Chapter 49: Undercurrents within the Sect

“That’s only natural,” Chu Xing nodded. Mu Wanqing’s question struck right at the heart of the matter. After three years since joining the sect, he had heard the names of other nearby sects but never one renowned for alchemy. It seemed the entire lifeblood of alchemy in the Northern Star Domain was solely controlled by the Xuanxing Pavilion.

A distant longing flickered in Mu Wanqing’s eyes as she spoke softly, “This is what I heard from my master. The founder of Xuanxing Pavilion was a legendary figure who excelled in both martial arts and alchemy. Ancient sect records describe him as a top-tier alchemist of the Celestial Rank, and his martial prowess was unparalleled throughout the entire empire.”

Her voice unconsciously carried a hint of regret. “But later, he disappeared. Some say he transcended the limits of both martial and alchemical arts and shattered the void to leave this world. Others say he perished long ago. No one knows for sure.”

The grass and trees along the path swayed gently in the breeze, and the atmosphere grew somewhat heavy.

“Because the founder cultivated both paths, the sect divided into two factions from its inception.”

Mu Wanqing seemed haunted by that history. “One faction revered alchemy above all, while the other upheld martial arts as supreme. Thirty years ago, the conflict between them escalated into a civil war with heavy casualties... My master said that during that time, an elder of the Alchemy Hall went mad from his obsession, causing a catastrophe of immense proportions.”

“And then?” Chu Xing pressed.

“That internal conflict ended with both sides severely weakened; the previous generation of powerful figures nearly wiped out.”

Respect tinged Mu Wanqing’s tone. “The current Pavilion Master is one of the few elders who survived that disaster. After becoming master, he reformed the sect, establishing the rule of coexistence between alchemy and martial arts, preserving the Alchemy Hall and ensuring the continuation of the martial lineage.”

A turbulent wave rose in Chu Xing’s heart. Beneath the seemingly calm and powerful sect lay such a bloody past.

The conflict between alchemy and martial arts... He recalled the sparring on the training grounds between Elder Feng of the Law Hall and Elder Fu of the Alchemy Hall. Perhaps their confrontations were not mere disputes but a continuation of the sect’s decades-long ideological struggle.

“Pavilion Master...” Chu Xing remembered the unseen voice issuing orders on the training grounds and couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of person is he?”

This mysterious Pavilion Master had survived such a brutal internal strife and taken command; his mind and methods must be fearsomely formidable.

“I’m not very sure either,” Mu Wanqing shook her head. “The Pavilion Master lives reclusively and seldom appears. It was only by his invitation that my master joined Xuanxing Pavilion.”

Her voice softened noticeably. “I was an orphan from a young age. It was my master who found me, brought me to the sect, and raised me with great care. To me, he is both teacher and father. That’s why I was admitted into the sect by special exception.”

Chu Xing nodded thoughtfully, his respect for the never-before-met Elder Fu deepening.

Suddenly recalling something, he looked at Mu Wanqing and asked, “Senior Sister, I always thought alchemists focused solely on alchemy and were not skilled fighters. Yet your strength surpasses many inner disciples who specialize in martial arts. Why is that?”

---

Hearing this, Mu Wanqing stopped and turned to look at him seriously.

“Who told you alchemists don’t cultivate martial arts? On the contrary, strong martial cultivation is the foundation for becoming a top alchemist. The stronger you are, the more precise your control over your spiritual energy, and the more powerful your soul force becomes. Only then can you master the alchemical fire and refine the medicinal power.”

She extended her delicate hand, and a flicker of pale purple flame danced on her fingertips. “For me, every carefully refined pill is itself a form of cultivation.”

Her confident and focused expression captivated Chu Xing for a moment.

Noticing his gaze, Mu Wanqing’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly extinguished the flame, turning away a bit flustered to continue leading the way.

Their questions and answers brought them to a deeper part of the Alchemy Hall.

The intoxicating scent of herbs gradually faded, replaced by a strange mix of burnt and pungent medicinal odors.

Mu Wanqing stopped before a huge stone chamber.

The heavy stone door was tightly shut, and in front stood a half-human-height stone tablet inscribed in cinnabar with three ancient characters: “Discarded Alchemy Room.”

“We’re here.”

Mu Wanqing took an ancient bronze key from her waist and handed it to Chu Xing.

“This room never sees sunlight and smells strange and mixed. Be careful and don’t stay inside too long.”

She paused, then added, “Steward Sun managed to secure you eight contribution points per day. That’s considered quite generous for an inner disciple. The work is tough but the reward is decent.”

Chu Xing accepted the still-warm key, nodding solemnly. “Understood. Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister.”

“Go on in and get familiar with the place,” Mu Wanqing said without further ado, motioning for him to open the door.

Following her instructions, Chu Xing stepped forward, grasped the bronze key, and slowly infused a trace of spiritual energy into it.

The key trembled slightly and resonated with the stone door. A low hum echoed from inside, followed by the grinding sound of the heavy door slowly opening inward.

A faint fragrance, mingled with the residue of hundreds of spiritual herbs, wafted out. This scent was intertwined with the conflicting energies and the mixed odors of failed alchemical concoctions.

---

The space beyond the stone door was far larger than he had imagined, like a hollowed-out mountain interior. It was divided into more than a dozen sections. Most areas had waste piled neatly, clearly tended to regularly.

However, the moment Chu Xing stepped inside, the Devouring Source Pearl in his dantian emitted a wave of ravenous desire!

If the rotting herbs of Baicao Valley were mere scraps, then every handful of waste here was a feast long dreamed of by the Pearl!

Chu Xing suppressed his excitement, maintaining a composed expression while his heart blossomed with joy.

Mu Wanqing followed him in and pointed to a furnace radiating intense heat in the distance, explaining, “See that Earth Core Fire Furnace? Most newly delivered waste, after sorting, is eventually burned there. Your daily task will be to classify and transport new waste.”

She seemed a little reluctant and softly asked, “This job is dirty and exhausting. Are you sure you want to do it? I can ask Master to arrange another task for you—being a steward in the herbal garden, for example.”

Chu Xing felt warmth fill his heart but smiled and shook his head.

“Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister. Since I have eight contribution points, I should earn them. I just entered the inner sect and need contribution points to exchange for resources. This is perfect.”

What a joke! Others saw a waste storage, but to him, it was a treasure trove! His heart rejoiced, though his face remained earnest.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing,” Mu Wanqing said, seeing his resolve and ceasing to persuade further.

Just as she finished speaking, a cheerful voice came from nearby.

“Senior Sister Mu really cares about the newcomers.”

They saw Pei Linfeng approaching, leading two disciples and carrying a half-human-high bronze chest. Sweat gleamed on his temple—it seemed he had just finished refining a batch of pills and was coming to dispose of the waste.