Chapter 34

One month later, Juxian Pavilion's fourth floor.

Inside a private alchemy chamber.

Chen Zhao's expression was grave; he formed hand seals and split the furnace flame into three, the fire tongues licking at several glistening droplets of medicinal liquid, releasing waves of herbal fragrance.

After burning for a full day, the russet pill slowly solidified into shape, drawing in most of the surrounding Spirit Qi, and coalesced into two pills.

Chen Zhao rubbed his temples, feeling utterly drained.

Though his Mental Power was strong, his Spirit Qi was insufficient—refining a First Grade Upper Tier pill was still difficult.

Ever since Juxian Pavilion officially opened, business had grown increasingly bustling; besides registered and Outer Sect Disciples coming to request pills, several Inner Sect Disciples had also arrived seeking alchemy.

Alchemists typically secluded themselves and rarely socialized with outsiders, but Juxian Pavilion nearly always fulfilled requests at low fees.

And it imposed limits only on First Grade Upper Tier pills.

Such pills took too long to refine, had abysmal success rates, and offered far lower returns than Mid-tier pills—First-grade Alchemists generally refused such orders.

To expand its influence and penetrate the Inner Sect market, Juxian Pavilion made this its hallmark—and the response was indeed favorable.

But it exhausted the He Family Brothers.

Restricted by their alchemical techniques, their refining time stretched to a full month with only a thirty percent success rate—truly a losing proposition.

"I use the Nine-Turn Control Essence Technique to refine Heqi Pill—my success rate is already seventy percent, quality meets standard, but it still takes ten days. Let them handle it."

Chen Zhao stored one pill in his Storage Bag.

After all, publicly speaking, his alchemy wasn't better than the He Family Brothers'—his success rate couldn't be too high.

The extra pills he treated as gray income.

"Fortunately, I obtained the Spirit Pill Prescription and now have a steady pill income—time wasn't wasted."

Chen Zhao gently caressed the Pill Furnace.

This furnace belonged to Juxian Pavilion, First Grade Upper Tier, reserved exclusively for the Chief Alchemist.

Heqi Pill is a superior substitute for Huanglong Pill, its medicinal power intense; only after raising his cultivation level would taking this pill prevent his body from exploding.

Since the Evil Cultivator incident, Liu Chen had grown increasingly trusting of him.

Not only did he intend to cultivate him, but he also overruled objections and shielded him from much of the gossip accusing him of being unfit for his position.

"Elder Chen, Brother from Elder Zhang's sect has come again requesting Qingxin Pill—this time he specifically named you."

Chen Zhao had intended to remain longer in the alchemy chamber for cultivation, when He Chengdao knocked on the door.

These two brothers had originally disrespected him, believing he had risen through connections.

But after watching him refine Huanglong Pill several times, they dared not question him again.

The reason was simple.

From Chen Zhao's technique, his understanding of the "Basic Interpretations of the Pill Scripture" far surpassed that of the He Family Brothers.

In alchemy, the competent lead.

Chen Zhao opened the door and stepped out.

"Qingxin Pill?"

He was surprised; though the Evil Cultivator incident had caused widespread panic, this pill offered no benefit to cultivation, so disciples wouldn't buy much of it.

Since obtaining the prescription, he had refined it fewer than ten times.

Yet this client had requested it eight times this month alone.

No matter how good his Qingxin Pill quality was, it could only treat deviation from the Dao.

Could this man also be an Evil Cultivator?

But he was Elder Zhang's man—Chen Zhao couldn't afford to neglect him.

Stepping outside, returning to his "office," he saw a black-robed senior brother, wearing a hairpin, his aura ethereal—more like a Daoist Boy.

"Younger brother, are you the one who refined this Qingxin Pill?"

He spoke gently, handing over a pill; from its refining technique and internal Spirit Qi, it was unmistakably Chen Zhao's work.

"It is I. How many Qingxin Pills does Senior Brother require this time?"

Chen Zhao bowed respectfully.

"Not a specific number."

At this, the black-robed senior brother smiled:

"I want you to refine Qingxin Pills for me all month—materials are unlimited, and any losses incurred will be compensated by me."

This effectively hired Chen Zhao exclusively.

Any delayed orders of his would be compensated by this senior brother.

Chen Zhao naturally welcomed it.

Refining this pill consumed little.

As long as he satisfied the man's appetite, the remaining time could be used for slack-off cultivation.

But.

This senior brother was deeply entangled with him—if someone under Elder Zhang colluded with Evil Cultivators, he and Juxian Pavilion would surely be implicated.

"Refining First-grade Mid-tier pills is difficult, and they offer no benefit to cultivation..."

Chen Zhao paused briefly, probing.

"This pill should be refined in quantities of ten or more. Also, younger brother, rest assured—my lineage has no Evil Cultivators."

The black-robed senior brother frowned slightly, cutting him off.

At the same moment.

A pure, clean stream of Spirit Qi spread outward.

Chen Zhao's eyes narrowed slightly.

Qi Refining Eleventh Layer...

"Something similar happened before; I hope Senior Brother will forgive me."

Chen Zhao apologized.

"Evil Cultivator matters are serious; I'd do the same if I were you."

The black-robed Senior Brother waved his hand, not holding it against him.

He took out ten sets of herbs and seventy Low-grade Spirit Stones as a down payment, then hurried away.

"What exactly is this Senior Brother's identity? Why does he need so many Qingxin Pills?"

Chen Zhao stroked his chin, deeply puzzled.

Qi Refining Eleventh Layer—Qingxin Pills offer negligible effect for him; there must be someone else behind this.

"I've never seen him."

The He Family Brothers shook their heads one after another.

He Chengdao volunteered and went around asking Inner Sect Disciples for information.

Not long after.

He rushed back, panting:

"Elder Chen, this man is no ordinary person."

"He is the Daoist Boy of Elder Zhang's only son. He has rendered loyal service in protecting the path, so he's entrusted with private affairs and is close to Master Zhang."

Chen Zhao frowned slightly.

For most cultivators, having children is like drawing a lottery—producing a child with extraordinary talent gives the whole clan hope for revival.

Usually, more children mean more fortune; having only one son is rare.

Unless.

This Master Zhang's talent is already strong enough to warrant full investment.

"Master Zhang himself is a prodigy with dual Spirit Roots; at such a young age, he's already at Qi Refining Ninth Layer, with a real chance at Foundation Establishment."

He Chengdao's face glowed with excitement and envy,

"I heard Sister Xin's first choice when selecting a husband was him."

As expected.

Chen Zhao nodded slightly.

Only son, prodigy—this man's weight with Elder Zhang is probably higher than the heavens; he cannot be trifled with lightly.

One week later.

The black-robed Daoist Boy returned again, his expression strange:

"Junior Brother, could you change the commission? The Master says the effect isn't strong enough—he wants to switch to the higher-grade Nourishing Spirit Pill."

"That's a First-grade Upper Tier pill. I'm merely a Registered Disciple; my Qi is insufficient. Master Zhang overestimates me."

Chen Zhao smiled bitterly.

The difficulty of refining Nourishing Spirit Pills is several degrees higher than that of Heqi Pills.

A mere Registered Disciple who can produce them stably must have talent higher than ninety percent of First-grade Alchemists.

A tree that stands out in the forest will be struck by the wind.

"Ah, I thought so too."

The black-robed Daoist Boy sighed softly, didn't press further, and hurried away.

"Chen Brother, I know you're cautious—just give me a hint: can you really not refine them?"

Liu Chen also heard the rumors and gathered everyone for a detailed discussion on the fourth floor.

He wanted to use this to build ties and further bind himself to Elder Zhang.

Xin Tong advised him not to force it, warning that forcing pill refinement might drain his potential.

Chen Zhao let out a quiet sigh:

"I'm not confident."

He stole a glance at his Storage Bag—inside were already two Nourishing Spirit Pills.

Liu Chen sighed, somewhat disappointed.

He did not pressure Chen Zhao.

The matter had already been quietly dropped.

Until the next day.

The black-robed Senior Brother visited again, standing before him was a young man with sword-like brows and starlit eyes.

"Zhang Sifan, Master Zhang!"

The He Family Brothers immediately dropped their tasks, their faces shocked—and a touch of pity for Chen Zhao.

Unexpectedly, Master Zhang beamed with energy and suddenly embraced Chen Zhao, warmly and enthusiastically.

"Junior Brother Chen, young and talented—you're even more impressive than your reputation."