An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

After sending off Mi Junping, Luo Chen found himself immersed in his bustling routine once more.

Tables, chairs, tea sets, custom ceramic cups, charcoal stoves...

One by one, these seemingly insignificant but essential items were gradually prepared under his meticulous planning. Throughout this process, the bodyguards assigned to him by the Poshan Gang had proven incredibly useful. They weren’t just for show—they ran errands, hauled supplies, and handled logistics. With their assistance, preparations progressed smoothly.

By comparison, Feng Xia, his chosen store manager and milk tea attendant, had no part in handling these tasks. Her responsibilities were solely to master brewing tea and preparing milk tea according to Luo Chen’s recipes.

In addition, Luo Chen sought help from Gu Caiyi. Cultivators often had a penchant for elegance. Whether drinking wine or tea, it wasn’t enough to merely serve them—it had to be done with finesse.

This was what they called a sense of ritual.

Such refined tastes were particularly evident among wealthy cultivators. For instance, some people liked to idly play with folding fans, completely ignoring the freezing winter weather.

The people at Tianxiang Tower understood this well, and Gu Caiyi, having been immersed in that environment, where she naturally picked it up. In her spare time, he specifically asked Gu Caiyi to teach Feng Xia a few graceful tea-brewing techniques.

Or rather, it went beyond mere techniques.

It encompassed posture, demeanor, expression, hand gestures, and more. In short, the final presentation before Luo Chen was an image of a gentle and serene woman, gracefully brewing tea.

A perfectly tailored daoist robe accentuated her exquisite figure flawlessly. A plain white sleeve jacket draped over her shoulders added an extra touch of tranquility.

Her hair was styled into a slightly elevated bun, adorned with a Daoist priestess’s signature Miao Chang [1] knot. Beneath the two green ribbons, strands of fine hair framed a face that wasn’t stunning but carried a lasting charm.

As Feng Xia gracefully poured the prepared Fu Zhu Deer milk mixed with herbal spring water, a steaming cup of Fu Zhu milk tea was successfully made.

”Big Brother Qin, why don’t you give it a try?”

Qin Liangchen quickly waved his hands and said, ”No, no! I wouldn’t drink this even if you beat me to death.”

”Forget it. I’ll try it myself!” Luo Chen took the porcelain cup and sipped through the freshly carved bamboo straw provided by his bodyguard.

Feng Xia watched him nervously, while Qin Liangchen waited to see a joke unfold. While over in the east wing room, Duan Feng reclined in a rocking chair, curiously observing the scene.

Without making everyone wait long, Luo Chen gave a slight nod. ”It’s good. It’s almost identical to the milk tea I made myself.”

Hearing this, Feng Xia let out a sigh of relief.

She awkwardly tugged at her fitted daoist robe and asked, ”When should we open for business?”

”Let’s do it tomorrow! Isn’t there a batch of death row prisoners going to fight demonic beasts? There will definitely be plenty of potential customers then!”

Luo Chen finalized the opening time, thinking it had been delayed long enough.

”There’s no better day than tomorrow. The sooner we open, the sooner we start earning profits.

”One more thing, Sister Xia. When the time comes, speak as little as possible. Just focus on making and selling milk tea.”

Feng Xia gave a soft nod. She naturally understood perfectly. Her hoarse voice, though part of who she was, could break the illusion of elegance they were carefully crafting.

Still, a flicker of doubt remained in her eyes. “Will this really work?”

“It will,” Luo Chen said firmly, smiling with full confidence. “I’ve got everything arranged.”

Luo Chen exuded confidence, displaying a smile full of assurance.

Seeing his confidence, the others were influenced by it and felt less worried.

***

As the morning light crept into the courtyard, Feng Xia’s familiar raspy voice echoed from the main room.

“Xiao Duan, we might be very busy today. I already brewed your medicine. Just heat it at noon, alright?”

Lying in his bed, Duan Feng slowly opened his eyes and let out a muffled grunt.

He knew that the small shop called ”Mi Xu Ice City” was opening for business today.

The owner was Luo Chen, and the shopkeeper was Feng Xia.

Even if most of the actual operation of the business fell on Feng Xia’s shoulders, Duan Feng still felt a swell of happiness for her.

Sister Xia had endured so much. Now, she finally had a job—dignified, self-sufficient, and meaningful.

His gaze drifted toward the empty jade medicine bottle resting by his bedside. His fingers brushed against it.

Warmth rose in his chest—not from the medicine, but from the person who had given it.

The one who’d created this opportunity not just for himself, but for everyone in the courtyard.

Luo Chen.

***

At dawn, as a soft golden hue crept across the sky above Whitestone Plaza, the market had already begun to stir with life.

Vendors bustled about, setting up their stalls and preparing for another day, including Xiaoyue, who had set up her stall early.

With the growing popularity of the Debate Platform, the commercial atmosphere at Whitestone Plaza had steadily become more vibrant. Even when there weren’t any highly anticipated battles, the vendors here would habitually set up their stalls.

Occasionally, those vendors would glance at the nearby closed shops. They would fantasize about how long it would take to earn enough spirit stones to rent a shop of their own.

Keep working hard. Life could only get better!

But today, those vendors noticed that one small shop had opened early. Several uniquely designed flower baskets were placed on either side of the entrance.

”Is this a new shop?”

Above the shop, a wooden signboard displayed the name.

”Mi Xu Ice City”

”What does it sell?”

As the conversations spread through the plaza, Yuan Xiaoyue’s heart fluttered with anticipation. She had once been entrusted with selling milk tea, back in its earliest, roughest days. But back then, the product had been raw, and the taste... well, disappointing.

But this, she thought, eyes glimmering as she looked at the refined presentation, Big Brother Luo Chen had changed the approach and launched it in such a ”grand” manner.

The shop looked elegant, dignified—even inviting. She really hoped it would succeed.

The flow of cultivators into the plaza increased with the rising sun. Many paused and glanced toward the new shop out of curiosity, but seeing no signage or explanation on what the shop sold, they quickly lost interest.

Suddenly, a sweet, melodious voice rang out.

”You love me, I love you

Mi Xu Ice City, sweet and true

You love me, I love you

Mi Xu Ice City, sweet and true

Everyone was momentarily stunned, listening to the repetitive lyrics.

The tune was simple—almost childlike—and the lyrics said little about what was being sold. Yet the rhythm was so easy to remember that, before long, people were quietly humming it under their breath.

From the shadows of a corner, Luo Chen stood silently, watching the flow of foot traffic—and the still-empty shopfront.

He exhaled slowly, suppressing the nervous tension knotting in his stomach.

The Heavenly Melody Sphere he purchased from Treasure Pavilion was indeed effective. It had recorded the singing of a lady from Tianxiang Tower, and by activating it with spirit stones, it could play this plagiarized advertisement song anytime.

However, relying on just this method wasn’t nearly enough to run the shop successfully.

His gaze shifted to the dozen or so familiar cultivators standing before him.

”You’ve all been exhausted recently, haven’t you?”

Tang Quan scratched his head and said, ”Not at all! We haven’t been refining pills recently, so we’ve been quite relaxed.”

Mi Li, Luo Erduo, and the others all nodded in agreement.

Luo Chen shot him a glare and said ”When I say you’re tired, you’re tired! Now, here’s a little reward. I’m treating you all to a cup of milk tea!”

Under the confused gazes of the group, Luo Chen handed out five spirit stones to each person, distributing nearly a hundred in total.

Everyone was overjoyed!

The Hall Leader was unexpectedly generous today! He was actually giving out spirit stones.

”Now, head over to Mi Xu Ice City and buy a cup of milk tea each. Line up to buy it.

”After buying it, drink it in the plaza while loudly praising how great and delicious the milk tea is! Once you’re done, take a lap around the plaza, then come back and line up again. Keep doing this until you’ve spent all the spirit stones I gave you!

”Understood?”

Everyone was stunned. So, after all, these weren’t reward spirit stones?

However, since the Hall Leader wanted them to buy that milk tea, at least they could drink it themselves.

Milk tea costs one spirit stone per cup and they had to give it a taste!

Normally, early or mid-stage Qi-Refining cultivators barely had a few spirit stones in hand. Even though they’d heard that a meal at Zhongding Restaurant could cost dozens or even hundreds of spirit stones, that was just something they heard about and never experienced.

Since they couldn’t afford Zhongding Restaurant, enjoying a cup of plaza milk tea was a small luxury.

Soon, they swarmed to Mi Xu Ice City’s little shop and formed a long line outside.

The first to buy milk tea was Tang Quan, who had run the fastest. ”Shopkeeper, what do you have here?”

Feng Xia glanced at him and then pointed to a wooden sign at the entrance.

It wrote, ”Fu Zhu Milk Tea, one spirit stone per cup.”

Without hesitation, Tang Quan handed over a spirit stone. ”One cup, please.”

”Would you like it hot or cold?”

”Of course, hot! Who drinks cold milk tea in the middle of winter?”

Feng Xia nodded and began preparing the milk tea.

Feeling bored, Tang Quan started looking around.

His attention first fell naturally on the shopkeeper. There wasn’t much that stood out—except for a rather impressive body figure!

Next, his gaze landed on the back wall of the shop where several lines of densely packed text were written.

”Fu Zhu Milk Tea is made with premium milk from first tier demonic beast_Fu Zhu Deer. The tea leaves are sourced from the thousand year old spirit tea trees of the Ancient Plains and are meticulously crafted...”

Tang Quan rubbed his eyes in disbelief as he finished reading.

What kind of drink was this, with such an impressive origin?

Demonic beast milk, thousand year old spirit tea leaves, ancient tea formula, and crafted by a tea master—yet it only cost one spirit stone?

Before he could dwell too long, a porcelain cup was pressed into his hand. The tea was steaming, fragrant. Stepping aside from the queue, Tang Quan wandered toward the open plaza, the cup warm between his fingers. He hesitated, then took a sip and found the taste a bit unusual.

The richness of the milk hit him first—creamy, almost too full-bodied. But it was quickly chased by a light sweetness, a floral breeze that lingered gently on the tongue. The harmony between milk and tea was oddly satisfying, even elegant. The aftertaste was long and soothing.

Then he remembered Luo Chen’s instructions.

He turned to the crowd and shouted at the top of his lungs, “It’s delicious!”

This drew the attention of the nearby cultivators.

Tang Quan, now playing the part, strolled casually past a few nearby cultivators, his voice loud and clear. “Such spirit tea, sold for just one spirit stone a cup—what a steal! I’m definitely coming back for another tomorrow!”

By the time he reached the edge of the plaza, there were already a few unfamiliar cultivators lining up outside Mi Xu Ice City.

Luo Chen stood quietly nearby, eyes fixed on the queue. He didn’t turn around, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he patted Tang Quan’s shoulder. “Well done. Go get in line again in a bit.”

Receiving Luo Chen’s praise, Tang Quan chuckled sheepishly.

He took another sip of the steaming milk tea and wondered if he should try the cold version later to see how it tasted.

Next, Luo Chen praised a few more cultivators from the Alchemy Hall and urged them to keep up the good work. After that, Luo Chen quietly blended into the crowd, gathering feedback from the customers.

”As expected of the ancient tea formula, it blends so perfectly with beast milk without any trace of gaminess.”

”The last time I drank milk was...well, a long time ago. It has such a unique flavor now!”

”Did you notice? That shopkeeper’s tea-making skills are quite impressive!”

”Tch, you guys haven’t noticed the real gem. See my cup of iced milk tea? Do you know how the shopkeeper iced it?”

”Didn’t notice, did you? She actually used a top-grade ice-element flying sword!”

”Hiss, using a top-grade enchanted artifact to make milk tea?”

”To be honest, I didn’t believe the hype at first. But when I saw her using an ice-element flying sword, I started to believe. Without such meticulous methods, how else could such spirit tea be crafted?”

Piece by piece, Luo Chen gathered plenty of feedback.

After compiling it all, he couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.

For now, it seemed the new Fu Zhu Milk Tea recipe had been a success. Cultivators loved anything that hinted at spirit energy, ancient techniques, or secret ingredients. As long as the product delivered—and it did—they’d come back.

And best of all? The cost was absurdly low.

The beast milk, even at Ke Yuelin’s “special” price, only cost three hundred spirit stones per month. The spirit tea leaves were cheap too, harvested from common century-old trees, easily replaced if necessary. As for medicinal materials, Feng Xia could still obtain affordable, high-quality supplies from her former colleagues.

One spirit stone’s worth of materials could produce five cups of Fu Zhu Milk Tea.

Even after deducting expenses—rent, marketing, and those beautiful porcelain cups—the profit margin remained enormous.

“The monthly earnings are still uncertain,” Luo Chen mused. “But with proper management, there’s no way we’ll lose money.”

Having the numbers figured out, Luo Chen decided not to dwelled on it further.

Feng Xia was an experienced female cultivator, and with Yuan Xiaoyue nearby to lend a hand, the shop would surely stay afloat. Moreover, a laid-off female cultivator re-entering the workforce brought a level of enthusiasm that couldn’t be matched by a random hire.

Leisurely strolling back to the SiHeYuan courtyard, he found someone already waiting for him.

Mi Junping sat on a stone chair in the courtyard, her face dark and sullen.

Across from her sat Duan Feng, his face pale and his frail body struggling as he brewed medicine.

”How can you be so inconsiderate? Can’t you see he’s unwell?”

Luo Chen jogged over, ignoring her entirely as he gently took over the task of brewing. He helped Duan Feng take the warmed medicine.

Duan Feng nodded at him and transmitted softly, ”This woman has been waiting for you for a long time.”

Luo Chen gave a faint hum of acknowledgment, helped him back to his room, and then dusted off his hands as he stepped outside.

As soon as he stepped out, Mi Junping stood up abruptly.

Mi Junping stood immediately. “Are you done with your business?”

Luo Chen gave her a crooked smile. “We rogue cultivators are always striving for the Great Dao. Is there ever truly an end to our work?”

“You—!”

Before her temper could flare again, Mi Junping exhaled sharply, bit back her words, and reached into her storage pouch.

With a wave, five array flags appeared on the stone table—each marked with intricate, glowing inscriptions. She placed them firmly on the stone table, sent out a voice transmission, and then turned to leave.

”This is the small spirit-gathering array my father lent you. Take good care of it!”

Luo Chen’s eyes lit up—spirit gathering array!

He had long heard of its reputation—an array capable of subtly drawing in surrounding spirit energy to enhance cultivation. For Qi-Refining cultivators, it was nearly sacred.

He picked up the array flags with great delight, grinning from ear to ear and said, ”I’ll definitely take good care of it, absolutely!”

***

1. 妙常髻 refers to a traditional hairstyle often associated with ancient Chinese culture, particularly within the context of Taoist or Buddhist practices.The hairstyle embodies elegance, serenity, and a connection to spiritity or simplicity ☜