Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 328: The Tao Family's Internal Strife, A Grand Spectacle! - Novel Cool

Chapter 328: The Tao Family's Internal Strife, A Grand Spectacle!

Chapter 328: The Tao Family's Internal Strife, A Grand Spectacle!

Regardless of the opinions the Tao family cultivators held about Luo Chen, they still followed the etiquette and provided him with the best treatment befitting an honored guest when arranging his accommodations.

He was given a private courtyard with a spirit energy density comparable to a middle-grade Second Rank Ethereal Cave Mansion.

Three meals a day were prepared with abundant spirit energy-infused food.

Additionally, two maidservants were assigned to attend to him, along with two male Qi Condensation cultivators at his disposal.

After settling Luo Chen in, Tao Yisheng hurriedly left.

"Senior Dan Chenzi, do you need us to prepare a bath and change of clothes for you?" asked the two young and beautiful maidservants with bright eyes and white teeth.

Luo Chen waved his hand, "No need, you two can wait outside!"

The maidservants exchanged a glance and silently left the living room.

After they left, Luo Chen released his spirit sense, sweeping through the courtyard to ensure there were no surveillance methods before he could finally relax.

Being in a new and unfamiliar place, it was better to be cautious.

He took out a book and started reading casually.

Initially, he was rather casual, but the more he read, the more engrossed he became.

The book he was reading was the very one given to him by the Heartless Immortal Girl, titled "Shang Hu Dan Jie."

This was one of the only two Third Rank Alchemist's insights and records he possessed, aside from the "Qing Yuan Dan Jie."

However, unlike Qing Yuanzi, who relied on his cultivation technique and fortuitously refined a Third Rank pill to advance to the Third Rank, the author of "Shang Hu Dan Jie" was a genuine Third Rank Alchemist!

Luo Chen had obtained this book long ago.

But he hadn't gained much from it.

The reason was that the alchemy theories and techniques described in the book were vastly different from the orthodox alchemy path.

Orthodox alchemy often emphasized taking more than necessary and supplementing the deficiencies.

For example, if a particular ingredient in a pill formula was too strong in a certain aspect, another ingredient would be used to compensate for the flaw.

This could be to neutralize, stimulate, or weaken the effect.

However, the "Shang Hu Dan Jie" took a different approach.

It advocated using ingredients from the same source, utilizing them to their full potential.

As they were of the same origin, there was less inherent rejection.

Consequently, the success rate of pill refinement was relatively high.

The alchemy techniques mentioned in the book even involved directly using demon beast inner cores to refine pills.

"This style of alchemy is somewhat similar to the Imperial Stream Plasma," Luo Chen muttered to himself.

The main ingredient of the Imperial Stream Plasma required the blood, flesh, and bones of the same type of demon beast.

This, too, could be considered using ingredients from the same source.

"I wonder where the Heartless Immortal Girl obtained this peculiar alchemy book?"

Luo Chen shook his head, deciding not to delve further into this question.

Instead, he focused on the vague and convoluted parts of the book, trying to decipher them.

With the alchemy competition approaching, he wanted to enhance his pill refinement skills as much as possible.

It was not just for Tao Wan but also for his own sake.

Over the years, he had thoroughly absorbed the essence of the alchemy records from Dan Yuanzi, the Geng family, and the Li family.

However, there were still many parts of the "Shang Hu Dan Jie" that he hadn't fully understood.

...

While Luo Chen was meticulously studying the alchemy path, in the parliament hall of the Tao family in Qingdan Valley, a crisp and cold hum signaled the end of the afternoon's heated discussion.

Tao Wan coldly watched the old man being escorted away by the crowd, her long eyelashes narrowing slightly.

Tao Yisheng approached her.

"Sister, I've brought Luo Chen back."

"Is everything arranged?"

"I've arranged for him to stay in the Mohe Garden, and I've asked Xiao Peng and the others to attend to him at all times." Tao Yisheng's face showed some dissatisfaction as he continued, "Brother Luo has come from afar, and even if our Tao family didn't meet him at the door, we should at least hold a welcoming banquet for him! Instead, because of these messy matters, we've neglected our hospitality..."

Tao Wan was well aware that they hadn't been good hosts.

But...

"These matters aren't just messy!"

She sighed.

"If I want to compete for the Dao Seed position, I'll inevitably have to face Shangguan Yan, He Yuanqing, and others. They all have Golden Core Elders backing them."

"The elders are worried that I might fail in the competition and offend those people instead."

"If they seek revenge later, it won't bode well for our Tao family."

Tao Yisheng was stunned.

He hadn't thought that deeply about it.

They were all from the same sect, and the competition for the Dao Seed was a fair contest between direct disciples. Could there really be a retaliation afterward?

Looking at her brother, whose brows were furrowed with fatigue due to the family's internal strife, Tao Yisheng forced a smile and said, "Not competing might temporarily preserve peace, but it won't ensure stability for a lifetime."

Tao Wan gave him a surprised look.

"Wow!"

"You've matured quite a bit! Before, you didn't have such insight."

It was rare for her to praise her brother.

Tao Yisheng scratched his head, "After spending last year in the Celestial Assembly, many of the cultivators there held this belief. They said that Luo Chen built the Celestial Assembly from scratch, fighting every step of the way. In numerous battles, big and small, he never compromised and always emerged victorious against stronger opponents."

The environment can shape a person!

And a new environment can influence a person!

Tao Yisheng, born into the Tao family of Qingdan Valley, had been naive about the ways of the world before his Foundation Establishment.

But after ten years of traveling and experiencing the outside world, he had learned a thing or two.

Especially during his time at the Celestial Assembly!

Tao Wan looked at her brother, a faintly thoughtful expression appearing on her face as she noticed the immature beard on his chin.

Suddenly, Tao Yisheng was taken aback by Tao Wan's words. "But hasn't the position of the family head been held by the clan leader for over a hundred years?" he asked subconsciously.

Tao Wan's thin lips curled up slightly. "You said it yourself, it's been over a hundred years!"

"Some things should change!"

...

"Fight for the family head position?" Luo Chen exclaimed, looking at the woman in front of him with surprise.

Dressed in a long green dress, her three thousand strands of hair flowed like a waterfall down her back, reaching her slender waist.

Tao Wan smiled faintly, "Yes, seeing that you're bored here, why don't we go and witness the birth of the new family head of the Tao family together?"

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose with interest.

This was indeed intriguing!

Tao Wan had come to him today, not to offer the pill formula and Core Formation insights he desired, but instead, she abruptly brought up this matter.

Realizing her intention, Luo Chen understood that perhaps the only way to obtain what he wanted was to participate in this so-called "family head competition."

"The Dao Seed competition hasn't even started, but we're already fighting for the family head position."

"Interesting, very interesting!"

Luo Chen stood up, "To witness the birth of the new family head of the Tao family, I, Luo, feel deeply honored!"

Tao Wan shook her head, "Not me, but Yisheng."

"Oh?"

This time, Luo Chen was genuinely surprised.

...

When Luo Chen arrived at the Tao family gathering, there were already hundreds of cultivators present.

With a quick glance, he spotted over ten Foundation Establishment Cultivators among them.

Such a powerful force, if placed in Heavenly Wave Immortal City, would be among the top few dominant powers!

"No wonder people like Dan Tai Jin and Tao Wan had previously shown disdain for my Celestial Assembly. Compared to them, we are like fireflies next to the moon."

He didn't feel inferior.

After all, this was a clan that had produced Golden Core cultivators.

Even if they had declined, they should still possess such a legacy.

Scanning the crowd, he spotted Tao Wan and Tao Yisheng.

Behind them stood five Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

The other Foundation Establishment cultivators had gathered behind an elderly man with white hair and beard.

The current clan leader of the Tao family, Tao Daonan!

A powerful cultivator at the ninth layer of Foundation Establishment!

While he was observing others, they were also discreetly staring at him.

Tao Daonan glanced at Luo Chen and then looked at Tao Wan, letting out a cold snort.

"Little Wan, you propose to re-establish the family head according to clan rules, and I agree."

"But why invite outsiders to witness this?"

Tao Wan revealed a proud smile, "Outsiders? What do you mean by that? Dan Chenzi is a venerated elder of our Tao family, he is one of us. How can you call him an outsider!"

"Venerated elder? Our Tao family has never hired an external venerated elder in hundreds of years!" Tao Daonan said with a trembling voice, "Moreover, without the family head's consent, who can appoint a venerated elder?"

Tao Wan's smile faded, and she coldly snorted.

"That's why we need to re-establish the family head today!"

Without waiting for Tao Daonan to argue, Tao Wan waved her hand.

"Yisheng!"

Tao Yisheng took a deep breath and stepped forward from behind Tao Wan, confidently facing the crowd.

"The Tao family head must meet three conditions: Foundation Establishment realm, pill refinement skills, and direct disciple status. I fulfill all three conditions, while you, clan leader, are already advanced in years. The sect has revoked your direct disciple status, and it's time for you to step down and pass on the mantle."

"Today, I, Tao Yisheng, wish to ascend to the family head position. Who is in favor, and who opposes?"

Her words were spoken with calm determination.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators standing behind Tao Daonan looked at each other, surprised.

No one expected that after being away for over a decade, Tao Yisheng would return and immediately vie for the family head position.

After all, the family head position had been held by the clan leader for over a hundred years!

This wasn't just a power struggle.

Once the rules were changed, the interests involved could drastically alter the internal dynamics of the Tao family!

These two siblings...

Amidst the crowd's silence, Tao Daonan's aged face turned gloomy.

He knew this was Tao Wan's doing.

Logically, he should pass on these powers to the younger generation.

But some things weren't as simple as letting go.

"I am old, and it's time for me to step down and pass on the mantle."

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of protests erupted from behind him.

"Clan leader!"

"Grandfather!"

"This can't be!"

Tao Daonan raised his left hand, using his years of authority to silence the crowd.

His gloomy gaze fell on Tao Yisheng.

"But Yisheng, you are still young and inexperienced. Handing over the vast Tao family to you makes me uneasy."

Tao Yisheng glanced at Tao Wan, and with her encouraging gaze, he steadied his nerves.

He looked at the clan leader without fear.

"Having reached Foundation Establishment, age is no longer a concern. Among our peers, the capable take precedence!"

"Inexperienced?"

"With the help of the elders, I believe I can quickly familiarize myself with the Tao family's affairs."

His words were well-reasoned and logical.

Tao Daonan had no grounds to refute.

But!

"I've long had the thought of stepping down and passing on the mantle. These years, Yichen has been helping me manage various trivial matters."

"If I were to step down, he has more experience."

"Moreover, as a direct disciple of Azure Pill Valley, he also has the qualifications to become the family head."

As he spoke, Tao Daonan looked at Tao Wan.

"I believe that letting Tao Yichen become the family head would be more beneficial for the Tao family!"

Tao Wan coldly snorted.

"Why speak so much nonsense? We are all disciples of Qingdan Valley, so let's follow the valley's traditions."

"Since there's no difference in our realms, let's determine superiority through our alchemy skills!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present nodded in silent agreement.

Tao Daonan slammed his palm on the rosewood table, "Consider it a deal!"

After that, there was no more idle chatter.

The Tao family members quickly got to work, preparing all the necessary tools and various medicinal ingredients for alchemy.

An 'outsider', Luo Chen, sat in the corner, observing the scene with great interest.

He wasn't from a family background, but he had come across many family cultivators.

However, he had only heard rumors about the internal struggles and conflicts within these immortal cultivation families.

Now, it seemed to be quite an intriguing affair! A battle of words, neither side backing down.

Although the atmosphere was tense, it was clear that they were well-controlled.

It seemed that to establish oneself within the family, strength was crucial, as Tao Wan dared to forge her own path.

At the same time, one couldn't neglect interpersonal relationships.

Otherwise, with fixed interests, how the benefits were distributed would depend on the discretion of the decision-maker.

Now, Tao Wan was about to take on that role.

It was clear that she was vying to become the one who decided the distribution.

No, it wasn't that simple.

Once she became the decision-maker, the family members who had been surrounding Tao Daonan would shift their allegiance to her due to their interests.

This would bring internal stability.

And she, without any worries, could then expand the Tao family's influence and secure more 'meat' from the outside.

"This is the strategy of securing the inside before dealing with the outside!"

Luo Chen muttered to himself, gaining a newfound respect for the woman who was surrounded by admiring cultivators.

Just as he was secretly observing Tao Wan, their eyes met.

"Fellow Daoist, shall we go to the alchemy chamber together?"

Luo Chen's eyebrows raised; was he to be involved in such a secretive matter? He didn't refuse, as it would also give him a chance to learn about the alchemy techniques of other alchemists in Qingdan Valley.

"Then let's go together!"

...

On the forest path, a man and a woman walked side by side.

Behind them were several Foundation Establishment Cultivators following closely.

A faint, pleasant fragrance wafted through the air, whether from the woman or the chrysanthemums lining the path, it was hard to tell.

"Tao Daoist, you seem very confident in Tao Yisheng!" Luo Chen remarked.

Tao Wan gave a dismissive smile, "I have more faith in Tao Daonan's grandson, Tao Yichen!"

"Hmm?" Luo Chen was puzzled.

Tao Wan's lips curved upward, "He's been immersed in family affairs these years, and his alchemy skills are long forgotten. He may have the title of a Second Rank Alchemist, but whether he can still refine Second Rank Pills, even he might not be confident about it!"

Luo Chen suddenly understood.

No wonder she had such confidence.

"Moreover, Tao Yisheng has been by your side for two years. Don't you have faith in him?" Tao Wan's gaze shifted to Luo Chen.

Luo Chen smiled.

"Then let's wait and see!"

On the other side, a Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator from Tao Daonan's branch was following closely behind him, his face filled with worry.

"Clan Leader, how can you be so careless as to agree to a competition in alchemy? Tao Yichen has been handling secular matters for you these years, and his alchemy skills are not up to par."

Tao Daonan remained calm and unhurried.

He said indifferently, "If Tao Yichen's alchemy skills are not up to par, does that mean Tao Yisheng, who only has theoretical knowledge, can do better?"

"The competition is to refine our Tao family's exclusive Colorful Chrysanthemum Pill, which is of the Second Rank."

"Tao Yisheng only has theoretical knowledge and won't be able to refine it in a short time."

The Mid-stage Cultivator beside him was taken aback.

He asked in confusion, "If he can't refine it, what's the point of the competition?"

Tao Daonan let out a cold laugh, "Then, won't we be back to where we started?"

The beginning?

The cultivator was puzzled for a moment, then suddenly understood.

Wasn't Tao Yichen's experience in managing family affairs more extensive?

He couldn't help but exclaim, "Tao Wan is so arrogant, focusing only on the Dao Seed Competition, but family affairs are not that simple."

"In the end, the Clan Leader is truly wise!"

Tao Daonan smiled but remained silent.

...

In the spacious alchemy hall, two golden brass cauldrons stood tall.

The earth fire blazed, occasionally spitting flames but remaining under control.

The rich fragrance of medicinal herbs filled the air, spreading in all directions.

Two figures stood by the cauldrons, each accompanied by several Qi Condensation Cultivators in a defensive formation.

Tao Daonan glanced at Tao Wan across from him, then waved his hand.

"Begin!"

As he spoke,

Tao Yisheng and Tao Yichen, both of the same generation, simultaneously cast spirit arts, activating the formation and drawing fierce earth fire from beneath the ground.

Assisting cultivators efficiently passed medicinal ingredients to them in an assembly line fashion.

Luo Chen observed this scene with great interest.

Suddenly, a voice reached his ears.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, pay close attention, this is the Second Rank Cultivation Pill formula I prepared for you."

"The Tao family's exclusive Second Rank Pill, the Colorful Chrysanthemum Pill!"

Upon hearing this,

Luo Chen's initial curiosity turned into intense focus.

His eyes, deep and mysterious, began to gather strands of spirit energy, invisible to others.

Under his gaze,

The two alchemists' every move was observed.

Within the cauldron, the constantly transforming medicinal ingredients, every change, was also reflected in his mind.

(End of Chapter)

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