Unbeknownst to Han Yi, a figure had been secretly tailing him since he left the market. After observing him enter the Profound Fire Pill Shop and waiting a while longer, the figure finally returned to the market.
"If my suspicions are correct, that young man must be an alchemist from the Profound Fire Pill Shop."
"But something doesn't add up. How could an alchemist capable of refining near-perfect Evil-Repelling Pills be working there?"
"From what I know, alchemists of his skill and youth typically reside within the Profound Pill Sect and rarely venture down the mountain."
An hour earlier, the elderly shopkeeper who had traded with Han Yi sat in his sandalwood-scented meditation chamber, deeply puzzled.
"Never mind. You may withdraw for now. Since that young man is affiliated with the Profound Fire Pill Shop, we must avoid rash actions."
With a casual wave of his hand, he dismissed the black-cloaked figure standing before him—a silent, ethereal presence that seemed not to breathe. The figure bowed slightly, then vanished in a flash, leaving the chamber without a trace.
"The most likely explanation is that he's a disciple undergoing worldly training."
"The Profound Pill Sect is not to be trifled with. We'll drop this for now."
The elderly shopkeeper rose to his feet, banishing his lingering thoughts about Han Yi.
If Han Yi had been a rogue cultivator, the Lei Family would have had countless ways to exploit him. Even if they couldn't directly control him, they could have quietly seized all his medicinal pills and treasures.
Unfortunately for them, Han Yi's backing was too formidable, deterring the Lei Family from taking any rash actions.
Unbeknownst to Han Yi, he had inadvertently avoided becoming a target for the Lei Family's illicit operations.
He finally breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped into the Profound Fire Pill Shop. The murderous intent he had sensed over four months ago hadn't resurfaced along the way.
Behind the counter, Guan Sheng's eyes flashed with an unreadable expression as he noticed Han Yi's arrival. "Congratulations, Junior Brother Han, on breaking through to the Qi Refining Third Layer! Truly cause for celebration." Guan Sheng immediately detected the unstable fluctuations of Han Yi's newly attained Qi Refining Third Layer cultivation.
After exchanging a few modest remarks, Han Yi quickly got down to business. "My apologies, Senior Brother Guan. I was supposed to report in earlier as agreed, but I happened to have a sudden inspiration that helped me break through my cultivation realm. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience I caused you."
Humbled by Han Yi's sincerity, Guan Sheng didn't press the matter.
Han Yi then produced the medicinal pills and Evil-Repelling Pills, and the transaction proceeded as before. He sold the Qi Nourishing Pills for Spirit Stones, and the Evil-Repelling Pills, split according to their 20/80 agreement, earned him about ten Spirit Stones.
This time, Han Yi obtained a total of 167 Spirit Stones.
He only spent 50 of them on materials for Qi Nourishing Pills, not because he didn't want more, but because the Profound Fire Pill Shop simply didn't have any more raw ingredients available.
As for other medicinal pills, he wasn't interested in venturing into those areas for the time being. Specializing in one area would yield better results.
"Junior Brother Han, your Alchemy Technique has become increasingly refined, and your success rate remains consistently high. At this rate, you'll undoubtedly pass the Sect Return Assessment in six months."
"Senior Brother Guan congratulates you in advance!" Guan Sheng said with a smile, and Han Yi clasped his hands in gratitude.
Next, Guan Sheng provided Han Yi with materials for another twenty batches of Evil-Repelling Pills.
This time, however, Guan Sheng hesitated before saying, "Junior Brother Han, to be honest, Senior Brother needs your help with something."
"Oh? What is it specifically? Please tell me, Senior Brother Guan," Han Yi replied, puzzled.
What kind of problem could Guan Sheng be unable to handle? What ability do I possess that could possibly assist him?
But if I truly can help, given Senior Brother Guan's kindness toward me, I certainly won't refuse.
Seeing that Han Yi hadn't refused, Guan Sheng's face lit up with delight. "This isn't something you need to do immediately," he continued.
"As is customary, a Sect overseer will inspect the shop in three months. I happen to have urgent business elsewhere at that time and will need to leave. I don't trust anyone else with this responsibility, so I hope you, Junior Brother, can help out by managing the shop for about half a month. Don't worry, I'll arrange everything meticulously to ensure a smooth handover. Moreover, I'll compensate you with Spirit Stones for your time. You won't be helping out for nothing."
Han Yi chuckled wryly. "Senior Brother Guan, the Profound Fire Pill Shop is so large and deals with such a vast array of Medicinal Pills. The responsibility seems too great; I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it properly. Besides, I wouldn't even know how to properly receive a Sect overseer." Han Yi shrugged helplessly.
Truthfully, Han Yi simply wanted to keep a low profile, grind his proficiency, and enjoy the daily satisfaction of becoming stronger. He had even planned to continue this approach after returning to the Sect. The idea of becoming a shopkeeper had never crossed his mind.
Guan Sheng sighed softly, his voice tinged with helplessness. "Precisely because the responsibility is so great, I don't trust anyone else."
"This year's Sect inspection is crucial for my assessment, and I can't afford even the slightest mistake," Guan Sheng said. "Unfortunately, I have a very important matter that requires me to leave."
"That's why I'm considering asking Junior Brother Han for help. From our interactions so far, you strike me as reliable and meticulous. I trust you, and I trust my own judgment."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have made such a hasty request. As for handling the Sect overseers' reception, that's already covered by standard procedures. I'll prepare everything accordingly, so you don't need to worry about that."
Han Yi considered this for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then. Since Senior Brother Guan holds me in such high regard, it would be impolite of me to refuse."
Han Yi finally agreed, and Guan Sheng's face lit up with delight. "Excellent! With Junior Brother Han's assistance, this inspection will be flawless."
They then delved into the specific details of the matter, with Guan Sheng patiently explaining each point.
Half an hour later, Han Yi left the Profound Fire Pill Shop.
Inside the shop, Guan Sheng's smile lingered. "The final piece of the puzzle is in place. My long-laid plans have not been in vain. The chick has entered the cage. Great things are on the horizon."
Guan Sheng's smile abruptly vanished as a tall, lean youth descended the stairs from the second floor.
The tall, lean youth was none other than Jiang De.
Jiang De shifted his gaze from Han Yi, who had just left, to Guan Sheng. His voice was low and stern. "Old Guan, are you planning to use this kid as a scapegoat during the Sect's inspection?"
"This plan is riddled with holes. If it falls apart, we'll all be doomed."
"My suggestion remains unchanged: get rid of him as soon as possible and fabricate the evidence."
"Besides, he just broke through to the Qi Refining Third Layer. That gives us a perfect excuse to accuse him of embezzling materials."
Jiang De was about to continue his persuasion when Guan Sheng cut him off. "Jiang De, my plan doesn't concern you."
"I'm warning you: don't cause any trouble during this period. If you ruin my plans, you'll face consequences you can't even imagine."
Guan Sheng's face was unusually grim.
Jiang De stared intently at him for a moment, then abandoned his argument. He turned and strode up to the second floor. Shortly after, he descended and headed out of the shop.
"Where are you going?" Guan Sheng asked, his head still bowed.
"Collecting goods," Jiang De replied expressionlessly, waving the invoice in his hand as he exited the Profound Fire Pill Shop.
Guan Sheng lowered his head further, ignoring him.
Today was indeed the day for collecting Spirit Medicines and Herbs.
Meanwhile, Han Yi, who had just left the Profound Fire Pill Shop, didn't give the matter much thought.
He assumed it was a routine request from Senior Brother Guan. Since he had no greedy intentions himself, he figured any discrepancies could be easily explained away.
Consider it repaying a favor, he thought.