I Cheated While Cultivating

“Is this the ‘Eight Diagrams Purple Gold Pill’?” The elderly woman sitting crossed-legged on the bed opened her eyes, looking at the pill in Zhou Heng’s hand with uncertainty, her face showing confusion.

Her name was Lan Ying.

Having presided over the Lan Family of Jiangzhou for over nine hundred years, she had personally developed what was originally just a small clan in County City into a great family renowned throughout the entire Jiangzhou, known across Da Qi.

Her experience was so vast, it was incomparable to that of ordinary Absolute Fourth Rank individuals.

Especially in recent years, as her lifespan approached its end, she had studied numerous classics and materials about Life-Extending Elixirs, yet she had never heard of the name “Eight Diagrams Purple Gold Pill.”

Now, seeing the pill so indescribably ordinary, doubt inevitably arose in her heart.

Could it be that Ying Zhi had been deceived?

However, Ying Zhi had always been extraordinarily clever and perceptive. After taking up the role of the acting Family Head, she displayed even more the manner of a great clan’s dignity. How could she have been so easily fooled?

It was precisely because of this that Lan Ying, despite her doubts, did not voice them outright. She wanted to see how Ying Zhi would respond next.

“Mr. Zhou, this…” Lan Yingzhi also felt a bit awkward. She had never expected the pill Zhou Heng presented to be so unremarkably common and “plain.”

If she had not known Zhou Heng’s identity and believed that he would not deceive her with a mundane elixir, she might have suspected that the man before her was a charlatan.

It was common knowledge that Life-Extending Elixirs without exception were fragrant and refreshing, revitalizing the spirit. Even a mere sniff by an ordinary person could strengthen the body and prevent all illnesses.

She had never heard of such a plain Life-Extending Elixir.

The brows of the others gathered were also deeply furrowed.

The individuals present were all core members of the Lan Family of Jiangzhou, as well as closely associated physicians and martial artists, with the least among them being of the Secret Six Rank level, possessing the ability to sense things with their divine senses. Naturally, they could all tell the condition of the pill in Zhou Heng’s hand,

It was too strange, truly too strange. Was this really a Life-Extending Elixir?

Many harbored doubts in their hearts.

However, since the elixir was brought by the acting Family Head and the man did indeed carry himself with an imposing presence, clearly no ordinary individual, therefore no one dared to openly question it.

Still, there were inevitable doubts in their minds.

“Yes, this is indeed the ‘Eight Diagrams Purple Gold Pill’,” Zhou Heng nodded slightly and smiled, “There’s no need to be surprised. This pill is an ancient secret, different from the Life-Extending Elixirs of today’s era.”

In fact, the pill was just flour with a few very ordinary herbs, essentially a small-sized dumpling, without any real medicinal effect.

The true life-extending power lay in the lifespan Zhou Heng could distribute.

However, directly extending someone’s lifespan was a bit too shocking for the world, so he used the pill as a ruse.

Don’t ask, just say it’s an ancient secret elixir.

Lan Yingzhi should be able to understand it.

“So it’s a divine pill, a secret from ancient times. It seems that the divine conceals its brilliance, truly extraordinary,” Lan Yingzhi’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, and her mind quickly raced with numerous thoughts, her tone much more relaxed.

The others, however, looked on with puzzled expressions. They did not understand why the acting Family Head felt relieved after such a vague explanation.

What if this man was lying?

Lan Ying, seated on the bed, was even more perplexed. She felt that Ying Zhi’s reaction was unusual.

However, she did not speak directly but used her divine sense to transmit a message, “Dear child, who is this young man who has earned such unwavering trust from you, to the point where a simple explanation of an ancient secret elixir convinces you?”

“Great Ancestor, he is Zhou Heng,” Lan Yingzhi replied through her divine sense.

“Zhou Heng?! The reincarnation of the great being from Pure Yang Palace?” Lan Ying exclaimed, “It’s actually him.”

She too was well informed about the great affairs of the world.

After all, over the past half year or so, the fame of Zhou Heng, this little martial uncle of Pure Yang Palace, could truly be described as being at its zenith— his name was virtually known to all.

“Yes, many people speculate that he might be the reincarnation of some ancient saint, or even a great figure from the ancient mythological era,” said Lan Yingzhi. “It’s quite normal for such a person to produce elixirs that we do not recognize.”

“Indeed, it is normal,” Lan Ying agreed, and she immediately added, “There’s no need for confusion anymore. I believe in this gentleman.”

After that, she addressed Zhou Heng, “Please forgive their doubts, sir; they were just concerned about me. May I know if there is anything to be aware of when taking the ‘Eight Diagrams Purple Gold Pill’?”

In this world, many elixirs have strict requirements regarding the method of ingestion, timing, and even accompanying herbs. If not adhered to, at best the efficacy of the medicine would be greatly reduced; at worst, the miraculous elixirs would turn into poison.

“Considering my pill appears ordinary, your concerns are understandable,” Zhou Heng said with a smile. “As for precautions… there are none, really. Just take it directly, please.”

Lan Yingzhi took the elixir and passed it to Lan Ying with both hands.

“Then, thank you very much, sir,” Lan Ying said with a smile, expressing her thanks to Zhou Heng. She then picked up the pill, placed it into her mouth, chewed it carefully, and swallowed it.

Hmm, the taste was sweet upon entering the mouth, worthy of… Huh??

Something wasn’t right!

Lan Ying’s eyes instantly went wide.

This kind of anomaly immediately put everyone present on high alert, with all eyes converging on Lan Ying.

Lan Yingzhi couldn’t help but become worried.

“How can this be, how is this possible??” thought Lan Ying, utterly shocked.

As she swallowed the elixir, she also employed her Divine Sense, which was nearing that of a Celestial Man, to analyze and deduce the ingredients and method of concoction of the pill.

On the one hand, she wanted to understand how this so-called ancient secret elixir was crafted; on the other, she still harbored doubts about the effectiveness of the pill and wanted to be prepared for any contingency.

Yet the results of her analysis defied belief, even making her wonder if she was hallucinating from mental strain due to her life nearing its end.

How could this be?

How could this be possible?

How could the materials and method for producing this Eight Diagrams Purple Gold Pill, which was rumored to extend the lifespan of an Absolute Fourth Rank Great Grandmaster by ten years, be like this??

“Flour, goji berries, sugar… No wonder it tasted sweet; of course, it couldn’t be bitter,” she mused.

Lan Ying’s mind was fraught with doubt and astonishment—doubt over why life-extending elixirs would be concocted from such materials, and astonishment that such an elixir could indeed take effect!

Yes, the moment she took the pill into her mouth, she had already deciphered its composition and method of production.

Just when she was about to get angry, she suddenly felt the life force within her, which had almost dried up, surge anew, her rapidly diminishing lifespan unexpectedly extended by ten years.

It was true!

It really extended one’s life!

A pile of flour, goji berries, and sugar… processed by grinding, kneading, and steaming, had indeed successfully extended life.

How could this be?

This was unbelievable!

It was utterly inconceivable!

“Ah… Truly worthy of being an ancient secret divine pill; it is indeed mysteriously unfathomable,” she exhaled.

Lan Ying, an Absolute Fourth Rank Great Grandmaster, took a good while to compose herself and breathed a long sigh of relief. Then she got out of bed, bowed deeply to Zhou Heng, and said, “Thank you deeply, sir, for your great kindness. If there is ever anything that the Lan Family can do for you in the future, please do not hesitate to command us.”

The people around, upon seeing this, instantly understood what had happened and immediately reigned in their guarded hearts, giving thanks to Zhou Heng with the utmost respect and reverence.

In unison, they said:

“Many thanks, sir, for your great kindness. Should you ever have need of the Lan Family in the future, please feel free to command us.”

“Many thanks, sir, for your great kindness. Should you ever have need of the Lan Family in the future, please feel free to command us.”

…

…

In a courtyard within the grand estate of the Lan Family in Jiangzhou,

Lan Yingzhi was trying to retain Zhou Heng. Her beautiful face wore a look of concern as she said, “Sir, are you leaving so soon? At least stay for a meal.”

After extending the life of the Lan Family’s old ancestor, Zhou Heng was ready to take his leave.

“That won’t be necessary, my business here is finished, and I should be on my way,” Zhou Heng said, waving his hand dismissively.

For him, the purpose of forming good relations with the Lan Family had been achieved, and he now had a lead for making replicas of the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover. His goal was accomplished, and there was no need to stay.

The main reason was that he felt Lan Ying’s gaze on him was somewhat peculiar, fearing that this “old granny” might introduce him to a young lady.

That would be troublesome.

“Sir, I specially instructed our household chefs to prepare Jiangzhou City’s finest roast duck for you. It costs one hundred taels of silver outside—wouldn’t you like to try it?” Lan Yingzhi continued her entreaties and hastily added, “Sir, I-I’m not implying that you can’t afford the hundred taels.”

“If you’d mentioned roast duck earlier, I indeed would’ve liked to try it,” Zhou Heng relaxed and said with a smile.

A duck priced at one hundred taels would be roughly equivalent to fifty thousand from Earth, outrageously a hundred times more expensive than Quanjude’s, and certainly worth a taste to find out why.

Of course, Zhou Heng wasn’t concerned about the hundred taels of silver.

The main thing was he didn’t have any pressing matters at the moment, and with Lan Yingzhi’s earnest invitation, it would be inappropriate to refuse outright.

…

Deliciously crispy and tender, the flavor lingered on the lips and teeth.

At the Lan Family’s thank-you banquet, Zhou Heng ate two roasted ducks and was quite satisfied with the meal.

The taste was indeed good.

However, he still felt that the price of one hundred taels apiece was somewhat exaggerated.

Meanwhile, at this thank-you banquet, Zhou Heng had roughly understood the Lan Family’s situation and met a few people, forming a bond over a meal.

After the meal, Lan Yingzhi suggested they take a stroll in Jiangzhou City, and the two left the Lan Family’s grand estate.

“Old ancestor, you seem to place considerable importance on Zhou Heng,” inquired a young Lan Family disciple who had approached Lan Ying. He was of the younger generation but was quite favored by Lan Ying, which allowed him to speak more casually.

“Of course, I must value him highly. Perhaps one day, the Lan Family will need to rely on him,” Lan Ying said somewhat wistfully, “Before I met him, I also felt that those reincarnated great beings were nothing special if they couldn’t become strong again.

“However, after meeting Zhou Heng, or rather, after taking the Eight Diagrams Purple Gold Pill he provided, I finally realized something.

“Whether these great beings from ancient times have become strong again or not, they all possess means that we cannot comprehend, even far beyond our understanding.”

In fact, after taking Zhou Heng’s life-extending elixir, Lan Ying had been pondering and researching constantly, even using her Dharma Body for simulations, on how to create life-extending elixirs with simple ingredients like flour, goji berries, and sugar.

Although not much time had passed since she took the medicine, she had already failed countless times.

With each failure, she marveled at the magic of the ancient secret medicines, while also growing increasingly in awe of Zhou Heng, who likely possessed even more of such methods.

Reincarnated great beings are indeed extraordinary.

Lan Ying could never have imagined that what she had taken was merely an ordinary sweet dough ball.

…

Zhou Heng, accompanied by Lan Yingzhi, strolled on Tonggu Street.

This was the busiest street in Jiangzhou County City, gathering snacks and specialty products from all over the state. At the entrance to the street, one could even see a colossal ancient copper drum, ten Zhang high.

Rumor had it that this was the general’s drumming spot during the Tianyang Battle three thousand years ago.

The copper drum was used to boost the morale of troops before the two armies commenced battle.

It’s just unknown why it was so large.

Could it be that the participants in the Tianyang Battle weren’t normal members of the Human Race?

As Zhou Heng sampled various snacks, his thoughts wandered to the copper drum and the Tianyang Battle, oblivious to the delicate and charming Lan Yingzhi at his side.

Lan Yingzhi was not annoyed. She was now filled with gratitude and admiration for Zhou Heng and, even though he was distracted, she diligently introduced him to the stories behind each spot on the street.

Before long, the two reached the middle part of Tonggu Street.

There, a bustling square had been built in the shape of a square fighting platform, hundreds of Zhang in both length and width, quite spacious.

It was called “Duojiang Platform.”

According to tradition, after the drumbeat in ancient wars, the generals of both sides would come to approximately this location to duel and vie for supremacy.

This event significantly influenced the outcome of affairs.

Nowadays, it has developed into a place for watching martial artists from both the local area and beyond spar and compete in martial arts.

In this martial-focused era, contests were a popular spectacle among the people.

Hence, almost every day the area around Duojiang Platform was surrounded by vast crowds, naturally drawing many food vendors, offering an abundance of tasty treats.

When Zhou Heng and Lan Yingzhi arrived, it seemed that two rather famous experts were in the midst of a duel, with the crowd’s cheers rising and falling in waves.

This was actually quite normal; excitement often led to cheering, but the content of the cheers seemed a bit off.

“Hero Liu, fight on! Overthrow this arrogant man from Jin!”

“How dare this little barbarian from the south be so insolent in Da Qi, Hero Liu, take care of him!”

“Be careful, Hero Liu! This little southern barbarian is quite formidable!”

…

…

Hearing this, Zhou Heng’s eyebrows lightly raised, and he glanced toward the Duojiang Platform, saying to Lan Yingzhi, “Let’s go and take a look.”

“Uh-huh,” Lan Yingzhi nodded in agreement and followed.

As soon as they entered the crowd, they saw two figures on the Duojiang Platform fighting intensely, with flashes of swords and sabers and the continuous gleam of blades. Even their inner Qi flowed outward, stirring faint traces of the world’s elemental energies.

They were both at the Peak of the Seventh Rank.

Bang!

Just then, one of them was suddenly flung into the air by the edge of the other’s saber, flying more than ten Zhang before collapsing to the ground.

The fallen man tried to get up, only to see his opponent arrive in an instant with a saber in hand, one foot on his chest and the blade at his throat, laughing lightly, “You’ve lost.”

Then, looking around at the four corners, he puffed out his chest, held his head high, and, with a face full of pride, laughed out loud, “Great Da Qi, is there no one else?”

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