Chapter 361: A Little Alchemy Showdown

Chapter 361: A Little Alchemy Showdown

“Case closed. All the monsters across Daxia are targeting ascenders and the Resurged first. As long as ordinary people stay out of sight, they won’t be attacked.”

Wang Shouyi stuffed a handful of fries into his mouth and munched away.

“Senior Chen, the demons are clearly scheming something. These creatures are vicious and wicked to the core. I think we should join forces and tear down the nearest Demon Lock Tower before things get worse.”

Chen Huai’an also popped a fry into his mouth and spoke while chewing.

“I get what you’re saying, but just the two of us probably can’t handle it, right?”

“Who said it’s just us?”

Wang Shouyi wagged a finger and grinned.

“This demon tide may have brought damage to the sects and factions, but it also came with opportunity.”

He pulled out a glass orb covered in green slime from who-knows-where.

“Know what this is?”

“Demon core,” Chen replied instantly.

“Exactly, demon core.” Wang nodded proudly.

“With these, we can make pills that boost cultivation fast. After everyone’s had some time to digest and improve, all the major forces can team up and charge the Demon Lock Towers head-on!”

“Alright, I’m in.”

Chen Huai’an agreed on the spot.

His sudden switch in tone left Wang Shouyi stunned.

“Senior Chen, why the sudden—”

“Eliminating demons is our sacred duty!”

Chen Huai’an put on a serious face full of righteousness.

…Though deep down, he was thinking:

Screw your sacred duty!

Who’d do something so risky for free?

But if others were leading the charge, sure, that was acceptable.

He’d just hang back and scoop up the spoils.

No need to expose his strength.

Follow Wang Shouyi and profit big—win-win!

“No wonder you're the senior!”

Wang Shouyi looked at Chen Huai’an with admiration sparkling in his eyes.

This was the kind of role model he aspired to be!

Talking righteousness and virtue like it was his second nature!

“I know a bit about alchemy.

Why don’t I make pills to help everyone in the Demon Slayer Division strengthen themselves?” Wang offered sincerely.

Chen cast a cautious glance at him—

only to see the kid’s expression was pure as could be.

He really did want to help. No hidden agenda.

Still…

That gray aura swirling around Wang’s head…

Chen could only sigh inside.

The boy meant well,

but there’s no way he’d let anyone eat the pills Wang brewed.

When Chen didn’t respond, Wang quickly added, “Senior, don’t worry.

I’ll provide all the materials myself, I swear!

I’m doing this out of goodwill, not charging a single coin.”

“Hmm…” Chen paused for three seconds, ran a hand over his buzzcut, then side-eyed Wang.

“How about this—

I dabble in alchemy myself.

Why don’t you provide the ingredients and I’ll do the refining?”

“…Wait, you know alchemy too, Senior?”

Wang twitched.

His expression clearly said: You’re joking, right?

He had been humble just now.

The Honored One once told him his alchemy talent surpassed even his swordsmanship.

That’s how good he was.

And now Chen Huai’an says he can too?

“Of course. And I’m very good at it.”

Chen stood with his back to the light, his silhouette tall and imposing.

That posture masked the flicker of panic and the awkward grimace on his face—

allowing him to shamelessly proclaim:

“I’m not afraid to tell you.

You’ve seen all those Marrow-Cleansing Pills at the Province C Demon Slayer Division, right?

Those were made by me.

With leftover scraps, I might add!”

What?!

With scraps?!

Wang Shouyi looked like someone had slapped him with a fish.

It was like someone telling him:

“Bro, I made gourmet Michelin-starred sht stir-fry. Wanna try it?”*

“Senior… you’re not messing with me, right?”

He tried his best to pull off a polite smile, but his worldview was visibly cracking.

He respected Chen Huai’an, sure, but this? This was a bit much.

“You don’t believe me?”

Chen turned slightly, glancing over his shoulder.

“Then how about a duel?”

He couldn’t actually refine pills yet.

But so what?

He was the Heavenly Venerable of Divine Origin.

He’d just jump into his micro-world, find Yun Baiyu or Zhou Xuanzi, and learn.

What's there to be afraid of?!

In Chen the Gacha Immortal’s dictionary, there were only three words:

Survive. Rush. Pay.

Normally, Wang wouldn’t dare challenge Senior Chen.

But alchemy… that was his pride.

Chen was just being stubborn.

And as the junior, he needed to help his senior grow and learn from others.

“Alright then!”

Wang Shouyi smiled slightly, imagining Chen Huai’an looking at him with awe later.

“Senior, since it’s a contest, any stakes?”

“Sure,” Chen said casually.

“If you win, I’ll only take pills made by you or Kunlun Celestial Palace in the future.”

“Great bet!” Wang clapped excitedly.

But then Chen’s eyes flicked sideways as he added:

“If you lose, you can only take my pills from now on. Deal?”

He wanted to test something.

If Wang Shouyi only consumed his pills, would that reduce the gray aura around him?

Maybe he could even develop a pill to dispel the gray aura.

This was his chance—turn the boy into a walking test subject.

Wang, completely unaware he was already in the trap, nodded eagerly:

“Fair and square! No time like the present. Shall we begin now?”

“Give me ten minutes.

This Venerable must first bathe and change into suitable attire before alchemy.”

Chen flicked his sleeves and lifted his chin,

oozing that otherworldly expert vibe.

Bath and change before refining?!

Wang Shouyi stood up straight, eyes shining with respect.

D*mn.

This was the pressure of a true senior!

He knew he’d win,

but that overwhelming presence already had him breaking into a cold sweat.

Chen Huai’an returned to Containment Unit 0.

A little flustered.

But nothing major.

He slapped on his VR headset and launched the Virtual Girlfriend Game.

Next second—

he opened his eyes and was already inside the Sword Pavilion’s sect master hall.

“Well well, isn’t this our Old Ancestor? Welcome back!”

A fawning voice chirped nearby—no doubt it was Su Qinian.

“Old Ancestor, you look more handsome every time I see you, hahaha!”

Chen ignored the rainbow flattery and didn’t say a word.

He soared into the sky on his sword, radiating fearsome sword pressure as he shot straight toward Lingxi Valley.

Over the valley, his sword aura blanketed the sky.

Disciples below trembled under the oppressive force.

Next instant—

he tore through space and landed directly in front of Yun Baiyu.

She was wearing a light, gauzy robe.

Startled out of meditation by the pressure, her beautiful face went pale at the sight of the Sword Pavilion’s ancestor surrounded by raging sword intent.

Her voice trembled.

“L-Lord Ancestor… do you have any commands?”

She was already running through every recent decision, wondering if she’d done anything to offend the Sword Pavilion or its ancestor.

But the “ancestor” before her only looked down coldly,

expression severe, and voice like frost—

“Teach. Me. Alchemy. Now.”