Chapter Fourteen: Caution in the Valley of a Hundred Herbs

In the southern part of Yun Prefecture, about a hundred miles east of Qingshi Town, lies a valley perpetually enveloped in the fragrance of medicinal herbs, known as "Herb Valley."

This valley is no sacred land, and its spiritual vein is merely an inconspicuous third-grade low-quality vein. Yet, within a thousand miles around, no one dares to underestimate it. This is because Herb Valley is a sect established on the foundation of alchemy.

Their pills, especially the commonly used ones for lower-ranked cultivators like Qi Recovery Pills and Heart-Cleansing Pills, nearly monopolize the supply across more than a dozen nearby towns and markets. Pills produced in Herb Valley are renowned for their stable medicinal efficacy and minimal toxicity, making them the most trusted brand among roaming cultivators. Naturally, Qingshi Town is one of their most important markets.

However, in recent years, the steward dispatched by Herb Valley to Qingshi Town has been facing increasingly difficult days.

Inside the back room of the Herb Valley Pill Shop, Qian Dehai, a slightly stout middle-aged cultivator, frowned deeply as he stared at a communication jade slip. On it was a stern inquiry from the valley elders, questioning why the sales of their pills in Qingshi Town, especially the Qi Recovery Pills, had declined by more than thirty percent each year for the past three years.

"Sigh…" Qian Dehai sighed heavily.

What could he do? He was equally desperate.

Three years ago, the town's garrison suddenly began to "internally supply" a certain pill. At first, he paid no attention, thinking it normal for the garrison to provide some benefits. But gradually, he realized something was amiss. The wealthiest late Foundation Establishment cultivators in town nearly stopped coming to his shop to buy high-grade Qi Recovery Pills.

After immense effort and great expense, he managed to obtain a "special supply Qi Recovery Pill" leaked from the garrison through a familiar cultivator.

When he saw that pill, Qian Dehai, who had been immersed in pills his entire life, was stunned.

Its flawless appearance, the radiant treasure light within, the refreshing medicinal aroma devoid of any scorching heat… He was reluctant to consume it, merely scraping off a bit of powder to taste, and the pure, gentle medicinal power left him feeling utterly comfortable.

He immediately realized this was not a mere commodity but a work of art, a treasure capable of turning the tide of battle and saving lives!

From that moment, he knew Herb Valley's Qi Recovery Pills had been utterly defeated in Qingshi Town’s high-end market, utterly powerless to retaliate.

He reported the situation truthfully, but the valley elders initially did not believe him, thinking he exaggerated to excuse his negligence. Only when he sent back the pill he had purchased at great cost did Herb Valley truly erupt in turmoil.

In the grand hall of Herb Valley, the valley master, Sun Baicao, a mid-stage Golden Core alchemist with white hair and a gaunt face, solemnly examined the perfect Qi Recovery Pill floating before him. Surrounding him were the core elders of the valley, each face etched with shock and disbelief.

"Perfect quality… I have studied alchemy for over three hundred years and have only seen such descriptions in ancient texts. Seeing the real thing today, I realize there are heavens beyond heavens, and men beyond men," Sun Baicao’s voice carried a trace of bitterness and reverence.

"Master, is this really a Qi Recovery Pill?" an elder asked, unable to contain his curiosity.

"Absolutely," Sun Baicao nodded. "Its core pharmacology is indeed that of a Qi Recovery Pill. But the crafting technique is unheard of and unseen. Purification, fusion, fire control… each step has reached a peak beyond ordinary reach. The alchemist who made this pill has an understanding far beyond ours."

The hall fell into a heavy silence.

This conclusion was a devastating blow to Herb Valley, which prided itself on alchemy.

"Who crafted this pill? Have we identified them?" Sun Baicao asked.

An intelligence elder hurriedly replied, "Master, according to news from Qingshi Town, this pill was crafted by a mysterious high-level expert who calls himself the 'Returning Void Hermit.' This person never shows his face; all transactions are handled by the town's guardian, Chen Xuan. Moreover, this person is not only a master of alchemy but also a formation expert, with formation arrays capable of withstanding the full strike of late Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"Master of both pills and formations?" Sun Baicao’s brows furrowed deeply.

Such a figure was not one that a humble Herb Valley could easily provoke.

After a long silence, an impetuous elder could no longer hold back, saying, "Master, this person has struck at our roots! Qingshi Town is only the beginning. If we allow his pills to spread, Herb Valley will be forced to close someday! We must find a way!"

"What way do you suggest? Sending men to steal the formula?" Sun Baicao glanced coldly at him. "Do you think the master who can casually craft perfect pills and create such powerful formation arrays is weaker than Chen Xuan? Even if Herb Valley mobilizes all its forces, would we be enough to crush even a finger of his?"

The elder immediately flushed and dared say no more.

Indeed, this was no longer a commercial rivalry—it was an absolute power disparity.

Just as everyone was at a loss, a clear and confident voice came from outside the hall.

"Master, esteemed elders, I, Liu Qingmei, am willing to head to Qingshi Town to investigate."

Everyone turned to see a tall, exquisite woman in a light cyan dress step gracefully into the hall. Her features were like a painting, her aura cold, but her eyes burned with an unyielding fire.

She was Liu Qingmei, a once-in-a-century alchemical genius of Herb Valley, the valley master Sun Baicao's direct disciple, who had already reached late Foundation Establishment at the tender age of eighty and was known as an "alchemy fanatic."

From a young age, Liu Qingmei had shown astonishing alchemical talent and was proud, believing no one among the younger generation could surpass her. When she saw that perfect Qi Recovery Pill, the shock to her heart was even greater than any elder present.

It was a shattering of faith, but also an exhilarating challenge.

She refused to believe such perfect alchemy could exist naturally; she was convinced there must be unknown secret techniques or tricks involved. She wanted to see for herself and verify with her own hands!

Sun Baicao looked at his most prized disciple with complex emotions. He knew her pride and that this perfect pill was the greatest blow to her. Sending her might temper her arrogance and provide a rare experience.

"Very well," Sun Baicao said after a moment’s thought. "Qingmei, you shall represent our valley on this journey to Qingshi Town. Remember, your purpose is investigation, learning, and exchange—not provocation. The Returning Void Hermit is a senior we must look up to. Treat him with the utmost respect and harbor no arrogance."

"I understand," Liu Qingmei bowed, though the competitive fire in her eyes remained undiminished.

Several days later, in Qingshi Town.

Liu Qingmei’s arrival caused quite a stir. As the "face" of Herb Valley, her fame and beauty were well known throughout the surrounding regions.

She did not rush to meet Chen the elder but first visited various markets to gather all available information about the "Returning Void Hermit" and the perfect pill. The more she learned, the deeper her shock grew, and her determination only intensified.

Finally, bearing rich gifts and as a direct disciple of Herb Valley, she formally sought an audience with the town guardian Chen Xuan.

Inside the garrison office, Chen looked at the young prodigy before him and silently sighed. He knew her purpose well.

"Fair Lady Liu, I have long heard of your fame," Chen greeted politely.

Liu Qingmei was straightforward, polite yet proud: "Senior Chen, I have come to seek the Returning Void Hermit. I have studied alchemy since youth and regard the Hermit's perfect pill as a marvel. I hope to meet and exchange alchemical insights with him."

Chen smiled wryly. Exchange? Probably a challenge.

He shook his head and looked troubled. "Fair Lady Liu, it’s not that I am unwilling to introduce you. But… the Returning Void Hermit has long declared he is here only to cultivate quietly, uninterested in worldly affairs, and dislikes meeting outsiders. I only handle mundane matters on his behalf and have never seen his true face."

"Please just relay my message," Liu insisted. "Tell him Liu Qingmei of Herb Valley is willing to offer our valley’s secret formula, the Violet Essence Pill, in exchange for a chance to discuss alchemy with him."

The Violet Essence Pill was one of Herb Valley’s most treasured formulas, capable of aiding Foundation Establishment cultivators in refining spiritual power; its value was priceless. Liu was confident no one could refuse such an offer.

Chen reluctantly agreed to convey her message.

Outside the Returning Void Hermit's humble abode, Chen respectfully transmitted Liu Qingmei’s intentions and proposal into the formation.

Inside the cave dwelling, I listened to Chen’s message and couldn't help but smile.

A young Foundation Establishment girl wishes to "exchange alchemical knowledge" with me, a Transformation stage cultivator? And she uses a mere Violet Essence Pill as a bargaining chip? Such youthful fearlessness.

In the Immortal Pavilion of Penglai, I have formulas a hundred times more advanced than this Violet Essence Pill piled like mountains.

"No need," my voice rang clearly within Chen's spirit sea. "The Dao is vast and diverse. My alchemy is unrelated to others. I cultivate quietly and mind my own affairs. Please tell her to return."

Chen, having received my reply, could only relay my words to Liu Qingmei.

Hearing this crisp and unequivocal refusal, Liu Qingmei froze. She had imagined countless possibilities—tests, difficulties, even disdain—but never such a blunt, absolute rejection.

They hadn’t merely dismissed her; they hadn’t even acknowledged Herb Valley’s secret formula.

It was a disdain born of absolute superiority.

A wave of crushing frustration and humiliation surged within her. She had never before faced such cold treatment.

"What a 'mind their own affairs' attitude!" Liu Qingmei clenched her fists, a stubborn expression crossing her cold face. "I want to see who exactly you are!"

She did not leave Qingshi Town.

Instead, she made a decision that surprised everyone—she rented a cave dwelling in town and settled there.

She told Chen Xuan that since the Hermit refused to meet, she would study this perfect pill here until she could unlock its secrets herself.

Chen could do nothing but acquiesce.

Thus, the cultivators of Qingshi Town often saw this proud, breathtaking beauty from Herb Valley frequenting various apothecaries or sitting alone by a teahouse window, staring at a perfect Qi Recovery Pill for entire days, sometimes frowning, sometimes mesmerized.

She was like a determined seeker of the Dao, striving to glimpse the elusive grand path from this perfect creation.

Her presence became an invisible thread, firmly anchoring Herb Valley’s attention to this unremarkable little town.