Chapter 112
Chapter 112
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 112
Chapter Title: Leaving Room for Maneuver, Forging Good Karma
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"Looking for me?"
Chen Jianghe stood up, glanced at the slightly embarrassed Alchemist Zhuang, and bid him farewell.
It wasn't strange at all that Gao Peiyao knew his whereabouts.
Once he stepped out of his courtyard, he was likely under the surveillance of Qinghe Market City, and the Hundred Treasures Pavilion would surely know as well.
Watching the late-stage Qi Refining cultivator from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion converse with Chen Jianghe outside the courtyard gate, his words filled with respect.
A smile appeared on Alchemist Zhuang's face.
He knew the friendship between Chen Jianghe and Gao Peiyao was anything but simple. It was just as he had thought; even the arrogant cultivators of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion lowered themselves before him.
They were even more respectful to Chen Jianghe than they were to him, a high-grade alchemist.
"Grandfather, why are you deliberately trying to befriend Senior Chen? You never used to talk to those high-grade talisman masters."
Zhuang Xinyan said, utterly perplexed, "Senior Chen's cultivation isn't high, and his talisman skills aren't that great either."
"Xinyan, don't speak nonsense." Alchemist Zhuang interrupted his granddaughter.
He looked at his only bloodline, his eyes filled with reluctance and worry. He had protected Zhuang Xinyan too well over the years.
Perhaps it was also due to the mental trauma left by Lan Tianxiang's massacre of his clan.
Whenever Zhuang Xinyan was not by his side, he felt his granddaughter might be in danger.
As a result, even now, Zhuang Xinyan was like a child who never grew up, blurting out things she shouldn't say.
And she didn't understand the ways of the world.
"Master, what is the relationship between Senior Chen and Fairy Peiyao? She actually sent someone to our home to invite him!"
Jiang Ruxu knew Alchemist Zhuang's intention in befriending Chen Jianghe, but she was extremely curious about the relationship between Chen Jianghe and Gao Peiyao.
How could a mid-grade talisman master establish a connection with a Foundation Establishment fairy?
One must understand that in the eyes of Foundation Establishment cultivators, even her master held little status.
A high-grade alchemist was far superior to a high-grade talisman master, let alone a mid-grade one.
"I've heard that Fairy Peiyao, that elder of the Yun Clan with a different surname, Yu Daniu, and Fellow Daoist Chen were childhood friends."
"Childhood friends! No wonder Fairy Peiyao calls Senior Chen 'Brother Jianghe'."
Jiang Ruxu's eyes widened in astonishment, and a moment later, she was filled with envy.
"Grandfather, if Senior Chen and Fairy Peiyao were childhood friends, why does he still look like a young man now?"
Zhuang Xinyan asked curiously.
Jiang Ruxu also showed a curious expression.
It was no secret that Gao Peiyao reached Foundation Establishment at the age of forty-eight. Although she was still in her prime and radiant today.
She was actually over fifty years old.
Therefore, Chen Jianghe had to be at least in his fifties. Even if he was sixty, he shouldn't look so young.
"He must have consumed a Youth Retaining Grass."
Alchemist Zhuang showed a confident smile and said to his granddaughter and disciple, "Do you know why it's so difficult to find Youth Retaining Grass circulating in the Tiannan Domain?"
Both Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu looked at Alchemist Zhuang, filled with curiosity.
"That's because Youth Retaining Grass can only be found in the Tiannan Sect and deep within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. Now you know why Chen Jianghe's appearance hasn't changed."
"I see."
"Youth Retaining Grass~"
Jiang Ruxu's watery eyes blinked a few times, filled with longing for the Youth Retaining Grass.
Even the innocent Zhuang Xinyan wanted to obtain a stalk of Youth Retaining Grass.
"You two, go cultivate."
Alchemist Zhuang saw the desire in their eyes and smiled helplessly in his heart. Youth Retaining Grass was one of the important resources controlled by the Tiannan Sect.
How could it be easily obtained?
Watching the two women return to their rooms to cultivate.
Alchemist Zhuang waved his hand, and a gust of wind blew the courtyard gate shut.
Standing in the courtyard, he could see the tallest building in Qinghe Market City, the towering five-story Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
"If you can obtain one stalk of Youth Retaining Grass, there's hope of getting a second. Besides, Youth Retaining Grass can only maintain one's appearance for a dozen years or so. How can its effect compare to the miraculous Youth Retaining Pill?"
A smile appeared on the corner of Alchemist Zhuang's mouth.
He deliberately befriended Chen Jianghe, with his main purpose being the Youth Retaining Grass.
The recipe for the Youth Retaining Pill was as well-known as a basic cultivation art in the Tiannan Domain; everyone knew it. But so what?
The main ingredient for refining the Youth Retaining Pill, the Youth Retaining Grass, was controlled by the Tiannan Sect.
Even if you knew the recipe, you couldn't refine it.
Although Alchemist Zhuang was a high-grade alchemist, he had been stuck at this level for nearly forty years.
It wasn't that his talent was insufficient to become a second-tier alchemist.
It was because he lacked the materials and recipes for second-tier spirit pills that he couldn't break through.
Although the Youth Retaining Pill was a second-tier spirit pill, its refining technique was even simpler than that of a first-tier high-grade spirit pill.
It was only called a second-tier spirit pill because of its miraculous effects.
As long as Chen Jianghe could obtain another stalk of Youth Retaining Grass, he could refine a batch of Youth Retaining Pills.
He was eighty percent confident of success.
One batch could produce at least three Youth Retaining Pills.
Gao Peiyao was a disciple of the Tiannan Sect, but she had just successfully reached Foundation Establishment and probably hadn't taken a Youth Retaining Pill yet.
However, she had sect channels to obtain one.
Even if Alchemist Zhuang only needed one stalk of Youth Retaining Grass and offered to provide Gao Peiyao with a Youth Retaining Pill for free, she wouldn't even bother with him.
This required a middleman with deep ties to both sides.
Chen Jianghe was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
"I have eight years left. Xinyan is still young, and Ruxu hasn't grown strong enough to protect her."
"Only the Youth Retaining Pill can let me live for another ten years. Eighteen years is enough time for me to arrange everything for Xinyan's future."
Alchemist Zhuang was so eager to deepen his friendship with Chen Jianghe because he was running out of time.
He desperately needed a Youth Retaining Pill.
He was old and decrepit, long past the optimal age for taking a Youth Retaining Pill.
But the Youth Retaining Pill had another miraculous effect: extending one's lifespan.
A wondrous side effect of the Youth Retaining Pill was a ten-year extension of life.
This was also why sect disciples could live for two hundred and forty years as long as they successfully reached Foundation Establishment.
Because not only could they take a Life Extension Pill to increase their lifespan by ten years, but they could also gain another ten years from a Youth Retaining Pill.
"Once our friendship deepens a bit more, I can mention the Youth Retaining Grass to him. I imagine he won't be able to resist the temptation of a Youth Retaining Pill."
---
Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
Gao Peiyao stood by the window holding a letter, bathed in the spring breeze. The hair at her temples fluttered in the wind, brushing against her cherry-red lips, making her appear even more beautiful and captivating, a beauty that could topple nations.
Gazing in the direction of Fushou Lane, a sharp glint flashed in her phoenix-like eyes.
"This old alchemist certainly thinks far ahead. I just wonder if Chen Jianghe will go along with his wishes."
Regarding Alchemist Zhuang's scheme to deliberately befriend Chen Jianghe.
Gao Peiyao saw through his calculations at a glance. However, she was a little curious whether the ever-steady 'Brother Jianghe' could resist the temptation of a Youth Retaining Pill.
In all their years of friendship, she had never seen Chen Jianghe actively ask anyone for a favor.
A moment later.
Chen Jianghe was led to the fifth floor by a cultivator from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, where he saw Gao Peiyao standing by the window with a smile.
She gently waved her jade-like arm, and the late-stage Qi Refining cultivator respectfully withdrew.
"Greetings, Fairy."
Chen Jianghe cupped his hands in a salute.
"Hehe~"
Gao Peiyao let out a light laugh, her phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. Her delicate body trembled gently with her laughter, exuding endless charm.
"Brother Jianghe, there's no one else here. Why are you being so formal again?"
Chen Jianghe offered a polite smile but said nothing.
The disparity in their status, position, and cultivation realm was too great. If he acted as he had in the past, it would only invite dislike.
Being overly polite wouldn't offend anyone.
But being impolite would make people resent him.
"Brother Jianghe, do you have any need for resources lately?"
Gao Peiyao said softly, "I am in charge of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and with so many trivial matters to attend to, I haven't had time to meet with you, Brother Jianghe."
"You're too kind, Peiyao. I don't have any needs. Drawing talismans on a daily basis is enough for my cultivation."
After Gao Peiyao's request, he could change how he addressed her to make their relationship seem closer.
It would also show that she hadn't forgotten her childhood friend after reaching Foundation Establishment.
But he couldn't take the initiative to use the familiar address; that would seem disrespectful.
But he also couldn't disobey, as that would make her think he was distancing himself or looking down on his Foundation Establishment friend.
"Brother Jianghe, have you never thought about Foundation Establishment?" Gao Peiyao walked up to Chen Jianghe, her eyes like pearls, staring at him with a faint smile.
"Do you think I can reach Foundation Establishment, Peiyao?"
Chen Jianghe smiled and looked at Gao Peiyao, meeting her gaze.
They held each other's gaze for a few breaths.
Gao Peiyao smiled, turned around, and said, "Brother Jianghe, you are six years older than me. You've reached the age of sixty this year. Perhaps you can become a high-grade talisman master in the future."
The meaning was clear.
She was explicitly stating that Chen Jianghe had no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment, and his greatest achievement in the future would be becoming a high-grade talisman master.
It was no wonder Gao Peiyao thought this way.
Chen Jianghe was now just over sixty years old, an age where his vitality was beginning to decline, yet his cultivation was still at the eighth level of Qi Refining.
He had yet to come into contact with body tempering arts or spirit cultivation techniques.
How could he possibly reach Foundation Establishment?
It was basically hopeless.
"Xiaoniu sent a letter. Take a look, Brother Jianghe."
Gao Peiyao picked up the letter from the fragrant wooden desk, walked over to Chen Jianghe, and raised her jade-like hand.
Chen Jianghe took it and glanced over it briefly.
It was similar to the letter sent to him, asking Gao Peiyao to also step in and persuade Yu Daniu not to act rashly and attempt Foundation Establishment blindly.
"Xiaoniu sent me a letter as well. The content is more or less the same."
Chen Jianghe handed the letter back.
"In that case, how do you think we should reply, Brother Jianghe?" As Gao Peiyao spoke, spiritual power surged in her hand, turning the letter to dust.
"We cultivators all yearn for the path of immortal longevity, but the immortal path is hard to find. Longevity is ultimately a distant belief. The hurdle of Foundation Establishment has buried countless fellow Daoists on their immortal journey."
Chen Jianghe said calmly, "If there's more than a fifty percent chance, or if one has a Foundation Establishment Pill, it's worth a try. Otherwise, it's better to live for another sixty years."
"Indeed, the immortal path is hard to find."
Gao Peiyao took a deep breath. She deeply understood these words and was profoundly moved by them.
"I just don't know if Brother Daniu can be as enlightened as you, Brother Jianghe, and recognize reality. Rather than fighting for that illusory immortal path, it's better to live for another sixty years and pave the way for future generations."
At this point, Chen Jianghe and Gao Peiyao tacitly avoided mentioning a reply. It was clear their thoughts were aligned.
They had both "not seen" the letter.
Naturally, there was no need to reply.
Obstructing someone's path to Dao carried immense karma.
After finishing their discussion about Yu Daniu, Gao Peiyao then mentioned Zhou Miaoyun's letter, which explained that Yu Daniu's fifth son had taken a liking to her niece.
However, Zhou Miaoyun did not ask Gao Peiyao to be the matchmaker.
She was self-aware on this point.
Although they had a past friendship, their statuses were now worlds apart. Gao Peiyao was a Foundation Establishment expert; how could she act as a matchmaker for Zhou Miaoyun's niece?
If Yu Daniu had written the letter himself, it might have been possible.
But how could he waste a favor on the marriage of his offspring?
Therefore, Zhou Miaoyun's intention was to ask if Gao Peiyao could attend the wedding if Wuniu and her niece were to marry.
This would not only bolster Yu Daniu's prestige but also build up the Zhou Clan's reputation.
"Yun Wuniu... I'm not familiar with his character. And I've never met Fellow Daoist Zhou's niece. I'm afraid I won't be able to attend."
"If you're going then, Brother Jianghe, help me..."
Before Gao Peiyao could finish, Chen Jianghe awkwardly interjected, "Peiyao, you know my temperament. I've never been fond of lively occasions."
"That's true. In that case, we'll send a letter with our blessings."
Gao Peiyao nodded.
Clearly, Yu Daniu hadn't written to Gao Peiyao complaining about how much of a scoundrel his fifth son was.
Otherwise, Gao Peiyao wouldn't even have mentioned sending a letter with their blessings.
She might not have even given it a second thought.
"Brother Jianghe, if you want a first-tier high-grade talisman arts inheritance in the future, you can come and tell me."
"I'll figure something out and see if I can procure a complete first-tier talisman arts inheritance for you."
Gao Peiyao said with a smile.
"Thank you, Fairy."
Instantly, Chen Jianghe's expression turned serious, and he thanked her solemnly.
Gao Peiyao was planning for Chen Jianghe's future. In her eyes, he had no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment.
He would definitely leave Qinghe Market City later, go to a small cultivation town, marry, have children, and manage a family.
If he had a complete set of first-tier talisman arts inheritance, then Chen Jianghe's descendants would definitely have a chance to rise in the future.
Therefore, this was a huge favor from Gao Peiyao.
Chen Jianghe naturally had to thank her solemnly.
Although he wouldn't marry, have children, and establish a family—at least, he had no such plans for now.
Foundation Establishment was his current goal.
The path of immortal longevity was his pursuit.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Jianghe left the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
Watching Chen Jianghe's departing figure, the smile on Gao Peiyao's face vanished, replaced by her usual cold and detached expression.
Like a noble frost flower, cold, beautiful, and proud, keeping others at a distance.
"Although I don't know if Chen Jianghe has a secret, by forging good karma, even if he does have a secret in the future, we can maintain the genuine friendship of our youth."
"If he has no secret, it can be considered a conclusion to the memories of my youth, and it won't affect my state of mind in the future."
Gao Peiyao returned to her desk and wrote a reply to Zhou Miaoyun.
She politely declined the invitation.
However, she also gave Zhou Miaoyun an opportunity.
If there was a talented and suitable junior, she could be sent to Qinghe Market City. Gao Peiyao would recommend her to a deacon of the Tiannan Sect, and perhaps she could enter the sect as an outer disciple.
With her great secret, she never deliberately distanced herself from those she befriended, but instead tried to leave as much good karma as possible.
The world is unpredictable; perhaps there would come a day when it would be useful.
It was just that Yu Daniu's attempt at Foundation Establishment had caught her somewhat off guard.
She didn't want Yu Daniu to attempt Foundation Establishment. It was too dangerous. It would be better to live out his remaining sixty years and plan for his descendants' Foundation Establishment.
However, she owed Yu Daniu a favor.
Regardless of what happened to Yu Daniu, she would help Yun Xiaoniu in the future.
Chen Jianghe walked on the road back.
Thinking about Gao Peiyao's words, he couldn't help but admire her inwardly.
She was still the same as before, never taking the path of ruthlessness, always thorough in her actions, and widely forging good karma.