Chapter 102: Blood Crow Real Person, Deep Grudges and Great Hatred!

"Can you pass it to me?"

Xiao Zhangqing's eyes brightened slightly, and he instantly became interested.

He came today to see Pill Master Zhu Youlong, not only to have him help identify Pills and spirit medicines, but Xiao Zhangqing also had another purpose: he wanted to obtain the Pill Master inheritance from him! Of course, at first Xiao Zhangqing did not intend for Pill Master Zhu to teach him his inheritance.

The Dao cannot be passed lightly.

Even though he is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, there is no reason for Pill Master Zhu to teach him alchemy techniques, and he is not prepared to become a disciple.

But Xiao Zhangqing has a cheat! He only needs to get some commonly used alchemy tools and alchemy notes from Pill Master Zhu… Once Xiao Zhangqing equips them back home, the inheritance will be in his hands!

That is far easier than Pill Master Zhu teaching him hand‑by‑hand.

However, just after finishing the Pill identification, Xiao Zhangqing hadn't decided how to start, and Pill Master Zhu spoke first.

"I wonder what business Pill Master Zhu needs my help with."

Xiao Zhangqing did not answer directly, but asked first.

"I would like Symbol Master Xiao to kill someone…"

Zhu Youlong is usually very gentle; although his rank as a first‑grade top‑quality Pill Master places him among the very top few cultivators in Nanshan Fang, there has never been any rumor of him abusing his power. Occasionally, when a cultivator is in urgent need of Pills at his doorstep, he often lends a hand.

Thus, in the Yizi Cave Residence, he is known as a good old man.

But at this moment, Zhu Youlong's expression turned somewhat feral, his face covered with hatred, and he gritted his teeth as he said, "He is quite famous in the Da Yu Cultivation World; his title is 'Blood Crow Real Person', and his residence is Liyang Immortal City."

Xiao Zhangqing was stunned for a moment, then let out a dry laugh, "Real Person? Pill Master Zhu, you enemy, are you a Golden Core Real Person? Let me avenge you—aside from whether I want your Pill Master inheritance, you are indeed overestimating me."

He had never heard of the title Blood Crow Real Person, nor knew who it referred to.

However, in the Cultivation World, being called a 'Real Person' means one's cultivation is at the Golden Core realm! And Golden Core Real Persons are absolutely among the top tier in the Da Yu Cultivation World.

A sect that possesses a Golden Core Real Person can directly rank among the first‑rate sects of the Da Yu Cultivation World.

For example, Luoxia Sect, which has dominated the southwest of the Da Yu Cultivation World for centuries, is so because the sect continuously produces Golden Core Real Persons.

Besides the two dominant Nascent Soul forces perched in the clouds, they can roam the Da Yu Cultivation World at will!

Just as now the Demon Sect Evil Cultivators are preparing to invade the Da Yu Cultivation World, the battles may be fierce, but without a Golden Core Real Person involved, it is merely a skirmish.

Only when a Golden Core Real Person is present does the war truly begin! And Xiao Zhangqing now, although his Soul Transformation is strong enough and his magical power includes solid‑state power stored in Immortal Stone fragments, can masquerade as a Golden Core Real Person.

But… only as a masquerade.

If he meets a true Golden Core Real Person, he would certainly be inferior.

"I am not asking Symbol Master Xiao to avenge me right now, nor am I saying it must be within the next few years."

"Rather, I hope Symbol Master Xiao will one day reach the Golden Core stage, strong enough to slay the Blood Crow Real Person, and then avenge me," Zhu Youlong pleaded.

Xiao Zhangqing was silent for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Even so, Pill Master Zhu, you think too highly of me. Two months ago I just successfully established my Foundation, and I don't even know if I have any hope of reaching Golden Core in this lifetime. Look at Nanshan Fang: over the years many have succeeded in Foundation, but only the head of the Cao family has ever broken through the initial Foundation stage to the middle Foundation stage."

Zhu Youlong looked seriously, "I believe Symbol Master Xiao is different from them."

Xiao Zhangqing smiled, "What's different? Just because I completed my Foundation with a lower‑grade spiritual root? That's indeed different. But Pill Master Zhu should know that a lower‑grade spiritual root can luckily succeed in Foundation, yet the poorer the foundation, the less chance of even reaching middle Foundation, let alone Golden Core."

Zhu Youlong stopped beating around the bush and voiced his speculation: "If it were only a lower‑grade spiritual root, indeed a lifetime of Golden Core would be hopeless. But I believe Symbol Master Xiao now no longer has a lower‑grade spiritual root… In the Cultivation World, secret techniques and rare heavenly materials that enhance spiritual‑root quality are extremely scarce, yet they exist. I think Symbol Master Xiao is a person bearing the great atmospheric destiny… otherwise he wouldn't have obtained these second‑tier Pills."

You actually guessed some of it correctly.

This Pill Master Zhu is indeed not simple, Xiao Zhangqing muttered to himself.

He truly is no longer of lower‑grade spiritual‑root quality, but he did not achieve it through any secret technique nor any heavenly material; it was merely a small blessing from the system.

Xiao Zhangqing gave no positive reply to these guesses, only smiled and shook his head, "Even if someday, thanks to your auspicious words, I happen to break through to Golden Core, and succeed… I would have taken a Pill Master inheritance today just to deal with a Real Person who has been Golden Core for years? When I finally reach Golden Core, what level will the other be? Perhaps they have already become Nascent Soul True Lords."

"It won't be like that. The Blood Crow Real Person did achieve Golden Core and condensed a Golden Core… but his Golden Core quality is very low, not a truly perfect flawless Golden Core, but a plain jade‑colored one. Though he is called a Golden Core Real Person, he is the weakest among them. After Golden Core, improving magical power even by a fraction is extremely difficult, let alone reaching Nascent Soul. Otherwise, the Blood Crow Real Person wouldn't be settled in Liyang Immortal City, attached to Liyang Real Person."

Zhu Youlong first explained the situation, then said, "As for Symbol Master Xiao, if you are willing to help me avenge, as I said, the third‑tier Pill Master inheritance is a trivial reward. The real reward is that if in the future Symbol Master Xiao reaches a fully completed Foundation, you can obtain a Condensing True Pill of above‑standard quality!"

Condensing True Pill? Xiao Zhangqing's eyes lit up at the words.

Having just raided two mid‑Foundation cultivators a few days ago, he naturally knows how precious a Condensing True Pill is.

Cao Hao and the White‑haired Old Crone, both not weak among mid‑Foundation cultivators, especially the White‑haired Old Crone who is close to late Foundation and can burst to late Foundation strength, but together their wealth amounts to only a fifth or sixth of a Condensing True Pill!

Thus the vast majority of Foundation cultivators, even those in late Foundation, can only hope for a Condensing True Pill but cannot obtain it.

"If a fully completed Foundation grants a Condensing True Pill, Pill Master Zhu isn't afraid that I will someday achieve a fully completed Foundation, obtain the Condensing True Pill you offer, but then fail the final breakthrough?" Xiao Zhangqing asked thoughtfully.

Zhu Youlong firmly said, "Since I have told this to Symbol Master Xiao, it means I have absolute confidence in you. If you can obtain the Condensing True Pill, Symbol Master Xiao will surely be able to form a Golden Core!"

His expression was serious, his tone resolute.

But in his heart, Zhu Youlong could only smile wryly.

There is no such thing as absolute confidence; it is merely a desperate measure.

All these years he dared not return to Liyang Immortal City, forced to hide in Nanshan Fang under an assumed name, fearing the Blood Crow Real Person would discover his whereabouts and eradicate him.

In a place like Nanshan Fang, besides the mysterious Xiao Zhangqing, could he find a better candidate?

Originally, a few years ago he thought Mu Renjie was worth investing in, a suitable candidate.

Unfortunately, before he could find a chance to approach Mu Renjie, Mu Renjie was exposed as having strayed onto the evil path and was eliminated by Xiao Zhangqing and people from Luoxia Sect.

Later he could only set his sights on the head of the Cao family, Cao Hao…

But after two years of observation, he found Xiao Zhangqing has far more potential than Cao Hao! Especially today Xiao Zhangqing produced so many second‑tier Pills, letting him glimpse some true aspects of the matter, confirming his belief.

He can choose to observe for a while longer.

He could choose to keep observing a while longer.

But his lifespan is nearing its end; the day of his demise is not far.

Moreover, with the current turmoil, evil cultivators lurking, an accident could strike at any time.

Xiao Zhangqing, after pondering for a while, finally said: "If in the future I achieve Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, obtain the Condensed True Pill you promised, Zhu Pill Master, and that Blood Crow True Person's strength remains at early Golden Core, I can agree to help you take revenge. However, I first need to know why you, Zhu Pill Master, harbor such hatred toward that Blood Crow True Person..."

After weighing for a while, Xiao Zhangqing finally said, "If in the future I achieve a fully completed Foundation, obtain the Condensing True Pill you promised, and that Blood Crow Real Person's strength is still at the early Golden Core stage, I can agree to avenge you. However, I first need to know why Pill Master Zhu harbors such hatred toward that Blood Crow Real Person…"

Hearing Xiao Zhangqing agree, Zhu Youlong was overjoyed, and in one breath said three "good" characters.

Hearing Xiao Zhangqing's agreement, Zhu Youlong was overjoyed, exclaiming three 'good' characters in one breath.

After a moment, he collected himself and began recounting the grudges and feuds with the Blood Crow Real Person.

Zhu Youlong's master was a second‑rank Pill Master, who was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator; even in a place like Liyang, he was already a well‑known figure.

But because of a dispute, he did not obey Xue Ya Zhenren's order, chose to stick to his own principle, and thus suffered a disastrous annihilation.

His master, master's wife, and Zhu Youlong's junior brothers and sisters were all killed. Zhu Youlong had been taken in by his master since childhood, called a disciple but almost like a son, and he originally would not have escaped the calamity.

It happened that on the day he was away from Liyang on business, so he avoided the disaster.

Of course, Xue Ya Zhenren would not act overtly; he sent a hidden assassin, disguised as a vicious rogue cultivator.

But Zhu Youlong knew the killer had to be Xue Ya Zhenren! Afterward, Xue Ya Zhenren's subordinates were still secretly inquiring about his whereabouts, intending to eliminate him as a loose fish.

Fortunately, Zhu Youlong's master had cultivated many connections over the years; although no one dared to openly help Zhu Youlong now, nor to avenge his master by offending a Jie Dan Zhenren…

But helping Zhu Youlong evade pursuit and leave Liyang was still possible.

Since then, Zhu Youlong arrived at the remote Nanshan Fang, living under a false name.

All these years he has constantly thought of avenging his master, but his own cultivation talent and Pill talent are mediocre; he cannot even achieve Foundation Establishment, let alone revenge.

"This Token is a special token set by the Dan Dao Alliance; even a Nascent Soul True Lord cannot forge it. My master once had a great opportunity, obtained a rare treasure, and finally presented it to the head of the Dan Dao Alliance in the Da Yu Cultivation World. At that time the Dan Dao Alliance not only passed my master the third‑rank Alchemy Master inheritance, but also gave him this Token. My master and the Dan Dao Alliance agreed that if, in the future, any cultivator reaches the great completion of Foundation Establishment, whoever holds this Token and goes to the Dan Dao Alliance can obtain a Condensed True Pill of higher than standard quality!"

Zhu Youlong revealed the final background.

But Xiao Zhangqing heard it in a daze.

Dan Dao Alliance? It can freely grant the third‑rank Pill Master inheritance and also allow one to receive Condensed True Pills at any time? What sect or faction is this? Does such a massive entity exist in the Da Yu Cultivation World?

Even in Nanshan Fang, the Da Yu Cultivation World has two major Nascent Soul forces—the Qixing Sword Sect and Xingyue Palace, well known to all, yet he had never heard of the Dan Dao Alliance.

"The Dan Dao Alliance is not a force of the Da Yu Cultivation World. Or rather, it is not limited to the Da Yu Cultivation World; it spans several cultivation nations near the Da Yu Cultivation World, with a massive sub‑alliance in each. Within the alliance, there are not only Nascent Soul True Lords enshrined, but also fourth‑rank Pill Masters! Therefore, in the Da Yu Cultivation World, the Dan Dao Alliance cannot match the Qixing Sword Sect and Xingyue Palace, the two major Nascent Soul sects, but when looking at the world at large, the Dan Dao Alliance's strength far surpasses both Xingyue Palace and Qixing Sword Sect."

"Moreover, the reason the Dan Dao Alliance can spread across several cultivation nations is that it harbors no desire for conflict, remains detached, and is extremely trustworthy, never breaking its word. Therefore, in the future, once you, Xiao Symbol Master, reach the late‑stage great completion of Foundation Establishment, take this Token to a Dan Dao Alliance branch, you can obtain a Condensed True Pill and break into the Jie Dan Realm."

Zhu Youlong explained.

Xiao Zhangqing took the Token, feeling the complex, intricate formation on it and the unique, uncopyable aura fluctuations, his heart shaken and filled with countless emotions.

Today he originally only wanted to ask Zhu Dan Shi to appraise a Pill and, while at it, see if he could obtain the Dan Dao inheritance.

But he did not expect to hear so many secrets and also obtain an opportunity that could drive countless Foundation Establishment cultivators crazy.

"Fine. When I eventually achieve great completion of Foundation Establishment, obtain a Condensed True Pill and successfully break into the Jie Dan Realm, I will definitely avenge Zhu Dan Shi," Xiao Zhangqing promised.

With his current strength, avenging Zhu Dan Shi is certainly impossible; the success rate is too low.

Perhaps after reaching the mid‑stage of Foundation Establishment, his spiritual sense will strengthen and he will acquire some powerful new equipment and skills, giving him a reasonable chance to defeat the weakest Blood Crow Zhenren in the Jie Dan stage.

As for when he eventually succeeds in the Jie Dan stage, with his current power boost, it would be as easy as drinking water, a piece of cake, so agreeing carries no risk.

"I believe Xiao Symbol Master."

Zhu Youlong laughed, letting out a long sigh, as if a huge stone that had pressed on his heart for years had been largely lifted.

Suddenly, he thought of something else, his expression a bit awkward as he said, "I have an unreasonable request; I wonder if Xiao Symbol Master could help..."

Xiao Zhangqing asked, "What is it?"

Zhu Youlong said shyly, "My end is not far away; I don't have many days left. If... if in the future Ruan Zhanggui encounters danger, could Xiao Symbol Master help her within his means?"

Xiao Zhangqing: "..."

He still thought it was some matter.

"Ruan Zhanggui is also a pitiful person," Zhu Youlong sighed. "In Nanshan Fang many people whisper privately about my relationship with Ruan Zhanggui. But in fact, between me and Ruan Zhanggui it's crystal clear; there's no relationship beyond friendship. Of course... I don't deny I have feelings for Ruan Zhanggui, but she has never accepted me, so we are just friends."

"In this world I am essentially alone; even if I die there would be nothing I care about, except the unavenged great grudge against my sect and my lingering attachment to Ruan Zhanggui."

"Of course, if Xiao Symbol Master finds it difficult, then never mind; consider that I never said it."

What a pure‑love warrior!

Xiao Zhangqing replied casually, "Ruan Zhanggui and I are also friends. If I am still in Nanshan Fang later and she encounters danger, I will try to lend a hand."

Zhu Youlong heard this and chuckled, clasping his hands in thanks.

Afterwards, Zhu Youlong answered some of Xiao Zhangqing's questions.

Such as higher‑level knowledge of the Da Yu Cultivation World that ordinary Qi Refining Realm cultivators cannot access; what cultivation nations outside the Da Yu Cultivation World are like; and the rules, customs, and number of Jie Dan Zhenren in Liyang.

He has been in Nanshan Fang; even after breaking through the Foundation Establishment Realm he has not ventured outside, so his understanding of the higher echelons of the cultivation world is far inferior to Zhu Youlong's.

He is completely unaware of any existence beyond the Da Yu Cultivation World.

As for Liyang, it is also a place Xiao Zhangqing intends to settle in the future.

The main reason is not that Shopkeeper Hong went to Liyang to seek refuge; rather, he refused to join the Luoxia Sect, so for a Scattered Cultivator the best place is Liyang.

This 'City of Scattered Cultivators' is not under any sect or family jurisdiction; as long as one has cultivation strength, one can live well.

With Spirit Stones, one can purchase most of the precious artifacts and Pills.

On the surface, Liyang appears fair and just, most friendly to Scattered Cultivators.

Of course, after hearing Zhu Youlong and his sect's hatred today, Xiao Zhangqing will no longer believe in the so‑called 'fairness and justice'.

But the cultivation world is inherently a law of the jungle; does he still hope for a place where the strong never bully the weak and reason with them? Xiao Zhangqing finished all his questions, and only then did Zhu Youlong recall the matter at hand, solemnly handing Xiao Zhangqing a Transmission Jade Tablet.

Inside it recorded the third‑rank Pill Master inheritance his master obtained from the Dan Dao Alliance.

"Transmission Jade Tablet? Good stuff!"

Xiao Zhangqing's eagerly awaiting hands received it.

Back then, at a street stall, he bought a Transmission Jade Tablet left by a Foundation Establishment cultivator for his descendants, and directly obtained a Great Achievement‑level Longevity Technique.

This Jade Tablet records the complete third‑rank Pill Master inheritance; the system cannot directly extract the divine technique?

Even if it cannot directly grant third‑rank Pill Master attainment, a second‑rank Pill Master would do.

Just hope the equipment requirements aren't too high.

Result……

Xiao Zhangqing ran his fingers over the Transmission Jade Tablet, also tried to use his spiritual sense to probe the inheritance records, but the system gave no response at all!

Can't be recorded? Xiao Zhangqing's mouth twitched, and after a moment he raised his head and asked, "Zhu Dan Shi, have you kept notes on alchemy over the years? Like a Pill Master journal or something?"

The Jade Tablet indeed records the complete third‑rank Pill Master inheritance.

But no matter whether it's Master Zhu Youlong or Zhu Youlong himself, they merely treat it as a tool; after receiving the inheritance, they store it away, placing it on a high pavilion.

Therefore, the system cannot extract any skill from this Jade Tablet.

(End of chapter)