As Bai Qi, he indeed knew about potions. Still, for someone born and grown on a high-level plane they were a simple relic of the past with no real use. So it was not strange for him to look in the matter only as a pastime.

But after reading this manual he really lamented such. After all, everything he knew could be said to be overturned. The potions indeed were more basic than the pills, but some of them could easily compare to the latter. And when compared to the medicines and pills that a lower-tier realm could produce, high-tier potions would even surpass them. This discovery came by comparing several of these advanced potions to the pills he knew. He also found that if prepared by a proficient master and adding some changes, they could even rival Earth-tier pills. Here one would need to consider that an Earth tier pill was something that could be refined by a first or superior level Pill Saint. And such title required mastery far over the one that the so-called best master in this plane had. In fact, they would need at least cultivation of the Earth Realm as well.

Still, the actual shock came from the fact that neither the normal or advanced recipes required any cultivation except having activated one's consciousness. This was something that was missing in his memories, although he could understand why. As Bai Qi, he only learned about the effects, not about the process itself.

Considering this fact, one could say that a Spirit realm potion master could create potions similar in effect to a Pill Dao Earth or even Sky level cultivator.

The reason for this to be unknown was extremely simple as well. Being that no one really investigated such lowly matter. And even if they did, they would not believe that the most basic knowledge of medicine made from qi ingredients could have such effects.

In any case, pills would still be more effective overall, as the process would use fewer resources. But for Wu Guang who could not resort to creating pills, for now, potions were indeed a very good advantage. Well at least until he reached the required level and had the opportunity to refine pills himself. As for the advantage, it was because of the fact that he could make the potions by himself. And even considering that their real effects were at least a third lower than a pill of the same level, barring the ingredients themselves the potions would be free and always available.

Clearing his mind, Wu Guang analyzed the newly gained knowledge. At the end reaching the conclusion that even with the investment, potion-making would be beneficial for him. And so marked it as an objective in his constantly growing list.

When he finished thinking about this, he found out that only half of his turn to watch had passed. Seeing that he had time left, Wu Guang spent it to benefit from the orb effect. And so moved a bit closer to the sleeping Yuan Taotu.

When the latter got up to exchange with him, Wu Guang motioned that everything was calm. With this and the relaxed cultivation Wu Guang was doing, Yuan Taotu concluded that his partner was sure about their safety. And so the pair simply cultivated until morning.

In the last days, the pair hunted and explored separately and even managed to find another undeveloped 'Rock Devourer'. But this time luck was not on their side and so except the beast spoils, they got nothing else.

As for their last nights in the place, they simply meditated. Neither of them wanted to waste such valuable effects.

***

Breaking up the camp and leaving the ruins took only a few minutes of the last, 14th day they spent outside the sect. Even if they did not manage to find more than a single Spirit beast for each one, their expedition was still successful. In truth, if looking at their loot it was extremely so.

Their cultivation improved even more than expected, as Wu Guang broke into and stabilized the 3rd level of the Spirit realm with no issues. Yuan Taotu was also close to doing so, and if taking into account that he did not have any specialized techniques, the orb's effect was indeed too scary. They had prepared a plan of action to evade any possible notice of the orb before leaving. So their journey back was slightly different. They did use the same road, but moved from any other travelers and made a berth around any group or building.

Even so, it took them only four hours to reach the Sect's gate.

There were no checks for them, as the badges were unique and attuned to their original owner. So an outsider would not be able to even see the sect interior, as it had happened before to the applicants.

The real problem came from the fact that inside the sect dozens over dozens of disciples would be walking, but for them, Wu Guang prepared a plan as well. So from the gate and until the residence, the pair were constantly releasing their qi around the holding pouch. Creating a clash of qi's which would hide the effect of the orb. This was a temporary measure and could not be maintained for long because of the required qi. Still, it was good enough for them to reach the residence undisturbed.

Even if someone actually asked about the reason an answer was prepared as well. This answer is that they found a hard to contain poison. So used the qi to dispel any possible effects until reaching their residence and sealing it fully.

After reaching the residence, the pair relaxed and began to recuperate. Using their qi like this indeed protected the orb, but it was too tiring for a pair of cultivators with no real control over their outside qi.

As there were a few more hours before sunset. it was decided that they should exchange the loot for points. But as neither of them wanted to leave the orb, they decided to take turns doing so.

Yuan Taotu turn was first, and he returned quickly, only spending an hour. His face remained unexpressive as always but the corners of his mouth were raised. From Wu Guangs impressions, this meant that he was smiling.

The reason was the number of points he got and that it was over the initial calculations.

As his own plans were a bit different, after informing him that he would return only in a few hours, Wu Guang left the residence.

His first destination was the same, the Sect Store.

Entering the store and moving towards one of the disciples working inside, Wu Guang simply passed him a list of items to exchange for contribution points. Asking about the origin or anything else related to one's belongings was a clear taboo between cultivators. So after receiving the list the store disciple simply took a glance at it and motioned for Wu Guang to follow.

The place he was led to was a small office located on the same floor. This office which was basically a room filled with books, ledgers, scrolls, and a pair of chairs near a desk was the domain of the outer elder responsible for all the exchanges. Surprisingly it was someone who Wu Guang knew, Elder Di, the one responsible for their group of disciples-in-waiting and who was supposed to be a part of the Outer Circle elders.

It was unknown if Elder Di noticed Wu Guang's dissimulated surprise or simply expected such and so he quickly explained after receiving the list and dismissing the disciple

"I was assigned here last week as the assistant treasurer who normally works here is on leave"

"Inner Disciple Wu Guang greets the Elder" Wu Guang in his status could actually not salute so formally but inwardly he always tried to show respect to the people that were not hostile. And this Elder who could be only described as a smiling budda was not.

"No need for formalities Inner Disciple Wu. Well, let's see what have you come to exchange" Answered the Elder while glancing at the list he was given. After a while during which the Elder looked at something inside one of the ledgers on the desk he stated

"If the condition warrants it all of the items in this list would be worth 742 contribution points"

Wu Guang had actually expected about that amount after comparing what he had written down and the prices he had seen, but still was a bit surprised for his assumption that the price would be only a tenth lesser than the one the items could be bought from the Sect. And so he simply asked

"Should I take them out here?"

His answer was a hearty laugh and a quick explanation of the process after the Elder confirmed that it was Wu Guang's first time to exchange. With the explanation done, the Elder accompanied Wu Guang towards a special empty room where the latter unloaded the items from the list. These items included all of the non-spirit beast materials he had gathered as well half of the herbs both not and spirit he had in his possession. Wu Guang was actually exchanging even fewer items than the ones they had spoken about with Yuan Taotu as he decided to experiment with potions and so he would need the rest, especially the hard-to-find spirit-beast parts.

The condition was checked by a pair of disciples part of the medicine and herb halls. Disciples as such always were present as appraisers, in truth, it was one of the unique missions tailored for them. With this process done and no faults found, Wu Guang was invited back to the office. Where Elder Di quickly transferred him the points.