The Immortal Ascension Episode 8 Recap
> The Immortal Ascension Recap
Following an earlier confrontation, Lu Mingyuan approached Chen Qiaoqian, expressing frustration that despite their betrothal, she remained distant, which he interpreted as her looking down on his background. When Chen Qiaoqian pointed out Han Li nearby, Lu Mingyuan's anger flared, as he blamed Han Li for taking the Foundation Establishment Pill that he believed was rightfully his. He attacked Han Li, threatening to kill him.
Mentor Wu intervened, reminding Lu Mingyuan that the pill's allocation was a decision made by the Sect Master and elders. He also noted that Lu Mingyuan had already accepted compensation gems and should not cause further trouble. Lu Mingyuan reluctantly departed, vowing the matter was not over. Mentor Wu then advised Han Li that the only way to secure the pill was to quickly reach the thirteenth tier of his cultivation and consume it.
Seeking another path, Lu Mingyuan secretly met with Mentor Ye to acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill. Though Mentor Ye confirmed he had access to one, he warned it would be expensive. Lu Mingyuan immediately offered 300 spirit stones, insisting the cost was nothing compared to the pill's value. Mentor Ye accepted the payment and told him to await news. Meanwhile, Han Li went to Mentor Wu to purchase ten cultivation books but was two spirit stones short.
Noticing a large lump on Mentor Wu's neck, Han Li offered to cure it in exchange for the two stones. Intrigued by Han Li's medical knowledge, Mentor Wu agreed. Han Li diagnosed the ailment as "fire poison" caused by Mentor Wu's prolonged time in the Earthly Fire Palace and explained it required an incision. Forgoing anesthetic, Mentor Wu urged Han Li to proceed. Han Li lanced the lump, releasing a bird-shaped fire spirit.
Healed and grateful, Mentor Wu offered Han Li a bag of spirit stones, but Han Li accepted only the two he owed, maintaining their agreement. Impressed, Mentor Wu suggested he take on sect tasks at Baiji Hall to earn more stones, authorizing him to use his name. At Baiji Hall, Han Li met Mentor Ye, who was absorbed in wood carving yet keenly aware of his presence. Mentor Ye suggested two dangerous but high-reward tasks, which Han Li declined.
When Han Li inquired about the Herbs Garden task, Mentor Ye warned that the herbs were extremely precious and that any damage would incur massive penalties, requiring both a commission and a security deposit. Seeing Han Li's lack of funds, Mentor Ye offered to buy his Foundation Establishment Pill for 250 spirit stones. When Han Li refused, Mentor Ye activated a powerful puppet, blocking the exit and leaving Han Li no choice.
Han Li surrendered the pill in exchange for the Herbs Garden task token, resolving to find another way to achieve Foundation Establishment by cultivating herbs and refining his own pills. Upon arriving at the Herbs Garden, Han Li was met by Mentor Ma, who immediately challenged him to count every herb in the garden to hold him accountable for any future losses.
While Han Li was meticulously counting, Dong Xuan'er appeared, also counting aloud and demonstrating a deep familiarity with the garden. Mentor Ma later dismissed her interaction with Han Li, explaining she was the direct disciple of a Core Formation cultivator and saw the world differently. Han Li reported his count of 7,177 plants, including the subterranean Jade Wyrm Root. Mentor Ma corrected him, revealing he held five additional plants, bringing the total to 7,182.
Declaring that Han Li had barely passed, he entrusted the garden to him before entering a seasonal seclusion, promising a generous reward after the harvest. During Mentor Ma's retreat, Han Li diligently cared for the garden. Mentor Wu visited occasionally, and Han Li continued to treat his minor ailments. In return, Mentor Wu taught him techniques such as Sound Transmission, the Freeze Art, and the Quicksand Quagmire Art, acknowledging Han Li's diligence compensated for his poor spiritual roots.
When Mentor Ma emerged from seclusion, he was pleased to find the garden thriving and paid Han Li for his work. Eager to learn alchemy, Han Li asked for some pill recipes. Though Mentor Ma initially refused, citing them as the fruit of decades of research, he eventually directed Han Li to Lushan Hall. He advised him to tell the manager, Elder Xu, that he was sent by Mentor Ma and to bring plenty of spirit stones.
At Lushan Hall, where every action required payment, Han Li met Elder Xu, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Elder Xu immediately recognized him as the disciple with the Ascension Token and a pseudo-spiritual root. Seeking to maintain a low profile, Han Li requested that Elder Xu not mention his visit to others. Elder Xu then directed him on how to use the hall, pointing out the areas for refinement and for browsing texts, reminding him of the hourly cost.
