A considerable amount of time had passed since Tao Yisheng completed his supervisory post in the Yuanzhao Kingdom and arrived at Tianlan Immortal City.
Unexpectedly, he had shown no urgency to return to Azure Pill Valley.
Instead, he took up long-term residence on Tianlan Peak.
This behavior only deepened Luo Chen's curiosity about what Tao Yisheng was keeping under wraps.
In their daily interactions, whenever the topic turned to Azure Pill Valley's high-grade pills, Tao Yisheng deftly steered clear of it.
Yet when it came to alchemy techniques, he displayed tremendous enthusiasm!
Luo Chen deliberately played along, gathering with him every few days to discuss alchemy.
He also discovered something: Tao Yisheng's alchemy was nowhere near as proficient as one might have expected.
His title of tier-two alchemist was utterly unearned.
Luo Chen had only been taken in before because Tao Yisheng possessed an extensive command of theoretical alchemy.
With Azure Pill Valley being a premier alchemy sect, it was only natural that Tao Yisheng, steeped in its environment since childhood, would know advanced theories.
Now, through discussions with Luo Chen, some of those theories were gradually being translated into practice.
After all, Luo Chen was his exact opposite.
Luo Chen might not be able to articulate lofty treatises, but when it came to hands-on execution?
What a joke—in the early days of the Luotian Association, Luo Chen had forged their path step by step through frantic, ceaseless pill concoction.
With his staggering wealth of practical experience, he would rank among the very best even against sect alchemists.
Tao Yisheng was not the sort of person who could keep his composure.
For him to remain so tight-lipped, his elder sister must have explicitly warned him.
Under such circumstances, Luo Chen grew all the more curious about what secret they were harboring.
Just because Tao Yisheng refused to speak did not mean Luo Chen had no ways of finding out.
...
One year later.
Inside Cave Abode Yi-17.
"Through inquiries made by the Net Intelligence Division, we've basically pieced together the situation in Azure Pill Valley."
"Within Azure Pill Valley, just as in traditional sects, Foundation Establishment cultivators are divided into inner sect disciples, true disciples, and Dao Seeds!"
"When Qi Refinement cultivators advance to Foundation Establishment, they are automatically classified as inner sect disciples."
"However, only the exceptional among them—prodigies with a genuine shot at forming a Golden Core—are designated as true disciples."
Sima Huiniang spoke with fluent confidence before Luo Chen.
Through her words, Azure Pill Valley's organizational hierarchy took clear shape in Luo Chen's mind.
Most inner sect disciples, once left behind in cultivation progress, were effectively abandoned by Azure Pill Valley.
At that point, they would be assigned various duties.
Either serving true disciples, managing the outer sect, or being dispatched elsewhere—just like Miao Wen of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect had been—to oversee the sect's various petty industries.
True disciples, however, were an entirely different matter.
Unless a matter of great importance arose, they could focus entirely on cultivation.
At this point, Sima Huiniang paused.
"Both of these statuses are easy for us to understand. But the sect's Dao Seed is on another level entirely!"
Perking up, Luo Chen inquired closely, "How so?"
Sima Huiniang said earnestly, "In great sects, the Dao Seed is groomed specifically as a future Golden Core cultivator."
"In each generation, there is only one!"
"Once that identity is established, all of the sect's resources lean entirely in their favor."
Luo Chen raised an eyebrow. "Cultivation resources?"
"Far more than that!" Sima Huiniang sighed with feeling. "Other resources as well."
"Take manpower, for example. Once designated as the Dao Seed, the majority of the sect's Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment cultivators will gravitate toward them to be commanded at will. Before long, the Dao Seed attains the status of the foremost person below the Golden Core realm within the sect."
"There are also Golden Core elders personally offering guidance at all times, instructing them on how to form a core."
"On top of that, they are granted a tier-three cave dwelling!"
"I've even heard that before they even form their core, their natal magical treasure is prepared in advance—waiting only for their breakthrough so they can immediately begin nurturing it."
Hearing this, well-traveled and knowledgeable though Luo Chen was, he couldn't help gulping.
To think a great sect's Golden Core Dao Seed enjoyed so many privileges!
Without having to lift a finger, countless cultivators were at their beck and call, a deluge of sect resources at their disposal, a tier-three spiritual ground to dwell in, and even their natal magical treasure prepared beforehand.
What kind of celestial treatment was that?!
Consider how bitterly he had labored: building businesses, fighting battles, maneuvering here, deflecting force with force there.
Yet after so much painstaking effort, he couldn't even match a single hair from their nine oxen!
Luo Chen quickly shook his head, took a deep breath, and asked, "In other words, Tao Wan intends to contend for that Dao Seed position?"
Sima Huiniang brushed aside a stray strand of hair near her lips, parting her rosy mouth. "Originally, I wasn't certain."
"Previous intelligence indicated that Azure Pill Valley's Dao Seed for this past century had long been established—the one known as Danyangzi, famed for twin excellences in alchemy and the sword."
"Yet for reasons unknown, several years ago, his Dao Seed status was stripped, demoting him back down to a true disciple."
"As a result, the internal factions of Azure Pill Valley suddenly fell into turmoil."
"Rumor has it that Azure Pill Valley is going to designate a new Golden Core Dao Seed!"
In an instant, Luo Chen's eyes widened abruptly.
He had already realized what Tao Yisheng and his sister were maneuvering toward through their dealings with him.
The position of Golden Core Dao Seed!
"I learned of this casually from Shi Boying of the Ice Fort during a chat not long ago."
"Its authenticity is likely seventy to eighty percent."
Mulling this over, Luo Chen asked, "Is there any definite word on when the new Golden Core Dao Seed will be chosen?"
Sima Huiniang said tentatively, "According to Shi Boying, Danyangzi was stripped of the title about seven years ago."
"At the time, Azure Pill Valley declared they would re-select the Golden Core Dao Seed after ten years."
"Doing the math, that should be roughly three or four years from now."
Three to four years...
Luo Chen muttered the timeframe to himself.
Then he asked, "Do you know how Azure Pill Valley conducts the selection for the Golden Core Dao Seed?"
"That is common knowledge," Sima Huiniang said with a faint smile.
"Oh?"
"Whenever they select a Golden Core Dao Seed, Azure Pill Valley invites cultivators from friendly sects to observe the ceremony. The purpose is self-evident: to display their strength while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the Dao Seed's external network. Over time, the selection method ceased to be a secret."
Satisfying Luo Chen's curiosity, Sima Huiniang laid out the specific format.
It was broadly similar to the standard true disciple sword duels in other major sects, with one notable addition: alchemy!
"Actually, it's not truly an addition."
"Many sects include distinctive criteria. For instance, the Falling Cloud Sect is famous for puppet racing, while the Yan Alliance holds weapon-forging competitions."
"Naturally, considering that some true disciples focus solely on cultivation and lack proficiency in auxiliary crafts, these sects relaxed the rules, permitting true disciples vying for the Dao Seed to enlist outside help."
Having heard this much, Luo Chen completely understood what Tao Wan and her brother were after.
They had set their sights on his alchemy!
Yet why hadn't they spoken openly?
Luo Chen frowned deeply, lost in thought.
Sima Huiniang sat quietly to the side, tactfully refraining from disturbing him.
Gathering and presenting the intelligence was the extent of what she could do.
Deciphering the inner workings required Luo Chen, the party directly involved, to work it out himself.
After a long while, understanding dawned on Luo Chen.
A prominent cultivator at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment like Tao Wan would surely possess an exceptionally broad network.
The talented alchemists she knew were certainly not few.
What was more, she belonged to an alchemy powerhouse like Azure Pill Valley.
Finding one or two outstanding alchemists would hardly be difficult.
If nothing else, her brother Tao Yisheng, having gradually turned theory into practice over the past year, was already showing signs of becoming a true tier-two alchemist.
One could easily imagine that quite a few skilled alchemists surrounded her.
Thus, Luo Chen was far from her only option.
'Tao Yisheng sought me out constantly to discuss alchemy. On the surface, he was refining his own craft, but wasn't he also sounding out the depth of my skills?'
'Perhaps only once they confirm my alchemy is sufficiently formidable will his sister collaborate with me and discuss terms.'
Having realized this, all of his earlier perplexities cleared up instantly.
'Then my previous approach was a bit too conservative.'
Luo Chen pursed his lips, reflecting on the alchemy discussions over the past year.
He naturally hadn't been generous enough to share everything.
That was basic human nature.
Yet if he wanted them to take him seriously, he had to showcase more.
'Going forward, I need to display a bit more of my craft.'
Gradually, Luo Chen formed a clear plan for his next steps.
Seeing the furrowed brow on Luo Chen's face slowly ease, Sima Huiniang, exceptionally skilled at reading people, knew that her President had already found a solution.
It was an instinctive trust.
In her eyes, there was nothing that could stump the President, no matter how daunting!
Luo Chen exhaled and looked at Sima Huiniang. "How have things been in the association lately?"
Sima Huiniang smiled faintly. "Just as you predicted, after the Foundation Establishment celebration concluded, our businesses met with virtually no obstacles."
"The few new ventures are also gradually getting on track."
"As long as we keep growing like this, it will snowball, becoming larger and larger."
"Even if you don't personally refine pills in the future, President, the Luotian Association can still rake in massive profits."
Hearing her say this, Luo Chen couldn't help letting out a bright smile.
His previous schemes had not gone to waste after all.
How could the growth of an organization rest solely on one man?
The former model had been unhealthy; only the current development was sustainable and sound.
"The only regret is that Hall Master Bian Zhen failed his Foundation Establishment attempt."
Sima Huiniang sighed. "Wasting a Foundation Establishment Pill is truly a shame."
Luo Chen had already heard about Bian Zhen's attempt.
He shook his head. "Failing Foundation Establishment is a common occurrence in cultivation. As long as he survived, it is already a great stroke of luck."
Within the Luotian Association, quite a few insights and records regarding breaking through to Foundation Establishment had been gathered.
Even upon failure, as long as one didn't obstinately force the issue, preserving one's life was quite achievable with the protection of suitable spirit medicines.
As for the wasted Foundation Establishment Pill?
Luo Chen felt little over it.
Cultivators who had already successfully established their foundations cared little about Foundation Establishment Pills, not to mention that he could concoct Emperor Flowing Liquid, which had comparable efficacy.
Sima Huiniang viewed things from a different perspective.
She looked at matters from the position of an organization's director.
Whether pills or people, in her eyes, both were resources of the Luotian Association.
A failed breakthrough meant not only losing a pill, but also being down a potential Foundation Establishment cultivator—that was what she truly rued.
"Who do you plan to arrange for Foundation Establishment next?" Luo Chen asked.
Without hesitation, Sima Huiniang replied, "I plan to choose between Qin Liangchen, Master of the Rosy Cloud Hall, and Sima Xian, Master of the Battle Hall. President, who do you think should attempt it first?"
Luo Chen pondered briefly before saying, "Both are well past sixty years of age, so a short delay makes little difference."
"Right now, the Luotian Association is in dire need of capable hands. The Rosy Cloud Hall manages external affairs, so it cannot spare its leader."
"The Battle Hall, on the other hand, won't face any major conflicts for the time being."
"Let your elder brother enter seclusion to break through first!"
Sima Huiniang's eyes brightened. "Very well, I shall heed your guidance, President."
Seeing her reaction, Luo Chen chuckled and shook his head. "Arrange the corresponding resources as you see fit. Over the years, your brother has helped me a great deal; we must not neglect him."
"Mhm, I understand. Not just him—I'll make proper arrangements for Hall Master Qin and Hall Master Murong as well," Sima Huiniang said softly.
Unbeknownst to anyone, her supple body had already settled onto Luo Chen's lap.
...
"Wrong, wrong! You're executing the Washing Brook Hand incorrectly!"
"As the alchemy technique best suited for processing water-attribute ingredients, its essence lies in extracting that gentle, yin vitality from the herbs."
"How do you extract it? Certainly not with brute force—you must coax it gently."
"Step aside and watch how I do it!"
Inside Cave Abode Yi-5.
Tao Yisheng yielded his position with a hint of reluctance.
He then watched Luo Chen step beside the alchemy furnace, ignite the flame, break down the ingredients, and refine the medicinal properties...
In barely half the time it took to finish a cup of tea, a portion of prepared medicinal liquid appeared before Tao Yisheng.
Tao Yisheng, who had looked reluctant moments earlier, now stared at the liquid radiating rich, gentle water-attribute properties and couldn't help marveling: "As expected of Daoist Brother Danchenzi!"
"One move from a grandmaster reveals true skill!"
"Even within Azure Pill Valley, where alchemy prodigies are as plentiful as carps crossing a river, I've never seen anyone handle Blue Silt Flowers with such ease!"
"Why, I fear even some of our sect's tier-three alchemists couldn't manage it to this degree!"
Such praise poured out of his mouth as if it cost nothing.
Luo Chen smiled as he listened.
He waved his hand modestly. "Far from a grandmaster; I've merely gathered a few insights. What matters most is how much you learned just now."
Tao Yisheng thought back carefully. "My technique truly was flawed before. Going by your demonstration, Daoist Brother, I made at least three errors in controlling my spiritual energy."
"No!" Luo Chen wagged a finger. "You made seven errors!"
Tao Yisheng's eyes went wide.
He had tried so hard.
Could there really be seven errors?
Seeing his disbelief, Luo Chen pointed out all seven mistakes one by one.
Then he urged, "If you don't believe me, go refine this Yang Restoring Water again and see the results for yourself!"
Indeed.
What Tao Yisheng was currently concocting was none other than Yang Restoring Water, the signature tier-one spirit medicine of the Medicine King Sect!
Heaven knew where he had obtained the recipe.
After resting briefly, Tao Yisheng set to work once more.
Luo Chen stepped back and watched his refinement with focused attention.
Had an outsider been present, they would have been astonished beyond words.
Generally speaking, alchemists would dismiss everyone and work in solitude, especially avoiding strangers.
Luo Chen and Tao Yisheng could hardly be called strangers, but they were neither master and disciple nor fellow sect brethren.
Yet Tao Yisheng harbored no reservations about letting Luo Chen watch from the sidelines while he refined pills.
In turn, Luo Chen would offer pointers whenever Tao Yisheng failed.
At times, he would even step forward to demonstrate in person.
Such a peculiar sight, as made clear by their natural exchange, was evidently not happening for the first time.
When had it begun?
Roughly three months ago!
After a discussion on alchemy theory, Luo Chen had casually suggested that they try an actual refinement session.
From then on, this scene played out regularly.
And it was through this exact dynamic—one concocting while the other guided—that Luo Chen showcased his formidable alchemy skills without holding back.
Almost every single time, Tao Yisheng was stunned and ultimately conquered by Luo Chen's consummate mastery over various alchemy arts.
The dead theories that had previously existed only in ancient manuals yielded extraordinary results once married with practice.
'I doubt there's anyone among tier-two alchemists who can rival my attainment!' Watching Tao Yisheng concentrate on his refinement, Luo Chen thought with quiet confidence.
About an hour later, Tao Yisheng obtained a batch of Yang Restoring Water.
Superior grade!
In that instant, he was overwhelmed with ecstatic joy!
Tugging at Luo Chen's sleeve, he laughed and jumped about, devoid of any poise expected of a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator.
Yet faced with this childish display, Luo Chen showed no annoyance whatsoever.
Such were people! When indulging in a passion they truly loved, they always acted out of character.
"Luo Chen, thank you, thank you so much!" Once his ecstasy subsided, Tao Yisheng spoke from the bottom of his heart.
"Though people call me a tier-two alchemist, in truth I only managed to elevate a pill's grade by a stroke of luck using a family secret art, which allowed me to pass the tier-two assessment."
"Now, I can actually produce superior tier-one medicine. Concocting tier-two pills isn't far off!"
"All of this is thanks to your guidance!"
Luo Chen said with a smile, "It's also because of your extraordinary talent."
"No, no, no!" Tao Yisheng shook his head like a rattle drum. "I know right from wrong; this credit is entirely yours."
"Let me give you this portion of superior Yang Restoring Water!"
Luo Chen did not decline and accepted it.
To Tao Yisheng, such spirit medicine truly amounted to little.
Luo Chen, on the other hand, could take it back for the cultivators of the Luotian Association to aid their Foundation Establishment breakthroughs.
In fact, he had already stockpiled quite a bit of mid-grade Yang Restoring Water over recent days.
"I'm feeling a bit fatigued from refining today, so I'll be heading back."
Luo Chen waved his hand and took his leave.
Watching him walk out of the cave abode, Tao Yisheng called out instinctively, "Daoist Brother Luo Chen!"
Luo Chen turned back, puzzled. "Is there something else?"
Tao Yisheng opened his mouth, but in the end merely said, "Nothing major, really. It's just that I need to enter seclusion to cultivate for a bit. Let us schedule our next alchemy discussion for two months from now!"
Luo Chen shrugged. "Either way is fine; whenever suits you."
With that, he breezily departed Cave Abode Yi-5.
Inside, Tao Yisheng's expression turned deeply conflicted and complicated.
...
Leaving the cave dwelling, Luo Chen flew at a leisurely pace back toward his dwelling.
A broad smile graced his face.
'In these past few months, I haven't breathed a single word about high-grade pills, choosing only to showcase my alchemy skills to my heart's content.'
'Sure enough, the result is completely different from before!'
When you needed something from someone, you couldn't make your desire too obvious.
Instead, his current approach had yielded marvelous results.
Tao Yisheng was reaching his limit!
And when Tao Yisheng reached his limit, it meant Tao Wan behind him would very likely be brought into play.
Playing hard to get—there was no better example than this!
'I'd like to see just how much longer you two can hold out.'
With a chuckle, Luo Chen returned to Cave Abode Yi-17.
Inside the meditation chamber, sensing the density of the spiritual energy, Luo Chen couldn't help frowning slightly.
He realized that Tao Yisheng's Cave Abode Yi-5 seemed to have a slightly higher concentration of spiritual energy than his own.
They were both superior-grade cave abodes; could it be that those with lower numbers had richer spiritual energy?
'A pity that the top seven cave abodes on Tianlan Peak belong to the Seven Jade Cauldron Sects. There's no chance of me getting one.'
Lamenting briefly, Luo Chen reeled in his stray thoughts.
Tao Yisheng was entering seclusion, but Luo Chen needed one just as much.
Over the past year and more, he had used a Blood Fiend Pill every half-month to unblock his meridians.
Combined with the spiritual energy meridian clearing of the Ageless Evergreen Scripture, unblocking the final hidden meridian was now merely a matter of one last push.
'All meridians cleared, Qi moves with the will.'
'Every gesture and movement completely natural and flawless, forging a peerless foundation!'
'I hope it doesn't disappoint me!'
Taking a deep breath, Luo Chen ingested a superior-grade Blood Fiend Pill.
A thick crimson radiance surged from within him, gradually enveloping his entire body.
Chapter 319