Half a year passed with a flick of the finger, the spring breeze brushed over the Heart Inquiry Hall.

Inside the hall, Wu Lingshuang was holding a Communication Jade Scroll, unable to hide her joy.

The Jade Scroll was sent by Wu Qingshan, detailing Chen Yuquan's artifact refining progress over the past six months.

From the initial entry into Forged Iron to now being able to independently complete the preliminary forging of a Tier 1 Lower Grade Magical Artifact, he even showed astonishing talent in Rune Engraving.

Wu Qingshan candidly stated in the Jade Scroll:

"Yuquan is an artifact refining genius not seen in three hundred years, his fire control precision and perception of metal far exceed cultivators of the same age."

Wu Lingshuang put down the Jade Scroll, her eyes full of comfort:

"This child has finally not strayed."

She recalled Chen Yuquan's firm decision to choose Artifact Refining half a year ago and her initial worries, now it seems her son's choice was correct.

She raised her hand to take out a Jade Box, inside was a "Fire Marrow Pill" specially refined by Chen Sheng for Chen Yuquan.

This pill can enhance the fire control ability of cultivators with Fire Attribute Spiritual Root.

Chen Sheng used Tier 2 Top Grade Fire Spirit Marrow and a dozen spiritual materials to refine it, specifically to assist Chen Yuquan in honing his artifact refining foundation.

"In a few days, I'll send this pill to the Artifact Alliance, let Yuquan cultivate well."

Wu Lingshuang murmured to herself, her heart full of anticipation for her son's future.

...

Meanwhile, within the main hall of the Pill Hall on Pill Furnace Peak, the atmosphere was harmonious.

Chen Sheng sat at the Profound Jade Main Seat, holding a cup of freshly brewed Cloud Mist Spirit Tea, the tea mist curling up, exuding a faint fragrance.

On the Jade Desk below, there were four Jade Scrolls documenting the refining progress of the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Half a year passed, all four Elder Alchemists had completed the first batch of Foundation Establishment Pill refining.

The highest pill success rate by Elder Wang reached eighty-five percent, while the lowest by Elder Sun also had seventy-eight percent, surpassing the average of previous years.

"Hall Master, this is the inventory list of the Foundation Establishment Pills for the month, all stored in the West Warehouse categorized by grade."

A cultivator dressed in a Pill Hall Steward Robe reported respectfully.

Chen Sheng nodded gently:

"Well done, notify everyone, start the second batch of refining next month, the spiritual materials will be sent to each Elder's Alchemy Room three days in advance."

"Understood!" The steward bowed and withdrew.

Only Chen Sheng and his two disciples, Li Min and Hu Bao, remained in the hall.

The two were now Foundation Establishment Early-stage Cultivators, wearing a Tier 2 Alchemist's Brocade Robe with Elder Tokens of the Pill Hall at their waists, standing next to Chen Sheng with Spirit Tea.

These two had followed Chen Sheng for many years, gradually growing into Tier 2 Lower Grade Alchemists.

Now they assisted Chen Sheng in handling the daily affairs of the Pill Hall, barely considered his right arm and left arm.

Li Min reported softly:

"Master, in the past half year, all four Elder Alchemists have cooperated well, there have been no issues with spiritual material distribution or alchemy room scheduling."

Chen Sheng raised his hand to take a sip of the Spirit Tea:

"You all have done very well."

"In another half year, once the second batch of Foundation Establishment Pills is completed, you will go to the West Warehouse to manage spiritual materials, gaining practical experience to temper your temperament."

Li Min and Hu Bao's eyes lit up with joy, quickly bowing to thank:

"Thank you, Master, for your guidance!"

The West Warehouse is the core department of the Pill Hall, responsible for storing and distributing spiritual materials, and serving there is a position of great power.

At that moment, the Communication Golden Order at Chen Sheng's waist suddenly lit up, a faint spirit light glimmered.

He swept it with his Divine Sense, a trace of understanding flashed in his eyes, and he said to the two:

"Go to the mountainside to greet an old acquaintance for me."

"Yes!"

The two responded in unison, turning and quickly walking out of the main hall.

...

On the stone steps of Pill Furnace Peak's mountainside.

Li Min and Hu Bao had just reached the mountainside when they saw a figure in elegant attire walking slowly towards them.

The arriving person was Zhao Jinhua, dressed in a dark robe embroidered with gold threads, with a rosy complexion and stable aura, still at Foundation Establishment Early-stage Cultivation.

Beside him was a boy of about seven or eight years old.

The boy wore a blue practice outfit, with a clever look between his eyebrows, indeed a High Grade Spiritual Root genius from Zhao Jinhua's clan, Zhao Yi.

"Greetings to the two True Inheritors!"

Before Li Min and Hu Bao could speak, Zhao Jinhua already showed a congenial smile, bowing with such respect it bordered on humility.

Li Min and Hu Bao were taken aback, quickly stepping aside:

"Don't say that, we can't be called True Inheritors."

According to the Qinghua Sect's rules, the "True Inheritor" title usually refers to the Direct Disciples of Master Fake Pill or Tier Three Alchemy Grandmasters.

Zhao Jinhua laughed heartily, with a tone slightly confident:

"The Hall Master's Alchemy Dao is profound, he is currently a Quasi-Third-rank Alchemist and will surely become a Tier Three Alchemy Grandmaster someday."

"By then, you two as Hall Master Chen's Direct Disciples, will indeed be considered True Inheritors, what harm in calling you that a bit early?"

Though flattering, the words resonated with Li Min and Hu Bao.

They shared in Chen Sheng's glory and decline.

If Chen Sheng becomes a true Tier Three Alchemy Grandmaster, it is only a matter of time before they, his earliest followers, are enshrined as True Inheritors.

Li Min smiled as he helped up Zhao Yi beside him, speaking warmly:

"Elder Zhao is too generous."

"We are merely common elders in the Pill Hall for now, the True Inheritor title can wait for the future."

Zhao Jinhua nodded, indicating Zhao Yi:

"This is Zhao Yi, a junior from my clan, aren't you going to greet the two Elders?"

Although young, Zhao Yi was very sensible, immediately bowing in respect:

"Greetings to the two Elders."

Hu Bao waved with a smile:

"No need to be overly formal."

"We two will take you to see Master."

The group walked slowly up the stone steps, with Zhao Jinhua casually chatting with Li Min and Hu Bao, inquiring about the current state of the Pill Hall and Chen Sheng's daily life.

Li Min and Hu Bao replied candidly, showcasing the current prosperity of the Pill Hall and subtly mentioning Chen Sheng's authority within the Pill Hall.

Let Zhao Jinhua's heart grow even more certain that bringing Zhao Yi to the sect this time was the right choice!

Before long, everyone arrived at the main hall of the Pill Hall.

Zhao Jinhua just stepped into the hall doorway and respectfully bowed to Chen Sheng on the main seat:

"Greetings, Hall Master!"

Chen Sheng also rarely exchanged pleasantries:

"Rise."

"I haven't seen you for many years, how have you been, Senior Brother?"

Zhao Jinhua straightened up, his face full of gratitude:

"Thanks to the Hall Master's blessings, everything in the clan is well."

He paused, then pulled Zhao Yi to the front and introduced him:

"This time, I came here first to congratulate the Hall Master on leading the Pill Hall affairs, and second, to send this child to the sect to study."

"This child has some talent in alchemy and has now mastered the basics of fire control, medicine recognition, and pill condensing, hoping to join the Pill Hall for learning."

Chen Sheng's gaze fell on Zhao Yi, and with a sweep of his divine sense, he lightly nodded:

"Is this the little genius with a High Grade Spiritual Root from your clan?"

Zhao Jinhua quickly echoed:

"The Hall Master has sharp eyes!"

"This child's name is Zhao Yi. A few years ago, he was found to have a High Grade Spiritual Root, and under the guidance of the clan's alchemists, he can now refine a Tier One Lower Grade 'Qi Gathering Pill'."

Chen Sheng pondered for a moment and then spoke:

"Since that is the case, let him first study at the Fire Spirit Villa affiliated with the Pill Hall."

"The Fire Spirit Villa specializes in training low-tier alchemists, with Tier One Top Level Alchemists personally teaching. If he can keep up, he can advance to the Fire Spirit Palace for further training in half a year."

Zhao Jinhua was overjoyed upon hearing this.

He knew the rank divisions of the Pill Hall well.

The Fire Spirit Villa is entry-level, and the Fire Spirit Palace is for advanced training. Disciples coming out of the Fire Spirit Palace can at least become Tier One Top Level Alchemists, and with some polishing, they can become Tier Two Alchemists.

This is an excellent growth path for Zhao Yi.

"Thank you, Hall Master, for your kindness!"

Zhao Jinhua quickly nudged Zhao Yi at his side:

"Hurry and thank the Hall Master!"

Zhao Yi reacted quickly, immediately kneeling on both knees, respectfully kowtowing three times:

"Thank you, Hall Master, for your guidance!"

Chen Sheng raised his hand in a virtual gesture of support, and a gentle force helped Zhao Yi to his feet:

"Rise."

"In the Pill Hall, you must be diligent and humble, and do not let down the expectations of your clan elders."

Zhao Yi bowed and replied:

"Disciple will remember the Hall Master's teachings!"

After Zhao Yi stepped aside, Chen Sheng only then looked at Zhao Jinhua and inquired about the current situation in the Western Border:

"How is the development of West River Immortal City nowadays?"

Zhao Jinhua quickly answered, his tone carrying some excitement:

"Everything is good."

"The walls of West River Immortal City have been completed..."

He spoke in detail, consistent with the sect communications received by the Pill Hall.

Chen Sheng lightly nodded and asked about the spiritual materials trade in the Western Border, to which Zhao Jinhua answered one by one, his words full of gratitude to the sect.

After a pause, Zhao Jinhua seemed to suddenly recall something and hesitantly spoke:

"Hall Master, do you... do you have old acquaintances named Chen Hanchi and Bai Yutang?"

Chen Sheng's eyes flashed with surprise:

"Oh? Do you know them?"

"I have some connections with them. Back then, I helped them obtain their Pioneer Order. So, have they encountered any issues in the Western Border?"

After securing a Tier One High Grade Spiritual Vein for Chen Hanchi and Bai Yutang back then, he hadn't paid attention.

Later, he only heard from the merchant sources that the two developed steadily without any misdeeds. Now, suddenly mentioned by Zhao Jinhua, could there be a change?

Zhao Jinhua quickly waved his hands, smiling as he explained:

"No issue, their Spirit Vein Dojo is only a hundred miles from my clan, considered my neighbors."

"Although these two are merely Qi Cultivators, they are very capable. Chen Hanchi is skilled in alchemy and recently opened a Pill Shop in the market, doing good business."

"Bai Yutang excels in management, managing the clan's Spirit Field efficiently and even brought his father from the mortal world to care for a few years ago."

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng felt emotional and spoke:

"By my calculations, his father Bai Li is also in his seventies now, and I haven't seen him for over forty years."

Zhao Jinhua felt a stir in his heart and quickly spoke:

"If the Hall Master wishes to meet him, I will send someone to bring him to the Pill Furnace Peak for a reunion once I return."

Chen Sheng, however, shook his head, his tone calm:

"No need."

"After forty years, things change, and meeting again would only add to the sighs. Let him enjoy his retirement and family happiness; that's fine."

Zhao Jinhua quickly nodded:

"What the Hall Master says is true."

After chatting for another half an hour, Zhao Jinhua finally stood up to bid farewell:

"The Hall Master is busy with affairs, so I will not intrude."

Chen Sheng nodded:

"Rest assured, Zhao Yi will be taken care of."

"Thank you, Hall Master!"

Zhao Jinhua once again bowed and, with Zhao Yi, slowly exited the main hall.

After the two left, Chen Sheng casually instructed his disciple:

"Inform the Steward of the Fire Spirit Villa to teach Zhao Yi well, and if he truly has talent, focus on developing it."

The two echoed in unison:

"Yes!"

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