At this moment, Quinn Su's voice echoed throughout every corner of Winterhold Valley: "Today, our valley's Grand Elder, Elder Yale, emerges from seclusion. Before his last retreat, Elder Yale obtained several fortunes within the void. To thank all our honored guests for visiting Winterhold Valley, Elder Yale has decided to take advantage of this Dao Exchange Gathering before the opening of the Taiji River Secret Realm to meet everyone in person. At that time, Elder Yale will present several top-tier treasures to reward our fellow Daoists."
Upon hearing Quinn Su's announcement, countless cultivators were filled with joy. Every time before the Taiji River Secret Realm opens, a Dao Exchange Gathering is held. Since those eligible to enter the secret realm are top geniuses and powerful experts, each gathering features treasures that are rarely seen even after many years.
This time, the Taiji River Secret Realm is hosted by Winterhold Valley, so the Dao Exchange Gathering is also led by the valley. Originally, the gathering was scheduled for a few days later, but Elder Yale's early emergence brought it forward. And that's not all—Valley Master Quinn Su mentioned that Elder Yale acquired treasures in the void. If those treasures are offered for trade, it will be a great boon for everyone.
With Joe Di in seclusion and Elder Yale emerging, Nora Su had no intention of lingering outside Joe Di's residence. Charlotte Ling also understood that what she needed most now was to seek outside help; otherwise, even if Joe Di agreed to leave with her, it would be pointless.
So she could only leave Joe Di's residence with Nora Su, preparing to search for allies. Even if Joe Di hadn't taken her Lunar Heart, she would never allow him to slip away from her grasp.
Even as Joe Di focused on healing and regaining his strength, he could still hear Quinn Su's words clearly. Yet at this moment, he paid them no mind.
Not to mention Charlotte Ling had almost fully recovered— even if she hadn't, Joe Di was confident he could take her away. He had never fought a Dao Integration expert before, but Joe Di trusted his escape technique; he could easily flee from even a Dao Integration cultivator.
......
Pinechill Peak may not be the foremost peak of Winterhold Valley, but it is the place where the valley's spiritual energy is most concentrated. Now, in the First Hall of Pinechill Peak, a tall, ethereal-looking man was raising a cup of divine spirit tea with a delighted expression.
Seated opposite him was none other than Quinn Su, the Valley Master of Winterhold Valley.
Quinn Su was just as excited. The reason Winterhold Valley could stand among the top sects of the Taiji Realm was not because of her leadership, but because of the Grand Elder sitting across from her—Elder Yale.
There are no more than a handful of Dao Integration experts in the Taiji Realm, yet Winterhold Valley has one—Elder Yale. This is the foundation of the valley's confidence.
After sipping his tea, Elder Yale leisurely said, "Once everyone is assembled, let us go and join them. By the way, how has Charlotte Ling been these years? Why haven't I seen her in the main hall?"
Quinn Su quickly replied, "Elder, do you mean Sherry Lou? She is currently accompanying a Prime Dao Pill Sage."
Elder Yale nodded, then said, "You did well not letting her leave. In truth, she is Charlotte Ling—Sherry Lou is merely a name she adopted for the time being."
"Later, have her come see me. After so many years, I doubt she can escape her fate... Wait, did you just mention a Prime Dao Pill Sage?" Elder Yale paused, suddenly recalling Quinn Su's earlier remark.
Quinn Su was unsure what Elder Yale meant, but still answered, "Yes, his name is Joe Di. He is extremely young—perhaps even younger than Nora Su. Yet his mastery of alchemy is terrifying. Using a Nurturing Dao Flame and a semi-artifact pill furnace, he refined a batch of Divine Cloud Pills in less than the time it takes for one incense stick to burn..."
"What?" Elder Yale suddenly stood up, his eyes burning with excitement, even temporarily forgetting about Charlotte Ling.
Quinn Su also stood up and said affirmatively, "It's true. Nora Su witnessed the entire process and even recorded it on a Memory Orb."
"Let me see it," Elder Yale demanded immediately.
Quinn Su produced the Memory Orb, and the image of Joe Di refining pills within it was crystal clear. Except for the pill incantations he cast, which no one could see, Joe Di made no effort to conceal his other actions. Elder Yale could observe everything from the orb.
The more Elder Yale watched, the brighter his eyes became. Such pill refinement skill was only lacking a Prime Dao Fruit. If Joe Di were given one, he would undoubtedly become a true Prime Dao Pill Saint. People like him are the greatest resource for any sect.
"We absolutely cannot let this man leave. What is his current situation?" Elder Yale said immediately after watching the recording, determined to keep Joe Di.
Quinn Su quickly replied, "I understand. I've already invited him to become an elder of Winterhold Valley. He hasn't given a direct answer, but when I mentioned he might have a chance to enter the Taiji River Secret Realm, he seemed interested. Should we invite him to the Dao Exchange Gathering this time?"
Elder Yale took a deep breath and said slowly, "He absolutely cannot be allowed into the Taiji River Secret Realm. Although it is relatively safe, if anything were to happen, it would be a loss for Winterhold Valley. As for the Dao Exchange Gathering, he need not attend. Many top experts will come, and his attendance would not be wise."
"But..." Quinn Su hesitated before continuing, "Many people saw Joe Di refining pills, and now probably half the Taiji Realm knows he might be a Prime Dao Pill Sage."
Elder Yale frowned, then said, "If I hadn't come out of seclusion, there might have been trouble, but now it's nothing. Check what Joe Di is doing right now. If he truly likes Charlotte Ling, I'll take what belongs to me. As long as he's willing to stay in Winterhold Valley, I can grant his wish. As for Charlotte Ling, bring her over after the Dao Exchange Gathering."
Quinn Su did not know what Elder Yale intended to take, nor did she ask. Although Elder Yale was an elder, his status far surpassed hers as Valley Master.
"I checked earlier—Joe Di's residence seems to be shielded. I could only make out two blurry figures, and couldn't hear any speech or see their actions clearly," Quinn Su said.
Elder Yale nodded, unconcerned. "That's to be expected. A Prime Dao Pill Sage without any arraycraft skills? Even I wouldn't believe it. Come, let's head to the Guest Hall."
......
"Whew!" Joe Di opened his eyes, feeling very satisfied. A pot of Starlight Tea, combined with a World Tree Leaf, had completely healed his injuries in just over a day—faster even than Charlotte Ling's recovery.
Starlight Tea was quite effective, but Joe Di knew the true key was the World Tree itself. As the first tree to split heaven and earth, its reputation was well-deserved.
His World Tree was only about a zhang tall now, but if one day it grew into a colossal tree ten thousand zhang high, his injuries could probably be healed just by walking beneath it.
The moment Joe Di stopped healing, Charlotte Ling let out a long cry and opened her eyes. Her gaze held not just joy, but a profound, indescribable excitement.
Once, she thought her fate was sealed. Yet in just over a day, she had fully recovered, and her cultivation was restored to the early Dao Fusion Realm.
"Brother Di, thank you." Charlotte Ling bowed deeply to Joe Di. She knew that no matter how grateful she was, she could never repay such kindness.
Joe Di admired Charlotte Ling. Now that the pallor had left her face and her spirit was restored, she was even more radiant than Yin Yue Shu. Her beauty was utterly natural and harmonious, free of any artifice. Such women were those Joe Di truly admired.
"Excellent. Your Dao Rhyme flows naturally and harmoniously—clearly, your cultivation method is extraordinary. Congratulations, Xiaoshuang," Joe Di said casually.
Now that Charlotte Ling had recovered her early Dao Fusion Realm, Joe Di was at the half-step Genesis Realm. Even if Elder Yale was at the late Dao Fusion Realm, he would still have trouble facing them. As for Quinn Su and Yin Yue Shu, who were at the Genesis Realm, Joe Di didn't pay them any mind.
Besides, Joe Di was certain Elder Yale wasn't at the late Dao Fusion Realm. If he truly was, he wouldn't have stooped to ambushing Charlotte Ling.