Chapter 7 Part 2

Xie Linlang nodded slightly. “Turn to the appendix at the back. It records the manifestations of various materials whose origins can’t be probed. The higher the grade, the more spiritual they are, naturally disguising themselves…”

He explained in detail the grades of materials, their spirituality, techniques for distinguishing authenticity, and more. Finally, he said, “After eliminating all other possibilities, I can only conclude that your Jade Pendant is a disguised form of supreme-grade material. Once refined with specific methods, it will reveal its true nature.”

Shen He was somewhat surprised but quickly thought of something.

“Shizun, if this Jade Pendant is truly supreme material, then take it and use it.”

Xie Linlang was astonished. “Do you know what you’re saying? This is the only thing your father left you to recognize each other by.”

Shen He replied, “Grandpa and I have depended on each other for so many years, and no parents have ever come looking. Compared to future blood relatives, I value the present more. I only know that with Shizun’s help, my cultivation path will be smooth, Grandpa can enjoy his old age and pass peacefully. That’s enough.”

Taking a step back, karma and karmic obstacles were profound mysteries. Handing such a precious item to the Shizun in the Jade Pendant—if Shizun didn’t want to be settled by Heavenly Tribulation, he would treat him well, right?

Xie Linlang was silent for a long time before letting out a sigh.

“…You’re a smart, good child. It’s a pity you were born with a Demonic Root. If you could join an immortal path sect, you would surely become Heaven’s Proud Child.”

Shen He was already content.

He had sold steamed cakes with his grandpa, which was far better than those homeless wanderers and beggars. Self-awareness was a virtue.

He smiled and said, “What’s Heaven’s Proud Child to me? Becoming Shizun’s disciple at this moment is already my fortune from three lifetimes.”

Xie Linlang’s heart trembled slightly upon hearing this.

That year, he and his senior brother were mutually in love. His senior brother had joyfully flown his sword everywhere in the sect.

Xie Linlang still remembered Pei Ji holding him, his laughter clear and bright, his chest vibrating as that inexpressible joy flowed into Xie Linlang’s heart, turning into a bottomless pool of sweet nectar.

Pei Ji had laughed while wishing he could tell everyone, “How fortunate I, Pei Ji, am to have met Linlang across three lifetimes.”

…

Xie Linlang asked Shen He persistently, “When you drew in the first strand of Demonic Qi, did you really not think of anything?”

Was Shen He truly Pei Ji’s reincarnation?

Shen He was baffled. “Uh, I was thinking that once I drew in Demonic Qi, I wouldn’t be hungry anymore and could save Grandpa a meal’s worth of money?”

Xie Linlang was helpless. “Forget it. We’ll talk after Core Formation.”

The Dao began at the Golden Core. Perhaps once Shen He formed his Demonic Core, he would remember something.

Shen He worked in the Pill Room for five straight days, and everything went smoothly afterward.

Seeing that Shen He was somewhat capable, Hong Kui examined him after finishing pill refining that day and tossed him a Waste Pill.

Shen He was stunned and quickly thanked him. “Many thanks, Senior Brother Hong.”

Low-grade pill refiners like Hong Kui always had some scrap rate in their pills. Menial disciples could generally take the unwanted scraps to sell or study themselves.

As a newbie, Shen He theoretically wasn’t entitled to handle Waste Pills yet.

After getting the Waste Pill, Shen He proactively discussed it with the two menial disciple Senior Brothers, asking them to sell it on his behalf. He only took one-third of the Demonic Stones, essentially giving away his first earnings.

The two Senior Brothers’ expressions immediately softened.

Considering that Senior Brother Hong giving the Waste Pill to Shen He was indirect recognition—and Shen He had been humble and easygoing these days—one of them said, “It’s not that we’re taking advantage of you. You just arrived and don’t know the tempers of the Senior Brothers and Sisters in other Pill Rooms. If you offend them, it’ll drag us down too.”

Shen He said, “Please take care of me in the future, Senior Brothers.”

The other menial disciple began explaining the entire Pill Room’s layout, structure, and some fixtures.

“…For example, the Tianzi Courtyard at the very front—don’t go there. Lin Shibo’s Medicine People are all there. Further ahead are the Pill Rooms used by the sect’s great seniors, where even the lowest-grade Pill Furnaces are Heaven Grade. Not to mention our sect has a Supreme Magic Furnace that no other demonic sect possesses.”

Shen He listened attentively when Xie Linlang suddenly said, “Find a way to see that Supreme Magic Furnace. If we can use it, we’ll need to scheme something…”

Shen He was scared out of his wits. “You want to steal that Magic Furnace?”

“With your current cultivation, you couldn’t hide it even if you stole it.”

“You really thought about stealing it!”

“Shut up!” Xie Linlang was first speechless, then serious. “You need to find a way to become a disciple under the owner of that Supreme Magic Furnace so you can borrow it openly.”

Shen He breathed a sigh of relief and got serious too.

“Disciple obeys.”