Myth Beyond Heaven

Chapter 2367: Infiltrate (1)

As Yun Lintian’s group drew closer to the heart of the Xuanming Mountains, the air crackled with the potent energy of countless alchemical experiments and potent elixirs. The very essence of the mountains seemed imbued with the pursuit of knowledge and power.

Yun Lintian turned to Gong Yuxiao and Zhu Jinxiu, their features now subtly altered, their auras veiled beneath the masterful disguise.

“Remember,” he instructed, his voice firm yet gentle, “we’re here to gather information, not to cause a scene. You two will be my maidservants, keeping a low profile and observing everything. I’ll handle the interactions with the alchemists.”

The women nodded, their eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and anxiety. They had never ventured into the heart of True God Xuanming’s domain before, and the air thrummed with an undercurrent of danger.

Yun Lintian led the way, his confident stride masking the tension that simmered beneath the surface. They emerged from the valley, their path winding through a maze of mountain trails and hidden paths. Finally, they reached the grand entrance of the Alchemist Association’s headquarters.

The gates, towering and ornate, were guarded by stern-faced cultivators clad in the association’s emblem. Yun Lintian approached them with a polite bow.

“Greetings, esteemed guards,” he began, his voice carrying a hint of practiced humility. “I am a humble alchemist seeking employment within the association. May I request an audience with the recruitment officer?”

The guards scrutinized him, their eyes lingering on his disguised features and the two women who stood respectfully behind him. After a moment, one of them nodded.

“Very well,” he said gruffly. “Follow me.”

They were led through a series of grand halls and ornate courtyards, each one showcasing the association’s wealth and power. The air buzzed with the whispers of alchemists discussing their latest concoctions and the clinking of vials filled with exotic ingredients.

Yun Lintian’s keen ears picked up snippets of conversations, his mind piecing together the complex workings of this organization.

Finally, they reached a spacious chamber where a stern-looking alchemist sat behind a polished desk. He glanced up as they entered, his eyes sharp and discerning.

“State your purpose,” he said without preamble.

Yun Lintian stepped forward, his demeanor calm and collected. “Esteemed alchemist, I am a wandering cultivator with a passion for the alchemical arts. I have heard tales of True God Xuanming’s renowned association and seek to contribute my skills to its noble cause.”

The alchemist raised an eyebrow. “And what skills do you possess, exactly?”

“I have a modest understanding of various alchemical techniques and possess a keen eye for identifying rare ingredients,” Yun Lintian replied. “I am also a quick learner and eager to expand my knowledge under the guidance of the association’s esteemed members.”

The alchemist remained unimpressed. “Words are cheap,” he said. “Show me what you can do.”

He gestured towards a nearby table laden with alchemical equipment and a variety of ingredients. “Refine a pill using these materials. Let me see your proficiency.”

Yun Lintian’s lips curled into a subtle smile. He stepped forward and surveyed the ingredients, his mind already formulating a plan. As he began the process of refining the pill, his movements were fluid and precise, each action imbued with a deep understanding of the alchemical arts.

Unbeknownst to the alchemist, Yun Lintian’s spiritual sense was also at work, extending far beyond the confines of the chamber. It swept through the palace complex, penetrating walls and barriers, searching for any trace of Master Bai and Yang Chen.

He encountered numerous alchemical laboratories, storage rooms filled with rare herbs, and even training grounds where aspiring alchemists honed their skills.

But as his spiritual sense probed deeper into the complex, he encountered an invisible barrier, a powerful ward that blocked his perception. It emanated from a secluded wing of the palace, heavily guarded and shrouded in secrecy.

Yun Lintian frowned slightly. He knew he had found the secret dungeon.

He continued refining the pill, his focus unwavering. The ingredients melted and fused, their essence transforming under his skillful manipulation. The air filled with the fragrant aroma of the concoction, its potency evident even in its nascent state.

Finally, with a flourish, Yun Lintian completed the pill. It hovered above his palm, a perfect sphere of radiant energy. The alchemist’s eyes widened in surprise. He had not expected such skill from a wandering cultivator.

“Impressive,” he admitted grudgingly. “You have some talent, I’ll give you that.”

He paused, his gaze sharpening. “But talent alone is not enough. The association demands loyalty and dedication. Are you willing to serve True God Xuanming without question?”

Yun Lintian bowed his head respectfully. “It would be my honor to serve such a revered figure.”

The alchemist nodded. “Very well. You are accepted into the Alchemist Association. You will start as an apprentice and work your way up the ranks. Remember, your performance will determine your future within the association.”

“Understood,” Yun Lintian responded with a serious expression.

The alchemist then handed Yun Lintian an identity token, engraved with the symbol of the Alchemist Association. “This will grant you access to the various facilities within the headquarters. You and your companions will be assigned quarters in the apprentice wing. Report to the Alchemy Hall tomorrow morning for your first assignment.”

Yun Lintian accepted the token with a grateful nod. “Thank you, esteemed alchemist.”

He turned to Gong Yuxiao and Zhu Jinxiu, a subtle smile playing on his lips. “Let’s go.” The two women followed him out of the chamber, their hearts filled with a mixture of relief and anticipation. They had successfully infiltrated the Alchemist Association, and their quest to rescue Ouyang Feng was one step closer to fruition.

They were led to the apprentice wing, a sprawling complex of modest dwellings nestled amidst lush gardens. Each apprentice was assigned a small but comfortable room, equipped with basic alchemical tools and a modest supply of ingredients. Yun Lintian’s quarters were slightly larger, befitting his supposed status as a skilled alchemist.

As they settled into their new surroundings, Yun Lintian briefed the women on his plan. “Tomorrow, I’ll be assigned to the Alchemy Hall. That’s where most of the alchemists work on their concoctions. It’s also the most likely place for us to gather information about the

secret dungeon.”

Gong Yuxiao and Zhu Jinxiu listened intently, their eyes fixed on Yun Lintian’s face.

“You two will remain here for now,” he continued. “Stay alert and observe everything. If you notice anything suspicious, report back to me immediately.”

The women nodded, their expressions serious. They understood the importance of their mission and were determined to play their part.