Chapter 165 - 124: Everything is Ready

Chapter 165: Chapter 124: Everything is Ready

Chen Jianghe froze at those words. He looked at Alchemist Zhuang in surprise, never expecting the man to propose such a condition. In the blink of an eye, his thoughts raced as he analyzed the intentions behind Alchemist Zhuang’s approach.

"The Foundation Establishment Pill Formula! That has to be it. Alchemist Zhuang wants to keep this formula safe," he realized.

He wasn’t doing it for himself, but for Zhuang Xinyan or Jiang Ruxu. Possessing this Foundation Establishment Pill Formula would give the two girls something to rely on in the future. Later on, they could use it to reach Foundation Establishment themselves, perhaps even establishing a massive Immortal Race.

Therefore, Ruan Tieniu—who had sold the pill formula to Alchemist Zhuang—could not be allowed to live. Otherwise, once the news leaked, it would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of the major top-level Immortal Races within the Celestial South Sect. By that time, it might even alarm the Celestial South Sect itself.

"This old geezer probably wants me dead too!" Chen Jianghe suddenly thought. After all, he also knew of the formula’s existence.

Although he didn’t know the exact contents, the refining steps, or the identity of the other main ingredient, the fact that he had spread the word that this Foundation Establishment Pill Formula only required twenty-one Auxiliary Materials—whether true or false—would cause quite a stir. Alchemist Zhuang was old, and Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan had not yet risen to power. Even if it was fake news, it would invite prying eyes.

"He must be wary of Gao Peiyao backing me, which is why he won’t show his killing intent. He might even disguise that murderous intent as unimaginable goodwill," Chen Jianghe deduced.

After a long silence, Chen Jianghe sorted out his thoughts. Looking at Alchemist Zhuang, he didn’t directly respond to the first condition but instead asked what the second condition was. If the second one was also unacceptable, then this transaction truly couldn’t proceed.

"I wonder what else Alchemist Zhuang wants me to do?"

"If you successfully reach Foundation Establishment, my friend, then I want you to marry my granddaughter, Zhuang Xinyan, as well as my disciple, Jiang Ruxu." A trace of complexity flashed through Alchemist Zhuang’s eyes.

Obviously, this idea had been carefully considered. Only in this way could he truly bind Chen Jianghe to his granddaughter. After his lifespan reached its end, even if Chen Jianghe relied on this Foundation Establishment Pill Formula to establish a top-level Immortal Race, it would still carry the bloodline of the Zhuang family. Furthermore, only under these circumstances would Chen Jianghe actively find ways to gather the materials, refine the Foundation Establishment Pill, and help Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu break through.

Three Foundation Establishment experts in one family, all achieving it in their youth. Such a temptation was something practically no cultivator in the Cultivation Realm could resist.

"I must disappoint you, Alchemist Zhuang. I don’t have such great ambitions. I only wish for a quiet life, seeking immortality and the Dao." Chen Jianghe didn’t hesitate at all, directly refusing Alchemist Zhuang’s "good intentions."

Although there was calculation involved in the offer, it undeniably held many benefits for him. Unfortunately, his aspirations did not lie in building a family. At the very least, he didn’t want to be trapped in the cage of a family right now.

Simultaneously, Chen Jianghe had already communicated with Little Black. As long as Alchemist Zhuang showed any killing intent, he, along with Little Black and Fur Ball, would immediately strike a lethal blow. Being targeted by a High-Grade Alchemist was extremely fatal, especially one as meticulous and ruthless as Alchemist Zhuang. In just a few words, the old man had deduced the entire matter of the crowdfunded Alchemy. Moreover, for the sake of a Foundation Establishment Pill Formula, he was prepared to kill Ruan Tieniu—someone with whom he had no grudges. Chen Jianghe had to be on guard.

Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe. Seeing the absolute resolution in his eyes, he sighed. "I had anticipated that you wouldn’t agree to these two things, my friend. Then please agree to one condition. My previous promise still stands."

"Please speak, Alchemist Zhuang."

"If you succeed in Foundation Establishment, you must protect Xinyan and Ruxu for thirty years and help them obtain two... one Foundation Establishment Pill. This condition of mine isn’t too excessive, is it?" Alchemist Zhuang looked at Chen Jianghe, a pleading look in his eyes.

Alchemist Zhuang had Spirit Stones, but his granddaughter couldn’t protect them on her own. Although his disciple’s talent in the Alchemy Dao was exceptionally high, she needed time to grow. They required someone who could keep them completely safe.

"Master, we’re back."

Just then, Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan returned, bringing out the Spiritual Cuisine they had ordered from the Qinghe Tavern. Instantly, a refreshing, mouth-watering aroma filled the air.

Chen Jianghe looked at the lavish Spiritual Delicacies and the pot of Top-Grade Immortal Spirit Wine, a spread in no way inferior to their previous meal. He then glanced at the lively Jiang Ruxu and the overly innocent, somewhat dense Zhuang Xinyan.

Sending a voice transmission to Alchemist Zhuang, Chen Jianghe said, "Very well, I accept your condition, but only on the premise that I succeed in Foundation Establishment."

"Good. Notify the two of them that I will open my furnace for Alchemy at the end of the year," Alchemist Zhuang replied via voice transmission.

"HAHA..." Alchemist Zhuang’s face instantly lit up with a beaming smile, completely devoid of his prior heavy melancholy. "Take a seat, my friend. Let’s have a good drink."

Half an hour later.

Chen Jianghe left Alchemist Zhuang’s Blessed Residence. Standing on the second floor, Alchemist Zhuang let out a long sigh of relief as he watched Chen Jianghe’s figure gradually disappear into Fushou Lane.

"To think he actually resisted the temptation. It seems I didn’t choose the wrong person," he thought.

Killing Ruan Tieniu and offering Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu in marriage were both Alchemist Zhuang’s ways of testing Chen Jianghe. If Chen Jianghe had agreed, it would have meant he was far too utilitarian and willing to use any means necessary for profit—even killing Ruan Tieniu, the very man who brought him into the crowdfunded Alchemy venture. If that were the case, he would undoubtedly turn on his granddaughter in the future as well.

"It seems this treasure won’t be needed after all," Alchemist Zhuang murmured. A Spirit Talisman appeared in his hand, its Runes profoundly mysterious as they flickered with a sharp, Gold Attribute light.