One Step Into the Town

The moment the three of them left the small courtyard, the alchemy students working outside all turned to look. One of them curiously asked where Phong Van Tu was going. Without slowing his steps, the old man casually replied that he was heading to ask the Headmaster for permission to send a few of them to the Western Wastes to suffer for a while.

The entire Medicine Hall immediately fell silent.

One alchemy student holding a tray of medicinal herbs nearly let it slip from his hands and hurriedly asked,

“Can we choose not to go?”

Phong Van Tu kept walking, his voice drifting back from ahead.

“No one has been chosen yet. But the one who just asked will certainly receive priority consideration.”

The disciple immediately covered his mouth, while several others nearby could not help bursting into laughter.

Tieu Lan walked beside Hao Nhien, still holding his hand, unable to hide the happiness in her eyes.

“Young Master, Master agreed.”

“He only agreed in principle to propose a survey.” Hao Nhien reminded her, though the corner of his mouth also curved slightly. “Even so, that is already the first step.”

Tieu Lan nodded softly.

Ahead of them, the Headmaster’s hall stood among layers of white clouds. Hao Nhien knew Elder Bai had probably arrived there first with the resource-exchange list worth eight hundred and thirty thousand mission points. Now Phong Van Tu was bringing another proposal involving manpower and Medicine Peak. The two matters appeared different on the surface, but both ultimately pointed toward Hoa Van.

Phong Van Tu had already accepted the invitation in principle.

What remained was to see how Van Du Tu viewed the matter.

The central hall of the Free Roaming Sect stood atop a tall mountain peak, with jade-stone steps extending from the plaza all the way to the entrance. On both sides rose stone pillars carved with drifting clouds and sword silhouettes, giving off a faint spiritual glow beneath the sunlight.

The three had only just reached the entrance when Elder Bai’s voice came from inside.

“Eight hundred and thirty thousand mission points are not a major problem for the sect, but he wants to exchange everything at once, from medicinal ingredients, formation plates, communication talismans, and storage rings to five sets of basic cultivation manuals. Sitting across from him, this old man felt as though I was handling a supply requisition for an entire branch hall rather than processing a disciple’s reward exchange.”

Van Du Tu’s voice came from within, still calm.

“You came here only to complain to me?”

“Of course not,” Elder Bai immediately replied. “This old man simply wants the Headmaster to understand everything beforehand. Once these supplies leave the sect, if any problem arises later, do not let the Mission Hall bear responsibility alone.”

Standing outside the door, Phong Van Tu heard this and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

“It seems Elder Bai is not distressed over the supplies. He simply wants the Headmaster to sign alongside him.”

A disciple guarding the hall stepped out and bowed.

“Elder Phong, Senior Brother Quan, Senior Sister Tieu Lan, the Headmaster invites the three of you inside.”

The great doors slowly opened.

Inside, luminous pearls floated high overhead, casting soft white light across the stone floor. Van Du Tu sat in the main seat, dressed in broad white robes, his silver hair tied neatly with a simple wooden hairpin. His face looked no older than that of a man in his forties, but his eyes were so deep and still that it was impossible to guess how many years they had seen.

Elder Bai stood beside a jade table. Hao Nhien’s list rested on its surface, with the final total of eight hundred and thirty thousand mission points clearly displayed at the bottom.

The three walked to the center of the hall and bowed together.

Van Du Tu raised a hand.

“There is no need for excessive ceremony.”

His gaze settled on Hao Nhien. A very faint thread of Divine Sense passed over the surface of Hao Nhien’s body before quickly withdrawing.

“Foundation Establishment layer four. It seems this trip to the Western Wastes brought back more than military merit.”

Hao Nhien lowered his head.

“This disciple encountered several opportunities.”

Elder Bai immediately turned toward him.

“Headmaster, there is no need to ask too deeply. Every time he says ‘several opportunities,’ what follows usually gives other people a great deal to think about.”

Hao Nhien looked slightly helpless.

“Elder Bai can rest assured. This disciple is not here to exchange for more items.”

Elder Bai nodded very quickly.

“That is good.”

Tieu Lan could not help covering her mouth as she laughed.

Van Du Tu glanced at the two of them before returning his attention to the list on the table.

“Your military merit is legitimate, the conversion ratio follows the frontier mission regulations, and every item you selected falls within the permitted exchange range. In principle, there is no problem.”

Hao Nhien cupped his hands.

“This disciple intends to use all of it for Hoa Van.”

“I know.”

Van Du Tu raised a hand, and the list floated from the table into the air at the center of the hall.

“For the Free Roaming Sect, eight hundred and thirty thousand mission points are not something worth debating for too long. What matters is what you intend to turn these resources into and whether they will produce anything after being used.”

Standing beside him, Elder Bai stroked his beard.

“This old man already said the stores are not lacking. It is simply that too many different categories are being released at once. If there is a problem later, it must be clearly recorded that this was the Headmaster’s decision as well.”

Van Du Tu glanced at him.

“Fine. I will bear it with you.”

Elder Bai immediately looked much more satisfied.

Phong Van Tu smiled faintly.

Van Du Tu ignored them and continued.

“This list will be divided into three batches. The first batch will prioritize resources directly tied to survival and daily operation, such as essential medicinal ingredients, treatment supplies, communication talismans, warning formation plates, and equipment for establishing proper storage. Medicinal ingredients that are difficult to preserve will only be released once Hoa Van confirms that suitable storage facilities are ready. Storage rings, cultivation manuals, and resources intended for long-term expansion can be issued according to progress.”

Hao Nhien nodded.

“This disciple understands.”

Van Du Tu’s gaze shifted toward the cultivation manuals.

“The five basic Five-Element cultivation manuals can be issued, but the jade slips must have restrictions on copying. Every learner must be registered. The manuals may not be sold, nor may they be transmitted to forces outside Hoa Van. Elder Bai and the Internal Affairs Hall can handle the details.”

Elder Bai immediately cupped his hands.

“Understood.”

Van Du Tu looked at Hao Nhien.

“I do not need you to prove that you have enough points. What I want to see is whether, after one year, these resources have turned into a better Medicine Garden, a more stable transport route, and several dozen people capable of sustaining themselves. If you can do that, eight hundred and thirty thousand points will be very cheap. If you cannot, then even eighty thousand would be a waste.”

Hao Nhien remained silent for a moment before cupping his hands seriously.

“This disciple understands.”

Van Du Tu nodded, as though the matter of resources had been sufficiently addressed.

“Elder Bai will handle the exchange according to those principles. Phong Van Tu, you did not bring people here just to drink tea.”

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Phong Van Tu looked down at the teapot still in his hand and calmly set it on a nearby table.

“The tea was indeed made by Tieu Lan, but that is not why I came.”

Elder Bai looked at the teapot.

“Pour me a cup later.”

Van Du Tu rubbed his forehead lightly.

“Official matters first.”

Only then did Phong Van Tu put away his casual expression. He stepped forward and cupped his hands.

“I want permission to lead a small group from Medicine Peak to Hoa Van for a one-month field survey.”

Van Du Tu frowned slightly.

“Your idea? Why?”

Phong Van Tu replied,

“Hoa Van has medicinal resources from the Western Wastes, genuine treatment needs, and an environment completely different from the sect. Most alchemy students at Medicine Peak train under stable conditions. They have teachers nearby, sufficient ingredients, and if they fail, at worst they lose one batch. Outside the sect, a medicinal herb may be missing, the water source may change, the temperature may be different, and a real injury will not wait patiently while someone reads through an alchemy text.”

He looked toward Tieu Lan before continuing.

“If they only study in the mountains, many of them may memorize hundreds of formulas yet still have no idea what to prioritize when a person stands in front of them with his abdomen torn open by a yao beast. I want Medicine Peak’s students to have a chance to see those situations.”

Van Du Tu narrowed his eyes slightly.

“You consider Hoa Van a place for practical training.”

“Yes, but not only that. If Hoa Van truly develops into a connection point between the Eastern Plains and Western Wastes, Medicine Peak will benefit from going early. We will have a chance to understand the medicinal resources, illnesses, injuries, and refining conditions there before others do.”

Van Du Tu tapped a finger lightly against the armrest.

“The danger?”

Phong Van Tu did not avoid the question.

“There is danger. That is why participation must be voluntary, alchemy students will not take part in combat, anyone leaving the settlement to gather medicinal ingredients must have an escort, and Hoa Van must provide a separate treatment and medicine-refining area together with a withdrawal route toward Tam Thành.”

Van Du Tu turned toward Hao Nhien.

“Can you provide that?”

Hao Nhien stepped forward.

“This disciple cannot claim that the Western Wastes are absolutely safe, but I can guarantee that Medicine Peak personnel will not be casually pushed toward the front lines. Hoa Van will provide a separate area, protective formations, patrols, and a withdrawal route. Any mission outside the settlement will be voluntary and must have an appropriate escort team.”

Van Du Tu showed no immediate reaction. After a moment, he asked,

“Are those reasons alone enough to make you want to go personally?”

Phong Van Tu shook his head.

“Not quite.”

Hao Nhien understood. He took out a jade box but did not open it immediately. Instead, he looked toward Van Du Tu and briefly glanced at the doors of the hall.

Van Du Tu understood at once. He waved a hand, and the great doors slowly closed. At the same time, the cloud-and-sword formation patterns carved across the floor and stone pillars lit up. An invisible restriction covered the entire hall.

“Nothing said from this moment onward is to leave this room.”

Elder Bai and Phong Van Tu both nodded slightly.

Hao Nhien placed the jade box on the table.

“This is one of the results Tieu Lan and this disciple achieved in Hoa Van.”

Van Du Tu extended a hand, and the jade box flew into his palm. When the three layers of seals were removed, the calmness in his eyes immediately deepened.

His Divine Sense swept over the pill very slowly.

After a while, Van Du Tu spoke.

“A supreme-grade Body-Stabilizing Pill.”

Standing nearby, Elder Bai immediately leaned over to look inside the box, his expression changing rapidly.

“It really is supreme grade?”

Phong Van Tu answered,

“I checked it several times.”

Elder Bai examined it for a while with Divine Sense before slowly stroking his beard.

“The pill pattern circulates on its own, the medicinal qi does not disperse, and impurities are almost impossible to sense. There is no mistake.”

Van Du Tu looked at Hao Nhien and Tieu Lan.

“You refined this?”

Hao Nhien cupped his hands.

“Yes.”

Tieu Lan nodded as well.

Standing beside them, Phong Van Tu could not hide a trace of satisfaction.

“Not just this one. Before this, they also refined a supreme-grade Qi-Recovery Pill and a supreme-grade Mystic Yang Pill. The Mystic Yang Pill is currently being held by Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.”

Elder Bai fell silent for a moment before turning toward Hao Nhien.

“When you went to the Western Wastes, were you completing missions or opening an Alchemy Room?”

Hao Nhien looked helpless.

“A little of both.”

Van Du Tu did not laugh. He continued studying the pill in the box before asking,

“Can you reproduce those three supreme-grade pills?”

“Not yet.”

Hao Nhien answered directly.

“That is also not our immediate goal.”

Van Du Tu looked up.

Hao Nhien continued.

“Supreme grade only proves that the method has potential. What this disciple truly wants is to build a system capable of providing mid-grade and high-grade pills with stable quality over a long period. If Hoa Van can do that, merchants will have a reason to come, independent cultivators will have a reason to stay, and others will dare to open shops, build warehouses, and invest there.”

Van Du Tu nodded almost imperceptibly.

“Then what is your method?”

Phong Van Tu and Elder Bai both looked at Hao Nhien.

He spoke slowly.

“We temporarily call this direction Wind-Fire Medicine Refining. At present, it is still only an experimental medicine-refining method, not a complete alchemy system.”

Hao Nhien did not go into the deeper techniques used inside the cauldron. He only explained the core principle. Medicinal ingredients were divided into stages, from selection and preprocessing to refinement, impurity removal, and preparation before fusion. Any steps that could be recorded, inspected, and standardized were separated, while stages requiring stronger Divine Sense, precise fire control, or responses to unexpected changes remained under the responsibility of someone capable enough to lead the cauldron.

“This method has already produced practical results. We did not merely refine supreme-grade pills. The proportion of mid-grade and high-grade pills has also become more stable, and variation between batches has clearly decreased. The problem is no longer whether the method can produce good pills. The problem is that the two of us cannot personally process enough volume to sustain a large supply.”

Van Du Tu listened in silence.

Hao Nhien continued.

“That is why this disciple’s plan is not to deliberately chase supreme grade. Supreme-grade pills are too rare and cannot become the foundation of an entire market. What Hoa Van truly needs is a large supply of good, consistent pills, where the medicinal power of pills of the same type does not vary too greatly and where supply can be maintained steadily over time.”

He looked toward Phong Van Tu before continuing.

“To do that, we need people. Those skilled at identifying medicinal ingredients can handle selection and preprocessing. Those with strong fire control can focus on refinement. Those who understand medicinal properties can handle proportions and final quality checks. The most difficult stages will still be handled by people capable of leading the cauldron. When each person focuses on what they are best at, production can increase without dragging quality down.”

Hao Nhien paused before concluding.

“So what this disciple wants to build is not an Alchemy Room that waits for supreme-grade pills to appear. I want a system that can continuously produce stable mid-grade and high-grade pills. Supreme grade only proves how far this path may go. Manpower is what determines how quickly and how far Hoa Van can grow.”

Elder Bai raised an eyebrow slightly.

Phong Van Tu had already heard most of this before, but hearing Hao Nhien explain it again in front of the Headmaster, he still nodded slowly.

Van Du Tu looked at the resource list on the table, then at the jade box in his hand.

“So you requested medicinal ingredients and basic cultivation manuals, while Phong Van Tu wants to bring alchemy students to Hoa Van. These two matters are actually one and the same.”

Hao Nhien answered,

“Correct.”

“You want to use Hoa Van to test whether a method can transform individual ability into the capability of a group.”

Hao Nhien nodded.

“That is what this disciple wants to try.”

The great hall fell silent for a while.

Van Du Tu did not immediately focus on smaller risks, nor did he ask whether Hao Nhien was certain he would succeed. He simply closed his eyes briefly before speaking.

“I have seen many disciples with ideas. Most never act on them. Some take a few steps and then abandon them. Only a very small number are willing to bring other people into the attempt.”

Hao Nhien remained silent.

Van Du Tu opened his eyes.

“Success would naturally be good. But even if you fail, as long as you record why you failed, which conditions were unsuitable, which stages could not be separated, and what kind of person was suitable for what kind of work, the experience will still remain.”

He looked toward Phong Van Tu.

“If the alchemy students of Medicine Peak remain in the mountains refining formulas that have already been perfected, they learn how to do things correctly. If they go to Hoa Van and participate in something whose result no one can guarantee, they may also learn how to discover what is wrong.”

Phong Van Tu nodded slowly.

Van Du Tu looked back at Hao Nhien.

“Someone willing to begin something that has never been done can sometimes be more valuable than a perfect plan. Plans can be revised, and failures can become lessons, but if no one is willing to take the first step, then every idea remains only on paper.”

The words made Hao Nhien pause.

They reminded him of Lieu Thien Van, though Van Du Tu’s perspective seemed broader. Lieu Thien Van viewed Hoa Van from the standpoint of the front lines, while Van Du Tu seemed to see value in the experimental process itself.

Van Du Tu placed the jade box down.

“I approve the one-month survey mission.”

Phong Van Tu cupped his hands.

“Thank you, Headmaster.”

“You will lead the team. One experienced medicinal practitioner, one logistics steward, and no more than five volunteer alchemy students. Everyone must be clearly informed of the dangers before making a decision. The journey will count as a long-term sect mission and will receive mission points and material support.”

He paused briefly before adding,

“But remember one thing. The Free Roaming Sect sending people to conduct a survey does not mean Hoa Van becomes Free Roaming Sect territory. Medicine Peak personnel there will still follow sect rules, while also obeying Hoa Van’s local regulations. Any results jointly researched by both sides must have usage rights clearly defined before the work begins, so no one turns against the other later because of profit.”

Hao Nhien immediately cupped his hands.

“This disciple agrees.”

Phong Van Tu nodded as well.

“I have no intention of turning Hoa Van into a branch peak of Medicine Peak.”

Van Du Tu nodded slightly.

“If the results after one month are worth continuing, then we can discuss extending the mission to three months or increasing the number of people.”

Phong Van Tu replied,

“Understood.”

Elder Bai stroked his beard.

“So the Mission Hall will have to create another long-term mission.”

Hao Nhien looked toward him.

“The military merit for the resource list has not been deducted yet.”

Elder Bai immediately turned his head.

“Of course it has not. The Headmaster has only approved the principle. The resources still have to be divided into three batches. This old man cannot simply deduct eighty-three thousand military merit all at once.”

Hao Nhien nodded.

“That is good.”

Elder Bai’s eyelid twitched slightly.

“What are you calculating now?”

“This disciple only wanted to know whether the remaining portion could be used for something else.”

Elder Bai immediately waved a hand.

“That can wait. This old man does not want to hear anything more about it today.”

Phong Van Tu finally poured him a cup of tea.

The atmosphere in the great hall lightened somewhat.

But Hao Nhien knew there was still one matter that could not be postponed.

He stepped forward.

“Headmaster, this disciple has one more matter concerning Heavenly Eye.”

The faint smile on Van Du Tu’s face disappeared immediately.

“Speak.”

Hao Nhien did not recount every battle in the Western Wastes. Instead, he selected only the points that troubled him most.

Duong Long had hidden within the Fire Qilin Clan for many years without being discovered. The ambushers had used genuine Tam Thành tokens, while several other traces led toward people connected to the Mystic Heaven Sect. None of those incidents alone was enough to prove anything, but taken together, they suggested that Heavenly Eye might have planted people at multiple levels long ago.

What concerned Hao Nhien even more was that the Yin Soul Sect had also appeared in the Western Wastes, secretly gathering corpse qi and resentment from the ancient battlefield. He had no evidence that the two sides belonged to the same force, nor did he want to reach a conclusion based on a few similarities. But the fact that several hands were moving in the shadows at the same time meant he could no longer treat any sect, family, or city as absolutely safe.

“This disciple does not know whether the Free Roaming Sect contains people from Heavenly Eye.” Hao Nhien looked directly at Van Du Tu. “But if they could prepare for years inside the Fire Qilin Clan and place genuine Tam Thành tokens in the hands of ambushers, then we cannot dismiss the possibility that they have already attempted to infiltrate powers within the Eastern Plains.”

The great hall became completely silent.

Van Du Tu did not immediately ask another question. The finger resting on his armrest slowly stopped moving, while his previously calm gaze became far deeper.