Chapter 101: Inheritance of the Third‑Tier Pill Master (Major Chapter)

"So you really came to save me?"

"But even if your earlier strike was meant to rescue me, I had already detected an Evil Cultivator slipping in, staying completely still, trying to use the Evil Cultivator to test my background; this disaster today isn't undeserved!"

"Moreover, your Cao family isn't any good either—on one hand you want to use me to craft second‑tier Talisman Scripts to help you guard your family stronghold, and on the other you're constantly wary of me, fearing I'll become uncontainable in the future! You even started scheming early, looking for ways to restrict me after the war ends."

"With all that, even wiping out your Cao family wouldn't be excessive."

Xiao Zhangqing listened as Cao Hao unconsciously spilled many of his inner secrets, feeling no embarrassment.

If it weren't for the thought that annihilating the Cao family now would make Nanshan Fang hard to fend off the Evil Cultivator's assault, Xiao Zhangqing probably wouldn't have spared a single life tonight.

Yes, after probing the situation, Xiao Zhangqing thought briefly and still decided to spare Cao Hao's life.

But the death penalty can be avoided; the living crime is hard to escape.

Cao Hao didn't die, but the treasures on his body still had to be taken.

Without any obstruction, Xiao Zhangqing made Cao Hao empty every item from his storage bag.

Compared with the white‑haired old crone, Cao Hao's wealth was far smaller, not even in the same tier.

He only carried a little over a thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones; his Magic Treasures were nothing Xiao Zhangqing found appealing, though he did have a fair amount of third‑tier refined iron, which could fetch a decent price.

Besides that, there were plenty of Pills and spirit herbs.

Some of those Pills and spirit herbs coincided with those on the white‑haired old crone, so Xiao Zhangqing promptly interrogated.

A moment later, after Cao Hao finished his "introduction," Xiao Zhangqing held several spirit medicines, looking thoughtful.

"Mid‑Foundation Establishment, and you're already plotting to form a Pill?"

The spirit medicines in Cao Hao's storage bag that overlapped with the white‑haired old crone, upon interrogation, turned out to be ingredients for the essential Pill "Condensing True Pill" needed to forge the Impact Pill Realm.

Similar to the Foundation Pill required for a Qi Refining Realm to impact a Foundation Establishment Realm.

However, the Condensing True Pill is worth well over a hundred times more than a Foundation Pill.

Foundation Pills appear frequently at major auctions in the great Immortal City, sold publicly.

But the Condensing True Pill cannot be bought directly with Spirit Stones in almost any place.

Either a cultivator prepares a complete set of alchemical materials and spends a fortune hiring a third‑tier Pill Master to brew it, or it's dealt with in secret.

In short, obtaining a Condensing True Pill is exceedingly difficult.

Even for Cao Hao and the white‑haired old crone, both mid‑Foundation Establishment, the herbs they've gathered over the years amount to less than one‑tenth of a complete Condensing True Pill!

Xiao Zhangqing has only just entered Foundation Establishment, still ten‑thousand‑eight‑hundred li away from the Pill Realm; even with his Earth‑spirit root talent, forming a Pill would take at least several decades, so there's no rush to think about the Condensing True Pill.

"Both mid‑Foundation Establishment, even if you're a bit weaker, the gap in wealth is just too huge!"

After inventorying, Xiao Zhangqing packed away all the 'spoils.'

Leaving Cao Hao like this feels a bit unsatisfying.

Should we consider having the Cao family gather Spirit Stones to ransom him? Logically, Cao Hao's wealth shouldn't be this low; after all, the Cao lineage has been passed down for centuries, once the largest Foundation‑establishing family in Nanshan Fang, so their holdings should be substantial.

Probably most of Cao Hao's Spirit Stones remain within the family?

"Ask the Cao family again if they have anything good."

Xiao Zhangqing immediately interrogated Cao Hao again about the Cao family's stock.

The answer he received was still unsatisfactory.

The Cao family does have a fair amount of Spirit Stones in storage, and a miscellany of Magic Treasures, items, spirit medicines, etc., but the only thing that truly piqued Xiao Zhangqing's interest was a single 'Foundation Pill.'

That Foundation Pill was prepared by the Cao family before Mu Renjie's rise, as a precaution for the next Foundation seedling.

But after many years, the Cao family still hasn't produced even a single Qi Refining Realm Grand Perfection cultivator comparable to Mu Chunfeng.

Thus the Foundation Pill has never been used.

Although the Cao family are local wealthy landowners, they have lived generation after generation in a 'small place'; even a talented Foundation cultivator within the clan must go to the great Immortal City, expending great effort to purchase a Foundation Pill, so their stock lacks high‑tier items.

Moreover, the Cao family's enterprises are numerous, and their population is large.

Each month the family distributes a huge amount of resources.

"Truly cheap for you…"

Xiao Zhangqing had a thought, lifted the restriction of the Nightmare Technique, and Cao Hao slowly regained consciousness.

At first he was bewildered for a moment, his gaze vacant, as if he didn't know where he was deep inside, having forgotten who he was.

After a while, he suddenly snapped awake, his eyes toward Xiao Zhangqing filled with horror.

He originally thought Xiao Zhangqing's divine‑sense technique might be powerful enough to make even the white‑haired old crone feel pain, breaking her illusion disguise and revealing her true form. If he faced it, he might fare even worse than the crone, his combat ability severely reduced…

Result.

He still vastly underestimated the terrifying level of Xiao Zhangqing's divine sense.

What's a 'reduced combat ability'? It's simply a total loss of resistance, leaving one at the mercy of others!

Recalling the myriad horrors in the illusion, it felt like endless reincarnation, making life worse than death.

Thus, even though he's awake now, his divine sense is withered and his vital energy severely damaged.

Even if Xiao Zhangqing spares him, without two or three years of cultivation, he cannot restore his divine sense to its peak.

Now he's increasingly certain that Xiao Zhangqing is either a once‑in‑centuries unparalleled demonic genius, or the reincarnation of a centuries‑old Nascent Soul True Lord! "Are you still trying to argue?" Xiao Zhangqing asked coldly, staring at him.

A flood of thoughts rose in his mind, and finally Cao Hao shook his head, a bleak smile on his face, no longer pleading uselessly, and said calmly: "Senior Xiao, whether you kill or dismember, I'll accept your will without complaint. It was my fault for not recognizing your greatness, harboring thoughts I shouldn't have, and offending you. Yet I beg you to spare the Cao family. Though some members of the Cao clan are dissatisfied with you and have whispered privately, they have never done anything to target or offend you… Even, considering the Cao clan's role in resisting Evil Cultivators and protecting Nanshan Fang, please do not exterminate them completely."

"Now you're being honest; admitting fault is decent," Xiao Zhangqing nodded, pondering: "Given your good attitude in admitting fault, I could spare the Cao family, even grant you a life, that's not impossible…"

"Senior Xiao, any condition you have, please feel free to command. Whatever it is, even if it costs this life, I will never frown!" Cao Hao replied without hesitation, his eyes showing delight.

He had just prepared himself to be beheaded and slaughtered.

But this was under the assumption that Xiao Zhangqing would not spare him!

He clearly knew an Evil Cultivator had infiltrated Nanshan Fang, yet he let it roam free to assassinate Xiao Zhangqing, deliberately waiting until the last moment to act; moreover, he constantly harbored thoughts of exploiting Xiao Zhangqing, even planning to target him after the war…

He disclosed all these secrets without reservation in the illusion.

It is only natural for Xiao Zhangqing to kill him.

Since survival is hopeless, the power gap is huge and we cannot resist, what else can we do but die? But… as long as Xiao Zhangqing is willing to spare his life, why would he give up? "First, go fetch the Foundation Establishment Pill stored by the Cao family and bring it to me," Xiao Zhangqing said his first request.

A Foundation Establishment Pill is a strategic item.

In the cultivation market, countless Qi Refining Realm cultivators go crazy over it, even risking their lives.

Even in the great immortal cities, it is a rare treasure that draws many cultivators like swallows to feed.

Whenever it appears at an auction, it sparks a scramble and fetches a high price.

Xiao Zhangqing has already successfully established his foundation, so he no longer needs it, and he still has one unused in his hand.

But such items are naturally better in greater numbers.

"No problem! I'll go back and personally deliver it to Senior Xiao right away!" Cao Hao nodded without hesitation.

Foundation Establishment Pills are precious; the Cao family paid a hefty price to sell this one, but compared to his own life, it's negligible! "Second, you must not reveal tonight's events to anyone. This Evil Cultivator, you discovered her early, so when she moved, you intervened and killed her. Understand?" Xiao Zhangqing pointed at the corpse beside him.

Cao Hao was stunned.

He then quickly nodded.

It seems this enigmatic Symbol Master Xiao does not like being too high‑profile? With such terrifying power, almost on par with a Golden Core Real Person, he chooses to stay hidden.

Perhaps he doesn't want the Evil Cultivator's focused attention? "One final point: the Cao family must continue to resist Evil Cultivator incursions with utmost effort, without any slack. Otherwise, if Nanshan Fang falls, the Cao family will perish as well. Of course, if you wish to side with the Evil Cultivator, you may try. Is your allegiance faster, or is my sword?" Xiao Zhangqing said.

"I would never dare. The Cao family must live or die with Nanshan Fang!" Hearing this condition, Cao Hao felt a surge of relief.

He certainly would not side with the Evil Cultivator and is eager to protect Nanshan Fang.

Xiao Zhangqing's intention is great news for both him and the Cao family.

"Alright, you may leave now." Xiao Zhangqing waved his hand and added, "By the way, if you obtain any materials for Second‑rank Talisman Scripts later, send them to me; I can continue crafting Second‑rank Talisman Scripts. Of course, there will be a fee…"

Cao Hao's eyes were full of gratitude: "Thank you, Senior Xiao!"

………

Xiao Zhangqing had just finished a small celebration for his foundation establishment when a cataclysmic battle erupted in Cave A1.

The massive commotion naturally spread outward.

However, with Cao Hao and the Cao family handling the explanation, Xiao Zhangqing faced no trouble and remained inconspicuous.

All credit for slaying the Evil Cultivator was given to Cao Hao.

Thus, the cultivators of Nanshan Fang gained a lot of confidence.

Mid‑Foundation Establishment cultivators who infiltrated were discovered and slain by Cao Hao, showing his strength at that level is unbeatable!

It seems they're approaching the late Foundation Establishment stage!

Ordinary cultivators' confidence surged, and the Cao clan members' morale exploded, feeling smug.

They believe the Cao family now holds the top position in Nanshan Fang, truly settled.

As for Xiao Zhangqing residing in Cave A1, he's merely a man of empty reputation, unworthy of being compared with their family heads!

What puzzled the Cao clan members was that after returning from slaying the Evil Cultivator, Cao Hao convened a clan elders' council and sternly announced that from now on, no one in the clan may provoke Symbol Master Xiao nor the Lin sisters, and the Mu family must not be targeted either.

If anyone dares to defy the order, they will be dealt with according to the harshest clan law! No one is exempt—not even core disciples, Foundation Establishment seedlings, or the highest elders! This sparked considerable controversy within the Cao family, with many voicing dissent, arguing the Cao family shouldn't compromise so much.

But after Cao Hao publicly eliminated one person, no one in the Cao family dared to disobey.

Only a few whispered privately, wondering what unspeakable deal the family head made with Symbol Master Xiao that made him so yielding.

Nevertheless, Cao Hao is the strongest in the Cao family, a mid‑Foundation Establishment cultivator; even a ridiculous command from him cannot be opposed.

………

………

Throughout Nanshan Fang, aside from Cao Hao, the only ones who truly understand Xiao Zhangqing's power are the Lin sisters.

That night the Evil Cultivator attempted assassination; the sisters were pre‑emptively withdrawn by Xiao Zhangqing, who then sent a mental message ordering them to hide obediently and not emerge without his notice.

Although they didn't witness the battle, they roughly know what happened.

Mid‑Foundation Establishment Evil Cultivator and the Cao family head were each taken down by their own master, one dead and one wounded.

If the Cao family head hadn't begged for mercy and offered a Foundation Establishment Pill as compensation, he likely would have died. So in the Lin sisters' eyes, Xiao Zhangqing, though intimately familiar with them, has no secrets yet remains inscrutable.

They both revere him and feel awe.

Second‑rank Talisman Master, successful foundation establishment, two months after foundation, fought two major mid‑Foundation Establishment cultivators and won…

Such unfathomable strength, even the proud Lin Zixi would not dare claim to become a concubine useful to her lord.

She still runs the business at Guangju Building.

But her focus has shifted to cultivation.

She set a modest goal: within three years to reach Qi Refining Realm level seven, and within fifteen years achieve a great Qi completion, then break through to foundation establishment!

Even if the odds are slim, she will try.

Because after a water battle with their lord, he told the sisters that if they achieve great Qi completion before sixty, he can provide a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Now Lin Zixi is pulling all her strength, determined to succeed in foundation establishment!

Only by succeeding can she stay by her lord longer.

She no longer expects to become a concubine of great help to her lord, but only one who can accompany him for a long time.

………

………

Cave B9.

This is the residence of Pill Master Zhu Youlong.

"Symbol Master Xiao, your illustrious presence overwhelms us. Since you have instructed that a messenger suffice, why must you come in person?"

Zhu Youlong ushered Xiao Zhangqing into the cave and dismissed two youthful, beautiful maidservants, personally pouring spiritual tea for him.

Xiao Zhangqing took a sip of the spiritual tea and smiled, "Zhu Pill Master, our friendship spans years; no need for such formality. I am here today with a request for assistance."

Zhu Youlong quickly waved his hand, "The word 'request' is something I cannot take lightly. Symbol Master Xiao, state your command."

Xiao Zhangqing waved his hand, and immediately dozens of bottles and jars flew out of his storage bag, along with many spirit medicines sealed in special boxes. He said, "I recently obtained a batch of Pills and spirit medicines, but my knowledge is shallow, I can't tell their names or effects, so I'd like Symbol Master Zhu to help identify them."

"Alright, alright…"

Zhu Youlong at first didn't think much, assuming that what Xiao Zhangqing produced were just ordinary goods.

In fact,

When he opened a bottle of Pill, he showed surprise: "This is actually a True Origin Pill? A second‑tier Pill! After a Foundation Establishment cultivator takes it, it can boost magical power. One grain can equal months of arduous cultivation! In Nanshan Fang, True Origin Pills are not common…"

Xiao Zhangqing silently put the jade bottle containing the True Origin Pill away.

Hmm.

Good stuff.

There are four True Origin Pills.

Zhu Youlong took the second Pill bottle and opened it; after a brief identification, he scraped a tiny bit of powder with his fingernail, catalyzed it with his Qi, and was instantly shocked, threw it away cleanly, then hurriedly sealed the bottle cap and asked in horror, "Symbol Master Xiao, where did you get the 'Soul‑devouring Pill'? This is a second‑tier poison Pill; if a Foundation Establishment cultivator inhales it by mistake, it could endanger their life!"

"A chance find, a chance find." Xiao Zhangqing smiled and put the bottle away.

This is also good stuff.

Even if I don't use it, I can sell it later for a good price.

After all, it's a Pill that can poison a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

At this moment, Zhu Youlong no longer had the earlier relaxed mindset; his expression grew very serious.

He began to realize that the items Xiao Zhangqing gave him for identification today were not simple.

Indeed.

After the remaining ten or so bottles of Pill and the spirit medicines were identified, Zhu Youlong's shock on his face never ceased; later he even became numb.

This is definitely not a chance find! He could almost be sure that Xiao Zhangqing had looted all the belongings of a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

Not just an ordinary weak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Most likely a mid‑stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, and also an Evil Cultivator!

Where did Xiao Zhangqing loot a mid‑stage Evil Cultivator? Suddenly Zhu Youlong's mind flashed, recalling the recent major incident at Nanshan Fang, where the Cao family patriarch beheaded an Evil Cultivator that had sneaked in…

But how could the loot from the Evil Cultivator slain by the Cao family patriarch end up with Symbol Master Xiao?

Unless… the one who beheaded the Evil Cultivator was not the Cao family patriarch, but the Symbol Master before us! The news from the Cao family was false!! Thinking of this possibility, Zhu Youlong's eyes showed even deeper shock.

Just two months into the Foundation Establishment stage, slaying a mid‑stage Evil Cultivator—this is absurd!?

Apart from that, he couldn't think of any other possibility.

His thoughts twisted many ways, considering various possibilities; finally Zhu Youlong mustered courage and, in a roundabout way, probed, "Symbol Master Xiao, obtaining so many second‑tier Pills and second‑tier spirit medicines isn't simple…"

Xiao Zhangqing smiled, also a bit curious, and said, "Zhu Pill Master, as a first‑tier Alchemist, you're already well‑versed in various second‑tier Pills, that's not simple either."

Zhu Youlong didn't hide it; he had always been interested in this field, so he nodded and admitted, "To be frank, the techniques I inherited are outstanding; they are from a third‑tier Pill Master lineage, but unfortunately my talent is poor, and I've wasted a lifetime being only a first‑tier premium, completely disgracing this inheritance."

"Third‑tier Pill Master inheritance?" Xiao Zhangqing was startled by the words.

A third‑tier Pill Master inheritance is worth no less than a third‑tier magical artifact! It even surpasses it!

While Xiao Zhangqing was curious, Zhu Youlong suddenly spoke sincerely, "Symbol Master Xiao, if you're interested in this Pill Master inheritance, I can pass it to you. I only need Symbol Master Xiao to do me a favor; after it's done, there will be great thanks!"

ps: I was too busy today, so the update was late. This chapter is almost six thousand words, so I won't split it into two chapters; tomorrow I'll try to add more words.

(End of chapter)