The scholar atop the platform was lecturing on the Dao of Alchemy.

And passing on the Dao and instruction is also a way to improve variables.

Lu Chang’sheng had expected this; that was why he made a point of studying the Jade Scrolls of alchemy left by other alchemists and exchanging insights with fellow Daoists.

He just hadn’t thought the other’s explanation would elevate his mastery of the Alchemy Dao so noticeably.

"From this, it seems the man’s knowledge of the Dao of Alchemy is truly profound."

Lu Chang’sheng mused in his heart.

If it weren’t deep enough, it could not possibly evoke such an obvious reaction in his own Dao of Alchemy.

Most likely, even Alchemist Profound Turtle himself would not possess such a foundation.

"Or is it that the outside world has actually underestimated Profound Turtle Alchemist’s strength in the Dao of Alchemy?"

Lu Chang’sheng couldn’t tell whether the person at the table was truly Profound Turtle Alchemist, and suspicion lingered in his heart. His Golden Finger set him apart in this regard; as long as he could understand, he would absorb knowledge at an astonishing speed.

This was also why his comprehension of magic rivaled that of ordinary prodigies.

If not for this, with his Immortal Dao Spirit Root, mastering a supreme technique like Puppetry to perfection could not be accomplished in merely thirty or fifty years.

Lu Chang’sheng quieted his heart and mind, attending to the lesson with full attention. This validated his decision—even if it meant risking embarrassment—to come to Purple Ice Lake.

"Perhaps, before a decade passes, the two pill formulas I possess will see significant advancement."

Currently, what Lu Chang’sheng valued most were those two pill formulas. The first was the Cyan Spirit Pill Formula.

At the Minor Achievement stage, the rate of success for refining the Cyan Spirit Pill was still too low. If he could reach Great Success, it would surely push his cultivation in the Cyan Spirit Technique to a whole new level.

The second was the Foundation Establishment Pill Formula.

If he gained entry to the Foundation Establishment Pill Formula, he could instantly become one of only two alchemists in the Good Beast Sect able to refine Foundation Establishment Pills.

At that point, wherever he went, he would qualify as a second-rank alchemist.

With Huang Yun nearing the end of his lifespan, it was highly likely he’d claim the right to refine most Foundation Establishment Pills.

Lu Chang’sheng wanted stability but did not fear contention. Now, he was here to compete with the other sects’ alchemists for the alchemist’s inheritance.

Thinking this, Lu Chang’sheng dropped all distractions and listened earnestly. On the Light Curtain Panel, the number of years required for each pill formula kept fluctuating.

Numbers dropping from high to low.

Two days later, a flash of light appeared.

He Feng, who was in the midst of refining a pill, revealed a trace of helplessness, then vanished from beside the alchemy furnace.

Not far away, Huang Yun seemed to sense something, glanced over, and also showed a hint of resignation on his face. But considering He Feng’s talents, he was more or less relieved.

"In the end, he hasn’t reached second rank; his accumulation of spiritual sense just isn’t enough."

Alchemists demand much from their spiritual sense. Within this Inheritance Spirit Array, every moment depleted it—especially during alchemy, the drain was even greater.

But He Feng, being merely an elite alchemist, simply couldn’t compare with a second-rank alchemist.

However—

"From this, it can be seen that in terms of alchemical talent, Lu Chang’sheng surpasses He Feng, though it’s a shame—"

Lu Chang’sheng hadn’t even reached the Foundation Establishment level, yet already possessed spiritual sense on par with Foundation Establishment, which He Feng couldn’t match.

Another day passed. Huang Yun felt a sudden wave of weakness, and in the next instant, was transformed into a flash of light and disappeared.

When he reappeared, he was back at the base, where several Good Beast Sect cultivators guarding the place greeted him, asking for updates on the other sects’ progress.

The second hall was shrouded in mist for the Good Beast Sect, but its appearance was still vaguely visible; with some other sects able to pass the Refining Pill Dao, the moment the door was pushed open, the scene was clear for all to see.

That Profound Turtle Alchemist was one of the Le Ziren, so he understood their mindset, and thus provided subtle stimulation for those hiding their abilities.

Soon after, Huang Yun appeared in the courtyard atop the mountain, where the upper echelons of the Good Beast Sect were gathered in discussion.

"Fuyun Mountain entered the second hall, followed by Heaven-Burning Valley and Hundredfold Mountain."

When Hundredfold Mountain was mentioned, surprise rippled through the group.

"Hundredfold Mountain never stands out in the Nine Mountains Domain. How did they accomplish this?"

Ning He spoke.

The Nine Mountains Domain and Guangnan Domain were similar—both out-of-the-way areas with few remarkable sects. No one expected them to step into the second hall ahead of Supreme Profound Sect or Good Beast Sect.

"The domain’s immortal sects usually keep their strength hidden. Faced with such an opportunity, it’s inevitable they’d show some of their heritage."

Yan Yu sighed.

The Good Beast Sect was hailed as the strongest of the Three Immortals in Guangnan Domain, but such claims already belonged to hundreds or even thousands of years past.

Today, the Good Beast Sect was like a tiger in its twilight years—still formidable, but far from its prime.

"For now, our best is enough," Yan Yu said quietly.

He didn’t want to dampen morale, but reality was what it was. In terms of cultivator strength, Good Beast Sect could claim mid-to-high tier among the sects at Purple Ice Lake, but this time, the test was on alchemical prowess—squarely hitting Good Beast Sect’s weakness.

All present nodded in agreement.

Then, sitting up front, Huang Yun suddenly noticed Lu Chang’sheng’s absence and frowned, "Where’s Alchemist Lu?"

"Alchemist Lu hasn’t returned from the Inheritance Spirit Array yet."

Zhao Li replied.

This surprised Huang Yun, though he considered that the expenditure of spiritual sense differed between refining and attending lectures, which set him at ease.

Still, he couldn’t help feeling alarmed.

"When Fellow Daoist Lu returns, have him come here," he said.

Unexpectedly, it wasn’t till the next morning that Lu Chang’sheng knocked on Huang Yun’s door, and Huang Yun was still in a foul mood.

"When did you get out?"

"Fellow Daoist Huang, I just emerged from the Inheritance Spirit Array and came straight here," Lu Chang’sheng replied, unbothered by Huang Yun’s formality.

Huang Yun was startled, giving Lu Chang’sheng a look of surprise. "Your spiritual sense must be beyond the initial Foundation Establishment stage, right?"

Only that could explain Lu Chang’sheng’s endurance in the Inheritance Spirit Array.

Huang Yun did a quick calculation—Lu Chang’sheng had lasted about as long as he’d managed back then, meaning Lu Chang’sheng’s spiritual sense was far beyond what people generally imagined.

"I’ve made some progress these past years," Lu Chang’sheng said.

Huang Yun was at a loss for words. Just ’some progress’?

He admitted he had underestimated Lu Chang’sheng. This alchemist was steadier than he’d expected.

"If only your talent weren’t lacking, perhaps—"

Huang Yun quickly shook his head. He’d worked hard to choose He Feng and didn’t want to suddenly doubt his own decision—it would be cruel to He Feng.

"I asked you here to let you prepare in advance while your spiritual sense recovers these next few days."

Huang Yun said no more, his expression returning to calm.

Lu Chang’sheng nodded in affirmation.

To enter the second hall as soon as possible, everyone was trying their utmost to close the gap with the other sects.

These days, as their spiritual sense recovered, were also an opportunity for them to share experiences and develop themselves.

At the same time, they could focus on boosting their momentum for the coming Refining Pill Dao.

Just then, footsteps echoed outside; He Feng, Zhao Li, Zhong Mountain, and the rest arrived.

"As with previous sessions, Zhong Mountain, Zhao Li, and Fellow Daoist Ning He, who aren’t taking part in the inheritance test, may simply listen in," Huang Yun said, sweeping his gaze over the others.