An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

“No, no, you’re using Flowing Creek all wrong! This technique was meant for processing water-element herbs, and its essence is in drawing out their soft yin qi. How do you extract it? Certainly not with force. You have to coax it out gently. Step aside and watch how I do it!”

Inside Cave Residence Bing Five, Tao Yisheng reluctantly moved aside. He watched as Luo Chen approached the alchemy furnace, ignited the flame, broke down the materials, and drew out the medicinal properties with precise control.

In less than half a cup of tea’s time, a perfectly processed medicinal solution shimmered before him.

Moments ago, Tao Yisheng had been filled with reluctance. But now, staring at the richly yin-water-infused solution, he couldn’t help exclaiming, ”You sure are worthy of your title, Dan Chenzi! You can tell a master by a single move! Even in Green Pill Valley, where alchemy geniuses are countless, I’ve never seen anyone handle Blue Mire Flower with such ease. Not even some of our third-tier alchemists could do this!”

The praise came pouring out like water from a broken jug.

Luo Chen answered with a modest smile. “I wouldn’t call myself a master. These are only humble insights. What matters more is how much you learned from what you just saw.”

Tao Yisheng reflected for a moment. “My technique was indeed flawed. From your demonstration, I can already see at least three errors in my spirit power control.”

”Three?” Luo Chen shook his head. ”You made seven mistakes!”

Tao Yisheng’s eyes widened. He had tried his best. Seven mistakes? Could that really be true?

While disbelief lingered on his face, Luo Chen calmly pointed out each of the seven mistakes. Then he nudged Tao Yisheng forward. “If you don’t believe me, try refining the revitalization liquid again and see the results for yourself.”

Indeed, Tao Yisheng had been working on none other than the Medicine King Sect’s famous first-tier spirit medicine, the revitalization liquid! He’d somehow gotten his hands on the alchemical formula!

After resting briefly, Tao Yisheng stepped forward again. Luo Chen withdrew a step and observed him with a steady gaze.

Had outsiders been present, they would have been stunned. Alchemists usually dismissed everyone before refining pills, especially strangers. Although Luo Chen and Tao Yisheng could not be considered strangers, they were neither master and disciple nor even fellow sectmates. Yet Tao Yisheng showed no hesitation in allowing Luo Chen to watch from the side as he refined.

In return, Luo Chen occasionally gave pointers whenever Tao Yisheng faltered. At times, he even demonstrated the technique himself. This unusual arrangement, judging by how naturally the two conversed, was clearly not a first-time occurrence.

When had it begun? About three months earlier. After one of their theoretical discussions, Luo Chen had suggested that they try refining a pill together. From then on, this scene repeated often: one refining, the other guiding.

In this arrangement, Luo Chen had never concealed his strength. He shared his insights openly, revealing his terrifying skill in full. Tao Yisheng was often left speechless by Luo Chen’s flawless techniques, his admiration only deepening with each attempt. Theories that had once existed only in ancient tomes came alive with startling clarity under Luo Chen’s hands.

There likely isn’t another second-tier alchemist with skills like mine. Watching Tao Yisheng focus intently on his work, Luo Chen couldn’t help thinking this to himself with growing pride.

An hour later, Tao Yisheng completed the refinement. A fresh batch of revitalization liquid glimmered in the cauldron.

It was top-grade revitalization liquid!

In that instant, Tao Yisheng was overjoyed. He whooped with delight, spinning about the room as he clutched Luo Chen’s sleeve like an excited child, completely casting aside the calm dignity expected of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Luo Chen, however, showed no irritation at this display. People were like that. When it came to their passions, they always revealed another side of themselves.

”Luo Chen, thank you, truly thank you!” After the excitement settled, Tao Yisheng spoke from the heart. ”Although people call me a second-tier alchemist, I only passed the exam because of a lucky stroke; I was able to use a legacy technique of my family to raise a pill’s grade. But now, I can refine top-grade first-tier pills. I’m not far from refining second-tier ones. And it’s all thanks to your guidance!”

Luo Chen answered with a light smile. “That’s also due to your own talent.”

“No, no, no!” Tao Yisheng shook his head. “I know who deserves the credit, and it’s you. Take this batch of revitalization liquid as a gift!”

Luo Chen did not refuse. He accepted it without hesitation. To Tao Yisheng, this spirit medicine was not especially valuable, but Luo Chen already had plans for it. He would use it to aid Luo Tian Society cultivators in breaking through to Foundation Establishment. Over the past few days, he had even stockpiled a fair number of mid-grade revitalization liquid bottles for that very purpose.

”I’m a bit worn out from today’s session. I’ll head back now.” Luo Chen waved his hand and took his leave.

As he stepped toward the exit, Tao Yisheng instinctively called out, “Fellow Daoist Luo Chen!”

Luo Chen turned, a puzzled look in his eyes. “Is there something else?”

Tao Yisheng parted his lips, then hesitated. At last he said, “Nothing important. I only meant to tell you I’ll be entering seclusion soon. Let’s put off our alchemy discussions for two months.”

Luo Chen shrugged. ”Sure, up to you.”

With that, he left Cave Residence Bing Five without another glance.

Inside, Tao Yisheng’s expression shifted, his joy fading into something conflicted and troubled.

***

After leaving the cave, Luo Chen flew leisurely toward his residence. His face carried a quiet glow of satisfaction.

These past few months, he hadn’t mentioned a word about top-grade pills. He had simply revealed his alchemical skills without reservation, and sure enough, the effect had been completely different.

When a person sought something, they could not be too obvious. His current approach, subtle and patient, had proven far more effective.

Tao Yisheng could no longer restrain himself. And if he could not, then his sister, Tao Wan, would almost certainly be drawn into the matter as well. That was the very essence of playing hard to get.

“I’d like to see how much longer the two of you can endure.” With a light chuckle, Luo Chen returned to Cave Residence Bing Seventeen.

Inside the cultivation chamber, his brow furrowed as he sensed the concentration of spirit energy. Compared to his own cave, Tao Yisheng’s Cave Residence Bing Five seemed slightly denser in spirit energy. Both caves were of top grade. Could it be that lower-numbered residences contained richer spirit energy?

Too bad the first seven caves on Tianlan Peak are all occupied by the Jade Cauldron Seven Sects. There’s no chance I could claim one. Luo Chen let out a soft sigh and steadied his thoughts.

Since Tao Yisheng had entered seclusion, Luo Chen had no reason to delay his own. For more than a year, he had taken one Blood Fiend pill every half-month to force open his meridians. Alongside the spirit-energy-based meridian practice from the Eternal Youth Evergreen Sutra, he had already reached the brink of unblocking the final hidden meridian.

“When all my meridians are open, qi will flow freely. Every motion will become seamless, and every breath will be in harmony. That will be the ultimate foundation. Let’s hope the results don’t disappoint me.”

Luo Chen took a deep breath and swallowed a top-grade Blood Fiend pill. A rich crimson glow erupted from within his body, spreading outward until it enveloped him entirely.