A vast palace appeared before Evan Yang, filled with many compartments. Each was specially crafted, and further protected by various safeguards.
What caught Evan Yang's eye most was the three items displayed above, hanging as if they were suppressing the entire palace.
"These three are Immortal artifacts. They're what maintain the balance here," Elder Mu explained.
"Remarkable, indeed." Evan saw that much of the palace was constructed from formations, and the energy source was actually these three Immortal artifacts, absorbing immense spiritual power from outside and channeling it into the formations.
"Wait here. I'll fetch that formula now," Elder Mu said. Evan watched as Elder Mu pointed at one compartment from afar, and the item inside flew straight into his hand.
"Here you go." Elder Mu handed the formula to Evan Yang.
Evan Yang took the formula, noting the specifications for many materials listed on it.
"Some materials are easy to obtain, but others are extremely rare—even the Genius Pavilion can't find them," Elder Mu said.
Evan Yang noticed some materials were indeed precious, some he'd never even heard of. Curious, he asked, "Where can I find them?"
"Go to the Herb Immortal Sect. They're famous for cultivating rare medicinal herbs. If you go there, you should be able to find what you need," Elder Mu said.
Hearing the unfamiliar name Herb Immortal Sect, Evan Yang asked, "Where is the Herb Immortal Sect?"
"On Herbstar, a first-class planet in the Hundred-Bloom Star System. That planet is famous for its medicinal herbs, and the Herb Immortal Sect is an ancient sect with its own cultivation methods. Whenever major sects or clans need rare herbs, they go there to buy them," Elder Mu explained.
"Alright, I'll head there now," Evan Yang nodded.
"Be careful, especially of those who want to kill you in secret. They won't dare attack openly, but they'll definitely try something behind the scenes," Elder Mu warned.
Evan Yang smiled, "If they dare to come, I'll dare to kill."
"You really are always this confident," Elder Mu laughed.
"But I still haven't died," Evan Yang laughed.
"I can't out-talk you. I'll have Reed Kong escort you," Elder Mu said, finally conceding with a smile.
Evan Yang put away the formula and went outside the palace. After Elder Mu gave instructions to Reed Kong, Evan left Genius Star together with Reed.
"Where are they going?" In one corner of the Genius Pavilion, two people watched Evan and Reed leave. One of them asked.
"No idea. But that kid looks like he just came back from somewhere, and now he's rushing off again," the other said suspiciously.
These two weren't strangers—they were Gavin Qiao and Gavin Tian.
"So we're just going to keep waiting like this?" Gavin Tian was a bit annoyed. He hated having to watch Evan Yang roam free every day.
"I don't want to either, but do you know where they're headed?" Gavin Qiao asked.
"Don't forget what our Guo family does," Gavin Tian's face shifted from annoyance to a sly smile.
"How could I almost forget—your Guo family is the most famous spy clan in the Three Star Systems. There's hardly any news you can't uncover," Gavin Qiao said, startled, then remembering.
"I've already sent people to follow them. We'll know their destination soon enough," Gavin Tian said, eyes fixed on the distance.
"When did you start tracking him?" Gavin Qiao asked suspiciously.
"A while ago. Earlier, he went with Elder Mu to Wraithstar and only came back about a month later. Looks like he got something out of it," Gavin Tian replied.
"Your Guo family really has its ways—how'd you even find that out?" Gavin Qiao asked, curious.
"Otherwise, how could our Guo family be so famous on Tianxuan Star? It's what we do for a living," Gavin Tian replied.
"That's true. In that case, let's head out. Once we find him alone, we'll deal with him quietly," Gavin Qiao said with a sinister smile.
Gavin Tian nodded and left Genius Star together with Gavin Qiao.
Meanwhile, Evan Yang had no idea he and Reed Kong were being watched. He had already arrived at Herbstar, as Elder Mu had mentioned.
The first impression upon entering was the fresh fragrance and the strong medicinal scent of herbs.
"This is Herbstar. There are no other clans or sects here, because the Herb Immortal Sect's herbs are so precious. They're afraid of outsiders causing trouble, so Hundred-Bloom Palace granted them sole control of the planet. Every year, Herb Immortal Sect offers Hundred-Bloom Palace tribute in rare herbs, which is how they've stayed famous in the Three Star Systems," Reed Kong explained.
Evan Yang laughed, "This Herb Immortal Sect really is huge. Other sects only occupy a mountain, but they've got the whole planet."
"You said it. Come on, I'll go with you," Reed Kong laughed.
"You're coming too?" Evan Yang had thought Reed Kong would leave after dropping him off.
"Ever since I learned the Fenn Family tried to kill you in secret, I haven't felt at ease. So while we're outside Pavilion strongholds, I'll stick with you to ensure your safety," Reed Kong laughed.
"But you have your own matters. I feel bad making you go through all this," Evan Yang said awkwardly.
"Don't worry. Now that I'm back to my original position, everything else is handled by subordinates. My priorities are protecting you and figuring out how to rescue my relative from the Qiao Family," Reed Kong laughed.
"Really, I appreciate it," Evan Yang said. He wanted to refuse, but seeing Reed Kong's determination, he could only accept.
"Let's go. Hopefully the Herb Immortal Sect will give the Genius Pavilion some respect," Reed Kong laughed.
"Are they really that arrogant?" Evan Yang asked, sensing something off in Reed Kong's tone.
"You'll see soon enough," Reed Kong replied, smiling without elaborating.
Evan Yang could only follow Reed Kong, curious about what made the Herb Immortal Sect so special.
Along the way, Reed Kong told Evan Yang some stories about the Herb Immortal Sect.
Within the Three Palaces, the Herb Immortal Sect is a renowned herb sect. No major clan is unfamiliar with them, since most rare herbs come from there. Many of the big names in the alchemy world are also well-acquainted with the Herb Immortal Sect.
Because many of the precious herbs they need can only be found at the Herb Immortal Sect.
"Are there any famous sects or clans in the alchemy world here?" This was the first time Evan Yang had heard someone mention the local alchemy world, so he was curious.
"There are sects and clans, but most have declined. Only the Alchemy Sacred Mountain remains, and its leading master is called the Alchemy Saint Hand—a new-era myth of alchemy. Everyone in the alchemy world follows his lead, so he's considered the peak figure," Reed Kong replied.
"Alchemy Sacred Mountain?" Evan Yang muttered.
"Yeah, what's wrong?"
"Do you happen to know an old beggar like this?" Mentioning the alchemy world, Evan Yang thought of the Old Beggar and wanted to learn more about his origins.
"Oh? Describe his appearance," Reed Kong asked curiously.
Evan Yang sent an image of the Old Beggar to Reed Kong's mind.
Seeing the image, Reed Kong hesitated, "Could it really be him?"
"Who is it?" Evan Yang asked, noticing Reed Kong's odd expression.
"The former King of Alchemy," Reed Kong couldn't help but say.
"King of Alchemy?" Evan Yang muttered. He recalled that his old continent had its own so-called King of Alchemy, but here, with the Three Palaces and so many people, the title meant something extraordinary. Especially since his own alchemy skills were learned from this man's pill scripture.
"Yes, but he's fallen from grace," Reed Kong replied.
"Fallen? What happened?" Evan Yang was shocked by the news.
"Why, are you interested in him?" Reed Kong asked, curious about Evan's reaction.
"Yes, I want to know about his past and identity," Evan Yang replied.
Reed Kong thought for a moment, then recounted the King of Alchemy's story to Evan Yang.
The King of Alchemy's surname was Tu. He was from the Tu Clan, a renowned alchemy family. The clan produced a master who was called the King of Alchemy—he could refine almost any pill, and his pills were always superior in quality.
But then the Alchemy Eccentric Immortal appeared. No one had ever seen him, but his pills were even better. He went around challenging others.
One day, he challenged the King of Alchemy. For the honor of his clan and the alchemy world, the King accepted. The condition was that whoever lost would quit alchemy forever, and neither side could use force—since at that level, their power was immense, and this was to prevent revenge.
Unfortunately, on the day of the duel, the King of Alchemy's pills were inferior to those of the Alchemy Eccentric Immortal. This threw the alchemy world into chaos: many clans and sects allied with the Tu Clan collapsed, since their livelihood depended on alchemy.
Afterward, the Alchemy Sacred Mountain rose, led by the Alchemy Saint Hand, who was chosen as the representative by the Alchemy Eccentric Immortal.
The Alchemy Eccentric Immortal then vanished. After the Tu Clan fell, the King of Alchemy's family was destroyed, and he lived by drinking.
"Is this true?" Hearing Reed Kong's story, Evan Yang felt as if he were witnessing the dramatic duel between the Old Beggar and the Alchemy Eccentric Immortal.
"Yes. They say he staked his clan, and afterward lived by drinking. He even claimed he would challenge the Sacred Mountain someday, but everyone thought it was a joke, since he couldn't refine pills anymore without breaking the rules," Reed Kong replied.
"I never expected he had such a history." Evan Yang was shaken by the Old Beggar's past.
"I don't know why you're interested in him, but you'd better stay away. Otherwise, you'll bring trouble," Reed Kong said.
"Why?" Evan Yang asked, puzzled.
"They say the Alchemy Sacred Mountain wants to prevent him from taking disciples. Anyone he favors—whether as a disciple, friend, or even acquaintance—will be targeted and eliminated. Your strength is impressive, but the people from Alchemy Sacred Mountain are no joke, especially the Alchemy Eccentric Immortal, who hasn't made a move in ages," Reed Kong explained.