Chapter 173 - 172: The Soul’s Return

Chapter 173: Chapter 172: The Soul’s Return

Back in the small courtyard.

Chen Qingyang sat on his meditation cushion, carefully reviewing what Xu Wuji had told him earlier that day.

’It’s always best to be cautious; that way, nothing can go wrong.’

Once Elixirs reached Tiers Six and Seven, the requirements for their Spirit Plant ingredients became extremely high. Even with the same Spirit Plant, different cultivation methods could render some suitable for alchemy and others unsuitable.

Therefore, high-level Pill Masters usually befriended one or two cultivators who excelled at growing Spirit Plants. This made it easier to acquire rare Immortal Grasses when refining a specific elixir.

This was one of the reasons Xu Wuji could serve as Fulu Workshop’s Recruitment Envoy. Though men like him didn’t practice alchemy themselves, they were never short on elixirs.

Chen Qingyang also learned that the Tai Xu Sect’s "tax" on its Inner Sect Disciples had always been quite heavy.

For example, an elixir that sold for 1,200 Spirit Stones at Gentle Breeze would only fetch 800 if given to the Sect. To buy that same elixir back from the Sect, however, would cost 1,600.

Everyone knew that Cyan Bamboo Peak had the second-highest number of Pill Masters, just after the Separation Dragon Pill Institute. The Pill Institute’s influence was considerable, so its Pill Masters could get 1,500 for the same elixir.

Faced with this situation, Cyan Bamboo Peak had established Fulu Workshop, bringing its most notable Pill Masters together. Even if a deal for 1,500 couldn’t be made, they could guarantee a minimum of 1,400.

When one considered how vast the Tai Xu Sect was—the Four Golden Peaks alone were home to tens of thousands of people, and the connections between the various peaks were extremely loose—it was only natural for countless factions to arise, creating a complex web of power.

Currently, if Chen Qingyang wanted to acquire a Pill Formula, his options were to either wait for Master Jing Yuan to provide one or search for it in the Cloud Scripture Jade Pavilion. His master was far too slow, unable to keep up with his pace. For example, he now needed an elixir for the Jiang Palace Acupoint, not for the Earth Root.

Moreover, ever since the incident at the Nine True Temple, he harbored a subtle distrust of his master. It was best to remain cautious until the truth came to light.

As for the Cloud Scripture Jade Pavilion, while it contained many Pill Formulas, the vast majority were too basic. With his rising cultivation, they were no longer worth studying.

’Therefore, I’ll have to find more ways to interact with Fulu Workshop. As long as it’s not through Xu Wuji, it shouldn’t be a major issue. I’ve been on Cyan Bamboo Peak for over two years now. In another year or so, I can reveal that my cultivation has broken through to the Essence Condensation Realm.’

’Once I have the status of an Inner Sect Disciple, many things will become much more convenient.’

With his thoughts clear, Chen Qingyang began refining a batch of the Tier Five Nameless Elixir. He hadn’t made this elixir in a long time, and his hands felt a bit rusty as he worked. ’It seems I can’t let my skills slide,’ he thought, ’especially at such a critical juncture for advancing my alchemy.’

His pace was much slower than before, and he paid extra attention during the alchemy, carefully sensing the changes in the medicinal energies within. He only breathed a slight sigh of relief when he reached the "Late Fire" stage.

The pill was formed. He held it in his hand—it was entirely snow-white and translucent as crystal.

After examining it for a moment, he handed it to Xu Baoling, who was beside him. "It’s been a while since you’ve taken this elixir, hasn’t it?"

Xu Baoling replied, "That’s right. Ever since you improved this elixir, Master, a few of the Immortal Grasses it requires are ones we’ve never had a large stock of. If we were to refine it too frequently, our supply wouldn’t be able to keep up."

Chen Qingyang had traded for the Immortal Grasses she mentioned at Gentle Breeze; they were astonishingly expensive. Furthermore, as the elixir’s tier increased, the required Immortal Grasses would also need to be adjusted, which would be another significant expense.

"Take this and see if its effects have diminished."

"Alright."

After taking the elixir, Xu Baoling closed her eyes. She looked like a jade statue, her body emanating a faint golden glow as she began to refine it right there beside Chen Qingyang.

Chen Qingyang’s Divine Sense was extremely sharp at this moment, and he kept it focused on the changes happening within her.

After a long wait, Xu Baoling slowly opened her eyes. "Master, its effects are as potent as ever. It truly lives up to its name as a Tier Five Elixir."

Refining this Nameless Elixir was an extremely intricate process; the slightest change could have major consequences. Hearing her definitive answer, Chen Qingyang finally nodded in relief.

"I think... at this point, this elixir has little to do with Master Liu anymore. We should give it a proper name. We can’t just keep calling it the Nameless Elixir."

Xu Baoling fell silent for a moment, apparently in thought. "Master, your original purpose for developing this elixir was to awaken your childhood friend, Li Qianxue. In that case, why not call it... the Qianxue Soul Returning Pill?"

’That name...’

Chen Qingyang murmured the name twice, savoring it. "Not bad. Her Divine Soul is injured, which is why she can’t awaken. Calling it a ’Soul Returning Pill’ fits perfectly. I’ve been thinking for a long time and couldn’t come up with a good name. You’ve been a great help."

Xu Baoling said, "It’s what I ought to do. Thinking about it, that Master Li is truly fortunate. To have fallen into such a state and still have someone silently cherishing her memory... To find such a confidant within the Tai Xu Sect—what more could one ask for!"

As she spoke, her gaze unconsciously drifted toward Chen Qingyang.

But Chen Qingyang shook his head. "You’re wrong. I couldn’t have entered an Immortal Sect without her. You could say she was the one who brought me this Immortal Fate. In the small town where I grew up, who had ever even heard of Immortal Cultivation? What I’m doing today is simply repaying a favor."

"Besides, she would never have expected me to do this, nor would she believe I had the ability to. I’m not seeking anything else; I just want to wake her up."

After hearing his words, Xu Baoling seemed to understand what Chen Qingyang meant. "You have always been clear about your debts and grievances, Master. Things are either one way or the other, never tangled and unclear."

They spoke for a while longer, then he resumed his meditation. Before he knew it, the sky outside had grown bright.

The new Pill Furnace was now in a newly constructed room where Li Sheng lived alone. He used this furnace to refine Qi Gathering Pills daily. All the resulting elixirs were given to Zhang Ping and Hong’Er, which not only saved Chen Qingyang a lot of trouble but also accelerated the other two’s breakthroughs.

This idea, it seemed, had also come from Xu Baoling. She was quite adept at handling such matters. ’With her current cultivation,’ he thought, ’she should be able to form a Yin Spirit Body and enter the Realm of Essence Condensation in another three or four years.’

"Good morning, Senior Brother Chen!" Zhang Ping called out when he saw him.

Chen Qingyang glanced at him. ’Even after consuming so many elixirs, he still shows no sign of starting Qi Refining. Anyone else would have succeeded long ago... But never mind. Everyone has their own destiny; some things can’t be rushed.’

"Come here a moment!"

Zhang Ping set down his work and walked to the door of the Alchemy Room, where Chen Qingyang was sitting. "Senior Brother Chen, did you need something?"

"I’ve seen you take so many Qi Gathering Pills, and you’ve developed strong meridians, yet there’s still no sign of a breakthrough. It must be because you can’t sense the Qi Mechanism. This path might be a dead end for you."

Hearing this, Zhang Ping grew nervous. "Senior Brother Chen, are you saying I should..."

Chen Qingyang looked up and cut him off, knowing the unspoken words would be about sending him down the mountain.

"You’ve misunderstood. I’m just thinking that since it’s so difficult for you to sense the Qi Mechanism this way, perhaps we should try a different approach. I’ve noticed you seem quite interested in planting things?"

Zhang Ping relaxed instantly. "As long as I don’t have to leave the mountain, anything is fine! Is there something you’d like to eat, Senior Brother Chen? I can find some seeds tomorrow and plant them for you."

Chen Qingyang shook his head. "I don’t want you to plant vegetables. I want you to clear some land and start planting Immortal Grass. Perhaps in the process, you’ll find the key to Qi Refining."

Zhang Ping scratched his head with a good-natured smile. "But I haven’t even started Qi Refining. Can I really plant Immortal Grass? I heard those things are extremely valuable and require meticulous care. Don’t you have to nurture them with your own True Essence?"

Chen Qingyang shook his head. "You can start with the simple ones, like a stalk of Spirit-Containing Grass or a Vermilion Fruit Tree. For these Spirit Plants, you just need to care for them according to their habits. With the abundant Spiritual Qi here, it shouldn’t be a major problem."

"Spirit Plants naturally contain a Qi Mechanism. To know whether one is thriving or not, you have to sense that Qi Mechanism and understand its nature. Over time, you might just achieve your own breakthrough in the process."

Now he completely understood what Senior Brother Chen meant. Zhang Ping stammered, unable to speak for a moment. Though he didn’t show it on his face, his heart was filled with gratitude. "I... I understand. I’ll do my best. But... how do I learn how to do it?"

Chen Qingyang said, "I saw some books on the subject when I was browsing the Cloud Scripture Jade Pavilion. I’ll get one for you. It’s not a Cultivation Technique, so it won’t violate any Sect rules. It will just mean more hard work for you."

How could Zhang Ping possibly complain about hard work? "I’m not afraid of hardship, Senior Brother Chen! As long as it lets me achieve Immortal Cultivation, I’ll do anything."

The boy’s gaze and tone were firm, reminding Chen Qingyang of himself a century ago.

At that moment, Hong’Er came out after finishing her cleaning of the Alchemy Room. "You blockhead! Senior Brother Chen is giving you such an incredible Immortal Fate, a favor as great as being given a new life. The first thing you should do is kowtow to him!"

Her words jolted Zhang Ping as if from a dream. Just as he was about to kneel, he heard Chen Qingyang say, "There’s no need for such formalities."

He then shot a glare at Hong’Er. "How many times have I told you? I don’t like such displays. If you’re truly grateful, just remember the kindness."

Hong’Er giggled. "I know, Senior Brother Chen. We’re not made of stone; of course our hearts can be warmed by kindness. Isn’t that right, blockhead?"

Zhang Ping looked glum, wondering how he had ended up with that nickname. "I’ve remembered. I’ll remember it in my heart."

Just as Chen Qingyang was chatting idly with the two youths in the courtyard, relaxing for a moment, a pillar of golden light suddenly shot toward the heavens. Its power was immense, looking as if it could pierce the very sky.

Then, manifestations of a dragon and a tiger appeared, circling the golden light. The immortal cranes of Cyan Bamboo Peak also took flight, soaring high and wheeling around the luminous pillar.

Such a phenomenon was exceedingly rare; at least, Chen Qingyang had never seen anything like it on Cyan Bamboo Peak. ’Could some great auspicious omen have appeared here?’