Chapter 53: The Foundation Establishment Pill

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“I’m here to turn in my completed tasks!” Lin Yanghao announced as he approached the sect contribution exchange counter, addressing the steward inside.

“What task did you take? Show me your proof of completion,” the steward replied indifferently.

With a pat on his storage pouch, Lin Yanghao produced the head of the black behemoth he had previously slain, the heads of the three Southern Warlords, and seventy stalks of Frostbite Flowers. He then looked at the steward, whom he did not recognize.

“What?” The steward was instantly stunned by the sight of the items. He rubbed his eyes vigorously with both hands before glancing back at Lin Yanghao’s sect identification badge—it clearly marked him as an outer sect disciple. Staring at the pile of spoils, the steward’s expression became somewhat vacant.

Who exactly is this boy? Just these items alone are enough to exchange for at least a thousand sect contribution points. Never mind that he’s only an outer disciple—even for an inner disciple, it should be impossible to accomplish all this in one go. I’ve been here for years, and this is the first time I’ve seen something like this. Who on earth is he? I’ve seen all the recent outer sect prodigies, but I’ve never met this one… The steward puzzled over it.

After tallying up the rewards, Lin Yanghao successfully received thirteen hundred contribution points. Exchanging them, he obtained a Foundation Establishment Pill and, elated, quickly left.

“So, that’s how it is. Among these, there’s even a Class C mission. I knew it—he couldn’t have completed all this on his own. Someone from outside must have helped him.” As he watched Lin Yanghao’s departing figure, the steward murmured softly to himself, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. Whatever else he was thinking, only he knew.

“What! How can this be? Lin Yanghao actually finished those tasks? I have to tell the boss right away!” Not far off, Zhou Wei had been hiding and witnessed Lin Yanghao turn in his tasks and exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill. Panicked, he rushed off toward Wang Shaohui’s quarters to deliver the news.

…

Wang Shaohui’s residence.

“Damn you, Tan Jie! How dare you threaten me! You’re only one cultivation level above me. Just wait—when I surpass you, you’ll regret this!” Wang Shaohui’s face was twisted with rage as he shouted.

“Boss, since he warned us, we can’t act openly. But we can still move in the shadows, can’t we? As long as neither of us talks, who else will know? We can’t afford to be merciful anymore—whatever it takes, as long as we kill Lin Yanghao, it’s enough,” one of his lackeys whispered an idea into Wang Shaohui’s ear.

Wang Shaohui nodded. It was all he could do.

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Earlier, before Lin Yanghao had returned, Tan Jie had received instructions from Tan Zhuo to warn Wang Shaohui, which had led to the previous confrontation.

“Boss! Boss! Something terrible’s happened!” At that moment, Zhou Wei burst in, breathless.

“What’s got you so flustered?” Wang Shaohui snapped, his anger barely contained.

“Boss, Lin Yanghao isn’t dead! He made it back safe and sound, and—worse—he actually finished that Class C mission!” Zhou Wei said cautiously, watching Wang Shaohui’s darkening expression.

“You think I need you to tell me that? Figure out a way to set him up again!” Wang Shaohui rolled his eyes. By now, he was certain Lin Yanghao had made a connection with the Tan family, one of the Four Great Immortal Clans.

“Boss, Lin Yanghao just exchanged for a Foundation Establishment Pill. Next, he’s sure to attempt breaking through to Foundation Establishment. If we interfere during that process, he’ll never succeed. Isn’t that even more satisfying than killing him?” Zhou Wei’s eyes gleamed with malice as he suggested his plan.

During Foundation Establishment, a cultivator must not be disturbed; the slightest interference could lead to anything from deviation to instant death. Even if one survived, they’d never get another chance. That’s why every cultivator finds a hidden place for the process—not just for Foundation Establishment, but also for later breakthroughs. Zhou Wei’s plan was one of the cruelest tricks in the cultivation world.

“Good! Let’s do it. Head back to the outer sect right away and keep a constant watch on Lin Yanghao. The moment he starts his breakthrough, interrupt him. Make sure he suffers for life!” With that, most of Wang Shaohui’s anger dissipated.

…

Back in his quarters, Lin Yanghao carefully took out the Foundation Establishment Pill. It was entirely red, emitting a faint fragrant aroma that made him almost swallow it on the spot.

Lin Yanghao knew that the process could not be disturbed, so he needed to find a secluded place to attempt it.

Yet he wasn’t in a hurry. He was determined not to make a move until he was absolutely certain of success—there’d be no one to blame but himself if he failed.

After hiding his storage pouch, Lin Yanghao began consolidating his cultivation, planning to attempt Foundation Establishment in the near future.

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As usual, Lin Yanghao sat cross-legged on his bed, quietly absorbing the spiritual energy around him.

He continued cultivating in silence when, all of a sudden, the ring on his finger emitted a beam of golden light. In an instant, the light enveloped him completely.

As he cultivated, Lin Yanghao felt as if he had merged with all things. A look of blissful immersion came over his face; never before had he experienced something like this. Ignoring everything else, he frantically absorbed spiritual energy.

It was as if he was ascending to the heavens—every pore on his body expanded and contracted, and he felt utterly at ease.

After a long time, Lin Yanghao finally opened his eyes, only to be startled by what he saw.

He was surrounded by a gray, indistinct mist. For a long while, he couldn’t figure out where he was or how he had arrived there.

Could this be a dream? Yes, it must be—he’d been too exhausted these past weeks. He pinched his own face hard.

“Ah—!” A cry of pain escaped him. To his astonishment, it was all real—he was not dreaming.

He stood up and walked forward, but here, in this place where he couldn’t see his own hand before his face, every step was a struggle.