In terms of real strength, Suncrest Sect is only on par with Rift-Heaven Sword Sect, but when it comes to influence in the South Domain, Suncrest is far ahead.
That's because Suncrest Sect isn't known for fighting—it's famous for alchemy.
Pills are always the scarcest resource, but it's incredibly hard to train a competent alchemist.
There's a saying in the South Domain: "Swords come from Rift-Heaven, pills come from Suncrest."
Fifty years ago, a sect even stronger than Rift-Heaven tried to make a move on Suncrest. Suncrest responded by sending out the Danyang Token—a special alchemists' summons. Every sect that received one answered the call, and in the end, with hundreds of sects joining forces, the aggressor was wiped out without a trace.
On this day, the sun rose over the horizon.
Gentle sunlight bathed the entire Suncrest Sect in a soft glow.
Just then, a handsome young man arrived at Suncrest's mountain gate, followed by a group of people all wearing bronze masks.
Compared to other major sects, Suncrest only had two mid-level Qi-Refining disciples guarding the gate, and even that was mostly for show.
"Are you here to beg for pills?"
Even though they couldn't see through Ian Song and his group's cultivation, the two gatekeepers were full of arrogance, barely glancing at them out of the corner of their eyes.
"No, I'm here to ask for some guidance in alchemy."
Ian smiled as he spoke.
The two disciples paused, then burst out laughing and shot Ian a mocking look. "Kid, do you even know where you are?"
"Isn't this Suncrest Sect?" Ian shot back.
"So you know this is Suncrest and still dare to talk so big!" The disciples' faces turned cold.
"Big talk? I don't think so." Ian scratched his nose. "Anyway, just go get your best alchemist. I want to challenge him to a pill-refining contest!"
"Heh, you've got a real mouth on you!" The two Suncrest disciples looked annoyed, but one of them suddenly got a mischievous glint in his eye. "Fine, you want to see Elder Chen? You'll have to pass our test first!"
"What kind of test?" Ian asked.
Ran Qiwen said, "First, you'll have to beat me in an alchemy contest. If you win, I'll report to Elder Chen for you!"