https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-305-The-Celestial-Assembly-Annals-Finally-Arrived/12931897/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-307-I-the-Supreme-Lord-You-the-Sect-Leader/12931899/
Chapter 306: Luo Chen's Extravagant Demands
Chapter 306: Luo Chen's Extravagant Demands
"Fellow Daoist, you are truly diligent!"
The moist breeze of the mountains gently caressed the air, and a cold voice penetrated the ears.
Dantai Jin descended from the clouds, her gaze fixed intently on Luo Chen.
"You've been up so early to study."
Luo Chen waved the alchemy discourse in his hand, seemingly unsurprised by her arrival.
He said, "The path of alchemy is vast and profound. Our lives are limited, but knowledge is boundless. How can we not strive and make an effort?"
Dantai Jin's eyes flickered, "We, as true cultivators, pursue the path of longevity. In the future, when we achieve eternal life, how can there be such a thing as a limited lifespan?"
Luo Chen burst into a hearty laugh.
"Let's hope it's as you say, Fellow Daoist Dantai!"
"Please, take a seat!"
Dantai Jin didn't hesitate and immediately sat down on the rattan chair opposite Luo Chen.
Luo Chen put down the alchemy discourse and personally poured her a cup of hot tea.
Dantai Jin's gaze immediately fell upon the Sage Fox Alchemy Interpretation.
Looking at the title, a complex expression flashed through her eyes and quickly disappeared.
She picked up the spiritual tea poured by Luo Chen and took a sip, but she didn't comment on the taste.
Instead, she said directly, "I heard that you, Danchenzi, have made significant progress in the way of alchemy recently?"
Danchenzi, not the Fire Spirit Lord? Luo Chen's lips curled slightly.
As expected!
The topic was being steered in this direction.
Following her lead, he replied with restraint, "I've gained some insights, some insights!"
At this humble statement, Dantai Jin's lips twitched.
It was more than just some insights!
There were many small families and sects in Tianlan Immortal City that excelled in alchemy, but recently, Luo Chen's Luotian Assembly had swiftly eliminated two of them.
Additionally, the Li Family, who favored Luo Chen, was also renowned for their expertise in alchemy and medicinal cultivation.
With so many alchemy resources gathered, Luo Chen, as a second-rank alchemist, would undoubtedly benefit tremendously.
She took a deep breath, deciding not to beat around the bush any longer.
It was evident.
In terms of persuasive speech, she knew she couldn't compete with Luo Chen, who had risen from humble beginnings.
She decided to get straight to the point.
"Danchenzi, can you refine mid-grade Jade Dew Pills now?"
After saying this, she fixed her gaze on Luo Chen's face, determined not to miss even the slightest change in his expression.
Under her scrutiny, Luo Chen's face across from her showed a hint of surprise.
But soon, he composed himself, as if nothing had happened.
Cunning fellow, he probably won't tell the truth, Dantai Jin thought to herself.
As expected.
"A second-rank mid-grade pill is extremely difficult to refine. Fellow Daoist Dantai, are you overestimating me?" Luo Chen forced a bitter smile.
Dantai Jin's lips twitched.
Then, with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, she looked at Luo Chen and said, "Danchenzi, there's no need to hide it from me."
Luo Chen inwardly groaned, thinking, Big sister, your face is like an eternal iceberg, please don't make that smile that isn't quite a smile.
Awkward!
However, he had to play along and continue the act.
"Ahem!"
He coughed and said, "Indeed, I've gained some insights in the way of alchemy. But refining mid-grade pills requires an immense amount of energy and resources."
"You know that I'm not like the direct disciples of your sect, who can focus solely on cultivation without any distractions."
"I also have to manage the Luotian Assembly and earn cultivation resources. I'm burdened with countless trivial matters!"
Just as he was about to continue complaining, Dantai Jin suddenly said, "If I could help you resolve some of your worries, would you be willing to allocate more time to refine a few more batches of mid-grade Jade Dew Pills for my Absolute Emotion Clan?"
Luo Chen opened his mouth in surprise.
Resolve worries?
He had just rattled on about his struggles, intending to set the stage for negotiating a higher price for the pills.
Where did she get that idea? But since she had offered the opportunity, he couldn't refuse.
"How can you help resolve my worries?"
"I heard that your Luotian Assembly has many Qi Condensation cultivators, but you lack enough Foundation Establishment Pills."
"Hmm," Luo Chen's eyes lit up instantly. Could it be?
Without keeping him in suspense, Dantai Jin said, "I have two Foundation Establishment Pills in my possession. I can give you one as a dividend."
"So generous?" Luo Chen exclaimed.
Dantai Jin maintained a calm expression, "It's just a Foundation Establishment Pill, which is of little use to us, who have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage."
Upon hearing this, Luo Chen immediately understood.
Indeed!
After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, the once-precious Foundation Establishment Pills became less crucial for individual Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Only leaders of small factions like them would worry about such matters.
For Foundation Establishment cultivators from great sects, there would undoubtedly be numerous ways to obtain them.
This was evident from Tian Xingzi's boast of finding three pills for him back then.
As Luo Chen was rejoicing, Dantai Jin offered another condition that captivated him.
"I heard that the Luotian Assembly hasn't found an excellent beastmaster, leaving the position of the Spirit Beast Pavilion's pavilion master vacant for a long time?"
"I know a Foundation Establishment loose cultivator who has been in seclusion in Tianlan for many years. He has profound insights into the way of beast taming."
Seeing Luo Chen's delighted expression, Dantai Jin continued, "His background, character, and morals are all impeccable. As long as you can afford his monthly salary of four thousand spirit stones, he is willing to serve the Luotian Assembly for ten years!"
Four thousand spirit stones per month! That's expensive! Luo Chen furrowed his brows, as this salary was much higher than the usual three thousand spirit stones for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
It seemed like only a thousand more, but it would cost over ten thousand additional spirit stones annually.
Curious, he asked, "Is he truly skilled in beast taming?"
After saying this, he added, "Not in controlling spirit beasts but in breeding and raising them."
Dantai Jin nodded, "Since I'm recommending him to you, I've already inquired about these matters. You can rest assured."
Luo Chen hesitated.
Currently, the Luotian Assembly's financial situation was relatively good due to the inheritance they had acquired.
However, supporting another Foundation Establishment cultivator's expenses would be a strain.
But if they considered the long-term benefits of developing the spirit beast breeding business...
The benefits are definitely substantial.
The Nangong family, the Li family, and the Broken Mountain Gang primarily dealt in demon beast and tamed spirit beast businesses.
Lu Chen had witnessed their success firsthand.
If the Celestial Assembly could also develop this path, it would be another avenue for them in the future.
However, this would require a long-term perspective.
Ten years... it's not that far away!
Lu Chen's thoughts raced, and he pursed his lips, saying, "I wonder if this fellow cultivator is willing to mentor a junior?"
Dantai Ji was surprised and understood Lu Chen's intention.
However, this was not a decision she could make.
"You can discuss the details with him later. Given his personality, I believe he will be willing."
It seemed like a reasonable request!
Lu Chen's heart was slightly uplifted.
It was good that she was willing to talk!
If he could train Beastmasters for the Celestial Assembly within ten years, it would be more than ideal!
With this, the monthly salary of four thousand spirit stones would no longer seem so expensive, and it would definitely be worth every penny! Even if he resigned after ten years.
The Celestial Assembly's spirit beast business would not come to an abrupt halt.
After settling these two matters, the atmosphere between them became much more relaxed.
Dantai Ji said, "With this, you should have more time, right? I wonder if you still have the energy to refine Middle-Grade Jade Dew Pills for my Absolute Emotion Clan?"
In her opinion, Lu Chen should no longer refuse.
And indeed, he was as she expected.
"If I can resolve the Foundation Establishment Pills and the Spirit Beast Pavilion matters, I can definitely save a lot of time."
"But..."
Although this woman appeared calm, Lu Chen had already seen through her urgency beneath her composure.
Since this was the case, he decided to make a bold request!
As Dantai Ji frowned, Lu Chen slowly said, "I am a loose cultivator without a sect or heritage, and my future path is uncertain."
"For Foundation Establishment cultivation, I can still feel my way across the river."
"But when it comes to Core Formation, I have no idea where to start."
"I've heard that your sect has three secret techniques for breaking through to Core Formation. May I have a look at them?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the previously relaxed atmosphere became tense again.
"You're being a bit unreasonable!"
Dantai Ji narrowed her eyes, and beneath her long eyelashes, a hint of danger flashed.
Lu Chen's heart skipped a beat, but he persisted, "If you were in my position, wouldn't you do the same?"
Dantai Ji stared at him intently.
After a while, she shook her head firmly, "Change it!"
Lu Chen opened his mouth, then finally sighed.
When it came to Core Formation secrets, these major sects were indeed reluctant to reveal them easily.
He gathered his spirits and casually said, "If your side can provide me with enough Middle-Grade or High-Grade cultivation pills, allowing me to focus on my cultivation without worrying about pill refinement, I'm sure I'll have more enthusiasm for it."
"Oh, that's possible. I have some family wealth!"
Upon hearing this request, Dantai Ji's narrowed eyes widened, and she shook her head, "The supply of high-grade pills within the Ice Fortress is extremely limited. The amount allocated to my Absolute Emotion Clan is even scarcer, so it's difficult for me to..."
As she spoke, an idea suddenly came to her mind.
"If you want a channel, I can introduce someone to you."
Lu Chen, who initially had no expectations and asked casually, suddenly lit up with excitement.
...
In the end, Lu Chen agreed to refine Middle-Grade Jade Dew Pills for the Absolute Emotion Clan with all his might! It wasn't that his willpower was weak.
It was just that the other party offered too much! Each condition, in Dantai Ji's eyes, seemed insignificant.
But for Lu Chen, they were all precious resources that could resolve his urgent needs.
The Foundation Establishment Pills would allow him to establish a credible reputation for the Celestial Assembly.
If anyone were to question why the Celestial Assembly could produce so many Foundation Establishment Cultivators, he could simply attribute it to the Ice Fortress.
With Beastmasters, the Spirit Beast Pavilion among the Nine Palaces of the Celestial Assembly could function normally.
Given time, the spirit beast business would undoubtedly become a significant source of income for the Celestial Assembly.
As for high-grade cultivation pills, they were what Lu Chen needed the most.
However, Dantai Ji bluntly stated this last condition.
She was only giving him an opportunity, and whether he could obtain enough high-grade pills depended on what he could offer to impress Tao Wan!
Yes! The channel that Dantai Ji wanted to introduce to Lu Chen was Tao Wan, whom Lu Chen knew.
She was a true disciple of Qingdan Valley with connections to Golden Core Venerables.
She had never lacked pills since she was young.
If Lu Chen were to find a Foundation Establishment Cultivator who could provide a large number of high-grade pills, the only person he could think of was Tao Wan.
However, that woman was quite arrogant.
It would be challenging to win her over.
At the moment, Lu Chen didn't seem to have anything that could impress her.
The Jade Dew Pills? Lu Chen, who was busy in the pill refinement room, shook his head regretfully.
If possible, the Jade Dew Pills could definitely impress Tao Wan, a female cultivator.
But long ago, he had promised the Ice Fortress that he would never sell these pills outside for a hundred years.
"It seems I'll have to ask Su Xiaolin to gather more information about Tao Wan's preferences and the Tao family's intelligence."
"Then, I can take a targeted approach."
Lu Chen was in a hurry about this matter.
However, he couldn't rush it.
The cultivators from Qingdan Valley had already left the Immortal City after determining the next decade's ownership of Tianlan.
Dantai Ji only said that she would contact the other party as soon as possible and arrange for them to meet.
"If her brother, Tao Yisheng, was still in Tianlan, I could easily obtain the information I want through his loose lips."
Lu Chen sighed.
He gathered his thoughts and focused his attention on the medicinal ingredients in front of him.
Purple River Cart!
Yellow Springs Yin Aura!
Cultivator Blood!
Bloodwrath Pill, the three main ingredients!
(End of Chapter)
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