In the end, Chen Jinshu bought the pill furnace. Not only was the price reasonable, but the lotus petal birthmark on her forehead had also grown faintly warm, hinting that this furnace was no ordinary item. Still, she haggled fiercely and managed to get a bottle of Bigu dan thrown in as a bonus.
"Five spirit stones saved—a small victory."
By the time she returned to the estate at the mountain's base, the sun had already dipped halfway down the slopes.
Ningyu Mountain was now bustling with Chen family cultivators, forcing her to tighten her veiled hat and hurry along. Half an hour later, Second Uncle Chen Wentan arrived at the estate where Madam Chen Wu and her daughter were staying.
"Are you prepared?" he asked softly, seeing the mother and daughter waiting in the courtyard.
"Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle. Jinshu has everything ready."
"Good. Let's set off before sunset." He nodded, glancing at the fading light.
"Thank you for escorting me."
"No need for thanks. I won't rest easy until I've seen you safely to Vulture Mountain."
The journey would take at least three to five days, covering over 2,000 li. If any trouble arose along the way, he'd never forgive himself.
Soon, the three of them passed beyond the family's mountain-protecting array, where Chen Wentan summoned a flying spirit boat. The vessel glided smoothly through the air, faster than any waterborne ship. Though the trip was estimated at three to five days, pushing the speed could shorten it to three.
Throughout the journey, Chen Jinshu listened carefully to her mother and Second Uncle's advice:
"Survival comes first. Never act recklessly."
She took their words to heart. Three days later, at high noon, the sun hung warmly in the sky. The base of Vulture Mountain was free of snow, but as they ascended, patches of white clung to the pine trees.
Before long, they reached the mid-mountain administrative building overseeing the spirit fields. A prominent pavilion stood surrounded by residential compounds—likely housing the family's spirit farmers.
Under Chen Wentan's guidance, Chen Jinshu soon met the peak's overseer: Elder Chen Huaiyang, a Qi Refining Ninth Layer expert stationed here.
"Brother Huaiyang! How have you been?" Chen Wentan greeted him familiarly.
"Wentan? Is that you?" The elder blinked in surprise.
Few late-stage Qi Refining clansmen bothered visiting Vulture Mountain.
"It's been years."
"What brings you here?"
"After Elder Brother's passing, the family compensated with three spirit fields. I'm escorting Jinshu here for… respite."
Chen Huaiyang's gaze shifted to the veiled girl behind Chen Wentan.
"Greetings, Sister-in-law." He bowed slightly.
"Elder, you honor us."
"And this must be Jinshu?"
"Jinshu pays respects to Third Uncle." She performed a light bow.
"So the overseer is a distant uncle?" She wondered if this blood relation would translate to kindness.
"Though I've been away from the family, I've heard of your struggles. If you face trouble here, come to me."
"Many thanks, Third Uncle."
"The three fields allocated to your family are in a good location. Activate the token, and it will guide you."
"Is there a cave dwelling available for residence?" Chen Wentan asked.
"Ah! My oversight—let's settle your accommodations first."
Chen Huaiyang produced a ledger.
"This administrative building is also my cultivation cave. The surrounding residences belong to the spirit farmers. Most are occupied, but three remain vacant—with a fourth freeing up tomorrow."
"What are your requirements, Jinshu?"
"Somewhere quiet. Close to the fields."
"Hmm… Only one fits. But it was previously occupied by an alchemist. Residual fire qi and pill toxins linger, making it uncomfortably hot. Most avoid it."
"Such conditions are uninhabitable!" Chen Wentan frowned.
"The other two are better, though farther from your fields—a minor inconvenience."
"May we inspect them first?"
Chen Jinshu hesitated.
The mention of an alchemist's former residence intrigued her, but pill toxins were no joke—byproducts of failed refinements that could hinder cultivation if not properly disposed of.
Yet she needed to see for herself.
"Very well. Choose what suits you best."
After walking two li, they arrived at a secluded compound. Even before entering, a pungent medicinal odor assaulted their noses, and the air grew noticeably hotter.
"This is the remote dwelling you requested. Your fields are four li away—a half-hour round trip. Much closer than others'."
Chen Huaiyang gestured to a single-courtyard residence. Chen Jinshu's eyes swept over the layout: a small yard with four flower beds and two trees—one red plum, one yellow plum.
"May I enter?"
"Of course."
Once the isolation array was deactivated, she stepped inside. The heat was palpable but bearable. The acrid scent of medicines hung thick, yet when she inhaled, something remarkable happened—
The lotus birthmark on her forehead absorbed the toxins, refining them into pure spiritual energy!
"The traces are faint, but if this continues…"
Her cultivation speed could far surpass those relying solely on the mountain's spiritual veins!
These pill toxins were essentially condensed spiritual waste—perfect fuel for the lotus's purification. Moreover, the residual fire qi might even aid her future alchemy experiments. After inspecting the facilities—all standard but serviceable—she made her decision.
"Third Uncle, I'll take this one."
"Shu'er! Have you gone mad? These toxins will damage your health!" Madam Chen Wu paled.
"Let's pick another," Chen Wentan insisted.
"Mother, this place suits me. It's secluded… and keeps prying eyes away."
She lowered her head meekly, playing the "ugly, ostracized girl" card. Her mother and uncle exchanged glances, their protests dying unspoken.
"Since Jinshu has chosen, so be it. This isolation array can mitigate some of the heat and toxins—consider it compensation for the harsh conditions."
Chen Huaiyang handed her a small jade formation disk. Reluctantly, Madam Chen Wu and Chen Wentan acquiesced.
"Thank you, Brother Huaiyang."
"Many thanks, Elder."
"Gratitude, Third Uncle."
Chen Jinshu accepted the disk, her mind already racing with possibilities.