Chapter 86: A Personal Possession

"An impudent request?"

Zheng Qingqing eyed Li Chang’an suspiciously.

The last time Li Chang’an had made such a request, it was to get into the Zheng Family’s Library.

’What could it be for this time?’

Li Chang’an was all smiles as he said sincerely, "Young Miss, I have long heard that the Zheng Family’s alchemy is quite remarkable..."

"Wait!"

Zheng Qingqing cut him off, looking at him with a strange expression.

"Daoist Li, you’re not trying to ask for my Zheng Family’s alchemy inheritance, are you?"

"You really do understand me, Young Miss!"

Li Chang’an nodded with a smile.

He had done the Zheng Family a huge favor this time.

If he hadn’t delivered the message, Qinghe Marketplace would have likely been reduced to rubble in the battle between Foundation Establishment Powerhouses.

It was questionable whether Zheng Qingqing and many other Zheng Family disciples would even be alive right now.

It could be said that he had saved the lives of many people in the Zheng Family!

Thus, feeling he had earned it, he decided to be bold. He didn’t beat around the bush and asked directly for their alchemy inheritance.

"Daoist Li, this request of yours is truly..."

Zheng Qingqing sighed softly, not finishing her sentence.

The alchemy inheritance was the foundation upon which the Zheng Family’s survival depended.

It was also their bottom line.

Others had done great favors for the Zheng Family in the past, but the family had never given away their alchemy inheritance.

"Daoist Li, you must understand that my Zheng Family’s control over the alchemy inheritance is extremely strict. Even most family disciples must pass an examination before they can even access the material, and even then, only the most superficial parts."

Zheng Qingqing’s tone was grave as she spoke slowly.

Li Chang’an knew that, of course.

But he smiled and said, "Young Miss, you aren’t an ordinary family disciple. You’re a Foundation Establishment Seed of the Zheng Family. Your authority within the family must be far greater than that of an ordinary disciple, right?"

"That is indeed true."

Zheng Qingqing didn’t deny it.

Even though she had lost some influence, her status within the family was still high. She had decision-making power in many important matters, with some of her authority even equaling that of the current Patriarch.

Moreover, after the recent incident with Zheng Yang, much of her power had been restored.

"But when it comes to the inheritance, I still cannot make the final decision."

Zheng Qingqing shook her head gently, a hint of apology in her voice.

Hearing this, Li Chang’an’s expression remained unchanged.

He had anticipated this and wasn’t too disappointed.

After all, he wasn’t a member of the Zheng Family, not even an Honored Guest Elder.

’If I can’t get the alchemy inheritance, I’ll just have to ask for something else.’

"However..."

Zheng Qingqing’s tone suddenly shifted.

A faint light flashed in her hand, and a Jade Scroll appeared.

"Daoist Li, while I cannot give you the family’s alchemy inheritance, I did obtain a Tier One Top Grade alchemy inheritance during my own travels. This is my personal property."

With that, she gently placed the Jade Scroll in front of Li Chang’an.

Her meaning was self-evident.

Since it was her personal property, she could naturally give it directly to Li Chang’an.

Li Chang’an stared blankly for a moment. Looking at the Jade Scroll, he asked instinctively, "Young Miss, did you really obtain this inheritance during your travels?"

"Of course."

Zheng Qingqing smiled faintly, offering no further explanation.

Li Chang’an understood the unspoken message and didn’t press the matter.

"Thank you, Young Miss!"

He cupped his hands and thanked her sincerely.

Zheng Qingqing had taken a huge risk with this gesture.

Li Chang’an reached out, picked up the Jade Scroll, and briefly scanned its contents. Joy immediately appeared in his eyes.

It was indeed a Tier One Top Grade alchemy inheritance!

Although it wasn’t a Tier Two inheritance, he was still quite satisfied.

As long as he could master this inheritance and become a Tier One Top Grade Pill Master, he would no longer need to buy Elixir Pills for the Qi Refining Stage from others.

He could just buy the raw materials and refine them himself.

’The price of raw materials is much cheaper than finished Elixir Pills. I’ll save another fortune!’

Li Chang’an calculated silently in his heart.

When it came to saving money, he was quite experienced.

Every Spirit Stone he saved during the Qi Refining Stage would become fuel for his attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment in the future.

’After becoming a Pill Master, I can also sell Elixir Pills secretly. The money I make will definitely be no less than what I earn from selling Talismans and Puppets.’

Li Chang’an planned his future path, feeling that it was incredibly bright.

Zheng Qingqing watched him with a smile and asked, "Daoist Li, are you satisfied with this inheritance?"

"I am!"

Li Chang’an put away the Jade Scroll and replied earnestly.

"I’m glad you’re satisfied."

Zheng Qingqing said with a smile.

In truth, the previous Li Chang’an wasn’t worth her taking such a risk.

But Li Chang’an had surprised her time and again, and now he had even earned a favor from the Mo Family.

Perhaps he really had a sliver of a chance at reaching Foundation Establishment.

Although the hope was still slim, it was never wrong to be on good terms with him.

"Daoist Li, I still have family matters to attend to. If there’s nothing else here, I’ll take my leave."

Zheng Qingqing ended the conversation and was about to leave.

But Li Chang’an suddenly spoke up.

"Young Miss, I have one more impudent request."

"Oh?"

Zheng Qingqing was taken aback.

Her clear, beautiful eyes looked at Li Chang’an, and she couldn’t help but say, "Daoist Li, you certainly know how to bargain. Are you trying to split one favor into two?"

Li Chang’an just smiled.

He was thick-skinned, so he didn’t feel particularly embarrassed.

"Young Miss, there are a few treasures I’ve been trying to buy, but I haven’t had any luck."

As he spoke, he handed over a list of materials.

It listed the last few treasures he needed for the Seventh Stage of Body Refining.

"I was thinking the Zheng Family’s Treasure Vault might have these items, but since I’m an outsider, I can’t access the Zheng Family Treasure Vault."

"Let me see..."

Zheng Qingqing didn’t refuse, taking the list with her slender hand.

She scanned it with her beautiful eyes, then nodded slightly.

"My Zheng Family’s Treasure Vault does indeed have these treasures, but I can’t just give them to you, Daoist Li."

"I understand."

Li Chang’an understood her unspoken meaning.

He immediately stated that he was willing to pay the equivalent value in Spirit Stones or trade other treasures for them, ensuring the Zheng Family would not be at a disadvantage.

Zheng Qingqing agreed to this.

"Please wait a moment, Daoist Li. I need to return to the family estate."

With that said, Zheng Qingqing took her leave and departed.

...

「That night.」

Zheng Qingqing returned, bringing the treasures Li Chang’an needed.

"Thank you, Young Miss!"

Li Chang’an offered several other treasures in exchange.

The trade was quickly completed.

Zheng Qingqing didn’t stay long. After signing the trade’s Spirit Contract, she left.

「For the next three days.」

The Marketplace was calm and peaceful.

The Cao and Wu Families must have known their plot had been exposed, as they made no new moves.

...

「On the evening of the third day.」

Li Chang’an went to visit Chen Yuanshan.

Originally, Chen Yuanshan had been unwilling to talk much, only agreeing to offer some guidance due to his daughter’s request.

But...

After some conversation, Chen Yuanshan realized that Li Chang’an’s talent for talismans far exceeded his expectations, and he was secretly surprised.

Before he knew it, he found himself looking at Li Chang’an with admiration.

"Li, your talent is remarkable. You might have a chance of becoming a Top Grade Talisman Master in the future."

"You praise me too much, Elder Chen."

Li Chang’an remained humble.

Chen Yuanshan added, "You should chat more with Qianya when you have time. You young people should get along better."

Li Chang’an was speechless.

He was already in his thirties, hardly young anymore.

However, Cultivators aged much more slowly than mortals to begin with.

And as a Wood Element Cultivator who had spent years cultivating his body and spirit, he aged even more slowly than Cultivators with other types of Spiritual Roots.

Furthermore, the Cyan Wood Technique he practiced seemed to have a slight Youthful Appearance effect.

As a result, he still looked like a gentle youth of eighteen or nineteen, with a scholarly air about him, resembling a pale-faced scholar who had spent his life buried in books.

"Elder Chen, has the Moonlight Clear Lotus matured yet?"

"You’ve come at the right time, my friend. It’s ready to be picked."

Chen Yuanshan, with a gentle expression, led Li Chang’an to the backyard of his residence.

In the backyard was a pond.

Within it, a snow-white lotus was slowly blooming under the moonlight.

After a moment, Chen Yuanshan plucked it and handed it to Li Chang’an.

"Thank you, Elder Chen!"

Li Chang’an’s face lit up with joy as he accepted the Moonlight Clear Lotus.

With this, he had finally gathered all the treasures needed for the Seventh Stage of Body Refining!

He had taken another great stride on the path of Body Refinement!

Li Chang’an’s Spiritual Power was already strong.

If his Body Refinement could reach Tier One Peak, his Qi and blood would also far surpass those of Cultivators at the same level.

At that point, even without a Foundation Establishment Pill, his chances of reaching Foundation Establishment would be quite high.

Of course, to be safe, he absolutely had to get his hands on a Foundation Establishment Pill!