After some thought, Aotian wasted no time and decided to analyze the other abilities of the new elders.

“Let’s move on. We can analyze these minerals in more detail later.”

Bao Hui said to the two refiners before continuing to lead everyone forward.

As they passed the piles of metals, a new section appeared, this time filled with carefully displayed spiritual plants and seeds.

This time, the one who stepped forward was Dan Hong, the red-haired alchemist with an impatient temperament.

At his side, Yang Shi, the gentle and calm external elder of the Alchemy Pavilion, also advanced, greeting those present before approaching.

‘It’s that same feeling again…’

Aotian quickly recognized the pattern.

Dan Hong was filled with insights about how to use each plant, the exact measurements required, and the best refinement methods.

Meanwhile, Yang Shi absorbed knowledge about the plant itself—how to cultivate it, its needs, and its natural properties.

[Name: Dān Hóng (Meaning: Crimson Pill)

Position: Elder of the Alchemy Pavilion

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Foundation Establishment (1 major realm above the Host)

Position Skill: Alchemical Derivation

Position Bonus: Pill Master (Pill quality increased by 2.5x)]

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[Name: Yang Shi (Meaning: Scholarly Willow)

Position: External Elder (Alchemy Pavilion)

Cultivation: 2nd Level of Qi Refinement (Host’s Realm)

Position Skill: Heart of Nature

Affiliation Skill: Alchemy Affinity

Position Bonus: Accelerated Growth (2 uses per day)]

‘Just like Zhuan Lu for refinement, Yang Shi also has talent for alchemy, though not at Dan Hong’s level. And this time, the position bonus seems directly linked to the growth of spiritual plants.’

Aotian studied the ability and instinctively felt that, from Yang Shi’s perspective, he could make plants grow suddenly.

To test it, Yang Shi picked up a seed…

But instead of activating the ability immediately, he felt it would be better to plant it first.

He grabbed a pot, filled it with soil, and buried the seed.

Then, he activated the ability.

Suddenly, spiritual energy began to surge from his dantian, flowing through his spiritual veins. Under Yang Shi’s unconscious control, his veins exuded the wood element, converting the spiritual energy passing through them into pure wood elemental energy.

Then, in a complex and indecipherable pattern—not even all of Aotian’s minds working together could fully comprehend it—the energy pattern began attracting wood essence from the environment and channeling it directly into the seed.

A powerful vortex of energy formed around it.

Then, a sprout emerged, rapidly growing.

Its roots spread through the soil, deepening and strengthening, while the plant continued to flourish before everyone’s watchful eyes.

Until, finally, a beautiful blue flower bloomed.

The spiritual energy remained active for a few more moments, fortifying the plant before finally dissipating.

As the green spectacle came to an end, Yang Shi gently caressed the flower’s petals, instantly understanding everything about it.

‘Perfect growth, no deficiencies. This is a Soothing Water Flower, a Refiner-Tier spiritual elixir, and it has reached about two hundred years of maturity in mere seconds while remaining extremely healthy.’

Aotian reflected, satisfied.

To further test the limits of the ability, Yang Shi took a Founder-Tier seed that had already been planted and activated his technique once again.

The result, however, was different.

This time, only sprouts emerged without reaching maturity.

‘This time, it only grew twenty years. A single use of the ability wasn’t enough for a plant of this level to reach full maturity. Perhaps this is due to Yang Shi’s cultivation level.’

Aotian pondered and realized that the ability had limitations.

There were still many rules he didn’t fully understand, but the results were already extremely satisfying.

To finalize the tests, he found a Refiner-Tier artifact and a Founder-Tier artifact to test Zhuan Lu’s last ability: Design Analysis.

The result?

The Refiner-Tier artifact—a sword—was completely analyzed instantly.

He knew exactly how it had been forged, what materials were used, and every detail of its function and design.

However, the whip of the former mountain lord, a Founder-Tier artifact, could not be fully analyzed in a single use.

Aotian estimated that it would take four more uses of the ability to fully understand the weapon’s design.

Although Ting Zao, the internal elder of the Refinement Pavilion, could also analyze artifacts, this process required time and effort.

But with Zhuan Lu, the ability provided immediate answers.

‘I still need to conduct more tests to fully understand all the abilities… And I also need to examine the elders of the Formation and Refinement Pavilions. But that can wait. For now, let’s deal with the most urgent priorities first.’

Aotian concluded his analysis.

Suddenly, Tian Zhu—the sect leader—stepped forward.

That simple gesture “startled” those present, immediately drawing their attention.

“We have just established ourselves on this mountain and recruited disciples. There is much to be done.”

Despite the indifference in his tone, everyone knew those words were serious and should be heard carefully.

He then began assigning tasks.

“Zhuan Lu. You will be responsible for storing high-quality minerals and sorting out the rest for sale. We don’t need an excess of useless materials. We can sell these low-quality leftovers.”

“Yes, Leader!”

Zhuan Lu bowed and immediately set off to carry out the order after a confirming nod from Tian Zhu.

The leader then continued.

“Yang Shi. You will be responsible for sorting out the spiritual plants, keeping the highest-quality ones for future use. The lower-quality ones will be sent to Dan Hong for experimentation. Additionally, you will be in charge of the Spiritual Garden.”

“Yes, Leader!”

“Ting Zao. You will be responsible for forging the equipment for the disciples and elders. I want them to be of the best possible quality. I do not want our disciples and elders to be looked down upon out there.”

“Yes, Leader!”

“Lie Zheng. You will oversee the guards and maintain discipline, both at the mountain peak and in the city. I don’t want any disturbances, and most importantly, I don’t want innocents to suffer.”

“Yes, Leader!”

“Bao Hui, sell everything we won’t use—useless artifacts, low-quality minerals, and anything valuable that holds no real benefit for the sect. Take 80% of our spirit stones and head to the city’s main Pavilion. Convert everything into inheritances related to alchemy, refinement, and formations—whatever you can find. Also, allocate part of the funds to search for Founder-Tier spells. If this Pavilion has a branch in a city ruled by a Foundation Establishment cultivator and still stands, it must have a solid background. You should be able to find what we need there.”

“Hehe, yes, Leader!”

“Xuan Zhen, Zhen Mo. Take care of the formations. I also want you to improve the environment at the mountain peak, as we will be staying here for some time.”

“Yes, Leader!”

And so, under Tian Zhu’s orders, the sect began to function like a well-oiled machine.

Now, it was finally starting to take the shape of a true sect.

It wouldn’t take long. The day when the world would know the name and power of the Infinite Dao Sect was drawing closer.

Aotian could feel it.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep