Chapter 130
Chapter 130
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 130
Chapter Title: Two Beauty Retaining Pills
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Chen Jianghe left the Hundred Treasures Pavilion with the Beauty Retaining Grass.
From Gao Peiyao's tone, he could sense the feeling of an impending departure.
After this small gathering, who knew when they would meet again? It was even possible they would never see each other again.
Gao Peiyao was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator with a lifespan of two hundred and twenty years. But with the Beauty Retaining Pill and Life Extension Pill, her lifespan could reach two hundred and forty years.
In contrast, Yu Daniu and Zhou Miaoyun only had one hundred and twenty years, and they were already growing old.
Moreover, although Qi Refining cultivators had a lifespan of one hundred and twenty years, very few actually lived that long.
A single injury could shorten their lifespan.
Thus, Gao Peiyao was already in a different world from them, and their pursuits would diverge from now on.
Gao Peiyao sought to become a core disciple of her sect and scheme for a Core Formation opportunity.
Chen Jianghe, on the other hand, was planning for Foundation Establishment, continuing his search for an opportunity.
Yu Daniu was already an elder of the Yun Clan. Barring any unexpected events, he had reached the pinnacle of his life.
His only remaining ambition was to help Yun Xiaoniu achieve Foundation Establishment.
As for Zhou Miaoyun, although she had no children of her own, she was an elder of the Zhou Clan. Her younger brother, the clan head, had many descendants.
Her purpose was to accumulate more resources for her grand-nephews and nieces.
Walking down Longevity Lane, he passed by Ji Wujin's courtyard and saw the "Away" sign hanging on the gate.
He wondered if Ji Wujin had begun his attempt at Foundation Establishment.
Judging from the fluctuations of Ji Wujin's spiritual power, he was already at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, but he lacked the physical spiritual energy that came from body tempering.
He probably hadn't started cultivating his physical body yet.
If he were to force Foundation Establishment now, it would be, as Gao Peiyao had said, entirely up to luck.
However, with a genuine Foundation Establishment Pill, his life would not be in danger.
*Thump... thump thump.*
Chen Jianghe knocked on the door ring.
Soon, the courtyard gate opened, and it was Alchemist Zhuang himself who came out. The moment he saw Chen Jianghe, his eyes lit up.
A brilliant light shone in Alchemist Zhuang's eyes.
"Fellow Daoist, did you get it?"
Alchemist Zhuang suppressed his excitement, his voice trembling slightly as he stared intently at Chen Jianghe.
"Fortunately, I did not fail." Chen Jianghe nodded and handed the Beauty Retaining Grass to Alchemist Zhuang.
"Excellent!"
Alchemist Zhuang exclaimed with great joy.
At his age, there were few things that could make him lose his composure. Not even obtaining the recipe for the Foundation Establishment Pill had made him as happy as Chen Jianghe bringing him the Beauty Retaining Grass.
In his heart, the most important person was his granddaughter, Zhuang Xinyan.
Being able to protect his granddaughter for another ten years was the greatest happiness he could imagine, the most exciting thing possible.
"Fourteen more years... that's enough, that's enough!"
Alchemist Zhuang currently had four years left. With the Beauty Retaining Grass, he could refine a Beauty Retaining Pill. After taking it, his life would be extended by ten years, giving him fourteen more years to care for his granddaughter and train Jiang Ruxu.
Given the alchemical talent Jiang Ruxu had shown, there was a seventy percent chance she could become a high-grade alchemist within fourteen years.
"Fellow Daoist, please, come in quickly."
"It's getting late. I think I'll come back tomorrow," Chen Jianghe said, glancing at the sky. The sun had sunk below the western mountains; it was late evening.
In less than half an hour, the streets would be cleared.
"No need for such trouble. Fellow Daoist, you shall stay here tonight. Wait while this old man refines the Beauty Retaining Pill."
Alchemist Zhuang laughed heartily and insisted on ushering Chen Jianghe into the Fu Residence.
At that moment, the alchemy room glowed with firelight. Jiang Ruxu was likely refining pills inside, but there was no sign of Zhuang Xinyan.
She was probably cultivating in her room.
"Fellow Daoist, please wait a moment. Ruxu is refining Spirit Accumulating Pills and will be out soon," Alchemist Zhuang said with a cheerful smile.
Chen Jianghe nodded.
He felt a pang of envy for Jiang Ruxu's talent in alchemy. She had become a mid-grade alchemist after only ten years as an apprentice.
It was almost a certainty that she would become a high-grade alchemist in the future.
Naturally, he was inclined to be on good terms with someone of her great potential.
If Ruan Tieniu couldn't gather the materials for the Foundation Establishment Pill within five years, Chen Jianghe would have to place his hopes on Jiang Ruxu.
Alchemist Zhuang didn't have many five-year periods left.
"Do you know that Ruan Tieniu failed his Foundation Establishment?" Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe and stated calmly.
"Yes, I've already seen him," Chen Jianghe nodded.
"Then do you know that he wants to try again?"
"Yes! Has Fellow Daoist Ruan been to see you, Alchemist Zhuang?" Chen Jianghe asked, looking puzzled.
Ruan Tieniu had told him he would gather the main ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill within five years, but how did Alchemist Zhuang know?
Alchemist Zhuang smiled.
"After Ruan Tieniu failed his attempt, he came to find me, hoping I would refine another Foundation Establishment Pill for him in five years."
"Oh? And what did you say, Alchemist Zhuang?" Chen Jianghe asked.
"I told him to find you."
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe understood. The alchemist didn't want to get too involved with Ruan Tieniu.
And in doing so, he had done Chen Jianghe a favor.
If Ruan Tieniu wanted Alchemist Zhuang to refine a pill, he would first have to ask Chen Jianghe, which meant Ruan Tieniu would owe him a favor.
"No wonder Ruan Tieniu found me and said so much. It was an easy favor passed along by Alchemist Zhuang."
Chen Jianghe thought to himself.
He certainly wouldn't refuse this gesture of goodwill from Alchemist Zhuang.
They were already bound together by their transaction and had developed a deep connection. Furthermore, Chen Jianghe was also interested in befriending Jiang Ruxu.
"Then we shall see if Fellow Daoist Ruan can gather the main ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill within five years. If he truly succeeds, I will have to ask you to light the furnace once more, Alchemist Zhuang."
Chen Jianghe said.
"With your word, I will naturally do my utmost. However, I do not believe Ruan Tieniu will make it out of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range alive."
"Why not?"
"Do you know where the Purple Glow Vermilion Fruit grows? It is on Fusang Cliff, three hundred miles deep within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. There are second-tier demonic beasts there."
"The Purple Glow Vermilion Fruits that appear at auctions are almost always released by the Tiannan Sect, because they possess the strength to enter Fusang Cliff."
Alchemist Zhuang spoke slowly, his words showing he was not optimistic about Ruan Tieniu's chances.
Second-tier demonic beasts were even more powerful than Foundation Establishment cultivators. It usually took three to five Foundation Establishment cultivators to handle a single one.
Even the Foundation Establishment cultivators who ventured deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range to Fusang Cliff did so in teams.
Alternatively, the ancestors of the four great immortal clans of the Tiannan region would go personally.
But why would those Foundation Establishment cultivators venture to Fusang Cliff with a tenth-level Qi Refining cultivator?
Even if these Foundation Establishment cultivators were willing to take Ruan Tieniu along...
Would Ruan Tieniu dare to go with them?
Chen Jianghe knew the risks of venturing three hundred miles into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range and also believed Ruan Tieniu might not be able to bring back the Purple Glow Vermilion Fruit.
But deep down, he still hoped that Ruan Tieniu would succeed.
Half an hour passed.
As the fire in the alchemy room died down, Jiang Ruxu emerged, holding a jade box.
"Master, I made five Spirit Accumulating Pills. Hehe... Senior Chen is here too!"
Seeing Chen Jianghe, Jiang Ruxu greeted him respectfully.
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Jiang."
A mid-grade alchemist refining Spirit Accumulating Pills would typically yield four pills; producing five was a rare occurrence.
Evidently, Jiang Ruxu's alchemical skills were excellent, and her luck was quite good as well.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, please wait in the guest hall. I will begin refining now," Alchemist Zhuang announced.
Then he turned to Jiang Ruxu and said, "Ruxu, come with me. This is a rare opportunity, so you must observe carefully."
The ingredients for the Beauty Retaining Pill had been prepared three months ago; all that was missing was the Beauty Retaining Grass.
Chen Jianghe watched as the master and apprentice entered the alchemy room.
He glanced at the sky outside. It had already grown dark, so he had no choice but to stay the night at Alchemist Zhuang's residence.
Instead of cultivating, he closed his eyes and meditated to rest his spirit.
Six hours passed.
Zhuang Xinyan seemed to notice the light still glowing in the alchemy room and came out of her room, only to see Chen Jianghe sitting in the guest hall.
She instinctively took a step back.
Alchemist Zhuang had never allowed anyone to stay in his home for more than an hour, let alone overnight.
Chen Jianghe was an exception.
He had stayed for more than an hour on multiple occasions, and now he had been urged to stay by Alchemist Zhuang himself.
Zhuang Xinyan retreated to her room, but she still stole a glance at the meditating Chen Jianghe. His features were not particularly outstanding, yet he possessed a certain enduring charm.
Her cheeks flushed red, and she returned to her room to continue cultivating.
Unconsciously, another four hours passed.
The morning sun broke through the darkness of night, dyeing the clouds red.
Chen Jianghe opened his eyes and glanced at the alchemy room. A faint glow was still visible inside, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Drawing talismans and refining pills were completely different.
As long as one had sufficient spiritual power, one could draw talismans at any time.
But alchemy required a specific location, as it needed the assistance of earth fire before one reached the Core Formation realm.
It also required an alchemy furnace, and a single refining session could last for several hours, or even days.
With nothing to do, he walked into the courtyard and began practicing the forms of the Tidal Body Tempering Art to pass the time.
After performing two sets of the forms, another two hours had passed.
It was now morning.
At this time, the light from the alchemy room gradually faded, but Alchemist Zhuang and Jiang Ruxu did not emerge.
This puzzled Chen Jianghe. Could refining a Beauty Retaining Pill be even more complicated than refining a Foundation Establishment Pill?
Another six hours passed.
It was nearly afternoon.
Chen Jianghe heard a muffled sound, followed by the sight of white smoke billowing out of the alchemy room, accompanied by a fragrant aroma.
Was... the pill complete?
Another two hours passed.
By mid-afternoon, Alchemist Zhuang and Jiang Ruxu finally walked out of the alchemy room, smiles on their faces.
"My apologies for the long wait, Fellow Daoist. Three pills were successfully formed."
Alchemist Zhuang came before Chen Jianghe and handed him two jade boxes. "Here are two Beauty Retaining Pills."
"Your skills are superb, Alchemist Zhuang. I am truly in awe."
Chen Jianghe accepted the Beauty Retaining Pills. These were divine pills that could drive even female Foundation Establishment cultivators into a frenzy, their value immeasurable.
Furthermore, they were priceless and unavailable on the open market.
"Haha, I am glad I did not disappoint you. Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment," Alchemist Zhuang said with a faint smile.
"Please, go ahead, Alchemist Zhuang."
Chen Jianghe could understand Alchemist Zhuang's feelings at this moment. With the Beauty Retaining Pill in hand, he would surely want to consume it immediately. Eternal youth was a distant memory for him, but extending his life was a tangible, priceless benefit.
Seeing Alchemist Zhuang enter his room, he turned to Jiang Ruxu and asked, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, do you have any Fasting Pills left?"
"Hehe, I was beginning to think Senior Chen disliked my craftsmanship and wouldn't buy Fasting Pills from me again."
Jiang Ruxu teased as she took out ten vials of Fasting Pills and handed them to Chen Jianghe.
Chen Jianghe gave her sixty spirit stones and accepted the ten vials of Fasting Pills.
As long as he remained in Qinghe Market City, Fasting Pills were a necessity. There was no harm in buying more.
Besides, Chen Jianghe suspected that other major market cities likely had this mandatory condition for residency as well.
Perhaps it was for the sake of elegance and maintaining a celestial air!
Afterward, he bid farewell to Jiang Ruxu and left Residence 136.
Alchemist Zhuang had already entered seclusion to consume the Beauty Retaining Pill and refine its medicinal power. With only the two women present, it would be inconvenient to stay any longer.
Just as he stepped out of the gate, he ran into Ji Wujin.
Tidal spiritual energy!
He sensed a faint tidal spiritual energy emanating from Ji Wujin, which clearly indicated that he had begun practicing the Tidal Body Tempering Art.
Most cultivators who were not short on spirit stones would choose a body tempering art like the Tidal Body Tempering Art.
This was because the subsequent materials required were not particularly demanding and could be purchased in Qinghe Market City.
An art like the Cold Pool Body Tempering Art, for example, required the aid of a Hundred-Year Ice Soul, which was nearly impossible to find in shops.
It typically only appeared in the market cities of major sects or at auctions.
"Fellow Daoist Chen has broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining? It seems you'll be attempting Foundation Establishment within the next four or five years. I wish you success in advance."
"Fellow Daoist Ji reached the ninth level long ago. Why have you not yet attempted Foundation Establishment? This is a matter concerning your future and cannot be delayed. You should break through as soon as possible. I wish you success in your endeavor."
"Eh? It seems Fellow Daoist Chen is also aware of the secret of Foundation Establishment, haha..." Hearing Chen Jianghe's retort, Ji Wujin immediately guessed that Chen Jianghe knew what the true requirements for Foundation Establishment were.
"Since you are cultivating your physical body now, Fellow Daoist Ji, your spirit must have already reached perfection."
Chen Jianghe began to have suspicions about Ji Wujin's identity.
He was definitely not a rogue cultivator.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to know the secret of Foundation Establishment.
A disciple of a top-tier immortal clan?
But none of the four great immortal clans in the Tiannan region bore the surname Ji.
As for being a disciple of the Tiannan Sect, that was even more unlikely. Before reaching the Foundation Establishment realm, disciples usually traveled with their elders.
They would certainly not be allowed to wander alone.
And for such a long time, at that. Even a Foundation Establishment disciple like Gao Peiyao was only permitted to be away for ten years.
As for the Foundation Establishment immortal clans beneath the top-tier ones, it was impossible for them to know the secret of Foundation Establishment.
If they did, Yun Bufan's cousin would not have attempted Foundation Establishment with a so-called thirty percent chance of success.
Moreover, judging by Ji Wujin's words, he seemed to disdain hiding his status from a rogue cultivator like him.
This was the kind of superior attitude that was cultivated from childhood, an innate contempt for low-level rogue cultivators.
"Indeed, as you say, my spirit has reached perfection. I can attempt Foundation Establishment in five years at most. How many years do you still need, Fellow Daoist?" Ji Wujin's narrow eyes squinted as he spoke.
Chen Jianghe did not get angry. Instead, he replied seriously, "Thirty years should be about right!"
Ji Wujin's brow furrowed.
"That joke is not very funny. Farewell."
Ji Wujin thought Chen Jianghe was mocking him.
In another thirty years, he'd be buried up to his neck. What would he use to attempt Foundation Establishment then?
"Uh~"
Chen Jianghe watched as Ji Wujin turned and entered his courtyard.
He had spoken the truth, yet somehow, he had managed to offend the man.