"By the way, Senior," Hui Ming began as they walked, finally giving voice to the curiosity that had been gnawing at him. This messenger duty wasn't originally his, but Su Min had captured his interest, especially after he had witnessed the brilliant golden light erupting from her retreat. The memory was still vivid in his mind.
His own master had once told him, "Su Min sees through illusion to grasp truth." Back then, Hui Ming had been struggling with how to save the suffering masses of the world, lost in grand but abstract ideals. It was Su Min who had cut through his confusion with a single, pointed remark.
What was more, she cultivated their sect's supreme technique, the Great Sun Tathāgata Sutra. Hui Ming himself had never practiced it. It was not a matter of qualification, but of path. The Vajra Arhat Sutra was simply better suited to his nature. Still, even though he could not walk that road himself, he could not help but feel a deep curiosity about it.
"I have formed the swastika mark," Su Min replied simply. "But I have not yet condensed the Golden Body."
She let out a small sigh as she spoke. The Tathāgata Golden Body and the Arhat Golden Body were fundamentally different in both their form and their essence. One was a manifestation of ultimate truth, the other a shield of unwavering resolve.
"The swastika…"
Hui Ming's expression shifted into one of open envy. To cultivate the Great Sun Tathāgata Sutra, one first had to pass a trial of the heart, a test of character that very few could overcome. He wanted to ask how she had managed it, but he knew better. Some things were too personal to question.
The swastika was the unique hallmark of that scripture, an esoteric glyph that only appeared to those who had truly stepped onto that sacred path. In terms of strength and mystery, it was said to rival the terse, cryptic techniques found in ancient proclamations, where the fewer the words, the mightier the effect.
"Senior, it has only been a few days, but your cultivation has progressed again."
Just then, a man in his mid-thirties strode toward them with brisk, eager steps. It was none other than Sect Master Mo. He had clearly been waiting impatiently for this meeting.
"This humble monk will take his leave," Hui Ming said, bowing to them both. "His Highness the Prince is inside as well."
With that, he turned and left. In truth, his position here was awkward. Su Min sought one thing, and one thing only, wealth. Her cultivation path demanded vast resources, and she had no interest whatsoever in supporting Prince Yong's political ambitions. The Buddhist sect, however, had broader goals.
This land was not yet a complete desert. They still had time to make a difference. Unlike the other sects who remained isolated on their own lands, the Buddhists spread their teachings, healed the sick, and gave to the needy. They had no desire for the throne, but that very disinterest could sometimes spark suspicion in the hearts of rulers.
Naturally, Hui Ming had no desire to invite any unwarranted trouble. He left without looking back.
Su Min chuckled to herself when she saw the sect master approach. She did not say anything aloud. To her, pill refining was just another form of cultivation, another skill to hone. More importantly, she needed the materials. If she was going to clash with that old demon again, it would be best to advance to the Mystic-rank first. But crossing that threshold would be a slow, painstaking process.
Still, there was time. She could gather what she needed at her own pace. When she entered the main chamber, she paused for a moment and let her gaze sweep across the room. Quite a few people had gathered, Prince Yong and his brother, the prince from the desert kingdom, and two men who had the distinct look of alchemists.
"So everyone is here," she said, her tone lightly teasing. "What are we discussing? Surely you have not all been waiting for little old me?" Her eyes then landed on Cao Yuanmu, and she gave a slight, approving nod. "Hm. You have reached the Foundation Establishment stage."
"I have," he replied, nodding back. "I consumed some spirit stones and used a Foundation Establishment Pill to assist the breakthrough."
"The state of Great Wei is in chaos," Prince Yong said, his voice grim. "We have been discussing whether it is time to raise the banner of rebellion. Our main concern is that the old witch might strike first, and kill us before we can even make our move."
His words cast a heavy silence over the room. It was shocking how candid he was being in front of Su Min. After all, she had no formal ties to the imperial court. Only Prince Yong knew that Su Min held her own grudge against the palace. That was the only reason he dared to speak so directly.
Their greatest fear was the reason why the old witch had never left the palace. For decades, countless assassins had tried to kill the Dog Emperor. None had ever succeeded.
"She probably will not make a move just yet," Su Min said, her voice calm and light. "In any case, this kind of thing will not be decided in a day or two. Since I have come out, I may as well ask, do any of you have ingredients? I am preparing to open the furnace."
"Hm?"
The two younger alchemists in the room perked up instantly, their eyes gleaming with naked admiration. After all their years of effort, they were still stuck at Tier One. Even crafting basic Body Refining Pills was a struggle. As for Tier Two formulas, it was nearly impossible for them.
But Su Min, she was a living legend. The very foundation of their alchemical knowledge came from the manuals she had left behind. Naturally, everyone else in the room looked just as eager. There was no such thing as too many pills.
"Senior, I only ask for a single Foundation Establishment Pill. Please accept this as our offering. Kindly inspect it."
Without a moment of hesitation, Sect Master Mo produced a storage ring and presented it to her with both hands, his manner utterly respectful. He knew he had not contributed much during their last encounter, and he was in no position to negotiate like that mysterious woman in black had. So he chose the simplest method, he led with money.
Su Min accepted it without protest. A quick sweep of her divine sense revealed a sizable stockpile of rare herbs and high grade materials. Her eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise, but she said nothing. With a flick of her wrist, she transferred everything into her own storage pouch.
After a brief moment of thought, she retrieved several porcelain bottles and tossed them toward Sect Master Mo.
"These materials, they must represent two decades worth of your sect's hoard. Here, one Foundation Establishment Pill, one Qi Gathering Pill, and two Qi Inducing Pills."
"Wait, were the ingredients not only enough for one batch?" Prince Yong asked, startled.
Su Min had just handed over four pills in total. How had she managed that?
"One batch usually yields four or five pills. I cannot keep a few for myself?" she replied with a touch of mild disdain.
The moment she spoke, all eyes in the room turned toward the two young alchemists huddled in the corner. They bowed their heads, their faces burning with embarrassment.
"…?"
"Forgive us," one of them mumbled, his voice barely audible. "It takes us four or five furnaces just to produce a single Body Refining Pill."
"Ahem. I am the exception. You two are the standard," Su Min chuckled, scratching her head slightly. Prince Yong and his brother could only sigh and cradle their own foreheads. After seeing what a true master alchemist could do, they no longer thought Su Min's prices were excessive. In fact, it now seemed like an incredible bargain.
"I will take my leave. I must enter seclusion immediately."
Sect Master Mo did not waste another breath. After confirming the pills were genuine, he nearly wept with joy. With a deep, grateful bow to everyone present, he turned and rushed out of the room. His long awaited breakthrough was finally within reach, and he had no time left for talks of Heaven or Earth.