“I think I should consult Old Man Lu about forgery. But I’m not in a hurry to have anything forged now, so let’s register first.” Ye Mo was no longer interested in other forgery masters after meeting Old Man Lu.
Jing Yingli understood and smiled. “It will be very difficult to persuade Lu Wuhua Qianbei to forge for you. I don't know why he helped you today, but he never makes a losing deal. Be careful.”
Ye Mo smiled, unconcerned. Even if Lu Wuhua never made a losing deal, he wouldn't give him one. If he could establish himself in Pill City, he wouldn’t mind helping Lu Wuhua concoct pills for a month or two.
“When we register, I will use the name Luo Xiaomo,” Ye Mo said.
Jing Yingli nodded. “Good. Even if Mo Youshen recognizes you, he doesn’t know Ning Xiaoma.”
…
Although the Pill Association was officially only a part of Pill City, almost all of Pill City’s higher-ups hailed from the Association. Its building was the most magnificent structure in Pill City. As Ye Mo and Jing Yingli entered, a middle-aged man emerged.
He was at the Hollow Spirit state but showed no condescension, politely inquiring about their purpose. Ye Mo knew that despite appearing as an attendant, this cultivator was a guard.
“Qianbei, we have business with the Pill Association’s vice-leader who manages pill master certificates,” Jing Yingli explained.
The Hollow Spirit state cultivator observed the young couple. He wondered why they sought the verification manager; did they require spirit pill master verification?
He replied, “Sorry, but before the Pill King tournament, spirit pill master and Pill King verification procedures are suspended. You'll have to wait until afterward.”
Jing Yingli, seemingly anticipating this, smiled. “I know, but this is Luo Xiaomo. He was sent here by a respected Qianbei to see the vice-leader. Please inform him.”
The Hollow Spirit state cultivator eyed Ye Mo suspiciously but, seeing his calm demeanor, nodded. “Wait a moment.”
He left. Ye Mo and Jing Yingli, refraining from using their spiritual sense in the waiting hall, waited patiently.
Soon, the cultivator returned. “Please come with me.”
They followed him to a third-level room. Even before entering, they detected a strong herb aroma and spiritual energy.
The cultivator addressed the occupant respectfully, “Manager Li, I’ve brought the visitors. I’ll be leaving now.”
A hoarse voice responded, “Come in.”
Inside, they found a male cultivator examining a spirit herb. His hair was unkempt, but Ye Mo noted his Body Condensation state.
Before the cultivator could speak, Ye Mo presented the blue card. “Lu-Qianbei instructed wanbei to see the association leader—”
“Lu-Qianbei? Which Lu-Qianbei?” The cultivator's tone held authority and pressure. Clearly, deception would have consequences.
Jing Yingli grasped the implication, swiftly replying, “Lu Wuhu Qianbei.”
“You mean Forgery God Lu, Lu Wuhu? The level-nine forgery grandmaster?” The Body Condensation state cultivator’s face turned serious.
“Yes, Lu Wuhu Qianbei. Martial Brother Luo has connections with him; Lu-Qianbei sent Brother Luo to request a pill master verification for Brother Luo to enter the Pill King tournament.” Jing Yingli framed it as Lu Wuhua’s initiative, not Ye Mo’s.
“Wait a moment.” The cultivator immediately retrieved a communication rune.
Ye Mo admired Lu Wuhu. His name alone had unnerved this cultivator, who clearly didn't know Lu Wuhu was in Pill City—indicating his relatively low rank.
Eight minutes later, an older man entered, his face pale and beardless. He looked at Ye Mo. “You’re the pill master Lu-Qianbei sent?”
Ye Mo replied immediately, “Yes, Qianbei. Wanbei was sent by Lu-Qianbei to participate in the Pill King tournament; I lack Pill City verification.”
The newcomer was a Cauldron Filling state master. He examined the blue card and nodded. “This jade card is indeed Lu-Qianbei’s.”
He didn't press further, returning the card. “Are you already a Pill King? If not, participating is pointless. If you merely need spirit pill master verification, you can obtain it anytime. A favor from Lu-Qianbei is significant; using it here would be wasteful.”
Ye Mo replied, “Although I am not yet a Pill King, I frequently concoct heaven-grade pills, so I wish to try my luck.”
The old man nodded. “Then, concoct some level-seven Blue Wen pills.”
He produced herbs. Ye Mo used an ordinary cauldron and the Purple Flower fire, avoiding his heaven flame. Though he could concoct Blue Wen pills without a rare flame, using only his soul fire would invite scrutiny.
Jing Yingli, aware of Ye Mo’s heaven flame, was speechless seeing him use an earth flame. This man was exceedingly wealthy.
“Hmm, the Purple Flower flame?” The old man and manager exclaimed in shock. Even in Pill City, rare flames were rare. A Nascent Soul state, level-five pill master possessing one was unexpected.
The Cauldron Filling state master, initially unimpressed, paid close attention.
With Ye Mo’s skill, making Blue Wen pills was effortless. In under seven minutes, nine top-grade pills were ready.
“Excellent! Top-grade Blue Wen pills in such short time. Your spirit herb refinement is superb, and you possess a Purple Flower flame. You have a bright future!” the Cauldron Filling state master praised enthusiastically.
Ye Mo had deliberately slowed his movements, yet they still flowed smoothly. The old man was an expert; he recognized Ye Mo's exceptional talent. Even the manager was convinced of Ye Mo's heaven-grade pill-making ability.
“Very well, concoct another—” The Cauldron Filling state cultivator began, then received a communication, his expression souring.
He put it away. “Help him apply for a level-seven spirit pill master certificate and allow him to enter next month’s Pill King tournament.”
“Yes, Elder Gu.” The Body Condensation state cultivator bowed.
The old man addressed Ye Mo. “After the Pill King tournament, return for your Pill King verification; I’m sure you’ll pass. Don't expect too much from the tournament itself—you’re young. But you’ll have many opportunities. Young man, I have high hopes for you.”
He then abruptly left the room.