Chapter 49: Testing the System's Strength, Gentle Beauty's Affection!

Cao Xuan didn’t actually think much of it; he believed that once he became strong enough, it wouldn’t matter even if others found out he had refined Foundation Establishment Pills. He had only asked Chen Qianru to keep it secret for the time being; otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered her some of the pills after they were made. If it were truly a matter of grave consequence, even if giving her some could bring him benefits, Cao Xuan wouldn’t risk his own life as a joke.

Therefore, Cao Xuan’s request for secrecy was just a casual remark, meant only for the short term. Yet, quite unintentionally, he triggered another function of the system. His eyes lit up—he had already witnessed the system’s power time and again. Whether it was the rebate on resources, the cultivation pills that could enhance his realm without side effects, or now this compelling command over any female cultivator whose affection exceeded ninety—each revealed the formidable authority of the system’s rules.

With Chen Qianru in tow, Cao Xuan applied for a vacant earth-fire alchemy room. As they entered, Chen Qianru looked around with curiosity. “Wow, so this is where alchemists refine their medicines?”

“It’s my first time coming in as an alchemy disciple, and to think Senior Brother would be the one to bring me here!”

But Cao Xuan now felt the urge to test the system. According to the rule that had surfaced in his mind—any female cultivator whose affection surpassed ninety would never refuse a solemn request from the host and would carry it out to the letter—he’d previously only half-believed it. But now, he realized the matter was anything but simple.

“A solemn request, strictly executed… Wouldn’t that mean one could even cultivate fanatical followers?” This thought flashed briefly through Cao Xuan’s mind. Could such absolute obedience really exist, like those deathsworn soldiers in dramas?

While Chen Qianru continued to look around curiously, Cao Xuan suddenly put on a serious face and said, “Junior Sister Chen, may I touch your chest?”

He usually flirted and joked, and their relationship had already reached this stage. But to make such a request out of the blue, without any pretext or atmosphere, would normally meet with refusal. At best, a close friend would scold him playfully as a “scoundrel”; at worst, a less familiar acquaintance would turn cold and say, “Are you serious?”

But now, after making his request in all seriousness, Cao Xuan felt that familiar data surge in his mind. Chen Qianru’s expression turned briefly blank, a flicker of light passing through her eyes.

Then, as if nothing had happened, she resumed her curious examination of their surroundings, and with a smile, replied, “If Senior Brother wants to, just go ahead. Why so serious?” As she spoke, she even moved closer, ready to undo her clothing.

“That’s enough, that’s enough—I was just saying!” Cao Xuan quickly stopped her. This was an earth-fire alchemy room, after all. Even though he had been granted use of it, it was still a public space; if someone barged in and saw Chen Qianru undressed, it would be disastrous.

But Cao Xuan had clearly underestimated the system’s power. Hearing his words, Chen Qianru replied earnestly, “Senior Brother must have his reasons. You needn’t worry about me.”

In the end, Cao Xuan hurriedly gave her a casual pinch, just to complete the command.

“This damned ‘strict execution’—what a headache. In the future, with these fairy-like women, gift-giving alone won’t be enough; I’ll have to find a way to raise their affection to ninety,” he thought to himself. He justified it by telling himself that reaching ninety points meant another chance at the lottery draw—nothing more, of course.

He quickly took out a variety of ingredients—Lingering Immortal Dew, Jialan Flower, Buddhaless Orchid, and more than a dozen others—preparing to teach Chen Qianru how to process them. Familiarity with medicinal ingredients and their properties meant that anyone with experience could pick it up quickly; it all depended on whether the alchemist had the patience to teach.

It was Cao Xuan’s first time refining this pill, so he followed the recipe step by step. Rather than teaching, it felt more like he and Chen Qianru were exploring the process together.

“Senior Brother, I didn’t realize you were making Foundation Establishment Pills! No wonder you were so insistent on secrecy,” Chen Qianru exclaimed. “This is the pill needed to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. I’ve heard it’s not easy to get one in the sect! Many of our seniors start preparing for it as soon as they reach the eighth level of Qi Refinement, fearing that by the time they reach the ninth, they’ll be delayed in their progress for lack of the pill.”

Chen Qianru truly lived up to her reputation as a well-connected, knowledgeable figure. Not only were her connections vast, but she was also well-versed in matters of cultivation.

Cao Xuan himself hadn’t thought that far ahead. If not for the Qi Cultivation Enhancement Pills, even with his Nine-Refinement Spiritual Root and the aid of medicine, it would have taken him more than a year to reach the peak of Qi Refinement.

The higher one’s cultivation, the slower the progress. A good spiritual root only meant faster absorption and refining of spiritual energy, but at the higher realms, unless one was blessed with extraordinary talent like the junior uncle of Qingyun Sect in Yunzhou or the Supreme Elder Xian Xiangqiu in Central State’s Qingyun Sect, even the most gifted would find it hard to advance without resources.

Even Xian Xiangqiu, with her astonishing talent, was now in seclusion, preparing to break through to the Void-Refining stage, consuming vast resources of the Central State Qingyun Sect.

Yet, some things are mutually reinforcing. If Xian Xiangqiu truly broke through from the peak of Nascent Soul to the Void-Refining stage, the Qingyun Sect of Central State would leap from a second-rate power to a first-rate force. The sect could then expand again—not just in Central State, but even in the Eastern Wastes, Southern Borders, Northern Regions, and Western Sea Islands, they might develop branch sects like those in Yunzhou, accumulating resources even faster.

To risk their foundation for a chance at greater resources and a stronger future was a gamble the Qingyun Sect would be foolish not to support.

At present, however, Cao Xuan wasn’t thinking so far ahead, nor had he considered traveling to Central State anytime soon. His focus was entirely on the alchemy before him, determined to successfully refine the Foundation Establishment Pills.

The soft scraping sound of Chen Qianru grinding herbs on the winnowing tray filled the air as the two finished discussing how to process the ingredients. The steps were tedious, but unlike the strict precision required in alchemy itself, the processing allowed for some flexibility.

Following the recipe, Cao Xuan closed his eyes and ignited the fire. He’d rehearsed the process in his mind countless times and was now brimming with confidence.

“Jialan Flower Powder,” he called out, and Chen Qianru’s slender hands quickly handed over the freshly ground powder. Cao Xuan immediately added it to the furnace, refining it into an elixir.

“Buddhaless Orchid petals, alfalfa stems…”

Ingredient after ingredient was swiftly refined by the two working in tandem. Chen Qianru was thoroughly impressed by Cao Xuan’s deft technique and control—she had to admit, a man focused on his craft was truly captivating.

Watching Cao Xuan so intent on his work, her eyes sparkled with affection—the first time she’d seen him so serious about alchemy.

[Ding~ Chen Qianru’s affection +1]

[Ding~ Chen Qianru’s current affection: 92. One lottery chance earned!]