Immortality begins with Becoming an Alchemy Grandmaster

Chapter 1672: Chapter 615: Rogue Cultivators Are All Poor Ghosts, Immortal Second Generations Are Gold Mines

On the Flood Dragon’s back, the Red-Robed Daoist gazed into the sky, the sea breeze flapping his sleeves with a rustling sound.

Under numerous curious, wary, and mostly reverent gazes, his expression remained calm as his form ascended steadily, eventually stepping onto the luxurious flying boat.

His eyes swept past the figures of several young cultivators before ultimately settling on an elderly man with a fully white beard and hair, his face full of wrinkles.

”Elder Sang, it’s been a long time. How have you been recently?”

Sang Jiugong’s withered face scrunched into an expression that seemed uncertain—whether it was a bitter smile or something else—there was undoubtedly a hint of reluctance.

He cupped his hands towards Luo Chen. ”Neither well nor ill, just some minor setbacks. Come, please follow me; let’s chat inside.”

Luo Chen’s gaze lingered briefly on him, sensing that Sang Jiugong’s aura seemed somehow different from before.

Still, since the other party extended the invitation, he naturally wouldn’t refuse.

When arriving at a new place, maintaining stability in cultivation often means forging connections far and wide.

It wasn’t necessarily about forming cliques, but having an extensive network indeed made many matters run more smoothly.

With that, at Sang Jiugong’s invitation, Luo Chen followed him into the flying boat’s grand hall.

After their departure, the young Foundation Establishment cultivators from Divine Yuan City aboard the flying boat finally breathed a sigh of relief, the tension diminishing.

”That was Demon King Qingyang, wasn’t it?”

”It must be. Last year, I only caught a glimpse and didn’t connect the title Qingyang Zi with Demon King Qingyang. Looking at him now, this Golden Core Ascendant Master has an understated aura and profoundly mysterious gaze. He seems ordinary, yet standing there, he’s like a deep, unfathomable pool, exuding a dread that penetrates one’s very marrow.”

”Exactly. Even our Huaqing Sect, which is considered a renowned Nascent Soul Ascendant Sect in the Southwest, with a fair number of Golden Core cultivators within, has no Middle Stage Golden Core elder matching the pressure brought by this monarch. Only one Golden Core Grand Cultivator elder could barely compare.”

”For someone who emerged from among rogue cultivators with such reputation, weakness is out of the question. These individuals may lack exquisite techniques, but their experience in killing and conflict far exceeds those of sect cultivators. That’s why we are actively venturing out for training now—to eliminate our disparity in such areas, achieving a power that equals or surpasses our realm.”

”Rumor has it this person is also proficient in Tool Casting Technique. If we could invite him into the Xu family of our Ascendant Sect...”

”Haha, wishful thinking! This monarch is a powerful figure from the Path of Demon, with an unclear background and many enemies—you Golden Core families couldn’t afford such karmic consequences.”

”I wonder what Elder Sang’s purpose is for inviting this person on board?”

...

In the hall, Luo Chen sat down casually.

Sang Jiugong, however, took the initiative to pour him a cup of tea before sitting down himself.

Luo Chen held the steaming teacup, inhaling the rich aroma, instantly recognizing this tea as no ordinary brew—it was undoubtedly a masterpiece among teas.

The other party’s gracious hospitality, lowering his posture to pour tea and offer water—if this was all for casual conversation, that would be pure self-delusion.

Thus, there was no need for him to deliberately put on airs.

”Elder Sang, if there’s something on your mind, just say it directly!”

”Ah, Qingyang Zi, your straightforwardness indeed saves me the trouble of beating around the bush.”

Clearly, Luo Chen’s directness came as a relief to Sang Jiugong.

”You’re likely at the end of your term and returning to the Hidden Dragon Mountain Range, aren’t you?”

”Hmm.” Luo Chen nodded.

”Indeed, as am I,” Sang Jiugong responded, accompanying his words with a slight chuckle. Their mission durations happened to align, resulting in the coincidence of arriving one after the other and departing nearly at the same time. ”And what I seek is simple—I’d like to request that we travel back together.”

Just that?

Luo Chen frowned slightly. ”I’m accustomed to traveling alone, and with all your people aboard, it would undoubtedly slow me down.”

Sang Jiugong persuaded him: ”Friend, aren’t you worried about encountering bandits along the way?”

”Uh...”

For a moment, Luo Chen was somewhat taken aback.

”Elder Sang, surely you’re joking? I’m a Golden Core cultivator—who would dare rob me? Furthermore, even if someone dared to provoke me, unless they’re a Late Golden Core Grand Cultivator, I am confident I can come and go at will. And if a Late Golden Core Grand Cultivator stoops to the level of a rogue bandit, wouldn’t that be beneath their dignity?”

Sang Jiugong merely shook his head. ”Qingyang Zi, don’t paint too rosy a picture of the North Sea. You must understand—our North Sea Cultivation World is the very origin of the term ’Calamity Cultivator.’ It wouldn’t be unheard of for a Grand Cultivator to lower themselves to such acts.”

Luo Chen stared in astonishment. ”That actually happens?”

Sang Jiugong lowered his voice. ”Friend, surely you’ve heard of Blood Independent Cultivator, one of the Three Great Independent Cultivators of the Ten Thousand Immortals Gathering? In his early years, during the Late Golden Core stage, he committed similar deeds.”

Well!

This time, Luo Chen was genuinely shocked by the revelation.

Blood Independent Cultivator was once a bandit?

And as a Late Golden Core cultivator, no less—wasn’t that a bit... unbecoming?

Seeing Luo Chen’s expression, Sang Jiugong felt a sense of relief and took the chance to press further: ”Sea routes are perilous, especially given the current turmoil in the North Sea. There are plenty of desperate cultivators risking everything. Friend, you must be cautious! If you travel with us, it might slow you down, but the safety is unquestionably better ensured.”

As hesitation lingered on Luo Chen’s face, he ultimately turned his gaze toward Sang Jiugong.

”Elder Sang, our acquaintance hasn’t reached such a profound level. Surely, you’re not looking out for me alone, are you?”

This remark was like a sharp sword piercing through the deceptive veil in the elder’s words.

Elder Sang’s expression became rather unnatural. He wanted to provide an excuse, but under Luo Chen’s piercing gaze, he eventually sighed.

”I’ve been injured, and safeguarding everyone aboard is somewhat beyond my capabilities. Hence, I require stronger support.”

”Injured?” Luo Chen’s eyes swept over the other, instantly understanding the earlier discrepancy he’d sensed between Sang Jiugong’s aura and physique during their first meeting.