Immortality begins with Becoming an Alchemy Grandmaster

Chapter 1515: Chapter 563 Chapter 1515: Chapter 563 “Master, do you think I have a chance of forming my Core in the future?”

A voice tinged with nervousness and confusion came from beside him. Luo Chen glanced at the middle-aged man, his brow furrowing unconsciously.

He didn’t put much effort into cultivating this registered disciple.

Or perhaps, Luo Chen’s own teaching skills were not particularly good.

Whether it was his true disciple, Qu Lingjun, or his junior, Zeng Yilong, Luo Chen’s guidance was more about “putting things into practice.”

This was related to Luo Chen’s own experiences.

In his life, systematic theoretical learning was never his strength; he primarily relied on step-by-step practice to gain proficiency.

Whether with Pill Refinement, Techniques, or Cultivation and Body Refinement.

In his view, practice is greater than theory; it is through practice that one truly becomes capable.

Because of these experiences, when he taught his disciples, he often let them learn by doing.

The same went for Xu Muxian.

Seeing that the other had managed the medicinal materials with hard work, and had some talent for Pill Refinement, Luo Chen felt it a pity not to cultivate him, so he took him on as a registered disciple, teaching some basic techniques of Pill Refinement and correcting some misconceptions.

To talk about a “master-disciple affection”?

That was nonsensical.

Xu Muxian’s status as a registered disciple signified more the honor of a name than the transmission of the Daoist lineage.

He was a figurehead Luo Chen had established for the comfort of the clans in the Ann Flying Swallow Archipelago.

At this moment, the sudden question somewhat startled Luo Chen.

But amidst his surprise, he frowned and shook his head.

“You are only at the Seventh Level of Qi Refinement yet harbor delusions of the Golden Core Dao. Do you not know the folly of overreaching?”

His tone was somewhat stern.

Xu Muxian trembled, but muttered with quivering lips, “I know.”

It seemed like he had anticipated this reply?

Luo Chen expressed his displeasure, “Since you know, why not be down-to-earth and take things one step at a time? From Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment, to Golden Core and Nascent Soul, all of us cultivators have endured such grinding. Eventually achieving Divine Transformation and Ascension, realizing the True Immortal’s way! What, do you also wish to consume the legendary Nine Revolutions Golden Pill and ascend instantly?”

Xu Muxian, head bowed, looked at the grass sprouting new shoots replenished by Spirit Qi, “I know this too.”

Luo Chen didn’t understand.

Knowing all this, it meant that his nearly thirty years of life wasn’t lived in vain, so whence this absurdity?

He did not press further, but simply watched the other silently.

In the heavy atmosphere, Xu Muxian clenched his fists as if to bolster his courage and lifted his head.

“Master, if I see hope in the Great Dao, I will certainly study and practice diligently, without ceasing day or night.”

“But what if there is none?”

“Doesn’t that mean decades, even centuries of time will eventually be reduced to dust, amounting to nothing?”

“If so, why can’t I fully enjoy these years, do more joyful and meaningful things? Then even at life’s end, there won’t be regret for having lived an empty life.”

Luo Chen snorted lightly, “What is meaningless, what is a waste of time? The process of seeking the Dao is meaningful in itself.”

Xu Muxian’s gaze wandered with a touch of admiration, “That’s for Master, who takes daily meditation and the pain of practicing secret techniques in stride, finding joy within suffering. Many, including myself, cannot persist to the end.”

Luo Chen scoffed, “Only through great pain can one become extraordinary. Without suffering hardships, yet fantasizing about the future – isn’t that still overreaching?”

Unbeknownst to him, the trembling of Xu Muxian’s body had ceased.

He stood quietly across from Luo Chen, of average height, and though his eyes were downcast, there seemed to be a newfound composure.

“Master, you relish the process, but I wish to see the outcome.”

Luo Chen disagreed, “Without going through the process, how can there be an outcome. If you fantasize about the Golden Core Dao, you should endure the realm of Foundation Establishment, and extend your lifespan by at least a hundred years.”

“Compared to the transformations over five hundred years, a century is but a blink of an eye,” Xu Muxian said gravely: “A struggle without seeing the results feels like endless suffering, a torment day and night.”

Hearing this, Luo Chen felt utterly disappointed and no longer wanted to continue the conversation.

He had realized that this registered disciple of his, despite having talent, lacked a firm heart for the Dao, and his future achievements were limited and foreseeable.

But why was this so?

Luo Chen was full of questions. When he first met the young Xu Muxian years ago, he was still quite ambitious.

As thoughts whirled, Luo Chen pondered the man’s past and came to a faint understanding.

Born to a minor branch of the Xu Family, he was neglected in his youth.

Barely learning some Pill Techniques, his status did not change much until he met Luo Chen, which gave him a chance to change his life trajectory.

With his current status, indeed, he did not need to endure ascetic cultivation but rather should enjoy a more relaxed and pleasant life.

Power and wealth, fine wines and delicacies, to command and swagger, and even though he did not have to stay with a lovely wife, he was not allowed to carry out marital duties.

That last restriction was imposed by Luo Chen.

When he set off for Mysterious Rock Island, Cheng Haixin mentioned a marriage alliance with the Xu Family; proposing to wed a Cheng daughter to Xu Muxian was to win over this promising future star of the Flying Swallow Islands.

Luo Chen feared that getting mired in romantic affairs would ruin his vital essence and hope for Foundation Establishment, so he made a point to mention it.

Both the Cheng daughter and Xu Muxian abided by Luo Chen’s rule.

It was meant well, but unexpectedly…

Right, after years of hardship, upon achieving some success, they couldn’t indulge freely. Then after seeing Cheng Dou, at the peak of Foundation Establishment, fail in his attempt to enter the Golden Core Period and perish, it created a sense of fear in the heart.