Chapter 2238: Four Years of Time
Zhu Yanyi calculated the days and felt it was about time to return to her original location. Although the Qixia Secret Realm would automatically eject anyone once the time limit was reached, she worried that leaving the entrance unattended for too long might cause changes. To be safe, she decided to gather at the spot where she had first appeared.
When Zhu Yanyi arrived, there were still three days left before the Qixia Secret Realm ended. She set up camp nearby, drinking tea, roasting food, and living a leisurely life. As other students returned one by one, they saw her relaxed demeanor. They exchanged glances but said nothing.
Zhu Yanyi invited them to eat and wait for the time to pass. Fortunately, when the time came, they were ejected as expected. This meant the rules of the secret realm had not changed over the years. All fifty participants emerged, though some were injured. Cui Changjiu was among the injured because she had encountered a spirit pet. However, her injury had a reward: she had successfully tamed the spirit pet.
During the six months in the Qixia Secret Realm, Zhu Yanyi had done nothing but gather herbs. Yet, because of this, her aura seemed even more stable. This was the result of the Dao of Following One’s Heart. Zhu Yanyi understood this well, so she never forced herself to break through. After leaving the Qixia Secret Realm, she waited for the Medical World to open in four years.
During these four years, Zhu Yanyi spent most of her time in her Ruyi Space, studying the books of the Azure Sovereign Qingdi. Gradually, some concepts that were once unclear became clear to her. She even fully mastered the Nine Needles of Yanluo. Now, she was researching the Needle of Returning Yang.
It was during this period that Zhu Yanyi realized the Nine Needles of Yanluo could only be broken through because her cultivation had entered the Moving Void stage. This meant the breakthrough for the Needle of Returning Yang was uncertain. However, with the Nine Needles of Yanluo, she had no worries. At least for now, her abilities were sufficient.
In the four years within the Saint Realm, Zhu Yanyi did not see Yan Aohan come to find her. Perhaps he had tried, but since she was always in seclusion, she did not appear. Of course, if Zhu Yanyi missed Yan Aohan, she could leave a message in the Underworld, and he would receive it instantly. Therefore, she was not worried about Yan Aohan’s safety.
Over the four years, although Zhu Yanyi’s cultivation did not break through again, she had settled down. Her face remained delicate and pretty, but she now exuded a stunning beauty. More importantly, this beauty brought a sense of comfort that made people naturally like her.
In this time of longing, Zhu Yanyi learned another skill from the Azure Sovereign Qingdi: the Eternal Smile.
It was a smile used to face outsiders. Unless someone truly understood her, they could not guess her true intentions. She appeared calm, yet gave off an unfathomable aura.
In four years, Zhu Yanyi’s alchemy level had reached Grade Seven. Do not underestimate the leap from Grade Six to Grade Seven. Even the Alchemy Elder of the Saint Academy had not produced a top-grade Grade Seven pill; at best, they occasionally produced a low-grade Grade Seven pill. Zhu Yanyi, however, could successfully refine a top-grade Grade Seven pill every time. With the right opportunity, she could refine a Grade Eight pill.
However, constant seclusion would not help her skills improve. Since Zhu Yanyi planned to compete for a spot in the Medical World, she needed to go out.
Zhu Yanyi ended her seclusion but did not alert anyone. She first organized the medicinal plants in her courtyard, then checked her herb fields, harvesting what was ready and planting new seeds. She spent a few days in a calm manner.
"Captain." Sikong Xuran was surprised to see Zhu Yanyi in the herb field. "You’ve ended your seclusion?"
Zhu Yanyi nodded slightly. "I’ve been in seclusion for years, so I came to check the herb fields first. I noticed the Saint Academy seems quieter now."
"Everyone is working hard. The competition for spots in the Medical World is in half a month, so everyone is preparing, hoping to get a spot." Sikong Xuran did not hide anything from her. "Boss, are you going?"
"Going? Of course. I must compete for a spot in the Medical World. I need to find a specific herb, Bodhi, or I won’t be able to return to see my family with my current cultivation." Zhu Yanyi smiled helplessly.
Sikong Xuran nodded. She had met the Zhu family and knew how important they were to Zhu Yanyi. "I heard the spots for the Medical World are divided into two parts: one for elders and one for students. Tianyun and I are joining the elder competition. Bai Haochen and Yuan Yanqiu are also joining. They have all reached the late or peak stage of Soul Transformation, making them honorary elders, including you."
Zhu Yanyi blinked. "The Dean really knows how to divide things. How many spots are there in total this time?"
"Three spots for elders and seven for students, totaling ten spots," Sikong Xuran said slowly.
Zhu Yanyi smiled directly. "Should I just use medicine on them?"
Sikong Xuran tilted her head, looking at Zhu Yanyi. "Although I don’t know your exact cultivation, based on the last time, your cultivation is no less than the Dean’s. So, you don’t need to use medicine on them. Just standing there, no one should be your match."
Zhu Yanyi almost forgot her cultivation was at the Moving Void stage. She smiled helplessly. "Well, you reminded me. With such high cultivation, I should definitely go and fight for a spot."
"So, among the three elder spots, you will definitely get one," Sikong Xuran said without doubt.
Zhu Yanyi smiled slightly. Most importantly, she also had a student spot, which was pre-arranged. It seemed she needed to properly greet Xi Muzheng.
At that moment, Xi Muzheng shivered. For some reason, he felt that something was about to happen.
"Is the Dean here?" Just as she was thinking this, Zhu Yanyi appeared at the door.
Xi Muzheng was slightly surprised to see Zhu Yanyi. "Elder Zhu has arrived. Please come in. When did you end your seclusion?"
"I ended my seclusion this morning," Zhu Yanyi smiled. "I took a walk around and checked the herb fields before coming to see you."
"What do you need me for?" Xi Muzheng asked, feeling a sense of unease.