In the White Cloud Sect, no one could take without giving something in return.
This was true for the Pill Yard, the Martial Courtyard, and the Artefact Courtyard alike.
For example, disciples from the Pill Yard were required to gather herbs; first, to replenish the stockpile, and second, to enhance their knowledge of medicinal materials—it wouldn't do for them to mistake ginseng for a carrot.
However, Shi Hao was not assigned the task of gathering herbs.
Because he had advanced too quickly and had already stepped into the status of a senior apprentice, his understanding of medicinal materials had reached near perfection, and thus, he no longer needed to bolster this aspect.
What a waste of talent!
His main mission was to familiarize himself with the steps of Alchemy, to lay the groundwork for becoming a Pill Master—even though he had actually produced an elixir, Sun Yiming had deliberately concealed this fact for him.
Additionally, there were some minor tasks.