This pill… it was the Three-Treasure Heart-Guarding Pill—one of the many wondrous treasures birthed by the heavens during that great cataclysm. The world had produced a vast number of such treasures at that time—countless varieties, many of which were pills. These pills, born of heaven and earth, were utterly pure, containing no impurities or the slightest trace of alchemical toxins. What they held instead was the most refined medicinal essence, the purest of energies.
Such pills, at any time, would be hailed as supreme elixirs, coveted by all.
In fact, being naturally formed by the world itself, their effects often exceeded even the most perfectly refined pills. Their value was truly immeasurable.
Three-Treasure Heart-Guarding Pill: Crafted with ox bezoar, canine bezoar, and chicken bezoar as the primary ingredients, and supplemented with rare medicinal herbs such as ginseng and lingzhi. It possesses powerful effects: capable of healing injuries, expelling deadly toxins, and even preserving life in the face of mortal wounds by safeguarding the heart and restoring vitality. It is revered as a sacred healing and detoxifying pill.
This pill can neutralize most of the world's poisons—even the most extreme and lethal toxins can be suppressed. Its value is beyond precious.
"This pill doesn't emit the slightest medicinal fragrance, nor does it glow with light. That means its medicinal properties are entirely restrained within—it's a quality described in foundational pill scriptures. Only the most refined ten-star pills exhibit such characteristics. They're called spirit pills, or even immortal pills. Could this be one of those legendary immortal pills?" Wang Fengshan exclaimed, astonishment flashing in his eyes.
He had recently begun studying the Dao of alchemy, experimenting with basic pill refinement. With his solid foundation in pharmacology, his understanding far surpassed that of a novice. His discerning eye, along with his considerable experience, immediately allowed him to recognize the rare quality of the Three-Treasure Heart-Guarding Pill.
"This pill must be of extremely high grade. It's not just rare—it radiates a profound aura of purity untouched by the mundane. It must be a celestial-grade elixir, naturally formed by the world itself," Qiu Weiming agreed.
"All pills only realize their value when used at the right time. Hoarding them serves no purpose," Yi Tianxing said calmly, and without hesitation, he placed the pill into Fu Hongxue's mouth.
The pill dissolved instantly.
A gentle fragrance wafted naturally into the air. From Fu Hongxue's chest, a wave of vibrant life force surged outward, rapidly expanding from the heart and pushing outward. Waves of deadly toxin were expelled and completely neutralized.
The process wasn't fast, but it was steady and effective.
The toxin wasn't an ordinary one—it was Scorpion Venom, derived from the Heavenly Scorpion, one of the deadliest known poisons. Though the Three-Treasure Heart-Guarding Pill could resist it, complete detoxification still required time. However, Fu Hongxue's life was undoubtedly saved.
"Zhengchun!"
"Yes, Master," Cao Zhengchun promptly bowed and awaited orders.
"Take Daoist Fu back to the manor. Find him a guest room and ensure he is well cared for. We'll speak again once he regains consciousness," Yi Tianxing ordered.
Cao Zhengchun, ever efficient, quickly arranged for Fu Hongxue to be taken away.
"Daoist Bu, would you be interested in joining the Tongtian Pavilion?" Yi Tianxing turned to Bu Jingyun, extending a direct invitation. This man's strength was far from ordinary—what mattered more was the martial intent he harbored within. Cultivators like him could not be judged by ordinary standards.
Bu Jingyun's talent and potential were unquestionable. But his personality was aloof and cold. Whether he would accept the invitation was uncertain.
"No. This world is vast. I want to travel and see it for myself. Perhaps, when I grow weary… I'll return," Bu Jingyun replied coolly, shaking his head.
"That's fine. The Eternal Continent is boundless. The world outside is more thrilling—and more brutal. If you ever tire of it, Xuanhuang Town will always welcome you," Yi Tianxing nodded, not displeased by the refusal. It fit Bu Jingyun's character perfectly.
"I won't forget Xuanhuang Town."
With a final nod, Bu Jingyun turned and walked away, sword on his back, cloak fluttering in the breeze.
Yi Tianxing watched him until he disappeared beyond the horizon. He was a genius weighed down by too many burdens.
Once outside the town's view, Bu Jingyun turned back briefly, a flicker of complexity in his eyes. He muttered to himself, "I am the Lone Star of Calamity—those who stand by me will meet misfortune. Xuanhuang Town is a rare sanctuary for humanity, perhaps even destined to become a sacred land. I cannot bring disaster upon it. My life is doomed to loneliness... No, I still have my junior brother, Feng. Where are you now?"
On the ruined city wall, Yi Tianxing stood with Cai Yan. Below them, activity bustled.
Civilians and soldiers worked tirelessly to clear the battlefield: weapons, bones, carcasses of beasts and birds—all lay scattered, remnants of the war. The remains of these ferocious creatures held great value, each one a treasure trove.
Such gains helped to dissipate the lingering shadows of war.
Debris was cleared rapidly. With cultivators assisting, the reconstruction effort moved quickly. The entire town pulsed with energy, a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Under Huang Chengyan's command, operations moved smoothly and efficiently.
"So this is war... We poured so much into building this home, only to see it devastated in moments," Cai Yan murmured, her tone melancholic as she gazed upon the battered town. A woman's heart is naturally more sentimental—and even she was not immune.
"Destruction brings rebirth. If something breaks, it can be rebuilt. All these things—jars, houses, furniture—are just material. As long as we're alive, everything else can be replaced. I promise you, no foreign race will ever again destroy the new Xuanhuang Town. When it's rebuilt, it will be a supreme divine artifact, an immortal city. That will be our true home," Yi Tianxing said with conviction, gently taking her hand.
The embryo of a supreme artifact had already merged with the town. What they were about to build would be a true immortal fortress. Once complete, no attack—above or below—would be able to breach it.
"Mhm. I believe in you, Brother Yi," Cai Yan nodded firmly, her eyes filled with trust.
"To forge a peerless city capable of standing tall in the Eternal Continent, defying myriad foreign races, we need more than just an extraordinary ruler. We also need a constant stream of talented individuals—scholars and warriors—to support its growth and build a sanctuary for all of humanity."
At that moment, a voice rose from below the city wall.
Two figures ascended to stand before Yi Tianxing: a middle-aged man surnamed Jia and a refined scholar with a pale complexion. The aura they gave off clearly marked them as exceptional.
"I've met you before, Lady Zhao Ji," the middle-aged man said to Cai Yan. "You're the daughter of Lady Cai—the famed scholar of Luoyang. Skilled in zither, calligraphy, painting, and chess. That melody you played earlier, A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix, was truly breathtaking. Your artistry is nothing short of sublime."
"A small talent, hardly worth mentioning," Cai Yan replied with a polite smile.
Yi Tianxing had already taken notice of the two as they arrived. Their presence left a deep impression—either they were fools, or they were men of great talent. It was clear now: they had come to volunteer their service.
As he considered this, his expression remained calm.
"Would the two of you happen to be among those very talented individuals we seek?" he asked.
"Whether or not we're talented—that's for you, Town Governor, to decide," the middle-aged man responded calmly.
"Indeed. If you don't recognize our value, then our abilities won't matter. Still, we believe that in times like these, when humanity faces daily threats from foreign races and beasts, everyone should contribute what they can. That's why we've come forward—to volunteer, as the saying goes," said the pale scholar with seriousness.
Before coming here, the two had discussed this. What they witnessed during the recent battle—Xuanhuang's citizens and soldiers fighting without fear—had deeply moved them. They felt compelled to stay, to help build a haven where humanity could thrive.
And the best way to do that… was through Yi Tianxing.
As for the time and manner of their introduction—they had planned that carefully.
In the end, the middle-aged man had made the decision: now was the moment, and they would present themselves directly to Yi Tianxing with confidence.
"What are your views on the current state of the world?" Yi Tianxing asked, his voice calm yet laced with deeper meaning.
This was clearly a test.
If they wished to offer their talents, they would have to prove themselves. Without true ability, volunteering for duty was just a joke. He wasn't the kind of ruler who would reward empty words.
The two men straightened, their hearts heavy. This question… was not one to be answered lightly.
They both knew—how they answered would determine their fate in Yi Tianxing's eyes.