Within the Canon of Conferred Gods, there are warriors who can fly on swords and others who can slay enemies from a thousand miles away.
Naturally, Ling Xiao could not achieve this.
However, he could comprehend some of the lower-level mysteries and gain benefits from them.
After reaching perfection, he unexpectedly advanced to the Transcendent Realm.
Once a martial skill reaches the Transcendent Realm, one can comprehend a killing technique, but Ling Xiao felt he should first absorb and digest his current knowledge.
The progress he made this time was the result of accumulating insights from the Canon of Conferred Gods over these days.
Of course, although he had not yet comprehended a killing technique, the power of his moves was noticeably stronger than before.
He also gained some insights into using the Heavenly Astral Sword Array.
That evening, Ling Xiao did not rush to cultivate but instead focused on consolidating his current achievements.
He longed for rapid progress in his cultivation but did not neglect the importance of a solid foundation.
Sometimes slowing down a bit was beneficial, as it allowed him to identify issues and address deficiencies.
The next morning, he left his cave abode and headed to the Medicine Hall to find Yuan Zun.
Yuan Zun was almost always with Yang Danlin, inseparable like two sides of a coin.
Wherever Yang Danlin was, Yuan Zun was sure to be there.
Upon arriving at the Medicine Hall, he found Zhao Zhi and Zhao Ci there as well.
Upon inquiry, he learned they were there to collect pills.
A month had passed, and it was time for outer sect disciples to receive their stipends. Other rewards could be collected directly at the Outer Sect Affairs Hall, but pills had to be obtained from the Medicine Hall.
“Junior Brother Ling!”
Seeing Ling Xiao, Zhao Zhi unexpectedly showed a delighted smile.
“Oh, Senior Brother Zhao, here to collect pills from the Medicine Hall?”
Ling Xiao’s relationship with Zhao Zhi was neither close nor hostile. As they had entered the sect together, there was some familiarity.
“Yes, but the Medicine Hall’s doors are too hard to get through. They say outer sect disciples aren’t qualified to collect pills directly and that an outer sect elder must collect them on our behalf.”
Zhao Zhi gave a wry smile.
Zhao Ci stood to the side without speaking.
Zhao Ci did not like Ling Xiao, as his methods during challenges were too ruthless. He had nearly crippled Li Anle, and Yang Cheng was directly maimed, still unhealed, reportedly recovered physically but trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake.
Ling Xiao had no interest in such a saintly figure and ignored her.
Instead, he said to Zhao Zhi, “The Medicine Hall does have this rule. There are too many outer sect disciples, and if everyone came to collect pills, it would be overwhelming.”
“I know that.”
Zhao Zhi smiled bitterly, “But my sister and I have taken an inner sect elder as our master, so our situation is a bit special. We also need to collect pills for him. I heard Junior Brother Ling is doing well in the Medicine Hall and has a very good relationship with Senior Sister Lan. Could you help us out?”
His words were a request for help, but his tone carried a hint of jealousy and envy.
Of course, there was also strong reluctance and defiance.
Ling Xiao smiled inwardly. He did not dislike those who were unwilling to admit defeat, as long as they did not resort to underhanded tactics against him. He would not be ruthless.
“Alright, show me the proof from your master, and I’ll help you collect the pills.”
It was a small favour, and having Zhao Zhi owe him one was not a bad thing. After all, Zhao Zhi was the second prince of the North Han Kingdom.
Moreover, it seemed highly likely that Zhao Zhi would inherit the throne.
Ling Xiao might not need Zhao Zhi’s help, but his friends and family in the secular world certainly would.
“That’s greatly appreciated, Junior Brother Ling!”
Zhao Zhi was filled with envy.
He had waited there all night and still could not get it done, even using his master’s name to no avail against the Medicine Hall’s staff.
Yet Ling Xiao agreed so casually.
This was ability, this was luck.
Ling Xiao returned from the Medicine Hall moments later.
“Hmph, I knew someone like him would just boast. He takes on things he can’t handle.”
Seeing Ling Xiao return empty-handed, Zhao Ci sneered.
“Royal Sister, don’t speak carelessly!”
Zhao Zhi was also puzzled.
But Ling Xiao laughed, “Has Princess Ci never heard of a storage ring? You needed too many pills for me to carry them out. This storage ring contains everything you need. Check it, and if it’s correct, take it. Just don’t forget to return the storage ring to the Medicine Hall.”
“You actually got everything!”
Zhao Zhi was astonished. He had thought Ling Xiao would be lucky to get a third of the pills, as even his master could only achieve that much in person.
That was why he had not given Ling Xiao a storage ring.
Who would have thought Ling Xiao would retrieve all the pills?
“Heh, it’s just a small matter.”
To Ling Xiao, it truly was a small matter. In the Medicine Hall, everyone knew he was Yang Danlin’s favourite, and some even rumoured he had an ambiguous relationship with Lan Yuer.
Plus, Ling Xiao had publicly defeated Aoki in alchemy. Who would dare not give him face?
“To you, it’s a small matter, but to me, it’s a big deal. I’m trying to break through the Mortal Realm and desperately need these pills.”
Zhao Zhi clasped his hands and solemnly thanked him.
He had already checked the storage ring, and indeed, it contained all the pills they needed.
Though Zhao Ci was extremely reluctant, she followed her royal brother in thanking Ling Xiao.
“Then I wish Senior Brother Zhao a swift breakthrough to the Mortal Realm and entry into the inner sect.”
Ling Xiao smiled.
“Junior Brother Ling, I’m currently ranked eleventh in the outer sect, just behind you! Of course, I don’t dare say I can beat you, but I really want to challenge you!”
Zhao Zhi, having secured the storage ring, spoke solemnly to Ling Xiao, feeling there was no need to hide anything in front of him.
“No problem at all. I’d also like to test Senior Brother Zhao’s strength.”
“Thank you for thinking highly of me, Junior Brother Ling. But I won’t take advantage of you. You should handle your own matters first. Some things I can’t say openly, but you must be careful! Farewell!”
Zhao Zhi’s cryptic, vague words left Ling Xiao puzzled. He shook his head, not dwelling on it, and went straight into the Medicine Hall to find Yuan Zun.
In the Hall Master’s room, both Yang Danlin and Yuan Zun were present.
“Greetings, Master. Greetings, Senior.”
Ling Xiao bowed first.
“No need for formalities with us.”
Yuan Zun spoke, “Time is short, and I can’t stay awake for long. Did you memorise all the books on formations and arrays I gave you yesterday?”
“I’ve memorised them and have a preliminary understanding.”
Ling Xiao nodded.
“Good. In that case, let’s move to the next step.”
“Master, aren’t you going to test me?” Ling Xiao asked, puzzled.
“From your alchemy learning process, I already know you have a photographic memory. Why waste time testing you?”
Yuan Zun replied gruffly.
Ling Xiao chuckled, thinking to himself that it made sense.
