The Science of Cultivation [Xianxia]

Chapter 193: Eight Demon Pillars

“Umm, I’ve always taken an interest in Ascension Pills from the moment I learned about them. Back when I lived in Yellow Qilin, you should know that I was assessed with grade one aptitude. Maybe that’s why I’ve always longed for them,” Li Lang said. “That’s why I want to learn how to refine Ascension Pills. I want to help those who were like me, talentless, but still desired to become a cultivator.”

“I see. You should know that those who take Ascension Pills don’t become like normal cultivators, right?” Sima Yueling asked.

Li Lang nodded.

“Yes, I’ve heard. Even then, it’s better than languishing as mortals their entire lives.”

“But they can simply practice demonic techniques. As long as they have enough determination, it is the better alternative.”

“That—as the leader of Nightmoon Valley, you should know what people living under the righteous sects think of demonic cultivation. I want to help those people too. Plus, even in the Luminescent Domain, numerous people give up due to the lack of resources.”

The clean-shaven man furrowed his brows as he stared down at his desk.

“You want to help those in the righteous sects’ territories?”

His tone made Li Lang realize he may have blundered. He was spewing words to the leader of one faction about helping those under the opposing faction. His mind raced to find a way to justify his words.

“Umm—yes. Maybe then, people of different character will start joining the ranks of the orthodox sects. It is my hope that will change their ways for the better. After all, I believe they are currently so—rotten because most orthodox cultivators believe themselves to be the chosen ones. Those who weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouths should have better dispositions.”

Sima Yueling didn’t say anything. He fell completely silent with a thoughtful look. It was apparent he was dwelling on Li Lang’s words. After a few minutes, he finally shifted his gaze back to the young man before him.

“While there are some truths to your words, just handing out Ascension Pills around their territory will do nothing. Even if the sects don’t take action to line their own pockets, the cultivators who broke through using the pills won’t be able to stand on equal footing with the others. Their combat ability would be non-existent.”

“But it’s better than being treated as disposable mortals,” Li Lang argued. “Besides, do they truly have zero combat potential? Maybe with some targeted training, they would be able to exert their cultivation.”

His words caused the head of Nightmoon Valley to shake his head.

“Enough. You won’t understand until you come across someone who had used Ascension Pills yourself. There’s no way for them to practice combat techniques like we do.”

“Umm, but can I still get some Ascension Pills? I’d love both some samples and its pill recipe.”

“I see that you’re a talented alchemist. If that’s what you want to study, then it’s not my place to stop you. I’ve said my piece. I’ll let little Beiyun know, and he can bring you to our Pill Hall. If you want to sign a binding contract regarding the matter with the pocket realm, let him know as well.”

“Thank you, Senior Sima!”

“I’ve taken enough of your time. I believe you said your chauffeur was waiting for you?”

“That’s right, Senior. Thank you so much for being so accommodating.”

The powerful senior simply nodded and gestured for Li Lang to exit by himself. Li Lang clasped his fist toward him before walking away. He only made it a few steps before he abruptly turned back.

“Oh, one more thing. If you don’t mind me asking. Why did you choose to invite me at this time? If you wanted to talk about the pocket realm, shouldn’t you invite me when we had just exited from it?”

The Valley Master continued looking over the paperwork on his desk and answered without looking up.

“Our investigation wasn’t complete then, and there’s no rush. We judged you were more likely to take action and approach the pocket realm once your group started breaking through. Your friend’s breakthrough was also a good excuse to invite you without arousing too much suspicion from the other organizations.”

“Even Nightmoon Valley has to tread so carefully around all the other organizations?”

“Human relationships are never simple and are ever-changing. However, it isn’t the job of you young people like you to worry about the politics among organizations. Go on now. You’ll find Beiyun outside.”

Being blatantly asked to leave, Li Lang could only do as asked.

He walked back through the door that was covered in clouds and found himself in an unfamiliar cave. It caught him off-guard as he thought he would return to the same chamber where he previously parted ways with Tai Xilun.

So—That door with clouds is some sort of teleportation artifact?

Before his thoughts could wander further, the sound of movement caught his attention. It came from the only corridor present. With the giant door closed shut to his back, he simply stood there and waited for whoever it was to approach. It didn’t take long before the shadow of two figures could be seen.

“Li Lang, come on out with us. There’s not much to see in here, right?”

The young man immediately clasped his fist toward the newcomers.

“Senior Jian, you’re here. With Senior Tai as well.”

“My master sent for me to pick you up. Let’s go. I’ll show you around.”

Without waiting for a reply, Jian Beiyun turned around to lead the way out of the cave. Upon exiting, Li Lang found that he had been transported to the halfway point of one of the mountains that looked down on the rest of Nightshade Valley.

Residences were built all over the mountain incline, and Jian Beiyun went straight into one of them nearby.

“This here is my humble abode.”

Li Lang didn’t need a tour and could see all there was to the small house from the entrance. It only had a fireplace in the center with a pot over it, while the rest of the room was devoid of any furniture. Instead of chairs, the floors were covered by rattan mats.

“Senior Jian, is this where the pills are?”

“Oh right, Master did mention that. We’ll go after. I thought you could get something to eat after your long day of traveling and meeting. Am I right? Or should we go to the Pill Hall right away?”

Li Lang took a peek at Tai Xilun. He didn’t react at all.

“Umm—no, it’s fine. Thank you for your consideration. I’ll happily take you up on your offer.”

“No problem. I’ll have something ready real soon."

The head disciple of Nightmoon Valley proceeded to open the pot and began stirring its contents. He then materialized some extra ingredients from his space ring and threw it in. He tasted the results and continued to add to the pot.

He was completely absorbed in cooking and appeared no different from a typical gourmet.

Seeing him in his own little world, Li Lang chose to talk to Tai Xilun instead.

“Were you just here the entire time, talking to Senior Jian?”

The man in red and black robes simply nodded.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Should we spend the night here before returning?”

“No need to be considerate of me. A measly day or two of traveling won’t take a toll on Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

“Hmm, I guess you’re right. You must have better things to do than to babysit me. Regardless, thank you for taking the time to accompany me.”

“As if that workaholic has anything better to do,” Jian Beiyun chimed in as he continued to stir the pot. “If you leave him be, he’ll end up just training or patrolling the streets. He’s too serious for his own good.”

“I simply carry out my duty.”

“Right. See what I mean, Li Lang? It’s both his best and worst quality.”

“Jian Beiyun, I think it’d be good if you took things more seriously once in a while,” Tai Xilun retorted. “The Dark Sea Arena will be taking place again in three years. There’s not much time left. As head disciple of Nightmoon Valley, you can’t afford to tarnish your name as one of the Eight Demon Pillars.”

“I could say the same to you. If you settled into an unchanging routine, I fear your cultivation could stagnate. Please don’t let that happen and let one of those annoying brats take your title.”

The tension in the room was rising to the helplessness of Li Lang. He slowly steered clear of the argument, as even he realized the banter was heating up. After all, with Tai Xilun becoming more talkative, even the most socially inept person could notice his agitation.

The exchange between the two Foundation Establishment cultivators lasted for some time before Li Lang tried to defuse the situation.

“Umm, is the food ready yet?”

“Oh yes, it should be ready. It’s my special porridge recipe. Feel free to take some yourself. As for you,” he said, turning back to Tai Xilun, “Why don’t we go for that spar we were talking about?”

Without a word, the Bloodwave Conclave disciple stormed out of the house, with Jian Beiyun following close behind. Li Lang watched the scene and shook his head. He then went over to the pot and poured himself a bowl.

The steaming porridge let out an appetizing aroma that made his stomach grumble. It made him realize how famished he was.

“Ahh, this is good,” he loudly exclaimed.

He wasn’t sure if Jian Beiyun had heard him, but he thought it was necessary to give compliments to the chef.

Eight Demon Pillars, huh? We really need to socialize with the other cultivators more. If only there is an easier way to gather information. Maybe like a newspaper or even a place of gathering like that teahouse back by the pocket realm. Too bad that place was only temporary.

As Li Lang mused to himself, the sound of metal clashing could be heard outside.

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