If Baili Yunsun had harbored even the slightest doubt about Yang Kai's explanation the day before, that doubt vanished the moment he laid eyes on the Ren Yuan Pill formula. If the Supreme Treasure Cauldron's Dao wondrous voice hadn't transmitted its teachings, how could Yang Kai have suddenly grasped an entire pill formula? Even though it seemed to be only a formula for a Ren-grade pill, it wasn't something one could produce on a whim—it required an enormous accumulation of time and countless rounds of pill refining attempts.
Baili Yunsun himself was one of the most accomplished alchemists in the entire Divine Weapon Realm, yet even with his vast experience, he had never seen the Ren Yuan Pill formula before. He could only attribute it to the Supreme Treasure Cauldron displaying its might, leaving behind its grace for future generations.
And for Yang Kai to gain such a harvest the very moment he arrived—if he were allowed to remain here long-term, his gains would only increase. This would be immensely beneficial to the Xuandan Sect.
Yang Kai, however, was secretly cursing his luck. If he were truly trapped here, where would he find the various cultivation resources he needed? Submitting pill-refining commissions at the Alchemy Inquiry Hall was currently his greatest source of income. If even that couldn't be guaranteed, his cultivation progress would slow to a crawl, and who knew how many ages it would take before he could advance to the Spirit Grade.
Moreover, he carried far too many secrets. Staying here for an extended period genuinely risked exposing them.
That said, he did have tremendous interest in the Supreme Treasure Cauldron. If his guess was correct, these Ten Supreme Treasures were manifestations of the Divine Weapon Realm's origin power—and his purpose in coming here was to refine the origin power of this minor source world, thereby strengthening the foundation of his own Small Universe.
With that thought, Yang Kai hurriedly spoke. "Sect Master, you mustn't."
Baili Yunsun frowned. "Why not? Are you worried that your freedom would be restricted? If so, there's no need. From today onward, this restricted area is open to you for free entry and exit. I'll issue orders to inform the guards outside. You should understand—this is an extraordinary opportunity for you."
"The Sect Master's kindness is deeply appreciated," Yang Kai said solemnly, clasping his fists. "However, I won't hide it from you, Sect Master—after that voice exploded in my mind just now, although I did gain the Ren Yuan Pill formula, I'm currently suffering splitting headaches and seeing stars. I have the distinct feeling that if I continue staying here, something truly terrible might happen."
Baili Yunsun was taken aback. While he could hear some of the Supreme Treasure Cauldron's voice himself, it was far too indistinct, and he genuinely couldn't tell whether Yang Kai was telling the truth. But observing Yang Kai's pale face and profuse sweating, the Sect Master saw no sign of deception. After a brief moment of thought, he nodded. "It seems I was being too hasty. The Supreme Treasure Cauldron is indeed a divine treasure that someone of your cultivation level shouldn't be in contact with for extended periods."
After thinking a moment longer, he spoke again. "Very well—I grant you the right to come and go from the restricted area freely. Come here whenever you feel the timing is right to listen to the Supreme Treasure Cauldron's Dao wondrous voice. If you gain any insights, compile them and hand them over to me."
"Obeying the Sect Master's command!" Yang Kai quickly clasped his fists. This outcome was unquestionably the best one for him—he could come and go as he pleased, and it wouldn't interfere with his pill-refining work at the Alchemy Inquiry Hall.
"Rest assured, your contributions to our Sect will not go unrewarded. Every gain you make here, I will have the Merit Hall evaluate and award you corresponding Contribution Points. You've only been in the Sect for a few months, but you should already know—Contribution Points are a precious commodity here. With them, you can exchange for anything you want."
"This disciple knows. Thank you, Sect Master, for your kindness." Yang Kai kept his expression neutral on the surface, but inwardly he was delighted. The issue of Contribution Points was finally resolved as well. He had countless pill formulas in his head—pull out even a handful, and he could exchange them for a massive amount of Contribution Points.
"That will be all for today. Since you're not feeling well, go back and rest early. Also, in your spare time, compile the improved formula for the Ten-Turn Heartless Pill and document some of the refining techniques you demonstrated yesterday."
"Yes!"
Not long after returning from the restricted area, the one-eyed old man came by once more. This time, however, he brought Yang Kai a golden token engraved with a large character: Xuan!
Yang Kai had seen this token the day before—the Grand Elder Wu Fenghua and the Third Elder Yu Boyang both wore tokens of this same golden variety.
When the old man handed the token to Yang Kai, his expression was exceedingly peculiar. It was clearly the first time he had ever seen a Heavenly-grade alchemist receive an Elder-level token. But the old fellow had always been a man of few words, so despite his astonishment, he asked nothing.
With this token in hand, Yang Kai could now truly come and go from the restricted area at will.
Though he was eager to investigate the Supreme Treasure Cauldron's true nature right away, Yang Kai felt it would be unwise to appear too eager—that might raise suspicion.
Over the next several days, apart from submitting pill-refining commissions to earn cultivation materials, Yang Kai compiled the improved formula for the Ten-Turn Heartless Pill along with several refining techniques he had demonstrated, then made a trip to the Xuandan Sect's Merit Hall to submit them.
The Merit Hall had clearly received word in advance. An Elder stationed there personally reviewed Yang Kai's submissions, praised his work, and awarded him a generous sum of Contribution Points.
The sheer volume of Contribution Points was enough to surprise even Yang Kai. If he did this just a few more times, he would have enough to exchange for the formula of the Hundred-Turn Heartless Pill.
Several days later, Yang Kai judged the time to be right and headed for the restricted area once more.
He hung the golden Xuan token at his waist and passed through without obstruction. Though the restricted area was guarded layer upon layer, not a single person stopped him.