An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

A few days later, within the quiet of Luo Chen’s cave residence, Tao Yisheng arrived in person. He did not rely on a voice transmission talisman this time. He stood outside and waited in patient silence, showing genuine deference. At last, he saw Luo Chen.

”Fellow Daoist, sorry for keeping you waiting,” Luo Chen said politely.

A rich medicinal energy clung to him, and his eyes shone bright. With a sweep of his crimson Daoist robe, he took a seat across from Tao Yisheng.

”What have you been up to lately? Even catching a glimpse of you has become difficult,” Tao Yisheng asked.

Luo Chen smiled slightly and replied casually, ”I made some breakthroughs in alchemy. I’m currently attempting to refine higher-grade pills beyond the first and second tier.”

He did not specify the type, yet the intensity of his medicinal energy spoke for itself. At the very least, he had to have refined top-grade pills to accumulate such strength.

Tao Yisheng’s eyes lit up, and his anticipation deepened. He asked eagerly, ”Didn’t you want to learn more about the top-grade pills of my Green Pill Valley?”

He’s finally willing to talk? Luo Chen’s lips curled as he asked, ”So you’ve figured something out?”

”It is not that I just figured it out. I was not really sure before and I did not want to boast,” Tao Yisheng said earnestly, shaking his head. ”As I told you, Green Pill Valley has a strict limit to the number of top-grade pills people receive each year, and this applies to inner-sect disciples and True Inheritors as well. Previously, even if we had wanted to sell you some, it would not have been possible. But now, there is an opportunity.”

Luo Chen’s spirit stirred. ”Alright, color me intrigued. Go ahead, and let’s skip the etiquette and whatnot.”

”Have you heard of the Golden Core Dao Scion competition of Green Pill Valley?” asked Tao Yisheng.

”I’ve heard a little,” Luo Chen replied.

”To put it simply, within Green Pill Valley, aside from the Golden Core Adepts, only the Dao Scion has access to a proper supply of top-grade pills.”

Luo Chen appeared surprised as he listened to Tao Yisheng’s explanation but inwardly, he thought, Just as I expected.

The Luo Tian Society’s intelligence network was no waste of resources. He had long since deduced the Tao siblings’ situation, and now, everything was being confirmed.

Only by claiming the position of Dao Scion could Tao Wan draw on the full weight of the sect’s resources. The most visible sign would be a dramatic increase in cultivation resources. With that support, she could advance rapidly while nurturing loyal followers around her. In this way, once the Dao Scion advanced to the Golden Core Realm, they would already command a formidable group of subordinates.

Their cultivation would not fall behind, their connections would not be cut, and their management of the sect would be secure. This model was common among major sects. Rather than raising all disciples equally, it was far more efficient to select a few geniuses for focused training. Only then could a sect’s legacy avoid interruption when a generation lacked talent.

And Green Pill Valley had refined this system to its peak. Once every century, they selected one Dao Scion. This meant that every hundred years, there was a strong chance Green Pill Valley would nurture another Golden Core Adept. With that, the sect’s lineage would be secured.

Other sects did the same, but without Green Pill Valley’s wealth, their Dao Scions often fell short. The results spoke for themselves: Over centuries, Green Pill Valley had amassed far more Golden Core cultivators than other sects.

Tao Yisheng took a deep breath. ”Right now, my elder sister is competing for the Dao Scion position. Once she succeeds, she’ll be heavily supported by the sect, and top-grade pills are part of that package. By then, whatever you need will be a mere drop in the ocean.”

Luo Chen showed a look of sudden understanding. ”Then allow me to wish Fellow Daoist Tao Wan success in seizing the Dao Scion title.”

He said it simply, but Tao Yisheng looked a little awkward. ”I’m afraid seizing it might not be so easy.”

”Oh?” Luo Chen raised an eyebrow. ”What is the trouble? Speak freely. If there is any way I can help, do not hesitate to ask.”

This time, Tao Yisheng no longer held back. He explained everything he knew in detail. He described exactly how the Dao Scion competition was structured in Green Pill Valley.

It was split into three rounds. The first round required one to become one of the Nine True Inheritors. Only those who claimed such a title were eligible to proceed to the next phase of the competition. The second round was the alchemy trial, refining pills under intense scrutiny. Based on the results of the first two rounds, the Nine True Inheritors would be ranked. Only then would the third round begin. Each of the Nine True Inheritors would take turns battling to seize the sole Dao Scion position.

In the first two rounds, candidates with true ambition were advised to conceal their full strength. Revealing everything too early risked draining their reserves and exposing their trump cards. The rankings then determined the order of appearance in the final contest. The lower the ranking, the greater the disadvantage. One had to battle their way up, step by step.

The schedule was extremely tight, leaving almost no time for rest. Thus, the rankings of the Nine True Inheritors were critical. Anyone who landed in ninth place had almost no chance of victory because that rank required facing all eight other cultivators of the same realm one after another.

Tao Wan had prepared thoroughly for the first round, gathering a group of experts from both within and beyond the sect. For the second round, she had recruited three second-tier alchemists. But the most important among them, Huang Hezi, had defected at the last moment, which put her in a dire situation. That was why she traveled so far to seek out Luo Chen in person.

With that, Luo Chen finally had the whole picture. ”The second round, you say?”

”Exactly! With your alchemy skill, I believe no other second-tier alchemist could match you!” Tao Yisheng looked at Luo Chen with respect and fervor. ”If you represent my sister in the contest, you will surely secure her a high ranking.”

”You certainly have a lot of confidence in me,” Luo Chen said with a chuckle.

”You’ve earned it!” Tao Yisheng said firmly.

Luo Chen pursed his lips. ”Since that’s the case, I’m willing to help. But first, I would like to meet your sister.”

”My sister is in the city. You can meet her tomorrow.”

”Good.” Luo Chen nodded. ”Then tomorrow it is.”

At this point, there was no need for pretense. Everything lay in the open. What followed would be negotiation.

Not everyone was like Wang Yuan, who could ask Luo Chen to concoct pills for free. Since Tao Wan was determined to claim the title, she would have to offer something substantial. After all, recruiting a master-level second-tier alchemist was no easy feat!

***

”Is it settled?” asked Tao Wan.

”Yes. He’ll meet us tomorrow.”

When she heard her younger brother’s reply, Tao Wan, who had just returned from Tantai Jin’s cave residence, gave a slight nod.

Tao Yisheng remarked, ”It’s only been a few months, but Luo Chen’s alchemy skills seem to have improved again.”

He couldn’t help but praise Luo Chen once more. ”Big Sister, Luo Chen’s alchemy may seem a bit unconventional, like it lacks a proper system. But his fundamentals are incredibly solid, and he can draw upon all sorts of pill methods with ease. Someone like him will definitely help you secure a strong placement!”

Tao Wan gave a soft acknowledgement but said nothing more. She had heard this sort of praise many times, and she understood her younger brother’s intent. It was simply his way to contribute by introducing his friend when he himself couldn’t offer help. That, in itself, counted as a sincere effort.

If this had been earlier, she would have dismissed it without hesitation. Yet after meeting Tantai Jin, whose every word carried respect for Luo Chen, she had begun to view him differently.

It seems that you really have something remarkable about you. Well, you’ve put on airs long enough. I’m curious just how big your appetite really is, Tao Wan thought, her eyes narrowing slightly as scenes from her two prior encounters with Luo Chen replayed in her mind.

***

The next morning, only a man and a woman remained in the quiet chamber of Cave Residence Bing Five. Everyone else had been dismissed.

Tao Wan sat with perfect posture, her gaze steady on the man across from her. She felt surprised, not by his appearance but by his presence. He no longer looked wary and cautious as he had during their first meeting, nor high-spirited as he had been during their second encounter in Icewave Palace. Now, Luo Chen appeared composed, and every inch of him carried unshakable poise. That composure could only come from real confidence, and such confidence could only be born of strength.

Such a bearing seemed entirely out of place on a mere rogue cultivator. Most rogue cultivators spent their lives scrambling for resources; their faces looked weathered and spirits weary. Only those raised within powerful sects, shielded from worldly struggle, had the leisure to cultivate this calm elegance.

All in all, he looked as calm as still water and as steady as a mountain, and he truly resembled the alchemy grandmaster he purported to be.

Tao Wan nodded to herself. His presence impressed her. The real question, however, was the price he would name. Thus, she skipped the pleasantries and spoke first. ”I wish to request your assistance in winning the Golden Core Dao Scion. What are your terms?”

Luo Chen’s eyes lit up, and he praised her openly. ”True Inheritor Tao, you are forthright and swift with words. Truly worthy of being the descendant of Adept Nanshan, admirable in both bearing and spirit.”

Adept Nanshan was the Golden Core elder of the Tao family, and Luo Chen had obtained this intel from the Luo Tian Society’s intelligence network.

After this brief compliment, he named his price with a lion’s appetite.

”Since you speak so frankly, I will be frank as well. I have three conditions, and I hope you will agree to at least some of them.”

Three? Tao Wan’s eyebrow twitched. ”Let’s hear them.”

”First, I want thirty bottles of top-grade Ascending Dragon pills each year,” Luo Chen said without hesitation.

Tao Wan had expected as much, but still responded aloud, ”Top-grade pills rarely leave the hands of major sects.”

Luo Chen shook his head. ”Rarely does not mean never. In truth, your sect does release small amounts at intervals. Also, I am not asking for a free gift, but a trade. I’ll pay full price in spirit stones.”

Top-grade Ascending Dragon pills didn’t come cheap on the open market. Each bottle could fetch two thousand spirit stones. At thirty bottles a year, that meant sixty thousand spirit stones annually, more than the cost of renting a top-grade cave residence.

Luo Chen already leased a top-grade cave residence on Tianlan Peak for forty-eight thousand spirit stones a year. If he can afford to pay so much for pills, it means the Luo Tian Society generates formidable income. No wonder Tantai Jin and the entire Ruthless Lineage value them so highly.

Tao Wan stared deeply at Luo Chen. ”I can consider that condition, but only if I succeed in obtaining the Dao Scion. If I fail...”

Luo Chen understood instantly. If Tao Wan failed, there was no way she could provide that many top-grade Ascending Dragon pills. After all, she wasn’t a powerful alchemist herself.

”My second condition is that I want the alchemical formula for a second-tier cultivation pill.”

Unlike with Tantai Jin, he did not hesitate to ask this time. And Tao Wan’s response matched exactly what he had anticipated.

”Impossible! Our sect has long forbidden the disclosure of cultivation pill formulas.”

Luo Chen responded without pause, ”I don’t want Green Pill Valley’s. I want one from your Tao family!”

”Hm?” Tao Wan went still.

”Your Grand Elder, Adept Nanshan, was a renowned third-tier alchemist. He must’ve collected or developed quite a few cultivation pill formulas. And the sect cannot tell your family what to do with its own heritage. That is what I want.”

Tao Wan fell into a dilemma. She realized that Luo Chen had come fully prepared. Every condition he proposed seemed to fall just within her reach.

Indeed! Luo Chen was not only prepared; he was confident. It wasn’t just the Luo Tian Society’s intelligence; Tao Yisheng had accidentally revealed bits of alchemical knowledge while discussing alchemy arts with him. Like the formula for the revitalization liquid, for instance. It clearly originated from the Medicine King Sect, yet Tao Yisheng knew the ingredient ratios, which exposed the depth of the Tao family’s inheritance.

Faced with this demand, Tao Wan couldn’t easily make a decision. ”Tell me your third condition.”

Luo Chen was secretly pleased; Tao Wan’s reaction confirmed that this demand was negotiable. Suppressing that flicker of excitement, he remained composed and stated his third and final demand.

”I want a Core Formation secret art!”

”That’s absolutely impossible!” Tao Wan rejected flatly, then added, ”Didn’t Tantai Jin already give you a Core Formation secret technique? Isn’t this a bit greedy?”

”You should know just as well as I do how much worth that thing has,” Luo Chen said coldly.

Tao Wan pressed her lips together, brows furrowed. In the end, she shook her head firmly. ”I cannot agree to this. Otherwise, I won’t be able to hold onto the Dao Scion position.”

Luo Chen’s face darkened visibly. ”You speak of sincerity, yet you offer none.”

Tao Wan opened her mouth but couldn’t form a reply. One condition remained pending, one lacked an answer, and one had been rejected outright. Anyone in his place would doubt her sincerity. The truth was harsher. Each of his demands struck at her weakest points, and none could be granted lightly.

Silence settled over the cave residence until the air felt heavy.

After a long pause, Tao Wan let out a bitter laugh. ”Those last two conditions really do put me in a difficult spot, especially the last one. Let me tell you what I can offer.”

Luo Chen watched her in silence.

”The first remains unchanged. Once I win the Dao Scion, we complete the trade. The second requires a family council. I must discuss it with the elders before I answer. As for the third, there is no way I can hand over a Core Formation secret art. Green Pill Valley enforces strict rules.

”Of course, if I’m asking for your help, I won’t come with empty promises.” Tao Wan looked at Luo Chen and stated her bottom line. ”Didn’t you obtain the Dragon-Phoenix Tribulation secret art from the Ruthless Lineage? I can provide you with the Dragon Transformation pill and Ice Phoenix Pellet so you won’t have to search for them yourself.”

Luo Chen frowned slightly. ”You should know that if I really want to, I can obtain those pills with my own means.”

Back at the Tianlan Immortal City Auction, those two pills only fetched a hundred thousand spirit stones, but not because of the pills themselves. What truly held value was the Dragon-Phoenix Tribulation art. Since Luo Chen already had the matching secret art, obtaining the two pills was no challenge. If nothing else, he had access to the Ice Fortress’s supply channels.

Tao Wan nodded. ”To make up for it, I can offer you a set of Core Formation Insights from Grand Elder Nanshan. How about that?”

Luo Chen fell into thought. Two third-tier pills suited for the Dragon-Phoenix Tribulation, plus a set of Core Formation Insights. It was indeed quite a generous offer. If word leaked, many would pay hundreds of thousands for it. Even if some hesitated, Chu Kui would pay a premium. Since she was willing to compromise, he could not push her too far. Even though she sought his help, her status and strength still exceeded his. At times, it was wise to preserve each other’s dignity.

Luo Chen refrained from pressing further and reluctantly agreed to this compromise.

Only then did Tao Wan breathe out in relief. She realized how difficult he was to handle. Once he found a weak point, he asked for the moon. How does Tantai Jin deal with someone like this every day?

”There is still a year before the Dao Scion competition begins. Do you plan to return to Green Pill Valley with me, or remain here in Tianlan Immortal City for now?”

With the negotiations concluded, both wore faint smiles.

Luo Chen shook his head. ”I’ll stay here for now. There are too many eyes over there and too many tangled interests. It feels like a brewing storm.”

”Mm, that’s a wise choice,” Tao Wan agreed after a pause. ”Staying here will help keep your strength and intentions obscured.”

Luo Chen said casually, ”If I can improve my cultivation over the next year, I might be able to support you even more. I imagine you must still have a few mid-grade or top-grade Ascending Dragon pills lying around, yes?”

Tao Wan’s expression froze.