Chapter 159: Pill valley

Long Tao was going through the reports which arrived from the teams situated in the north and eastern regions. Most of these surveys mentioned the dwellings of Qi general level beasts, mostly of early or intermediate level. The most frightening existence until now was an advanced Qi general level beast, but it was a water attributed specimen.

"Should I only be aware of fire type beast? Will other beats be attracted towards the pit?"

"Fire-type beasts would have the highest attraction towards the fire vein. But it is not limited to that. Even earth type and metal type beasts could benefit from this energy vein."

"There are instances of mutated beasts, who use dual elements. It's better to be prepared for every occasion. You would be facing an obstruction only in the case of beats which are at the peak of general or king level beats."

Long Tao instructed the second in command to send a reckon signal for the groups in the north and east regions. These are the most populated areas, and the chances to find a powerful entity in these regions was negligible.

"Has anyone from the southern or western side returned yet."

The commander was about to reply when either of them spotted a group of people rushing towards this spot.

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"We request an audience with the general. The news is urgent." The leader of these soldiers spoke hastily. Long Tao could feel the intensity of the situation and instructed him to speak up.

"We spotted a powerful entity, sir." Long Tao was instantly alerted and rushed towards the soldier. "Where did you spot it.". IF the beast was in close proximity to the location, Long Tao might have to take additional precautions to make sure the formation holds for a longer time.

"It was in the deepest regions towards the southern corner. As we were inspecting the southwestern part, a plateau came into our view. One of our soldiers went up to the survey but failed to return. His partner who was surveying the region below it saw a huge bolt of fire rushing out of it."

The reported soldier came forward and narrated the whole incident. "I felt its aura, my lord. It was not something a Qi general could have."

"It's a king level beast or at least one which is near that boundary.". Long Tao asked him to mark a rough location where the plateau might have been. He was fortunate enough to see that it was beyond the expected range of effect. But the probability of it moving out remained.

"Instruct all the soldiers in that location to return. Call all the soldiers who is currently stationed in Tamar to this place. While you are at it request help from Su Menqi too." Long Tao circled a region around the location.

"No soldier is allowed to enter any farther than this marking. You will set up camps nearly 2 kilometers from the boundary and the inspection region would extend until the boundary itself. Report any movements in this region."

"The other regions will be taken care of by me and the rest of the supplement party. Move out immediately."

He then called the second in command to set up a camp in between the main and camp and the marked location. It was a rendezvous spot for all the soldiers.

"I want hourly reports of every movement in that location."

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The pit-

"You seem to have encountered a powerful entity. What is the estimated level?'

"According to the description provided by the victim, it seems to be a beast of peak general level, with chances of being in king level." 

"What is your plan to tackle with such an entity. The close proximity makes it the first obstruction you would be facing once the formation breaks. You need to come up with a counter plan."

"I am thinking about laying multiple Qi collection formations around the four major sets."

"Even if you make one, it would have a limited amount of capacity, how would you utilize the Qi collected." Long Tao smiled and brought out a dull-looking object. It was none other than Asmium. 

The Keeper was surprised at first, but agreed with the decision." Even Asmium would have limitations. Although you see its capabilities in absorption while training, any material, even Asmium, has a Qi absorption limit."

"After the limit is crossed, it would get destroyed."

"But it can help prolong the amount of time the formation holds out. How long do you expect it to hold out?"

"If you make numerous formations with small chunks of Asmium at its center, I think I would be able to hold until absorption of 60-65%." Although it was a waste of both Asmium and the Qi radiated from the vein, Long Tao felt the result was worth it.

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Pill Hall-

Lu Ming finally ended his seclusion after a long period of time. As he got out of his cave, two figures were seen standing in front of the door, waiting for his exit. It was none other than his two masters.

He came forward and bowed to either of them." You seem to have progressed a lot during this seclusion." The group moved into the first elder's residence. Once all of them assumed their seats, the first elder signaled Lu Ming to come forward.

'What is your current cultivation level?" Lu Ming could see hopeful glances of either of his masters. He released his Qi.

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Lu Ming was a prodigy in cultivation and the first elder expected him to reach the peak of Qi master by now. But when the released Qi was sensed by him, his thoughts were blasted apart. Either of the two figures viewed Lu Ming with extreme shock. 

"3rd level Qi general." The sect master of pill hall spoke out. A group of mixed emotions could be felt in her voice. Just what sort of monster is this guy. He was able to cross over a whole major cultivation level and even reach the 3rd level of Qi general. 

The moment of silence was followed by a hearty laugh from the elder. "well done my child. You managed to lay waste to my forecasting capabilities. I feel of being senile now."

"The disciple doesn't dare to lay harm to master."

"Why are you apologizing. You have managed to perform so well in this past year." The first elder took out a storage ring. "take these resources as a gift from your master.".

After a few words of appreciation, the sect master decided to bring up the actual topic of importance. "Your martial cultivation is monstrous, Lu Ming. We hope you haven't neglected alchemy while improving your cultivation. Where do you stand as of now?"

"I am even more interested in that now. I hope you remember our bet boy." The first elder was expecting Lu Ming to fail. After all this monstrous speed alone was enough to shock the whole world, and hence would a great amount of time. Lu Ming wouldn't be able to concentrate on alchemy.

If he didn't reach his goal of being peak 2nd level alchemist, the first elder would officially be able to force him to pursue a single path.

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Lu Ming brought out a small container and passed it to his master. When the lid was finally opened a magnificent yet calming smell covered the whole room.

Either of the figures looked like being chocked by a raw egg.

"How can this be possible?" The pill was taken out and inspected by either of them.

"you are already a 3rd level alchemist."

"It's all due to the training from the two masters." Lu Ming bowed in respect. Tears were flowing out of the first elder's eyes. This might be the last disciple he takes under his wing. His expectations were not betrayed. Lu Ming was his most treasured and talented disciple.

"Sit down." The first elder indicated at a nearby pillow. "As you formally entered the 3rd level of the alchemist, its time we talk about an important matter."

The sect leader was instantly alerted by these words. Lu Ming instantly caught the seriousness of this conversation and started to listen wilfully.

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"Alchemy is a path followed by the most disciplined ones. It's also one of the most feared professions due to their ability to gather people. It gives that there must be powers out there who are at the pinnacle of alchemy."

"In these regions, there is no one who can challenge the pill hall in its alchemy abilities. But when you got out the real broad world, you will find that pill hall is like a small speck of dust."

"We are the substitute extensions affiliated to much powerful power. It's called the Pill valley."

"It's the dreamland of every aspirant who walks in the path of alchemy."

" Both of us are graduates and subordinate of the pill Valley, and this is one of the 100 pill halls under the pill valley."