Chapter 1071: The Genius That Was Shocked

Jing Yingli nodded. “Pill City is the only 10-star city on the Luo Yue continent. To be precise, it’s not a sect; it’s a city, but surpasses even a 9-star sect. While Pill City never initiates conflict, no one dares to trouble it. If you were a pill master, your talent would ensure you rise to the top in Pill City. Then, even if the Infinity Sect knew you killed Yuan Guannan, they wouldn't dare to retaliate.”

Ye Mo hadn't expected a 10-star power to exist in South Peace State. He’d been cultivating in seclusion since arriving, avoiding public places—hence his unfamiliarity with Pill City.

Seeing his surprised expression, Jing Yingli immediately understood his ignorance and explained, “Long ago, Pill City began as an association for pill masters. It attracted countless alchemists, and many powerful beings unable to break through sought help from its pill kings. Eventually, those who failed immortal ascension or couldn't reach the truth realisation state flocked to Pill City, making it a hub of powerful individuals.”

Ye Mo recognized the similarity to the North Far State Pill Association, albeit on a far grander scale.

Jing Yingli continued, “Centuries ago, a level nine pill king relocated the Pill Association to Pill City. Nearly all the powerful individuals and pill kings of the time joined, making Pill City the most powerful entity in South Peace State. Its inhabitants rarely seek trouble, focusing instead on cultivation and alchemy. Many cultivators join solely to absorb the city's potent pill chi.”

Ye Mo sighed. He’d previously considered cities inherently weaker than sects, but now realised his mistake. He’d envisioned Mo Yue City as the strongest, but someone had already achieved that goal.

“I heard the best pill king in South Peace State is only level seven. How could there be a level nine pill king?” Ye Mo asked, doubting if Old Man Kong Ye had misled him.

Jing Yingli smiled. “Precisely. Pill kings above level seven typically withdraw from society, dedicated to studying the immortal dao and creating immortal pills until death or ascension. Even truth realisation state cultivators rarely obtain their services; even level seven pill kings rarely assist others.”

Ye Mo understood. A successful level seven pill king might occasionally concoct heaven-grade level nine pills—the highest level in the cultivation realm, possessing a pill spirit—which even truth realisation state cultivators might not require.

“Are there many pill kings in Pill City?” Ye Mo inquired.

Jing Yingli shook her head. “Thirty to fifty, which isn't many. Sects and lone cultivators throughout South Peace State lacking pill kings rely on Pill City for pills, making each pill king incredibly valuable. There are even fewer above level four—no more than twenty in South Peace State and ten in Pill City. As for level seven pill kings, I know of only two in Pill City. I don't know how many exist beyond that level.”

Ye Mo hadn't expected his alchemy to place him in the top twenty of South Peace State. He hesitated before speaking.

“Something on your mind? Tell me, I won’t betray you,” Jing Yingli said, sensing his reluctance.

Ye Mo nodded. “Martial Sister Jing, thank you for your insightful help. I’ve decided to go to Pill City. As you said, I’m not afraid of death, but I have too many attachments.”

Jing Yingli’s keen analysis had proven invaluable. Her eyes widened in shock. “Are you also a pill master?”

Ye Mo nodded. “That’s right, but I’m not just a pill master—I’m a level four pill king…”

“What?”

Jing Yingli was stunned again. Had Ye Mo not previously displayed level five formation grandmaster skills, she would have thought him mad. A level five formation grandmaster requires time and effort; a level four pill king needs exceptional talent, vast resources, time, and luck. How old was Ye Mo? His formation grandmaster skills alone should have consumed most of his life. Now he claimed to be a level four pill king? She found it hard to believe, but her intuition told her he wasn't lying.

“You’re really a level four pill king?” Jing Yingli asked incredulously.

“Indeed,” Ye Mo replied helplessly.

Jing Yingli took a deep breath, absorbing this revelation. Ye Mo, uncomfortable under her gaze, coughed. “I need directions to Pill City.”

Jing Yingli, having composed herself, said, “As a level four pill king, you should be able to concoct Hollow Meridian pills, correct?”

The difference between level four and three pill kings was significant. No matter how much material a level three pill king wasted, they couldn't create a Hollow Meridian pill. Only a level four could. This explained the vast disparity between nascent soul and hollow spirit state cultivators in South Peace State.

Ye Mo nodded. “Yes, I can.”

“Good.” Jing Yingli produced dozens of jade boxes, placing them before Ye Mo. “These contain the herbs needed for a Hollow Meridian pill. I'll take you to the city, and you can concoct one for me. I'll also introduce you to a forgery master and secure you a spot in Pill City’s alchemy tournament.”

Even the 9-star Abstruse Sound Sect lacked a level four pill king. Jing Yingli had amassed these herbs herself, unable to find anyone to create the pill. She could've asked her sect, but that was her last resort. Her father, the sect leader, was the person she least wanted to involve.

She’d planned to go to Pill City in a year, but meeting Ye Mo changed everything.

Ye Mo scanned the boxes with his spiritual sense, noticing several contained Hollow Seed Fruits they’d collected earlier. “You have enough materials for three cauldrons of Hollow Meridian pills. One is all you need.”

“Just one; you can keep the rest,” Jing Yingli said confidently. One Hollow Meridian pill would allow her ascension to the hollow spirit state.

Ye Mo wasn't greedy. Jing Yingli’s generosity and assistance were greatly appreciated. Even if she didn't need them, those extra pills were worth a fortune.

“I’ll make one now. It’ll take about half a day, but I’ll give you one cauldron. The rest is my payment,” Ye Mo offered.

…

Three hours later, Jing Yingli held the bottle of Hollow Meridian pills, utterly convinced. She was even more awestruck by Ye Mo's enigmatic nature. Though he hadn't concocted the pills in front of her, she knew he'd created a cauldron on his first attempt—and they were special grade. He might even concoct heaven-grade level five pills.

As a prodigy herself, Jing Yingli admitted to being both shocked and humbled. Compared to Ye Mo, what kind of genius was she?