The Saint

Ever since Qin Ran effortlessly refined a top-grade fourth-tier pill under the old man's watchful eyes, he quickly found his place. No longer causing trouble for Qin Ran, his attitude visibly shifted to one of respect.

He understood clearly that Qin Ran didn’t belong here—he posed no threat to his position. Whenever faced with an unsolvable pill-related problem, he would even approach Qin Ran with the deference of a disciple. And as Qin Ran helped him resolve increasingly complex issues and refine ever more challenging pills, his reverence only grew.

Most importantly, Qin Ran seemed harmless, showing no interest in usurping his authority as the chief alchemist. Unless sought out, Qin Ran simply stayed in his room, reading. This made the old man respect him even more—and trust him completely.

After establishing his reputation with that flawless fourth-tier pill, Qin Ran found himself enjoying an unexpectedly peaceful period of cultivation in this den of enemies, a true dragon’s lair.

In fact, since arriving in the Tianhai Region, this was the most tranquil time he’d experienced.

If only he could cook and experiment with food, it would feel just like Dan Peak. Unfortunately, this place was filled with cultivators—no ingredients, no kitchen tools.

Perhaps this was his only grievance.

One day, after finishing his reading, he crouched in his room, tinkering with medicinal tea. He mixed various herbs he’d "borrowed" during pill refining into the tea leaves, adjusting the flavor.

Knock knock!

The door suddenly sounded.

Still crouched, he used his identity token to open the stone door and called out, "Come in."

Assuming it was the old man or another alchemist seeking his help, he didn’t bother looking up, fully absorbed in his tea experiment.

"Take a seat. I’m working on a ‘Complete Sea Demon Tonic Tea’—great for strengthening the body," he explained, holding a sea demon’s tendon as he measured the dose, ready to add it in.

Then, he sensed an exceptionally delicate figure settling nearby, accompanied by an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance.

His focus remained on the tea, but even without looking, he could tell it was a woman—soft, graceful, undoubtedly a female cultivator. He promptly stashed the sea demon tendon away.

"What pill are you refining, miss?" he asked.

No answer came.

After a pause, he tried again, "Do you have the formula?"

Still silence.

Puzzled, he finally glanced up—and met a pair of tender, autumn-water eyes gazing at him.

"Holy Maiden?!" He recoiled in shock, scrambling backward on the floor as if he’d seen not a peerless beauty but a prehistoric monster.

Dressed in black robes, her face veiled behind a sheer black gauze, the enchantingly alluring woman sat gracefully on the chair. Her eyes, lively and teasing, studied Qin Ran as she smiled.

When she finally spoke, her voice was sinfully smooth, like a cat’s tail teasing one’s heart. "Do you know the crime of secretly hoarding so many spirit herbs?"

Qin Ran didn’t answer immediately. His eyes darted to the door—still shut—and he exhaled in relief.

"Why would the Holy Maiden visit my humble quarters?" He rose from the floor but found standing awkward under her gaze, so he leaned back against the wall.

The Holy Maiden watched him, smiling silently.

Ahem. He got the hint and answered her question. "This is nothing. Just an unspoken rule among alchemists.

"If you ask an alchemist to refine a pill, you provide the ingredients. Once the pill is successfully made, you take it. What happens to the leftover herbs is none of your concern.

"If the alchemist succeeds, any extra materials are their rightful reward—proof of their skill."

The veiled woman’s crescent-moon eyes sparkled with amusement. "I’ve never seen someone so brazen about it."

Steadying himself, Qin Ran stepped forward to the tea stove, poured a cup, and offered it to her. "Dare to drink?"

The Holy Maiden accepted it. "Why wouldn’t I?"

"I’m quite skilled at refining poisons," Qin Ran remarked, pouring himself a cup before retreating to the main seat, keeping his distance. "I prefer killing with toxins."

"Would you really kill me?" Her eyes shimmered with exaggerated affection.

"They call me the ‘Flower-Crushing Executioner,’" Qin Ran replied, sipping his tea. After a thoughtful pause, he added, "Needs more Water-White Immortal for balance."

The Holy Maiden chuckled softly, tasting the tea herself. Bitter yet sweet—nothing remarkable.

"Was it you who refined the Golden Cloud Vein Pill last time?" she finally broached the real matter.

"Indeed," Qin Ran nodded. "Used it all up already? Did it suit your needs?"

"It was excellent," she admitted. "Comparable to the pills from headquarters."

"An honor..." Qin Ran smiled.

"Who knew you had such mastery?" Her gaze deepened with feigned admiration. "Would you like to go to headquarters?"

"I’ve only just joined the organization. I wouldn’t dare dream of it yet," he deflected. "Where is headquarters, anyway?"

The Holy Maiden rolled her eyes, a gesture brimming with charm. "Naturally, in the Seven Isles."

Qin Ran knew the "Destiny" organization’s true headquarters wasn’t in the Seven Isles, but there had to be a major branch there.

"Did the Holy Maiden come from the Seven Isles?" he pressed.

"Indeed."

"Ah, I’ve never been," Qin Ran sighed.

"With your skills, you’ll go there eventually." She reached into the pouch at her waist—a spatial storage item—and handed him a set of herbs. "Since it was you who refined it, I’ll come directly to you from now on. Another Golden Cloud Vein Pill."

Qin Ran accepted the herbs but couldn’t help sighing. "The Golden Cloud Vein Pill, huh..."

"Why the sigh?"

"If you didn’t need to take the Cloud Vein Pill, would you still want to?" he asked.

The Holy Maiden’s playful eyes flickered imperceptibly. She glanced at him, then just as quickly looked away, gazing at the ocean outside the window. "Do you know what the Golden Cloud Vein Pill is for?"

"I refined it. Of course I know," Qin Ran replied calmly, sipping his tea. "I’m saying I can make something better. Would you prefer that?"

Her eyes locked onto him again, as if probing his soul for honesty. After a long pause, she answered, "No need. The Golden Cloud Vein Pill is perfect as it is."

"Very well. I’ll refine the Cloud Vein Pill then." Qin Ran nodded. "You can always come to me when you need more."

The Holy Maiden let out a soft, cryptic laugh. Rising, she walked to the door. Just before leaving, she murmured, "You’d do well to pretend you know nothing."

Qin Ran watched the sway of her veiled silhouette and grinned. "I’m just a pill refiner. I only give suggestions. What could I possibly know?"

She glanced back once but said no more, stepping out and shutting the door behind her.

Sipping his tea, Qin Ran stared at the empty doorway, his thoughts a tangled mess.

The Golden Cloud Spirit Vein Pill is used for cultivating seduction techniques. Consuming this pill can unlock a woman's physical potential, making her appear even more youthful, beautiful, and alluring during her prime.

However, once the potential is exhausted, the user will rapidly age and die.

The Holy Maiden is employed by the "Fate" organization to erode the willpower of its members. Yet, she herself is also a consumable resource.

"Damn, the power of seduction is too strong," Qin Ran muttered, setting down his teacup and closing the door with a sigh. "I actually started wondering whether I still have that kind of function."