Jian Wuxin delivered the final stone brick to the apprentice formation scribe and bowed.
The old man muttered something, stamped his scroll, and waved him off without a second glance.
> Ten tasks complete.
Jian took a slow breath as he stepped into the mountain wind.
The Task Hall's elder had promised that ten standard missions in one period would earn him a ten-month exemption from future assignments—sect policy meant to reward overachievers and give them time to cultivate.
That meant ten months of peace.
Ten months of silence.
Ten months to rise.
> Perfect.
He left the outer courts and turned toward the Iron Vein Sect Market—a broad network of stone roads and shop stalls that spiraled up and around the eastern cliffs. Sect disciples swarmed the paths, bartering, shouting, advertising.
---
First Stop: Pill Vendor
An elder with pill powder on his sleeves sat behind dozens of jade bottles.
"I need five Qi Refining Pills," Jian said, placing down a sect token and a few contribution slips.
The vendor nodded. "One bottle, low-grade purity, twenty points."
He handed over a smooth bottle carved with a flame rune. Jian shook it. Five pills.
"Anything else?"
"A beginner's recipe scroll for Qi Refining Pills."
"Ten points."
Jian nodded and added it to his satchel.
---
Second Stop: Cauldron Merchant
At a forge-lined stall, Jian pointed at a small but stable bronze cauldron. It hummed slightly with heat-absorbing Qi.
"Refines two pills at once. Controlled Qi intake."
"Price?"
"Twenty points. Seventeen with discount."
He paid without blinking.
---
Third Stop: Formation Stall
A thin disciple in gray robes watched him closely as Jian stepped up to a glowing board etched with talismans.
"I need a single-use Qi-Gathering Formation Talisman. Basic."
The disciple raised a brow. "For... cultivation?"
"Alchemy practice."
That seemed to satisfy him.
"Ten contribution points."
Jian accepted the jade-inscribed talisman—meant to enhance ambient Qi in a room for two hours. It would help him simulate a better spiritual environment for early alchemy practice.
---
With his purchases complete, Jian returned to his quarters.
His satchel was heavier now—with opportunity.
One basic cauldron.
Five Qi Refining Pills.
One recipe scroll.
One Qi-Gathering Talisman.
And ten months of freedom.
He entered his quarters, sealed the door with Qi, and locked the world out.
The banner inside his storage pouch pulsed faintly.
> "Ten months without questions... So what will you build in secret, thief?"
Jian Wuxin smiled.
"Something worth stealing from the heavens."
---