Chapter Fifty: My Head Is Spinning

Facing the admiring gazes of the crowd, Qin Feiyang showed not the slightest hint of pride. He understood perfectly well that the conflict between the Mu and Jiang family heads had little to do with him. The two great clans had struggled openly and covertly for many years, with resentment deep as the sea. Today’s incident merely served as a fuse, offering both patriarchs a vent for their festering hatred and fury. Thus, intelligence had little to do with it.

After inquiring about the location of the Pill Hall, he departed with long strides. Although he was not lacking for gold at present, he still wished to test whether his spiritual power met the required standard. After all, auctioning martial arts skills could not be a long-term means of survival. The Dao of Alchemy was the true path forward.

The Pill Hall was situated in the eastern district, occupying an area of a thousand feet or so. Its grand halls were imposing in their majesty. Here, too, a flight of stone steps led up to the entrance. In truth, the purpose of these steps was only to deter ordinary mortals. In a small city like Black Bear City, where mortals were the majority, if all were permitted to take the assessment, the Pill Hall would be overwhelmed. Therefore, the Pill Hall devised a method: nine hundred and ninety-nine stone steps as the first trial, persuading mortals to retreat in the face of difficulty. If someone of mortal constitution did reach the summit, even without natural talent for alchemy, he would still be a rare genius worthy of cultivation.

It was a scorching summer day. Along the lengthy stone stairway, many were climbing, each carrying a dream. To reach the peak was to transform one’s destiny and soar to the heavens. Sadly, reality was harsh. Many collapsed in exhaustion before reaching halfway. Only warriors had hope.

Qin Feiyang ascended with nimble ease, swiftly overtaking one after another. Amid countless envious glances, he soon reached the summit.

There, seated cross-legged, was an elderly man in white. Sensing someone’s arrival, he opened his eyes, measured Qin Feiyang with a look, and asked, “You are Jiang Haotian?”

“I am, senior,” Qin Feiyang replied with a nod.

“Young man, you are impressive. But here, you must be humble. To become an alchemist, intelligence alone is not enough,” the old man said.

“I appreciate the guidance, senior,” Qin Feiyang replied, clasping his hands in respect.

“Follow me.” The old man rose, pushed open the great doors, and beckoned Qin Feiyang to enter.

Outside, the hall gleamed with gold and jade, but within, the decor was simple—just a few chairs and a single altar. Upon the altar rested a crystal stone, the size of a palm, with sharp facets. Sunlight streamed down through the skylight, casting dazzling rays.

Standing by the altar, the elder said, “Place your hand on the crystal. Do not use your true qi, nor exert any force. Simply close your eyes and meditate. The crystal will draw your spiritual power on its own.”

“Understood,” Qin Feiyang replied, placing his hand on the crystal. A chill seeped into his palm. He closed his eyes, calming his mind, and entered a meditative state.

Gradually, the crystal began to glow. This, however, was unremarkable. Even a mortal’s touch would cause it to emit light, as every person possessed spiritual power to some degree—the difference lay only in its strength.

Around ten breaths passed.

Suddenly, the crystal trembled, releasing a brilliant ray of light!

“First level spiritual power!” The old man’s eyes narrowed with anticipation.

First level was already sufficient to qualify as an alchemist, though achievements would be limited. Yet the light from the crystal continued to intensify—proof that Qin Feiyang’s spiritual power was not merely first level.

Another ten breaths.

The crystal quivered again, the light even brighter!

“Second level spiritual power!” The elder’s eyes shone with growing excitement.

Soon after, the crystal vibrated a third time, its radiance reaching new heights!

“Excellent, excellent,” the old man nodded repeatedly. But before long, the crystal quaked yet again—a fourth time! The elder could no longer contain himself; his eyes sparkled with fervor. In all of Black Bear City’s Pill Hall, only a dozen possessed fourth level spirit power. By this standard alone, this young man was outstanding.

No sooner had this thought formed than the crystal trembled a fifth time, its blinding brilliance illuminating the hall!

Fifth level spiritual power!

The old man’s body shook, his fists clenched tightly, his gaze burning. Could this be a true genius in the art of alchemy?

“Five tremors already,” Qin Feiyang thought, stirred with excitement. Though his eyes were closed, he could sense it clearly. He knew enough about these tests to understand that each tremor and increment in brilliance signified a higher level of spiritual power.

He had never imagined his spirit could reach the fifth level! More astonishing, he felt not the slightest fatigue—his strength was far from exhausted.

The crystal continued to draw on his spiritual power.

Soon, it trembled a sixth time!

“Sixth level spiritual power!” The old man whispered in awe, “In all of Black Bear City’s Pill Hall, only one person has reached the sixth level. This time, we’ve truly found a treasure!”

He hurried to bolt the doors, then rushed back to Qin Feiyang’s side, eyes fixed intently on the crystal.

A seventh tremor came.

At that moment, the elder’s heart nearly leapt from his chest. Seventh level spiritual power—such talent would shine even in Yan City!

“This is a rare gem! I must notify the Hall Master at once!” Stifling his excitement, he took out a crystal the size of a duck egg. Pouring his true qi into it, a beam of light burst forth, and soon an apparition took shape.

It was a middle-aged man, seven feet tall, with sword-like brows and a few streaks of white at his temples—weathered yet commanding. His name was Luo Xiong, master of the Pill Hall in Black Bear City.

“Old Feng, do you need something?” Luo Xiong inquired.

“Come to the testing hall immediately!” the elder urged.

“What’s the matter?” Luo Xiong asked, puzzled.

“No time for questions—hurry!” With a wave of his hand, the elder dismissed the apparition.

At that moment, the crystal shuddered for the eighth time, its blinding brilliance nearly impossible to behold!

“Eighth level spiritual power!”

“How can this be? In all of Yan County, only one person has reached this level!” The old man was beside himself, nearly wishing to embrace Qin Feiyang and shower him with affection.

Likewise, Qin Feiyang’s heart was in turmoil. Eighth level spiritual power—such talent would be exceptional even in the imperial capital! Most exciting of all, he still felt no sign of depletion. His spirit was not merely at the eighth level.

“No—I can’t go any further. I never intended to join the Pill Hall. If this continues, they’ll never let me go.”

At this thought, Qin Feiyang’s body began to tremble dramatically. He pretended to be exhausted, withdrawing his hand and clutching his head, feigning weakness.

Yet, as he withdrew, the crystal quivered once more!

“Damn!” Qin Feiyang cursed inwardly. Was fate toying with him? Even after pulling back, another tremor—the urge to keep a low profile seemed hopeless.

He glanced at the old man. As expected, the elder’s expression was exaggerated, his eyes about to pop from their sockets. The youth possessed ninth level spiritual power—unbelievable!

“Now’s my chance—time to slip away!” Qin Feiyang tiptoed toward the door.

“Stop!” the old man suddenly shouted, eyes sharp as lightning.

Qin Feiyang froze, instantly realizing trouble loomed. The old man would not let him go easily today.

“Ahem,” Qin Feiyang coughed awkwardly, forcing a smile. “Senior, there must be something wrong with the crystal. Please don’t take what you just saw seriously. I’ll take my leave now.”

With that, he dashed toward the door as if fleeing for his life.

But just then, the door swung open. Luo Xiong stood outside, frowning at the sight of Qin Feiyang’s desperate flight.

“Perfect timing!” Qin Feiyang rejoiced, stepping out, believing escape within reach.

“Master, stop him!” the old man bellowed.

With a cold snort, Luo Xiong grabbed Qin Feiyang by the back of his clothes and hurled him back into the hall like a ball, landing him before the white-robed elder.

Luo Xiong entered, closed the doors, and shot a hostile glare at Qin Feiyang, about to ask the old man what had happened.

“Master, I told you to stop him, not throw him!” the elder scolded, then hurried to help Qin Feiyang up, concern in his voice. “Little brother, are you all right? Our Hall Master has a fiery temper—pay him no mind.”

“What?” Luo Xiong was baffled, completely at a loss.

“I’m fine, truly,” Qin Feiyang said with a wave and a smile, then hastily added, “Senior, I have pressing matters—might I…”

“No!” the elder cut him off sternly, his tone grave and earnest. “With ninth level spiritual power, you must enter the Pill Hall. Otherwise, your talent will be squandered!”

“Ninth level?” Luo Xiong exclaimed in shock.

Qin Feiyang glanced at Luo Xiong, bitterness in his heart, and said to the old man, “Senior, I’m telling you, the crystal must be faulty. Let’s test with a different one if you don’t believe me.”

The elder frowned, unable to fathom why this youth would deny his gift. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. “Very well, I’ll oblige you. We’ll try a new crystal. But if it truly is ninth level, you must stay.”

“Absolutely!” Qin Feiyang nodded vigorously.

The elder took a brand new crystal from his spatial pouch and signaled for Qin Feiyang to place his hand upon it. As soon as he did, the crystal trembled once. Qin Feiyang chuckled inwardly, quickly withdrew his hand, rubbed his head, and shook it. “Oh, senior, I feel terribly dizzy.”

“What?” the elder exclaimed, bewildered. Could the first crystal really have been faulty?

“Senior, may I go now?” Qin Feiyang asked.

Still lost in confusion, the old man nodded by reflex.

At once, Qin Feiyang, as if granted amnesty, rushed to the door. He smiled at Luo Xiong, opened the door, and hurried down the stone steps.