Chương 220: Chapter 109: Consuming the Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill

A moment later, as the grandfather and grandson of the Mu Family finally regained control over their chaotic emotions, Mu Daguang turned his gaze toward Reyn. Unhidden admiration shone bright in the depths of his dark eyes. He took in the young man's calm demeanor, silently praising him in his mind.

'Neither arrogant nor impetuous, completely unruffled by either unexpected praise or sudden disgrace. To remain so composed after learning such astounding secrets... this youth's mental state and spiritual temperament are exceptionally refined!' If Reyn had known what the ancient patriarch was thinking at this exact moment, he would have broken into a series of bitter, helpless laughs. He would have looked up at the ceiling in complete despair, weeping inwardly without a single tear to shed.

"Disciple Reyn," Mu Daguang began, his voice lowering with solemn gravity as his warm gaze settled upon Reyn, radiating the gentle benevolence of an affectionate elder.

"You must never breathe a word about what transpired here today to any outsider. Should news of your unique condition leak out, it will undoubtedly bring you endless, unnecessary trouble." He paused slightly, stroking his long beard as he continued with an encouraging tone, "Furthermore, a spirit root talent like yours is a rarity unseen across millions of years. Even as your master, I have only chanced upon fragmented references to it within ancient, ruined texts.

As such, I currently possess no immediate solution to overcome the hurdle of your Foundation Establishment. But do not lose heart. I, your master, will surely find a way to break through this barrier for you in time. For now, return to your quarters and consume the Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill. Refine its potent medicinal power and let it nurture your spiritual foundation." Hearing those promising words, a look of genuine joy flickered across Reyn's face.

If the riddle of his spirit root could truly be solved, allowing him to successfully establish his foundation, then the world would open up before him! With the vast heaven and boundless earth spread wide, there would be no realm he could not traverse freely!

"This disciple shall take his leave!" Reyn offered a deep, respectful bow, cupping his hands in gratitude. Guided by Mu Nianxing, he turned around and walked out of the inner chamber, his footsteps measured and firm. As they stepped into the quiet corridor, Mu Nianxing glanced sideways at Reyn.

"Senior Brother Reyn," he said, his tone filled with open envy that he made no attempt to conceal, "I have served by the Ancestor's side for three whole years, yet I have never once seen him lose his composure to such a degree. If Senior Brother can truly break through and achieve Foundation Establishment, your cultivation will surely advance by leaps and bounds. Given the right fortunes in the future, stepping onto the Grand Dao of the Nascent Soul realm will most certainly be well within your grasp!"

Reyn smiled faintly, preparing to offer a few polite and modest remarks in reply. But before he could speak, a disheveled figure burst into the corridor ahead. The man ran haphazardly with unkempt, matted hair wildly dangling over his face. A sour, pungent stench of decay and neglect wafted from his tattered robes, instantly thick enough to prick at their senses.

"Hehehe... my divine technique is invincible! My natural talent is supreme, no one can ever compare to me!" The man babbled madness, his movements jerky and erratic. Suddenly, he jerked his head up, his bloodshot, vacant eyes locking straight onto Reyn. Lunging forward with surprising speed, he grabbed Reyn's arm with a vice-like grip and began shouting frantically into his face.

"Do you know? Do you know?! I am truly extraordinary! No one under the heavens can match me! Tell me—do you know? Tell me!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Nianxing, Senior Brother Reyn!" A young Mu Family cultivator came trotting frantically down the hallway from behind the lunatic. Seeing the wild man blocking their path and tightly clutching Reyn while screaming hysterically, the cultivator's face drained of all color. Fine beads of cold sweat instantly erupted across his forehead in sheer panic. Mu Nianxing's gaze fell upon the raving lunatic, his brow furrowing into a tight, displeased frown.

Turning his sharp gaze to the panicked handler, he reprimanded sternly, "What are you standing there gaping for? Take him back immediately! Without explicit orders, he is never to be allowed out of his quarters again!" Hearing the reprimand, the Mu Family cultivator scrambled up from the stone floor in terror and rushed to the madman's side. Yet despite his desperate anxiety, he did not dare use physical force against the lunatic.

Instead, he hastily reached into his storage bag and pulled out large handfuls of brightly wrapped candies and small clay figurines. Holding them out coaxingly, he began whispering soothing, careful promises into the madman's ear. At first, the lunatic was thoroughly uncooperative, thrashing about and shrieking wildly while refusing to let go of Reyn's sleeve. But before long, the sweet scent of the candies proved too irresistible for his fractured mind.

Letting go of Reyn's arm, he snatched up the treats and began greedily munching on them, allowing the handler to gently coax and lead him away down the dimly lit corridor. Once the sound of their returning footsteps faded into the distance, Mu Nianxing turned back to Reyn with an apologetic expression. Cupping his hands in a polite gesture, he said, "I am truly ashamed to have let Senior Brother Reyn witness such a disgraceful scene. Please accept my sincere apologies."

Reyn tracked the receding figure of the madman with his eyes, a subtle glint of contemplation passing through his dark pupils. Shaking his head with a light, easy smile, he replied, "Think nothing of it. However, I cannot help but feel curious—why would such a deranged individual be dwelling within the sacred secluded retreat where Master conducts his private cultivation?" Xing Tianxie extended a hand to gesture forward, taking the lead as they resumed walking down the grand corridor.

"It is quite a long story," Xing Tianxie explained in a quiet, measured tone.

"That deranged man was actually a disciple taken in by the Ancestor in his earlier years. His innate talent was extraordinary—he possessed a pristine Heavenly Spirit Root. Though his aptitude could not match yours, Senior Brother Reyn, he was nonetheless considered a top-tier cultivation genius of his generation."

"Unfortunately, luck was not on his side," Xing Tianxie continued, a trace of gloom shadowing his words.

"Years ago, when he attempted to smash through his bottleneck and charge into the Golden Core realm, he failed to overcome the trial of his Demon Heart. Although he barely managed to preserve his life through sheer luck, his Primordial Soul suffered catastrophic damage. In the end, he was left as the tragic, lunatic shell you see today." As he spoke, his gaze subtly brushed over Reyn's face without drawing attention, searching for any subtle shift in emotion or suspicion.

Seeing that Reyn remained entirely calm and unruffled, he silently let out a long breath of relief. A look of genuine pity appeared on Reyn's features. He shook his head slowly, letting out a soft sigh.

"The Grand Dao of immortal cultivation is paved with innumerable hardships and perilous obstacles. Should one's path be blocked, a cultivator risks losing his life at worst, or ending up broken and tragic like this at best. It truly inspires a profound, trembling awe in one's heart." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Mu Nianxing nodded slowly in agreement, his expression solemn as he echoed Reyn's sentiments.

Engaged in conversation, the two soon arrived at the grand entrance of the Hall of Ten Thousand Longevities. Mu Nianxing waved his sleeve, sending a beam of spiritual energy that swept open the heavy obsidian doors. Turning around, he cupped his hands with a warm smile and said, "This junior must return inside to attend to the Ancestor, so I shall not see you out any further. Please take care on your way back, Senior Brother." Reyn offered a slight smile, returning the gesture with a courteous bow of his own.

"Farewell," he murmured softly before turning around and striding out through the massive gateway with deliberate, confident steps. A short moment passed. The very second Reyn's silhouette dissolved into the distance beyond the courtyard, the warm, polite smile on Mu Nianxing's face instantly vanished without a trace. With a sharp flick of his sleeve, he slammed the heavy doors shut with a deafening bang.

His countenance turned dark and ominous, shrouded in a chilling gloom as he turned around and marched swiftly back toward the secluded chamber where Mu Daguang was waiting! Opening the stone doors, Mu Nianxing fell to his knees, prostrating himself deeply before the Manifest Saint. He spoke in a heavy, resonant tone, "Ancestor, your grandson asks that you bestow this man upon me!" Hearing his words, Mu Daguang slowly turned around.

"Tianxing, your innate talent is that of a Heavenly Spirit Root cultivator. Even without resorting to such methods, you possess an immense chance of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage. You must consider this carefully."

"Ancestor, your grandson has already made up his mind. I beg for your fulfillment!" An unwavering determination hardened Mu Nianxing's face. Mu Daguang let out a soft, silent sigh. The moment he had first laid eyes on Reyn, a sudden premonition had flared in his heart, whispering an ominous foreboding about this path. It was precisely because of that eerie sense of unease that he had attempted to dissuade his descendant.

'Forget it. With me personally keeping watch here, could a mere junior truly whip up any meaningful storms?'

'Perhaps this is the very opportunity granted by our ancestors for the Mu Family to rise once more. An All-Attribute Hidden Spirit Root lineage... If we can root this bloodline within our clan and let it flourish through future generations, how could we ever doubt our ability to reclaim our former glory?' Pausing in thought for a brief moment, Mu Daguang waved his sleeve slightly and spoke.

"Since you have made your choice, retreat to secluded cultivation and rest for a time. Once every preparation is complete, I shall personally summon you." A fiery light surged in Mu Nianxing's eyes. Bowing deeply in gratitude, he turned on his heel and strode out of the hall.... Inside the Qinyuan Residence, Reyn flicked his hand, casting a comprehensive layer of protective restrictive seals across the secret chamber.

Only after ensuring the barrier was fully sealed did he sit cross-legged upon the prayer mat, his face dark and contemplative. After a short pause, he muttered softly under his breath, "Though every detail reeks of strangeness, so long as I exercise caution and endure for two months until the Little Divine Hall recovers its power, I will possess the strength to guarantee my own survival." Back in the Hall of Ten Thousand Longevities, the reactions of the Mu Family ancestor and grandson had been far too abnormal.

In particular, the heat that flickered in the depths of their eyes had sent a chill of unease through his mind.

"No matter. Though the situation remains shrouded in mystery, there should be no immediate danger right now. Overthinking it brings no benefit." Reyn shook his head slowly, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind. Patting the storage bag at his waist, he produced a semi-transparent jade bottle in his palm. Looking at the golden, longan-sized pill resting within the clear vessel, a flicker of heat flashed through his own eyes. A Grade 4 High-rank pill: the Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill!

Upon ingestion, the blood and vital Qi within the body would surge continuously over three years, and once fully refined, it would grant an additional fifty years of lifespan. A pill of this caliber was extraordinarily precious—were it exposed to the outside world, it would spark a bloodbath among Golden Core cultivators desperate to snatch it. With a subtle movement of his fingers, Reyn dissolved the restrictive seal binding the bottle's mouth. Inverting the jade flask, he let the pill roll smoothly into his palm.

Closing his eyes, Reyn channeled his Primordial Soul through the golden seal, instantly enveloping the Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill to probe the medicinal composition within. With the golden seal in his possession and his current spiritual strength, as long as he etched the intricate arrangement of its medicinal properties into memory, he could refine it himself in the future. A spirit pill capable of vastly expanding lifespan held unimaginable value.

Committing its concoction formula to memory could prove invaluable down the line. Furthermore, this process allowed him to verify whether the pill harbored any hidden traps. Having survived countless brutal battles, deep-rooted caution was etched into Reyn's soul; he would never allow himself the slightest carelessness. Moments later, Reyn slowly opened his eyes.

After reviewing the medicinal blueprint several times within his Primordial Soul and confirming no detail was missed, he opened his mouth and swallowed the Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill in a single gulp. The moment the pill crossed his lips, it melted into a stream of liquid gold, flowing along his bloodstream directly into his heart. In an instant, the golden fluid burst outward, fusing entirely with his heart and transforming it into a brilliant golden hue, as if forged from solid gold.

With each powerful thump, delicate golden threads flowed along his blood vessels into every corner of his body. A soothing warmth enveloped his heart, accompanied by a subtle, numbing sensation that spread through his limbs. Scanning his internal workings, Reyn observed the golden radiance circulating through his blood. With a flicker of thought, he directed a strand of the golden essence upward, bringing it before his Primordial Soul.

'This Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill contains immense life vitality. It should be of great benefit to Sister as well. I wonder if absorbing it will wake her from her slumber?' Reyn carefully guided that thread of golden light to the slumbering Primordial Soul of Yu Meiren. The moment it touched her form, the gold was absorbed instantly, flickering once before vanishing into her soul. Sensing her spiritual fluctuations grow slightly stronger, a pulse of genuine joy welled up within him.

His current situation was filled with hidden dangers. If Yu Meiren could awaken, she would undoubtedly offer him crucial guidance.

'Since this golden liquid truly aids Sister, I will give it all to her.' With a single thought, Reyn forced out the golden fluid that had already begun fusing with his heart, directing the entire mass onto Yu Meiren's Primordial Soul. It melted into her essence instantly. Shimmering streaks of golden light coalesced across her spiritual form. As vast waves of vital energy poured into her, Yu Meiren's soul fluctuations grew increasingly intense, as if she might awaken at any second.

Yet Reyn waited for nearly half an hour, watching as the potent strength of the Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill gradually dissipated, but Yu Meiren did not open her eyes. Reyn frowned slightly before relaxing his brows.

'Sister's soul fluctuations are already remarkably vibrant. Though she hasn't awakened yet, she likely only lacks a single catalyst. Perhaps she will wake on her own very soon.' Realizing this, a soft smile touched the corners of his lips. Although he had not spent a long time with Yu Meiren, he could feel her genuine care for him. Otherwise, given Reyn's guarded nature, he would never have surrendered such an invaluable Origin-Consolidating Life-Extension Pill for her to absorb entirely.

"Since the Mu Family ancestor is already searching for a way to complete my Foundation Establishment, I shall wait patiently and focus on my cultivation for a time." Muttering under his breath, Reyn reached into his storage bag and produced a jade slip—the Heaven-grade Low-rank technique, the Scripture of Myriad Incinerations. Unable to advance his realm at the moment, mastering a Heaven-grade technique was undoubtedly the most effective path to bolster his combat power in the short term.

Reyn pressed the jade slip against his forehead and immersed his consciousness into its depth, silently absorbing and comprehending the profound mysteries within.