Chapter 1093: The Calmer, the More Fervent

Eight minutes later, Ning Qingxue, guided by Huang Qian, returned to Lu Wuhu's forgery shop, only to find it deserted. Disappointment washed over her as she gazed at the dilapidated building. Pill City was no ordinary place; unlike elsewhere, she couldn't simply ask her master to scan the area with her spiritual sense.

"Martial Sister Qingxue, don't worry," another female cultivator soothed, noticing Ning Qingxue's dejection. "Since Ye Mo came to Pill City, he's surely here for the Pill King Tournament. You can find him there in a few days. Besides, even if you can't find him, he'll come looking for you. Didn't he ask Martial Sister Huang Qian for your whereabouts?"

Ning Qingxue's eyes brightened. Her worry had clouded her judgment. Ye Mo's presence in Pill City meant he was participating in the tournament, and knowing she was at the Ethereal Immortal Pond, he would undoubtedly seek her out.

Huang Ping, witnessing Ning Qingxue's unusual elation, was perplexed. Such joy was rare for her. "Sister Qingxue," she asked, surprised, "is that Ye Mo truly your husband?"

Ning Qingxue nodded. "Yes, he's my husband. After the Pill King Tournament, I'll leave with him. Martial Sisters Qianqian, Yan, and Yu, take care." Her tone betrayed an almost preordained certainty of their departure from the Ethereal Immortal Pond.

Martial Sister Yan's worry was evident. "Martial Sister Qingxue, I doubt you can leave. Martial Uncle Yin won't permit it, and the elders won't allow a core disciple to depart without reason. Besides..."

The others understood her unspoken words: the Lightning Cloud Sect's proposal. A marriage alliance with such a powerful nine-star sect was too beneficial for the Ethereal Immortal Pond to ignore.

Ning Qingxue's heart sank. Her optimism had been misplaced. Even if she found Ye Mo, could she truly leave with him? Unlike the Ethereal Immortal Pond, the Black Ice Sect was also a nine-star sect. Susu's master, a Cauldron Filling state elder, fiercely protected her. While kind, her master's relatively low status would prioritize the sect's interests.

Perhaps finding Ye Mo wouldn't bring freedom, but only trouble. Ning Qingxue finally understood why Ye Mo hadn't sought her out all these years; perhaps he'd harbored similar concerns.

Though her mind calmed, her heart burned. Even if it meant death, she wouldn't abandon Ye Mo. She had to see him in Pill City.

Meanwhile, Ye Mo, unaware of Ning Qingxue's visit, was unconcerned. With the Ethereal Immortal Pond's presence in Pill City, he could find her later. He'd reveal his capabilities at the tournament; searching for her now was pointless.

For days, Ye Mo had been refining pills using the Purple Flower Fire, a departure from his usual Mist Lotus Heart Fire. The Purple Flower Fire, though a lower-level flame, was a rare and potent one, ranking twelfth among the thirty-six rare flames in the cultivation realm—second among earth flames.

Its only drawback was its low level; currently a yellow flame, unlike the red Mist Lotus Heart Fire. Still, Ye Mo believed his skill would secure him a top-three position even with the Purple Flower Fire.

Suddenly remembering Gu Wenqian, Ye Mo wanted to know what flame his disciple used. He summoned Gu Wenqian immediately.

Under Ye Mo's tutelage, Gu Wenqian had improved significantly. While not fully mastering the spirit sense pill concoction method, Ye Mo had opened up a new world for him. Things previously unimaginable were now commonplace.

Gu Wenqian subconsciously believed Ye Mo's pill concoction system to be the most powerful in the cultivation realm. This fueled his deep respect. He’d also diligently tutored his junior martial sister, Xin Zhida, hoping to impress Ye Mo and accelerate his discipleship.

Gu Wenqian promptly arrived. "Master, you called for me?" he asked respectfully.

Ye Mo nodded. "What rare flame do you use?"

Gu Wenqian unhesitatingly produced an orange flame. "This is a chance find. It's ranked twenty-second in the cultivation realm, the Wood Heart Fire." As a wood and fire spirit root cultivator—the ideal combination for pill concoction—the Wood Heart Fire was perfect.

"It's an excellent flame," Ye Mo commented. "How confident are you in the Pill King Tournament?"

Gu Wenqian shook his head. "I intended to join to secure a position as a paid guest in a reputable sect, focusing on pill concoction. But having met you, Master, I no longer wish to participate."

Ye Mo smiled. "I've taught you many new techniques. You still need to participate. A good ranking will attract high-level cultivators when we return to Mo Yue City."

"Yes, Master," Gu Wenqian replied, then asked, "Master, I've never seen you refine pills. What flame do you use?"

Ye Mo extended his hand, revealing the Purple Flower Fire.

Gu Wenqian exclaimed, "Ranked twelfth among rare flames? The Purple Flower Fire? Such a magnificent flame!" A sudden realization dawned on him. "The Purple Flower that appeared in the Herb Valley a few years ago… you obtained it, Master?"

Ye Mo was startled. The news had spread far and wide. Should he still use the Purple Flower Fire in the tournament, given the intense competition for it among major sects?

He quickly dismissed the thought. The Snow Essence Flame was inferior and unsuitable. Even without the Purple Flower Fire, his appearance would reveal his identity.

Ye Mo nodded. "That's right. I obtained it from the Herb Valley. Unfortunately, it's too low-level; still only a yellow flame. I wish it could upgrade."

Gu Wenqian's face lit up. "Master, I have a way to upgrade it! I possess a Deep Sea Purple Flame Crystal!"

He carefully opened a jade box and presented it to Ye Mo. "I acquired this with the Wood Heart Fire. It's useless to me, but I kept it, hoping for a use. I never expected Master to need it."

Ye Mo accepted the crystal, filled with surprise and joy. A long life has its advantages.

This was exactly what Ye Mo needed, yet he felt uncomfortable accepting such a precious gift.

Gu Wenqian understood. He knelt. "Please accept me as your formal disciple, Master. This Purple Flame Crystal can be my tuition."

Ye Mo helped him up. "Very well. You are my disciple now. We need no elaborate ceremonies; let this be understood in your heart."

He turned to Gu Wenqian. "I'll upgrade the Purple Flower Fire now. Go cultivate. After the Pill King Tournament, I'll teach you the Whirlpool Pill Concoction Technique."

Gu Wenqian's excitement was palpable. He knew that besides the Spirit Sense Pill Concoction method, the Whirlpool technique, crucial for creating Spirit Weaving Pills, was the most valuable.