In the quiet chamber, Zhou Xun held his breath and focused his mind.

Holding a Middle-Grade Talisman Pen, he connected the lines on the talisman paper, with mana continuously injected through the pen tip.

Creating runes requires a seamless flow; any interruption will cause the spiritual power to stagnate, leading to a failed talisman refinement.

With the last stroke completed, the runes were perfectly connected, allowing spiritual power to flow without hindrance.

Zhou Xun cast a spell to solidify it.

Middle-Grade Fire Rain Talisman, completed!

This marked Zhou Xun's entry into the ranks of Middle-Grade Talisman Masters.

Since his engagement with Talisman Dao three years ago, achieving Middle-Grade through self-study alone was indeed a higher accomplishment than his alchemical talent.

However, Zhou Xun speculated that this was closely related to his breakthrough to the Sixth-Layer Qi Refining and significant increase in Divine Sense.

Afterward, Zhou Xun did not stop. Riding the wave of inspiration, he drew five more Fire Rain Talismans, with only one failing.

"Phew!"

Exhaling lightly, Zhou Xun ceased talisman making and turned his gaze to the corner where the Profound Armor Armadillo Beast Egg lay.

The beast egg floated in spirit liquid, swaying with life, seemingly ready to hatch soon.

This egg had been incubating for more than a year now.

A thought flashed across Zhou Xun's mind:

"Since it has been over a year, why not use the Spirit Medicine Essence to further enhance its quality?"

Deciding swiftly, Zhou Xun took out a High-Grade Spirit Medicine, extracting its essence and approached the beast egg with it.

Contrary to Zhou Xun's expectations, the essence showed no signs of integration.

It had been over a year since the last integration of essence.

Zhou Xun speculated that the physiologies of demon beasts and humans differ, suggesting that demon beasts might need longer intervals before integrating a second essence.

Alternatively, demon beasts might only be able to enhance once.

Zhou Xun estimated the latter possibility to be bigger.

To avoid wasting the essence, Zhou Xun took out the Spirit Gathering Pill he refined years ago and integrated the essence into it.

The Spirit Gathering Pill, originally of premium level, now shimmered even more brightly, with brilliance faintly flowing through it.

It seemed to have surpassed the premium level.

However, in the Cultivation Realm, pills are classified only up to the premium tier.

Nonetheless, Zhou Xun clearly sensed that the probability of breakthroughs from consuming this pill would be significantly higher.

After securing the pill and replenishing some spirit liquid in the groove, Zhou Xun exited the quiet chamber.

...

In a refined chamber within Danhai Pavilion.

Zhou Xun sat together with Shopkeeper Huang, savoring Spirit Tea.

"Master, is there any task you need me for?" Shopkeeper Huang marginally leaned his body with a hint of respect in his tone.

Though they had been working together for years, Shopkeeper Huang has always maintained his respect towards Zhou.

There was never a reduction in courtesy despite their familiarity.

Zhou Xun did not answer but rather took out two bottles of Foundation Strengthening and Essence Nourishing Elixir — Qi Gathering Pill, consumed by Late-Stage Qi Refining Cultivators.

He placed them on the small table between them, signaling Shopkeeper Huang to inspect.

Shopkeeper Huang, although puzzled, obediently picked up the bottle.

He gently uncorked it, pouring a pill into his palm for a meticulous inspection.

Having been a shopkeeper at Danhai Pavilion for years, Shopkeeper Huang naturally possessed excellent prowess in pill identification.

He quickly recognized the pill.

"This is... Qi Gathering Pill!"

"Tier One High-Grade Elixir!" Shopkeeper Huang exclaimed in surprise.

Realizing something, he joyfully gazed at Zhou Xun and whispered:

"Ma... Master, have you been promoted to High-Grade Alchemist?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun chuckled and nodded.

"Upon acquiring the Pill Furnace, I delved into the refinement of High-Grade Elixirs and finally made a breakthrough recently!"

When heading to Celestial Terrace Ridge, Zhou Xun hinted at his impending promotion.

Having acquired the High-Grade Pill Furnace half a year ago, the timing of announcing his advancement to High-Grade Alchemist was particularly aligned.

More critically, his cultivation had advanced to the Sixth-Layer Qi Refining, and his Body Refining Technique was nearing Second Layer Perfection.

Subsequently, he would require more advanced cultivation resources.

The status as a Middle-Grade Alchemist was proving insufficient.

The status of High-Grade Alchemist is exceptionally prestigious, surpassing that of ordinary Peak Qi Refining Cultivators.

Such an individual qualifies to access Tier Two Spirit Grass.

"Congratulations Master, best wishes Master!" Shopkeeper Huang joyfully congratulated repeatedly.

Zhou Xun's breakthrough naturally meant rising tides for Shopkeeper Huang at Danhai Pavilion.

The sales of High-Grade Elixirs yield higher profits, increasing Shopkeeper Huang's future commissions.

"I'll soon be able to visit New Moon Pavilion more often!"

New Moon Pavilion is the female brothel of Qingyue Square. This Shopkeeper Huang neither has a Daoist partner nor descendants.

All his Spirit Stones are spent at New Moon Pavilion.

Soon, Zhou Jimin and his wife, along with Zhou Xun's disciples, received the news and came to congratulate him.

As the saying goes, when one person attains the Dao, even his fowl and dogs ascend to heaven.

It is foreseeable that their status will further elevate in the future.

...

On that day, Shopkeeper Huang announced that Danhai Pavilion would begin selling High-Grade Elixirs.

The following day, as Danhai Pavilion commenced selling High-Grade Elixirs, the news of Zhou Xun's promotion to High-Grade Alchemist spread throughout Qingyue Square.

The elixirs of Danhai Pavilion are renowned for their quality, surpassing other elixir shops by a notch.

It's a pity that Danhai Pavilion had only offered elixirs below the High-Grade level and lacked in higher tiers until now.

With this gap filled, the Late-Stage Qi Refining Cultivators within Qingyue Square were the happiest.

In Danhai Pavilion, Zhou Xun's resting chamber.

Zhou Xun sat across Song Zhishu, sipping tea.

"Brother Zhou, you advanced to a High-Grade Alchemist without informing me, so I could have prepared a gift in advance!" Song Zhishu playfully lamented, while internally feeling immense joy.

The idea of drawing Zhou Xun closer to the Song Family was something he proposed and executed initially.

Now, Zhou Xun's early advancement to High-Grade Alchemist naturally proved his judgment right.

Simultaneously, as the person within the Song Family closest to Zhou Xun, his increased status brought numerous benefits.

The most tangible was his monthly salary, raised from twelve Spirit Stones to thirteen.

Though the increase might not be substantial, it indicated the family's acknowledgment.

Moreover, Zhou Xun's current age is less than 30.

A High-Grade Alchemist under 30 signifies a considerable likelihood of advancing to Tier Two, becoming a Tier Two Alchemist.

It's known that even Tier Two Low-Grade Alchemists hold a status higher than an Early-Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

He would thus accrue even more benefits.

Song Zhishu tapped his Storage Bag, placing a wooden box in front of Zhou Xun.

Zhou Xun flicked his hand, and the wooden box opened automatically,

where a ginseng quietly rested inside.

"Wood Element Ginseng!"

A Tier Two Low-Grade Spirit Medicine, valued over 600 Spirit Stones.

"This is a treasure I've long cherished, originally intended to exchange for a Life-Extending Pill when older!"

"But now with Brother Zhou's advancement to High-Grade Alchemist, it indeed is a great celebration; this Spirit Ginseng shall serve as a gift!"

As Song Zhishu spoke, a hint of reluctance showed in his eyes.

This Wood Element Ginseng is the main medicine for refining a Tier One Life-Extending Pill.

The Life-Extending Pill is remarkably effective; even as a Tier One pill, it requires Tier Two Wood Element Ginseng for refining.

Each genuine Life-Extending Pill can increase a cultivator's lifespan by five years, an invaluable treasure for aging cultivators nearing their limits.

Zhou Xun accepted the spirit medicine, placing it into his Storage Bag, then looked at Song Zhishu and bowed:

"Brother Song's kindness, Zhou Mou will remember!"

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