Chương 27: Overpowering Presence

"Oh, so that is how it is." The three exchanged knowing glances, their eyes flickering with a transparent skepticism. It was clear they did not buy Ji Yueli's excuses for a single heartbeat. However, Ji Yueli remained indifferent, her expression a mask of cool, untouchable composure that offered no further explanation.

"Ahem! Lately, I have been obsessively attempting to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill. It seems heaven rewards the diligent, for just yesterday, my painstaking efforts finally bore fruit—I successfully produced one." Duan Zhonghua's face flushed with a touch of smugness as he retrieved a pill from his storage bag. He held it aloft, the medicinal scent wafting through the air, while his gaze drifted repeatedly toward Ji Yueli, fishing for even a shred of admiration.

"A Foundation Establishment Pill! To think Senior Brother has already achieved independent success in such a complex refinement. You must be on the very precipice of ascending to a Grade 3 Alchemist," Liu Yuyao exclaimed, her face a mix of genuine shock and blatant envy. Li Zidu offered his congratulations as well, though his tone was noticeably strained and his complexion had turned a shade sallow with suppressed irritation.

To Duan Zhonghua's mounting frustration, however, Ji Yueli merely offered a curt, "Congratulations." Not a single ripple of emotion disturbed her jade-like features. He felt a sharp pang of disappointment; did she truly not comprehend how miraculous it was for a cultivator of his age to master such a difficult pill? At that precise moment, a figure stepped measuredly into the hall. The newcomer seemed momentarily surprised by the gathered crowd before offering a calm, composed salute.

"Reyn greets the Senior Brothers and Sisters." Ji Yueli's eyes brightened imperceptibly, the frost on her face thawing ever so slightly as she gave a small, elegant nod of acknowledgement. While Duan Zhonghua and Li Zidu were rivals, they at least acknowledged each other's status as elites. But Reyn? To them, he was a mere commoner with mediocre spiritual roots. His presence in this inner circle felt like a personal insult to their standing.

As for Liu Yuyao, she did not even deign to glance at the "talentless trash" junior brother, her eyes fixed solely on those who held actual power.

"I heard from Senior Brother Duan that Junior Brother Reyn has been studying the refinement of the Foundation Establishment Pill as well," Li Zidu said, a mocking glint dancing in his eyes.

"Such ambition is truly admirable. Have you emerged today because you, like Senior Brother Duan, have achieved a breakthrough?" Ji Yueli's brow furrowed slightly at the provocation, but she remained silent, her eyes fixed on Reyn with a sliver of hidden, inexplicable expectation. Reyn's brow twitched. He knew he needed to keep a low profile while seeking a way to shatter his cultivation bottleneck.

"The refinement is exceedingly difficult," he replied evenly, his voice devoid of heat.

"My aptitude is dull. I merely wished to familiarize myself with the process and did not succeed. I am only here today to fulfill my promise and return the borrowed pill." Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work! Though she knew it was a long shot, Ji Yueli's eyes dimmed with a trace of disappointment. She sighed inwardly. For some reason, she felt this junior brother was an enigma, especially after their last "encounter."

His silhouette had begun to haunt her thoughts more often than she cared to admit. A missed destiny, perhaps. If so, why dwell on it? she thought. Reyn caught the subtle shift in her gaze. After a moment's hesitation, he reached into his storage bag, produced a pill, and placed it directly into her hand.

"Thank you, Senior Sister Ji. I return this to its rightful owner." Without acknowledging the sneers and silent mockery from Duan and the others, he turned on his heel and walked away.

"Hmph! I told you, lending him that pill was a waste of your precious time," Duan Zhonghua sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.

"The idea of him refining such a treasure is a joke!" He looked as though Reyn wouldn't be his equal even if the boy practiced for another thousand years. Li Zidu nodded in agreement, his expression cold. A small fry like Reyn daring to harbor thoughts about Junior Sister Ji was simply courting a swift death. Liu Yuyao giggled, finding Reyn's "pathetic retreat" immensely entertaining.

"Enough. I am weary today. Please, leave me," Ji Yueli said coldly, picking up her teacup in a clear gesture of dismissal. Knowing her temperament, the trio shared a look, smiled, and took their leave. Once they were out of sight, Ji Yueli opened her palm. Resting there was a perfectly round, milky-white pill emitting a soft, ethereal glow that far surpassed the one Duan had shown. Her lips curled into a breathtaking smile.

"A Mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill... It seems those three are truly blind. They couldn't see the truth right in front of them. Reyn, just how much are you hiding? I am becoming quite curious." Blast! My experience is still lacking. I acted too impulsively, Reyn sighed as he flew toward the Medicine Valley. Giving her a Mid-grade pill was a massive risk. If she chose to investigate, the secrets he had fought so hard to protect might be exposed. Whatever. What's done is done.

If she betrays my trust, I'll just have to flee the sect. But I don't think she is that kind of person. His gaze hardened as he accelerated his flight.

"Hmm?" Reyn sensed a presence. He feigned ignorance and continued flying straight ahead.

"Reyn, halt right there!" Two arrogant voices boomed from behind him. Reyn turned slowly in mid-air. Duan Zhonghua and Li Zidu were closing in aggressively, their auras flared. Liu Yuyao followed closely behind, her eyes dancing with malicious excitement at the impending confrontation. The three blocked his path, forcing him to descend. Reyn landed on the grass, clasping his hands with neither fear nor submission.

"Is there something the Senior Brothers and Sister require of me?" Duan Zhonghua's eyes flashed with pure loathing. He hated Reyn's calm, unbothered demeanor. How dare a common-root insect act as if he were their equal?

"Let's be blunt. We don't have time to waste on a waste like you. Stay away from Junior Sister Ji. Her talent is peerless, and she is a destined Core Disciple. A talentless nobody like you has no right to even look at her! If you want to continue living a peaceful life in the Xuanxiao Sect, know your place. Otherwise... hmph!" Li Zidu stood silent, his gaze as icy as a winter grave. Liu Yuyao smiled, leaning in to enjoy the spectacle of Reyn being crushed.

"I may be a Registered Disciple, but I am your peer, not your slave," Reyn said with a sudden, cold laugh. Now bolstered by the Golden Seal and his hidden 15th level of Qi Condensation, he knew he could crush Duan with a single blow if he so chose.

"There are indeed those who covet Senior Sister Ji, but I assure you, it is not I. Perhaps you should look in a mirror."