Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

He picked up his pen (to record with his divine sense) and began to "compile":

"In my past travels through the Sea of ​​Fallen Stars, I stumbled upon this formula amidst the ruins of an ancient cultivation cave. The master of the cave was believed to be the ancient alchemy master 'Xuanjizi,' who has long since passed away and whose jade box contains this formula. The formula is named 'Ningjin,' and when combined with the 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Zhen' (a system of celestial constellations) to draw upon the power of the stars and combine it with the fire of the earth's veins, it can create a spiritual elixir that can aid in the nine cycles of the Golden Elixir and allow one to glimpse the wonders of the Nascent Soul stage."

"However, the main ingredients are hard to find and difficult to refine. I have had them for hundreds of years, but I have not been able to gather them all, which I deeply regret. I leave them for those who are destined to receive them. I hope that future generations of disciples will cherish them and not fail to live up to this gift from heaven. — Master Liuyun, recorded during his travels."

The writing is simple and archaic, the tone is weathered and ancient, and it cleverly references the "Zhou Tian Xing Dou Zhen" (which Zhao Qingyan is currently researching) and the "Zhui Xing Hai" (which subtly echoes the Zhui Xing Gu), increasing its credibility.

At the end, he imitated the blurry flame mark on the fragmented jade slip and drew a clearer and more complex variant that looked like an ancient emblem representing "Danhuo" or "a certain sect".

After finishing all this, Shen Mo let out a long sigh of relief, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. This "fabrication" was extremely mentally taxing, no less so than deducing a profound martial arts technique.

He carefully examined the newly produced "Ancient Elixir Formula"—"The Complete Formula for Condensing Gold Elixir"—and confirmed that, with his current knowledge of alchemy, he could not find any obvious flaws in the descriptions of the medicinal properties and refining process.

The description of his origins also matches some of the vague legends surrounding Master Liuyun.

Most importantly, it's enough. It is also "reasonably" difficult to verify—the main ingredient has long been extinct, so where would you find it?

"The bait is ready, we're just waiting for the fish to take the bait." Shen Mo looked at the replica of the jade slip in his hand, which contained a shocking lie and a deadly trap, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

He carefully put away the original fragmented jade slip and this "complete version," and made several copies with only partial content or "flaws" in key parts.

In the following days, Shen Mo "coincidentally" developed a "strong interest" in alchemy, frequently summoning Li Xiaocao to discuss some difficult ancient alchemical formulas, and "unintentionally" mentioned seeing a few words about "condensing the golden elixir" in an ancient book, which he found very fascinating.

Li Xiaocao had no suspicions. On the contrary, she was delighted by the sect leader's interest in alchemy. She shared all her knowledge about ancient elixirs and formulas with him and mentioned that there seemed to be a related incomplete formula in the sect, but it was too incomplete for anyone to recognize.

Not long after, the library was "accidentally" robbed, losing several unimportant ancient books and... a tattered jade slip containing a vague prescription.

This matter was neither a major nor a minor one. Shen Mo ordered a thorough investigation, but it ultimately came to nothing.

However, rumors that the incomplete formula of "Golden Condensation Pill" might contain a great secret, or even be related to the "Falling Star Sea" secret realm explored by Ancestor Liuyun, quietly spread among the upper echelons of Qingyun Sect, as well as within the core circle of the alliance through certain secret channels.

The rumors were quite detailed, even mentioning details such as "Xuanji Zi" and "Zhou Tian Xing Dou Zhen".

A few days later, Shen Mo went into seclusion, supposedly to gain insights into an ancient elixir formula.

After emerging from seclusion, he summoned a few people, including Han Lin and Li Xiaocao, and presented them with the "complete" "Formula for Condensing Gold Elixir." He explained that it was a "lucky" deduction and completion of the incomplete formula, the travelogue of the patriarch, and his own insights into alchemy. However, the main ingredients were hard to find, and the refining process was extremely difficult. Therefore, it was temporarily sealed away, awaiting an opportune moment.

Everyone was shocked and amazed by the sect leader's talent in alchemy. They were also filled with longing for the alchemy formula that could "help the Golden Core to be refined nine times and glimpse the wonders of the Nascent Soul".

Shen Mo strictly ordered that this formula be kept secret, as it concerned the rise and fall of the sect and must not be leaked.

However, nothing stays hidden forever, especially when someone is deliberately watching.

The news of the "Golden Elixir" completion method appearing in the world was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake. Although the ripples were small, they were accurately transmitted to certain "eyes" that had been paying attention to Qingyun Mountain and Shen Mo's every move.

The secret chamber of the Crimson Sun Peak in the Lieyang Sect.

Huoyun Daoist held a copy of a jade slip that had been transmitted through a secret channel. It contained only the first half of the "Golden Elixir Formula," which described the main ingredient and its enticing effects.

His expression shifted constantly, his eyes flashing with greed and suspicion.

"Condensing the Golden Core... Assisting the Golden Core through nine cycles, glimpsing the wonders of the Nascent Soul... Young Shen Mo, you actually have such an opportunity?" He murmured to himself, "Falling into the Star Sea... Xuanji Zi... Zhou Tian Star Array... It sounds plausible."

"But these main ingredients... the Golden-Veined Jade Fungus and the Nine-Aperture Star Fruit... have been extinct for a thousand years! How could he refine them? Is he just making a fuss?"

"Master," a trusted disciple whispered, "According to our insider report from Qingyun Mountain, Shen Mo did indeed frequently consult ancient books and discuss alchemy with Li Xiaocao a few days ago, before going into seclusion."

After exiting the pass, Han Lin, Li Xiaocao, and the others all looked strange. The theft from the Sutra Pavilion also seemed suspicious.

This elixir recipe... I'd rather believe it exists. If I could obtain it, perhaps... perhaps it could help you break through that barrier!

A fanatical glint flashed in the eyes of his trusted disciple. Daoist Huoyun had been stuck at the late Golden Core stage for a long time, and his desire to condense into a Nascent Soul was deeply ingrained.

Huoyun Daoist's eyes flickered, finally hardening into a ruthless glint: "Investigate! Use all available resources to find out the authenticity of this pill formula! Also, does the Fallen Star Sea... truly exist? Is it related to the Fallen Star Valley?"

Deep within the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Limitless Sword Palace.

Jian Wuji remained in seclusion, while Jian Wuhen took charge of the overall situation. He too had obtained a fragmented information about a pill formula, and his expression was grim.

"Condensing the Golden Core? An opportunity from Ancestor Liuyun? Hmph, Shen Mo is good at playing tricks!" Jian Wuhen gritted his teeth, but his hand holding the jade slip trembled slightly.

Before his seclusion, his elder brother Jian Wuji had already reached the Golden Core stage. If he were to receive this pill, his chances of condensing his Nascent Soul would greatly increase! At that time, the Heavenly Sword Sect would surely avenge its previous humiliation and restore its prestige!

But... could this be another trap set by Shen Mo?

"Vice Sect Master, it's better to believe it's true. Even if the pill formula is fake, the 'Falling Star Sea' and 'Zhou Tian Star Array' mentioned in it might be related to the 'Starfall Ancient City.' Shen Mo's sudden interest in this is definitely not unfounded," an elder whispered.

Jian Wuhen's gaze turned sinister: "Have 'Dark Sword' investigate at all costs, find out the origin of this pill formula, and what Shen Mo is really up to! Also, have you made contact with the Xuan Yin Sect yet?"

"We've received a response. Ghost Hand has expressed his willingness to meet and discuss the details, but... his asking price is very high."

"Agree to his request! What does it matter if we have to pay a price to gain power!" A hint of madness flashed in Jian Wuhen's eyes.

The Xuan Yin Sect, in a dark underground palace.

Ghost Hand toyed with a jet-black jade slip containing more detailed pill formulas, including even some "auxiliary ingredients" and "refining principles." He cackled, his voice echoing through the empty underground palace.

"Condensing the Golden Core...aiding the Nine Revolutions of the Golden Core? What arrogance! Shen Mo, you really do have a lot of good stuff hidden away. The legacy of Ancestor Liuyun? The secrets of the Fallen Star Sea?"

"Hehe... If this pill formula is combined with the power of 'Star Origin,' perhaps... the chances of awakening the sacred artifact will be even greater? Perhaps... we can even refine something more extraordinary..."

His eyes gleamed with a green light, filled with greed and malice. "Go and tell the Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect that the price is negotiable."

"Furthermore, let's move that 'nail' on Qingyun Mountain and find out exactly where Shen Mo 'derived' this pill formula from, and where the original incomplete formula is!"

"Gou Zai Fei Men Bian Shenhua" - Stunning writing style and a thrilling plot!