I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

"That's easy!"

Ouyang Gong patted his chest confidently, "Master Zhou, rest assured, leave this matter to me. My Six-Linked Hall has been operating on Kui Xing Island for many years; we have that much influence. Within three days, we will definitely give you a satisfactory answer!"

"Then I'll have to trouble Manager Ouyang."

Zhou Yuan cupped his hands in greeting.

"Not at all, it's all part of my duty. Master Zhou, please wait for good news."

Zhou Yuan nodded, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he pointed to the "Gilded Cloud Pattern Furnace" in the alchemy room:

"I find this furnace quite convenient to use. May I take it back to my cave for use? I will return it to you when I find a more suitable furnace in the future."

Borrow the alchemy furnace?

Ouyang Gong paused only briefly before readily agreeing, "Since Master Zhou finds it convenient, please feel free to use it! It is a stroke of luck for this furnace to be favored by a master like you. There is no need to return it; consider it a small gift from our shop."

A superior alchemy furnace is quite valuable, but compared to keeping Zhou Yuan, this "cash cow," this cost is nothing.

Zhou Yuan didn't mince words.

He thanked her and put the dark gold "Gilded Cloud Pattern Incense Burner" into his storage bag.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

As expected, Ouyang Gong kept his word and handed Zhou Yuan a palm-sized, warm, white jade plaque with two ancient characters engraved on the back early on the fourth day.

"Master Zhou, I have not failed you. This is a jade token for the cave dwelling on Jade Wonder Peak, one of the thirty-six peaks of Qingyun Mountain. The spiritual energy of this peak ranks among the top fifteen of the thirty-six peaks, and the scenery is also quite serene and elegant. The cave dwelling was left by the previous peak master and has already undergone basic cleaning and simple repairs. You can move in at any time. You only need to hold this jade token to open and close all the protective restrictions outside the cave dwelling."

Ouyang Gong introduced it with a smug look on his face.

Zhou Yuan accepted the jade token, which was slightly warm to the touch. He was satisfied and clasped his hands in a fist, saying, "Manager Ouyang, you have gone to great lengths. I am deeply grateful."

"Master Zhou, you're too kind. Let's go, I'll personally lead you there and help you familiarize yourself with the way."

The two left Yu Huan Residence.

Zhou Yuan summoned the Divine Wind Boat.

I will temporarily remain at the inn in the guise of Zhou Tian.

Ouyang Gong also piloted his flying magical artifact, and together they flew towards Qingyun Mountain.

The Divine Wind Boat was extremely fast, and in no time, it had already reached the outer perimeter of Qingyun Mountain.

The mountains were majestic and shrouded in mist, their spiritual energy noticeably richer than in other parts of the island.

The three main peaks, like giant pillars supporting the sky, pierce the clouds and possess the most magnificent momentum.

The surrounding dozens of mountain peaks, though slightly inferior, each possess their own unique charm, adorned with cascading waterfalls, flowing springs, and exotic flowers and plants.

It presents a scene of a blessed land of immortals.

Under Ouyang Gong's guidance, Zhou Yuan piloted the Divine Wind Boat towards one of the most beautiful peaks, with a jade-like body and lush vegetation. That peak was Jade Wonder Peak.

Just as the two were about to fly over Jade Peak and prepare to descend their escape light—

Suddenly, an aura emanated from the direction of the highest main peak, Tianzhu Peak.

Immediately afterwards, a streak of azure light streaked across the sky like a startled swan, moving at an extremely fast speed. In just a few breaths, it arrived more than ten feet in front of Zhou Yuan and Ouyang Gong, hovering motionless.

The light vanished.

A middle-aged Taoist priest was revealed, wearing a blue cloud-patterned Taoist robe, a tall crown, with a lean face and three long strands of beard flowing down his chest.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his aura as deep as the sea, his gaze peaceful, yet carrying a natural majesty, as if he were one with the spiritual energy of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

Core Formation Stage!

And it's at the mid-stage of Core Formation!

"Greetings, Master Mulong!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Ouyang Gong immediately bowed respectfully from his flying magical artifact.

Zhou Yuan was startled.

He immediately realized that the person in front of him was none other than the island master of Kui Xing Island, the leader of the three Core Formation cultivators—True Man Mu Long!

He dared not be negligent and quickly bowed in greeting aboard the Divine Wind Boat:

"Junior Zhou Yuan greets True Man Mulong!"

Master Mulong first looked at Ouyang Gong and nodded slightly, then turned to Zhou Yuan and looked him up and down.

A glint of interest flashed in his eyes.

"Manager Ouyang, no need for such formalities." Master Mulong's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable air of authority. "This gentleman must be the alchemist Zhou, whose alchemy skills are quite remarkable, recently hired by your Six-Linked Palace?"

Ouyang Gong quickly replied:

"Reporting to the True Immortal, it is indeed him! This is Alchemist Zhou Yuan, whose alchemy skills are superb, truly an honor for our Six-Hall Palace."

Master Mulong nodded, looked at Zhou Yuan, and said in a calm tone: "Late Foundation Establishment cultivation, solid foundation, and calm aura, not bad. I heard that you successfully refined both Snow Spirit Pills and Essence Pills on your first attempt, and both were of superior quality? It seems that you do have extraordinary talent in the path of alchemy."

Zhou Yuan's heart skipped a beat; this Wood Dragon Immortal knew everything about his situation!

Presumably, Liu Lian Dian had reported to the Island Lord's Mansion in order to secure the Jade Peak Cave for him.

Or perhaps Master Mulong himself was aware of the important personnel changes on the island.

After all, his cultivation level was at the late Foundation Establishment stage.

He quickly and respectfully replied:

"You flatter me, Master. I succeeded by sheer luck and do not deserve such praise. I must continue to study diligently and not slacken my efforts."

Master Mulong smiled faintly: "No need to be so modest. It is a great blessing for Kui Xing Island to have another highly skilled alchemist."

Master Zhou can focus on his cultivation and alchemy here. If he encounters any ordinary difficulties, he can seek help from Manager Ouyang or the steward of the Island Lord's Mansion. If he encounters something truly difficult... he can also come to Tianzhu Peak to find him.

This last sentence startled both Zhou Yuan and Ouyang Gong. Master Mulong's words subtly conveyed a sense of closeness and recruitment.

Zhou Yuan's mind raced, and he immediately cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Master! If you ever need my help in the future, whether it be alchemy or other miscellaneous tasks, I will do my utmost and serve you with utmost loyalty!"

His words were well-chosen, expressing both gratitude and a willingness to submit.

They left room for maneuver, not making any definitive statements.

Upon hearing this, Master Mulong's smile seemed to become more genuine, and he nodded:

"Hehe, Master Zhou, you're too kind. Perhaps in the future, we'll need your help. Alright, you may do as you please."

Having said that, Master Mulong said no more, and his figure transformed into a streak of azure light and departed.

Only after Master Mulong's figure had completely disappeared did Ouyang Gong smile at Zhou Yuan and say, "Master Zhou, it seems Master Mulong values ​​you highly. This is truly a wonderful thing!"

With that statement from the real person, you can practically do whatever you want on Kui Xing Island.

Zhou Yuan was also slightly pleased. Gaining the recognition and potential protection of a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator was undoubtedly an important guarantee for his foothold here. He humbly said, "It's all thanks to Manager Ouyang's recommendation and the prestige of the Six-Linked Hall."

The two said no more and continued to control their magical artifacts, descending towards Jade Peak.

Yuqi Peak is about a thousand feet high. Although it is not the most precipitous mountain, it is beautiful and elegant.

Halfway up the mountain, on a cliff face shrouded in a light white mist, there is a rather spacious cave entrance. Vines hang down from the cave entrance, making it appear natural yet secluded.

Zhou Yuan held the jade tablet in his hand and waved it at the cave entrance. The jade tablet emitted a beam of white light, which disappeared into the invisible restriction at the cave entrance.

After a slight ripple, the white mist that shrouded the cave entrance parted to both sides, revealing the neat passage inside.

The two entered the cave.

The interior of the cave dwelling was clearly carefully developed and simply arranged, with multiple functional areas such as an alchemy room, a meditation room, a living room, a spirit beast room, and a medicine garden, all of which were spacious and practical.

The concentration of spiritual energy in the cave is far greater than that in the outside world.

"This place is wonderful! I must thank Manager Ouyang for his trouble!" Zhou Yuan expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Zhou Yuan was very satisfied with this cave dwelling, both in terms of its location and the concentration of spiritual energy.

"I'm glad you're satisfied, Alchemist Zhou," Ouyang Gong said with a smile. "Then I won't disturb you any longer. The first batch of alchemy materials and related contract jade slips will be delivered later. Please rest well and familiarize yourself with your new cave dwelling."

After seeing Ouyang Gong off.

Zhou Yuan stood at the entrance of the cave, gazing at the distant mountains shrouded in mist, and smiled to himself.

It seems I'll be staying here for a while, at least until I reach the Core Formation stage.