One of the Three Beauties: Su Yutong

The next day,

Wang Jianqiang consumed another flawless Cloud Mist Pill, and as expected, his cultivation broke through to the seventh level of Qi Refining.

Over the following day, he successfully refined three more flawless Cloud Mist Pills in succession.

Instead of continuing his cultivation, he took these three flawless pills and headed to the External Affairs Hall.

External Affairs Hall

When Dong Yue received the three flawless Cloud Mist Pills from Wang Jianqiang, she had mentally prepared herself, yet she couldn’t help feeling a surge of astonishment.

At the same time, her heart ached with even greater regret.

Wang Jianqiang was truly a prodigy in alchemy—the legendary flawless pills, which were nearly impossible to refine, had been successfully crafted by him repeatedly.

Yet, his alchemy rank was too low to refine high-tier pills, and with his lifespan nearing its end, he was doomed to never reach Foundation Establishment, making him unworthy of further investment.

Otherwise, the sect would undoubtedly have valued him highly.

"Flawless Cloud Mist Pills, free of pill toxins and far more potent than ordinary ones. Each can be exchanged for 3,500 spirit stones. The total for these three is 10,500 spirit stones."

"After deducting the 8,000 spirit stones for the Cloud Mist Pill recipe, you have a surplus of 2,500 spirit stones."

After storing the flawless pills, Dong Yue looked at Wang Jianqiang and asked, "Do you have anything else you wish to purchase?"

Wang Jianqiang pondered for a moment before inquiring, "Elder Dong Yue, how much does a Foundation Establishment Pill recipe cost?"

Dong Yue’s heart skipped a beat, and she stared intently at him. "Have you become a second-rank alchemist?"

Wang Jianqiang possessed the rare talent of refining pills without any toxins.

If he could refine Foundation Establishment Pills, the resulting pills would not only be free of impurities but also far more potent than ordinary ones.

In that case, there might still be hope for him to reach Foundation Establishment.

Once he achieved Foundation Establishment, he would gain an additional century of lifespan, giving him ample time to further his cultivation and alchemy skills.

If he could advance to a second-rank high-tier alchemist before her own lifespan ran out…

At this thought, Dong Yue’s nearly lifeless heart stirred with renewed emotion.

Wang Jianqiang hadn’t expected his casual question to provoke such a strong reaction from Elder Dong Yue. He awkwardly shook his head. "No, I haven’t."

He had merely wanted to inquire about the price of the Foundation Establishment Pill recipe in advance, as he felt he wasn’t far from the tenth level of Qi Refining and wanted to prepare accordingly.

Hearing this, the light in Dong Yue’s eyes dimmed instantly.

Of course, he was only a Qi Refining cultivator—how could he possibly be a second-rank alchemist?

She let out a bitter laugh and sat back in her chair, but still answered his question. "The Foundation Establishment Pill recipe costs one million spirit stones."

"However, the recipe is of great significance and is classified as a first-tier restricted formula. Outer Sect Disciples are not permitted to purchase it. Even if you had the million spirit stones, you wouldn’t be able to buy it."

What?

Wang Jianqiang was dumbfounded.

Outer Sect Disciples weren’t allowed to buy the Foundation Establishment Pill recipe!

Then how was he supposed to reach Foundation Establishment?

Buy ordinary Foundation Establishment Pills?

Not only were these pills extremely difficult for Outer Sect Disciples to obtain, but even if he could get them easily…

He knew full well how abysmal his talent was.

With ordinary Foundation Establishment Pills, even if he disregarded the pill toxins and consumed them like candy, his chances of success were slim.

Only a flawless Foundation Establishment Pill could give him hope.

And to refine a flawless pill, he first needed the recipe.

Dong Yue’s words struck him like a bolt from the blue.

Seeing Wang Jianqiang’s expression darken, Dong Yue’s gaze flickered. "You seem very eager to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill recipe?"

Wang Jianqiang nodded dejectedly.

For reasons unknown—perhaps lingering reluctance or a faint hope for a miracle—Dong Yue found herself speaking impulsively. "If you can become a second-rank alchemist, come find me. I’ll help you obtain the recipe."

Wang Jianqiang was stunned by her words, then his face lit up with joy.

Truly, just when all seemed lost, a new path appeared.

"Thank you, Elder Dong Yue!"

He bowed deeply in gratitude.

After exchanging all his remaining spirit stones for medicinal herbs, he bid Dong Yue farewell and left.

Dong Yue watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

"Greetings, Elder Dong Yue."

A clear, melodious voice broke her reverie.

A young woman had appeared at the counter without her noticing.

She was exquisitely beautiful, with skin as fair as snow.

Her long, raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her purple robe ended just above her knees, revealing slender, delicate calves.

Her chest was full—though not as ample as Dong Yue’s, it was still impressive.

This young woman was Su Yutong, one of the few Outer Sect Disciples who had left a deep impression on Dong Yue, aside from Wang Jianqiang.

Su Yutong had joined the sect three years ago.

According to the Joy Union Sect’s rules, disciples who had joined within the last five years were considered newcomers.

Despite being a newcomer, Su Yutong had already reached the eighth level of Qi Refining in just three years—a testament to her extraordinary talent.

Her stunning beauty and prodigious skill had earned her great fame among the Outer Sect Disciples, with many ranking her among the top three beauties of the Outer Sect.

"Are you here to buy or sell?" Dong Yue’s tone was as indifferent as ever.

Su Yutong seemed accustomed to her attitude. She pursed her lips and replied, "This disciple wishes to purchase some Cloud Mist Pills."

"What quality do you want?"

"The highest quality available, naturally."

Dong Yue nodded and retrieved the five flawless Cloud Mist Pills she had obtained from Wang Jianqiang.

"These are the highest-quality Cloud Mist Pills currently in the External Affairs Hall. The price is… 5,000 spirit stones per pill."

Su Yutong gasped at the exorbitant cost.

While Cloud Mist Pills were among the most effective first-rank high-tier pills, their usual value ranged between 300 to 500 spirit stones.

Noticing her disbelief, Dong Yue’s eyes gleamed with hidden meaning. "These pills are extraordinary. You won’t regret purchasing them."

Su Yutong inwardly scoffed.

Extraordinary?

No matter how special, they were still just Cloud Mist Pills. Could one really replace ten?

Still, not wanting to offend Dong Yue, she reluctantly agreed.

"I’ll take one flawless Cloud Mist Pill and ten ordinary ones."

Dong Yue, with her keen perception, immediately saw through Su Yutong’s hesitation.

She shook her head slightly.

She was certain Su Yutong would regret this decision after trying the flawless pill.

But she offered no further explanation.

She handed over one flawless pill and ten ordinary ones, accepting Su Yutong’s payment.

As Su Yutong left, Dong Yue was about to store the remaining four flawless pills when another beautiful woman rushed into the External Affairs Hall.

Her eyes swept across the counter before locking onto the four flawless Cloud Mist Pills.

"Elder Dong Yue, are these four pills the ones sold by Senior Brother Wang?"

Dong Yue studied the woman before her.

She remembered this disciple well—not for her reputation or talent, but because ever since purchasing a flawless Green Spirit Pill some time ago, she had become obsessed, visiting the External Affairs Hall daily in hopes of more.

Every flawless Green Spirit Pill Wang Jianqiang had sold here had ended up in her hands.

Seeing her eager expression, Dong Yue nodded. "They are."

The woman’s face lit up with joy. "May I buy them?"

"Of course," Dong Yue replied coolly.

"I’ll take all four!"