Chapter 149
Chapter 149
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 149
Chapter Title: Supreme-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill, Chen Jianghe's Seclusion
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Billowing white smoke poured out of the alchemy room, laced with wisps of cyan—it seemed different from the black smoke of a furnace explosion.
Even so, Chen Jianghe’s heart was in his throat. He had never seen a situation like this before.
If Alchemist Zhuang failed, Xiaoniu’s Foundation Establishment would have to be postponed.
Without a Foundation Establishment Pill, attempting to break through by force only carried a sixty percent chance of success. Failure meant one’s body would explode and they would perish.
It was far too risky.
Chen Jianghe was unwilling to see this junior take such a gamble.
“A Thunder-Guiding Alchemy Incantation?”
Chen Jianghe looked at Jiang Ruxu and asked with confusion.
“The Thunder-Guiding Alchemy Incantation can also be called the Thunder-Guiding Pill Formation Seal. It’s a secret art that second-tier alchemists use during the final stage of pill formation to enhance a spirit pill’s grade.”
“However, the thunder-attribute energy produced by the incantation is quite violent. While it purges impurities from the spirit pill, it can also cause the pill to shatter.”
“Therefore, an alchemist will only consider using the Thunder-Guiding Alchemy Incantation when they are ninety percent certain of success.”
Jiang Ruxu stared at the white smoke billowing from the alchemy room and said in astonishment, “Once the incantation is used, the success rate drops to fifty percent.”
Chen Jianghe took a deep breath.
Was Alchemist Zhuang taking a risk, or was he truly confident?
He couldn't help but feel nervous, his eyes fixed on the alchemy room. He didn’t quite understand Alchemist Zhuang’s reasoning.
If he was ninety percent sure of success, he should have just finished the refinement.
A single standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pill would have been fine.
There was no need to gamble for two standard-grade pills and drop the success rate to fifty percent.
“Ruxu, how much longer until your master comes out?” Chen Jianghe took a deep breath, forcing down his anxiety.
“Using the Thunder-Guiding Alchemy Incantation is like refining the Foundation Establishment Pill all over again. It will take at least another twelve hours!”
“…”
Chen Jianghe rolled his eyes.
“Your master is truly good to me,” Chen Jianghe said with a pout.
“Senior, why would you say that?”
Jiang Ruxu asked, her face full of confusion.
“That old fellow is helping me temper my state of mind.”
After saying this, Chen Jianghe returned to the pavilion in the courtyard, sat down cross-legged, and calmed his agitated heart.
“Huh? Master has that kind of skill? Hmph, and he said he’s taught me everything he knows. What a liar,” Jiang Ruxu pouted at the alchemy room, grumbling in dissatisfaction.
Afterward, she returned to the guest hall, brewed a pot of high-quality spirit tea, and respectfully carried it to the pavilion.
“Senior, please have some tea.”
“Very well. Tea can calm the mind.” Chen Jianghe nodded in satisfaction.
It was nice that Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan were out of seclusion. At the very least, he could enjoy having a junior serve him tea.
Another five hours passed.
Zhuang Xinyan also came out of seclusion. She first glanced at the alchemy room, then obediently came before Chen Jianghe and bowed respectfully.
“Senior.”
She greeted him in a soft whisper, then stood behind Jiang Ruxu.
“Xinyan, this is your home. There’s no need to be so reserved,” Chen Jianghe said to Zhuang Xinyan, his restless heart having calmed considerably.
“I understand, Senior.”
After speaking, Zhuang Xinyan gripped the corner of Jiang Ruxu’s sleeve with her slender, jade-like hands and took a tiny step forward.
“…”
Chen Jianghe let out a helpless smile.
But this was fine. At least when it came time to look after her for Alchemist Zhuang, he wouldn’t have to worry about her disappearing.
With a personality like this, she would probably spend her entire life in the courtyard.
Protecting her would be much simpler this way. At the very least, she wouldn't stir up trouble.
“Senior Sister, you’ve reached the late stage of body tempering. So fast! You’ll definitely reach Foundation Establishment before I do,” Jiang Ruxu said in surprise, linking her arm with Zhuang Xinyan’s.
“No, I just started cultivating a few years before you. You’ll surpass me soon.”
Zhuang Xinyan bit her lip and said in a low voice, “I can’t reach Foundation Establishment. Grandfather wants me to carry on the Zhuang family line.”
“It’s fine, you can still do it after reaching Foundation Establishment, hehe~” Jiang Ruxu whispered something in Zhuang Xinyan’s ear.
Instantly, Zhuang Xinyan’s face turned crimson. She shot Jiang Ruxu a reproachful glance and said shyly, “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Chen Jianghe’s mouth twitched as he listened to the two girls’ private conversation. This Jiang Ruxu truly had no reservations around him.
At this moment, Chen Jianghe felt he might as well not drink the spirit tea.
It would be better if the two girls went back to their secluded cultivation; he could get some peace and quiet.
No matter how softly they spoke, as long as they weren’t using voice transmission, Chen Jianghe could hear everything. As a normal man, hearing such intimate whispers…
Coupled with the fact that both Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan possessed stunning beauty, their playful banter, like flowers swaying in the wind, made him unable to resist stealing a few glances.
It wasn't that he was lecherous, but when flowers were in full bloom, not admiring them would make him seem unromantic.
“Whew… They’re just juniors, just juniors…”
Chen Jianghe chanted this in his mind a few times, then closed his eyes to meditate and calm his restless heart.
Seeing Chen Jianghe suddenly close his eyes, Jiang Ruxu couldn't help but purse her lips and giggle, her delicate body trembling with mirth.
Another six hours passed.
Chen Jianghe opened his eyes to find the two girls cultivating beside him.
This left him rather speechless.
But there was nothing he could do. This wasn’t his home; they were the masters of the house and could cultivate wherever they pleased.
It was just that the pavilion was only so large. With the two girls sitting cross-legged beside him, their eyes closed, a fragrant scent wafted into his nose, refreshing his mind and spirit.
Opening his eyes was a feast for them.
Chen Jianghe stood up, walked out of the pavilion, and went to the alchemy room. According to Jiang Ruxu, it wouldn’t be long before Alchemist Zhuang finished his refinement.
Another half hour passed.
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan also stood up and came to Chen Jianghe’s side, their eyes on the alchemy room.
By now, the billowing white smoke was gone, with only the occasional flicker of firelight visible.
And as time went on, even the firelight gradually faded.
“Don’t worry, Senior. Although Master has only just become a second-tier alchemist, his skills are among the best of his peers.”
Jiang Ruxu said with a cheerful smile.
Chen Jianghe nodded.
He deeply agreed with her words.
Because he himself was the same.
As long as he obtained a first-tier, high-grade talisman-crafting inheritance, he could become a high-grade Talisman Master within a year, and his skills would surpass many others.
This was the foundation he had built by drawing mid-grade Five Elements Escape Talismans.
A success rate of nearly sixty percent, and for mid-grade Five Elements Escape Talismans at that—it was enough to put many high-grade Talisman Masters to shame.
Just then, a muffled sound came from the alchemy room as the furnace was opened.
*Hum~*
Cyan smoke wafted out, accompanied by streaks of golden light.
“Master succeeded! Senior, Master’s Thunder-Guiding Alchemy Incantation was a success!” Jiang Ruxu exclaimed excitedly.
Chen Jianghe also broke into a smile.
He finally succeeded.
It was just too trying on one’s nerves.
Chen Jianghe glanced at Zhuang Xinyan and noticed a faint smile on her face, but her emotions remained largely composed.
Her mental fortitude was truly steady.
Although the little girl was introverted, her state of mind was excellent.
*Creak~*
The door to the alchemy room opened.
Alchemist Zhuang walked out with a broad smile, though his face was pale, his aura was weak, and his spiritual power was on the verge of depletion.
“Fellow Daoist, I have fulfilled my duty. The Foundation Establishment Pills are a success.”
Alchemist Zhuang smiled at Chen Jianghe and spoke with emphasis.
“Fellow Daoist, you… sigh, thank you, fellow Daoist!”
Seeing Alchemist Zhuang’s weakened state, Chen Jianghe was overcome with emotion. He was immensely grateful that the alchemist had used the Thunder-Guiding Alchemy Incantation.
The man had already succeeded in the refinement.
There was absolutely no need to expend more energy to use the incantation, leaving himself not only drained of spiritual power but also mentally exhausted.
“Haha~ Why the need for thanks? When refining pills for a fellow Daoist, it is only natural to give my all. Besides, this old man won’t be able to refine pills for you many more times.”
Alchemist Zhuang waved his hand, clearly indicating that Chen Jianghe’s gratitude was unnecessary.
He then took out the Foundation Establishment Pills.
“Three Foundation Establishment Pills, each of a different grade. Please accept them, fellow Daoist!”
Chen Jianghe took the three jade boxes from Alchemist Zhuang, a little confused by his words.
But when he opened the three boxes.
He saw that the crushed gold patterns on the three Foundation Establishment Pills were different. One had a single pattern, another had two, and the last had three.
“A supreme-grade Foundation Establishment Pill!”
Chen Jianghe exclaimed, his expression moved.
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan also gasped, their mouths agape in disbelief.
“Fellow Daoist, you… a supreme-grade pill. I’m afraid I can’t afford your fee for this!” Chen Jianghe had intended to express his thanks, but gratitude felt inappropriate at this moment.
He changed his tone to one of jest.
For crowdfunded alchemy, after gathering the materials, one had to pay a second-tier alchemist a fee of two thousand spirit stones.
Alternatively, one could leave a Foundation Establishment Pill behind—an inferior-grade one if available, otherwise a standard-grade one.
That was the rule.
But if a supreme-grade pill was produced, a bonus was expected.
Meaning, one had to pay the alchemist an extra thousand spirit stones.
Of course, whoever received the supreme-grade pill was the one to pay the thousand spirit stones.
“Can’t afford it? That’s simple. Just add another ten years.”
“Haha~ What’s another fifty years?”
Then, Chen Jianghe and Alchemist Zhuang met each other’s gaze and burst into laughter.
They both understood the other’s meaning.
When Alchemist Zhuang said ten years, he meant for Chen Jianghe to protect Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu for ten more years.
When Chen Jianghe said fifty years, he meant that there was only friendship between them, not a transaction.
In other words.
He considered Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu as his juniors. Even without their prior agreement, he would have protected them.
Of course, Chen Jianghe’s protection was within his means and wouldn't endanger himself.
Chen Jianghe put away the supreme-grade and standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, then suspended the jade box with the inferior-grade pill in mid-air.
His meaning was clear.
It was up to Alchemist Zhuang to decide what to do with it.
If Alchemist Zhuang needed it, he could keep the inferior-grade pill. If not, it could be sold.
Having received a supreme-grade and a standard-grade pill, he had already gained a huge advantage.
No matter how thick-skinned he was, he couldn't let Alchemist Zhuang pay for the supplementary materials out of his own pocket.
The man had done the work, and done it beautifully. Making him pay for it too?
That was unacceptable.
“You probably have no use for this inferior-grade pill, fellow Daoist. You can sell it,” Alchemist Zhuang said, his voice a little weak.
“Alright, I’ll take care of it then.”
Chen Jianghe nodded. Seeing Alchemist Zhuang’s exhausted state, he felt it was inappropriate to disturb him any longer.
He then bid farewell and left.
He didn't go home, but headed towards Clear Water Lane in the northwest district.
The Foundation Establishment Pills had been successfully refined.
One supreme-grade, one standard-grade, and one inferior-grade.
This result had exceeded his expectations.
So, Chen Jianghe was on his way to deliver the standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pill to Xiaoniu.
As for why Alchemist Zhuang didn’t keep the inferior-grade pill, the reason was simple: he wanted Chen Jianghe to continue searching for the primary ingredients to refine more Foundation Establishment Pills.
He was planning to secure standard-grade pills for his granddaughter and disciple, not inferior-grade ones.
One could say that Alchemist Zhuang looked down on inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pills.
He was a second-tier alchemist with experience in refining a supreme-grade pill; he had the confidence to be dismissive of an inferior-grade one.
Of course, this news could not be revealed.
Especially before Chen Jianghe reached Foundation Establishment, the fact that a supreme-grade pill had been produced had to be kept secret.
Therefore, Alchemist Zhuang's status remained that of an ordinary second-tier alchemist.
“I’ll have to keep an eye out for the primary ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill. I’ll try to gather them within ten years.”
Chen Jianghe felt that Alchemist Zhuang didn’t have much time left.
Ten years at most.
He arrived at number 116, Clear Water Lane.
This was the courtyard Chen Jianghe had rented for Yu Daniu's family.
He knocked on the door ring.
A moment later, Lady Zhou opened the gate. Seeing it was Chen Jianghe, she quickly bowed and greeted him respectfully, “Your nephew’s wife greets you, Uncle.”
“Mm, is your father-in-law home?”
“He is. Please come in, Uncle.”
Lady Zhou invited Chen Jianghe into the courtyard, led him to the stone pavilion to sit, and then hurried off to fetch Yu Daniu.
The small courtyards in the northwest district had four rooms but no guest hall. The courtyard itself was spacious, however, and had a stone pavilion that could serve for receiving guests.
“Big Brother.”
Yu Daniu and Yun Huizhen both came out, walking quickly to Chen Jianghe’s side.
“Daniu, Sister-in-law.”
Chen Jianghe nodded, not beating around the bush. He directly took out the standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pill and handed it to Yu Daniu.
“Daniu, this is a standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pill from the crowdfunded alchemy. Take it.”
“This?”
Yu Daniu and Yun Huizhen were both stunned, their faces showing surprise.
Lady Zhou was even more astonished, her eyes fixed on the Foundation Establishment Pill. She had only ever heard of them.
She had never seen one.
The Zhou family had yet to produce a disciple with a chance of reaching Foundation Establishment.
As for buying a Foundation Establishment Pill, that was even more impossible.
“Big Brother, what I gave you back then was just a piece of Profound Ice Jade Marrow. I know a bit about crowdfunded alchemy.”
“Profound Ice Jade Marrow isn't enough to get a standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.”
“The Purple Cloud Vermilion Fruit is the hardest primary ingredient to obtain for refining Foundation Establishment Pills. This pill must be yours, right, Big Brother?”
Yu Daniu pushed the Foundation Establishment Pill back towards Chen Jianghe, refusing to accept it.
“Exactly. Big Brother has already helped our family more than enough. We can’t take any more advantage of you. We can’t accept this standard-grade pill,” Yun Huizhen strongly agreed with her husband.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t lose out. This is what you deserve.” Chen Jianghe took Yu Daniu’s hand and placed the jade box containing the pill in his palm.
“Even so, crowdfunded alchemy requires supplementary materials and a fee for the alchemist. Here are two thousand spirit stones. I’m not sure if it’s enough, but please accept it, Big Brother.”
At that moment, Yun Huizhen gave Yu Daniu a storage pouch. He understood and quickly offered it to Chen Jianghe.
“What are you two doing?”
Chen Jianghe feigned anger and said with displeasure, “When Daniu helped me acquire the Myriad Waters True Scripture back then, he didn't count the cost. Why have you become so calculating now?”
“Has the bond between Daniu and me faded, or are you intentionally trying to disown me as your Big Brother?”
“Big Brother, I…” Yu Daniu’s hand froze in mid-air, momentarily speechless from the gravity of Chen Jianghe’s tone.
“Big Brother, that’s not what we meant. You’ve always been Daniu’s Big Brother.”
Yun Huizhen pushed down Yu Daniu’s hand that held the storage pouch, then asked, “Big Brother, I heard that one furnace can produce three Foundation Establishment Pills.”
“Do you have plans for the third pill?”
“Sister-in-law, are you looking to buy the other inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill?” Chen Jianghe asked, puzzled.
“The ancestor promised that if our family spared Yun Yifeng, he would provide Fourth Brother a chance at Foundation Establishment. But Fourth Brother was unwilling to build his opportunity on the death of one brother and the crippling of another.”
“So, I’m taking the liberty of asking, if that pill is unspoken for, we would like to buy it for Fourth Brother.”
It was understandable that Yun Huizhen wanted to buy a Foundation Establishment Pill for Yun Siniu. After all, Yun Siniu’s chances of reaching Foundation Establishment were not as good as Yun Xiaoniu’s.
He also wouldn't inherit the position of the Yu family head.
Even his descendants would have no claim to the position, which was certainly unfair to Yun Siniu.
As parents, they naturally wanted to treat their children equally.
The only way was to help Yun Siniu secure an opportunity for Foundation Establishment, helping him break through so he could become a Foundation Establishment Ancestor of the Yu family in the future.
“You can.”
Chen Jianghe directly took out the inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.
He was going to sell this pill anyway. He couldn't let Alchemist Zhuang pay for the supplementary materials out of his own pocket.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be friendship anymore.
That would be more despicable than preying on a desolate family.
Since he was going to sell it, it was better to sell it to Yu Daniu’s family than to some stranger.
Yun Huizhen and Yu Daniu exchanged a look, their faces filled with joy and excitement.
Even Lady Zhou was visibly thrilled.
Yu Qirui was still young, so this Foundation Establishment Pill certainly wouldn’t go to him. But in the future, with two uncles who were Foundation Establishment cultivators as his backers…
One could imagine how comfortable Yu Qirui’s tenure as the head of the Yu family would be.
“Big Brother, this inferior-grade pill must have other people’s shares in it. How about we use the price from the auction house?”
“No need, the market price is fine,” Chen Jianghe said, shaking his head.
“That won’t do. Even between brothers, accounts must be settled clearly, especially when outsiders are involved.” Yu Daniu refused immediately.
He then said to Yun Huizhen, “We’ll use the auction price.”
“Mm, the last inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill at the Qinghe Market City auction sold for two thousand five hundred spirit stones.”
“Then we’ll use that price.”
Yun Huizhen took out another five hundred spirit stones, put them in the storage pouch for a total of two thousand five hundred, and handed it to Chen Jianghe.
Chen Jianghe didn’t say anything more. He took the storage pouch and swept it with his divine sense.
He took out two thousand two hundred spirit stones and placed them in his own storage pouch, then returned the remaining three hundred to Yun Huizhen.
He also gave the inferior-grade pill to her.
“We’ll do as you say, Sister-in-law. But auction houses charge a handling fee. Two thousand two hundred spirit stones is just right.”
With that said, Chen Jianghe didn’t give Yu Daniu and Yun Huizhen a chance to refuse. He bid them farewell and left Clear Water Lane.
“Big Brother only took two thousand two hundred spirit stones. How will he explain that to the others? He’ll have to cover the difference for us.”
Yu Daniu stomped his foot in frustration, but he didn’t dare force the spirit stones on Chen Jianghe. He had been genuinely frightened by Chen Jianghe’s angry words earlier.
“Daniu, do you really think there are other people’s shares in this inferior-grade pill?”
“Aren’t there?”
“Heh.”
Yun Huizhen gave a faint smile and didn't explain. Instead, she looked at Lady Zhou and said earnestly, “Raise your son well.”
“These two Foundation Establishment Pills don’t belong to your son now, but in the future, they will both be his.”
Lady Zhou bowed and said respectfully, “This daughter-in-law understands.”
——
When Chen Jianghe returned home, he let Xiao Hei and Maoqiu out and told them directly that he would be going out again in half a month.
First, to give Alchemist Zhuang the spirit stones for the supplementary materials.
Second, to purchase Black Dolphin Skin, Spirit Ink, and a Wolf-Hair Talisman Brush.
As for the first-tier, high-grade talisman-crafting inheritance, he planned to wait until his physical cultivation reached its peak before considering the purchase.
For now, his main focus was on drawing mid-grade Five Elements Escape Talismans.
Improving his success rate with them would also enhance his talisman-crafting skills.
This was crucial for laying a solid foundation to become a high-grade Talisman Master in the future.
Half a month later.
Chen Jianghe made a trip to Longevity Lane and gave one thousand two hundred spirit stones to Alchemist Zhuang.
The other man accepted it without hesitation.
Now that a friendship was established, there was no need to speak of taking advantage of one another.
Afterward, Chen Jianghe went to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and purchased thirty sheets of Black Dolphin Skin, thirty boxes of Spirit Ink, and one Wolf-Hair Talisman Brush.
It was enough for his spirit talisman drawing needs for the next six years.
The total came to three hundred and eighty-five spirit stones.
Chen Ping gave him a five percent discount, so he only needed to pay three hundred and sixty-five.
Then, he bought ten stalks of Spirit-Consolidating Grass and ten pots of Spirit-Warming Sand.
The total was eighty spirit stones, which came to seventy-six after the discount.
As for how long they would last, he hadn't officially started cultivating the Soul-Suppressing and Spirit-Forging Art yet, so he didn't know the exact consumption rate.
This trip to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion cost him a total of four hundred and forty-one spirit stones.
He now had six hundred and nineteen spirit stones and twenty grains of spirit sand left.
After returning home.
Chen Jianghe hung a sign on his courtyard gate: ‘In Seclusion’.
“Phew~”
“Finally done with everything!”
Chen Jianghe let out a sigh of relief.
He released Xiao Hei and Maoqiu to continue their work, striving to earn spirit stones for resources.
Chen Jianghe also began to cultivate the Soul-Suppressing and Spirit-Forging Art.
Both he and Xiao Hei enjoyed this reclusive lifestyle.
As for Maoqiu?
They didn't communicate much, so Chen Jianghe had no idea what it thought.
Er~
Not that he cared what it thought. It was just a combat spirit pet.
As midnight arrived, Chen Jianghe sat cross-legged, his five centers facing heaven. He circulated the Myriad Waters True Scripture to absorb spiritual qi, then, using the cultivation method of the Soul-Suppressing and Spirit-Forging Art, he guided the spiritual qi into his sea of consciousness through the acupoint between his eyebrows.
The moment the spiritual qi entered his sea of consciousness, his soul trembled uncontrollably. He immediately consumed a stalk of Spirit-Consolidating Grass.
A cool sensation soothed his soul.
Then, with a thought, he applied a pot of Spirit-Warming Sand to his forehead to enhance his soul’s stability.
“Open!”
Following Chen Jianghe’s silent command in his heart.
He completed the first step of the Soul-Suppressing and Spirit-Forging Art: guiding spirit into the soul and opening a nascent sea of consciousness.