth Rank Spirit Pill takes time. Depending on the depth of Alchemy Accomplishment, it could take three to five months or even three to five years. With Lu Qingfeng's level, refining the Lifespan Extension Pill would take about half a year.

There's no need to attend all the time.

During the refinement process, just ensure the furnace fire never extinguishes.

Overall, it won't interfere with cultivation, nor will it hinder Lu Qingfeng's exploration of the "Primordial". The only inconvenience is the inability to travel far for extended periods, as one must stay by the Pill Furnace.

The succession ceremony is in seven days. With many chores to handle, the timing is not appropriate.

…

Seven days later.

The ninth day of the twelfth month.

The heavy snow that had been falling intermittently for seven days finally ceased today. The bright sun was shining, and the entire Xuanyuan Water Realm was wrapped in a silver coat.

Atop Qing Peak.

Bustling with excitement.

All the True Men and Peak Masters from the Xuanyuan Water Realm were present. It was indeed a rare grand occasion for the Xuanyuan Sect.

The ceremony was presided over by the Combined Pill Hall's Peak Master Gu Bu Yan and the Sect Leader Master Wu Jie.

Lu Qingfeng was the protagonist.

Other alchemists and disciples of the Combined Pill Hall stood in line reverently.

The rest were spectators.

"It has been years in a flash."

"Who would have thought, Brother Lu has become the master of a hall."

Yan Pingshu could not help but sigh as he looked at Lu Qingfeng, who was being led through the succession ceremony.

Back when he himself presided over Gathering Immortal Island, upon his first meeting with Lu Qingfeng, the latter had just entered the Xuanyuan Sect. In an instant, the once-new True Inheritor had transformed and become the master of a hall.

"After today, we shall respectfully address him as Peak Master Lu."

Feng Bai, still youthful in appearance but with a face marked by experience, pursed his lips in remark. He, like Yan Pingshu, felt nostalgic. Back in the day, Lu Qingfeng had invited him and his granduncle Feng Ping to a feast at the Feather Immortal Pavilion on Gathering Immortal Island, seeking their favor.

But after today.

Even if seeking a favor, one would likely go directly to the Luo Zhen Hall's Peak Master Kou Xuan.

Both sighed in reflection.

Beside them.

A female cultivator stood with a composed expression, observing Lu Qingfeng, the star of the show in the distance.

Dressed in a brocade gown that could not conceal her tall, slender figure, her long hair bundled at the back of her head, exuding an air of valiance.

It was Zhou Su, who had just emerged from Fiery Sun Valley after four years.

Once upon a time, due to the uprising of her Heart Demon, she clashed with Lu Qingfeng and both were cast into Xuan Yin Cave. After serving a three-year sentence, Lu Qingfeng was released, but her Heart Demon flared up again, resulting in her being thrown into Fiery Sun Valley.

Day by day, enduring the scorching sun and fierce fire to temper her mind and eliminate the Heart Demon.

For as long as twenty-six years.

Finally, she vanquished the Heart Demon, left Fiery Sun Valley, and gained freedom.

Right after stepping out, she heard the news that her former adversary had become the Combined Pill Hall's number one prodigy, esteemed as the young master of the hall.

A moment of silence.

She threw herself into the White Bone Realm, slaughtering her way to a formidable reputation.

Recently returned.

Just in time for Lu Qingfeng's grand ceremony of ascending into the role of the Combined Pill Hall's Peak Master.

She stood there, her face calm like water, not revealing any internal tumult.

Yan Pingshu and Feng Bai conversed, occasionally glancing at Zhou Su standing quietly to the side, with a flicker of peculiar light in their eyes.

…

The succession ceremony.

Loud and complicated.

After three full days, it finally concluded.

Henceforth.

Lu Qingfeng was the Peak Master of the Combined Pill Hall among the 'Five Peaks and Eight Halls' of the Xuanyuan Sect.

In the Three Realms of Xuanyuan, White Bone, and Heavenly Travel, the title of 'Peak Master Lu' would spread and his fame would further ascend.

…

As the master of the hall.

Apart from the honor, there were also many affairs to attend to.

However, with Gu Bu Yan still in power, the Combined Pill Hall had a systematic set of operating rules.

Even though Lu Qingfeng succeeded as the master of the Combined Pill Hall, it was more in name.

Gu Bu Yan intended to guide Lu Qingfeng through the affairs of the Combined Pill Hall and to mingle more with the True Men and masters of peaks and halls within the sect.

Unfortunately, Lu Qingfeng lacked interest in such matters.

Regarding connections, he was not resistant. He had met every True Man, Peak Master, and Sect Head in the Xuanyuan Sect, enough to be on familiar terms.

But as for the mundane affairs of the Combined Pill Hall, he ignored them altogether.

Ask his Mentor for decisions, or proceed as usual, was his response.

Subsequently.

He returned to Feiyun Island to continue his devoted cultivation in seclusion.

Secretly, though, he began refining the Lifespan Extension Pill.

However, only half a month later, Gu Bu Yan dragged him out of Feiyun Island and rushed to Xuanyuan Peak.

…

"Master."

"With the Sect Leader and the True Men discussing matters, what use is there for a newly inaugurated master of the Combined Pill Hall like me to attend?"

Lu Qingfeng stood on the Tear Cloud Beast, looking helplessly at Gu Bu Yan, who appeared as if escorting a prisoner, beside him.

He was in the midst of refining the Lifespan Extension Pill; while being away for a day or two wasn't critical, this time could be well spent on cultivation or visiting Qing Mountain and Qingyu.

Wasn't attending the Xuanyuan Sect's discussions a waste of time as per his qualifications and the status of the master of the Combined Pill Hall, merely listening in from the sidelines?

"You are diligent in your cultivation and alchemy, which is commendable. But your first session after succession is taking place this time. As the master of a hall, you naturally qualify to join. Whether you speak up or not, your absence would not befit your position, leading others to undervalue you."

Gu Bu Yan rode the Tear Cloud Beast to Xuanyuan Peak, explaining to Lu Qingfeng as they went.

He had Lu Qingfeng succeed as the master of the Combined Pill Hall before his time was up to solidify this arrangement and prevent future issues. Moreover, it was to help his disciple secure his position before his own time limit approached.

Sect discussions.

Whether one can speak is one thing.

Whether one attends and participates is another matter.

If you miss once or twice and make a habit of it, the master of the hall would be seen as nothing but a figurehead, which is not beneficial.

"That Zhuang Bie becoming successful and concerned with nothing. You are young and should have some vitality," said Gu Bu Yan, mentioning Zhuang Bie, the Dharma Transmission Hall's Peak Master, upon seeing that his disciple said nothing.

"Disciple understands."

An image of a young figure in a stone hut flashed in Lu Qingfeng's mind as he nodded reluctantly.

…