Alchemy Hall.

A mature lady dressed in Alchemist Robes, who looked to be in her early thirties, handed Xiao Hong a badge.

“Congratulations, Alchemist Xiao! You are now a Grade 2 Alchemist!” Elder Fang smiled. Her green eyes watched Xiao Hong happily tie the Alchemist Badge to her waist.

Xiao Hong had decided not to pin the badge to her chest. She had noticed that a large number of bastards stared at her chest with the excuse of ‘checking out the Alchemy Badge’. The excuse worked the first time, but they didn’t have ‘check out the Alchemy Badge’ every fucking time she entered the Alchemy Hall, did they?

While Xiao Hong considered herself a pervert and ogled chests quite often, it was still irritating to be on the receiving end - at least when it came from male cultivators. Was it hypocritical? Definitely. Did she care that it was? Nope. According to her, every human was a hypocrite to some extent - it was just a question of whether it was bearable or noticeable. It was human nature. Even if she were wrong and people were not all hypocrites, she was one and would remain one!

“By the way Alchemist Xiao, do you have any compulsory Sect Missions you have yet to complete?” Elder Fang queried after a moment of consideration.

A look of puzzlement crossed Xiao Hong’s face, confused as to why she was asked about her missions, but she answered anyway, “Yes, actually. I have to complete the compulsory Sect Mission within the next 4 years.”

The Outer Sect Disciples had to complete a mission outside the Sect every five years without question, bar the first five years after they joined the Sect. Xiao Hong, who had joined the Sect at 10 and was currently 16, was required to complete at least one Sect Mission within the next 4 years - or else she would be expelled from the Sect - no matter if she was a genius Alchemist or not. She would be shown a bit of leniency, but that was it. If she really wanted to be exempt from those missions, she had to become a Grade 4 Alchemist first… Which required a cultivation of at least Soul Palace Realm.

“Hmm. Since that is the case, you should join the Sect’s Secret Realm Trial.” Elder Fang advised her.

“Secret Realm Trial? What is that?” Xiao Hong blinked.

Elder Fang looked at Xiao Hong with an odd gaze that seemed to ask, ‘Do you live under a rock?’ causing Xiao Hong to blush slightly and look away in embarrassment. She was too busy refining pills or cultivating ever since she’d transmigrated and the old Xiao Hong never knew anything about it. That was stuff for geniuses - not a pleb like her!

The Elder seemed to take pity on Xiao Hong and explained, “The Secret Realm Trial is both a mission and a great opportunity.” Elder Fang walked towards the door of the Alchemy Hall while gesturing to Xiao Hong to follow, “Come with me, I’ll help secure a spot.”

As Xiao Hong followed, Elder Fang took the initiative to explain, “Of the many Secret Realms the Sect controls, there are several special ones. Most of these are exclusively for the Inner Sect. But a few, like the Demon Beast Haven - which is where the Trial will be held - are available to the Outer Sect. Though, it's probably because there is an upper limit to the participants’ cultivation. Otherwise, the Outer Sect would not even get to hear about this particular Realm.

“Anyway, this Secret Realm - which is jointly controlled by us, the Mystic Sky Sect and the Adamantine Fist Sect - periodically opens up, releasing a large number of Demonic Beasts into the Main World. So we have to clean it up periodically. 

“At some point nearly a thousand years ago, an Alchemist discovered that the Beast Crystal Cores that Demonic Beasts drop are very special - with the right techniques, they can be turned into extremely pure Essence that can be seamlessly integrated with your Cultivation Base. Without any side effects.”

“Oddly enough, this effect is limited to inside the Secret Realm. The moment you bring them out they become completely normal Beast Crystal Cores.

“Therefore, every 10 years, the three Super Sects - us, the Mystic Sky Sect and the Adamantine Fist Sect and their subordinate Sects send their disciples with cultivation below the Soul Palace Realm to clean it up.”

Xiao Hong’s eyes instantly lit up!

Wasn’t this just perfect for her?! Just when she was having a headache about resources, this opportunity fell into her lap!

Now, even if someone told her she wasn’t a protagonist, she would scoff at them! Just as she was having trouble with resources, Gu Ran popped up to give her the Secret Technique. Then, she got a mysterious black stone that might help her, and now there was also this! If this isn't the protagonist's halo, what is?!

Mh-hm, she was definitely a protagonist! She proudly nodded to herself.

Then, she became confused. ‘Since I am a female protagonist, I should also get a villainess, right? What should I do? What should I do??’ Xiao Hong felt troubled.

Though, for anyone wondering, she wasn’t troubled about how to fight the villainess. No, no, no. She was worried about how to romance the Villainess! After all, Villainess-taming was one of her favourite tropes! Watching the proud and arrogant Villainess turn into a blushing mess full of fluff was peak fun according to her.

‘But, I already have Sister Ying…’ Xiao Hong felt even more troubled. She did not want to end up hurting her Guiying, after all. ‘Bah, I’ll leave it to future Xiao Hong!’

On the side, Elder Fang’s mouth twitched as she noticed the strange behaviour of the newly-minted Grade 2 Alchemist - cycling through expressions of excitement, pride, ‘troubled’ and finally ‘I don’t give a shit’. 

‘These geniuses sure behave in strange ways!’

***

Xiao Hong was brought to another peak - one she’d never been to before. 

“This is the Bailong Peak, where the Outer Sect’s Affairs Hall is situated.” Elder Fang told Xiao Hong who was looking around curiously as they made their way to the massive building at the summit.

Unlike the Alchemy Hall, which was majestic and mysterious, this building gave off an imposing feeling. Its broad and angular geometry inspired a sense of reverence in the viewer. 

As they got closer to the building, Xiao Hong saw a  significantly greater number of people going in and out of this place when compared to the Alchemy Hall. 

Entering the building through its majestic doors, she saw a row of counters that had a disciple behind each of them. In front of each of these counters, there was a queue. A queue which got longer as they moved closer to the walls on either side.

This scene made Xiao Hong feel a very strong sense of deja vu.

‘... Isn’t this very similar to the banks? Tellers behind a counter and a long queue that you had to wait hours just to get your turn?’ Xiao Hong felt an inexplicable sense of weirdness. Like this world had somehow been de-’Xianxia’-ised?

Of course, it was only similar, because she soon saw the trademark Xianxia-style ‘We divide everything by Cultivation level and status’ configuration. The higher the cultivation realm of the customer - ahem - sect member, the closer it was to the centre and the less crowded it was.

Xiao Hong, accompanied by Elder Fang, experienced the VIP treatment and was brought to one of the counters in the middle. The ‘teller’ was a middle-aged Deacon surnamed Ji - who, true to his stature as a ‘Senior cultivator’, was in the midst of an intense meditation session.

As they walked to the counter, the Deacon opened his eyes and looked at the pair, his eyes flashing with a divine light. 

“Ah, Elder Fang! What a pleasure it is to see you visit! Your presence truly brightens up this dry and boring Hall!” the middle-aged man smiled warmly, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

“Good day to you as well, Deacon Ji.” Elder Fang nodded politely before directly getting to the point, “I would like to use my allocated spot for the  Demon Beast Haven’s Joint Trial for Alchemist Xiao.” She gestured towards Xiao Hong who was obediently standing behind her.

It was only then that he looked at Xiao Hong. He laughed, “Haha, a Grade 2 Alchemist at your age. Brilliant! You have a great future ahead, Alchemist Xiao! Dragons and Phoenixes truly do come from the newer generation!” Deacon Ji praised Xiao Hong.

And Xiao Hong dutifully blushed and ‘awkwardly’ said, “Deacon Ji overpraises me.”

Deacon Ji just chuckled, shaking his head lightly, “It is not, Alchemist Xiao. Becoming a Grade 2 Alchemist in less than two years… We all know very well that is no mean feat.

“Who knows, perhaps in a few years, I’ll be at your door, begging for pills.

“When that time comes, please don’t refuse me, okay?”

He looked pitifully at Xiao Hong and ‘furtively’ winked at her.

Elder Fang, trying to maintain her composure as a fellow Celestial Bridge Expert, couldn't help but twitch in response to Deacon Ji's complete lack of dignity. 

‘As usual, this fella’s dignity is nowhere to be found!’ Elder Fang really wanted to teach this fellow what it meant to be a peak Celestial Bridge! ‘Unfortunately, this fellow is just too strong!’

Xiao Hong, on the other hand, started to actually feel awkward compared to her act from before, “Err…”

Before Xiao Hong could formulate a response though, he changed the subject, “Well, Demon Beast Haven’s Joint Trial registration, is it?” He looked at Xiao Hong with an evaluating gaze “Are you sure you want to participate? Your cultivation is only at the initial stage of the Divine Sea Realm” He paused for a bit before continuing, “That is the weakest among the participants. And, I do not mean any offence by this, but most Alchemists aren’t exactly known for their Battle Power.”

Xiao Hong nodded firmly. “Yes, Deacon Ji, I still wish to participate.”

“Very well,” He nodded he was not surprised at all. No one with common sense would let go of such a golden opportunity! 

He stretched out his hand towards the Elder. “Elder Fang, your token, please.”

She nodded and handed over a beautiful black token with 4 purple pills inscribed on it - indicating her status as a Grade 4 Alchemist.

Deacon Ji took it and placed it on a thick disc-shaped contraption for a few seconds before returning it to Elder Fang. Then he took out a Jet-Black Communication Jade with Purple-coloured lines covering it.

Through her overpowered senses, Xiao Hong felt a very minute fluctuation in his Qi, indicating that he was conversing with the person on the other end. After a few moments, he put the Communication Jade back and smiled at the two.

“It’s done. I’ll have someone deliver the Token to Alchemist Xiao’s lodging.” The Deacon then handed over a jade slip to Xiao Hong, “This contains all the information about the Secret Realm.

“Since you are taking up a slot for an Alchemist, this jade slip includes all the duties you are expected to fulfil during the Trial. If you do not perform the said duties, you will be levied a penalty upon returning.” The Deacon said seriously, staring at Xiao Hong with his bright yellow eyes.

Xiao Hong nodded firmly. “Don’t worry Deacon, I will perform my duties to the best of my ability.”

The Deacon nodded and smiled, “I would expect nothing less from someone recommended by Elder Fang.” Then he continued, “On the other side, your meritorious deeds will bring you rewards from the Sect.

“From contribution points to resources to techniques. You will definitely be satisfied with them.

“At the same time, this token will also act as a locator that allows you to find your fellow sect mates after you are randomly teleported.”

He continued to give a few more instructions before he bid them farewell.

***

On the way out, Elder Fang advised her seriously, “Alchemist Xiao, you should go to the Scripture Library and learn a few Techniques - especially Escape Techniques. Even if your duties won’t involve actually fighting the Demon Beasts, you will still be separated at the beginning thanks to random teleportation. There is a great chance you will be in danger before you even encounter your Sect mates.”

“Are the Demon Beast there very violent?” Xiao Hong asked, evidently quite surprised. Demon Beasts in the Main World normally aren’t all that violent. Most of them choose to peacefully coexist with the human Cultivators. 

There were even many Demon Beasts who took human form at the Perfection of Fusion Realm, married human cultivators and lived happily ever after; the best example would be the current Patriarch of the Wang Family - one of the seven most powerful families of the Inner Sect - and his wife Fu Qing, who was a Wind Falcon.

A horribly gloomy look crossed Elder Fang's face.

“Yes. But also other cultivators. In fact, it is the other cultivators you should be wary of. Especially you. As a girl, you should be especially careful.”

Xiao Hong instantly understood.

Elder Fang couldn’t help but clench her fist tightly, even after nearly a century, the pain didn’t fade away. Her sweet, sweet niece, so bright and so happy when she had gone in had taken her own life upon returning. After experiencing that humiliation no one would wish to stay alive.

The perpetrators might be dead, but her wrath was still there.

Taking a deep breath she calmed her emotions.

“Alchemist Xiao, no, Xiao Hong.” Elder Fang stared at her seriously. “Are you sure you want to participate in the Trial?” Elder Fang had repeatedly stressed how dangerous the Secret Realm Joint Mission was on their way to Bailong Peak. But Xiao Hong had remained adamant - this kind of opportunity was impossible to let go!

Xiao Hong nodded.

“Very well, then Stay safe. No matter what. Run away if you don’t see someone you can trust. Even if they look trustworthy, even if they look weaker than you run away.”

The Elder sighed lightly. She really did not want Xiao Hong to go, but as an Alchemist, it was necessary. Alchemy was an incredibly complex Art. To master it, one has to spend countless hours, honing their control over fire and Qi, studying the medicinal properties of Spirit Herbs, understanding their interactions etc. This left Alchemists with very little time for cultivation - resulting in a large number of Alchemists failing to enter the Inner Sect. This was why the opportunity to go to the Demon Beast Haven’s Trial was so precious. Its uniqueness allows the Alchemists a chance to achieve Nirvana before 30, allowing them to enter the Inner Sect.

“Since you are so sure, I will transfer some contribution points to you, go get yourself a high-quality Escape Technique. Focus all your attention on it, and cultivate it at least to the Small Accomplishment level. If you can’t do it, come to me, I will recommend you to someone who has mastered the Technique.

“Is that understood?” Elder Fang locked eyes with her, looking as though she wouldn’t let her go unless she agreed.

Xiao Hong nodded helplessly, “Yes, Elder.”

“Good.” She nodded and then proceeded to transfer the contribution points. “Use them to increase your strength as much as possible.”

After separating from Elder Fang, Xiao took to the skies and directly headed towards the Scripture Library. As she flew, Xiao Hong sent a strand of her Divine Sense into her identity token and was so shocked nearly fell out of the sky.

“Fuck! Ten Thousand?!” She was so shocked that she cursed out loud. Thankfully, there was no one around, sparing her from becoming the subject of scandalous rumours about bad-mouthed genius Alchemists. 

Though, Xiao Hong couldn’t care less about it now. “Ten thousand… How the fuck am I supposed to repay this?!”

She needed to refine more than 100 bottles of good-quality 5th-grade Pills and exchange them with the Sect to be able to get so many contribution points!

To put it into perspective, that was equivalent to 100,000 Grade 1 Pills of good quality!

Even if she pumped out pills like a Pill Factory on steroids, she would not be able to do this. It was like trying to empty an ocean one tablespoon at a time - simply impossible! 

“Hmm?” As Xiao Hong continued scanning the token, she noticed a message - upon reading it, her expression became somewhat complicated. Elder Fang told Xiao Hong to not worry about repaying her and just concentrate on strengthening herself. She even said that she would be angry if she thought about returning the points.

By leaving this message, she had essentially absolved Xiao Hong of any requirement to pay her back. 

“Thank you, Elder Fang. I will find a way to repay you,” Xiao Hong promised herself, her heart feeling warm at the Elder’s care. She had never expected such sincerity and care from anyone in this new world. She smiled, “They are humans too, despite holding terrible power.”

In this strange world, Xiao Hong who had felt somewhat lonely up till now, suddenly felt like she belonged here.

***