Chapter 131

Time passed quickly.

Yan Buji loitered around this market for three months, gathering quite a bit of news.

In the Stopping Way region there are many cultivation forces, with the Profound Stopping Way as the leader; all the other big and small cultivation forces together number forty or fifty.

However, there are not many sects here; instead, cultivation clans are more prevalent.

But most of these cultivation clans are hard to enter, because bearing the word "clan" means they are essentially family‑based, with few outsiders.

By coincidence, Yan Buji also heard that among these cultivation clans there was a clan named Hu; this Hu clan is a famous alchemist clan of the Stopping Way, so Hu Xian's identity is easy to guess.

"Either he's a Hu clan descendant or a branch offshoot—definitely not a loose cultivator. Which ordinary loose cultivator could achieve anything in alchemy?" Yan Buji thought to himself.

Although this isn't absolute, Yan Buji feels that if any loose cultivator starts researching alchemy technique in the Lianqi Phase, they must either be neglecting their duties or have an inheritance.

No matter where this inheritance comes from, it's not that simple for a loose cultivator to achieve something in alchemy technique.

"Eh? Ji Dao Friend, Ji Dao Friend?!"

Yan Buji was sipping tea in the teahouse when he suddenly heard the voice, looked up, rose and smiled: "Oh, it's Hu Dao Friend—long time no see, how have you been lately?"

"Quite good! Back then I thank Ji Dao Friend for giving me the two‑leaf secluded orchid; I luckily managed to refine a batch of yuan‑increasing pills!" Hu Xian laughed proudly.

"Zengyuan Pill? Could it be that miraculous spiritual pill that can boost the magical power of early-stage cultivators refining Qi?!" Yan Buji's eyes lit up.

"Yes, and it was thanks to the Zengyuan Pill that I finally passed the first-level Alchemist certification!"

Yan Buji, a little puzzled, asked, "Daoist friend Hu, do Alchemists still need certification?"

Hu, surprised, replied, "Of course. The certification requires Alchemists to undergo assessment under a major power such as Xuan Gen Dao; after passing, they vouch for your level, and you naturally obtain the certification."

"Oh, I see. I've roamed the mountains for years and never encountered an Alchemist; thank you, Daoist friend Hu, for clearing that up," Yan Buji said with a bow and a smile.

"You're welcome, you needn't be so formal. Since we agreed before, and we happen to meet today, how about coming with me for a drink?!" Hu said cheerfully.

"There's no reason not to."

The two laughed as they made their way to a restaurant, where the owner, upon seeing them, immediately rose to greet them:

"So it's Alchemist Hu's esteemed arrival; may I ask what instructions you have?!"

Hu, smiling happily, said, "I'd like to have a drink with Daoist friend Ji; is there a seat available?"

"Of course, of course… gentlemen, please follow me upstairs!!!"

Seeing the owner's flattering demeanor, Yan Buji smiled, "Daoist friend Hu, you've really made a name for yourself."

"Made a name? Haha, it's still early," Hu replied, not becoming arrogant despite the others' respect; though pleased, he remained clear‑headed.

Yan Buji raised an eyebrow, sensing that Hu harbored a larger ambition, even passing the first-level Alchemist assessment was not enough.

"Interesting."

First-level Alchemists are already talents many factions vie for, so Hu's claim of being merely a lone cultivator could not be true; with his current achievements, joining any cultivation sect would still bring him fame and fortune.

On the third floor, there were few people; the décor featured expensive furniture and numerous calligraphy and paintings, suggesting it was not a place ordinary cultivators could frequent.

Yan Buji chuckled, "I'm benefitting from Daoist friend Hu's reputation; the third floor of this restaurant usually hosts late‑stage Qi‑refining cultivators."

Hu smiled, "I don't think Daoist friend Ji cares."

"Indeed, one day I won't need Daoist friend Hu to guide me; I'll naturally become a distinguished guest here," Yan Buji said calmly, a sudden confidence making Hu glance sideways.

Truly, Daoist friend Ji is no ordinary lone cultivator; his aspirations are lofty.

The two took their seats, and the restaurant owner immediately placed a table of fine wine and dishes, laughing nearby:

"Honored guests, this is our signature Spiritual Wine; perhaps you'd like to try?"

As he said so, the owner personally poured wine for them.

Yan Buji, seeing the owner's attentiveness, realized the man must have something to ask of Hu.

The two took a sip, and Hu said, "Owner, is this wine brewed with first‑level Red Spirit Fruit and Hidden Honey Flower?"

"Sure enough, you can't hide it from Alchemist Hu, impressive!" the owner's eyes lit up as he replied.

Yan Buji smacked his lips, "And there's also a… Wind‑faith Herb, right? This herb, processed to remove bitterness, is flavorless yet can accentuate the sweetness of Hidden Honey Flower and the spiciness of Red Spirit Fruit, balancing the brew."

The restaurant owner was stunned, his eyes full of surprise.

"Sure enough, Alchemist Hu brought a formidable friend; my brewing technique is almost explained by him!"

Hu's pupils narrowed, and he took another sip, forcing a wry smile, "I may have overestimated; I didn't expect Daoist friend Ji's knowledge of this Spiritual Material to surpass mine."

"Hahaha, I just love drinking," Yan Buji waved his hand, laughing.

Hu gave a faint smile, feeling he had indeed underestimated the other.

Yet immediately, Hu turned to the owner and asked, "Owner, with such generosity today and this fine wine, may I know what you require?"

"I dare not claim any need! This table of wine and dishes is simply my humble offering. With fine wine matched to a worthy person, I naturally wish Alchemist Hu to taste it personally; moreover, I do have an unsolicited request, and I hope Alchemist Hu will consider it," the owner said, bowing.

Hu nodded, "Please, go on."

"I happened upon a pill formula that could cure a chronic illness I've suffered for years. I hope Alchemist Hu will craft a batch for me; I'll provide the materials, and regardless of success, I'll first pay three hundred Spiritual Stones as a fee! If it succeeds, there will be an additional great reward!!"

"Hm?!"

Yan Buji's pupils narrowed.

Alchemist… makes that much money?!

Yan Buji's understanding of Alchemy Technique was limited to spending money like burning paper, never imagining such a lucrative business existed?!

Whether it succeeds or not, a three‑hundred Spiritual Stone fee is already a bargain; if it succeeds, there's an additional reward?!

No wonder Alchemists are such big money‑bags; they spend lavishly and earn money like a flowing stream.

Hearing this deal, Hu furrowed his brow, "Show me the formula first."

"Yes!"

The owner quickly produced a jade tablet from his body and handed it to Hu.

Hu took it, closed his eyes, and fell silent.

After a moment, Hu opened his eyes wide, looking at the owner, "There's something off about this formula, isn't there?"

The boss's expression changed, and he gave a look.

Hu Xian waved his hand: "It's fine, Fellow Daoist Ji, since you're someone I invited, you're naturally trustworthy. However, if the boss doesn't believe me, this prescription is indeed somewhat difficult for me, so please seek another expert."

"This... this... sigh, alright. I indeed absorbed an abnormal material when I was young and hot-blooded, so I had to rely on the Aberration-Breaking Pill recorded in this prescription to clear the mutant force." The boss explained helplessly.

Yan Buji's pupils constricted.

Aberration-Breaking Pill?!