An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

The Feather Garment Pavilion and Heavenly Melody Pavilion were the two main attractions of Tianxiang Tower. The women here performed arts and did not sell their bodies.

Of course, if a high-ranking cultivator took a liking to one, or if someone offered enough spirit stones, that was a different matter. After all, you couldn’t stop someone from pursuing a better future.

The fact that they gained such fame in a place like this naturally had its reasons.

Think about it, female cultivators who had achieved success in Qi-Refining and maintained themselves would hardly ever look unattractive. Add in superb dancing skills or a melodious voice, paired with enchanting techniques infused with spirit energy, and the spectacle would undoubtedly be breathtaking.

And here was Luo Chen, standing outside the pavilion, watching a dance unlike anything he had ever seen in this life or the last.

Five female cultivators, dressed in exquisite and elegant dresses, danced gracefully on the elevated stage inside the pavilion.

At times, they soared lightly into the air, and at others, they descended gently to the ground. Their sleeves flowed as the mist rose, making it seem as though they were in the realm of immortals. And these female cultivators were the fairies of that immortal realm. After the performance ended, Luo Chen couldn’t help but grumble, ”No wonder those cultivators rush to Tianxiang Tower as soon as they earn some spirit stones. With dances this beautiful, why didn’t anyone tell me sooner?”

When Gu Caiyi came outside, she happened to see Luo Chen squatting on the ground, drawing circles. ”What are you doing?”

Luo Chen raised his head, gazing at her pitifully like she was a fairy.

”Sister Caiyi, I’m your little brother, right?”

Uh…

”As your brother, I really want to support your work. Could I start escorting you to work every day? Maybe even watch you rehearse your dances?”

Gu Caiyi was a little stunned. Where is this coming from?

After thinking for a moment, she covered her mouth and laughed softly. ”You’re not just trying to leech off Tianxiang Tower’s spirit energy, are you?”

”How could I?” Luo Chen protested righteously. ”I’m not that kind of person. I’m just worried that one of your fanatics might try something inappropriate when you’re coming or going.”

”Don’t worry. I’m an eighth stage Qi-Refining cultivator, after all. I don’t pay attention to common ruffians.” Gu Caiyi shook her head and added, ”And it’s not like you can’t come in. Just pay the five spirit stone entrance fee every evening, and you can watch the dances to your heart’s content.”

Five spirit stones!

Luo Chen immediately stood up. ”Fellow Daoist Caiyi, time is spirit stones. Please take me to see Miss Xiangxiang! I have an important business deal to discuss with her.”

”Hehe, follow me!”

In the waterside pavilion.

Within the uniquely designed incense burner, a stick of calming incense burned softly.

Gu Caiyi sat by the gazebo, casually feeding the koi fish. Luo Chen, meanwhile, sat across from a young woman who was far more beautiful than Gu Caiyi. Of course, Luo Chen would never mistake her for a girl of fifteen or sixteen.

From what he knew, Miss Xiangxiang had been cultivating for over twenty years, so her real age had to be in her thirties, at least. She just happened to look rather youthful.

However, childlike appearances weren’t his thing; Luo Chen still preferred someone like Caiyi. Besides, she was a ninth stage Qi-Refining cultivator, so he had to tread carefully.

”So, you’re Caiyi’s neighbor?”

”The Little Luo next door, that’s me.”

”I heard you make a living as an alchemist?”

”A minor skill, barely enough to get by.”

”But you rely solely on making fasting pills, it seems unlikely you can sustain yourself in the inner city for long.”

Luo Chen fell silent. He realized something was off about Miss Xiangxiang.

Isn’t today supposed to be about selling a second-hand alchemy furnace? Why is she asking so many questions?

Yu Xiang smiled faintly. ”I’m curious about what kind of pills you’re making with a low-quality spirit iron pot that earns you so many spirit stones.”

”Well…” Luo Chen hesitated.

Some female cultivators of Tanxiang Tower were victims of the popular Myriad Wonders pill. However, some also benefited from it. Still, admitting in front of others that he made it still felt a little strange.

”I won’t ask for free. Sell me one pill to satisfy my curiosity. I’ll pay fifty spirit stones as the price of making a friend.”

Yu Xiang flicked her hand, and a half-human-tall purple alchemy furnace appeared in the pavilion.

Thud!

Luo Chen’s gaze was immediately drawn to it.

This was the Purple Cloud Copper Furnace, a first-tier, low-grade enchanted artifact! It was made in Tianfan City and sold by Treasure Pavilion. It was definitely not some unbranded knockoff.

”Let’s be friends. In the future, if I have any questions about alchemy, I’ll have someone to consult,” Luo Chen said as he stared fixedly at the Purple Cloud Copper Furnace. He then casually replied, ”My pill sells for five spirit stones a piece. You’re overpaying at fifty.”

”I don’t evaluate friendships based on profit or loss,” Yu Xiang smiled. ”Besides, your alchemical skill is worth a proper furnace.”

She had said so much, what more was there to say?

Anyway, Luo Chen wasn’t losing out. He was more than happy to make her a fellow alchemist!

He swiftly took out two hundred fifty spirit stones, along with a bottle of Myriad Wonders pills.

”This pill is called the Myriad Wonders pill. Its properties are mild, with vitality-boosting and mind-enchanting effects. It contains abundant spirit energy that can replace a cultivator’s essence during moments of intensity. No more than three pills per day; overuse may damage one’s essence lock. Additionally, this pill has slight aphrodisiac effects on female cultivators and is not recommended for their use.”

It was rare for Luo Chen to explain the details of the Myriad Wonders pill. He didn’t say any of the ”foundation strengthening” nonsense as that was all marketing fluff.

After finishing in one breath, Luo Chen stood up, stowed the Purple Cloud Copper Furnace in his storage pouch, cupped his hands in thanks, and left gracefully.

Watching his elegant departure and then glancing at the pill bottle on the table, Yu Xiang was momentarily dazed.

Did I just spend fifty spirit stones on a bottle of vitality pills for male cultivators?

She turned to look at Gu Caiyi, who was leaning on the railing, her fish food long since gone. At that moment, Gu Caiyi’s expression was also one of disbelief.

Yu Xiang’s face was full of bemusement. ”Caiyi, your neighbor’s pills are a bit… unconventional.”

Gu Caiyi forced a stiff smile. ”Maybe… it’s because of financial necessity!”

Right!

”When I explained the pill so earnestly, my expression must have been serious. They wouldn’t think I’m an improper cultivator… right?” Luo Chen muttered to himself as he replayed the events in his mind and felt confident he had left a good impression on Miss Xiangxiang.

Perhaps in the future, there would be opportunities to discuss alchemy, sneak into Tianxiang Tower to soak up some spirit energy, and watch Caiyi’s dance performances.

As he left Tianxiang Tower, he realized night had fallen. The building was brightly lit, and the sounds of lively conversations filled the air as women moved to and fro. Some male cultivators entering from outside had lost their usual dignified and ethereal demeanor.

Luo Chen scoffed inwardly. A bunch of weak-willed, indulgent wastrels! I’m nothing like them!

”Is that Fellow Daoist Luo?” A hesitant greeting came from nearby.

Luo Chen instinctively looked over and saw his old customer, Zeng Wen, with his arms around two women, looking at him uncertainly.

Luo Chen swallowed nervously. ”Fellow Daoist Zeng, you’ve got the wrong person.”

He had removed his black veiled hat earlier while speaking with Miss Xiangxiang, but he’d forgotten to put it back on before leaving.

What a blunder!

Zeng Wen released the women at his sides and warmly grabbed Luo Chen’s hand.

”Ah, I knew I wasn’t mistaken. Fellow Daoist Luo, what a coincidence! Are you here for inspiration?”

Uh…

”Could it be… you’re personally here to test the effects of the Myriad Wonders pill?” Zeng Wen’s eyes lit up, and he patted Luo Chen’s shoulder. ”I never imagined Fellow Daoist Luo would be so dedicated. You mentioned last time there were areas to improve the pill. You must be here now to fill in the gaps!”

Luo Chen, usually proud but found himself a bit flustered under the genuine gratitude of his old customer.

When Zeng Wen enthusiastically invited him to share fine wine and admire beautiful women, Luo Chen finally caved.

”The issues have already been identified. There will be better Myriad Wonders pills available in the future. Fellow Daoist Zeng, I must take my leave now.”

With that, Luo Chen fled the scene.

Watching Luo Chen’s graceful departure, Zeng Wen sighed deeply and said, ”I’ve met a few rogue alchemist cultivators in my time, but none as dedicated as Fellow Daoist Luo. Truly, choosing him was the best decision I’ve ever made.”