Chapter 1097: Pill King Tournament—First Question
Yue Qichao amplified his voice with cultivation essence. “This cultivator is called Ye Mo. No matter what sort of person he is, his name and contribution to the cultivation realm will be forever remembered by the future cultivators and pill masters of Luo Yue continent.” Yue Qichao’s reputation and respect lent immense weight to his words, prompting widespread discussion of Ye Mo’s name. Even Ye Mo felt his blood boil; he almost revealed the secrets of the Spirit Weaving Pill. Simultaneously, he sighed. Had he known the Pill City held the Spirit Weaving Pill in such high regard, he would have sought the city lord's assistance instead of entering this tournament. But since he was here, he intended to prove his capabilities.
Ji Ling, a judge, nearly leaped from his seat in astonishment. He knew Ye Mo—the creator of that remarkable formation in Mo Yue. He never expected Ye Mo to be both a pill concoction and a formation prodigy. The man was simply incredible. Clear Dream Mosque, upon hearing Ye Mo's name, suspected this was the same Ye Mo her disciple, Ling Xiaoshuang, had mentioned, but she was currently in a mortal city and unable to inquire further.
“Ye Mo?” Fang Zhongshi abruptly stood, staring at Ning Qingxue and stammering, “That Ye Mo… Ye Mo…” He wished to ask if this was the Ye Mo but lacked the words. If it were, he would be utterly crushed before he could even react. If the rumors were true, even his own prodigious talent paled in comparison to someone whose name would resonate throughout Luo Yue continent.
Ning Qingxue, though excited, remained uncertain; the name was too common. Just as her mind raced, Fang Zhongshi posed the question directly. Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes, it’s him.” Fang Zhongshi slumped back down, feeling utterly deflated.
Ning Qingxue’s master, observing their exchange with confusion, asked, “Who is ‘him’?” Ning Qingxue looked down. She could deceive Fang Zhongshi, but not her master. Having witnessed Ye Mo’s level seven spirit pill master status, she was almost certain it was the same man. Regardless of his involvement with the Spirit Weaving Pill, she longed to be with him. If he truly created the pill, there would be no obstacle to their union.
When the clamor subsided, Yue Qichao’s voice deepened. “Contestants, it’s no exaggeration to say you represent the pinnacle of pill concoction in Luo Yue continent. Some of you rival me; some surpass me. Since we are all devoted to the pill dao, if a Foundation Establishment cultivator from North Far State can create the Spirit Weaving Pill, why can’t we? Previously, the tournament used twelve Pill King steps to select the top fifty. This time, we will adopt the North Far State method: three rounds to determine the final victor.”
His tone grew graver. “The Pill City takes this tournament more seriously than ever. Many of you sense it—the cultivation realm’s apparent stability is merely superficial. In the near future, not only South Peace State but the entire Luo Yue continent might face grave danger. Some large sects may already have some inkling. This is the Pill King Tournament, so I won't elaborate, but we pill kings and masters must contribute more to Luo Yue continent, concocting more beneficial pills for the cultivators of South Peace State.”
Yue Qichao continued, “In the ancient cultivation realm, potent pills existed that accelerated cultivation without harming the foundation. But now, their recipes are lost. Sixty years ago, I accompanied a senior to explore ancient runes. There, we discovered several of these pills—approximately six hundred.” Even Ye Mo’s curiosity was piqued.
“The Hua Sang Pill,” Yue Qichao announced, “utilizes relatively low-level spirit herbs, yet removes pill poison. Recovering its recipe would be a boon to all cultivators.” This announcement sparked an uproar. Cultivators relied heavily on pills for breakthroughs, yet excessive pill consumption resulted in accumulated poisons. Any remedy was invaluable. Even Ye Mo recognized the Hua Sang Pill’s worth, though he possessed the Stalagmite Benefit Pill, an unaffordable luxury for most, and his supply of ten-thousand-year stalagmite marrow was dwindling.
“The Heaven Glory Pill,” Yue Qichao stated, “allows talented Golden Core cultivators to advance a level with a single pill, bypassing bottlenecks and foundation issues. Alas, this recipe too is lost.” This pill, though less sensational than the Hua Sang Pill, still amazed Golden Core cultivators. Ye Mo was stunned; he himself had relied on this ancient pill to rapidly ascend through the Golden Core stage. The spirit contained within was clearly no ordinary being.
“The Disaster Defense Pill increases the chances of surviving divine damnation for cultivators below Hollow Spirit stage. The Mist Spirit Pill’s effects remain unknown, but it likely aids in overcoming heart demon tribulation…” Yue Qichao had revealed four lost recipes, each crucial to cultivators, prompting astonishment at their disappearance.
Yue Qichao sighed, “It’s a shame these precious recipes are lost. Several pill kings and I have studied them for decades without success, only managing to identify their components. The current cultivation realm is unstable. After consulting several senior pill dao practitioners, we’ve decided to distribute these pills among the contestants. More minds, more ideas—perhaps someone, like North Far State’s Ye Mo, can recreate or replicate a pill.”
Ye Mo understood; Yue Qichao was giving them pills to determine their recipes. If this was the test, Ye Mo felt incredibly fortunate. He had already recreated the Heaven Glory Pill. Obtaining one would render further effort unnecessary. Yet, Yue Qichao’s tone suggested even more valuable pills awaited.
Yue Qichao concluded, “There are roughly six hundred pills. For the first question, each contestant receives one. I hope you can identify the ingredients and recover the recipe. These are all level nine spirit pills, ensuring fairness.”