Chapter 151
Chapter 151
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 151
Chapter Title: First-Tier Talisman Inheritance and the Status of a Second-Tier Alchemist
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Contacting Alchemist Zhuang was not without its costs for Chen Jianghe; it meant calling in a favor.
The value of such a favor…
It depended on the situation.
Next, Chen Jianghe opened the letter from Yu Daniu, which spoke of Yun Huizhen's health.
She might not make it to the next New Year's Eve.
He wanted to find a time for them to get together.
"It seems the Life Extension Pill could only grant Yun Huizhen four more years. Alas."
Three years had passed since Yun Huizhen took the Life Extension Pill. According to Yu Daniu's letter, she likely had less than a year left.
Chen Jianghe still had one Life Extension Pill, but even if he gave it to Yun Huizhen, he doubted it would have even half the effect of the first one.
Extending her life by a few months just wasn't worth it.
With a sigh, he turned the letter to dust.
Finally, he opened Zhou Miaoyun's letter. He had expected it to be about the Yun Clan again.
But a glance at its contents surprised him.
"A first-tier talisman inheritance?"
Zhou Miaoyun's letter concerned a first-tier talisman inheritance. She wanted to trade it with Chen Jianghe.
Not for spirit stones.
Only for spirit pills.
A Beauty Retaining Pill or Life Extension Pills would do.
"It seems Lady Zhou told Zhou Miaoyun about Yun Huizhen taking the Life Extension Pill. How else would she know I have a way to get them?"
Chen Jianghe wasn't surprised that Lady Zhou had passed this information to Zhou Miaoyun.
Zhou Miaoyun managed the Zhou Clan, and the mental strain of drawing talismans had taken a toll on her lifespan.
If Zhou Miaoyun could live longer, it would be of great benefit to the Zhou Clan.
As a daughter of the Zhou Clan, Lady Zhou naturally had to consider her maiden family.
Besides, Zhou Miaoyun and Chen Jianghe had once been allies, so on the basis of this relationship, Lady Zhou dared to pass the message on.
As for news about the Foundation Establishment Pills, she probably wouldn't breathe a single word of it back to her maiden family.
She was a daughter who had married out.
She already had her own flesh and blood in her husband's family—a son, no less, who had been designated by Yun Huizhen as the first patriarch of the Yu Clan.
Even Chen Jianghe, the elder brother of the Yu family, had been a witness.
Whatever Lady Zhou did, she would first think of her son. She would never do anything that was not in his best interest.
The Foundation Establishment Pills might seem to be for Yu Qirui's two uncles, but in the end, Yu Qirui would be the ultimate beneficiary.
"Three Life Extension Pills, or one Beauty Retaining Pill and one Life Extension Pill, in exchange for a first-tier talisman inheritance."
"Zhou Miaoyun's terms are quite good."
The starting bid for a first-tier talisman inheritance in an immortal sect's market city was sixteen hundred spirit stones. As for the purchase price…
It had a price but no market.
By trading with Chen Jianghe this way, Zhou Miaoyun was implying that after the transaction, Chen Jianghe could do whatever he pleased with the talisman inheritance he received from her.
Based on the ratio of selling price to starting bid, the value of a first-tier talisman inheritance would be no less than three thousand spirit stones.
Three Life Extension Pills might fetch three thousand spirit stones at an auction, but that would require encountering a Foundation Establishment cultivator like the Yun Clan's ancestor who was in desperate need of them.
Furthermore, individuals were not allowed to consign Life Extension Pills for auction at the Myriad Treasures Tower.
Therefore, the true value of three Life Extension Pills was between fifteen hundred and two thousand spirit stones.
The value of one Beauty Retaining Pill and one Life Extension Pill also fell within this range.
So, this deal was very much worth it.
Chen Jianghe continued reading Zhou Miaoyun's letter, and the final details of the transaction surprised him.
"The Life Extension Pill or Beauty Retaining Pill is for Lady Zhou?"
Zhou Miaoyun didn't want the pills for herself; she wanted to give them to Yu Daniu's daughter-in-law, Lady Zhou.
"It seems Lady Zhou has informed her maiden family that Yu Qirui has been named the Yu Clan's patriarch. The Zhou Clan is placing a heavy bet on Yu Qirui."
Chen Jianghe only needed a moment's thought to understand the Zhou Clan's objective.
The Life Extension Pills were for Lady Zhou to consume.
Zhou Miaoyun didn't know the Yu Clan had two Foundation Establishment Pills, but she could guess they had at least one.
This meant Yun Xiaoniu had a high chance of achieving Foundation Establishment.
Once he succeeded, the Yu Clan would become a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan, and Yu Qirui would be the patriarch of that clan.
As long as Lady Zhou was alive, the Zhou Clan could reap the benefits.
In other words, the longer Lady Zhou lived, the more benefits the Zhou Clan would receive.
They were only investing three thousand spirit stones now, but the future returns could be six thousand, or even ten thousand spirit stones.
Besides, they weren't actually paying with spirit stones.
The Zhou Clan couldn't possibly produce three thousand spirit stones.
They were trading away their family's foundational inheritance.
It had to be said, Zhou Miaoyun was taking a huge gamble. A very bold one at that.
But Chen Jianghe didn't mind.
He was more than happy with this trade.
He wrote a reply to Zhou Miaoyun, telling her she could come to Qinghe Market City for the trade in the near future.
After finishing all this, Chen Jianghe walked out of his room. Seeing Xiao Hei still cultivating, he didn't disturb him.
Instead, he began to practice the Tidal Body Tempering Art.
Three hours later.
Seeing that Xiao Hei had finished his cultivation, Chen Jianghe had both Xiao Hei and Maoqiu enter the spirit beast space. He then went to sell the fruits of the two spirit beasts' labor.
Maoqiu had devoured the flesh, blood, marrow, and organs of one extra demon beast.
The twelve basic demon beasts, which should have sold for one hundred thirty-six spirit stones, only fetched one hundred thirty-three spirit stones and seventy spirit grains.
However, the parts from the eight complete demon beasts sold for three hundred and twelve spirit stones.
The cost of one demon beast was thirty-three spirit stones, and after being processed into parts, it sold for thirty-nine spirit stones.
He had earned six spirit stones from one beast.
Chen Jianghe felt that Xiao Hei and Maoqiu had a promising future.
If they could process another twenty late-stage first-tier demon beasts, that would be an additional one hundred and twenty spirit stones of income per year.
Leaving the Beast Market, Chen Jianghe's pockets were bulging once more.
Four hundred fifty-two spirit stones and forty spirit grains.
"In a couple of years, when I've earned more spirit stones, I'll order a grand feast for Xiao Hei and Maoqiu at the Qinghe Restaurant."
Chen Jianghe thought with a surge of magnanimity.
Afterward, he headed to Longevity Lane.
He needed to clarify something with Alchemist Zhuang first before he could go and negotiate a price with Ruan Tieniu.
He arrived at No. 136.
Chen Jianghe glanced at Ji Wujin's courtyard and saw a sign hanging there that read 'Away'.
"This fellow really can't sit still."
Logically, after obtaining an authentic Foundation Establishment Pill, one should enter seclusion to cultivate and attempt a breakthrough.
Yet, he found that Ji Wujin hadn't had a moment's peace since getting the pill.
The last time he came to Longevity Lane, he had also seen the 'Away' sign.
He didn't seem the least bit worried about meeting an unexpected end and having his Foundation Establishment Pill stolen.
He stopped thinking about Ji Wujin's affairs.
He knocked on the gate of Alchemist Zhuang's courtyard.
A short while later, the lively and charming Jiang Ruxu opened the gate. However, her proud demeanor instantly changed upon seeing it was Chen Jianghe.
"Hehe, Senior has arrived."
"Ruxu, do alchemists usually look at people like that?"
Chen Jianghe frowned and asked curiously.
"I don't know. I learned it from my master."
Jiang Ruxu said with a giggle, "Master told me that I must never show a pleasant face to those who come seeking pills, or else they'll give them an inch and they'll take a mile."
"..."
Chen Jianghe pursed his lips, feeling somewhat offended.
"Where is your master?"
"There."
Jiang Ruxu pointed towards the alchemy room. "He should be finishing up soon."
Chen Jianghe nodded, walked over to the pavilion, sat down, and tapped his index finger on the stone table.
"Hehe."
Jiang Ruxu chuckled softly, then turned to brew tea for Chen Jianghe. In no time, she brought over a pot of high-grade spirit tea.
"Senior, please have some tea."
"Mm, you may go about your business," Chen Jianghe said faintly to Jiang Ruxu after taking a sip.
"It's no trouble. I will serve Senior here," Jiang Ruxu said, standing beside Chen Jianghe and respectfully refilling his cup.
"Don't you need to cultivate?"
Chen Jianghe frowned.
"Master has already prepared natural treasures for me and my senior sister to aid in our body tempering and spiritual cultivation."
"We just need to follow the plan and cultivate step by step."
Jiang Ruxu made no effort to hide Alchemist Zhuang's arrangements.
"..."
Chen Jianghe sipped his tea in silence.
He didn't ask Jiang Ruxu any more questions.
Having an elder to look after you and not having one were two different things.
Having a second-tier alchemist as an elder to look after you and not having one were even more different.
When Alchemist Zhuang had superior-grade alchemy skills, he could already support the two of them. Now that he was a second-tier alchemist, he was even more capable of providing for them.
One must remember, Alchemist Zhuang had long since stopped cultivating.
He had no need for any cultivation resources.
If he didn't spend the spirit stones he earned on the two girls, where else would he spend them?
Besides, an alchemist earned spirit stones far faster than a talisman master. Even if he got the two girls the best of everything, he still wouldn't be able to spend all his spirit stones.
There was a saying in the cultivation world that a second-tier alchemist could support a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan. While this might be an exaggeration, it reflected just how quickly alchemists earned spirit stones.
Half an hour later, Alchemist Zhuang walked out of the alchemy room. Seeing Chen Jianghe sipping tea in the pavilion, he immediately walked over.
"Fellow Daoist, you've come out of seclusion?"
"Yes, and as soon as I did, I hurried over to bring you a fortuitous opportunity, so I don't have to keep taking advantage of you every time."
Chen Jianghe raised an eyebrow and replied with a purse of his lips.
"Huh?"
Alchemist Zhuang was taken aback for a moment, then he seemed to realize the reason and burst out laughing.
"Haha... Ruxu must have put on her alchemist airs and you saw her. But there's nothing to be done about it."
"Alchemists are different from talisman masters. Spirit pills are valuable, and the fees for making them are high. If we greet everyone with a smile, we'll be pestered and begged by those demon hunters and rogue cultivators."
"The key is that we can't start offering discounts. Once we do, not only will we offend other alchemists, but we'll also drive down the price of spirit pills."
After hearing Alchemist Zhuang's explanation, Chen Jianghe nodded in partial agreement, then asked, "What about artifact refiners?"
Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe with a meaningful gaze and said with a faint smile, "Fellow Daoist must be asking about Fairy Luo."
"Fairy Luo's cold and arrogant personality is one factor, but the main reason is the scarcity of master artifact refiners in Qinghe Market City."
"Does Fellow Daoist know how many master artifact refiners there are in Qinghe Market City?"
"Are there even fewer than second-tier alchemists?" Chen Jianghe asked curiously.
"Hehe, south of the Sky-Reaching River, Qinghe Market City can be ranked among the top ten major cultivation market cities, yet there are only two master artifact refiners."
Alchemist Zhuang himself sounded wistful as he spoke.
"One is a Guest Elder of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, and the other is Fairy Luo. Now, does Fellow Daoist understand why Fairy Luo is so arrogant, yet cultivators still come to her door seeking her services?"
"..."
Chen Jianghe was stunned.
The vast Qinghe Market City had only two master artifact refiners.
No wonder Luo Xiyue dared to act so haughtily, not even giving a second-tier alchemist like Alchemist Zhuang any face.
She probably wouldn't even pay any mind to Foundation Establishment cultivators.
The top-grade magical artifacts used by Foundation Establishment cultivators could only be crafted by master artifact refiners, and there were only two in the entire Qinghe Market City.
If you wanted a top-grade magical artifact, you had to go and beg for it.
"You mentioned just now that you were bringing me a fortuitous opportunity?" Alchemist Zhuang's curiosity was piqued.
Now that he was a second-tier alchemist, there were few things he would consider a fortuitous opportunity.
His lifespan was running out, and he had already taken both Beauty Retaining Pills and Life Extension Pills.
As far as he knew, there were no other spirit pills or treasures that could extend one's life.
"Before we talk about the opportunity, I must first ask you a question."
Chen Jianghe then voiced the doubt in his mind.
"Is it difficult for a Foundation Establishment cultivator who was once a demon hunter to purchase second-tier healing pills?"
"Logically, besides demon hunters, other Foundation Establishment cultivators don't get injured that often, do they?"
Chen Jianghe's question was simple.
If second-tier alchemists didn't sell their second-tier healing pills to demon hunters, it seemed there were no other buyers.
They couldn't just let the pills sit around unsold.
"Fellow Daoist, you underestimate the conflicts between Foundation Establishment Immortal Clans."
Alchemist Zhuang extended his hand, and three green pills appeared in his palm. "Do you know what spirit pills these are?"
Seeing Chen Jianghe shake his head, Alchemist Zhuang explained, "This is the Swift Healing Rejuvenation Pill, a low-grade second-tier healing spirit pill."
"I didn't originally know how to refine this pill, but a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan from the southern border somehow heard that I was a second-tier alchemist and came to seek a trade some time ago."
"They offered me the pill formula for the Swift Healing Rejuvenation Pill plus two thousand spirit stones in exchange for me refining five batches of these pills for them. They even provided the materials."
"The effects of the Swift Healing Rejuvenation Pill are potent. In battle, a Foundation Establishment cultivator with minor injuries can recover within three breaths. For severe injuries, it can temporarily restore their combat strength within ten breaths."
"Now, do you understand the value of second-tier healing pills?"
Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe with a smile.
At that moment, Chen Jianghe understood the reason.
It wasn't that second-tier healing pills weren't sold to the demon hunter Foundation Establishment cultivators of Qinghe Market City; first, there was the question of whether they could afford them.
Second, second-tier alchemists generally did not associate with demon hunters.
A demon hunter might not even buy a single second-tier healing pill in ten years, so they were simply beneath the notice of second-tier alchemists.
At the same time, they looked down on demon hunters from the bottom of their hearts.
Of course, they looked down on rogue cultivators without any backing even more.
Trading with those Foundation Establishment Immortal Clans was so much better.
Not only could they earn spirit stones, but they could also obtain corresponding pill formulas.
Even if they didn't need to offer a pill formula, the price in spirit stones would be much higher.
This was simply something demon hunters could not afford.
In other words, when a demon hunter Foundation Establishment cultivator truly needed to buy spirit pills, they wouldn't be able to find any through private channels.
Generally, second-tier healing pills only appeared at auctions.
Chen Jianghe was green with envy.
It was too easy for alchemists to earn spirit stones.
Especially second-tier alchemists; perhaps they really could support a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan.
Take this order for Swift Healing Rejuvenation Pills that Alchemist Zhuang had accepted. At most, it would take him a year to complete.
In one year, he would earn two thousand spirit stones and a priceless pill formula.
"By the way, do you know what Ice Heart Grass is used for?" Chen Jianghe, remembering the grass, asked quickly.
"Ice Heart Grass?"
Alchemist Zhuang's expression faltered for a moment, then he said, "As far as I know, Ice Heart Grass grows in Sunset Glow Valley, four hundred li deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. Why do you ask about it?"
"What are its uses?"
"It can be used to refine the Ice Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill, a spirit pill used by Foundation Establishment cultivators to break through to the next level. It also has the property of dispelling inner demons."
"Can you refine it?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Jianghe's pupils constricted, and a look of joy appeared on his face.
"Huh???"
Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe speechlessly and pursed his lips. "Do you really think I'm an omnipotent alchemist who can refine any pill?"
"The Ice Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill is a mid-grade second-tier spirit pill. Even if I had the formula, my success rate would be less than fifty percent."
"Not to mention, I don't have the formula."
At this point, Alchemist Zhuang stared at Chen Jianghe and asked, "Do you have Ice Heart Grass?"
"Not yet," Chen Jianghe said sincerely.
"Huh? Not yet, which means you will have it later?"
"That depends on fate."
Chen Jianghe chuckled.
"Right, you still haven't told me what fortuitous opportunity you've brought," Alchemist Zhuang said, remembering that Chen Jianghe had just mentioned bringing him an opportunity.
"I have a lead on the Violet Cloud Spirit Fruit. Does that count as a fortuitous opportunity?"
"Haha, of course it does! You've gone to a lot of trouble, Fellow Daoist!"
As he spoke, Alchemist Zhuang extended his hand towards Chen Jianghe, his meaning obvious.
"Ahem, I said I have a lead, which means I have news of it, not that I have it in my possession," Chen Jianghe shot Alchemist Zhuang a look.
"It's not in your hands yet? Right, you don't have the spirit stones to buy it." Alchemist Zhuang remembered that Chen Jianghe was quite poor.
Even if he had news of the Violet Cloud Spirit Fruit, he wouldn't have the spirit stones to acquire it.
Alchemist Zhuang then took out a storage pouch and said to Chen Jianghe, "Fellow Daoist, you are helping me find the main ingredient for the Foundation Establishment Pill. Here are three thousand spirit stones. Take them for now. If it's not enough, come back to me for more."
"..."
Chen Jianghe looked at Alchemist Zhuang, then at the offered storage pouch. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
If you're going to give me spirit stones, just give them. Do you have to say such demeaning things?
Chen Jianghe accepted the spirit stones without any hesitation. Just as Alchemist Zhuang had said, this time he wasn't gathering the main ingredients for himself, but for Alchemist Zhuang's granddaughter and disciple.
"By the way, to buy the Violet Cloud Spirit Fruit, I'll probably need your help in purchasing two Flesh-Growing Bone-Mending Pills."
Chen Jianghe added.
Alchemist Zhuang frowned and said, "The alchemist who refines the Flesh-Growing Bone-Mending Pill is not in Qinghe Market City."
"However, I have obtained the formula for the Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pill. Combined with the Dew-Condensing Flesh-Growing Pill, their effects can rival the Flesh-Growing Bone-Mending Pill."
"Both of these are low-grade second-tier spirit pills. Their combined value is slightly higher than the Flesh-Growing Bone-Mending Pill, but I can refine them."
"Is that so."
Chen Jianghe's expression remained calm, but his heart was filled with joy.
The market price for one Flesh-Growing Bone-Mending Pill was twelve hundred spirit stones, and at auction, it usually sold for around two thousand.
Although the Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pill and the Dew-Condensing Flesh-Growing Pill were low-grade second-tier pills and more expensive combined, Alchemist Zhuang could refine them!
So, they only needed to consider the cost of materials, not the market price.
"How about this, wait for my news. If the Mountain-Suppressing Bone-Mending Pill and the Dew-Condensing Flesh-Growing Pill will work, then the Violet Cloud Spirit Fruit can be acquired."
Chen Jianghe said.
"Good, I'll wait for your news."
Alchemist Zhuang nodded, walked Chen Jianghe to the courtyard gate, and watched him until he turned out of Longevity Lane.
"Master, why did you have Senior Chen search for the main ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill? You're a second-tier alchemist now. Wouldn't it be faster to ask those Foundation Establishment Immortal Clans who seek your services to help find them?"
Jiang Ruxu asked, very puzzled.
"Silly child, to a Foundation Establishment Immortal Clan, what is more important: a Foundation Establishment Pill or other second-tier spirit pills?"
"Of course it's the Foundation... Master, you're laughing at me, hmph!"
---
Chen Jianghe left Longevity Lane. He glanced at the sky; it was already close to nine o'clock. It was too late to find Ruan Tieniu.
He could only head home for now.
He had originally planned to ask Alchemist Zhuang to help refine a batch of Life Extension Pills, but after some thought, he decided to wait until he had obtained the Violet Cloud Spirit Fruit for him.
The Life Extension Pill was an entry-level, low-grade second-tier spirit pill.
For Alchemist Zhuang, refining a batch would be simple. It wasn't too late to do it after Zhou Miaoyun arrived in Qinghe Market City.
Besides, he still had one Beauty Retaining Pill and one Life Extension Pill on hand.
The first day of the new year.
Chen Jianghe left his courtyard and headed to No. 36, Longevity Lane.
Seeing no sign on the gate meant that Ruan Tieniu was at home.
He knocked on the door ring.
A short while later, Ruan Tieniu came out.
"Brother Chen, you've finally come. Quick, come in."
Seeing Chen Jianghe, Ruan Tieniu's face lit up with joy. He quickly invited Chen Jianghe into his courtyard to talk.
"Brother Ruan, let's go to the old place instead."
"Mm, alright. Let's go."
Chen Jianghe found it strange. Ruan Tieniu had never allowed anyone into his courtyard before. Why had he dropped this taboo after moving to Longevity Lane?
Even so, Chen Jianghe didn't dare enter the courtyard of a Foundation Establishment senior.
It made him feel very insecure.
They arrived at the Qingping Teahouse.
When choosing the spirit tea, Ruan Tieniu hesitated for a moment, but finally gritted his teeth and ordered a pot of tea that cost two spirit stones.
"Brother Chen, did you see my message?"
"Yes, I did. To think Brother Ruan would dare to venture four hundred li into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range is truly astonishing."
"Sigh, I had no choice. It's all for cultivation resources."
Ruan Tieniu downed a cup of spirit tea like an ox, feeling no bitterness at all, for it was not as bitter as his own immortal path.
"Brother Chen, you may not know this, but we demon hunters hunt demon beasts during the Qi Refining stage. Once we reach Foundation Establishment, we have to venture deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range to steal natural treasures."
Chen Jianghe had read about demon hunters in the "Qinghe Chronicle".
Qi Refining demon hunters could hunt beasts in the outer regions. Similarly, cultivators entering the outer regions could also be hunted by demon beasts.
Once they successfully reached Foundation Establishment, they no longer hunted demon beasts.
Hunting a second-tier demon beast was too difficult. Even three Foundation Establishment cultivators who were former demon hunters couldn't take down a single one.
They might even be killed in return.
This was because demon hunter Foundation Establishment cultivators were too poor. Some of them were still using superior-grade offensive magical artifacts.
Let alone owning a top-grade defensive magical artifact.
Just one top-grade flying sword would require them to save up spirit stones for a very long time.
Therefore, Foundation Establishment demon hunters could only venture deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range to steal natural treasures.
As for Foundation Establishment cultivators slaughtering first-tier demon beasts on a large scale?
Something similar had happened in Qinghe Market City four hundred years ago, but it ended up luring out third-tier demon beasts from the depths of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
At that time, Perfected Qinghe was still alive.
But even he did not dare to face three third-tier demon beasts alone. In the end, he had to invite several Core Formation elders from the Tiannan Sect to repel them.
Now, Perfected Qinghe was gone, and they could no longer call upon the elders of the Tiannan Sect.
"Compared to the injuries you suffered back then, Brother Ruan, are the injuries of Seniors Xu Feng and Xu Hong lighter or heavier?"