An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

The Luo Tian Society had moved swiftly in retaliation, yet the Li family was faster still. By the time dawn broke across the ridges of Sandalwood Hill, the battlefield was already in ruins, blood and fire.

Li Yingzhang stood with a longsword in hand, his aura at the Perfected Mastery of Qi Refinement Realm spreading out without suppression. He faced the cultivators who had rushed in from all directions, meeting their stares with unshakable composure.

”If you have a grudge, settle it. If you have resentment, vent it. Today, the Li family of Qinhua exterminated the Hu family of Sandalwood Hill. From this moment on, all grievances and grudges are wiped clean!”

The onlookers were stunned. Once an entire family was slain, naturally, there were no grudges left to speak of. Yet none dared question it.

The Li family had always been wealthy and influential. Even with Li Jinhuang’s passing, they still retained over a hundred Qi Refinement cultivators. Li Yingzhang himself had spent years at Perfected Mastery Qi Refinement, and his combat prowess was not to be taken lightly. More importantly, they now had the Luo Tian Society behind them, and their actions had just cause to boot. It wasn’t indiscriminate slaughter. Who would interfere?

Naturally, no one said a word or lifted a hand. But just as silence settled over the crowd, a shout rang out from behind.

”The Luo Tian Society has launched a counterattack!”

”What?” several cultivators gasped at once.

The crowd was shocked, and a rogue cultivator quickly asked, ”Counterattack? Against who? Who’s taking action?”

The Qi Refinement rogue cultivator who brought the news was panting for breath, but shouted with excitement, ”Of course it’s against the sects of the Foundation Establishment Initiates who attacked the Luo Tian Society yesterday! This morning, there was a major mobilization from Danxia Peak. Over two hundred cultivators departed after dawn, splitting into two forces, one headed toward the Danyuan Sect, the other toward Sky Eagle Peak.”

”Who’s leading them?” someone asked.

”I don’t know exactly, but there are definitely Initiates among them!”

The breathless rogue finished his report and bent over, gulping for air. Around him, the crowd exchanged stunned glances, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.

”Was killing those Foundation Establishment elders not enough for the Fire Spirit Lord? Now he’s going for total annihilation?”

”What Fire Spirit Lord? Senior Luo Chen should be addressed as the Qinhua Hermit. Far more elegant as a Dao title.”

”That’s not the point!” another rogue growled, glaring at the correction. ”Doesn’t Luo Chen fear punishment from the Tianlan Immortal City’s enforcement team for this?”

”It’s the Qinhua Hermit!” came the persistent interjection again.

A more composed cultivator stepped forward to explain, ”The Tianlan Immortal City just changed rulers. The enforcement teams are powerless for now, and this isn’t even happening inside the city walls. Besides, the Fire Spirit Lord isn’t one to tolerate sand in his eyes. Anyone who offends him should expect a hundredfold retribution.”

”It’s the Qinhua Hermit!”

”Shut up already!” someone snapped. ”He leads a large organization! The hell kinda hermit is that!?”

That rogue cultivator’s eyes gleamed. ”To take on two powers with just one, that’s something worth seeing. I have to witness it myself.”

”The Danyuan Sect isn’t far, just a few dozen li. We can get there in time. Let’s head there first!”

”Let’s go! Let’s go!”

The rogue cultivators near Sandalwood Hill didn’t linger for a moment. Without a second thought, they rushed off toward the nearby Danyuan Sect, eager to witness the next wave of conflict.

Back atop the ruined mountain, Li Yingjun approached her elder brother, sword still in hand. ”Brother, should we go help the Luo Tian Society?”

Li Yingzhang shook his head, his expression calm. ”No need.”

”But Elder Luo has done so much for us,” she said, frowning slightly.

Li Yingzhang responded coolly, ”We’d only get in the way. Elder Luo surely has everything planned. If he truly needs help, he won’t hesitate to call on me, and I won’t hesitate to help.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Yuan Dongsheng, who was directing the collection of the Hu family’s assets. He continued, ”Little Sister, when this is over, hand over seventy percent of the spoils we’ve gathered. Everything related to alchemy; books, manuals, resources, all that. Give it all to your husband, and let him bring it back as a gift to Elder Luo.”

Li Yingjun blinked in surprise. ”Seventy percent? Isn’t that a bit much?”

”You should think it’s too little,” Li Yingzhang said flatly.

Li Yingjun paused, then realization slowly dawned. She was now Yuan Dongsheng’s wife and thus a member of the Luo Tian Society. From now on, her words and actions, even when it came to the way spoils were divided, had to take that relationship into account. The more wealth she brought back, the higher Yuan Dongsheng’s standing within the society would rise, and in turn, the Li family’s ties with the Luo Tian Society would grow stronger. Her brother was using this opportunity to subtly instruct her.

She took a deep breath and nodded firmly. ”Thank you for the reminder, Big Brother. I understand now.”

Li Yingzhang offered her a faint smile, then turned to survey the scorched remains of Sandalwood Hill. Once known for its fragrant sandalwood groves, it was now nothing but ash and rubble. A sect with three Foundation Establishment cultivators had once seemed formidable. Yet in the end, it proved to be nothing more than a dazzling illusion, like oil set aflame or flowers embroidered on silk, beautiful to the eye but hollow at the core.

By contrast, the Luo Tian Society’s path was the true way. Their internal strength was ever-growing, and their business affairs increasingly prosperous. If this campaign went smoothly and they seized the remaining enemies’ assets, then after absorbing those gains, their power would surge again.

”The Li family must hold on tightly to this golden leg,” he muttered under his breath.

***

Yuanhe Mountain was a modest peak, rising just a thousand meters or so, nothing that could compare to the grandeur of Danxia Peak. Yet because of the presence of the Danyuan Sect, it held a certain reputation in the cultivation world. Over the years, countless cultivators had passed along its slopes, and Dan Yuanzi himself, known for his wide network, often hosted visiting Foundation Establishment cultivators.

But that was in the past. Ever since Dan Yuanzi had been slain by Li Jinhuang and perished in the waters of the Qinhua River the previous day, the Danyuan Sect had been gripped by panic.

Still, the sect carried more than two centuries of history, and among its ranks were elders recognized for their composure and foresight. Early that morning, one such elder had drawn upon an old favor, summoning a Foundation Establishment cultivator who had once been close to Dan Yuanzi.

”Senior Shen, we’re counting on you this time.”

The speaker was the Danyuan Sect’s Transmission Elder. Though over a hundred years old, his cultivation was profound; he had reached the Perfected Mastery Qi Refinement Realm. But his vitality had long since waned, and any attempt at breaking through to Foundation Establishment would almost certainly cost him his life. For that reason, he had chosen another path: to train disciples and give back to the sect that had raised him. Now, however, with the Danyuan Sect having offended the Luo Tian Society, that small dream of his was under threat.

To protect their legacy, he paid a hefty price to invite this Foundation Establishment cultivator, Shen Gongyi!

Shen Gongyi stroked his beard and smiled warmly. ”Of course, of course! The Luo Tian Society has made no shortage of enemies since arriving in the city. Their attempt to dominate the pill market has cost them dearly in goodwill. They are barely holding themselves together. What makes you think they would dare attack the Danyuan Sect?”

The Transmission Elder forced a smile. ”Let’s hope they won’t.”

Just then, a disciple burst into the hall, breathless and pale. ”It’s bad! Something’s wrong!”

The Transmission Elder’s heart skipped a beat. ”What is it?”

The disciple wailed, ”A large group is flying straight for our sect, they’re just ten li away. Someone saw the leading flying boat, it’s flying the Luo Tian Society’s banner!”

They’re here! The elder’s face paled instantly, and he instinctively turned to Shen Gongyi for help. ”Senior...”

”No rush,” Shen Gongyi raised a hand and smiled. ”Do we know who’s leading them? Is it the Fire Spirit Lord?”

In just a single day and night, Luo Chen’s new Dao title had swept through the city, passed from one rogue cultivator to the next. Of the many titles attributed to him, Fire Spirit Lord was the one that stuck. It acknowledged his fearsome mastery of fire-element spells, his unmatched spirit power, and his upright, gentlemanly conduct. Despite facing overwhelming odds, he had kept his word to protect the Li family. He carried the bearing of a gentleman from ages past. So after ”Fire Spirit,” some had added the respectful term ”Sovereign” to honor him.

The disciple froze before realizing what Shen Gongyi meant. He quickly shook his head. ”No, it’s Wang Yuan! They say he was once the Luo Tian Society’s Battle Hall Leader, famed for his combat prowess!”

Shen Gongyi let out a quiet breath of relief. Thank the heavens, it was not the Fire Spirit Lord.

”Tch, being good in a fight means nothing,” he said dismissively. ”I’ve heard of this man. He is barely two years into Foundation Establishment, hardly a true expert.”

The Transmission Elder fretted, ”Rumor has it he killed Cao Yunchun and Lu Rong in direct combat!”

”Cao Yunchun was just a rogue cultivator. I could crush him just as easily!” Shen Gongyi snorted. ”As for that idiot Lu Rong, he was a disgrace, forsaking proper cultivation for quick gains in Physique Refinement. In the end, he was neither here nor there, hardly a true threat.”

Hearing these words, the Transmission Elder finally exhaled in relief. He bowed deeply. ”In that case, Senior Shen, I’ll leave it to you to fend off the invaders.”

Shen Gongyi declared, ”Of course! I, Shen Gongyi, am nothing if not righteous. If the Fire Spirit Lord can shield his allies, then I shall protect my old friend Dan Yuanzi’s sect!”

He spoke with righteous zeal and bold generosity. Yet beneath the elder’s hopeful gaze, Shen Gongyi lowered his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. ”If I drive them back, you must also make good on your promise, understood?”

The Transmission Elder’s face turned serious. ”You will not be disappointed, Senior. Our sect has two first-tier alchemists, both personally trained by the sect master. They are highly skilled. For the next ten years, the Danyuan Sect will refine pills for your family without compensation.”

Shen Gongyi’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. His demands weren’t technically excessive. All he wanted was for those two alchemists to refine pills for his family, free of charge, and at the sect’s expense.

As for what happened in ten years? By then, the Danyuan Sect would likely be bled dry. Its resources would be exhausted, its strength hollowed out. When that day came, Shen Gongyi could take over the sect’s alchemical legacy without resistance and with perfect legitimacy. As for the present, he had no intention of stretching himself thin. He didn’t have the means to sustain so many people just yet.

Just as their conversation ended, a commotion erupted outside. The Mountain-Guarding Formation had been activated under the guidance of the sect’s stronger cultivators. The enemy had arrived!

Shen Gongyi stepped out of the Grand Hall, his gaze immediately turning to the mountain’s edge.

In that instant, his face froze. ”So many?”

A disciple beside him quickly explained, ”It’s not as bad as it looks, Senior. The Luo Tian Society’s main force numbers just over a hundred. The rest are only rogue cultivators drawn by the noise.”

Shen Gongyi let out a slow breath of relief. Still scanning the scene, he issued a calm but firm warning. ”Too many eyes are watching. Watch for looters hoping to take advantage of the chaos. Keep the formation strong. I’ll deal with Wang Yuan myself.”

”Yes, Senior!” came the reply.

Satisfied, Shen Gongyi stepped onto a drifting cloud and soared from Yuanhe Mountain.

As he flew, his gaze remained locked on the burly man standing atop the flying boat. The man wore plain hemp robes, his hands were clasped behind his back, and he exuded a faint trace of the confidence that came with mastery. At the same time, the glinting bald head gave him an unexpectedly fierce aura.

Wang Yuan, a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator who specializes in Physique Refinement. He only defeated Cao Yunchun because the Fire Spirit Lordhad crippled him first. He killed Lu Rong because that fool’s Physique Refinement was weak and easily countered. After yesterday’s battle, his spirit power must be depleted. Even with second-tier recovery pills, he could not have restored more than ten percent. And I have a supreme-grade Heavenly Net, the perfect tool to restrain brute force. Against me, he stands no chance.

These thoughts flashed through Shen Gongyi’s mind as he brought his cloud to a halt a hundred zhang away from Wang Yuan.

He cupped his hands and said, ”Fellow Daoist Wang, I am Shen Gongyi. I offer my respects.”

Wang Yuan stared at him coldly and spat out two words. ”Step aside!”

Shen Gongyi’s expression darkened. Before so many witnesses, this man dared to be so discourteous?

Suppressing his anger, he forced his tone into grim steadiness. ”Dan Yuanzi was indeed in the wrong, but he is already dead. Must you still pursue total annihilation?”

Even as he spoke, Wang Yuan raised his hand. ”I’ll say it one last time. Step aside!”

A dangerous pressure began to spread through the air.

Shen Gongyi’s eyelids twitched, and he said, ”I’ve cultivated in Tianlan Immortal City for many years, but I’ve never seen anyone as domineering as you. You really think that just because you lucked out and killed two Foundation Establishment cultivators, you can now act with impunity? Very well, I’ll teach you a lesson today!”

As Shen Gongyi spoke, a flick of his hand sent a fishing net flying through the air. At first no larger than a man’s armspan, it caught the wind and expanded to over three zhang in the blink of an eye.

It was his signature enchanted artifact, the Heavenly Net!

Wang Yuan’s expression remained unchanged. His right hand rose with his index pointing forward. A faint glimmer of comprehension flickered in his eyes as his body surged with blood qi, condensing into a terrifying force.

Divine Blood Tribulation Finger!

”Go!” commanded Wang Yuan.

Before countless watching eyes, a crimson streak tore across the heavens like a blazing star.

A hundred zhang away, Shen Gongyi sneered. A Physique Refinement cultivator attacking from this far? Does this idiot think I’m a tree?

He gathered spirit power and flew away on his sword, narrowly evading the crimson beam that almost pierced his brow. A strand of hair drifted gently down.

That was close... I almost got hit. I didn’t expect it to be that fast. But it seems Wang Yuan doesn’t understand spell dueling. Who opens with a killing move right away? If that had come in the middle of the battle, with that speed, I’d be dead or gravely injured.

In spite of his earlier bravado, cold sweat broke across Shen Gongyi’s back. Fear prickled at his spine; he had underestimated that attack. But the panic passed quickly, replaced by a thin, confident smile. The Heavenly Net had already ensnared Wang Yuan.

Trapped within its shimmering mesh, the man was no more than a fish in a barrel.

With calm precision, Shen Gongyi formed a sword seal, preparing to direct his flying sword. He did not intend to kill, only to incapacitate.

Killing him was out of the question. Luo Chen, the so-called Fire Spirit Lord, had sent men to attack the Danyuan Sect without hesitation. He was someone who paid back blood with blood, and any slight with furious vengeance. But if Wang Yuan were only injured, there would be room to negotiate.

Yet just as Shen Gongyi was about to strike, he caught the faint, cold smile showing at the corner of Wang Yuan’s mouth.

Hmm?

Shlick!

Shen Gongyi’s face twisted in shock as a streak of blood burst through his back, boring a gaping hole in his lung with horrifying force.

”Ugh...”

He looked down in disbelief. His enchanted robes had offered him no protection at all; a hole large enough to see through now decorated his torso. If the blow had struck his heart or head, he would have been dead beyond doubt.

As Wang Yuan raised his hand once more, Shen Gongyi wasted no words. In a blur, he leapt onto his flying sword and fled without a trace, not even bothering to reclaim his Heavenly Net.

”Senior Shen!”

”Senior Shen!”

Back in Yuanhe Mountain, the elite of the Danyuan Sect stared in stunned disbelief. By the time they reacted, the man was already long gone, abandoning them as he ran for his life.

Wang Yuan casually ripped the Heavenly Net off his body.

”A decent artifact,” he remarked. ”It restrains movement and suppresses spirit power well enough. Sadly for you, I use blood qi. It doesn’t do much to me.”

Stowing the Heavenly Net away, Wang Yuan stepped toward Yuanhe Mountain. Under countless fearful gazes, he drew back his right elbow, and his massive palm surged with overwhelming blood qi.

Luo Chen’s command echoed in his mind: ”Destroy their Dao legacy, seize their wealth!”

Before all eyes, Wang Yuan exhaled deeply and thrust his palm forward. A wave of overwhelming force ripped through the air.

”Break!”