Section 32: Imparting Pill Refining Hand Seals, What? Upper Grade!
By Gu Zhenren
A White-feathered Albatross perched by the window. Upon seeing Chu Yun, it immediately cried out and flapped its wings.
“It’s a letter from Shu Island,” Chu Yun’s eyes lit up as he recognized the bird.
He quickly walked up to the albatross, which opened its beak and spat out a sealed, tiny bamboo tube.
In this world, some species of Demonic Beasts naturally possess internal spaces. These spaces are usually small and vary in environment.
For example, the White-feathered Albatross has a slender internal space that lacks air and is very dry. People often use it to carry important letters. If a White-feathered Albatross is killed, its internal space will vanish, making the letters extremely safe.
Then there are the Gem Dolphins, which also have internal spaces. Not only is their space larger, but the environment is mild and air is abundant. In critical moments, this space can be used to transport people and save lives.
Besides these, there are the Merchant Caravan’s most commonly used Demonic Beasts, the Prime Minister Pigs. These pig Demonic Beasts have large internal spaces, capable of carrying many goods. Moreover, Prime Minister Pigs will eat anything and are not picky, making them easy to feed.
Chu Yun opened the bamboo tube, took out the letter, and unfolded it. It was written by his father, Shu Tianhao.
My son:
How is life at the Academy? Your adoptive father is well, do not worry…
The letter was concise, containing only a few words. Firstly, it expressed concern, and secondly, it informed Chu Yun that Shu Island had opened many salt fields and produced a large quantity of sea salt, which was stockpiled in a secret location.
Chu Yun felt a surge of emotion. From this thin sheet of paper, he could sense Shu Tianhao’s concern. The situation on Shu Island must be dire. Otherwise, with Shu Tianhao’s steady nature, he wouldn’t have undertaken such a large-scale salt field operation.
Yet, despite this perilous situation, Shu Tianhao had not revealed a single word to Chu Yun, unwilling to burden him with unnecessary pressure.
“Soon, the Jade Kelp epidemic will become uncontrollable and spread throughout the Archipelago. At that time, sea salt will be scarce, and prices will skyrocket. Father’s secret production of a large amount of sea salt is a gamble.”
Chu Yun’s heart felt heavy.
Shu Tianhao was making a desperate gamble. Without the support of powerful allies, this move could provoke attacks from numerous enemies. People would do anything for profit. This is chaos!
But if it succeeded, making a fortune would be secondary. The primary gain would be seizing market share for sea salt. As long as they maintained the advantage thereafter, Shu Island would possess a golden trade opportunity, no longer needing to bow to others or be subject to the whims of Ning Family Island.
“Tomorrow, I will discuss this with Master Bai Mei.” Even with little hope, Chu Yun still wanted to try his best.
The next day, after the Pill Refining class.
“That is impossible. Tiange Academy is neutral and has never participated in the internal conflicts of the Archipelago. I cannot help you with this.” After hearing Chu Yun’s request, Master Bai Mei frowned deeply, his refusal firm.
Although he thought highly of Chu Yun’s aptitude and talent and wished to cultivate him greatly, it did not mean he would abandon his principles.
Chu Yun’s expression dimmed. He hadn’t held much hope before, but being rejected still left him deeply disappointed.
Tiange Academy was the most ideal ally. Without its intervention, Shu Tianhao’s desperate gamble would most likely fail.
Master Bai Mei sighed and said with a hint of reluctance, “Let me tell you a story. In the past, when Tiange Academy was first established and occupied Green Mountain Island, nearly all the forces in the Archipelago eyed it covetously. No one wanted an external force encroaching on their territory. After the first and second generation Academy Masters, who possessed immense personal power, passed away, the responsibility of maintaining Tiange Academy fell to the third generation Academy Master…”
Master Bai Mei recounted the tale. The third generation Academy Master was skilled in Pill Refining but lacked intimidating personal strength. To maintain the overall situation, he endured humiliation and sacrifice throughout his life. He was even ostracized by his own people, who considered him a disgrace to the Academy.
However, it was precisely due to his efforts in forming alliances and strategic maneuvers that Tiange Academy successfully navigated its dangerous period. It was accepted by the various forces in the Archipelago, and the principle of neutrality was upheld and trusted. Through generations of inheritance, Tiange Academy grew to its current scale and prestige.
After hearing the story, Chu Yun couldn’t help but sigh. He understood that “neutrality” was the foundation of Tiange Academy’s survival. Once lost, the Academy would be unable to protect itself, facing a situation far more perilous than Shu Island’s.
Even though the Academy had produced many talented individuals who now led various factions, when it came to personal interests, their alma mater sentiments proved fragile.
Chu Yun suppressed his disappointment and no longer pressed the matter.
Master Bai Mei sighed and said, “Work hard, Chu Yun. You have great talent. In the future, you will become a powerful figure, and Shu Island will surely prosper because of you. Now, I will teach you the unique skill created by the third generation Academy Master—the Upper grade Pill Refining Hand Seal—Eight Section Brocade!”
“Upper grade Pill Refining Seal!” Chu Yun was instantly moved.
The value of an Upper grade Pill Refining Hand Seal was comparable to a Supreme grade Demonic Beast egg. He hadn’t expected the third generation Academy Master to be so formidable as to create such an advanced Pill Refining Seal. He was truly an extraordinary individual!
Compared to the Lower grade basic Pill Refining Seals, the Upper grade Eight Section Brocade Pill Refining Seal contained more than ten times the content! There were eight basic hand seals, and their complex variations and intricate connections were dazzling and disorienting.
For a full hour, even with his full concentration, Chu Yun could only forcefully memorize one-eighth of it.
Master Bai Mei nodded slightly, his expression pleased. “That’s very good. When I was learning, I was far inferior to you. Your talent for Pill Refining is excellent; don’t waste it. Every Upper grade Pill Refining Hand Seal has a special efficacy. The special efficacy of the Eight Section Brocade Pill Refining Hand Seal is encryption.”
“Encryption?”
“Indeed. This is a project the third generation Academy Master spent his lifetime researching. A Pill Refining expert with a finished Pill could analyze its detailed composition through multiple tests. Further experimentation could then deduce the refining method. This is extremely disadvantageous for the interests of the Pill Refiner. Once your Eight Section Brocade Pill Refining Hand Seal is mastered, eight Dao rhymes will condense on the surface of the Pill you refine. These Dao rhymes will connect to form a Pill Cloak. When the Pill Cloak is broken, the Pill is destroyed. Thus, you will no longer fear others stealing the fruits of your labor.”
Master Bai Mei’s explanation opened Chu Yun’s eyes.
“Come back here tomorrow, and I will teach you the remaining hand seals. These seals are secret transmissions; do not casually teach them to others,” Master Bai Mei instructed before Chu Yun left.
“Chu Yun understands.” Chu Yun promised, turned to leave, then suddenly stopped, turned back, and bowed to Master Bai Mei, “This junior thanks Dan Shi for his nurturing grace!”
Although Master Bai Mei had refused his request, Chu Yun understood perfectly. Neutrality was the basis of Tiange Academy’s existence; if it were him, he wouldn’t have agreed either.
However, Master Bai Mei teaching him such an important Pill Refining Hand Seal was a genuine act of cultivation, giving him special attention.
Chu Yun was not an ignorant youth; his character was mature. Recalling his past experiences, his gratitude towards Master Bai Mei was heartfelt.
“Go back and practice diligently,” Master Bai Mei waved his hand, his expression as stern as ever. Only after Chu Yun had left the classroom did the corner of his lips curve into a slight arc.
As soon as he stepped out of the classroom, Chu Yun saw Jin Bihan rushing towards him. She grabbed his hand and began to drag him outside.
“Hurry! I’ve unraveled all the mysteries and found the third generation Academy Master’s inheritance!”
(Ps: A new week, a new beginning. We call for your recommendation votes and collections!)
