Chapter 873: Genius

Intrigued by the abundance of herbs in the Desert Herb Valley, Ye Mo eagerly saluted Yan Zheng. "Brother Yan," he said, "I understand. Don't worry, I can help, but I have a small request."

Yan Zheng, delighted by Ye Mo's agreement, readily replied, "Tell me, Brother Ye! Anything I can do."

Ye Mo nodded. "I can likely secure three additional spots, but I'd also like one for myself to enter the secret land. Is that possible?"

Yan Zheng, having anticipated this request, immediately agreed. "No problem. Only those below the Golden Core state may enter—it's perfect for you."

Ye Mo, a level 9 spirit pill master on the cusp of becoming a Pill King, was confident in securing a top-ten position in the Pill Concoction Hall of Fame.

After bidding farewell to Yan Zheng, Ye Mo visited Li Yuqian. Her internal injuries had healed, and she had devoted her time to teaching Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling. The two briefly emerged to greet Ye Mo before resuming their cultivation, leaving Li Yuqian to speak with him privately.

"Li-Qianbei," Ye Mo began, anticipating her inquiry about pills, "I believe I can produce the Cao Huan Pill within three months. If you reach the peak of the Golden Core state by then, it will be ideal."

He hoped she would reach the Nascent Soul state; his planned trip to the Desert Herb Plain in six months would be far safer with a Nascent Soul cultivator protecting Ye Ling and Song Yangzhu.

Li Yuqian's concern, however, wasn't about the Cao Huan Pill; she was astounded by the three-month timeframe. "I can't reach the peak of the Golden Core state in three months unless I obtain the Qin Wen Pill," she explained. "I have the necessary spirit herbs, but lack access to a spirit pill master above level 7. If your master were available, I'd ask for his assistance."

Ye Mo understood. After a moment's thought, he declared, "Li-Qianbei, forgive my previous omission. I am, in fact, a level 1 Pill King. My offer of the Cao Huan Pill wasn't contingent on my master; I can create it myself. Therefore, I can also help you create the Qin Wen Pill."

"What?! You're a level 1 Pill King?!" Li Yuqian exclaimed, incredulous. The young age of Ye Mo, coupled with this bold claim, seemed unbelievable.

Ye Mo acknowledged her shock. Without the Three Birth Chant, he himself wouldn't believe it. He'd never imagined such a potent cultivation method existed—an ancient technique from the dawn of the world. He knew his potential far surpassed that of a mere Pill King.

While he hadn't yet refined a heaven-grade level 1 pill, he felt confident in his ability and the speed with which he could do so; his lack of experience was the only impediment. He had slightly exaggerated his capabilities to reassure Li Yuqian.

"Yes, I am not exaggerating. I am indeed a level 1 Pill King," Ye Mo stated firmly.

Li Yuqian, while wanting to believe him, found his words too extraordinary. Her expression turned serious. Without further questioning, she scattered dozens of herbs on the ground. "Then create the Qin Wen Pill now. I will watch."

Ye Mo readily produced his Shen Nong Cauldron, a familiar and comfortable tool he had used for years. While not yet fully spirit-controlled, it significantly aided his pill concoction.

As Ye Mo smoothly manipulated the cauldron with his spirit sense and ignited his cultivation fire, Li Yuqian began to believe him.

Not all the herbs were necessary; Ye Mo understood her deliberate action. Without hesitation, he separated the required herbs and tossed them into the cauldron.

Li Yuqian nodded, impressed by Ye Mo's skill, yet slightly concerned by his seemingly haphazard method. Even she knew the precise order of adding herbs was crucial to avoid disaster.

Ye Mo had done so intentionally—a demonstration of his unconventional methods.

Li Yuqian's expression shifted to surprise. There was no burning smell; instead, impurities were expelled from the cauldron.

As tens of minutes passed, Ye Mo's movements only grew smoother and more precise, leaving Li Yuqian utterly astounded. Despite being only at Foundation Establishment level 5, his spirit sense surpassed even those at the False Core state.

Carefully probing the cauldron with her own spirit sense, Li Yuqian witnessed the herbs being rapidly refined and organized, confirming Ye Mo's mastery.

An hour later, the herbs were transformed into pure herbal liquid. Ye Mo expertly manipulated the liquid, continually stirring and pulling it.

The speed was astonishing! Although the pill wasn't yet complete, Li Yuqian knew its creation was assured. He refined the herbs in just over an hour, a task normally requiring four. Moreover, he used only an ordinary cultivation fire.

Ye Mo then skillfully formed several pill signs, initiating the condensation process. Another hour later, the pills took form, releasing a potent aroma.

Ding, dong! Twelve turquoise pills materialized, neatly arranged in a jade bottle.

"Qianbei, the pill is complete. Please examine it," Ye Mo offered.

Li Yuqian instinctively took the bottle and poured out a pill. She gasped. "Exceptional quality! Top-grade Qin Wen Pills, and twelve in a single cauldron. You truly are a level 1 Pill King!"

The implications were staggering. Li Yuqian fully grasped the significance of a level 1 Pill King in the North Far State—figures surrounded by devoted followers. And here stood one, remarkably young, and possessing such incredible speed.

Genius.

Ye Mo interrupted her thoughts. "Li-Qianbei, will this allow you to reach the peak of the Golden Core state within three months?"

Li Yuqian, regaining her composure, responded quickly, "Ye Mo, despite my seniority and role as your wife and sister's master, you are a level 1 Pill King. Call me Sister Li. I am confident I can reach the peak of the Golden Core state within three months with these pills."