Chapter 164 - 123: Alchemist Zhuang’s Condition

Chapter 164: Chapter 123: Alchemist Zhuang’s Condition

"After all, the Foundation Establishment Pill requires three main ingredients and thirty-six auxiliary materials. The refining process is complex. Although it’s considered a Tier Two Beginner Spirit Pill, I’m still not very confident."

Alchemist Zhuang looked solemnly at Chen Jianghe.

When it came to something as important as the Foundation Establishment Pill, he didn’t dare conceal the true extent of his Alchemy Skills.

He had to be upfront about his chances.

It was best to get the unpleasantries out of the way first. Otherwise, failure would damage their relationship.

He was still counting on Chen Jianghe to acquire the Youthful Grass for him, after all!

At his age, he could clearly feel his lifespan approaching its limit. He had four years left, at most.

Then he would be separated from his granddaughter by death.

Therefore, he had to obtain a Youthful Pill within these four years to extend his life by ten years.

Only then could he better plan for his granddaughter’s future and continue to guide Jiang Ruxu for some time.

He wanted to train Jiang Ruxu into a High-Grade Alchemist if at all possible.

That way, even after he died, his granddaughter would have a High-Grade Alchemist as her backer.

She wouldn’t be bullied or have others coveting the family fortune.

"Then what if it only requires twenty-one auxiliary materials?"

Chen Jianghe revealed that Ruan Tieniu’s Foundation Establishment Pill Formula only required twenty-one auxiliary materials.

He had promised Ruan Tieniu to keep the identities of the twenty-one auxiliary materials secret, not the number.

Besides, a fifty-percent Pill Success Rate was too low.

’A fifty-fifty chance, in his opinion, was no better than relying on pure luck.’

"What!"

Startled, Alchemist Zhuang shot to his feet, his gaze burning as he stared at Chen Jianghe. "Say that again. How many auxiliary materials?"

"Twenty-one."

"This... HISS!"

Alchemist Zhuang took a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock.

’So he wasn’t being asked to use a conventional Foundation Establishment Pill Formula, but a special one!’

’And one with only twenty-one auxiliary materials at that.’

’What did this mean?’

’The Celestial South Sect’s own formula only required twenty auxiliary materials. This meant the formula Chen Jianghe had was second only to the one from the Celestial South Sect!’

’Most importantly, he was about to get his hands on this Foundation Establishment Pill Formula.’

’If he had more years left, he could use this pill formula to establish a Top-Level Immortal Race.’

’Even if he died and passed the Foundation Establishment Pill Formula to his granddaughter, as long as a descendant with decent Talent for the Alchemy Dao appeared in the future...’

’...they could still use this formula to establish a Top-Level Immortal Race.’

’So, how was this Chen Jianghe asking for a favor?’

’This was clearly a gift—a massive, immeasurably valuable opportunity!’

"The fewer the auxiliary materials, the simpler the refining process. With twenty-one, I’m eighty percent confident of success."

"But I’d like to know, what is your role in this joint alchemy venture?"

"Are you providing one of the three main ingredients?"

Alchemist Zhuang’s expression turned serious, and his tone grew heavy.

"I’m providing the auxiliary materials," Chen Jianghe said.

Upon hearing this, Alchemist Zhuang’s expression grew grave. He sat back down, seemingly lost in thought.

Chen Jianghe did not disturb him.

「After half an incense stick’s time.」

A sharp glint flashed in Alchemist Zhuang’s murky eyes. He looked at Chen Jianghe and said, "I will provide the auxiliary materials."

"The fee for hiring me to perform the alchemy will be yours entirely. If the refining is successful, you will still receive one Foundation Establishment Pill."

"However, you must agree to two of my conditions!"

"Please, Alchemist Zhuang, state them."

’Chen Jianghe was stunned. He never expected Alchemist Zhuang to make such an offer—providing all the auxiliary materials himself and giving Chen Jianghe the entire fee.’

’The auxiliary materials were worth a thousand Spirit Stones.’

’The fee to hire Alchemist Zhuang wouldn’t be less than eight hundred Spirit Stones.’

’Split three ways, that came out to almost three hundred Spirit Stones each.’

’In other words, Alchemist Zhuang was offering him benefits worth nearly two thousand Spirit Stones.’

’No, wait—there was also a Foundation Establishment Pill!’

’Even a Low-Quality Foundation Establishment Pill was worth no less than twenty-five hundred Spirit Stones.’

’What exactly was Alchemist Zhuang trying to do?’

"If I’m not mistaken, the Foundation Establishment Pill Formula comes from Ruan Tieniu. When the time comes for the alchemy, he will surely offer to sell it to me as well."

A vicious glint flashed in Alchemist Zhuang’s eyes.

"My first condition is this: once you successfully reach Foundation Establishment, you must help me eliminate Ruan Tieniu. Furthermore, you must swear an oath to never reveal any information about this Foundation Establishment Pill Formula."