Immortality begins with Becoming an Alchemy Grandmaster

”You’ve taken the wrong path.”

That single simple sentence caused a storm within Luo Chen’s heart, making it hard for him to maintain his composure.

In fact, he had always harbored some doubts about his own situation.

Especially after stepping into the Middle Stage Nascent Soul, these doubts grew larger and larger!

The suspicion was that his cultivation speed seemed to have slowed down.

Yes, others thought his cultivation speed was extremely fast, but in reality, it had slowed down.

When he first entered the Nascent Soul, he progressed rapidly, climbing from the initial entry to the Nascent Soul Second Layer in just a few years.

But now it’s been over a hundred years since his Nascent Soul Formation, yet he’s still stuck at the Nascent Soul Fourth Layer.

Though frequent battles prevented him from settling down to cultivate, this shouldn’t have had such a significant impact.

After all, the elixirs assisting his cultivation were never in short supply, and he was blessed with a Fire Spirit Body, perfectly suited for absorbing fire-attribute Spirit Qi.

Most importantly, he possessed the Purple Mansion Barrier established during his Nascent Soul Formation, built on the foundation of the Five Elements Spirit Root, allowing him to absorb external Spirit Qi without restraint and refine it into his own Qi Power.

So where exactly was the problem?

This question was one that no one could answer for Luo Chen in the past, and he had no one to ask.

Until this moment, the woman standing at the peak of the Mountain Sea Realm enlightened him with a casual remark.

”The wrong path?”

Qi Xia Emperor seemed very pleased to have obtained the Harmonization Pill Recipe, so she responded with a smile to Luo Chen’s involuntary request for advice.

”What was your purpose in studying the ’Tianhuang Nirvana Sutra’?”

Luo Chen instinctively looked at the Black Crow perched on Qi Xia Emperor’s shoulder.

”Fire control.”

At that time, his Pill Refinement Technique had already reached a proficient level, worthy of being called a Pill Refinement Grandmaster.

But the Prosperity and Decline True Fire he mastered was exceptionally high in grade, often making it difficult to control the critical fire timing.

In such a case, he naturally couldn’t recklessly attempt to refine a Fourth Order Transformation Pill.

Thus, Youquan gifted him the ’Tianhuang Nirvana Sutra’, prompting him to transition completely from a dual cultivation of fire and wood to exclusively the path of fire.

Qi Xia Emperor naturally said, ”If it’s about fire control, then why are you being controlled by the fire instead?”

”How could I be controlled by the fire...”

Luo Chen instinctively wanted to refute, but his face froze instantly.

In that moment, it was like a revelation struck him!

Truly, the Prosperity and Decline True Fire was both his making and undoing!

He had always been cautious about controlling this strong Sourceless Fire taken from the Flame Alliance, especially when it was about to develop Spirit Intelligence, he deliberately suppressed it for a time.

When it ascended to a Fifth Order Divine Fire, Luo Chen didn’t dare to easily wield it.

By full accounts, he had only fully employed it in the battle against Huang Man and Qing Shuang.

He assumed that such control would avoid a situation where the guest overpowered the host.

But in reality, he had unconsciously been influenced by the Prosperity and Decline Divine Fire.

His master cultivation technique, ”Withering and Flourishing Dao Scripture”, appears to draw from a hundred schools of thought to create something new, but at its heart, it’s centered on the Prosperity and Decline Divine Fire.

During his cultivation, refining Spirit Qi often required the step of tempering through the Prosperity and Decline Divine Fire, intertwining his Qi Power closely with it.

It’s even said that the Law True Intent Luo Chen comprehended was the True Intent of Withering and Flourishing!

While confusion raged in Luo Chen’s heart, Qi Xia Emperor’s laughter continued to echo beside his ears.

”The ’Tianhuang Nirvana Sutra’ is the core cultivation method of the Phoenix Clan, capable of reaching the Mahayana Period.”

”For the Human Clan, it is also an exceptional fire element cultivation method.”

”Cultivating with it can grant a speed comparable to that of a Heavenly Spirit Root. Especially after completing the Second Nirvana, possessing a Fire Spirit Body would make you even faster. After all, the Fire Spirit Body is almost identical to Strange Fire naturally born in the world, and naturally isn’t affected by the slowed cultivation speed of Heavenly Spirit Root cultivators after Nascent Soul advancement.”

”It’s even said that if you had any intelligence, you would naturally comprehend the Fire True Intent during the Nascent Soul Stage, thereby smoothly stepping into the Divine Transformation Stage.”

”But look at what you have cultivated?”

”Withering and Flourishing True Intent?”

”Isn’t that the True Intent within the laws of the Wood Element?”

”Someone practicing a fire element cultivation method but comprehending a Wood Element Law True Intent, isn’t that ridiculous?”

Luo Chen didn’t know whether it was ridiculous or not, he only knew that he was indeed profoundly influenced by the Prosperity and Decline True Fire, to the extent he hadn’t even realized it himself.

No wonder after reaching the Fourth Layer Nascent Soul, his cultivation speed slowed down.

With a Fire Spirit Body, yet grasping the Wood Element Law True Intent, the conflict between them naturally halted his progress in cultivation.

This situation was something he should have realized long ago!

Since the Attribute Panel clearly marked that the True Intent of Withering and Flourishing was indeed ”Wood”!

However, due to the high grade of the Prosperity and Decline Divine Fire, and the strength of the Divine Power of Withering and Flourishing, he deliberately ignored such hidden dangers.

He walked on a shortcut, hoping to overtake others across the accumulated efforts of thousands of years.

But in reality, this shortcut was a dead end!

If he continued, not only would it lead nowhere, future breakthroughs to Divine Transformation would also be immensely challenging.

Swallowing hard, Luo Chen involuntarily looked towards the incredibly noble woman.

”Senior, is there a solution?”

Qi Xia Emperor responded in surprise, ”Haven’t I already given it to you?”

Luo Chen was momentarily taken aback, then suddenly understood that the fire light previously sent into his body was the solution!

But for what specifically, he needed to comprehend it carefully.

”You may go now!”

Qi Xia Emperor covered her red lips with her hand, a sign of weariness creeping up, waving her hand at Luo Chen.

Luo Chen lifted his head in a daze, was this it?

”Where should I go?”

Qi Xia Emperor displayed an impatient expression, making no effort to disguise her disdain.

”Go wherever you want. If not for the Harmonization Pill, I wouldn’t bother wasting words with you.”

Luo Chen understood, his journey to Cangwu Mountain had come to an end here.

This truly was somewhat unexpected.

After all, he thought he would be staying here for a long time.

But thinking carefully, from the beginning, Qing Shuang only mentioned that Qi Xia Emperor wanted to see him.

Now that he has acquired the Harmonization Pill Formula, he, a mere Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, naturally becomes insignificant to the powerful Qi Xia Emperor.

Luo Chen felt relieved yet somewhat lost.

As he walked towards the entrance of Tungxuan Hall, he lingered a bit, feeling a hint of reluctance.

If only he could gain a bit more guidance from Qi Xia Emperor...

But he knew that was impossible. Others had already repaid him by correcting his cultivation errors in exchange for the Harmonization Pill Formula, which was quite generous.

How could he possibly ask for more?

As for the true value of the Harmonization Pill Formula, Luo Chen could not yet comprehend, but even if he did, he would still choose the exchange for today’s guidance without hesitation.

If the path beneath his feet is unsteady, what future can he speak of?

When Luo Chen stepped out of the Tungxuan Hall door, no one stopped him, showing that Qi Xia Emperor’s words ”go wherever you wish” were no deceit.

Yet this left Luo Chen feeling a bit lost.

Should he return?

...

Tap!

The black crow pecked its sharp beak on the table, swallowing a black pearl.

In an instant, a magnificent aura erupted, but as soon as it touched Qi Xia Emperor nearby, it retracted and was unwillingly swallowed by the black crow, being refined bit by bit.

”Take it slow, this is the soul of the old ancestor of the Yuan Mo Sect’s Soul Refining Lineage. Even if it’s fragmented soul refinement, it can’t be carelessly refined.”

Youquan nodded repeatedly, indeed, Yuan Jun was very kind to her, always giving her some delicious snacks during each meeting.

Footsteps echoed.

Moon Independent Cultivator entered, bowing respectfully.

”Yuan Jun, he has left.”

Qi Xia Emperor acknowledged with a sound, without inquiring about his destination.

However, Youquan lazily inquired as if she was full, ”Has he left Cangwu Mountain?”

Moon Independent Cultivator answered somewhat curiously, ”No, he went back to the cave mansion he came from.”

Youquan was not surprised, ”This kid is particularly passionate about cultivation. No wonder he has reached such a realm in merely two hundred years. And that’s without guidance from a renowned master, otherwise, he would have caught up with Qing Shuang by now. Now that he knows his problems, it’s only natural he would not want to leave our Cangwu Mountain’s excellent cultivation environment.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Xia Emperor blinked, deep in thought.

Youquan suddenly asked, ”Yuan Jun, the position of the Transmitting Truth Hall’s Hall Master has been vacant for a long time, do you really have no plans to appoint someone?”

Upon hearing the words ”Transmitting Truth Hall’s Hall Master,” Moon Independent Cultivator’s expression subtly changed.

Qi Xia Emperor said indifferently, ”There were plans, but she refuses, and now she’s trapped in the Luo Tian Intelligence Net. As for now...”

As she spoke, the woman’s gaze fell on Moon Independent Cultivator.

The other remained composed, but her heart was already pounding.

But soon, the woman’s gaze shifted beyond her, looking idly outside the hall.

”We’ll see!”

...

Unexpectedly to everyone, Luo Chen, now without restrictions, did not leave Cangwu Mountain.

He calmly returned to his previous cave mansion.

The array activated, amidst misty clouds, the grand door closed with a roar.

Sitting in the cultivation room, facing the abundant spirit qi flowing continuously, Luo Chen did not immediately begin cultivation.

Instead, he held his breath and focused his attention on the Purple Mansion.

There, a bright golden spark hovered over a small green and white tree.

The once formidable Withering and Flourishing Divine Fire now quivered as if it met its nemesis, not daring to move recklessly.

This was something even Luo Chen as the master could not achieve.

After all, the power of the Withering and Flourishing Divine Fire had already surpassed him.

Previously, he was unconcerned about this, even relying on it as his ultimate weapon.

But now, he understood what might happen if the master was weaker than the servant.

”You truly have misled me!”

Luo Chen sighed, the Nascent Soul Small Person’s gaze fell on the golden spark.

Qi Xia Emperor is indeed strong, with just a casual gesture, she could break through a cultivator’s last defense—the Purple Mansion Barrier.

Logically, Luo Chen should be alarmed and afraid.

But her indifferent attitude towards his departure made him realize, even if he were alarmed and afraid, it would be to no avail.

She simply doesn’t care about him, so why worry unnecessarily?

”She said the solution lies within.”

”Let me take a look!”

The Nascent Soul moved, summoning the golden spark.

Instantly, countless bird illusions appeared, along with a resounding phoenix cry, echoing in his heart.

Eventually, those birds formed unique characters.

Luo Chen didn’t recognize these words, but as they actively approached him, he instinctively understood their meaning.

After a while, Luo Chen slowly opened his eyes, revealing an uncontainable look of joy.

The continuation of ”Tianhuang Nirvana Sutra” techniques!

And not only for the Nascent Soul Stage, but it also includes subsequent phases like Divine Transformation, Void Refining, and Body Integration.

As for the so-called direct path to the Mahayana Period, that’s impossible for Luo Chen.

Because he is ultimately not of Phoenix descent.

But this is already enough!

According to the technique, once the cultivation is successfully shifted back, he can completely control all the fires in the world.

If he reaches the stage of completion, he might even cultivate his own Nirvana Sacred Fire!

Luo Chen doesn’t aspire for the so-called Nirvana Sacred Fire, just fully mastering the Withering and Flourishing Divine Fire is enough. If he can wield this fire in the Nascent Soul Stage without any burden, that would be even better.