Chapter 125
Chapter 125
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: All is Ready
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Chen Jianghe froze at his words.
He looked at Alchemist Zhuang in surprise, not expecting him to propose such a condition. In an instant, his mind raced, analyzing the alchemist's intentions.
The Foundation Establishment Pill recipe!
That must be it. Alchemist Zhuang wants to secure this Foundation Establishment Pill recipe.
He wasn't doing it for himself, but for Zhuang Xinyan or Jiang Ruxu. With this recipe in hand…
It could serve as the foundation for the two women's future.
They could use it to reach Foundation Establishment and even build a powerful immortal clan.
Therefore, Ruan Tieniu, who sold the recipe to Alchemist Zhuang, could not be allowed to live. Otherwise, if the news leaked, it would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of the major immortal clans of the Tiannan Sect.
At that point, it might even alarm the Tiannan Sect itself.
"This old bastard must want to kill me too!"
The possibility suddenly struck Chen Jianghe. He also knew of the existence of this Foundation Establishment Pill recipe.
Although he didn't know the full contents, the refining steps, or the other main ingredient…
If he were to spread the word that this recipe only required twenty-one supplementary ingredients, it would cause a considerable stir, whether true or false.
Alchemist Zhuang was old.
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan had not yet risen to prominence. Even a false rumor would draw prying eyes.
"He's probably wary of Gao Peiyao behind me, so he won't show his killing intent toward me. He might even transform that killing intent into an unimaginable display of goodwill."
After a long silence.
Chen Jianghe cleared his thoughts and looked at Alchemist Zhuang. He didn't respond to the first condition directly, instead asking about the second.
If the second condition was also unacceptable, then this deal would truly fall through.
"What else does Alchemist Zhuang wish for me to do?"
"If you succeed in reaching Foundation Establishment, then marry my granddaughter, Zhuang Xinyan, and my disciple, Jiang Ruxu."
A complicated look flashed in Alchemist Zhuang's eyes.
Clearly, this idea had been carefully considered. Only by doing this could he truly tie Chen Jianghe to his granddaughter.
After his time was up…
Even if Chen Jianghe built a top-tier immortal clan with this Foundation Establishment Pill recipe, it would still carry the Zhuang family's bloodline.
Furthermore, only then would Chen Jianghe, after reaching Foundation Establishment, find a way to gather the materials and refine Foundation Establishment Pills to help Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu achieve their breakthrough.
Three Foundation Establishment cultivators in one family, all achieving it at a young age.
Such a temptation, one would be hard-pressed to find a cultivator in the world who could resist it.
"I'm afraid I must disappoint you, Alchemist Zhuang. I have no such grand ambitions. I only wish for a simple life of cultivation, seeking the Dao."
Chen Jianghe refused Alchemist Zhuang's 'kindness' without a moment's hesitation.
Although there was a scheme involved, it offered him many benefits.
Unfortunately, his ambition did not lie in establishing a clan.
At the very least, he didn't want to be trapped in the cage of a clan right now.
At that moment, Chen Jianghe was already communicating with Xiao Hei. If Alchemist Zhuang showed any hint of killing intent, he, along with Xiao Hei and Maoqiu, would strike immediately.
Being targeted by a high-grade alchemist…
It was extremely dangerous, especially a high-grade alchemist as meticulous and ruthless as Alchemist Zhuang.
With just a few words, he had deduced the entire crowdfunding alchemy plan and was prepared to kill the innocent Ruan Tieniu for a pill recipe.
He had to be on guard.
"Alas!"
Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe, saw the determination in his eyes, and sighed. "I had a feeling you wouldn't agree to these two conditions."
"Then please, fellow cultivator, agree to one condition from me, and my previous promises will still stand."
"Please speak, Alchemist Zhuang."
"If you succeed in reaching Foundation Establishment, you must protect Xinyan and Ruxu for thirty years, and you must help them obtain two... no, one Foundation Establishment Pill."
"Such a condition isn't too much to ask, is it?" Alchemist Zhuang's gaze held a hint of pleading as he looked at Chen Jianghe.
Alchemist Zhuang had spirit stones.
But his granddaughter couldn't protect them.
His disciple, though talented in alchemy, needed time to grow. This required someone who could ensure their safety.
"Master, we're back."
Just then, Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan returned, bringing out the spirit dishes they had ordered from the Qinghe Restaurant.
Instantly, a rich aroma filled the air, refreshing the senses.
Looking at the sumptuous feast of spirit dishes and the pot of top-grade immortal spirit wine, the spread was no less grand than the last time.
He then glanced at the lively Jiang Ruxu and the overly innocent, somewhat dazed Zhuang Xinyan.
Chen Jianghe sent a mental message to Alchemist Zhuang, "Very well, I accept your condition, but only on the premise that I successfully reach Foundation Establishment."
"Good. Inform the other two. I will begin refining the pills at the end of the year," Alchemist Zhuang replied via mental message.
"Haha..."
"Come, fellow cultivator, take a seat. Let's have a good drink." Alchemist Zhuang's face immediately broke into a wide smile, his brows raised in delight.
The heavy gloom from moments before had completely vanished.
Half an hour later.
Chen Jianghe left Alchemist Zhuang's Blessed Residence.
Standing on the second floor, Alchemist Zhuang watched Chen Jianghe's figure gradually disappear down Fortune and Longevity Lane, and he let out a sigh of relief.
"He actually resisted the temptation. It seems I didn't choose the wrong person."
Killing Ruan Tieniu, and offering Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu in marriage, were both tests Alchemist Zhuang had set for Chen Jianghe.
If Chen Jianghe had agreed…
It would have meant that Chen Jianghe was overly ambitious and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
He would even kill Ruan Tieniu, the one who brought him into the crowdfunding alchemy group.
In that case, he would surely turn on his granddaughter in the future.
"It seems this treasure won't be needed."
A spirit talisman appeared in Alchemist Zhuang's hand. The runes on it were profound and mysterious, shimmering with a sharp, metallic golden light.
The power it contained far surpassed that of a high-grade spirit talisman.
The difference was like heaven and earth.
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Walking home, Chen Jianghe thought about Alchemist Zhuang's words, and the more he thought, the more something felt off.
Getting rid of Ruan Tieniu might have been Alchemist Zhuang's true intention.
But offering his granddaughter and disciple in marriage was definitely a test.
Even if he wanted protection for Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu, he didn't need to resort to marriage.
Doing so would mean giving away his family's wealth and becoming his subordinate.
This clearly went against Alchemist Zhuang's original intentions.
"That old bastard was testing me?"
Chen Jianghe gave a wry smile. The cultivation world was not only cruel but also complex. Dealing with this century-old fox, one careless misstep could easily lead into a trap.
Although the transaction was fraught with schemes and calculations, the outcome was good.
He didn't have to spend a single spirit stone or buy any supplementary ingredients, and he would receive a Foundation Establishment Pill once it was successfully refined.
And nearly six hundred spirit stones on top of that.
Of course.
He had also made a promise in return.
After successfully reaching Foundation Establishment, he would have to protect Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan for thirty years and help them obtain one Foundation Establishment Pill.
It was hard to say who got the better or worse end of this deal.
Alchemist Zhuang also bore a risk. Simply taking a Foundation Establishment Pill did not guarantee a successful breakthrough.
There were countless examples in the cultivation world of those who failed after taking the pill; the *Qinghe Gazette* had several such cases.
After failing the breakthrough, one's spiritual power would become purer. Although not fully liquefied, it would be much stronger than that of the ninth level of Qi Refining.
Those cultivators who failed their breakthrough gave this state a rather pleasant name.
The tenth level of Qi Refining!
Although they could attempt the breakthrough again, the difficulty would double.
If Chen Jianghe failed to reach Foundation Establishment, Alchemist Zhuang's investment of several thousand spirit stones worth of resources would be a total loss.
Of course, Chen Jianghe didn't exactly come out ahead either. After succeeding, he would have to protect Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu for thirty years.
And there was the matter of one Foundation Establishment Pill.
It was as if he was enjoying the benefits of the spirit stones in advance.
Protecting the two women for thirty years was the interest attached to that advance.
When he arrived home, it was nearly the hour of You. Chen Jianghe didn't let Xiao Hei and Maoqiu out, as he had to visit Gao Peiyao early the next morning.
The matter of the Beauty Retaining Pill was something he had to take seriously.
The next morning.
Chen Jianghe arrived at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion. He first went to the cultivation arts section on the third floor, planning to ask a random cultivator about Gao Peiyao.
But he saw a cultivator he was somewhat familiar with.
"Fellow cultivator."
"Senior Chen?"
This cultivator was the same one from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion who had invited him from Fortune and Longevity Lane before, and also the one who had directly ushered him into the auction.
"May I ask what Senior Chen needs?"
"Is Fairy Peiyao here? Could you please inform her for me?" Chen Jianghe said politely.
"So Senior Chen really is here to see Manager Gao!"
The man smiled and then said, "Senior Chen can go up on your own. Manager Gao gave instructions yesterday that you would be coming today. I didn't expect you to actually show up, Senior Chen."
"Huh?"
Chen Jianghe was taken aback, somewhat surprised.
How did Gao Peiyao guess he would come today?
He knew very well that the moment he stepped out of his courtyard, he was under the surveillance of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, but he had only gone to Fortune and Longevity Lane.
How did Gao Peiyao determine that he would come looking for her?
Nevertheless, he thanked the late-stage Qi Refining cultivator from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and went up to the fifth floor.
The respect the Hundred Treasures Pavilion cultivators showed him was because of Gao Peiyao. Otherwise, with the same late-stage Qi Refining cultivation, why would they call him senior?
Gao Peiyao's term as manager of the Qinghe Market City's Hundred Treasures Pavilion was almost over.
Once she left, who would even spare a glance for an eighth-level Qi Refining cultivator like him?
Upon reaching the fifth floor, he was stopped by a female cultivator.
After she went in to announce him, she came out ten breaths later and invited him in.
Chen Jianghe walked in.
He saw Gao Peiyao standing with her back to him by the window, dressed in a light blue long dress that made her look ethereal and at ease.
"Brother Jianghe, you couldn't resist coming after all."
Gao Peiyao turned around. Her stunning face, now possessing a transcendent and noble aura after her successful Foundation Establishment, exuded an indescribable charm in every word and action.
At this moment, her beauty was undoubtedly at its absolute peak.
"Fairy Peiyao knew why I came?" Chen Jianghe asked in astonishment.
Gao Peiyao didn't correct his form of address this time. After ten years of Foundation Establishment, she had grown accustomed to being called Senior and Fairy.
It wasn't that she was intentionally distancing herself from others, but rather the gap created by cultivation level.
No matter how approachable she tried to be, under the pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even her old friends would feel uneasy.
"If I'm not mistaken, it was that old alchemist with the surname Zhuang who asked you to come."
Gao Peiyao watched Chen Jianghe with a smile, especially enjoying his surprised expression, and slowly said, "Am I right?"
"Indeed."
Chen Jianghe nodded, a bitter look on his face.
Among all the people he interacted with, aside from Yu Daniu and Zhuang Xinyan, none were simple.
Each of them had an uncanny ability to see the whole picture from a single clue.
Whenever he spoke with them, he had to be extremely careful, afraid of inadvertently revealing his secrets.
"Alchemist Zhuang's alchemy skills are quite good. On the surface, he's a first-rank high-grade alchemist, but in reality, he's a second-rank low-grade alchemist. A pity he's too old."
"Otherwise, he could have become a guest alchemist for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion."
Gao Peiyao said faintly.
Her calm words, however, were tinged with arrogance.
Logically, even if Alchemist Zhuang was nearing the end of his lifespan, he could still create value for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
But from Gao Peiyao's tone, it seemed the Hundred Treasures Pavilion had little interest in a second-rank low-grade alchemist on the verge of death.
This showed that the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, as an enterprise of the Tiannan Sect, was not lacking in second-rank alchemists.
"The Beauty Retaining Grass... I can help you ask for it, Brother Jianghe, but it will be difficult to ask for the first-rank talisman arts inheritance again."
After speaking, Gao Peiyao turned back to look out over the entire Qinghe Market City.
Chen Jianghe understood the meaning behind her words.
The Beauty Retaining Grass and the first-rank talisman arts inheritance—he could choose one, but only one.
This would settle the friendship from their youth.
"Thank you for your kindness, Fairy Peiyao. I still hope to obtain the Beauty Retaining Grass," Chen Jianghe said with a cupped fist salute.
The first-rank talisman arts inheritance was also something he desperately needed.
With his current skill in talisman crafting, he could attempt to draw high-grade spirit talismans in three to five years at most.
The prerequisite was having the first-rank talisman arts inheritance.
Therefore, to become a high-grade Talisman Master, he still needed to purchase the inheritance.
In terms of market price.
The value of a first-rank talisman arts inheritance far exceeded that of the Beauty Retaining Grass.
But the inheritance could be obtained with spirit stones, whereas the Beauty Retaining Grass was different. It was hard to get even with spirit stones.
"Since Brother Jianghe has made up his mind, I won't say any more. You can come to me for the Beauty Retaining Grass at the beginning of next year."
"Thank you, Fairy. I shall take my leave."
Chen Jianghe bowed respectfully and then left.
For him now, words of thanks or owing a favor were empty.
And unreliable.
He was just an eighth-level Qi Refining cultivator.
Gao Peiyao, however, was a Foundation Establishment cultivator. They weren't even on the same level. What was the use of saying he owed her a favor?
He just needed to remember the favor.
If an opportunity arose in the future, he would repay it.
"Why choose the Beauty Retaining Grass? Is he trying to buy himself another twenty years?"
A Beauty Retaining Pill extended one's life by ten years.
A Life Extension Pill extended it by another ten.
This would allow a cultivator to postpone their optimal time for Foundation Establishment by twenty years. But without a Foundation Establishment Pill, and without cultivating the physical body to perfection…
The success rate of the breakthrough was extremely low.
"Sixty-five years old... in fifteen years, can he really cultivate his body and spirit to perfection?"
"Without a Foundation Establishment Pill, failure means eternal damnation, his body and soul annihilated."
"Why did your attitude toward attempting Foundation Establishment suddenly change?"
Gao Peiyao watched Chen Jianghe's back on the street below and gently shook her head. She couldn't concern herself with it anymore.
Once her term was up, she might never return to Qinghe Market City, or even Mirror Moon Lake, again.
She had secured a sliver of hope for Foundation Establishment for Zhou Miaoyun's descendant.
She had built up Chen Jianghe's reputation in Qinghe Market City and secured a Beauty Retaining Grass for him.
As for the favor she owed Yu Daniu…
She would give him a generous gift when she left, repaying the debt.
And thus, the friendship of the four youths would be settled.