An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

Twenty days later, Luo Chen sat alone in his quiet chamber, his gaze fixed on the status panel before him. A contemplative light flickered in his eyes.

Realm: Foundation Establishment Stage Two (26/100)

The cultivation progress bar had increased by a full two points. This wasn’t solely the result of the Qi-Consolidation pill. For the past nine days, Luo Chen had been using the Ascending Dragon pill instead. He reflected on the numbers, comparing them with his experience.

In the past, without the assistance of pills and cultivating solely in a second-tier low-grade cave residence, I managed twenty-two points in a full year. That is about two points every forty days. Now, with second-tier pills aiding me, my speed has doubled. At this rate, it would still take around a thousand years to reach Perfected Mastery in the Foundation Establishment Realm.

The result left Luo Chen both pleased and disheartened. He was glad to know that he could indeed boost his cultivation rate, but the degree of improvement still felt far too small. A mere doubling? For prodigies with outstanding aptitude, that was a massive gain. For him, it was still far from enough.

Luo Chen let out a quiet sigh, shaking off his disappointment and forcing himself back into focus. ”At the very least, I’ve seen hope.”

A doubled cultivation speed was nothing to scoff at, and he still had room for further improvement. What interested him now was the comparison between the two pills.

The Qi-Consolidation pill is balanced, gentle in nature, and low in toxicity. It lives up to its reputation as the Medicine King Sect’s specialty. However, its downside is that its medicinal power is slightly inferior to that of the Ascending Dragon pill. Luo Chen thought.

This wasn’t a guess, but a conclusion drawn from twenty days of precise observation. It had taken him eleven full days to advance the first point with the Qi-Consolidation Pill. After that, he deliberately switched to the Ascending Dragon Pill, and it had taken only nine days. From this, it was clear that in terms of converting medicinal power into spirit energy, the Qi-Consolidation pill was outclassed by the Ascending Dragon pill.

As the Green Pill Valley’s flagship second-tier pill, the Ascending Dragon pill’s greatest strength is its immense medicinal power. But its flaws are just as evident! The power is so overwhelming that it strains the meridians during circulation, requires high control from the cultivator, and seems to leave behind more pill toxins.

After weighing the two, Luo Chen was not surprised by the result. The Medicine King Sect had lasted nearly a thousand years in the cultivation world by being dependable. Their orthodox pills were balanced, effective, and carefully crafted to avoid harming the body. In contrast, the Green Pill Valley was only a few centuries old. It had secured its place in the Jade Cauldron Domain with boldness and unconventional methods. The Ascending Dragon pill, while potent, came with pronounced side effects.

Any reasonable cultivator would choose the Qi-Consolidation pill. But in reality, many cultivators were either greedy for faster breakthroughs or pressured by dwindling lifespan; most were more than willing to use the Ascending Dragon pill, and Luo Chen was one of them!

Luo Chen had no intention of continuing with the Qi-Consolidation pill. The Ascending Dragon pill would serve as his primary cultivation aid in the Foundation Establishment Realm for that extra bit of spirit energy. Over time, that “extra bit” could amount to several, even dozens, of progress points.

As for the side effects? Luo Chen didn’t fear them. His divine soul was exceptionally refined, and his control over spirit power could rival any peer at his level. Dispersing and redirecting medicinal power? That was nothing to him.

Pill toxins were even less of a concern. At this point, a few more toxins were nothing more than a few more fleas on a body already covered in bites. Every pill left behind toxins, and the Clear Origin Mystical Pill Method would eventually purge them all.

As for the meridian damage, he cared even less! For the past year, the continuous use of Golden Jade Liquid had brought his body close to completing its transformation into Golden Flesh and Jade Bones. By then, he would have reached what Wang Yuan described as the superficial second stage of Physical-Refining. What was “superficial” lay in the method, not in the body itself.

His physical form would be truly formidable. With a second-stage physique, his meridians would be broad and resilient, easily withstanding the impact of medicinal power without sustaining real harm. Even if there were minor hidden injuries, he could simply spend some spirit stones and buy Meridian Repair Liquid to recover. In short, if it can be solved with spirit stones, it’s not a problem at all!

Luo Chen muttered, ”It seems I’ll need to stock up on the Green Pill Valley’s Ascending Dragon pills.”

Luo Chen didn’t have many left in his storage pouch; most of them were leftovers from Duan Qiankun’s belongings. He had already divided the inheritance from that pouch. Duan Feng had received the vital Foundation Establishment resources along with a supreme-grade enchanted artifact, the rattle drum. Wang Yuan had obtained two top-grade enchanted artifacts, several second-tier resources, and one hundred fifty mid-grade spirit stones, which are equivalent to fifteen thousand low-grade ones. As for himself, he had kept fifty mid-grade spirit stones, one top-grade spirit stone, and a low-grade enchanted sword scabbard.

On the surface, it looked like Luo Chen had taken the worst deal. But in truth, there was a large cache of resources he hadn’t allocated. With Duan Feng and Wang Yuan’s consent, he had invested them in the Luo Tian Society instead.

That contribution was converted into a substantial amount of merit points, and both men were rewarded generously. As for those two mithril-wrapped iron spheres, they had been handed over to the Artifact Hall. Once Duan Feng identified them, they would be dealt with accordingly.

Now, merit within the Luo Tian Society wasn’t some empty concept. It held real value, as Luo Chen had made available more than just standard techniques, materials, and spells. Several of his own Foundation Establishment insights, guides on spirit consciousness usage, and detailed spell breakdowns were included. In addition, his improved essence nurturing liquid and meticulously refined Spirit Passage pills were also made available.

To Qi-Refining cultivators, these were priceless resources that could not be bought with spirit stones, only earned through merit points. The system was designed to drive low-tier cultivators to participate and contribute, strengthening the Luo Tian Society and increasing its overall wealth.

Naturally, the wealth Luo Chen would eventually harvest far exceeded what he’d earn from simply selling these items. After all, direct sales only brought in the value of a single unit. But when displayed and made redeemable, what he earned was the compounded value of collective effort and what everyone together could build and produce!

***

”Master, you’re finally out!” Bai Meiling called out.

The moment Luo Chen stepped out from the quiet cultivation chamber, a graceful figure flashed across the cave residence and appeared at his side.

Luo Chen glanced helplessly at the adorable girl clinging to his arm. ”I’ve told you countless times not to call me ‘Master.’”

”But you are my master!” Bai Meiling replied earnestly, her clear, soulful eyes full of conviction.

Luo Chen shook his head, deciding not to argue the point any further. With a flick, three transmission talismans flew into his hand.

Bai Meiling let go of his arm and floated leisurely around the cave residence. Her ethereal body drifted effortlessly through solid walls, only to be gently repelled at the boundaries of the formation. As she floated, a faint and haunting bell tone rang out, resonating deep in the soul. It was an enchanted artifact Luo Chen had acquired in his early days. One he had named it the Soul-Grieving Bell.

Its grade wasn’t high; he had only used it once before during the battle with Shan Xiu. Now that Luo Chen had reached Foundation Establishment, a mere mid-grade enchanted artifact was of little significance to him. Selling it would barely fetch a few hundred spirit stones. So, he had given it to Bai Meiling instead.

After absorbing the essence of numerous ghosts, Bai Meiling’s form had stabilized considerably. Combined with her persistent cultivation of the Soul-Refining True Art, she had now firmly stepped onto the path of a ghost cultivator. It was a path Luo Chen didn’t know well, so he could only let her explore it on her own. Over time, though she hadn’t fully regained her memories, fragments of the past had begun returning.

Luo Chen had also taken her to meet Feng Xia, Gu Caiyi, and Murong Qinglian a few times. As for their reactions upon meeting her, shock, joy, and heartfelt emotion, it went without saying. Feng Xia, who had been closest to her, even broke into tears. Bai Meiling herself, however, had felt little. To her, the elder sisters were simply kind people. She still preferred staying near Luo Chen.

From the moment Bai Meiling gained awareness, she had felt a natural attachment to Luo Chen. He was the one who had brought her out of the pitch-black ghost abyss. He was the one who captured spirits for her, helping her form a ghostly true body and lay the foundation for her cultivation. He even gave her the Soul-Refining True Art, guiding her onto an unconventional path of cultivation. To her, Luo Chen was the one who had given her a second life, her true master.

”Has anyone come looking for me lately?” Luo Chen asked casually while pinching the three transmission talismans between his fingers. Over time, he had stopped fussing over Bai Meiling’s constant habit of calling him “Master.”

Bai Meiling squatted in the corner, fiddling with a piece of Soul-Nurturing Wood and some Moonlight Herb. She looked up and replied earnestly, ”Senior Li Yixian came by. Director Sima also came. And there was one very fierce Foundation Establishment Initiate who showed up too.”

The first two names caused no surprise. The last, however, made Luo Chen pause. A fierce Foundation Establishment Initiate? Who could that be?

Luo Chen took a seat at the stone chair and activated the three voice-transmission talismans in turn.

”Fellow Daoist Luo Chen, it has been so long. I find myself thinking of you often. Lately, I’ve faced many troubles and burdens with no one to confide in. If you’ve emerged from seclusion, I hope we may meet again. With your wisdom and grace, perhaps you could ease my heart’s confusion.” transmitted from Li Yixian.

Luo Chen frowned slightly. Had something happened to Li Yixian?

For her words to carry such vulnerability, this wasn’t like the composed and stoic cultivator he knew. This didn’t match the image of a seasoned cultivator who had cultivated in solitude for decades.

While pondering, he activated the second talisman.

”Is this Fellow Daoist Luo Chen? I’m Chu Kui. Let’s share a drink sometime and become friends,” came the message.

After hearing that, Luo Chen was slightly stunned. Chu Kui? What did he want with me?

On Luo Chen’s very first day in Tianlan Immortal City, Xu Xiaoliu had mentioned the man’s fearsome reputation. He is a regular at the Debate Platform and ranked among the top ten elites on Tianlan Immortal City’s Elite Prodigy Board. Neither a disciple of a prestigious sect nor the leader of a faction, Chu Kui was a lone cultivator who had reached the peak entirely through personal strength. Rumor claimed he had already stepped into late stage Foundation Establishment. And such a figure had taken the initiative to befriend him?

This must be the “fierce one” Little Ling mentioned... Might as well find some time to meet him and see what his intentions are, Luo Chen thought.

Luo Chen knew few native Foundation Establishment cultivators in Tianlan Immortal City. Aside from opportunists like Lu Rong, who had tried to take advantage of him upon first meeting, he generally preferred to form ties on amicable terms. Even during the conflict at Danxia Peak, he hadn’t struck to kill. It was just that Cao Wanchun had neither the skill nor the temperament to back his bravado, and after losing, had still dared to retaliate.

As Wang Yuan had said, “He was asking for death!”

If a top expert wished to meet, there was no reason to refuse. Only by broadening his network could he avoid the fate of reclusive cultivators who emerged from seclusion only to find the world had changed beyond recognition.

Lastly, Luo Chen activated the transmission talisman from Sima Huiniang. After hearing the message, his expression remained calm as if he had expected it all along.

”Little Ling, I’m heading to Danxia Peak. Want to come see Feng Xia, Caiyi, and the others?”

Bai Meiling was squatting in a corner, channeling spirit energy as she watered the Soul-Nurturing Wood with a tiny jade sprinkler. Without even looking up, she replied, “Nope, not going.”

Luo Chen sighed. Whether it was because she had turned into a ghost cultivator or due to memory loss, Bai Meiling’s personality hadn’t changed, but she no longer seemed to feel any attachment to them aside from him. Each time they had met, she remained distant and indifferent. As though those people were mere acquaintances and nothing more.

”Very well. You’ve learned to manage all three formations in the cave, haven’t you? While I’m gone, take care of the place for me. No going outside, understand?” Luo Chen instructed.

Bai Meiling kept her head down, still tending to the tender shoots of the Soul-Nurturing Wood as she replied, ”Understood.”

Luo Chen shook his head and turned away. Exiting the cave residence, he passed through three layers of formations, each opening before him and sealing shut once he stepped beyond. The roar of the nearby waterfall filled his ears.

Instinctively, Luo Chen glanced toward the neighboring cave. He could faintly make out several figures moving about inside. His spirit consciousness did not detect Li Yixian among them, so they could only be members of the Li family.

Half a year ago, Li Yixian had taken in several of her eighth and ninth stage Qi-Refining cultivators of the Li family to live with her. The intention was obvious; she wanted to maximize the value of that second-tier, low-grade cave residence. But in doing so, she’s slowing down her own cultivation speed.

Luo Chen merely sighed inwardly. He wouldn’t interfere. Every family had its own difficulties. Even renting a second-tier low-grade cave for ten years costs a fortune in spirit stones. Not everyone had his financial freedom.

To monopolize such a residence was a luxury few could afford. For instance, Nangong Jin had brought Nangong Qin and two younger family members to share his own cave after recovering from injury. In fact, on the whole of Tianlan Peak, the vast majority of residences were not occupied by single cultivators. Some lived with their Dao companions, others with family, and sometimes even friends would rent it together. As for these arrangements, the Binglan Palace simply turned a blind eye. After all, the rental contract never explicitly stated that a cave residence could only house a single occupant. Most of its terms focused on protecting the fundamental infrastructure of the cave and, most critically, forbade any attempt to mine the raw spirit stone veins beneath Tianlan Peak. If anyone violated those, especially the latter, they would be executed on the spot without question! That was why many cultivators skirted the rules, sharing rentals to ease the crushing cost of rent.

With a flick of his sleeve, Luo Chen released the Langqi Flying Boat, his figure rising smoothly into the air as he left Tianlan Peak behind. In moments, he passed through the Heavenborn Water Defensive Formation and glided into the vast expanse of Tianlan Immortal City. The flying boat automatically transitioned into its terrestrial gliding mode, its sleek hull skimming low across the ground, never rising above a few feet.

Luo Chen’s gaze swept across the vast web of interconnected streets below. He looked at the various shops, some quaint and stately, others lavish and imposing. He reached down and pinched the storage pouch at his waist, a faint wry smile tugging at his lips. ”I don’t think I can call myself wealthy anymore...”

Excluding the Luo Tian Society’s circulating funds, his personal savings had dwindled significantly. After leasing that second-tier, low-grade cave residence, he had only eighty thousand spirit stones left. To a rogue Foundation Establishment cultivator, that might seem like a fortune, but to someone aiming for longevity, it was painfully modest.

And that wasn’t even the full picture. He had already reserved a second-tier, top-grade cave residence with Binglan Palace. Once it became available, he’d take it without hesitation.

A top-grade cave residence costs four thousand per month and forty-eight thousand per year! With his current wealth, he could barely afford one year. But for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, whose seclusions often lasted months or even years, a one-year lease was far from sufficient.

Unconsciously, a heavy sense of urgency pressed down on Luo Chen’s heart. Get spirit stones, get spirit stones, get the damn spirit stones no matter what!