Chapter 322: Internal Strife in the Tao Family, A Fine Show!

Longevity Starts from Being an Alchemy Grandmaster, Main Text Volume, Chapter 327: Internal Strife in the Tao Family, A Fine Show! Regarding Luo Chen, regardless of what opinions the Tao family cultivators held.

When it came to arranging his accommodation, they still followed etiquette and gave him the best treatment befitting a distinguished guest.

A small, detached courtyard with spiritual energy concentration comparable to a second-tier mid-grade cave dwelling.

Three meals a day, all consisting of spirit food rich in spiritual energy.

Additionally, two maidservants were arranged to attend to him, along with two Qi Refining male cultivators at his beck and call.

After settling Luo Chen in, Tao Yisheng hurried away.

"Senior Danchenzi, do you need us to prepare a bath and change of clothes for you?"

Looking at the two young and beautiful maidservants with bright eyes and white teeth.

Luo Chen waved his hand, "No need, you two go outside and wait!"

The two maidservants exchanged a glance, then tacitly left the living room.

After they left.

Luo Chen spread out his spiritual sense, sweeping across the small courtyard, and only after confirming there were no surveillance methods did he heave a sigh of relief.

A newcomer in a strange place.

It was better to be cautious.

Taking out a book, Luo Chen began to read casually.

At first, he was quite relaxed, but the more he read, the deeper he became immersed in it.

What he was reading was none other than the "Shanghu Alchemy Interpretation" that Fairy Jueqing had given him back then.

This was also the second of the only two third-tier alchemist insight classics he currently possessed, besides the "Qingyuan Alchemy Interpretation."

Moreover, unlike Qing Yuanzi, who relied on the Pill Nourishing Technique to luckily refine third-tier pills and thus promoted himself to a third-tier alchemist.

The author of this "Shanghu Alchemy Interpretation" was himself a genuine third-tier alchemist!

Luo Chen had possessed this book for a long time.

But he had gained little from it.

The reason lay in the fact that some of the alchemy theories and techniques within it were vastly different from orthodox alchemy.

Orthodox alchemy often speaks of taking from the surplus to make up for the deficiency.

For instance, if a certain property of a main ingredient in a pill formula is too strong, one must take another main ingredient to compensate for the defect.

Either neutralizing, stimulating, or weakening it.

But the records in this "Shanghu Alchemy Interpretation" followed a different path.

Taking substances of the same origin and making the best use of everything.

Because they are born as one, there is inherently less repulsion.

Therefore, the success rate of pill formation is quite high.

Several alchemy techniques recorded above even involved directly utilizing monster inner cores to refine pills.

"This style of alchemy actually has similarities with the Emperor Di Di Liu Jiang."

Luo Chen muttered to himself.

The main ingredients of the Emperor Di Di Liu Jiang seek the flesh, blood, and bones of the same type of monster.

Counting it up, it also belongs to substances of the same origin.

"I wonder where Fairy Jueqing obtained such a strange alchemy book?"

Luo Chen shook his head, no longer delving into this question.

Instead, he focused on reading the parts that were vaguely described or even obscure and difficult to understand.

He was about to participate in the alchemy competition.

Being able to increase his alchemy strength by one point was better than nothing.

It was not just for Tao Wan's sake, but also for his own efforts.

Over these years, he had read all the alchemy classics from Danyuanzi, the Geng family, and the Li family, thoroughly absorbing their essence.

Yet, there were still many things he didn't understand in this "Shanghu Alchemy Interpretation" at hand.

……

While Luo Chen was diligently studying alchemy.

In the council hall of the Tao family at Little South Mountain, following a sharp, cold snort, the meeting that had been arguing all afternoon was declared over.

Tao Wan watched the old man being escorted away by the crowd with cold eyes, her slender eyelashes narrowing slightly.

Tao Yisheng approached.

"Sister, I have already brought Luo Chen back."

"Have you arranged everything?"

"Arranged him in the Mohe Garden. Additionally, I've let Xiao Peng and the others serve him at any time." Speaking of this, Tao Yisheng looked somewhat dissatisfied, "Brother Luo traveled thousands of miles to come here; even if we don't go out to welcome him, we should at least hold a welcoming banquet! As a result, because of these messy matters, we have neglected him..."

How could Tao Wan not know that they hadn't fulfilled the way of hospitality.

But...

"These matters are not messy at all!"

She sighed.

"If I want to compete for that Dao Seed position, I inevitably have to confront people like Shangguan Yan and He Yuanqing. Behind them, there are all Jin Dan True Persons supporting them."

"The Patriarch and the others are afraid that if I fail to compete, I will instead offend those people."

"In case the other side settles scores later, the Tao family will inevitably have a hard time."

Tao Yisheng was stunned.

He really hadn't thought that deeply.

Everyone is from the same sect; competing for the Dao Seed position is an open and honest battle of true disciples. Could there really be such a thing as settling scores later?

Looking at her sister, whose brow was filled with fatigue due to the family's sordid affairs.

He forced himself to say: "Not competing might allow one to survive for a while, but how can one be secure for a lifetime?"

Tao Wan looked at him in surprise.

"Huo!"

"You've matured quite a bit! In the past, you didn't have this realization."

Rarely praised by his sister.

Tao Yisheng scratched his head, "I stayed at the Luo Tian Society for a long time last year, and many cultivators there hold this philosophy. According to them, Luo Chen started from scratch to create the Luo Tian Society, and every step of the way was fought through. Countless battles, big and small, were all won by the weak against the strong, and he never compromised."

Environment can shape a person!

Likewise, a new environment can also influence a person!

Tao Yisheng, born into the Tao family of the Green Pill Valley, previously did not know the dangers of the world.

But after Foundation Establishment, having been outside for ten years, he had learned a thing or two.

Especially this year at the Luo Tian Society!

Tao Wan looked at her younger brother, who had green, youthful stubble on his chin, a thoughtful expression appearing on her face.

Suddenly.

"Yisheng, do you want to be the Patriarch of this Tao family?"

Tao Yisheng was stunned, subconsciously saying: "But hasn't the position of Patriarch been concurrently held by the Patriarch for over a hundred years?"

The corners of Tao Wan's thin lips curled up slightly.

"You also said it, it's been over a hundred years!"

"Some things should also change!"

……

"Competing for Patriarch?"

Luo Chen looked at the woman opposite him in surprise.

Wearing a green long dress, three thousand strands of black hair draped behind her like a waterfall, reaching down to her slender waist.

Tao Wan smiled slightly, "Yes, seeing that you are bored here, why not go watch the ceremony together and witness the birth of our Tao family's new Patriarch."

Luo Chen raised an eyebrow.

That's interesting!

Tao Wan sought him out today, not bringing the pill formulas and Core Formation insights he wanted, but instead abruptly mentioning this matter.

Looking at her smile, Luo Chen realized that perhaps if he wanted to obtain those things, it would depend on today's so-called "struggle for the Patriarch."

"The struggle for the Dao Seed hasn't even begun, yet they are already competing for the position of Patriarch."

"Interesting, interesting!"

Luo Chen stood up, "To be able to witness the birth of the Tao family's new Patriarch, Luo is honored!"

Tao Wan shook her head, "Not me, but Yisheng."

"Oh?"

At this, Luo Chen was truly surprised.

……

By the time Luo Chen arrived at the Tao family venue, hundreds of cultivators were already present.

A single sweep of his gaze allowed him to spot over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Such a force, if placed in Lanxiancheng, would be one of the top overlords!

"No wonder people like Tantai Jin and Tao Wan previously looked down on my Luotian Society. Compared to this, it truly is the difference between a firefly and the bright moon."

He did not feel inferior because of this.

After all, this was a great clan that had produced Jin Dan cultivators.

Even if they had declined, they should still possess such a foundation.

His gaze swept across and he saw Tao Wan and Tao Yisheng.

Standing behind them were five Foundation Establishment cultivators.

As for the remaining Foundation Establishment cultivators, they all stood behind an old man with white hair and beard.

The current head of the Tao family, Tao Daonan!

A great cultivator at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment!

While he was sizing others up, others were also intentionally or unintentionally staring at him.

Tao Daonan glanced at him, then looked at Tao Wan and let out a cold snort.

"Wan'er, you propose to re-establish the family head according to clan rules; I agree."

"But what is the meaning of inviting an outsider to watch?"

Tao Wan revealed an arrogant smile. "Outsider? What do you mean? Dan Chenzi is a consultant for our Tao family; he is already a part of our Tao family. How can you call him an outsider!"

"Consultant? In the hundreds of years of our Tao family, we have never hired a consultant from the outside!" Tao Daonan said tremblingly. "Besides, without the consent of the family head, who can appoint a consultant?"

Tao Wan restrained her smile and let out a cold snort.

"That is why we must re-establish the family head today!"

As she finished speaking, she did not wait for Tao Daonan to ramble on and waved her hand directly.

"Yisheng!"

Tao Yisheng took a deep breath, walked out from behind her, and openly welcomed the gazes of everyone.

"To be the head of the Tao family, one must meet three conditions: Foundation Establishment realm, alchemy skills, and true disciple status. Now I meet all three conditions, and Clan Leader, you are advanced in age and have already been stripped of your true disciple status by the sect; it is time to abdicate and let the worthy take over."

"Today, I, Tao Yisheng, wish to ascend to the position of family head. Who is in favor, and who is against?"

The words were spoken neither fast nor slow, and the firmness within them was clearly audible.

The group of Foundation Establishment cultivators standing behind Tao Daonan looked at each other in dismay.

No one expected that Tao Yisheng, who had been away for over a dozen years, would want to be the family head the moment he returned.

One must know that for the past hundred years or so, the position of family head had always been held by the Clan Leader!

This was not just a seizure of power.

Once the course was changed, the interests involved would be enough to cause a major shift in the internal structure of the Tao family!

These two siblings...

Amidst the silence of the crowd, Tao Daonan's aged face was incomparably gloomy.

He knew this was Tao Wan's instruction.

According to common sense, he indeed should have handed these powers over to the younger generation.

But some things, how could they be let go just because one said so?

"I am old, and it is indeed time to abdicate and let the worthy take over."

As soon as these words were spoken.

A chorus of clamor came from behind him.

"Clan Leader!"

"Grandfather!"

"You cannot!"

Tao Daonan raised his left hand slightly, using his many years of prestige to suppress the clamor.

His gloomy gaze fell upon Tao Yisheng.

"But Yisheng, you are still young and inexperienced; handing such a large Tao family to you, I am truly not at ease."

Tao Yisheng glanced at Tao Wan, and under her encouraging gaze, he steadied his mind.

He looked at the Clan Leader without any fear.

"I have already reached Foundation Establishment, so there is no such thing as being too young. Among us true cultivators, only the capable come first!"

"Besides, inexperienced?"

"With the help of all the elders, I believe I will soon be familiar with all the affairs of the Tao family."

These words were spoken with reason and evidence.

Tao Daonan could no longer refute them.

But!

"Actually, I have long had the intention to abdicate and let the worthy take over. All these years, Yichen has been helping me manage various trivial matters."

"If I am to step down, he has more experience."

"Moreover, he is also a true disciple of the Green Elixir Valley and is qualified to serve as the family head."

As he spoke, Tao Daonan looked at Tao Wan.

"I feel that letting Tao Yichen be this family head would be more beneficial to the Tao family!"

Tao Wan let out a cold snort.

"Why waste so much breath? We are all disciples of the Green Elixir Valley, so let us follow the traditions of the Green Elixir Valley."

"Since there is no difference in realm, let us judge by alchemy skills!"

As soon as these words were spoken!

Everyone present nodded in tacit agreement.

Tao Daonan slammed the sandalwood table heavily. "It is a deal!"

Next, there was no more idle talk.

The Tao clan members soon became busy, preparing all the utensils and various medicinal herbs needed for alchemy.

The "outsider" Luo Chen sat in the corner, watching this scene with great interest.

He did not come from a family background, although he had come into contact with many family cultivators.

But he had only heard rumors about the internal strife and struggles within these immortal cultivation families.

Now that he saw it, it had a unique interest!

Verbal sparring, not giving an inch.

Although the tempers were high, the sense of proportion was clearly grasped very well.

It seems that if one wants to gain a foothold within a family, strength is very important, just like Tao Wan daring to start anew.

At the same time, interpersonal relationships cannot be neglected.

Otherwise, under fixed interests, how to distribute them into one's own hands depends on how lightly or heavily the person cutting the meat uses the knife.

Now, what Tao Wan wants to do.

Is clearly to fight to be the person who cuts the meat!

No, it is not that simple yet.

Once she becomes the person who cuts the meat, then within the family, those who originally surrounded Tao Daonan will lean towards her because of interests.

In this way, the internal situation can be pacified.

And she can then, without any worries, go outside to expand the "meat" that the Tao family can obtain.

"This is the approach of pacifying the internal before resisting the external!"

Luo Chen muttered in his heart, unable to help but think more highly of the woman who was surrounded by cultivators like stars around the moon.

Just as he was secretly sizing up Tao Wan.

A pair of beautiful eyes happened to meet his gaze.

"Fellow Daoist, shall we go to the alchemy room together?"

Luo Chen raised an eyebrow; could he participate in such a secret matter?

Naturally, he would not refuse, and he could also take the opportunity to understand the alchemy attainments of other alchemists in the Green Elixir Valley.

"Then let us go together!"

……

On the forest path, a man and a woman walked side by side.

Behind them, five Foundation Establishment cultivators followed.

A faint, clear fragrance drifted between their noses; it was unclear whether it was the clear fragrance of the woman beside him or the fragrance of the chrysanthemums on both sides of the path.

"Fellow Daoist Tao, you have a lot of confidence in Yisheng!" Luo Chen said.

Tao Wan curled her lips. "I have even more confidence in Tao Daonan's grandson, Tao Yichen!"

"Oh?" Luo Chen was puzzled.

Tao Wan's lips curled upward. "All these years, he has indulged in family power, and his alchemy skills have long been thrown to who knows where. He has the empty name of a second-tier alchemist, but whether he can still refine second-tier elixirs, I fear even he himself has no confidence!"

Luo Chen suddenly realized.

No wonder she dared to be so confident.

"Besides, Yisheng has been following you all the time these past two years; could it be that you have no confidence in him?" Tao Wan's gaze shifted and fell upon Luo Chen.

Luo Chen smiled.

"Then let us wait and see!"

And on the other side.

The Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator from Tao Daonan's branch was currently following closely behind him, his face full of worry.

"Clan Leader, how could you be so careless as to agree to a competition of alchemy skills? Yichen has been helping you handle too many trivial matters all these years; his alchemy skills are simply not presentable."

Tao Daonan's expression was calm and unhurried.

He said indifferently: "Tao Yichen's alchemy skills are not presentable, but could Tao Yisheng's be?"

"This competition is for refining our Tao family's unique Colorful Chrysanthemum Elixir, which is of the second grade."

"Tao Yisheng is just someone with empty theory; he certainly won't be able to refine it in such a short time."

The mid-stage cultivator beside him was stunned.

He asked in confusion: "If neither can refine it, then what is the point of this competition?"

Tao Daonan let out a cold laugh. "In that case, wouldn't it return to the beginning?"

The beginning?

The cultivator was stunned, then suddenly realized.

What was mentioned at the beginning was that Tao Yichen's experience in managing family affairs was richer, right?

He could not help but sigh in admiration. "That Tao Wan is arrogant and only focuses on the struggle for the Dao Seed; how could internal family affairs be that simple."

"The Clan Leader is truly wise!"

Tao Daonan smiled without saying a word.

……

Inside the spacious alchemy hall.

Two golden bronze tripods stood impressively.

The earth fire was raging, occasionally spitting out flames, yet they were restrained and not released.

The fragrance of medicine was rich, spreading in all directions.

Two figures stood on either side of the bronze tripods, each with several Qi Refining cultivators behind them, standing by in full battle array.

Tao Daonan glanced at Tao Wan opposite him, then waved his hand.

"Begin!"

As he finished speaking.

Tao Yisheng and Tao Yichen, these two of the same generation, simultaneously cast spiritual incantations, activated the array, and drew the raging earth fire from the underground cave.

Portions of medicinal herbs, with the assistance of their respective medicine apprentices, were also sent to their hands like an assembly line.

Luo Chen watched this scene with great interest.

Beside his ear, a voice suddenly came.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, watch carefully; this is the second-tier cultivation elixir formula I prepared for you."

"The Tao family's unique second-tier elixir, the Colorful Chrysanthemum Elixir!"

As soon as these words were spoken.

Luo Chen's original mindset of just watching a play changed instantly.

A pair of spiritual eyes became deep and bottomless, and wisps of spiritual energy, unnoticed by others, continuously surged into his eyes.

Under his gaze.

All the actions of the two people refining the elixir were taken in at a glance.

Inside the bronze tripods, all the changes of the various medicinal herbs undergoing transformation were also fully understood in his heart!