Lianyun Building!
It was a tall tower situated on the Central Thoroughfare of Tianlan Immortal City.
As the street with the best business and the heaviest foot traffic, any establishment able to open on either flank was either an estate of an outland Nascent Soul superior sect or a shop belonging to a great sect within the Jade Cauldron Domain.
That the Lianyun Merchant Alliance could possess a storefront of their own here testified to how formidable their power had been at their zenith.
Three late Foundation Establishment great cultivators, along with a dozen or so Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, with businesses spanning over a dozen market towns large and small—only by funneling resources from north and south into the Lianyun Merchant Alliance could they sustain such a shop.
Of course!
Relying on this alone was still not quite enough.
In the shadows, there must have been the backing of the Falling Cloud Sect.
Therefore, when the Sword Sect had suspected the Lianyun Merchant Alliance of secretly colluding with the Falling Cloud Sect all those years ago, it had not been entirely without reason.
Standing outside Lianyun Building, Luo Chen observed in secret for a long time.
A prime storefront like this had to generate annual profits measured in hundreds of thousands of spirit stones!
The Lianyun Merchant Alliance alone likely could not swallow such gains entirely.
In comparison, while the Luotian Association's current momentum far surpassed the Lianyun Merchant Alliance at its peak, their primary shop, Danxia Hall, was confined to a quiet corner of the immortal city, bringing in modest earnings each year.
If the Luotian Association could possess a shop like this on the Central Thoroughfare, that would truly be wonderful.
Amid his sighs of admiration, Luo Chen's observations drew to a conclusion.
"Influenced by the decline of the Lianyun Merchant Alliance, Lianyun Building carries less and less stock. Despite occupying such a prime location, the foot traffic coming in and out falls far behind the shops of the major sects."
"Tsk, tsk. What a waste!"
After his sigh, Luo Chen revealed his figure and strode toward Lianyun Building.
...
"Snap to attention!"
"The Grand Elder is inspecting business today. None of you may slack off!"
The deputy building master was a female cultivator newly entered into Foundation Establishment. Taking advantage of the Mount Thunder Accumulation battlefield, she had successfully established her foundation after consuming a Foundation Establishment Pill.
Her realm had only recently stabilized when the Lianyun Grand Elder dispatched her here to oversee Lianyun Building's business.
Because of this, she was quite strict in managing her subordinates.
However, most of these Qi Refinement clerks had worked at Lianyun Building for many years, and they were hardly impressed by a newcomer.
Who knew how long she would last?
Lianyun Building had seen deputy building masters come and go in droves; only this tower stood eternal.
A deputy building master?
Heh!
The Qi Refinement veterans looked as quiet as cicadas in winter on the surface.
Inwardly, they scoffed.
Who among them did not know their own situation?
The alliance had fallen to the lowest point of decline. From running businesses in over a dozen market towns large and small at its height, they had been reduced to just three major markets.
Consequently, Lianyun Building had less and less merchandise.
Nowadays, the total customers received daily did not even exceed a hundred.
No matter how hard they worked, it amounted to nothing more than sweeping the floors and setting out fresh fruits.
Instead of venting her temper on them, the deputy building master would be better off opening new market ventures and securing another trade route.
When customers flooded in, they would work harder than anyone!
Just as everyone was absentmindedly wiping counters and vases, openly slacking off, hurried footsteps echoed from the stairwell.
Shortly after, a white-haired old man rushed down from above, heading straight outside.
Everyone froze.
"Why did the Grand Elder come down?"
"Is he going out to welcome a guest?"
"What kind of guest could warrant his personal reception? Could a Golden Core Master from some sect have visited our Lianyun Building?"
Filled with curiosity, numerous gazes followed Helian Yun's retreating back.
Soon enough!
Hearty laughter reached them from outside the building.
"Why trouble the Grand Elder to come out and greet me personally? You flatter Luo entirely."
"That Fellow Daoist was willing to take time out of your busy schedule to meet is already an honor for this old man. What does a mere greeting amount to? Fellow Daoist, this way, please!"
Amid the conversation, two figures stepped into the somewhat deserted Lianyun Building from outside.
Immediately, every eye turned to the cultivator clad in white robes, his eyes clear and luminous.
Judging by appearance alone, he was exceptionally striking.
Yet the graying hair bound behind him and the slight sallow tinge to his complexion lent him a faint touch of sickly frailty.
Smiling, the two chatted idly as they climbed to the third floor.
Throughout this, the Lianyun Grand Elder personally gave orders that no tea or pastries were to be sent up, nor was anyone permitted to disturb them.
Only after their figures had vanished completely did the staff inside breathe a sigh of relief, breaking into hushed discussion.
"Was that...?"
"I couldn't have mistaken him. That was Fire Spirit Lord!"
"He called himself Luo, and Senior Fire Spirit Lord's true name is Luo Chen! Why would he come to our Lianyun Building?"
"Indeed! The Luotian Association is flourishing tremendously now. Aside from various businesses, they've started running merchant caravans, extending their reach into the market towns surrounding Tianlan Immortal City. In a few decades, their caravan trade might even surpass our Lianyun Merchant Alliance!"
The chatter slowly died down.
The newly advanced Foundation Establishment deputy building master was sweeping a sharp glare across all the clerks.
Once silence fell and everyone returned to their duties, she let out a soft, imperceptible sigh.
The Lianyun Merchant Alliance had first been targeted by the Sword Sect, and later suffered catastrophic losses on the Mount Thunder Accumulation battlefield.
Now, even including a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator like her, they possessed a scant five Foundation Establishment True Cultivators in total.
Under such circumstances, instead of rallying their forces to rebuild, the Grand Elder spent his thoughts elsewhere.
She wondered if this merchant alliance could even continue to operate in the future.
And where would she go?
...
Ascending the stairs, Luo Chen exchanged pleasantries with the Lianyun Grand Elder while observing his expression.
As things stood today!
His Daoist title of "Fire Spirit Lord" was far more famous throughout the Jade Cauldron Domain.
Because he could fight!
Yet the other party's calling card had pointedly addressed him by his other title, "Danchenzi."
From this alone, it was clear that the man either held immense admiration for his alchemical skill or had designs regarding the Dao of Alchemy.
He has his eye on my alchemy?
Suddenly!
Luo Chen stopped in his tracks.
Before him stood a wooden door.
The instant he paused, Helian Yun gasped inwardly.
What sharp spiritual sense this Luo Chen has!
Even as the thought crossed his mind, he asked aloud, "Fellow Daoist, why stop? What lies ahead is hardly a dragon's pool or a tiger's den."
Luo Chen looked at him with a faint smile, then pushed open the wooden door without hesitation.
"Even if it were a dragon's pool or a tiger's den, what of it?"
The moment he stepped inside, three formidable auras surged toward him.
Within the enclosed room, a wild gale seemed to rise in that instant.
Luo Chen's expression remained unchanged. His physique sank slightly, his robes fluttering loudly in the draft.
He cast a cold gaze across the room, sweeping a haughty look over the three figures seated inside.
Two men and one woman.
A middle-aged man with a florid red complexion, an alluring young woman, and a handsome young man with a vertical bamboo flute hanging at his waist.
"Grand Elder, aren't you going to introduce them?"
As he spoke, powerful waves of spiritual power slowly rippled outward with him at the center.
Relying on his own strength alone, he stood firm against the combined pressure of three great cultivators, not falling into the slightest disadvantage!
At this sight, surprise flickered across all three faces.
The red-faced middle-aged man in particular let out a low gasp.
Only then did Helian Yun seem to snap out of a trance.
"Fellow Daoist Fu, Fellow Daoist Xiao, Madam You Sha, what is the meaning of this?"
"Fellow Daoist Danchenzi is an alchemy master I took great pains to invite! Make your apologies to him at once!"
At those words, the three promptly reined in their spiritual fluctuations.
Cupping his hands toward Luo Chen, the red-faced man said, "Fu Jiusheng was in the wrong. I ask Fellow Daoist Luo to forgive me."
The handsome man with the flute also bowed slightly. "Xiao Sanren offers his greetings."
Lastly, the captivating woman with an exquisite figure and a bewitching countenance looked at Luo Chen with a smile.
"Fellow Daoist Danchenzi is accustomed to grand occasions. Surely you wouldn't take offense at this concubine's little test just now?"
"Hmph!"
Luo Chen gave a cold snort and lightly flicked his sleeve.
Then, he turned his gaze to Helian Yun.
"Explain yourself. These three fellow daoists hardly look like people interested in the Dao of Alchemy."
As he spoke, an intimidating aura radiated naturally from him.
Even though Helian Yun had served as Grand Elder of the Lianyun Merchant Alliance for a century and had met many Golden Core Masters in private, he could not help but pale slightly under the focused weight of this aura.
Is this the Fire Spirit Lord who led the charge to trample Fenxiang and annihilate the Yan Alliance?
Did I underestimate him too much?!
Taking a slight breath, he explained personally, "We truly are interested in the Dao of Alchemy. I will explain everything to Fellow Daoist in detail shortly. But before that, allow this old man to introduce these three, lest we damage our mutual harmony."
This picked up on Luo Chen's opening remark.
Luo Chen snorted, reined in his aura, and sat straight down in the seat of honor.
Seeing his actions, everyone's eyelids twitched.
Fire Spirit Lord!
Truly overbearing!
Helian Yun offered an awkward smile, but unwilling to delay matters, he immediately introduced the three to Luo Chen.
"Xiao Yuyan, a renowned rogue cultivator from Baihua Immortal City."
He introduced the handsome man with the vertical flute at his waist. His beauty possessed a balance of softness and masculine vitality that surpassed even Luo Chen's handsome looks.
The man smiled gently. "Compared to my real name, I prefer you call me Xiao Sanren."
Looking at Xiao Sanren's somewhat familiar features, Luo Chen's mind stirred.
Not only had he heard of the name Xiao Sanren, but he had even seen him before!
Back in Bai Ye's cave estate, while he was recuperating from injuries, several Foundation Establishment experts had barged in.
Among them had been this very Xiao Sanren!
When Luo Chen fled, Xiao Sanren had tried to impede him with a soul-bewitching flute tune, only for Luo Chen to neutralize it effortlessly.
What etched him so deeply into Luo Chen's memory, however, was not just that.
He recalled that when he fled, Xiao Sanren had been besieged by the Four Elders of Lian Cang, and had even suffered a treacherous, opportunistic strike from Ming Sha!
None of those five were simple characters!
The Four Elders of Lian Cang in particular—though each was merely at the eighth layer of Foundation Establishment—were masters of combined attack formations, to the extent that ordinary ninth-layer Foundation Establishment great cultivators dared not face them head-on.
Back then, after suffering a soul backlash from Luo Chen, this Xiao Sanren had managed to survive the encirclement of the four elders.
Moreover, his cultivation now appeared to have progressed significantly!
Was it due to a separate stroke of fortune, or was his strength simply overwhelming?
Furthermore!
Having suffered Ming Sha's treachery, how had he ended up associating with the man's wife?
While numerous questions arose in his mind, Helian Yun's introductions continued.
"Fu Jiusheng, a rogue cultivator from the Medicine King Domain skilled in the art of herbal foraging. He is a premier herb gatherer whom even the Medicine King Sect treats with respect."
This one was a stranger.
Yet looking at the red-faced middle-aged man, Luo Chen dared not underestimate him in the least.
A Great Perfection Foundation Establishment cultivation could not be faked!
Above all, the man was proficient in the art of gathering herbs.
This was not an immortal cultivation art that could be mastered behind closed doors.
Rare, heavenly materials and spiritual herbs almost invariably grew in treacherous mountains and great rivers, frequently guarded by ferocious demon beasts.
To harvest spiritual herbs from such perilous places demanded exceptional all-around competence!
Formidable strength was an absolute requirement.
A daring yet meticulous nature went without saying.
One also had to be deeply knowledgeable about various herbs and the habits of demon beasts.
Even an acute understanding of human psychology was essential.
After all, the perils faced by an herb gatherer did not stem solely from demon beasts and harsh terrain.
Luo Chen gave Fu Jiusheng a polite nod of goodwill.
The other man returned the gesture in kind.
This unusual exchange surprised Xiao Sanren.
Just a moment ago, Luo Chen had not shown him such courtesy.
A moment later, however, he understood.
He had heard that herb gatherers were naturally courted by alchemists.
Given that even the Medicine King Sect treated Fu Jiusheng with respect, it was hardly surprising that Luo Chen showed such an attitude.
Helian Yun paused briefly.
Then, gesturing toward the alluring woman, he continued, "You Ruolan! You might not be familiar with this name, Danchenzi, but when she roamed the cultivation world with her husband, they went by the moniker of the Nether Twin Fiends. You have likely heard of them."
Luo Chen's brow had already knitted slightly when Helian Yun introduced Xiao Sanren.
Hearing the name of the Nether Twin Fiends, it furrowed even deeper.
"I have certainly heard of the Nether Twin Fiends—a formidable rogue cultivator couple from Baiyun Immortal City. During Azure Pill Valley's Dao Seed contention, I heard you even acted on behalf of True Inheritor He Yuanqing. Regrettably, I was engrossed in studying the tournament's pill recipes back then and never had the pleasure of witnessing your prowess."
Hearing him say this, Madam You Sha burst into a flirtatious laugh, swaying like a blossoming branch.
"To think Master Danchenzi has heard of our names! Still, while you never saw us fight, we witnessed your peerless grace when you claimed three consecutive victories and suppressed the Seven Sons of Azure Pill. Tsk, tsk. It truly set our hearts racing and mouths watering!"
Luo Chen's lips twitched. What wanton phrasing was that?
Looking around, he asked curiously, "Where is Fellow Daoist Ming Sha?"
Unexpectedly, at this question, sorrow appeared on Madam You Sha's face.
"My husband... has unfortunately fallen within the cave estate of the almighty Bai Ye."
Luo Chen was stunned.
Yet inwardly, a surge of satisfaction welled up.
Good riddance!
Back in the place where he was recovering, Ming Sha had been the first to strike with lethal intent.
The man had clearly pursued a path of fiend-energy body refinement and was exceedingly ferocious.
Had Luo Chen not happened to achieve the third rank of the Desolate Ancient physique back then, that head-on palm strike would likely have inflicted grievous wounds.
Among celebrated rogue cultivators, none was weak; each possessed at least one or two trump cards.
Learning that his former enemy was dead, how could he not feel gratified?
Naturally, he maintained a look of sympathy on his face.
"My condolences."
To his surprise, Madam You Sha's sorrow did not last a moment before she beamed with radiant delight.
"What is there to mourn? Though he died, he secured an immense opportunity for me. His death was truly well worth it!"
"Uh..."
This time, Luo Chen was genuinely astounded.
Yet the other three shared similar expressions, which made the situation even more curious.
"Might I ask what this immense opportunity is?"
Madam You Sha held a pitch-black bamboo scroll in her hand.
Helian Yun said cautiously, "This is the very reason why this old man invited you here for an audience today, Danchenzi."
Luo Chen looked at the black bamboo scroll. "This is the opportunity?"
"Indeed!" Madam You Sha chuckled softly. "As long as Fellow Daoist swears an oath not to disclose today's matter to outsiders, then regardless of whether our cooperation succeeds or not, this concubine can explain the opportunity to you."
The others nodded in agreement.
It was clear they had already reached a consensus.
However!
Luo Chen sneered, idly turning his teacup between his fingers.
"And if I refuse?"
...
And if I refuse!
As those four words fell upon their ears, the expressions of all four—men, woman, old, and young—shifted.
Luo Chen scoffed, "We are all in the late Foundation Establishment stage, standing on the threshold of Core Formation. How can one swear an oath so lightly? What if, when attempting Core Formation in the future, a Dao Oath causes qi deviation? I have no desire to bear such a risk!"
For a moment, the four exchanged glances.
Luo Chen did not care what expressions they wore.
The lower one's cultivation realm, the less one took oaths seriously.
Conversely, the higher one's cultivation, the less likely one was to swear a Dao Oath.
Because the higher one's realm, the more vulnerable one was to inner demons and tribulations.
And inner demons were something Luo Chen truly feared like a tiger!
Back in the Qi Refinement stage, exhausted beyond measure, a single remark from Gu Caiyi had sent him into qi deviation, nearly ending him then and there.
Had it not been for the stimulation of Fu Xiuxiu's Moonlight Grass and his own early awakening, his lifetime of cultivation would have been ruined.
After reaching Foundation Establishment, just three years ago, his breakneck progress combined with the blinding fog of vengeance had driven him into an obsession once more.
Fortunately, through his own scheming and numerous trump cards, he had obliterated his arch-enemies and pulled through.
Otherwise, had the Yan Alliance and Qin Tairan survived, his Dao Heart would have gathered dust, never again recovering its present vigor and momentum—let alone reaching the great path of Golden Core!
With these past lessons, Luo Chen had grown increasingly wary of Dao Oaths and pacts.
Unless forced by absolute necessity, he would never swear an oath lightly.
Seeing the four vacillating, Luo Chen curled his lips and set down his teacup.
"Forget it!"
"Luo will simply abstain from your opportunity."
"Today, let us consider it an acquaintance made, adding a few more connections to my cultivation journey."
With that, he rose and walked toward the entrance.
Yet in his heart, murderous intent was already stirring!
Xiao Sanren and Madam You Sha had attempted to intercept and kill him back then. Although neither recognized him now, a deep enmity existed between them!
Now, an opportunity lay right before them.
Luo Chen was no saint.
Once he stepped out this door and they left this immortal city, what awaited them was an all-out ambush by the Luotian Association's experts!
When that time came, his vengeance would be exacted and the opportunity would fall into his hands. Why compromise with others?
Just as he approached the door, a voice called out:
"Wait!"
Luo Chen halted in his tracks, spun around, and allowed his murderous intent to burst forth undisguised.
"What? Do you intend to detain Luo by force?"
Faced with such unvarnished murderous intent, the four all paled.
Helian Yun, taking the brunt of it, broke into a cold sweat on his forehead.
Wiping away the sweat, he hurried to say, "Fellow Daoist, why let your temper flare so? We can discuss this; everything is open to discussion!"
Without waiting for Luo Chen's reply, he turned immediately to the other three.
"When you had me invite Fellow Daoist Danchenzi, wasn't it because, beyond his alchemical mastery that even Azure Pill Valley conceded to, you valued his gentlemanly conduct?"
"If you don't trust Fellow Daoist Danchenzi, you must at least trust the reputation of Fire Spirit Lord!"
Hearing this, the expressions of the other three softened slightly.
Indeed!
The Daoist title of Fire Spirit Lord did not merely extol Luo Chen's combat prowess.
That "Lord"—Jun—pointed to how he conducted himself like a true gentleman, a man of integrity who kept promises and honored trust.
Over the ensuing decades, Luo Chen's actions had truly lived up to the title of a gentleman.
The Li family of Qinhua River, whom he had sheltered, had not been swallowed up; on the contrary, they flourished more with each passing day.
The head of the Li family thrived within the Luotian Association, holding high office and commanding universal respect inside and out.
The Li family had even produced a second Foundation Establishment True Cultivator!
Furthermore, Luo Chen never abandoned the Luotian Association, and to avenge his fallen comrades, he had traveled far and wide, personally leading his forces to assault the Yan Alliance.
This matched the saying that a gentleman always repays a kindness and avenges every grievance!
Why would such a figure need the shackles of an oath?
Helian Yun breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to Luo Chen.
"As long as Fellow Daoist promises not to spread word of this matter, there is no need to swear a Great Dao Oath."
Now that words had gone this far, refusing would be refusing all face.
Besides, they had accorded him immense respect!
Reining in his murderous intent, Luo Chen gave a faint smile and readily promised that he would not disclose the matter of the opportunity to anyone.
As for how much weight such a promise held among scheming immortal cultivators?
That was hard to say!
After he gave his word, the tense atmosphere in the room completely dissipated.
Helian Yun signaled.
Madam You Sha nodded and said, "In Bai Ye's cave estate, while one could hardly say opportunities lay strewn about everywhere, anything left behind by a Soul Formation almighty—even the clipping of a fingernail—is an immense fortune desired by cultivators of our generation!"
Luo Chen nodded slightly.
That was true enough.
Back then, the few Thunder Essences he had obtained at random were items even Nascent Soul True Persons and Golden Core cultivators coveted desperately.
To a Soul Formation almighty, such materials were merely used to decorate a remote corner palace.
"Back then, having found nothing, my husband and I risked a dash toward the central region of Bai Ye's cave estate."
"In an outer auxiliary hall, we encountered a group of sect Foundation Establishment cultivators locked in a bloody brawl, and we joined in."
"In the end, we obtained this bamboo scroll at the cost of my husband's life."
At this point, Madam You Sha shook her head, lingering dread surfacing on her face.
Evidently, that battle had been perilous in the extreme.
Luo Chen grew intrigued. "What is this bamboo scroll, for you all to call it an immense opportunity?"
Madam You Sha rallied her spirits. "To others, it might not be much of an opportunity. But to us, it is unique!"
"Because this bamboo scroll records the recipe for a Core Formation spiritual medicine!"
As she said this, Helian Yun and the other two could not help but show yearning on their faces.
Luo Chen came to an understanding.
Other resources, no matter how precious, could have a price tag attached.
But anything related to Core Formation was something late Foundation Establishment great cultivators would trade their entire life's fortune to obtain.
However...
"A Core Formation spiritual medicine?" He curled his lips, appearing unimpressed.
Seeing his nonchalance, Helian Yun grew anxious.
"Fellow Daoist must not look down on this pill!"
"This is nothing like the Ice Wind Pill or Soaring Dragon Pill. Even the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect's Cauldron-Ascension Pill and the Medicine King Sect's Evergreen Pill likely fall far short of it!"
Luo Chen's eyes lit up. "Is it truly so profound?"
This time, it was Fu Jiusheng, the herb gatherer who had remained quiet all along, who spoke.
In a coarse voice, he said, "If Fellow Daoist reads the recipe's description, you will know Madam You Sha and Grand Elder Lianyun speak no falsehoods. This recipe originated from the Nether Sea Pill of the Minyuan Sect, but its refinement is simpler and its medicinal potency even more pronounced. If successfully refined and consumed, it can increase the odds of Core Formation by twenty percent!"
"Hand it over!"
Luo Chen reached out his hand directly.
Such bluntness caught the three off guard.
Luo Chen's conduct today was domineering and brazen, casual and willful yet never lacking in caution.
Demanding the recipe so directly now was even more...
Luo Chen met the four with a confident gaze.
"You sought me out, so your objective goes without saying."
"In your eyes, I must be the one most suited to refine this pill."
"Since that is so, why drag your feet? Just give it to me to read!"
Faced with such imposing confidence, Madam You Sha hesitated, holding the black bamboo scroll.
Helian Yun shot her a meaningful glance.
"Let Fellow Daoist take a look!"
"As he said, beyond the alchemists groomed by the major sects themselves, in the vast Jade Cauldron Domain, Fellow Daoist Danchenzi is the only one capable of refining a third-rank pill."
Madam You Sha realized the truth of this and gave a rare wry smile.
This Luo Chen's mind was exceptionally perceptive; he had pierced through their thoughts and motives in an instant.
Reluctantly, she placed the black bamboo scroll into Luo Chen's hand.
Halfway through, as if remembering something, she belatedly warned, "Careful, this bamboo scroll is fashioned from Heavenly Thunder Bamboo and carries lightning..."
Crackle...
An arc of electricity flashed.
Luo Chen frowned slightly, but his grip on the scroll did not slacken.
Casting a knowing smile at Madam You Sha, he began reading the pill recipe right before the eyes of the four.
Watching this, Madam You Sha's face flushed red and pale.
She had indeed harbored the intention of watching Luo Chen make a fool of himself just now.
Yet who would have thought!
He completely ignored the lightning power emanating from the Heavenly Thunder Bamboo.
Though that lightning power was not strong—at most numbing a person for an instant—that Luo Chen resolved it so effortlessly was still startling.
Above all, having her petty scheme seen through made her rather embarrassed.
Helian Yun shook his head and said nothing.
He merely exchanged a glance with the herb gatherer Fu Jiusheng, both feeling reassured.
For a time, the room fell into absolute silence.
Only Luo Chen's murmuring broke the quiet from time to time.
"Cold Star Grass, five-hundred-year-old Nether Blue Ganoderma, Red Crystal Date..."
Each term represented the name of an herb, mostly auxiliary ingredients.
Yet none of these auxiliary materials were commonplace.
On the contrary, though all were second-rank materials, they were of the exceptionally precious variety.
Especially the three primary ingredients!
"Tianshan Yang Restoring Water, Nine-Patterned Snake Saliva Fruit, Kalan Thunder Flower."
Hiss!
Seeing the names of these three primary ingredients, even Luo Chen—well-versed as he was in herb compendiums and having handled many fine medicinal herbs personally—could not help but draw in a sharp breath of cold air.
These were all third-rank materials!
Each was exceedingly rare, and each inherently possessed a subtle efficacy that aided in Core Formation.
Take the Tianshan Yang Restoring Water, for example.
The name sounded very familiar.
Among the many auxiliary resources used to break through to Foundation Establishment was a first-rank spiritual medicine called Yang Restoring Water.
That was a specialty medicine of the Medicine King Sect.
In reality, however, it was a simplified version that imitated Tianshan Yang Restoring Water.
True Tianshan Yang Restoring Water was of the third rank and extraordinarily difficult to find.
As for the other two, the Nine-Patterned Snake Saliva Fruit was a spiritual herb that grew alongside third-rank Nine-Patterned Snow Pythons and could not be transported.
It had to be harvested on the spot and refined into medicine immediately.
Even the harvesting technique was beyond the ability of ordinary cultivators.
And that Kalan Thunder Flower was a legendary marvel of heaven and earth. Though classed as third rank, it was harder to come by than fourth-rank spiritual herbs.
Seeing the troubled expression on Luo Chen's face, all four asked in unison, "Can you refine it?"
Luo Chen rolled his eyes. "It's not a question of whether I can refine it or not. The question is, where on earth are you going to get dozens of auxiliary ingredients and three primary materials like these?"
When he said this, the four let out a long breath of relief instead.
Luo Chen looked at them in astonishment.
"Could it be...?"
Madam You Sha patted her ample chest, her bosom trembling as she said, "As long as you can refine it, that's all that matters!"
Helian Yun was ecstatic. "Core Formation is within reach! The Great Dao of Golden Core is in sight!"
Fu Jiusheng also nodded slightly, unable to conceal a trace of reverence in his gaze toward Luo Chen.
He knew many alchemists, including third-rank alchemy masters from the Medicine King Sect.
Yet those were all wily old eccentrics of profound cultivation.
For someone like Luo Chen, at mere Foundation Establishment, to harbor such confidence was truly extraordinary!
He said slowly, "As long as Fellow Daoist can refine it, we are confident we can gather all the ingredients listed above!"
Hearing this, Luo Chen's expression turned solemn.
These people had probably been preparing for this day for a very long time!
Chapter 437