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Chapter 180 The Selection of Prodigies After Elixir Completion Revealed; Master Mei Angrily Questions His Disciple After the Robbery [Part Two]

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime; success will follow!
A sense of accomplishment, distinct from anything he had experienced before, welled up within Tang Hao.

Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he summoned an information panel.

His gaze swept quickly over the rest of the information, finally settling on the item in the second-to-last line.

"Nightmare Realms: Spell effects under construction, current progress: 5/100"

'The progress has increased to level five; it's actually improved a little.'

Tang Hao's eyes widened slightly.

Speaking of which, after returning to his sect, he twice used the [Cultivation Doubling Technique] to enhance the spell runes of the [Nightmare Butterfly].

Originally, it was one becoming two, two becoming four, but now there's been an extra bit of progress out of nowhere.

'This seems like a new way to accelerate the construction of spell effects.'

After some thought and recollection, he quickly identified events that might be related: the selection of Dancheng and the preaching in a dream.

"This progress only arrived suddenly after Lao Luo confirmed that he had actually refined the Foundation Establishment Pill in reality." He analyzed the timeline.

He pondered to himself, 'In other words, this is some kind of feedback he's giving.'

Tang Hao's gaze fell on Luo Kedi, who was standing to the side.

The other party was still happily playing with the pill bottle, constantly using the [Medicine Testing Technique] to test the medicinal properties of the pills.

The selection process was not yet completely over, and they could not leave their positions at will.

'What was the reason for his response? Was it gratitude for the teachings and guidance he received in the dream? Or was it self-affirmation after his hard work and success in the dream?'

Without any other cases to refer to, he was unable to determine the situation at the moment.

Another thing that puzzled Tang Hao was: 'On Lao Luo's side, I didn't use [Nightmare Butterfly] at all, so why did its spell effect gain this much progress value?'

He pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with a clue, so he had to put the matter aside for the time being.

But deep down, I've already made up my mind to try more things in this area.

Although this approach may not be necessary in the early stages, it would be beneficial if a practical method could be found.

'Once the Core Formation, Nascent Soul Formation, and even the Deity Transformation realms are reached, we will have to rely heavily on this new path to continue transforming the Nightmare Kingdom,' he reasoned.

Then, following a connection in his mind, Tang Hao secretly looked outside the barrier.

He couldn't help but shake his head slightly: 'The Nightmare Butterfly was only planted about two months ago, how come this woman already shows signs of madness?'

Most of the experimental subjects that were planted with the Nightmare Butterfly were on the desolate sea.

It is indeed not easy to make frequent observations.

Therefore, Tang Hao chose Shen Mengyao and others as his new subjects for his magical experiments.

'These guys are always hanging around, and they're not exactly popular, so they're definitely a pretty good choice.'

He checked them one by one, and the others were fine.

The invisible glow was filled with countless insect eggs.

The glow is stable and solid, and it looks relatively healthy.

Shen Mengyao's situation is not so good.

At the edge of its glowing surface, which is predominantly peach pink, fragments occasionally detach and disintegrate.

If Tang Hao hadn't made the initial arrangements, the Black Qi Dragon Butterfly wouldn't have been able to reproduce and spread without his approval.

Otherwise, given Shen Mengyao's current situation, she could be considered a carrier and spreader of the Nightmare Plague virus.

The selection of disciples for the Daoist alchemy program thus came to an end as he drifted off into thought.

The group lined up in the order of successful pills, failed pills, waste materials, and exploded furnaces.

The person in charge of the selection was Mei Zhen. Although her cultivation level was not the highest among those present, her alchemy skills were among the best.

In addition to Tang Hao and Luo Kedi, three other people were selected for the Dancheng competition.

“The three of you have achieved the lower grade of Dan. If you have any ideas, you can come to me after the exchange meeting to finalize your places in the sect’s resource training program,” Mei Zhen nodded to the three of them.

Although it was only of low grade, it was still enough to attract the attention of the elders and disciples present.

However, many people found it quite strange.

"Aren't there still two Core Formation cultivators left? Why doesn't Elder Mei ask them what they think?"

"There might be something wrong. They broke up so early, could what they refined really be a proper Foundation Establishment Pill?"

One knowledgeable person shook his head and said, "There's actually no problem with the time. As the most difficult pill to refine among first-tier pills, it's true that the Foundation Establishment Pill takes about an hour to refine, but..."

“If the refiner is an experienced and skilled craftsman, reducing the entire process by half an hour is not difficult to achieve,” the man said confidently.

Immediately, someone nearby made a "tsk" sound.

"You yourself said that it requires experienced alchemists. What do these two people have? Experience, or skill?"

"Hahaha, two little Taoist priests who haven't even grown their hair yet. I am their senior."

"That's right, it must be their first time doing it, it's impossible for them to do it."

Similar words were not only heard outside the barrier.

Even most of the disciples who participated in the selection process thought so.

With only a few elders present, they dared not act rashly, but only whispered and discussed among themselves.

Just as Mei Zhen took the pill bottle from Tang Hao and the other man, these words reached her ears, and she couldn't help but frown.

It's not surprising that the disciples could achieve a mid-grade result on their first attempt at refining a Foundation Establishment Pill; such a situation is indeed rare.

Even throughout the history of sects, this has only happened a handful of times, let alone two at once.

Mei Zhen solemnly examined the quality of the two pills before flicking the pill bottle with her finger.

A crisp "ding" sound quickly echoed throughout the entire hall.

"quiet!"

The noise subsided, and pairs of eyes turned to her, waiting for her to announce the results.

A smile flickered across Mei Zhen's lips, and she suddenly spoke.

"Tang Hao and Luo Kedi have both achieved the middle grade of Dan, which is truly rare. You two will be the main participants in this exchange meeting. As for the subsequent resource development, that's up to you two."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Dan Ding Hall erupted in chaos.

"Holy crap, holy crap, this is absolutely holy crap!"

"Two pills were successfully refined on the first attempt, and you're kidding me?"

"I thought it was already quite an achievement to have three people reach the Core Formation stage, but I didn't expect the real highlight to come."

"Our Qinghua Sect is a Qi Sect Immortal Sect, right?"

"No, no, no, you are currently in the Valley of a Hundred Flowers."

The elders beside Mei Zhen exchanged glances, looking eager to try.

'These two are unfamiliar faces; they probably haven't formally become apprentices yet. They'll strike first to become the master, then wait and see who becomes the master. Let's begin!'

Almost at the same time, several people stepped forward, about to start a conversation.

"Uncle-Master, my main goal is to establish my foundation. I will definitely attend the exchange meeting. As for the sect's subsequent resources for nurturing me, that depends on my master's decision."

Luo Kedi scratched his head and said to Mei Zhen with a silly smile.

Oh no, this tall, strong guy is already taken!
The elders, without lingering in the fight, immediately shifted their focus to Tang Hao, who remained calm and composed to the side.

The "little" words hadn't even been uttered yet.

Tang Hao, who was standing nearby, teased, "Senior sister, don't listen to his smugness. Saying he's following Master's wishes is just an excuse to show off."

"Would Sister Mian mind if you had one more resource?" He turned to Lao Luo as he said this, winking and making Lao Luo grimac. Recently, Tang Hao has been going to Long Mingyuan to see Yan Yu Mian from time to time.

A while ago, Luo Kedi went to visit him and happened to run into him there.

Even more coincidentally, Lao Luo overheard him addressing Yan Yumin.

Now, he's completely given up on himself, addressing people casually in front of those he knows, and has stopped pretending altogether!
Seeing Luo Kedi's distressed expression, Tang Hao was secretly laughing hysterically: 'Sometimes I really suspect that Yan Yumin did it on purpose.'

A Qi Refining Peak cultivator—oh, no, a Qi Refining Peak cultivator whose physical body was still a fraction short—silently approached him, a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator.

Is this reasonable?

Moreover, the timing of his appearance was so perfect; Luo Kedi appeared just as he called out "Sister Mian."

'Hmm, there's another possibility: Bai Jue is secretly causing trouble.' He thought about it, and it really did seem like something she would do.

The elders looked at each other, and finally one of the most senior elders spoke up.

"Little Mei, these two disciples seem to know you quite well. Won't you introduce them to this old man?"

Mei Zhen glanced at him and exclaimed, "Wow, he's definitely a veteran! When my father, Mei Yunqing, was a disciple, this old man was already a Core Formation Elder."

She smiled and said, "Elder Ge, if you want to know, then I will tell you."

“Luo Kedi is my junior disciple, Yan Yumin’s first disciple. In a couple of days, after he completes his foundation, we will hold a formal apprenticeship ceremony.” Mei Zhen’s smile was full of affection for the younger generation.

The old elder was slightly taken aback, and then suddenly remembered who Yan Yumin was.

He couldn't help but widen his eyes and scrutinize Luo Kedi for a while. You can't just snatch a disciple of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

His eyes darted around, and he reached out to pull Tang Hao: "This disciple seems to have a close relationship with you. How long have you been in the sect, young man? And now..."

Mei Zhen blocked the other person's hand and then took Tang Hao's arm herself.

Looking into his eyes, one could see the doting and loving affection a sister has for her brother.

"Tang Hao is my junior brother. Since joining the sect, he has been favored by my father. He chose the same path as me at the second level of Qi Refining, cultivating both body and technique. Now he is about to reach the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Well! It's hopeless." Elder Ge slapped his thigh hard upon hearing this. "That little guy was already reserved by that brat Mei Yunqing."

The other elders also sighed with regret. They all knew that Mei Zhen was there to preside over the Linxun event on behalf of her father, and it goes without saying what Mei Yunqing was doing.

Tang Hao and Luo Kedi couldn't take it, since there were three others nearby.

The elders of the Alchemy Sect rushed forward, and the three young men who had achieved the lower grade of Alchemy were immediately enveloped in happiness.

Mei Zhen smiled and exchanged a glance with the two of them, then led them out of the Dan Ding Hall through another exit.

Three days later.

Shuiling Peak, Longming Abyss.

The antique-style Yuyuanju is built with a combination of bamboo and wood.

Not many people came to watch the ceremony.

Most of them were disciples within the sect who were on good terms with the master and disciple or who frequently visited them.

The only exception, of course, is Bai Jue.

"Senior Brother Jiang has finally appeared. I thought you had gone on a trip and weren't planning to come back anytime soon."

Tang Hao was somewhat surprised to see Jiang Shenyin, and immediately gave him a meaningful greeting.

Jiang Shenyin smiled at him: "It's too early for travel. I don't have the means to protect myself yet. I'm just going to take care of some old matters."

Tang Hao nodded thoughtfully, when suddenly he heard Bai Jue's voice in his ear.

"This kid is progressing well, only a little behind you. Among the true disciples, he would be considered one of the best."

Bai Jue had met Jiang Shenyin back in Cangyun City.

Tang Hao's current disguise is not enough to impress her, let alone him.

"Tsk tsk, this guy really is a true disciple." Tang Hao had long suspected Jiang Shenyin's identity.

The [Mysterious Tortoise Hiding Breath Technique] is indeed powerful, but unfortunately, everyone's acting skills are not very good, and some are even clumsy.

They had already seen through each other and knew each other's identities perfectly well, yet they pretended to know nothing. It's kind of funny to think about.

'I've really stumbled into a den of sages. First there was Xue He, then Jiang Shenyin. I wonder if there are any other people around me hiding their identities?'

At that moment, several Nascent Soul cultivators present all changed their expressions and stood up to look in the direction of Wufang Mountain.

"Someone within the sect has successfully formed their Nascent Soul and is currently undergoing tribulation." Chi Xuanzong was both a witness and the officiant of this apprenticeship ceremony.

At this moment, his expression was solemn, and his eyes were full of deep concentration.

After gazing into the distance for a moment, he turned his attention to Mei Zhen, who was sitting uneasily to the side.

After a slight hesitation, he still comforted him, saying, "There's no need to worry too much. Your father has a solid foundation and is blessed with good fortune, so the problem shouldn't be too serious."

Anyone with good connections knows that, apart from Mei Yunqing, no one else is currently in seclusion seeking a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

Moreover, Mei Yunqing himself told Chi Xuanzong about his seclusion.

"Well, then I'll accept the Sect Master's kind words." Mei Zhen took a few deep breaths before slightly twitching the corners of her mouth and replying with a polite remark in a calm tone.

Yan Yumin and Bai Jue walked over, each taking her arm, and gently spoke to her to soothe her anxiety.

With this incident, Luo Kedi's apprenticeship ceremony naturally had to be suspended.

Fortunately, Lao Luo had a good attitude. He knew that his master-disciple relationship with Yan Yumin was inevitable, so he just quietly stayed by her side.

After a moment, Mei Zhen composed herself and looked at Yan Yumin and Luo Kedi.

He said somewhat apologetically, "I'm really sorry about today. I didn't expect it to be such a coincidence that Father would be forming his nascent soul at this time, thus disrupting your ceremony."

The master and apprentice shook their heads in unison, about to say something.

Suddenly, several Nascent Soul cultivators stopped what they were doing and looked at Wufang Mountain again.

The thunderstorm is over.

Mei Zhen's hands trembled slightly as she took out the communication jade token. After several mistakes, she finally managed to send the message.

Seeing this scene, Tang Hao was also on edge.

There are only two possibilities after the tribulation ends.

They either succeed in forming their nascent soul or are struck by lightning and reduced to ashes.

On Mount Wufang, the area where cultivators at the Core Formation stage condense their Nascent Soul stage is set up with extremely ingenious arrays and restrictions.

Even Nascent Soul cultivators can only sense the aura of Heavenly Might appearing and dissipating.

The specifics of the lightning tribulation remain unknown.

'So, Mei Yunqing is now Schrödinger's Nascent Soul cultivator?' Tang Hao thought to himself with a self-deprecating joking.

Just then, he noticed that Mei Zhen's tense expression relaxed.

But then he was immediately taken aback.

The next moment, Yu Yuan was in the center, and spatial fluctuations arose.

An old man with white hair and beard, dressed in a white outfit with plum blossom patterns, appeared out of thin air.

His beard, hair, and white robe bore numerous marks from lightning strikes and fire.

It is a perfect replica of the Mei Yunqing war-damaged version.

As soon as he appeared, his eyes anxiously scanned the surroundings until he spotted Tang Hao.

Then, with a swift movement, he arrived beside him.

"Young Tang, you want to become Yan Yumin's disciple?"

Mei Yunqing puffed out his beard and glared, clearly determined not to let the matter rest.

(End of this chapter)