Unworthy of the Seven Sons of Azure Pill, You Dare Compare Yourself to Danchenzi?

The Dao of Alchemy demanded talent, but even more, it demanded countless repetitions of the refining process. What was the Alchemic Dao? Familiarity bred skill; skill bred precision; precision bred wonder; and wonder led into the Dao itself. The Alchemic Dao was the direct embodiment of talent coupled with proficiency. To possess talent without effort meant possessing fame without substance—an empty shell unfit for great undertakings. And to possess only effort without talent? That would only lead one farther and farther down the wrong path. This principle was not limited to alchemy alone. It applied equally across most of the hundred arts of cultivation. That, however, was digressing. In the alchemical trade, if one wished to become a high-tier alchemist, countless refining experiences were indispensable. Yet the strength of a single person was exceedingly limited. Thus, during the foundation-building phase, those with the means would invariably groom a retinue of logistical cultivators who understood their personal refining habits to assist them. Otherwise, the preliminary preparations and the subsequent clean-up alone were enough to torment a novice alchemist to the point of wishing for death. Take Luo Chen's early days as a rogue cultivator. Buying ingredients, processing herbs, cleaning cauldrons and implements, selling pills... All sorts of tedious chores had consumed far too much of his time. To say he had worked from dawn till dusk during that period would be an understatement. For that reason, nearly every cultivator capable of becoming a Tier 2 alchemist or higher was never truly a solitary figure. Either they had been nurtured at great expense by a sect or clan, or like Luo Chen and Danyuanzi, they had established their own rogue cultivator faction dedicated to serving them. Throughout that process, logistical cultivators assisting their pill refinement were indispensable. Now, hearing that Luo Chen had no need for logistical assistants, Tao Wan and Chu Huai were genuinely astonished. Faced with their shock, Luo Chen offered little explanation. Instead, he concentrated wholly on familiarizing himself with the functions of the Glazed Child Cauldron. As the subsidiary cauldron of a superior-grade magic treasure, this vessel's rank fluctuated considerably. Under normal circumstances, it stood merely at the superior-grade dharma artifact rank. Yet once spurred by Luo Chen's spiritual power, two additional formations were activated, instantly elevating its rank to the pinnacle-grade dharma artifact level! According to Chu Huai's explanation, if the mother cauldron were present, the Glazed Child Cauldron's rank could even reach the level of an inferior-grade magic treasure. It was truly wondrous beyond measure! While Luo Chen familiarized himself with the vessel, Tao Wan naturally brought up some of the renowned superior-grade magic treasures across the Jade Cauldron Domain. "Nowadays, in the cultivation world of the Jade Cauldron Domain, dharma artifacts and magic treasures flood the market, their quality wildly uneven. "Yet when it comes to superior-grade magic treasures truly worthy of renown, there are only a handful. "Our Azure Pill Valley's Azure Sky Glazed Cauldron is one. The Flame Alliance's Scarlet Flame Fan, the Ice Fort's Moonlight Ice Fort, Mount Ailao's Heaven-Measuring Ruler, and a few others—every single one of these superior-grade magic treasures possesses extraordinary might! "Some can anchor the rise and fall of an entire sect, while others harbor terrifying offensive power. Rumor has it that aside from several sword pills that have reached the rank of superior-grade magic treasures, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect also conceals a divine cauldron within their mountain gate, which has suppressed the sect's karmic fortune for ages!" Luo Chen listened to these anecdotes with keen interest. His mind instinctively drifted to the soaring tower that had appeared back at Dahe Market. The Ghost Spirit Valley's sect-protecting treasure from years past, the Demon Locking Pagoda. That, too, was a superior-grade magic treasure. Now that it had fallen into the hands of the Luoyun Sect, coupled with their Supreme Elder who had advanced to the Nascent Soul realm, it undoubtedly gave them wings on a tiger. While they chatted idly, Luo Chen used the Glazed Child Cauldron to refine a few basic medicinal herbs, gaining a rough understanding of its primary functions. It possessed no bizarre or convoluted abilities; there were only the purest supportive formations tailored for alchemy. Perhaps that was precisely why thirty-six child cauldrons could coordinate with the mother cauldron to refine pills in unison. An exceptionally singular purpose. A treasure forged purely for pill refinement, stripped of all superfluous functions! Because of this, a Tier 2 alchemist like Luo Chen could master it with remarkable ease. "Everything all right?" Tao Wan asked. Luo Chen gave an affirmative nod. Chu Huai then led the two of them to Azure Pill Valley's Hall of External Affairs to register. Azure Pill Valley's contest for the Dao Seed had been handed down for hundreds of years, and the procedures were thoroughly refined. Barring unusual adjustments, every single step was planned with absolute precision. For instance, in the first round, each true disciple was permitted to enlist only three helpers to defend the arena. In the second round, the alchemy contest was divided into three stages. Along the way, Chu Huai meticulously explained the three stages of the alchemy contest to Luo Chen. "The first stage tests foundational alchemical technique. Our sect will provide identical portions of ingredients, and rankings will be determined by how quickly they are processed. "The second stage involves refining a Tier 1 pill, and the third stage requires refining a Tier 2 pill. "The recipes for both pills are not common concoctions known to the outside world; they are new formulas researched and developed by our sect's Tier 3 alchemists over the past century. "Prior to the competition, external consecrated elders like Brother Luo must sign a binding covenant. You must guarantee that without our sect's permission, the recipes will not be leaked, let alone used for commercial purposes." Hearing this, Luo Chen paused slightly. A competition in pill refinement was hardly surprising. Yet they were using brand-new pills? Formulas developed within the last century by Azure Pill Valley's Tier 3 alchemists? Noticing his surprise, Chu Huai smiled faintly and explained, "This is a rule established by our sect's founding patriarch: new formulas are mandatory! Even if no new Tier 2 formula has been developed, at the very least, a new Tier 1 formula must serve as the test topic." Tao Wan chimed in from the side, "Indeed. The patriarch surely established this rule because he did not want our Azure Pill Valley resting on its laurels. He wanted future generations to build upon the past, opening new horizons and continuously innovating along the Dao of Alchemy." Luo Chen sighed with genuine admiration at their words. Patriarch Qingdan had truly been far-sighted. He had heard of far too many prominent Golden Core sects fading into the long river of history for one reason or another. Yet Azure Pill Valley had weathered countless storms only to flourish all the more. Evidently, it was not unrelated to the rules laid down by Patriarch Qingdan. Before long, the registration and covenant-signing procedures were completed. To Chu Huai's surprise, the name Luo Chen registered was Danchenzi. *An alchemist bearing a Daoist title?* *It seems Senior Sister Tao Wan really did recruit an extraordinary alchemy master from outside!* After musing internally, he escorted the two outside. As they walked, he went over the details preceding the contest once more. "The second round will take place after the first concludes, which is a month from now. "Before the first round begins, our sect's elders will distribute the corresponding pill recipes to the competing alchemists in advance. "Across the three matches, winning just one will suffice. If you can secure two victories, it will be immensely advantageous for Senior Sister's ranking as a senior true disciple. "Naturally, if your overall ranking across all three matches lands within the top three, Senior Sister Tao Wan's standing as a senior true disciple will be guaranteed among the top three as well!" He explained it thoroughly and in great detail. Tao Wan's expression grew solemn, her beautiful eyes glancing toward Luo Chen from time to time. What brought her comfort was that he showed not the slightest trace of anxiety or dread. Instead, he maintained an aura of serene composure, appearing not at all worried about the great alchemy competition two months away! Just as the three stepped out the entrance, a mocking voice drifted over. "Well, well, who could it be? If it isn't Tao Wan!" Hearing that voice, the ease Tao Wan had just regained vanished instantly, her expression turning frostily cold. Her slender brows snapped up as she glared unceremoniously at the speaker. "Shangguan Yan!" Luo Chen's expression stirred as he looked toward the newcomers. Two men and one woman. Leading them was a lady draped in a white gown. She exuded that familiar aloof pride Luo Chen had seen in Tao Wan when they first met. Yet beneath that pride was an aggressive arrogance, as though everything under heaven rightfully belonged to her alone. Her cultivation at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment was brazenly displayed without restraint. According to what Tao Yisheng had said before they came to Azure Pill Valley, this Shangguan Yan was one of the most formidable rivals threatening Tao Wan's bid for the Dao Seed. Looking at her now, setting all else aside, her cultivation level was certainly not inferior to Tao Wan's. Perhaps noticing Luo Chen's gaze, or perhaps having known of his existence from the start, Shangguan Yan turned a half-mocking smile upon him almost at the same moment. "Is this the rogue alchemist you traveled thousands of li to Tianlan to recruit after failing to keep Huanghezi?" In a single sentence, she both belittled Tao Wan's inability to retain talent and mocked Luo Chen for his rogue cultivator origins, painting him as nothing more than a second-rate substitute. Tao Wan's face turned even colder. She said curtly, "Your tongue is as sharp as ever, Shangguan Yan. I only wonder if your sword will be just as sharp once you step onto the Sword Duel Arena!" Shangguan Yan let out a soft chuckle. "Without Huanghezi, relying solely on this rogue cultivator, what kind of rank do you think you can muster? "I'm afraid you won't even make it past the preliminary matches to face me!" Tao Wan sneered. Her gaze bypassed Shangguan Yan and settled on the elderly man behind her, who had been deliberately avoiding eye contact. "A traitor who broke faith—unworthy of the Seven Sons of Azure Pill! "You dare compare yourself to Danchenzi?" With that, she swept past them, leading Luo Chen away. Outside the main gates of the Hall of External Affairs, the Azure Pill Valley disciples who had gathered upon catching wind of the commotion instinctively shifted their gazes toward the old man. Huanghezi's face flushed between green and white, his grizzled beard trembling with rage. In all his life, when had he ever suffered such humiliation? Shangguan Yan's expression shifted slightly. Rather than engaging in useless verbal sparrings with her, Tao Wan had directed the spearhead straight at Huanghezi. That was a strike at her soft underbelly. If Huanghezi were shaken by this, or if his pride were damaged, resulting in a lackluster performance when he represented her, it would inevitably harm her final standing among the true disciples. "Elder, there is no need to mind that wench's words. It was she who lacked trust in you first; there is no question of breaking faith!" Huanghezi's expression eased slightly. "Besides, she claims my tongue is sharp, but weren't her words just now a deliberate attempt to shake your Dao heart? "As one of the Seven Sons of Azure Pill, you hold your title by true merit! "That Danchenzi is not even fifty years old. Even if he had begun refining pills from within his mother's womb, how could he possibly compare to you?" Huanghezi could not help but nod, a touch of pride returning to his face. When it came to the craft of alchemy, he truly had reason to be proud! Seeing that he had regained his composure, Shangguan Yan breathed a quiet sigh of relief. *This old fellow truly is difficult to please!* *It makes sense that Tao Wan couldn't keep him before.* Even she had to flatter him carefully day in and day out, dreading that the slightest displeasure might cause him to slack off during the grand competition. To prevent further complications, it was best to sign the covenant as soon as possible. Shangguan Yan promptly hurried into the Hall of External Affairs with Huanghezi. After they left, the onlookers gradually dispersed. Faint murmurs drifted from among the crowd. "Senior Sister Shangguan truly lives up to Senior Sister Tao Wan's words—her tongue is no less sharp than a precious blade." "With just a few sentences, she placated the eccentric Senior Brother Huanghezi." "I wonder what she'll be like if she seizes the position of Dao Seed, succeeds in Core Formation, and becomes our Azure Pill Valley's Sect Master?" "I still prefer Senior Sister Tao Wan. Proud though she may be, her strength is genuinely formidable." "Heh, neither of them stands a chance. Senior Brother Danyangzi is participating in the True Disciple Sword Contest once again. Across the vast expanse of Azure Pill Valley, who could be his match?" "Too true. I still support Eldest Senior Brother!" ... Flying past Mount Yuanhua and departing Azure Pill Valley, two figures rode a cloud at a leisurely pace. "Thank you for earlier." "Thank me for what? Speaking up for you? I merely did it for myself!" Tao Wan said flatly. Luo Chen chuckled softly and said no more. As they approached Mount Xiaonan, he suddenly asked, "Does your Tao clan still have any refined Colored Chrysanthemum Pills on hand?" Tao Wan looked at him quizzically. "Of course we do. It's one of Mount Xiaonan's core industries. Didn't Yisheng give you three freshly refined ones already?" "No, I mean mid-grade or superior-grade. Naturally, pinnacle-grade would be best!" Luo Chen said. Tao Wan frowned slightly. She pondered for a moment. "Since the patriarch passed away, our Tao clan hasn't produced any formidable alchemists. We've never managed to refine high-grade Colored Chrysanthemum Pills." Luo Chen could not hide a look of regret. He had already consumed those three Colored Chrysanthemum Pills. Their medicinal potency had been somewhat disappointing. Just as the Jade Marrow Pill and the Qi-Nourishing Pill were both Tier 1 cultivation pills, the Jade Marrow Pill's potency fell far short of the Qi-Nourishing Pill's. Only a superior-grade Jade Marrow Pill could barely match an inferior-grade Qi-Nourishing Pill. After consuming those Colored Chrysanthemum Pills, Luo Chen had estimated that the potency of an inferior-grade Colored Chrysanthemum Pill was roughly half that of Azure Pill Valley's Soaring Dragon Pill. He was eager to know how potent high-grade Colored Chrysanthemum Pills would be. Only with that knowledge could he resolve whether to return and devote his full efforts to refining this pill after the True Disciple Sword Contest concluded. Tao Wan caught that fleeting look of regret on Luo Chen's face. She offered, "Once I return, I'll search through the Tao clan's treasury to see if Patriarch Nanshan left behind any corresponding high-grade Colored Chrysanthemum Pills. If there are any, I'll have them delivered to you right away!" Luo Chen's eyes lit up. "Then I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist!" ... Ever since their trip to Azure Pill Valley, Luo Chen remained within the Tao clan's Ink Lotus Garden, seldom stepping beyond its gates. Aside from his daily cultivation, he spent most of his time studying the recipe for the Colored Chrysanthemum Pill. He had thoroughly analyzed every single herb involved. *The primary ingredients are actually three varieties of chrysanthemum, all of which are native specialties of Mount Xiaonan.* *If I want to refine this pill on a large scale in the future, I will have to purchase the herbs from the Tao clan.* *With all this back-and-forth, our ties will only grow tighter.* *I wonder if this was a deliberate move on Tao Wan's part?* Luo Chen put down the recipe and rubbed the space between his brows. Suddenly, his ears twitched. Hurried footsteps sounded outside. Moments later, Tao Yisheng rushed in, clutching two boxes in his hands. Catching sight of Luo Chen reading in the courtyard, he called out from afar: "Brother Luo, the high-grade Colored Chrysanthemum Pills you asked for are here!" Luo Chen's eyes instantly brightened!