An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

The entire hall was steeped in a reddish hue, with square tables and soft couches neatly arranged throughout. Luo Chen silently observed the other attendees without betraying a single emotion.

Aside from the attendants, everyone present was a Foundation Establishment Initiate. Across from him were Kang Dongyue and Yu Rou from two local cultivation families, as well as two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Spirit Herb Pavilion and Treasure Pavilion.

There were no signs of Foundation Establishment Initiates from sect-affiliated businesses of the outer domains. Or rather, the Taishan Market side had never planned to send any Foundation Establishment Initiates at all. After all, Taishan Market wasn’t nearly as important as Dahe Market. The major sects simply didn’t have enough Foundation Establishment Initiates to assign to distant outposts.

The elderly cultivator with a head full of silvery hair likely hailed from the Snow Lotus Market. Another Foundation Establishment Initiate had a sallow, waxy complexion. Luo Chen couldn’t place his origin, but he was likely a rogue cultivator from the surrounding area.

Including the four from Dahe Market, the total number of Foundation Establishment cultivators just reached double digits.

For a modest market town, that was quite a crowd. But considering this was right after an auction, it wasn’t entirely surprising.

Even so, compared to the turnout back at Dahe Market, this felt like a lesser gathering.

Hmm? As Luo Chen was scanning the others, he suddenly sensed someone staring intently at him.

Without making it obvious, he glanced sideways with the corner of his eye toward the source.

That wax-faced Foundation Establishment cultivator again? Why is he staring at me?

Though it was only a brief glance, Luo Chen still caught the sinister glint in the man’s expression.

Since my Foundation Establishment, I haven’t made many enemies. Why would he look at me like that... Or perhaps... The Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method?

That’s it!

In the blink of an eye, Luo Chen realized why this man harbored such hostility toward him. At the auction earlier, it was this very man who had competed with him for the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method.

Judging from his complexion, the man didn’t look like a healthy Foundation Establishment cultivator. It must have been damage to his core, either from youth or during his breakthrough.

If he desired the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method so badly, then perhaps his injuries were related to pill toxins?

In the span of a heartbeat, countless thoughts raced through Luo Chen’s mind, but he didn’t move a muscle. He remained perfectly still, quietly waiting.

Moments later, Huo Hu arrived at the main seat, his face flushed with energy and good spirits.

”Thank you all for showing support for the Huo family today! This banquet has been prepared to express our gratitude.

”Please, take your seats!”

Wang Haichao, who had been chatting while standing, now left Kang Dongyue and Yu Rou to return to the Dahe Market side.

However, his seat was now positioned more toward the front, and slightly farther from Luo Chen’s trio. This scene did not escape the eyes of the three cultivators from Dahe Market. Everyone knew exactly what it implied without needing to say a word.

After several rounds of wine, Huo Hu spoke a few polite and diplomatic words, generally expressing hope that everyone would continue to support the development of Taishan Market in the future.

Eventually, the discussion turned toward the four major factions from Dahe Market.

Looking at Wang Haichao and his group, Huo Hu reined in his smile.

”Our Taishan Market is small and lacking in resources, we truly can’t support too many Foundation Establishment Initiates. So this time, we can only accommodate one of your factions to settle here.

”After much deliberation, the Huo family has made a decision on behalf of Taishan Market.

”Fellow Daoist Wang’s Dajiang Gang excels at waterborne trade, making excellent use of the Lancang River’s geography. Therefore, we’ve decided to allow only the Dajiang Gang to remain.”

After the declaration was made, Huo Hu said nothing further, smiling as he observed the others.

Nangong Jin’s face darkened instantly.

Wang Haichao didn’t hesitate. He rose immediately and pledged to cooperate harmoniously with the three great families of Taishan Market for shared development.

Even though it had been expected, this moment still brought a pang of gloom to Li Yixian’s heart. She couldn’t help but glance sideways at Luo Chen, only to find him utterly composed, as calm as ever.

Well, that makes sense. He already knew the outcome. Any hope was just self-deception, after all. thought Li Yixian.

With the Dajiang Gang confirmed to stay, the banquet had essentially lost its purpose to continue.

Huo Hu shifted the topic and asked Nangong Jin and the others where they planned to go.

”If you haven’t found a suitable place yet, I do have a recommendation.

”Glowing Stream Market! A hundred years ago, it was still a bustling market. Although it declined after being ruined by the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, the foundation is still there.

”Nowadays, only the Bai family resides there. There’s more than enough room to accommodate your groups.”

Nangong Jin seemed intrigued.

Li Yixian, however, looked hesitant. That place... its reputation isn’t exactly stellar.

”Of course, it’s only a suggestion. Whether you go or not is entirely up to you.

”But as for Taishan Market, I’m afraid you won’t be able to stay here much longer.”

Li Yixian and Nangong Jin exchanged glances.

So this is a dismissal order, then.

Huo Hu was quite pleased with how things had turned out. The auction had concluded smoothly, and the Dajiang Gang was now positioned to support the Huo family.

As for himself, he had successfully avoided being dragged into the war between the two Nascent Soul sects of the Flame Alliance.

In a few more years, once the Huo family grew strong enough, he could return to the Flame Alliance to resume cultivation. Everything was proceeding in perfect order.

His gaze swept over the worried Nangong Jin and the contemplative Li Yixian, and a smile crept onto his face.

A few stray dogs, nothing more! And they still dreamed of squeezing into Taishan Market?

Though this place wasn’t exactly a cultivation sanctuary, it was still the foundation of the Huo family’s strength.

However, when his eyes fell on Luo Chen, silent and composed, his smile faltered just slightly.

This man... he really didn’t like him.

***

After the banquet came to an end, the Foundation Establishment cultivators each made their way down Chican Mountain.

Luo Chen and Kang Dongyue stepped aside to speak privately.

The elder retrieved a scroll from his storage pouch and handed it to Luo Chen. ”This is the map you asked for. It shows three relatively safe routes to Tianlan Immortal City.”

Luo Chen’s eyes lit up as he tightened his grip on the scroll. ”Many thanks, Fellow Daoist.”

Kang Dongyue waved his hand dismissively. ”No need for thanks, we’re not strangers. I’m hoping that once you’re settled, you’ll continue large-scale pill refinement and keep collaborating with our Kang Family’s Golden Stone Pavilion.”

”Of course!” replied Luo Chen.

”One more thing, I must remind you. These routes are only relatively safe. I’ve marked several areas where raiding cultivators frequently appear. Be cautious when you pass through them.”

Luo Chen nodded solemnly.

He had paid a considerable price for this map, more than most would be willing to part with.

Truth be told, he already possessed a partial route to Tianlan Immortal City. It had come from the memoirs of the Soul-Refining Hermit, a fragment of a journey recorded long ago. But that path was over a century, maybe two, out of date. The world shifted with time, especially in the cultivation realm, where a hundred years could erase mountains and birth new rivers. What was once familiar might now be nothing but forgotten ruins.

The Kang family, on the other hand, had been rooted in this region for generations. If anyone had an accurate, up-to-date map, it would be them. Their long-standing presence guaranteed regular updates and reliable information.

That was reason enough, Luo Chen needed a new map. One he could trust.

”Fellow Daoist Kang, though I journey thousands of li from here, I hope we’ll meet again one day,” Luo Chen said with a sincere cupped-fist salute.

Kang Dongyue smiled and returned the gesture. ”May the winds favor your journey. I wish you a bright future and longevity within reach!”

Watching Luo Chen fly off on his cloud, Kang Dongyue couldn’t help but sigh with emotion.

Ah, to be young again...

After reaching Foundation Establishment, he had no burdens, no ties, he could just leave whenever he pleased. Not like him, rooted in one place. The older he got, the less he wanted to stir things up.

”Fellow Daoist Kang, are you close with that Foundation Establishment cultivator from Dahe Market?” came a soft voice beside him.

Kang Dongyue chuckled. ”I wouldn’t say we’re close, but he’s certainly an interesting person.”

Yu Rou stood beside him, a contemplative look in her eyes.

”You want to get to know him?” Kang Dongyue asked with interest.

Yu Rou quickly shook her head. ”No, I’m just curious, that’s all.”

Kang Dongyue frowned slightly. Just curious?

***

By the time he returned to the ship, night had fully fallen. Yet aboard the Luo Tian Society’s vessel, lights still blazed brightly.

”President, when are we leaving?” Sima Huiniang asked curiously.

Luo Chen took out the scroll and placed it into her hands. ”At first light tomorrow!”

Sima Huiniang was surprised. That soon?

But she voiced no objection. In the society, Luo Chen’s word was law.

Now that departure was set for the next morning, they would have to get busy tonight.

Once Sima Huiniang had left, Luo Chen finally brought out the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method.

Settle down in Taishan Market?

That had never been his intention from the beginning! The place was small, its resources sparse, far inferior to Dahe Market.

Most importantly, it lacked a strong cultivation environment.

With his naturally poor aptitude, if he wanted to achieve Core Formation early, he needed a second-tier or even third-tier spirit land!

Taishan Market simply couldn’t provide that. In fact, most established market towns couldn’t meet that requirement at all.

Only the Immortal Cities, the true great ones, could.

Coming to this place had never been about settling down; it was simply a safe waypoint, a transitional phase to smoothly distance themselves from Dahe Market. At the same time, it provided Luo Chen with the perfect opportunity to temper the cultivators of the Luo Tian Society along the journey.

After all, the earliest stretch of any long expedition was often the most difficult. It was when unexpected troubles and internal discord were most likely to surface. If the group could unite from the outset, everything that came later would be much smoother.

Beyond that, Luo Chen’s most important goal lay in the detoxification method now in his hands.

Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method.

”According to Kang Dongyue, it was obtained by the Flame Alliance during the early skirmishes between two Nascent Soul sects. The heritage came from a Foundation Establishment disciple of Green Pill Valley.

”Green Pill Valley...” Muttering the name, Luo Chen found himself intrigued.

Most rogue cultivators in Dahe Market only knew of the famed pills from the Medicine King Sect. However, nearly every sect dabbled in pill refinement to some degree.

After all, pills that supported their own divine techniques and cultivation methods were lifelines, no one would leave those in the hands of others.

Just like the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect’s signature Clarity Essence.

Then there was Green Pill Valley, a Golden Core-tier sect located within the Jade Cauldron Domain. Known for its expertise in alchemy, the sect had earned a reputation for crafting potent medicinal pills, particularly those used during the Foundation Establishment Realm. But due to limited sect strength, they couldn’t spread their industry across the entire Jade Cauldron Domain, making them relatively unknown among low-tier rogue cultivators.

Sects like this had pushed their research into every facet of pill refinement to the limits of their capability. Pill toxins, though seemingly subtle, had a major impact on pill efficacy, so it made perfect sense that they would devote great effort into studying it.

”According to the text, even at the Beginner level, one could mildly dissolve trace amounts of pill toxins.

”Minor mastery would take about three years, allowing the cultivator to suppress the spread of pill toxins.” To fully eliminate pill toxins would require at least five years.

”To achieve full mastery of the method would take no less than ten years, and even then, only if the cultivator was naturally talented at spell-based cultivation.

”Yet once mastered, the benefits were substantial. By circulating this method regularly while consuming pills, one could continuously neutralize pill toxins. It could even convert traces of latent medicinal essence into absorbable spirit power, purifying the meridians and strengthening one’s foundation.”

Time!

After studying it briefly, Luo Chen came to one clear realization, this technique demanded an extraordinary amount of time to cultivate.

No wonder the technique hadn’t gained popularity among low-tier cultivators. For low-tier cultivators, time was their most precious resource.

Ten years! How many decades did a low-tier cultivator even have in their lifetime? Even if they managed to learn the technique, where would they get the endless supply of pills?

Even for Foundation Establishment cultivators, not to mention those in Qi-Refining, this technique seemed almost impractical. Anyone who could reach Foundation Establishment, rogue cultivator or not, likely didn’t have terrible aptitude.

Instead of wasting years purging pill toxins, it made more sense to simply control one’s intake from the start, avoiding the condition altogether.

Luo Chen suddenly thought, but I, on the other hand, desperately need this technique. It can help me dissolve the poison already within me.

Besides, my talent in spell cultivation far surpasses my aptitude in cultivation or alchemy. Major mastery may be ambitious, but reaching minor mastery shouldn’t be difficult.

Once he reached minor mastery, he would be able to halt the formation of any new pill toxins. At that point, he could safely accelerate his cultivation using pills.

Give him ten years, maybe even a little less, and with the proficiency system boosting his progress, major mastery would be well within reach. A decade’s time still kept him comfortably away from the deadline pressures of Golden Core formation, giving him the freedom to prepare thoroughly for the next realm.

Once he resolved the lingering effects of pill toxins, he would still have ample time to gather the resources needed for Core Formation.

Luo Chen’s eyes weren’t fixed on the present. His vision stretched far into the future. He had never been the kind to be swayed by temporary hardship.

After all, this was the same Luo Chen who once spent countless hours refining the humble Fireball, taking it from basic to refined, evolving it even after reaching Perfected Mastery. It could be said that Luo Chen had never lacked patience or determination.

After reviewing the method once more, Luo Chen began cultivating according to its instructions.

“The sea of qi must remain pure; how can the Dao Foundation tolerate corruption?” he murmured.

”All returns to the source in time; detox begins with clarity...” He gathered a trace of spirit power within his body, attempting to form a small vortex.

Ugh! A muffled grunt escaped him as his face briefly turned pale.

His first attempt failed.

Trying to create a vortex of spirit power in a calm and undisturbed sea of qi was bound to stir inner turbulence. That moment of disruption caused his sea of qi to ripple violently for an instant. The result was damage to countless tiny meridians connected to his sea of qi.

Thankfully, my Physical-Refining is at Perfected Mastery. This minor damage won’t affect much.

If necessary, I can still use meridian repair liquid. Though that would be nothing more than drinking poison to quench thirst.

The medicinal effect of the Meridian Repair Liquid relied on circulation through both the meridians and the sea of qi in order to properly take effect. But that very process came with an inevitable side effect, it would also generate trace amounts of pill toxins. In essence, using the liquid would be no different from detoxifying with one hand while ingesting poison with the other.

Still, given the current circumstances, it was necessary.

Taking a deep breath, Luo Chen attempted again.

There was no denying it, his talent in spellcasting was truly remarkable. Even after several initial failures, he remained calm and persistent. Then, almost without warning, a faint vortex of spirit power began to form within his sea of qi, delicate but stable.

With unwavering concentration, Luo Chen directed his full focus into the vortex, carefully guiding its rotation, keeping it steady and controlled. Each subtle shift was precise, a testament to both his aptitude and his unshakable will.

***

The night passed, and the world was cloaked in a misty white haze. Luo Chen slowly emerged from his intense cultivation of the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method.

In that very moment, a nauseating stench reached his nose.

Huh? Luo Chen extended a finger beneath his robes, swiping across his lower abdomen.

A thin, wet layer of black filth coated the pad of his finger. An uncomfortable sensation clung to his skin.

Activating his Spirit Eyes, he discovered that his entire body was covered in a faint layer of grime, especially around his navel, where it was most revolting.

”So the saying about expelling filth through your pores wasn’t just a joke, huh?” Luo Chen chuckled lightly, not annoyed, but rather pleased. This meant the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method was already taking effect.

Even at the Beginner level, it had begun purging residual pill toxins from his body. If he could refine the technique to true proficiency, he would be able to dissolve the pill toxins that had congealed along the inner walls of his sea of qi.

He drew clean water from his storage pouch. Stripping down, he thoroughly washed himself from head to toe.

Afterward, he donned a fresh set of robes. Though there was no longer any smell, Luo Chen, driven by habit and psychological discomfort, cast Cleanse on himself. Only then did he feel truly clean, without a speck of filth remaining on him.

And to his own surprise, just one night had made a noticeable difference. His complexion had visibly improved, and even the signs of age on his skin seemed to soften. The once slightly weathered texture of middle age now appeared smoother, with a healthy, almost youthful glow.

So the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method even had detoxifying and beautifying effects? Luo Chen shook his head with a faint smile and stepped outside.

At that moment, the mist still lingered thick, and a massive flying boat hovered above the Lancang River.

With a slight movement, Luo Chen alighted on the vessel’s deck. Gazing into the distance, three grand peaks rose amidst the clouds, exuding an almost sacred, celestial aura.

Luo Chen curled his lips slightly and turned his gaze to the riverbank.

Li Yixian and Nangong Jin stood there with members of their respective families, all looking up at him.

The Luo Tian Society’s activity from the previous night hadn’t escaped notice. That was why this scene had unfolded.

With hands clasped behind his back, Luo Chen stared at the two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

No words were exchanged.

In the end, Luo Chen gave a faint nod.

From beyond the horizon of the great river, a sliver of golden light appeared.

”Let’s go!”