Chapter 377: Surging Waves and Treacherous Clouds

Ten days later.

Weihai Immortal City.

In the Sword Immortal Tower operated by the Divine Sword Sect.

The top-ranking VIP box with the character "Heaven".

When Shen Xuan and Patriarch Wei walked in, Wei Anping was accompanying a Fake Pill True Master dressed as a merchant in conversation.

"Is this Shen Changsheng, the Pill Master Shen?"

The Fake Pill True Master was precisely Zhuo Qingning, the president of the United Commerce Association.

He was the public figure in charge of the United Commerce Association.

Behind the scenes, there were several True Pill True Master Elders.

His strength was comparable to a medium-ranked sect in Song Country.

"Junior Shen Changsheng greets President Zhuo."

Shen Xuan respectfully saluted.

"Pill Master Shen is so young, truly promising!"

Zhuo Qingning slightly scanned with his Divine Sense.

The person before him appeared to be in the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, with vitality indicating he was under a hundred years old.

Considering his status, a compliment such as "truly promising" was quite a recognition for Shen Xuan.

The four sat down.

After some small talk.

Patriarch Wei mentioned the matter of the Life Extension Pill’s materials.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, don’t worry. I have already ordered allocations from various branch associations. It’s hard to say for more, but three to five sets of materials for the Life Extension Pill are no problem."

Zhuo Qingning said heartily.

"That’s good. I toast President Zhuo!"

After three rounds of drinks.

Zhuo Qingning suddenly said, "Fellow Daoists Wei, I have a private matter I’d like to discuss with Pill Master Shen alone, would that be possible?"

"Of course! Anping and I happen to have matters at the Divine Sword Pavilion."

Patriarch Wei had anticipated this.

After the two from the Wei Family left.

Zhuo Qingning cast several spells and set up some spiritual power restrictions to block Divine Sense probing.

In fact, the Sword Immortal Tower is a sect enterprise of the Divine Sword Sect.

Its security is extremely high.

The VIP box in the Sword Immortal Tower is equipped with array restrictions, preventing outsiders from spying.

Zhuo Qingning’s action.

Perhaps was out of habit.

This also indicates that what he wants to discuss with Shen Xuan is extremely important.

Even the Divine Sword Sect could not be trusted.

"Pill Master Shen, I came here this time at the request of someone else."

Zhuo Qingning took out a mirror-like Magical Treasure and cast a spell.

Soon, a cultivator’s face appeared in the mirror.

It was none other than the Patriarch of the Lu Family, Lu Zhanhao, whom Shen Xuan had met once.

"Patriarch Lu?"

Shen Xuan slightly frowned.

He couldn’t help but glance at Zhuo Qingning.

This United Commerce Association, ostensibly cooperated with the Wei Family in alchemy.

Unexpectedly, they were secretly colluding with the Lu Family.

Thinking about it, it’s normal.

As a commerce association, they prioritize benefits.

The greatest stance is having no stance.

They simply follow where the benefits lead.

"Pill Master Shen, long time no see."

In the mirror-like Magical Treasure, Patriarch Lu’s expression was cordial.

"Three years ago, Lu’s offer is still valid, how about considering it?"

Shen Xuan shook his head.

Three years ago, he had already refused Patriarch Lu.

In the Wei Family, what he gained was not just that insignificant salary.

Nor was it the experience in Dao of Alchemy techniques.

But the Essence Blood of the Tier Three Spirit Beast, Intelligent Mystic Tortoise.

This is something the Lu Family could not provide.

The Lu Family’s ancestor’s spirit beast was only Tier Two Top Grade.

The Lu Family wouldn’t be willing to part with it.

"Pill Master Shen, don’t be in a hurry to refuse."

"You are a smart person, aren’t you aware, the world is unpredictable, choose what is beneficial."

"The Wei Family appears strong on the outside but weak within, loud but timid, why must Pill Master Shen be in the same boat with them?"

Shen Xuan shook his head slightly.

"Patriarch Lu’s kind intentions, Shen acknowledges."

"Having taken their salary, one must be loyal. Since Shen has signed a Spirit Contract with the Wei Family, he will adhere to it."

Patriarch Lu approached, but Shen Xuan politely declined.

He had long anticipated this day.

White Crane Island is heavily guarded, giving the Lu Family no chance to plant spies.

"In a thicket of thorns, not a place for phoenixes to perch. Whatever condition Pill Master Shen has, feel free to ask."

"What the Wei Family can offer, the Lu Family can afford as well."

Shen Xuan posed as if in thought.

In the end, he sighed lightly and regretfully refused.

With only two-tenths of the Essence Blood of the Tier Three Spirit Beast, Intelligent Mystic Tortoise left, great success is at hand.

The Wei Family still has a recipe and materials for the Life-Extending Pill, perfect for practice.

The opportunity to refine a Tier Three Life-Extending Spirit Pill is rare.

Moreover, the Wei Family has treated him well.

Wei Yating, Qing Feng, and Ming Yue are akin to his unregistered disciples, respecting him greatly.

Having spent over three years together, there’s some sentiment.

The Spirit Pool in the cave, unique in its own right, connects to the East Sea, offering an escape route at any time.

Shen Xuan saw no need to change allegiances and risk with the Lu Family.

Patriarch Lu attempted to persuade further.

Seeing Shen Xuan remained unmoved, sticking to his own beliefs.

"Then may Pill Master Shen have a long and prosperous path."

"We will meet again."

Patriarch Lu did not force him.

The face in the mirror-like Magical Treasure disappeared.

Zhuo Qingning cheerfully put away the mirror-like Magical Treasure.

"Pill Master Shen, don’t worry."

"I only owed a favor to the Lu Family’s ancestor, merely offering convenience."

"Whether the Lu Family succeeds or not is none of my concern."

Truly a masterful merchant.

With just a few simple words, he extricated himself.

In fact, Zhuo Qingning’s actions.

In a sense, was actually a betrayal of the Wei Family.

However, as a businessman.

The Wei Family likely anticipated this.

Zhuo Qingning exchanged a few more words with Shen Xuan.

This time, it was about the Water Technique Refining matter.

Shen Xuan feigned interest.

He expressed a personal need for some five-hundred-year-old materials.

Some of which are the main ingredients for the Purifying Foundation Pill.

Zhuo Qingning promised, leveraging the United Commerce Association’s resources, to collect them for him.

Selling at fair prices, without profit margins.

Simply for deeper future cooperation.

He handed a piece of white jade, like mutton-fat, infused with spiritual power, to Shen Xuan.

"This is a token."

"Present this jade at any branch of the United Commerce Association for fair-priced trade of needed materials."

Shen Xuan accepted it with a smile.

They both enjoyed a pleasant conversation.

Agreeing to strengthen future cooperation.

...

After Zhuo Qingning left.

As Shen Xuan exited the VIP box, he encountered a familiar face in the first-floor hall.

"Pill Master Shen, what a coincidence."

"Shopkeeper Hu, long time no see."

It was clear as day, Shopkeeper Hu must have been waiting here specially.

No wonder Zhuo Qingning was uneasy.

Within the Divine Sword Sect, his whereabouts were well known.

There must be internal communication.

Otherwise, how could Shopkeeper Hu have arrived so coincidentally?

"Pill Master Yu wishes to see you."

"He is the sect’s only Tier Two Water Technique Alchemist."

Shen Xuan looked at the time of day.

"Where is he?"

"In the secret chamber within the Divine Sword Pavilion."

"Great!"

Shen Xuan readily agreed.

"There is no time to lose, let’s go right now."

Shopkeeper Hu led Shen Xuan to the Divine Sword Pavilion.

In the secret chamber, Shen Xuan met Pill Master Yu.

Over two hundred years old, Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, kind and gentle, with a peaceful tone, quite respectful towards Shen Xuan.

Shopkeeper Hu introduced the two, complimented them a few times, and then quietly left the secret chamber.

Pill Master Yu spoke frankly, expressing his purpose.

He wanted to discuss Water Technique Alchemy with Shen Xuan.

To show sincerity.

Pill Master Yu began to describe his understanding of Water Technique Alchemy.

From the initial cultivation, to the ten steps of Water Technique Refining, sharing various insights and experiences for a full hour.

Shen Xuan could tell that Pill Master Yu was not holding back.

All were profound insights gained from his alchemy practice.

If one is not a Water Technique Alchemist, it’s impossible to comprehend or understand them.

After listening, Shen Xuan found many insights by analogy, gaining immensely.

Cultivation techniques are just like this.

No matter if the other is not as skillful.

As long as they put in arduous effort, there will always be something valuable.

Like the ten steps of Water Technique Refining.

Each step has its own secrets, and can be done even better.

Shen Xuan asked himself, Li Ruyi’s alchemy inheritance is extremely detailed and meticulous.

After listening to Pill Master Yu, comparing it with his own alchemy insights, he still gained a lot.

"My aptitude is limited; I’ve been immersed in this path since childhood, making Shen Alchemist laugh!"

"Not at all, I have learned a lot!"

Shen Xuan took a sip of Spirit Tea.

It must be said, Shopkeeper Hu’s treasured Mist Shadow Spirit Tea is truly of great quality, drinking it fills the mouth with fragrance, keeping one’s mind calm and nourished.

Unfortunately, Shopkeeper Hu doesn’t have much of it.

The last jar of Spirit Tea gifted to him has already been finished.

"Does Shen Alchemist enjoy this Mist Shadow Spirit Tea?"

"Quite fond of it. This tea has a trace of enlightenment effect. Brewing a cup during leisure can truly relieve fatigue."

"When you return, I’ll have someone send two jars over!"

"Thank you very much, Pill Master Yu."

Shen Xuan didn’t hesitate.

Compared to his discussion of alchemy principles, Pill Master Yu indeed benefited greatly.

Shen Xuan could see that Pill Master Yu’s realm cultivation has stalled at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, with no hope of breakthrough.

So far, his best work is only the Spirit Gathering Pill for the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment.

The True Essence Pill for the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment is somewhat challenging.

Not to mention the Essence Stabilizing Pill for the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.

As for the urgently needed Foundation Establishment Pill by the sect, the pill success rate is worrying.

Pill Master Yu tried three times, all resulted in wasted pills, losing everything, and dared not attempt again.

On the other hand, Shen Xuan.

Although he hasn’t refined the Foundation Establishment Pill.

He has already started refining the Life Extension Pill.

Its requirements are higher than those of the Foundation Establishment Pill.

"I have some insights into Water Technique Refining as well, I invite Pill Master Yu to correct me."

"Not so much corrections; let’s learn from each other, let’s learn from each other!"

Pill Master Yu said with a smile.

The Divine Sword Pavilion had gathered intelligence long ago.

The opposing Shen Alchemist is already adept at refining the Essence Stabilizing Pill.

His alchemy skills are certainly superior to his own.

Shen Alchemist is extraordinarily talented; it’s said he has devoted himself entirely to alchemy for less than ten years.

His visit this time.

He specifically came with a sincere heart to seek instruction.

How could he dare to act conceited before Shen Xuan?

Shen Xuan smiled.

He began to articulate his insights on Water Technique Alchemy.

He has Li Ruyi’s Tier Three Pill Master inheritance.

From the very beginning, he walked the correct path.

Coupled with the Mysterious Jade Talisman.

Which can display alchemy skill level.

Reviewing after refining, and making timely improvements.

To him, Water Technique Alchemy is not overly difficult.

Many technical secrets are universally applicable.

The real difficulty lies with the cultivator’s own realm cultivation, the essence of spiritual power, and the precise control of timing and heat.

Shen Xuan pointed out the errors and omissions of Pill Master Yu.

Although they are all minute details.

Accumulated bit by bit.

They equally affect the quality of the solidified pill.

Shen Xuan spoke eloquently.

The same ten steps of Water Technique Refining.

But his level of precision, compared to Pill Master Yu, exceeded far beyond.

Pill Master Yu listened intently, as if captivated.

After an hour.

Shen Xuan finished speaking, lowered his head to drink tea.

Pill Master Yu awoke from his dream-like state.

Looking at Shen Xuan, his eyes filled with profound respect.

"Listening to you, I feel utterly inadequate!"

"Two hundred years! I’ve been refining for a full two hundred years! If I had met Shen Alchemist earlier, I’d not be in such a state!"

Across from him, Shen Alchemist.

Is truly a prodigy in alchemy.

Refined for ten years.

Achieved such success.

Indeed, people can’t be compared.

Such extraordinary talent does exist in this world!

Pill Master Yu restrained his excited mood.

Asked a few key questions.

Shen Xuan answered calmly.

After listening.

Pill Master Yu couldn’t help but clap in admiration.

"So that’s how it is!"

"Why doesn’t the alchemy scripture write clearly!"

Shen Xuan laughed.

The alchemy scripture is obscure and difficult, by design.

If not, how to select those with true alchemy talent.

The Pill Talisman Array puts alchemy first.

How could it be without any threshold?

Pill Master Yu’s comprehension is quite strong.

The mistake lay in not having a good master guide.

His understanding was off in some minor branches, leading to slight errors, typically expected.

The technique must not be lightly transmitted.

Pill Master Yu encountered Shen Xuan.

Who didn’t view alchemy skills as overly significant.

And guided him meticulously.

If it were another alchemist, surely they wouldn’t be as generous as Shen Xuan.

They would certainly reserve some details.

Pill Master Yu was emotional, regretting they hadn’t met sooner.

He wanted to invite Shen Xuan to share a bed for a night chat.

Shen Xuan decisively refused.

Claiming he had matters to attend, would meet again next time.

He quickly left the Divine Sword Pavilion almost as if fleeing.

However.

Having just escaped the tiger’s lair.

Returning to the Sect Inn.

He met another familiar face, smiling graciously and said.

"Shen Alchemist, I know who you are!"