Chapter 92: What rank? 8th rank!

Chapter 92: What rank? Rank !
Zi Yan nodded slightly. "The power of the stars is more mysterious than I thought. It not only gives me strength, but also allows me to see the splendor and desolation of countless lives in the universe."

The Star Guardian opened the space channel to help Xiao Chong and Zi Yan leave.

The moment Xiao Chong and Zi Yan stepped out of the space passage, the scene in front of them suddenly became clear.

The quaint buildings of Canaan College came into view. On both sides of the familiar stone roads, students were either walking in a hurry or gathering together to discuss their cultivation experiences. It was a lively scene.

The sunlight penetrated the clouds, casting a golden glow on the campus.

"I'm back." Xiao Chong took a deep breath of the fresh air unique to the academy, his face filled with joy that was difficult to conceal.

Zi Yan gently broke away from Xiao Chong's hand and strolled on the bluestone path, her skirt fluttering in the wind, as if blending into the surrounding natural scenery.

At the same time, in a hidden corner of Canaan College, Elder Hu Qian angrily pushed open the door of the secret room. His weather-beaten eyes widened as he looked at the empty medicine shelf in disbelief.

There should have been precious herbs that he had collected with great effort, but now not a single leaf was left, leaving only a room full of dust and emptiness.

"This...what's going on!" Elder Hu Qian's voice echoed in the secret room, causing dust to scatter everywhere.

"Elder, are the herbs you were looking for gone?"

A young disciple cautiously poked his head in, and seeing what was happening, he quickly stepped forward to inquire.

Elder Hu Qian turned around, his beard trembling with anger: "Not only is it gone, it's clearly been stolen! Notify everyone immediately, I want the entire hospital to search, whoever dares to touch my herbs will be made to pay the price!"
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The news spread quickly throughout Canaan College like wildfire.

For a moment, the students were talking about it, curious and excited about this sudden reward announcement.

"Have you heard? Elder Hu Qian's herbs were stolen, and he personally posted a bounty notice, saying that anyone who can provide clues will be rewarded handsomely!"

"Wow, this is a big deal! Those herbs of Elder Hu Qian are rare treasures. Who is so bold as to dare to touch such a traitor?"

While everyone was discussing this, Xiao Chong and Zi Yan also learned about it. They looked at each other, each with their own thoughts.

Zi Yan was a little scared. She was afraid that Elder Hu Qian would punish her after he found out. Instead of worrying about it, it would be better for her to confess directly.

So Xiao Chong and Zi Yan walked in the moonlight, through the spiritual medicine garden under the night sky. The faint fragrance of medicine filled the air, adding a bit of mystery. Zi Yan held Xiao Chong's hand tightly, with a hint of uneasiness and determination in her eyes.

"Brother Xiao Chong, I'm really scared. What will Elder Hu Qian think if he finds out that I did it?" Zi Yan murmured in a low voice, her voice trembling.

Xiao Chong patted the back of her hand gently, his eyes gentle but firm: "Don't worry, Zi Yan. No matter what happens, I will be with you. Moreover, I believe the elders will understand. After all, your original intention was to grow faster."

They came to Elder Hu Qian's bamboo hut. Under the moonlight, the bamboo shadows were mottled, exuding an otherworldly atmosphere. Xiao Chong knocked on the door lightly, and soon, an old man with a kind face slowly opened the door.

"It's Xiao Chong and Zi Yan. What's the matter with you visiting so late?" Elder Hu Qian's voice was gentle, but revealed a hint of displeasure. He was obviously quite concerned about the theft of herbs. Zi Yan took a deep breath, mustered up her courage, took a step forward, bent her knees slightly, and bowed: "Elder, I... I have something to say."

A hint of surprise flashed across Elder Hu Qian's brows, but then he regained his composure and nodded slightly to signal her to continue.

"It's like this, Elder." Zi Yan raised her head with clear eyes, "I took those herbs away."

As soon as these words came out, not only did Xiao Chong's expression tighten, but even Elder Hu Qian's expression changed slightly, with a trace of disbelief in his eyes: "Zi Yan, what do you mean?"

Zi Yan took a deep breath and explained the reason: "Elder, I have recently encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation. In order to break through myself, I dared to take those precious herbs. I know it is wrong, but..."

After hearing this, Elder Hu Qian pondered for a moment, and his eyes gradually softened:

"Zi Yan, I understand your intentions, but taking medicine without permission is against the rules. However, considering that you took the initiative to confess, I... I can't say anything more, and I won't punish you too much."

Xiao Chong heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Elder Hu Qian with gratitude: "Thank you for your magnanimity, Elder. Zi Yan will definitely remember it and practice more diligently in the future to live up to the elder's expectations."

"Well, it is a great virtue to know one's mistakes and correct them. But remember, the improvement of strength cannot rely solely on external things. What is more important is the inner fortitude and the understanding of fighting spirit."

Elder Hu Qian spoke earnestly, his eyes full of expectations for the younger generation.

"Yes, Elder's teachings, Zi Yan will keep them in mind." Zi Yan nodded heavily, feeling both relieved and motivated.

Xiao Chong looked at the venerable elder in front of him and said firmly, "Elder, to express my apology, I am willing to refine an eighth-grade elixir for you. Please give me some time to prepare the materials, and I will definitely live up to your trust."

Hearing this, the wrinkles on Elder Hu Qian's face seemed to relax a little, and a light of disbelief flashed in his eyes. He asked with a trembling voice: "Eighth grade... Can you refine an eighth grade pill for me? This is a realm that even many senior alchemists dream of!"

"I'm serious." Xiao Chong responded confidently, his tone revealing a maturity and determination beyond his age.

Zi Yan listened at the side, her eyes sparkling with admiration, and couldn't help but interrupt, "Brother Xiao Chong, you are so amazing! I want to refine the eighth-grade elixir with you."

Xiao Chong smiled lightly, nodded to Zi Yan, and then turned to Elder Hu Qian, asking seriously about the specific type of elixir needed and its purpose. Elder Hu Qian pondered for a moment and said slowly: "If it is really as you said, then refine a 'Rejuvenation Pill'. This elixir is extremely precious. It can not only cure stubborn diseases, but also prolong life. It is undoubtedly the best gift for someone of my age."

"Rejuvenating pills... I understand. Elder, please be patient. I will prepare them right away." After Xiao Chong finished speaking, he and Zi Yan took their leave and embarked on a journey to find rare medicinal herbs.

On the second day, the two came to a place called Youlan Valley, which was surrounded by clouds and mist, and full of exotic flowers and plants. It was an ideal place to collect rare medicinal materials. Xiao Chong held a volume of "Illustrated Guide of Thousand Medicines" and carefully identified the plants around him, while Zi Yan followed excitedly, pointing at a certain exotic plant and asking curiously from time to time.

"Zi Yan, look over there, that's the thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum we need. Its medicinal effect is crucial for the rejuvenation pill." Xiao Chong pointed to a Ganoderma lucidum shining with lavender light on a cliff in the distance, his eyes flashing with excitement.

(End of this chapter)