Chapter 99: The Exchange

The meal lasted for over two hours before concluding.

During their conversation, Chen Luo learned about the recent progress of his fellow disciples. Apart from Eldest Apprentice Brother Doude, the others, including Du Zhi and Xie Shuang, had reached the Middle Qi Refinement stage. This advancement was largely due to Du Jian’s assistance; as a disciple of Medicine King Peak, he could occasionally supply them with basic medicinal pills. Even Eldest Apprentice Brother, with his weakest aptitude, had now attained the third layer of Qi Refinement.

“Earlier, I saw you at the apothecary shop. Were you planning to purchase spirit materials? Mr. Sun is a distant relative of one of our senior brothers from Medicine King Peak. I can speak to him and see if he can offer you some discounts.”

Medicine King Peak was a major client for apothecaries, controlling much of the herbal medicine trade within the Divine Lake Immortal Sect. The presence of such shops in the sect undoubtedly relied on connections with Medicine King Peak.

“I’m learning pill concocting,” Chen Luo revealed without hesitation. As a disciple of Medicine King Peak, Du Jian might be able to provide valuable advice.

Recently, Chen Luo had attempted hundreds of batches, yet each time resulted only in a heap of black ash. Despite mastering the Flame Control Art and understanding pharmacology well, he still couldn’t successfully produce a pill.

Progress in pill concocting, relying solely on external brains, was not as swift as Chen Luo had anticipated. The brains he unearthed from the mountain’s rear were not those of master alchemists but rather senior disciples at the Late Stage Qi Refinement level.

While they possessed some aptitude for pill concoction, it wasn’t exceptionally remarkable.

To address this issue, Chen Luo even visited the base of Medicine King Peak, hoping to gain insights. Unfortunately, he couldn’t even enter their premises, let alone assist with digging on their back mountain.

So far, Chen Luo had identified seven auxiliary ingredients for the Qi Nourishing Pill and found three main components. The most challenging part was balancing the medicinal properties.

Once herbs are placed in the pill furnace, their inherent properties can clash. The key to successful pill concoction lies in harmonizing these properties to maximize the potency, ensuring the essence becomes one cohesive whole. This process involves intricate details, such as maintaining the precise temperature of the spirit flame. Different temperatures significantly impact the efficacy of the resulting medicinal pill; even slight errors can lead to explosions.

Cultivating without a guiding master always falls short. When he first began his martial training, if not for Cripple Ma leading the way, his progress wouldn’t have been so smooth.

By now, Chen Luo had experienced over ten failed explosions, and his supply of spirit stones from selling talismans was dwindling rapidly. If not for his ultimate goal of crafting the Foundation Establishment Pill and his own cultivation needs, he might have considered simply buying a Qi Gathering Pill from a pharmacy.

While obtaining a Qi Gathering Pill was relatively easy, acquiring a Foundation Establishment Pill was far more challenging. As one progressed in cultivation, each subsequent medicinal pill required for stages like Foundation Establishment or Core Formation would become increasingly difficult to obtain.

“Pill concocting?” Du Jian seemed surprised. He recalled that Chen Luo was a disciple of Wu Dao Peak, specializing in cultivating mental state divine abilities, giving him an advantage against Xin Mo (heart demons) and psychic attacks. However, when it came to pill concocting skills, there were no notable experts on Wu Dao Peak, as far as he knew.

If Chen Luo intended to focus on pill concoction, why hadn’t he joined Medicine King Peak initially?

“By any chance, Junior Brother Du, do you have any pill formulas you could share with me?” Chen Luo inquired.

For Chen Luo, both pill concocting and drawing talismans served as aids along his cultivation journey. Choosing Wu Dao Peak was also strategic, considering the importance of mental state and divine soul at advanced cultivation levels, especially during the heavenly tribulation phase.

As they say, “The thunder calamity is easier to overcome; heart demons prove the formidable foe.”

Nearly half of cultivators attempting to transcend the heavenly tribulation fail due to the Mind Demon Tribulation.

“Pill formulas might be somewhat tricky,” Du Jian frowned thoughtfully.

The Divine Lake Immortal Sect strictly controlled the dissemination of cultivation techniques. Privately sharing them would likely be discovered within days, posing too great a risk.

“The sect has strict rules against unauthorized sharing of cultivation techniques, including pill formulas.”

Before Chen Luo could respond, Du Jian continued, “However, before leaving, my teacher entrusted me with several ancient pill formulas. Although they may not be directly usable now, they can still serve as valuable references and insights.” As he spoke, Du Jian retrieved a spiritual slip from his robe and meticulously copied all the remembered pill formulas onto it.

“Many thanks.”

Chen Luo accepted the spiritual slip, expressing his sincere gratitude.

These pill formulas were immensely helpful, as what he needed most were the intricate details. Whether they were outdated or not was secondary.

Unfortunately, during his time in the Yue Kingdom, his apprenticeship under Longevity Daoist Zhang Qing had been too brief; otherwise, these finer points would have undoubtedly been shared with him.

“We’re from the same hometown; there’s no need for such formalities. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll require your assistance, Shixiong,” Du Jian said with a smile.

Seeing that he could genuinely help Chen Luo brought him considerable relief. Only those facing similar hardships truly understood their struggles. In a place like the Divine Lake Immortal Sect, Du Jian believed it was essential to support each other, even if it meant offering just a small measure of aid—he would always extend his hand whenever possible.

To Du Jian, the immortal path wasn’t about solitary progress but rather companionship along the journey.

Chen Luo acknowledged this kindness and resolved to repay it once his cultivation advanced further.

“It’s been quite some time today, and I still have to return to the mountain to submit my task report. I won’t keep you any longer, Shixiong,” Du Jian rose and bid farewell.

Having spent so much time together, it indeed was time for him to head back.

Chen Luo also stood up to say goodbye, and before parting, they exchanged contact information. Du Jian invited him to the next gathering, mentioning that he would include Eldest Apprentice Brother Doude and Shimei Xie Shuang as well.

After purchasing the ingredients, Chen Luo returned to the mountain.

At the cemetery on the rear side:

Chen Luo organized the bought herbs, cleaned the pill furnace, and began controlling the fire to increase its temperature.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Just as he ignited the spirit flame, a series of knocks echoed at the door outside.

“Elder Brother Chen, it’s me, Fu An.”

Fu An?

Chen Luo paused his work, extinguished the Flame Control Art, and walked over to open the door.

Standing outside was Fu An, who had constantly been with Huang Ying before. The last time Chen Luo visited Huang Ying, he hadn’t seen Fu An, assuming that something similar might have befallen him as well. However, it now seemed that Fu An had simply been cultivating independently.

“What brings you here?” Chen Luo asked, somewhat puzzled.

He couldn’t recall having such a close relationship with Fu An.

With a quick glance, Chen Luo noticed that Fu An’s cultivation base remained at the third layer of Qi Refinement. Despite more than half a year passing, he still hadn’t broken through the bottleneck of the Middle Qi Refinement stage. For Chen Luo, reaching the fourth layer of Qi Refinement had been effortless, but for Fu An, it appeared like an insurmountable barrier, requiring immense time and effort to overcome.

“Has Elder Brother Chen already reached the sixth layer of Qi Refinement?”

At the doorway, Fu An suddenly posed this question to Chen Luo.

The last time Chen Luo accepted the joint mission, Fu An was astounded. Now, hearing rumors of another breakthrough upon Chen Luo’s return, Fu An could no longer discern his exact realm; he could only make an educated guess based on his perception.

“I don’t mean to pry into Shixiong’s realm, but there is a matter that requires knowing your current stage before we can proceed further.”

As Fu An spoke about this issue, his eyes seemed somewhat dimmed, lacking the confidence he had upon entering the sect.

Perhaps his experiences and setbacks had led him to question his own path.

“Yes, I have indeed reached the sixth layer of Qi Refinement,” Chen Luo nodded. His breakthrough was not a secret; many were aware of it, so there was no need for concealment.

“In that case, I would like to request a favor from Shixiong.” Fu An sighed with relief and continued.

The cemetery offered one significant advantage: its tranquility allowed them to speak freely without fear of being overheard.

“I hope, as a disciple of the immortal sect, you could help deter some enemies on behalf of my family.”

“What about yourself?” Chen Luo found it peculiar. Wasn’t Fu An already a disciple of the Divine Lake Immortal Sect? Why approach an outsider like himself?

“I will be leaving the mountain next year.” Fu An had accepted reality.

Fu An had initially believed he could defy fate and alter his destiny. However, upon joining the immortal sect, he realized that life rarely goes as one hopes; disappointments abound. Every person at the bottom harbors their own discontent, yet not everyone can climb to the top.

“Next year?”

According to the rules of the Divine Lake Immortal Sect, Outer Disciples were allowed to remain on the mountain for three years. Unless something unexpected occurred, Fu An should have been able to stay for another two years or more.

“I am the sole son of the Beiguo Protectorate King in Channan Kingdom,” Fu An briefly explained his background, omitting most details.

Chen Luo understood that Fu An’s departure was likely related to family matters involving internal conflicts. Sensing this, Chen Luo refrained from asking further questions.

“A while ago, I received an urgent message from home stating that my father is gravely ill and needs me to return to inherit the throne. Shixiong, you must know that each of the three kingdoms under the control of the immortal sect extends its influence. Without support from within the sect, holding onto the throne would be impossible. My father originally hoped I could establish myself firmly here, become an Inner Sect disciple, and provide protection for our family. Unfortunately, my aptitude falls short; not only can’t I reach the Inner Sect, but I also cannot even break through to the Middle Qi Refinement stage. Continuing further won’t change the outcome.”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Fu An intended to abandon immortal cultivation and return home to inherit his family’s estate!

“Can’t you purchase one instead? I recall that there might be ways within the sect for such matters. If not, ask Senior Brother Huang Butong; he would certainly know.” Chen Luo remembered how the Gravekeeper Brother had once mentioned that in the world of immortals, there were few problems unsolvable with spirit stones.

“It’s too expensive,” Fu An murmured softly.

Those words struck a chord, leaving Chen Luo momentarily at a loss for response.

“I came seeking your help, Shixiong, hoping you could lend me your identity seal temporarily. In return, I will prepare a significant gift for you.” After explaining the situation, Fu An steered the conversation towards the main topic.

“My identity seal? Are you sure it’ll be useful?”

Chen Luo did not hastily agree; his relationship with Fu An had not yet reached that level. However, if it were Junior Sister Huang Ying or Du Jian, he would have consented without hesitation.

“With Shixiong’s aptitude, you’re destined to become an Inner Sect disciple someday.”

At this moment, Fu An’s confidence in Chen Luo surpassed anyone else’s.

Having witnessed Chen Luo steadily grow to where he is now, even surpassing Elder Sister Huang Ying whom Fu An initially held in high regard, solidified his belief.