Chapter 71 Ten Billion Top Grade Spirit Stones
Chapter 71 Ten Billion Top Grade Spirit Stones
Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Ten Billion Top Grade Spirit Stones
The competition grounds remained completely silent.
Gu Chenxiao stared at Lin Ruyan, still processing her refusal.
A Chaos Pill Master had personally offered to accept her as his disciple.
Yet she had rejected him without hesitation.
For a moment, the surrounding alchemists wondered whether Gu Chenxiao would become displeased.
After all, with his status and position, countless young alchemists would consider it the greatest honor of their lives to become his disciples.
But Gu Chenxiao did something unexpected.
He laughed softly.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
He looked at Lin Ruyan with renewed curiosity.
"Little friend, may I ask you something?"
Lin Ruyan respectfully cupped her hands.
"Please ask, Senior Gu."
"Do you already have a master?"
Lin Ruyan nodded.
"Yes."
Gu Chenxiao’s eyes narrowed slightly.
"May I know who your master is?"
Lin Ruyan shook her head apologetically.
"I’m sorry, Senior Gu. My master prefers to remain unknown."
Gu Chenxiao fell silent.
He had expected this possibility, but hearing her confirm it still surprised him.
A sixteen-year-old girl capable of refining a Rank 6 Ancient Grade pill with nine pill veins already possessed a master.
And that master had apparently chosen not to reveal himself to the outside world.
Gu Chenxiao couldn’t help becoming more curious.
What kind of person could teach such a disciple?
More importantly, what level had that person’s alchemy reached?
However, he didn’t press Lin Ruyan further.
He nodded.
"I understand. Since you already have a master, I won’t insist on accepting you as my disciple."
He paused before smiling.
"Your loyalty to your teacher is admirable. A talented alchemist should never forget the person who guided them."
Lin Ruyan’s expression softened.
"Thank you for understanding, Senior Gu."
Although Gu Chenxiao was a Chaos Pill Master, he hadn’t allowed his status to make him arrogant toward her.
Lin Ruyan respected that.
Gu Chenxiao waved his hand.
"There’s no need to be so formal. You may continue addressing me as Senior Gu."
He then glanced at the golden pill.
His expression gradually became serious again.
"Little friend Lin Ruyan, there’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you."
"Please speak, Senior."
Gu Chenxiao carefully examined the pill once more.
"I would like to purchase this Ancient Grade pill from you."
The moment he said those words, the surrounding alchemists became attentive.
Purchase it?
A Chaos Pill Master wanted to purchase the pill personally refined by a sixteen-year-old girl?
Gu Chenxiao continued explaining.
"As an alchemist, I have spent countless years studying medicinal formulas, pill structures, and the mysteries of alchemy."
"However, Ancient Grade pills are exceptionally difficult to refine. Even among experienced alchemists, very few possess the knowledge required to produce one."
He looked at the nine pill veins.
"This pill is different from anything I’ve examined recently. Its medicinal essence is remarkably stable, and its nine veins have formed with extraordinary precision."
His eyes shone with genuine interest.
"I would like to study its structure and understand how its medicinal essence was transformed during the Pill Tribulation."
He paused.
"Perhaps, by studying this pill carefully, I might discover something that will help me refine an Ancient Grade pill of my own."
The surrounding alchemists were stunned.
A Chaos Pill Master was admitting that he wanted to study Lin Ruyan’s pill to improve his own alchemy!
Although Gu Chenxiao had considerable experience, he wasn’t ashamed to learn from an extraordinary achievement simply because its creator was younger than him.
That attitude earned him even more respect.
Lin Ruyan glanced at the pill in her hand.
She wasn’t particularly attached to it.
After all, the pill had been refined through the knowledge and techniques her master had taught her.
If she wanted another one, she could simply refine it herself.
Besides, Gu Chenxiao wasn’t asking her to give it away.
He wanted to purchase it.
She was naturally willing to consider his offer.
Gu Chenxiao looked at her.
"Little friend, I won’t take advantage of your age or the fact that you are unfamiliar with the value of such a pill."
He raised one hand.
"I am willing to offer ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones for it."
Silence!
The entire competition grounds seemed to stop breathing.
"Ten billion?!"
"Top Grade Spirit Stones?!"
"That’s ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones for a single pill!"
"Is Senior Gu serious?"
The alchemists stared at him in disbelief.
Even powerful cultivators would struggle to obtain such a fortune.
For ordinary forces, ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones represented an enormous amount of wealth.
Yet Gu Chenxiao had offered it for a single pill.
And he had made the offer publicly.
Jin Tianming’s expression changed.
Even Shen Haotian was momentarily surprised.
Although the pill was extraordinary, ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones was a staggering amount.
But Gu Chenxiao didn’t appear to be joking.
He looked directly at Lin Ruyan.
"If you believe the offer is insufficient, we can discuss it further. I understand the value of what you have refined, and I have no intention of forcing you to sell it."
Lin Ruyan looked at him for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"Senior Gu, I accept."
Gu Chenxiao blinked.
"You accept?"
Lin Ruyan nodded.
"Yes. Ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones is a fair offer."
She handed him the pill.
"Please take it, Senior Gu."
For a moment, Gu Chenxiao simply stared at her.
He had expected negotiation.
Perhaps even a refusal.
Instead, she had agreed almost immediately.
He carefully accepted the pill and stored it inside a special jade container.
Then he took out a storage ring.
"Ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones. Please check the contents."
Lin Ruyan accepted the ring and examined it with her spiritual sense.
The storage ring contained precisely what Gu Chenxiao had promised.
She nodded with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Senior Gu."
Gu Chenxiao smiled.
"The pleasure is mine."
He carefully put away the Ancient Grade pill, his expression revealing how much he looked forward to examining it.
Lin Ruyan, meanwhile, had already begun thinking about what she could do next.
Ten billion Top Grade Spirit Stones for one pill.
She couldn’t help smiling inwardly.
She had no shortage of medicinal knowledge or resources.
If she wanted to refine more Ancient Grade pills, she could continue practicing.
Selling one of them wouldn’t prevent her from refining another.
In fact, if she could exchange her alchemy achievements for valuable resources, there was no reason to reject a reasonable transaction.
After all, she had only sold one pill.
There were many more possibilities ahead of her.
---
A Request to Meet Her Master
After putting away the pill, Gu Chenxiao looked at Lin Ruyan again.
"Little friend, may I make one more request?"
Lin Ruyan nodded.
"Please speak."
Gu Chenxiao hesitated briefly before saying, "If you ever have the opportunity, I would like to meet your master."
The surrounding judges immediately became attentive.
Gu Chenxiao continued.
"I have spent many years studying alchemy. I once believed that I had already reached a considerable understanding of its principles."
He glanced at the empty space where the pill had been.
"But after witnessing your achievement today, I realize there may still be things I have yet to understand."
His expression became earnest.
"If your master is willing, I would be honored to exchange alchemy knowledge with him. I would also like to learn how he guided you to reach your current level."
Lin Ruyan remained calm.
She couldn’t promise that such a meeting would happen.
Her master had his own preferences, and she had no intention of making promises on his behalf.
However, she understood why Gu Chenxiao was interested.
"I cannot promise that my master will agree to meet you, Senior Gu."
She paused before adding politely, "But if an opportunity presents itself, I will convey your wish to him."
Gu Chenxiao nodded.
"That is enough."
He didn’t pressure her.
Even if he wanted to meet her master, he understood that the decision wasn’t his to make.
Still, his curiosity had only increased.
He looked at Lin Ruyan once more.
What kind of teacher has a disciple like this?
For the first time in many years, Gu Chenxiao felt a genuine desire to meet another alchemist—not to demonstrate his own knowledge, but to discover what he might still have to learn.
---
The Champion Is Announced
After the exchange between Gu Chenxiao and Lin Ruyan concluded, President Shen Haotian finally stepped forward.
He looked across the competition grounds.
The surrounding alchemists gradually quieted down.
Although Gu Chenxiao’s arrival had attracted everyone’s attention, the Alchemy Gathering had not yet officially concluded.
Shen Haotian raised his voice.
"Everyone!"
The audience immediately turned toward him.
"Today’s gathering has witnessed an extraordinary achievement."
He looked toward Lin Ruyan.
"During the final stage, the participants were required to refine a Rank 5 Heavenly Soul Restoration Pill."
His voice became solemn.
"Among the remaining participants, Zhao Lingfeng successfully refined a Low Grade Rank 5 pill, demonstrating his advancement into the ranks of Rank 5 Pill Masters."
Zhao Lingfeng immediately cupped his hands.
"Thank you, President Shen."
Shen Haotian nodded approvingly before continuing.
"However, Lin Ruyan of the Lin Clan achieved something far beyond the requirements of the final stage."
He paused.
"She successfully refined the Rank 5 pill, which underwent an extraordinary transformation during the Pill Tribulation."
The audience grew silent.
Shen Haotian continued.
"The pill advanced to Rank 6 Ancient Grade, possessing nine pill veins. This achievement was accompanied by a legendary Pill Tribulation and a breakthrough in her cultivation."
His voice rang throughout the competition grounds.
"Such an accomplishment is extraordinary even by the standards of the wider cultivation world."
He raised his hand.
"Therefore, on behalf of the judges and the Pill Association of the Canglan Continent, I hereby announce that Lin Ruyan is the champion of this Alchemy Gathering!"
BOOM!
The competition grounds erupted in applause.
Cheers echoed from every direction.
"Lin Ruyan!"
"Champion!"
"An Ancient Grade pill with nine veins!"
"Sixteen years old!"
The Lin Clan delegation immediately erupted into celebration.
Even cultivators who had initially come to support other participants couldn’t help applauding.
They had witnessed an achievement that would be remembered for years.
Lin Ruyan respectfully bowed toward the judges.
"Thank you, President Shen. Thank you, seniors."
Shen Haotian smiled.
"You have earned this honor."
---
Recognition for the Other Finalists
After the applause gradually subsided, Shen Haotian continued announcing the results.
"Although Lin Ruyan has taken the championship, the other participants also deserve recognition for their achievements."
He looked toward Zhao Lingfeng.
"Zhao Lingfeng demonstrated remarkable progress by successfully refining a Rank 5 pill. His advancement during this gathering is commendable."
Zhao Lingfeng bowed.
"Thank you, President Shen."
He was naturally disappointed that he hadn’t won, but he couldn’t deny the difference between his achievement and Lin Ruyan’s.
He had become a Rank 5 Pill Master.
She had refined a Rank 6 Ancient Grade pill with nine veins.
The distance was enormous.
Still, he had achieved his own breakthrough, and that was worth celebrating.
Shen Haotian then acknowledged Jin Ling’er and the other finalists.
"Jin Ling’er of the Jade Medicine Sect also demonstrated considerable talent and a strong foundation in alchemy. Ye Qingxuan and Luo Yichen showed commendable ability in reaching the final stage, and their decision to withdraw does not erase the progress they have made."
He continued recognizing the participants who had performed well throughout the gathering.
The judges presented the appropriate honors and rewards according to the competition’s established rules.
When Jin Ling’er stepped forward to receive her recognition, she maintained her composure.
She had failed to complete the final pill.
She had also witnessed Lin Ruyan’s extraordinary achievement.
Yet she didn’t lower her head in shame.
Instead, she accepted the judges’ acknowledgment respectfully.
She had lost this time.
That didn’t mean she had to remain behind forever.
As she returned to her place, she looked toward Lin Ruyan.
The distance between us is enormous right now.
She clenched her hands slightly.
But I won’t give up.
One day, I’ll become a much stronger alchemist.
Her expression gradually regained its determination.
She would remember what she had witnessed today.
Not as a reason to resent Lin Ruyan, but as a reminder of how much further she needed to go.
---
The Lin Clan’s Celebration
The moment Lin Ruyan returned to the Lin Clan delegation, several familiar figures immediately surrounded her.
"Ruyan!"
Lin Xin rushed forward first.
"That was amazing!"
Lin Wan’er nodded enthusiastically.
"An Ancient Grade pill with nine veins! I still can’t believe it!"
Lin Shiyu smiled proudly.
"And you even broke through to Void Refining Realm Level 5!"
Lin Ruyan laughed softly.
"You make it sound as though I did something unbelievable."
Lin Xin stared at her.
"You did!"
Lin Qing approached with a warm smile.
"Congratulations, Ruyan."
Lin Chen nodded.
"You’ve brought honor to the Lin Clan."
Lin Mo folded his arms.
"At this point, I’m starting to wonder whether there’s anything you can’t do."
Lin Yu immediately added, "If there is, give her a little time. She’ll probably figure it out."
The surrounding youngsters burst into laughter.
Lin Ruyan shook her head helplessly.
"You people..."
But the smile on her face never disappeared.
She was happy.
Not simply because she had won the gathering or refined an Ancient Grade pill.
She was happy because her family was there to celebrate with her.
Their pride meant more to her than the applause of the entire competition grounds.
---
An Invitation from the Pill Association
President Shen Haotian soon approached the Lin Clan delegation.
"Lin Ruyan."
She turned toward him.
"President Shen."
He smiled.
"As the champion of this gathering, you will receive the rewards and honors specified by the Pill Association."
He briefly explained the formal recognition attached to her victory and ensured that the appropriate arrangements would be made.
Then his expression became more serious.
"Your achievement today has demonstrated that you possess extraordinary potential in alchemy. The Pill Association welcomes talented alchemists who wish to deepen their understanding and improve their abilities."
He paused.
"If you ever wish to undergo an official Rank 6 Pill Master assessment, the Association will arrange the appropriate evaluation according to its standards."
Lin Ruyan nodded.
"Thank you, President Shen. I’ll keep that in mind."
Shen Haotian smiled.
He had no intention of forcing her to make any commitments.
After all, the young girl before him had already demonstrated enough ability to command respect.
His gaze briefly moved toward Gu Chenxiao, who was standing nearby.
The Chaos Pill Master was watching the Lin Clan delegation with a thoughtful expression.
What caught his attention wasn’t merely their champion’s achievement.
It was the way they treated her.
They congratulated her naturally.
They teased her affectionately.
They celebrated her success without appearing shocked that she had achieved something extraordinary.
It was as though her accomplishment was another reason to be proud of their family rather than an impossible miracle.
Gu Chenxiao’s curiosity deepened.
This Lin Clan is certainly unusual.
And behind Lin Ruyan’s remarkable talent stood a mysterious master whose identity remained unknown.
He had a feeling that today’s events were only the beginning of a much larger story.
Before Lin Ruyan departed, he approached her one final time.
"Little friend Lin Ruyan."
She turned toward him.
"Senior Gu?"
"If you ever travel to the Eternal Dawn Continent, the Pill Association Headquarters will welcome you."
He smiled.
"And if an opportunity arises for me to meet your master, I hope you will remember my request."
Lin Ruyan cupped her hands.
"I will convey your wish if the opportunity presents itself, Senior Gu."
Gu Chenxiao nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. I look forward to that day."
---
The News Begins to Spread
As the gathering came to an end, the alchemists began leaving the competition grounds.
But none of them left without something to talk about.
A sixteen-year-old girl had won the Alchemy Gathering.
She had refined a Rank 6 Ancient Grade pill with nine pill veins.
She had triggered the legendary Pill Tribulation and absorbed its lightning.
She had broken through to Void Refining Realm Level 5 during the process.
And, most astonishingly, she had refused a Chaos Pill Master who wanted to take her as his personal disciple.
The news spread from one group to another.
Some alchemists immediately sent messages to their sects.
Others hurried to inform their families.
A few were already discussing the pill’s extraordinary medicinal properties and the implications of witnessing such a rare event.
Before long, the name Lin Ruyan was being carried beyond the gathering grounds.
It would travel through cities, sects, and ancient families.
And eventually, it would reach forces far beyond the Canglan Continent.
Gu Chenxiao stood quietly, watching the departing crowd.
He understood better than most what this achievement meant.
A Rank 6 Ancient Grade pill with nine pill veins was already extraordinary.
But a sixteen-year-old capable of refining one?
That was the kind of news that could shake the alchemy world.
His gaze moved toward the direction in which the Lin Clan delegation had departed.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Lin Ruyan..."
He looked toward the distant horizon.
"This name won’t remain confined to the Canglan Continent for long."
And as the last guests departed, the first ripples of Lin Ruyan’s achievement began spreading across the wider cultivation world.
End of Chapter 71