On the other side, in Tongju Pavilion.

In the room Yuan Ming rented, a furnace of Purple Thunder Pills had just been completed, resulting in as many as six pills.

"Finally, it's done..." Yuan Ming exhaled lightly, pinching a Purple Thunder Pill with two fingers and bringing it close to his eyes for examination.

The pill was entirely black, containing a potent power of thunder and lightning, a type of elixir for enhancing cultivation, suitable for cultivators practicing Thunder Attribute Techniques.

Of course, demon beasts like Lei Yu, who have a thunder attribute, can also consume this pill to accelerate their cultivation progress.

Among his three spirit beasts, Hua Zhi and Vajra had exceptional talent, requiring little of his attention, as they had their own methods of cultivation and progressed swiftly.

In comparison, Lei Yu was much slower, trailing far behind.

Although the grade of the Purple Thunder Pill wasn't high, consuming it in large amounts could significantly boost Lei Yu's cultivation speed without any side effects.

Yuan Ming carefully stored the pills in a porcelain bottle and then packed away all the alchemy tools.

The time he agreed upon with Qingjin Building was already halfway through, and he had nearly mastered the Alchemy Technique. During this time, he had openly purchased various spiritual materials for alchemy, drawing quite a bit of attention.

For safety's sake, Yuan Ming didn't plan to stay on Wuya Island any longer, to avoid being caught by Dongji Palace.

As for this room, he naturally wouldn't return it. He intended to leave a soul crow on the beam, awaiting news from Qingjin Building.

Upon settling everything, Yuan Ming was just about to leave when he suddenly stopped in his tracks, sensing something.

"Is Vajra Daoist home?" Simultaneously, a voice transmission suddenly came from outside the room.

Yuan Ming immediately frowned, and his Divine Sense extended outside the room.

He saw two figures standing outside the room's formation, one in a flowing blue robe with an elegant appearance, he recognized as the Deputy Island Master Yin Lang. The other, with white hair and beard, resembling an old man, was Chen Luo, who accompanied Yin Lang to find Yuan Ming.

Before arriving on Wuya Island, Yuan Ming conducted some investigation into the island's intelligence and recognized Yin Lang's identity, which made him uneasy.

However, the soul crows he had scattered around Wuya Island hadn't detected a large presence of Dongji Palace cultivators, so he chose not to act hastily and instead feigned ignorance as he flew out of the room.

"You two are..." Yuan Ming cupped his hands toward Yin Lang and Chen Luo, asking with some hesitation.

"Vajra Daoist, forgive us for the unannounced visit. I am Chen Luo, an Alchemist of Wuya Island, and this is Lord Yin Lang, the Deputy Island Master." Dressed in white, Chen Luo immediately introduced himself upon seeing Yuan Ming.

In recent days, Yuan Ming had been concealing his cultivation level, but to purchase Level 4 spiritual materials, he had displayed a Nascent Soul level of cultivation, which is why Chen Luo addressed him as a peer.

"Ah, Senior Yin and Fellow Daoist Chen, nice to meet you. What might be the purpose of your visit today?" Yuan Ming feigned politeness with a few words before getting straight to the point.

"This isn't the place to talk..." Chen Luo glanced around.

Yuan Ming immediately understood and invited them into the room.

The formation in the rented room on Wuya Island wasn't very strong, but Yuan Ming had secretly modified it. Now it was powerful enough to trap a Returning to Void Cultivator for several moments, so letting Yin Lang and Chen enter the room to talk was precisely what he intended.

"Vajra Daoist is an Alchemist, correct?" As soon as they were seated in the room, Chen Luo started warmly.

"How did Fellow Daoist Chen figure that out?" Yuan Ming raised an eyebrow, not admitting to anything.

"Well, it's quite coincidental. Recently, under the Island Master's orders, I intended to refine an elixir, and when I inquired at the island's workshops, I found that certain spiritual materials had been purchased in advance. After much searching, I found them here with Fellow Daoist Jin, hence the question." Chen Luo replied with a smile.

"I see. So you and Lord Yin came for those spiritual materials? I'm afraid you'll have made the trip for nothing; those materials have already been turned into elixirs and can't be extracted again." Yuan Ming nodded, feeling a bit helpless inside.

The spiritual materials required for Purple Thunder Pills weren't particularly rare, and he had assumed that on a large island like Wuya, the circulation of such common Level 4 materials would at most draw the attention of some Nascent Soul cultivators. He believed he could handle any trouble with ease.

But who would have thought that a formidable Deputy Island Master at the Returning Void Stage would care about the whereabouts of some Level 4 spiritual materials?

Thanks for reading—brought to you by *.

"You've misunderstood, Fellow Daoist Jin. Such trivial spiritual materials are of little consequence. We are actually here to invite you to join Wuya Island." Chen Luo shook his head at this point, revealing a surprising intention.

"I apologize; I am accustomed to being a Loose Cultivator and have no current plans to join any organization." Yuan Ming was slightly stunned, immediately using his usual excuse.

"Don't rush, young friend. Listen to me talk about the benefits first before making a decision. As long as you're willing to join our island, the treatment will be on the same level as us Returning to Void cultivators. Aside from being required to refine a batch of elixirs for our island from time to time, there are no other mandatory requirements. If you wish to try breaking through to the Returning to Void stage in the future, the resources needed can also be provided for free," Yin Lang suddenly interrupted Yuan Ming, extending an earnest invitation.

Beside him, Chen Luo was also somewhat astounded upon hearing his words.

Even a top-tier Level 4 Alchemist cannot receive treatment equal to that of a Returning to Void Cultivator, yet Yin Lang was willing to pay such a high price, indicating then...

Could this obscure figure referred to as "Vajra" actually be a Level 5 Alchemist?

Chen Luo's first reaction was to doubt that Yin Lang had seen wrong. After all, the other party only bought Level 4 spiritual materials, not necessarily to refine Level 5 elixirs. Moreover, a Level 5 Alchemist is extremely dignified in the Dongji Sea, respected by everyone, and can be treated as a distinguished guest on virtually any island. Why would they choose to roam as a Loose Cultivator?

But since Yin Lang dared to propose such conditions, he must be confident in his judgment. Chen Luo recalled Lord Yin's parrot spirit beast, and any words of dissuasion suddenly stuck in his throat.

"Senior Yin, I truly appreciate your kindness, but I have no intention of joining any faction. Please forgive me," Yuan Ming shook his head and declined.

"Young friend Jin, are you sure you don't want to reconsider? As an Alchemist, having no support from a faction can make daily expenses quite a hefty sum. Furthermore, the Dongji Sea is vast, handling matters on one's own can be limited. Although we at Wuya Island may not be on par with Dongji Palace, we can still offer considerable assistance," Yin Lang didn't retreat, clearly determined not to stop until he achieved his goal.

Upon hearing these words, Yuan Ming's expression darkened slightly.

What he had revealed on Wuya Island was no more than the skills of a Level 4 Alchemist. It's not surprising for someone from Wuya Island to come to recruit him, but Yin Lang's unwavering attitude was somewhat peculiar.

"Could it be that Yin Lang has some special means to see through my true identity?" Yuan Ming was startled, immediately preparing for the worst outcome. His fingers hidden in the sleeve subtly made a casting gesture, ready to unleash a spell.

However, considering that he still needed to go to Qingjin Building for information, he refrained from acting rashly.

"Senior Yin, I won't hide it from you anymore. I am indeed tempted by these conditions you've mentioned, but I am currently honing my Dao Heart, seeking the chance to reach the Returning to Void stage, and can't stay in one place for long. However, please rest assured, Lord Yin. If I ever wish to settle down, I will certainly prioritize your island," after contemplating for a moment, Yuan Ming found another excuse.

"I see, then I shall not persuade you further. That said, I have a personal request. Would you be willing to refine a batch of elixirs for me? We can discuss the payment," Yin Lang sighed with regret and then spoke again, his eyes gleaming with a passion that wasn't there before.

"Could I have misunderstood? Yin Lang didn't discover my identity, and his true purpose lies here?" Yuan Ming mused, startled by his behavior.

"I am merely a Level 4 Alchemist. Wuya Island is vast and prosperous; surely, you don't lack Level 4 Alchemists. Not to mention, Fellow Daoist Chen Luo is a seasoned Level 4 Alchemist; his Alchemy Technique is far superior to mine," Yuan Ming glanced at Chen Luo and said.

"Chen Luo can indeed refine these elixirs, but Fellow Daoist Jin's Alchemy Technique is not inferior to Chen Luo's. These elixirs are highly demanded, the more the merrier, so I wish to also seek your assistance," Yin Lang said with a smile.

"Since Senior Yin insists, it would be ungracious of me not to agree. Yet, I haven't been in a favorable state recently, and hurried refinement might be unsuccessful. Would Lord Yin allow me a few days' rest before I help with the alchemy?" after a brief thought, Yuan Ming finally consented.

"Excellent, then I will pay you a visit in five days. During this time, I'll cover your expenses on the island as a gesture of goodwill. Please do not refuse," Yin Lang said with delight.

Yuan Ming engaged in pleasantries, agreeing to the arrangement.

The atmosphere among the three grew congenial, laughing and chatting for a while before Yin Lang stood up to leave.

Chen Luo quickly followed, but before leaving, he turned around and gave Yuan Ming a glance, with an indescribable look in his eyes, perhaps of envy or resentment.

After seeing them off, Yuan Ming's expression quickly darkened. Without hesitation, he changed his appearance and quietly left the room, heading directly to Qingjin Building.

No matter whether Yin Lang had come to see him for alchemy or to probe him, Wuya Island must no longer be a place to stay.

In Qingjin Building, Yuan Ming met Tao Rui once again.

"Deacon Tao, most of the three-month period has passed, yet you've shown no progress. Is this how Qingjin Building operates?" Yuan Ming asked solemnly.

"Fellow Daoist Jin, for your task, our building has already mobilized people for an expedited search. We have currently identified two to three probable locations and were just about to send them to you. I didn't expect that Vajra Daoist would come in person," Tao Rui hurriedly responded, handing over a map Jade Scroll.

Yuan Ming took the Jade Scroll, and his Divine Sense probed it, finding indeed three marked locations.

"In that case, I'll first go and verify these three locations. Fellow Daoist Tao Rui, if you find other places, please contact me directly using these Communication Talismans," he took out three blood-colored Communication Talismans and placed them on the table.

These Communication Talismans can connect to his Void Communication Array, allowing transmission over greater distances than ordinary Communication Talismans.

"Alright," Tao Rui nodded.

Hurried to leave Wuya Island, Yuan Ming quickly rose to take his leave.