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**Unknown?**

Qin Shu felt a little lost. Anything labeled **"Unknown"** usually meant one of two extremes—either extremely powerful or... something better left unsaid.

She decided not to think too much about it. It was best not to have high expectations for a little creature that had once **planted grass on a tree**.

The book was too heavy to hold comfortably, so she picked up the sleeping Xiaoxiao from her lap and placed the little squirrel on her shoulder. Then, she spread the book open across her knees and flipped to the next page.

This section detailed the **specific traits and abilities** of the Phantom-Breaking Mouse. It stated that they **fed on nuts and spirit fruits**, were **extremely timid and quick-witted**, and had been spotted only a handful of times in the **Misty Forest of the Eastern Continent**. But every recorded sighting lasted only a fleeting moment before the creature disappeared.

Qin Shu carefully reread the passage, then turned to glance at the limp little thing on her shoulder—its four tiny paws dangling, tail drooping, completely unguarded in its sleep.

**Timid and quick-witted?**

Had she found the **only reckless one** of its kind?

Since she had the book, she decided to keep reading and learn more about the mystical beasts of the cultivation world.

She found **records of Senior Brother Ruiming's Wind Returning Crane clan**, as well as the **Silverwhites** she had raised in the small pond behind her cave.

However, no matter how hard she searched, she couldn't find a match for **the black-scaled serpent**.

Its **scales were jet black with a metallic sheen**, its **eyes were deep gold with vertical pupils**, and its **spiritual aura was a mix of gold and green, carrying poison**.

The book listed many serpent species, but none of them matched her big snake.

**"Maybe it's a hybrid? Or some kind of mutation?"** Qin Shu muttered to herself, closing the book.

Since she couldn't figure it out, she decided to **stop overthinking** and **headed to Senior Brother Wen Chi's cave to return both the book and the alchemy furnace** she had borrowed.

Wen Chi accepted them, glancing at Qin Shu with a half-smile. Casually, he asked, **"So you really don't want to rent it anymore? What kind of furnace did Master give you? Can it handle your abuse?"**

Qin Shu shook her head firmly and proudly took out her new **golden-purple furnace**.

**"No need! Look, Senior Brother, Master gave me this amazing furnace. It works perfectly for me, so you don't have to worry anymore."**

Wen Chi was about to chuckle, but as soon as his eyes landed on **the golden-purple furnace**, his smile froze.

**"Master is playing favorites... He actually gave you a **Zijin Furnace**?!"** Wen Chi sighed.

The **Zijin Furnace** couldn't compare to his **Devouring Heaven Furnace**, but it was **far superior** to the standard alchemy furnaces given to new disciples.

Qin Shu quickly stashed the Zijin Furnace back into her storage ring and **piled** **ninety-six bottles of pills** onto Wen Chi's jade table until the surface was completely covered.

**"Senior Brother, here's the full rent."**

At first, Wen Chi was intrigued by her actions, but as more and more bottles appeared, his **smile slowly faded into disbelief**.

**"This... is rent?"**

Qin Shu nodded. **"Yes!"**

**"The deal was just one pill per batch... Are you sure you counted correctly? I won't be refunding any extra, you know."**** He teased, glancing between her and the mountain of bottles.

Qin Shu, unfazed, confidently replied, **"I counted. I refined **960 batches**, so the rent is **960 pills**. Ten per bottle—ninety-six bottles in total."**

Wen Chi's folding fan **slipped from his fingers and clattered to the ground**. He didn't even bother picking it up. Instead, he stared at Qin Shu in sheer **shock**.

**"Wait... you refined 960 batches in a month?! That's over 30 batches per day?!"**

His voice carried **undisguised disbelief**.

Qin Shu blinked innocently, as if she didn't understand why this was such a big deal.

**"Yes? It's a bit slow, though. I still have to set aside time for cultivation at night."**

Wen Chi's pupils **dilated** as he stared at her like she was some kind of **rare mythical beast**.

**"You... still cultivated at night?!"** He echoed, his voice lighter than air.

Qin Shu nodded again, **completely missing the absurdity of her own words**.

**"Of course. If I don't train diligently, I'll fall behind."**

Wen Chi: **"..."**

**Who was falling behind whom?!**

She was already at the **fourth layer of Qi Refining**, while most of her fellow disciples were **still stuck at the third layer**—even the top talents like **Chi Yu** had barely caught up.

Suddenly, **he completely understood why their Master doted on Qin Shu so much**. Hardworking disciples really were **more likable**.

And more importantly, with **Qin Shu's production output,** the **entire sect's pill supply had increased**, allowing every disciple to **redeem more pills** than usual this month.

It wasn't long before **rumors of Qin Shu's terrifying productivity spread throughout the entire sect**.

Wen Chi was **completely numb** at this point.

She had refined **960 batches**, meaning **9,600 pills**, and **every single batch was flawless**.

Out of curiosity, he picked up one of the bottles, pulled the stopper, and instantly, a **thick medicinal fragrance filled the air**.

Wen Chi: **"?"**

His hand trembled slightly as he opened a few more bottles, only to find that **every single pill was of the highest quality**.

His junior sister had **perfected alchemy in just one month.**

Even Chi Yu, upon hearing the news, stared at her transmission jade slip for a long time before hesitantly sending a message.

**"Junior Sister, I have some... minor questions about alchemy. Would you be willing to guide me?"**

She had already tried asking their **Eldest Senior Brother**, but her message had vanished into the void—he was probably in closed-door seclusion again. And since she **couldn't figure out** her alchemy struggles on her own, **Qin Shu seemed like the best choice.**

Qin Shu had just finished another batch of pills when she saw the message.

She immediately responded, **"Senior Sister, feel free to ask! If I know the answer, I'll be happy to share."**

Almost instantly, Chi Yu replied:

**"How do I stop... the furnace from exploding?"**

Qin Shu: **"..."**

Of all the questions, **this was the one she could answer best.**

She chuckled and sent back, **"That's a long discussion. If you have time, come to the alchemy hall, and we can figure it out together."**