Chapter 1022 - 718: Hidden Dragon, Startling Sword

Chapter 1022: Chapter 718: Hidden Dragon, Startling Sword

In the heartland directly controlled by the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace, even with the backing of a Nascent Soul ancestor, the Ren Family dared not overtly engage in internecine strife or annex other clans.

They schemed for years, their strategy initially to cause the unexpected demise of Zhang Shixiu, the pillar of the Zhang Family, and when the family faced a lack of successors, to gradually consume and infiltrate Fengxi Mountain through peaceful means such as bribery, mutual assistance, marriage, and acquisition.

For this, they patiently waited and plotted in the shadows for years.

They had already placed many covert agents within the Zhang Family.

Yet unexpectedly, Zhang Shifan and his wife suddenly returned.

Particularly the friend they brought, Shen Xingchen, whose unexpected arrival completely disrupted the slowly advancing plans of the Ren Family.

The Ren Family of Yulong Mountain had to temporarily withdraw their sharp claws, retreating into the shadows to spy on the movements of the Zhang Family.

...

A month later, the dojo on Surprise Sword Island was set up properly.

In the Spirit Plant Garden inside his Cave Mansion, Shen Xuan used the power of an array to skillfully transform a Tier Two water Spirit Vein introduced into the garden into an ice Spirit Vein using a small Condensing Ice Array.

Along the path of this newly created Spirit Vein, Shen Xuan personally planted over ten Flowing Frost Cold Soul Tea seeds, using a secret technique from the Demon Wood Sect to hasten the growth of the seedlings.

Tiny frost flowers congealed on the small leaves, brimming with Spiritual Qi.

The corpse of a green-faced wolf was broken apart by him and buried in the soil at the roots of the Spirit Tea Tree as nourishment.

The Silver-Horned Celestial Horse was released to rest in the Spirit Plant Garden.

It could absorb the pure Spiritual Qi within the garden for cultivation, as well as assist in guarding the inner gates, keeping alert for disturbances on the outside.

During this period, Zhang Shixiu personally visited the island three times, expressing warm concern and showing attentive hospitality.

He was especially keen on inquiring about Shen Xuan’s requirements for an Alchemy Apprentice, demonstrating great interest and attention.

Not long after, Zhang Shixiu set up a banquet at his residence, with Zhang Shifan and Lady Hu accompanying, specially inviting Shen Xuan and Gu Xiaoyao.

The atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious, with Zhang Shixiu speaking earnestly, showcasing his high regard for Shen Xuan.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhang Shixiu smiled and clapped his hands.

In response, seven Tier Two alchemists in the Foundation Establishment Stage, both men and women, entered from outside the hall, standing before Shen Xuan with bated breath, their expressions a blend of nervousness and anticipation.

Shen Xuan put down his wine cup and calmly glanced over the seven individuals, his Divine Sense briefly probing them.

Soon, he raised his hand and casually pointed to two of them.

Those chosen appeared relatively young, with clear bright eyes and solid foundations.

Judging by their bone age and cultivation, there was a hope for them to Solidify a Pill.

"Thank you, Pill Master Shen!"

"This junior thanks Pill Master Shen!"

"We will do our utmost to live up to Pill Master Shen’s and the family’s expectations!"

The two did not hesitate to lift their robes and kneel, kowtowing three times with a thud toward Shen Xuan, their voices slightly trembling with excitement.

To be personally guided and assist in pill refining by a Tier Three Alchemist was a great fortune beyond their dreams!

Shen Xuan accepted the gesture calmly, and after the two stood up, he looked towards Zhang Shixiu, who was seated in the main seat, and said, "Clan Leader Zhang, now that we have selected the personnel, I have a matter I would like to handle through your family’s channels."

"Pill Master Shen, feel free to speak!"

"I intend to accept external commissions for the refining of Golden Transformation Pills and Life-Extending Pills."

"Each commission requires sufficient materials to be provided. I guarantee at least one Refined Pill. If more than one pill is produced per furnace, I will, depending on the situation, charge Spirit Stones as compensation."

"I prefer not to socialize and will not interact with the commissioners. All matters concerning the collection of materials, settlement of compensation, and delivery of Spirit Pills will be fully handled by the Zhang Family. The timing of opening the furnace and refining pills will be determined by myself, and outsiders may not urge or question."

Zhang Shixiu listened intently, his eyes growing increasingly bright.

When Shen Xuan finished speaking, he showed an expression of mixed surprise and delight.

How was this a burden on the Zhang Family?!

It was clearly a great favor gifted to the Zhang Family!

Golden Transformation Pills and Life-Extending Pills, such Tier Three Special Spirit Pills, are highly valuable and in short supply, coveted resources fiercely contested by all forces.

Usually, only senior and prestigious Pill Masters in Major Sects can stably refine them.

Outsiders wishing for a pill, not only need to prepare rare materials, but also expend significant favors and wait patiently in line.

Now, with Tier Three Alchemist Shen Xuan based in Phoenix Perch Mountain, guaranteeing at least one Refined Pill, with the Zhang Family providing assurance.

Once this news is released, many will surely respond eagerly!

At that time, through this, the Zhang Family can establish connections with countless cultivators, families, and forces with requests, greatly enhancing the family’s reputation and weaving a valuable network of relationships anew.

This is a godsend for the Zhang Family, which is gradually declining and desperately needs to expand its external connections.

"Leave this matter to my Zhang Family!"

Zhang Shixiu, suppressing his excitement, immediately made a decision, "Pill Master Shen, rest assured, all external matters will be handled by the Zhang Family smoothly, without allowing trivialities to disturb the Pill Master’s peaceful cultivation! Regarding the medicinal materials for the first batch of commissions..."

"In our Zhang Family’s treasured collection, there happen to be several sets of materials for refining Golden Transformation Pills. For these first few furnaces, our Zhang Family boldly asks Pill Master Shen to try his hand!"

Such a good opportunity, the Zhang Family naturally cannot allow others to take precedence.