Xu Ning's answer was simple: "Top-grade pills."
Su Yufan's face twisted into a bitter smile. "Top-grade pills are nearly impossible to obtain!"
Xu Ning nodded in agreent. "They are indeed rare, but I happen to know a source."
Su Yufan's eyes imdiately brightened with interest. "What source?"
"All cultivation mountain ranges except North Sea Peak have an organization called Heavenly Mystery Pavilion," Xu Ning explained. "They specialize in selling high-quality pills and spiritual herbs."
Su Yufan frowned in confusion. "Why would North Sea Peak be the exception?"
Xu Ning gave him a aningful look. "You'll have to ask your Ice and Snow Sect about that." With that, he stood up abruptly. "If you'll excuse , Holy Son Su, I have matters to attend to."
As Su Yufan rose thoughtfully, he muttered, "I'll investigate this when I return."
After seeing his guest off, Xu Ning remained standing barefoot in the snow, letting the cold seep into his feet to clear his mind. The decision to relocate the Heavenly Inheritance Sect to North Sea Peak had been strategic - not only was the territory vast with few competing sects, but it also presented an opportunity regarding the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.
The Ice and Snow Sect's iron grip on North Sea Peak ant they monopolized all ice-type resources. While the region might be considered barren compared to other mountain ranges, its unique ice-type resources were invaluable. To maintain this monopoly, the sect had always barred external trading organizations, including the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's previous attempts to establish a presence.
Xu Ning couldn't force the issue without risking the Ice and Snow Sect's wrath. While he might escape retaliation, the Heavenly Inheritance Sect would bear the consequences. Now that the naive holy son had conveniently delivered himself as a potential ally, Xu Ning saw his chance.
Returning to his thatched hut, Xu Ning penned a letter to Luo Xiu, instructing him to dispatch representatives to North Sea Peak to open a Heavenly Mystery Pavilion branch. He emphasized that they must first consult with the Ice and Snow Sect.
The circumstances had changed dramatically since the pavilion's last attempt. Xu Ning's ability to refine top-grade Yuan-level pills, combined with the recent ergence of legendary and Divine-grade Foundation Establishnt cultivators, had shifted the balance. The Ice and Snow Sect would undoubtedly feel the pressure - without access to high-quality pills, their legendary Foundation Establishnt cultivators would struggle to form cores before their lifespans expired.
With Su Yufan advocating from within, Xu Ning was confident the Ice and Snow Sect would relent. The recent surge of cultivation prodigies signaled an impending power struggle, and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion - having supplied many of the materials enabling these breakthroughs - stood to benefit greatly.
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Two days later, Miao Yunyi arrived at Xu Ning's Great Elder Peak after settling sect affairs. He found Xu Ning standing barefoot in the snow, gazing down at Tiancheng Sect below.
"Xu Ning!" Miao Yunyi called out, but received no response. He stepped closer. "Still putting on airs with ?"
Xu Ning finally turned with a slight smile. "Master, you saw through ."
Miao Yunyi chuckled. "That aura you're radiating is far too conspicuous."
"I can no longer use the Xu Ning identity," Xu Ning admitted.
"I understand," Miao Yunyi nodded. "Though I wonder how many more secrets you're keeping."
Xu Ning's expression turned serious. "Master, I've been at Foundation Establishnt for two hundred years. Including the hundred years of Qi Refining, I only have two hundred years remaining - and I'm still only at early Foundation Establishnt stage."
He continued bitterly, "I regret choosing this broken path. While I achieved Divine-grade Foundation Establishnt, I can't sustain the resource demands that follow."
Miao Yunyi's face grew solemn. "If you wish to stop cultivating, return to Tianbao Sect. I'll protect you for your remaining years unless the sect falls."
The path after Divine-grade Foundation Establishnt was indeed daunting.
Xu Ning shook his head firmly. "Master, cultivation is about defying fate. I won't give up so easily. Even if I die, it will be on this path."
Miao Yunyi sighed. "Still as stubborn as ever. Why didn't you return to Tianbao Sect after reaching Foundation Establishnt?"
"I was severely injured after my breakthrough," Xu Ning explained. "The forr Tiancheng Sect leader saved and took as his disciple."
Miao Yunyi patted Xu Ning's shoulder. "You've suffered. It's my fault for not providing enough resources."
"Master guides the way, but cultivation depends on oneself," Xu Ning countered. "How could I bla you?"
"Co, let's sit and talk," Miao Yunyi suggested. "We have much to discuss."
They spent the entire day and night conversing at the stone table. Miao Yunyi tactfully avoided prying into Xu Ning's past, respecting that his disciple had his own secrets.
Before leaving, Miao Yunyi offered earnest advice: "Be cautious about revealing your Divine-grade Foundation Establishnt."
"Are you worried others might covet it?" Xu Ning asked, knowing such foundations could be inherited.
Miao Yunyi nodded. "The foundation can only be preserved and passed down after a cultivator's natural death. While you have ti now, if you were to perish, Tiancheng Sect would be in danger."
Xu Ning acknowledged the warning. "I've considered that. When the ti cos, I'll choose sowhere far away to die."
Miao Yunyi suddenly smiled. "Good disciple, why not change your identity and return to Tianbao Sect then?"
Xu Ning glared at him. "Old man, you're scheming against !"
Miao Yunyi feigned innocence. "If you're going to pass anyway, why not leave a divine-grade foundation for Tianbao Sect?"
"You're always hoping for my death!" Xu Ning exclaid in mock anger. "Get out! I won't keep you here!"
As he physically pushed Miao Yunyi away, the older man protested: "At least give your alchemy equipnt! I need to refine pills for my Nascent Soul preparation!"
Xu Ning continued shoving. "Mine was destroyed during tribulation. I'll prepare new equipnt for you later!"
"You promise?" Miao Yunyi called as he was pushed off the mountain peak.
Catching himself mid-air, Miao Yunyi shouted, "Traitor! Trying to kill your own master!"
Xu Ning raised a finger to his lips in warning.
Realizing his outburst might have been overheard, Miao Yunyi quickly composed himself. "Rember your promise!" he called before flying away.
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