Chapter 745: The Grand Assembly (Part 2)

Chapter 745: Chapter 294: The Grand Assembly (Part 2)

Hearing the voice, Zhang Yi also stopped his scolding and turned to look at the door.

When he saw it was Chen Qing, the stern expression on his face softened considerably. He even managed a rare smile, his tone becoming a bit more enthusiastic. “Ah, Chen Zhenchuan! What brings you to my Hundred Herbs Hall today?”

Today’s Chen Qing was no longer the novice he once was. He was a True Essence Realm master and, more importantly, the Eighth True Inheritor. His status was venerable, and even a senior Elder of Danxia Peak like Zhang Yi had to show him sufficient respect.

“Elder Zhang.”

Chen Qing clasped his fist in a return salute, his expression calm. Without wasting time on pleasantries, he went straight to the point. “Junior has come unannounced today primarily for the matter of the True Essence Pill.”

“The True Essence Pill?”

Hearing this, the smile on Zhang Yi’s face faded slightly, replaced by a hint of hesitation.

“Indeed.”

Chen Qing nodded. “I have just entered the True Essence Realm, and this Elixir is of great benefit to my cultivation. The quotas from the Sect and my lineage are limited, so I was hoping to purchase some from you, Elder.”

Zhang Yi pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, “Chen Zhenchuan, to be frank with you, the True Essence Pill… is a bit troublesome.”

“Oh? And why is that?” Chen Qing’s brow furrowed slightly.

“The True Essence Pill is the primary Elixir used by those in the True Essence Realm. Its refinement process is extremely complex, with incredibly strict requirements for heat control and the fusion of medicinal properties.”

Zhang Yi explained, “Although this old man has some experience in the Alchemy Path, I am not the most skilled when it comes to this particular pill. Most of the pills I refine each month are submitted to the Sect as per regulations for unified distribution. Even if there is a surplus, it has long been reserved by a few old friends I’ve known for years. There’s truly… no extra quota.”

His words carried a hint of apology.

Before Chen Qing came along, he had a network of relationships and regular “old customers” cultivated over many years. He could barely satisfy their demands, so there was really nothing left to spare for a “new customer” like Chen Qing.

Hearing this, Chen Qing fell silent for a moment.

What Zhang Yi said was reasonable. Although Danxia Peak had many Elders, there were indeed only a few who were skilled at refining True Essence Pills with a stable output.

Seeing Chen Qing’s silence, Zhang Yi seemed to recall something and added, “You could ask the other Elders, especially Elder Li of the East Hall. He has studied this pill the most deeply and can reliably produce over five cauldrons’ worth each month. Perhaps he will have some to spare.”

Danxia Peak had a total of five Elders, and these five formed its core structure.

“Thank you for the guidance, Elder Zhang.” Chen Qing clasped his hands in thanks. Since Zhang Yi had none, he didn’t press the issue and turned to head toward the hall where Elder Li resided.

Elder Li’s Red Flame Hall was located on the eastern side of Danxia Peak.

Upon seeing Chen Qing’s visit, Elder Li was quite courteous, inviting him inside to take a seat.

However, when Chen Qing explained his purpose—to purchase some True Essence Pills—the polite smile on Elder Li’s face faded a little.

He stroked the short beard under his chin and shook his head. “Chen Zhenchuan, you may not be aware, but the demand for True Essence Pills is immense. The Elixirs this old man refines each month are all accounted for, with quotas allocated to the various lineages long in advance. There are truly none extra to sell to a True Inheritor. Please forgive me.”

His words were tactful, but the rejection was clear.

Chen Qing understood. Without another word, he stood up and took his leave.

As he walked out of the Red Flame Hall, he saw a figure strolling leisurely toward him. It was Zhong Yu of the Nine Heavens Lineage.

“Junior Brother Chen, what a coincidence.”

Zhong Yu wore a gentle smile. “What’s this? Coming from Elder Li’s place? Judging by your expression, could it be that you were asking Elder Li for Elixirs?”

Chen Qing looked at him calmly, his voice impassive. “What can I do for you, Brother Zhong?”

“I wouldn’t dare presume to guide you.”

Zhong Yu chuckled, his gaze sweeping over Chen Qing’s hands. “I just noticed you’re empty-handed, Junior Brother. Could it be that Elder Li didn’t have the Elixirs you were looking for either?”

His tone was casual, as if it were just an offhand question, but the underlying meaning was thought-provoking.

Chen Qing said flatly, “Does this have anything to do with you, Brother Zhong?”

Zhong Yu’s smile didn’t waver. “The Sect’s resources are finite. When more people want a share, everyone gets less. Some things may seem within reach, but without the necessary ‘weight,’ they are nothing but an illusion, impossible to obtain by force.”

“You are still young, Junior Brother. It’s good to be sharp and show your talent, but sometimes you must also know when to hide your strengths and wait. What isn’t yours can’t be rushed. Forcing the issue might only end up hurting yourself and causing friction.”

Hearing this, Chen Qing felt a chill in his heart, but his expression remained impassive. “Thank you for the advice, Brother Zhong.”

The smile on Zhong Yu’s face faded slightly. He gave Chen Qing a deep look. “Since you understand, Junior Brother, I won’t say any more. I suggest you watch your step.”

With that, he didn’t linger, turning and walking into the Red Flame Hall as if he owned the place.

Chen Qing watched Zhong Yu’s back disappear into the hall, his brow slightly furrowed.

He didn’t stay either, proceeding to visit the other two Elders of Danxia Peak in succession.

The result was the same in every case. Whether they used the excuse that the Elixirs were already reserved or directly stated that the quotas were full, they all tactfully but firmly refused Chen Qing’s request to purchase any.

After making a full round, he had come away with nothing.

A few suspicions began to form in Chen Qing’s mind.

He returned once more to Zhang Yi’s Hundred Herbs Hall.

He Zhi was no longer in the hall, likely having been sent off to process medicinal herbs.

Seeing Chen Qing return, Zhang Yi could tell the outcome from his expression. He sighed softly and gestured for Chen Qing to sit down.

“It seems… Elder Li and the others were also inconvenienced?” Zhang Yi poured a cup of clear tea and pushed it in front of Chen Qing.

Chen Qing nodded. Without hiding anything, he briefly recounted his experiences.

After listening, Zhang Yi was silent for a moment, a complicated look on his face. He seemed to want to say something, but hesitated.