The news from the Pill Refinement Hall was the final straw. Ling Tian was not merely a combat prodigy; he was an alchemist whose skill shattered all known concepts of alchemy in the Seven-Heaven Realm. The Sky Cloud Sect had not recruited a genius; they had gained a living legend.
The next morning, an assembly was called in the Grand Hall—an event usually reserved for major defensive crises.
Sect Master Gu, a formidable figure in the Early Nascent Soul Realm, sat on his throne, flanked by Grand Elder Xi and all the Outer Elders. The atmosphere was somber.
Ling Tian entered, wearing his simple grey robes and his Honorary First Core Disciple token. He ignored the tension and walked to the center of the hall, standing with his signature, unyielding posture.
Sect Master Gu rose from his throne. To the shock of all gathered, the mighty Sect Master, known for his unbending pride, bowed slightly towards Ling Tian.
"Honorary First Core Disciple Ling Tian," Sect Master Gu's voice was deep but respectful. "I officially welcome you to the Sky Cloud Sect. Your performance in the trials and your recent demonstration in the Pill Refinement Hall have proven that your initial terms were, in fact, modest."
Sect Master Gu continued, addressing Ling Tian's latest demands regarding the herbs and the shocking incident with Lei Fan.
"Regarding the herbs: Elder He's report states you are capable of refining Tier-7 pills from Tier-5 and Tier-6 materials. We cannot afford to lose such talent. You are hereby granted unrestricted access to all Tier-7 and Tier-8 herbs in the Sect's treasury. Use them as you see fit."
"Regarding Core Disciple Lei Fan: He violated the rules by attacking you during training. His punishment is to be confined to the Reflection Cave for three months. Your actions were merely self-defense."
The Elders nodded in agreement. No one dared to challenge Ling Tian now.
Ling Tian finally spoke, his voice carrying an edge of impatience. "Your generosity is noted, Sect Master. The Sect will not regret its investment."
He had achieved complete internal dominance. The entire Sky Cloud Sect was now his resource pool.
"However," Ling Tian continued, looking directly at the Sect Master, "these herbs and this Tier-8 Spirit Vein are merely sufficient for my maintenance. My goal is clear: The Golden Core Realm."
The atmosphere tensed again. Breaking through to the Golden Core Realm was the greatest hurdle in cultivation, often taking decades, even centuries, for peak geniuses.
"I need to refine a pill that can accelerate the process and solidify my Divine-Tier Foundation, ensuring the Golden Core I forge is Perfect."
"What pill do you require?" asked Grand Elder Xi eagerly.
"I require the Heavenly Tribulation Pill," Ling Tian announced.
The Elders exchanged looks of horror. The Heavenly Tribulation Pill was a legendary, Tier-9 pill, rumored to only exist in ancient texts. It was so potent that refining it would invite a Heavenly Tribulation upon the alchemist!
"Tier-9? Disciple Ling Tian, even if you are a Pill God, that pill is too dangerous! The formula is also incomplete," warned Sect Master Gu.
"The formula is irrelevant. I will derive it," Ling Tian scoffed. The formula in the Forbidden Archive is a flawed copy; the true formula is within the Absolute Immortal Lineage.
"What is relevant," Ling Tian emphasized, his eyes gleaming with ambition, "is the main ingredient: the Nascent Dragon Heartgrass. It only grows near the Core of a Tier-9 Spirit Vein."
Sect Master Gu inhaled sharply. The Sky Cloud Sect possessed only one Tier-9 Spirit Vein, the main vein of the Heavenly Sword Mountain, which was used exclusively for the Sect Master's and Grand Elder's cultivation. Access was strictly forbidden.
"Disciple Ling Tian, the Tier-9 Spirit Vein is the foundation of our entire Sect. Granting access is impossible," Sect Master Gu protested.
Ling Tian's signature, cold sneer returned. He exerted a small burst of his Golden Chaos Foundation aura, which momentarily suppressed the Nascent Soul Realm Sect Master.
"Sect Master, let me clarify the value proposition," Ling Tian stated, his voice ringing with absolute, supreme arrogance. "You invest a few roots of grass and temporary access to a vein. I, in return, forge a Perfect Golden Core capable of defending this Sect for ten thousand years and raising your entire Sect's cultivation level."
"You already saw what I did with the Tier-8 vein. Do you dare to slow the pace of your future Protector?"
Sect Master Gu exchanged a worried glance with Grand Elder Xi, who merely nodded slowly, her expression reading: Let him do it. The risk is worth the reward.
With a heavy sigh of resignation, Sect Master Gu made his final decision.
"Very well, Ling Tian. I grant you one week of limited access to the Tier-9 Spirit Vein Core and all required materials for the Heavenly Tribulation Pill. Do not invite a real Tribulation to our mountain. Go. And succeed."
Ling Tian finally smiled—a smile of cold triumph. He knew the Sect Master had no choice.
"I will return, Sect Master, with a Golden Core that will shake the Heavens."