Xiao Feng carefully looked at the golden medicinal pill inside the jade box for a long moment before slowly raising his head toward Elder Bai Lie.
"Elder Bai Lie…"
"Do you perhaps possess the medicinal recipe for this Vajra Indestructible Pill?"
The moment those words were spoken—
Even Su Qian and Elder Qian Mu became somewhat curious.
After all—
If the academy truly possessed the complete recipe for such an ancient body refinement pill, its value would be immeasurable.
Unfortunately—
Elder Bai Lie slowly shook his head with a bitter smile.
"If only it were that simple…"
He gently sighed before sitting down.
"This old man only obtained this pill by chance many years ago while exploring an ancient ruin together with several old friends."
"The ruins had already been damaged heavily before we entered."
"Most of the inheritance had already turned incomplete."
Then Elder Bai Lie lightly tapped the jade box.
"This Vajra Indestructible Pill was found inside a broken stone chamber."
"As for the recipe…"
"We only managed to recover fragments of it."
Hearing this—
Xiao Feng showed slight disappointment, though he had already expected such an outcome.
Ancient medicinal pill recipes were far too precious.
Even partial records were considered treasures.
Then Elder Bai Lie suddenly smiled faintly.
"However…"
"This old man did not return empty-handed either."
As he spoke—
He slowly took out an ancient dark-yellow scroll from his storage ring.
The scroll looked extremely old.
Even its surface carried traces of age and ancient medicinal aura.
Elder Bai Lie carefully handed it toward Xiao Feng.
"I copied down every medicinal ingredient I could recognize from the incomplete recipe."
"If my judgment is correct…"
"This should contain at least seventy percent of the original ingredients."
Hearing this—
Even Xiao Feng's expression changed slightly.
Seventy percent!
For ordinary alchemists, this might still be useless.
But for a true high-level alchemist—
Especially someone possessing Xiao Feng's inheritance and knowledge—
This was already incredibly valuable.
Xiao Feng carefully accepted the ancient scroll.
The moment he opened it—
Dense names of medicinal ingredients immediately entered his sight.
Dragon Bone Grass.
Earth Core Marrow Crystal.
Vajra Blood Vine.
Golden Spirit Tempering Fruit.
Ancient Mountain Beast Essence Blood.
…
Just reading the names alone caused Xiao Feng's eyes to narrow repeatedly.
Because nearly every ingredient listed was focused entirely on strengthening the body.
Some of them were even extremely ancient medicinal ingredients rarely seen in the current era.
Then Elder Bai Lie slowly continued,
"This old man originally wanted to decipher the recipe personally."
"But unfortunately…"
"I do not possess the talent of an alchemist."
"And the academy's alchemists were unable to understand much from the fragments either."
Then he looked directly at Xiao Feng.
"But you are different."
"You are already a peak Sixth-Rank Alchemist at such a young age."
"And your understanding of medicinal theory far surpasses ordinary people."
"Perhaps…"
"You may truly be able to restore this ancient pill recipe in the future."
Hearing this—
Even Su Qian revealed anticipation in his eyes.
If Xiao Feng could truly restore the Vajra Indestructible Pill—
Then the academy's future body cultivation path would completely transform.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Feng himself had already entered deep thought while examining the fragmentary recipe.
The more he read—
The more shocked he became internally.
Because this pill…
Was terrifyingly advanced.
The medicinal ingredients were not merely stacked together forcefully.
Instead—
They formed an extremely delicate balance between blood essence, bone strengthening, muscle refinement, organ tempering, and meridian expansion.
Most importantly—
Several ingredients seemed specifically designed to stimulate hidden physical potential.
"This…"
Xiao Feng's eyes flickered slightly.
"…this ancient alchemist was a genius."
Even with his current knowledge—
He could still feel the astonishing depth hidden within the incomplete formula.
Then suddenly—
One particular line caused Xiao Feng's pupils to shrink slightly.
"Using Magical Beast bloodline essence as the core catalyst…"
The moment he read this—
His Beast Creation Physique reacted faintly once again.
A strange warm sensation spread throughout his body.
Xiao Feng immediately became serious internally.
Because his physique had reacted several times recently toward body refinement treasures and bloodline-related items.
Clearly—
There was still something he had not fully understood about his physique.
Seeing Xiao Feng suddenly become silent, Elder Bai Lie smiled faintly.
"It seems even you were shocked by this recipe."
Xiao Feng slowly nodded honestly.
"Yes."
"This pill is extraordinary."
"Even incomplete…"
"It still possesses terrifying research value."
Then he carefully rolled the ancient scroll back up before cupping his fists respectfully.
"Thank you, Elder."
"This junior will definitely study it properly."
Elder Bai Lie laughed softly.
"Haha, if anyone in this academy can truly restore that ancient recipe…"
"Then it would only be you."
Su Qian also smiled from the side.
"You little monster…"
"Perhaps in a few years, even the Central Plains will no longer be able to contain you."
Hearing this—
Xiao Feng merely smiled calmly.
But internally—
His mind was already rapidly calculating countless possibilities.
If he could truly restore the Vajra Indestructible Pill—
Then not only would his Beast Creation Physique advance rapidly—
Even Xiao Yi Xian, Xiao Qiao Lin, Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and the others could greatly benefit from it.
Especially for future body tempering and dangerous cultivation methods—
This pill could become one of his greatest foundations.
At that moment—
For the first time in a long while—
Xiao Feng truly felt anticipation toward advancing into the Seventh-Rank Alchemist realm.
After obtaining the Vajra Indestructible Pill and the incomplete ancient recipe, Xiao Feng stayed inside the Hidden Book Pavilion for a little longer while discussing several matters with Su Qian and the Guardian Elders.
Only after everything was settled did he finally return toward his courtyard.
Along the way—
His mind remained unusually quiet.
A genuine seventh-grade ancient medicinal pill…
Even he could not remain completely calm after obtaining such a treasure.
Especially when considering the terrifying potential of the pill together with his Beast Creation Physique.
Once he returned to the courtyard, Xiao Feng first informed everyone about the situation.
Naturally—
The moment Xiao Yi Xian, Xiao Qiao Lin, Zi Yan, and Qing Lin heard that he was planning to consume a seventh-grade medicinal pill, all of them became nervous.
Xiao Yi Xian immediately frowned slightly.
"You're taking it alone?"
"What if something unexpected happens?"
Zi Yan also quickly nodded while stuffing food into her mouth.
"Right! Seventh-grade pills are scary!"
"Some of them even explode!"
Hearing this—
Even Xiao Feng nearly laughed.
"You little glutton, where did you even hear such things?"
Zi Yan proudly puffed her chest.
"I heard it from the elders!"
"Some pills can gain intelligence and run away!"
Xiao Feng helplessly shook his head.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Qiao Lin quietly walked toward him and gently fixed his collar.
"Be careful."
Her fiery red eyes carried genuine concern.
Qing Lin also softly grabbed his sleeve.
"Big Brother Xiao Feng… will it hurt?"
Seeing the worried expressions on everyone's faces, Xiao Feng felt warmth inside his heart.
Then he smiled calmly.
"It's only a medicinal pill."
"I'm not directly fighting a Dou Zun."
"Don't worry."
Although he spoke lightly—
Everyone still remained somewhat uneasy.
Eventually—
Xiao Feng left alone for a quiet cultivation chamber located behind the courtyard.
…
Inside the silent stone chamber—
Xiao Feng slowly sat down cross-legged.
The golden Vajra Indestructible Pill rested quietly in his palm.
Even now—
He could still feel the astonishing medicinal aura coming from it.
"This thing…"
"…better live up to its reputation."
He softly muttered.
Then—
Without hesitation—
He directly swallowed the pill.
The moment the pill entered his body—
A terrifying medicinal energy instantly erupted.
BOOM!
Violent energy surged through his meridians like a raging flood.
Even Xiao Feng's expression changed slightly.
The medicinal strength of a seventh-grade pill far surpassed anything he had experienced before.
His blood began boiling.
His bones emitted faint cracking sounds.
His muscles trembled intensely.
Even his Beast Creation Physique started operating automatically.
Golden energy spread rapidly throughout his body.
For a brief moment—
Xiao Feng genuinely thought his body was about to undergo a massive transformation.
However…
Just as the medicinal energy reached its peak—
Something strange happened.
The violent energy suddenly calmed down.
The overwhelming medicinal power rapidly weakened.
Then—
Everything returned to normal.
Complete silence filled the cultivation room.
Xiao Feng slowly opened his eyes.
"…What?"
He blinked once.
Then immediately inspected his body thoroughly using soul perception.
His meridians were normal.
His Dou Qi remained stable.
His bones, blood, organs, and muscles showed no obvious changes.
Even his physical strength remained almost exactly the same as before.
The entire room became strangely quiet.
After a long moment—
Xiao Feng's mouth twitched slightly.
"Don't tell me…"
"…this was a dud pill?"
That thought almost made him cough blood.
A seventh-grade ancient medicinal pill—
And it ended up being useless?
Even Xiao Feng himself felt somewhat speechless.
Naturally—
He quickly rejected that idea and continued carefully examining his body.
Several minutes later—
His expression finally changed slightly.
Inside the deepest parts of his body—
He discovered an unusual dormant energy hidden throughout his muscles, bones, blood, and organs.
The energy was extremely faint.
Yet strangely stable.
It was as if the pill had not truly activated yet.
Instead—
It had merged into the foundation of his body itself.
Xiao Feng immediately fell into deep thought.
"So that's how it is…"
"This pill probably requires body tempering to fully awaken its effects."
The more he thought about it—
The more reasonable it became.
After all—
The Vajra Indestructible Pill was specifically designed for body cultivation.
If one simply consumed it without training the body afterward, its true effects likely would not appear immediately.
Thinking this—
Xiao Feng gradually relaxed.
Then he softly laughed helplessly.
"Well…"
"I already swallowed it anyway."
"Even if it's a fake, what else can I do now?"
Then he suddenly remembered something else.
because it was his first time taking a genuine seventh-grade medicinal pill—
If it truly ended up useless—
Even he would probably feel heart pain.
Fortunately—
The dormant energy proved the pill was definitely not ordinary.
Thus—
Xiao Feng temporarily pushed aside those unnecessary thoughts.
…
By the time afternoon arrived—
Xiao Feng finally left the cultivation chamber and headed toward the dining area inside the courtyard.
The moment he entered—
A warm scene immediately greeted him.
At the large wooden table sat four exceptionally beautiful girls.
Xiao Yi Xian.
Xiao Qiao Lin.
Zi Yan.
And Qing Lin.
The atmosphere around the table felt peaceful and lively.
Zi Yan was currently stuffing her cheeks full of food while arguing loudly with Qing Lin about who ate more medicinal pills this week.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Yi Xian helplessly watched the two younger girls while occasionally smiling softly.
As for Xiao Qiao Lin—
She sat elegantly beside the table with her fiery red hair flowing down her shoulders, her noble temperament making the entire dining area feel brighter.
The moment they noticed Xiao Feng entering—
All four immediately looked toward him.
"You're finally here!"
Zi Yan shouted first with her mouth still full.
Qing Lin quickly stood up happily.
"Big Brother Xiao Feng!"
Even Xiao Yi Xian's expression relaxed slightly after seeing he was unharmed.
Xiao Qiao Lin gently smiled before patting the empty seat beside her.
"Young Master, come sit."
As Xiao Feng approached—
Xiao Qiao Lin naturally handed him a pair of chopsticks.
Meanwhile—
Xiao Yi Xian quietly stood up and went to bring additional food for him personally.
Qing Lin quickly carried over a glass of water carefully using both hands.
"Here…"
Seeing this scene—
Even Xiao Feng himself felt somewhat absentminded for a moment.
Warm sunlight entered through the courtyard windows.
Soft laughter filled the air.
The peaceful atmosphere around the table made even his previously exhausted mind relax completely.
Then Xiao Feng suddenly smiled softly.
"…This actually feels pretty nice."
Hearing this—
Xiao Qiao Lin teasingly raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"So Young Master finally understands the happiness of being taken care of by beautiful girls?"
Before Xiao Feng could respond—
Zi Yan immediately shouted loudly,
"Hmph! I also help!"
"I help finish the food!"
The entire table instantly burst into laughter.
Even Xiao Yi Xian, who had just returned with food, could not help covering her lips while laughing softly.
Meanwhile—
Qing Lin tilted her head innocently.
"Sister Zi Yan… that's not helping…"
Zi Yan immediately puffed her cheeks unhappily.
"It is helping!"
"If I don't eat it, the food will become lonely!"
Hearing such ridiculous logic—
Even Xiao Feng nearly laughed until he coughed.
The atmosphere inside the courtyard gradually became more lively afterward.
Everyone chatted casually while eating together.
Some spoke about academy news.
Others talked about cultivation progress.
Zi Yan continuously complained about Xiao Feng limiting her medicinal pill intake.
Qing Lin happily talked about how one of her little snakes scared several students accidentally.
Xiao Yi Xian quietly listened most of the time while occasionally adding calm remarks.
And Xiao Qiao Lin sometimes teased Xiao Feng deliberately just to see his helpless expression.
For the first time in many days—
Xiao Feng completely relaxed his mind.