Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 439: Tyrannical Greed, Misled by Rumors! - Novel Cool

Chapter 439: Tyrannical Greed, Misled by Rumors!

Chapter 439: Tyrannical Greed, Misled by Rumors!

He Lianyun and his three companions had undoubtedly prepared extensively for this meeting.

This wasn't just a baseless assumption.

From the delivery of the invitation slip to the present moment of offering the pill formula, every step of the process had been carefully planned.

Just like when they first entered, the three senior cultivators pressured Luo Chen, it was clearly a test of his strength.

Additionally, regarding the selection of an alchemist to refine this pill, they had likely been very selective before approaching Luo Chen.

The alchemists of major sects might possess even higher alchemy skills, and a figure like Fu Jiusheng would surely know some Tier Three Alchemists.

However, they dared not seek their assistance.

The reason was simple; they lacked the conditions to persuade them, and their pill formula would be coveted by others.

In comparison, Luo Chen's reputation as an alchemist was well-known, and he himself had a need for Core Formation.

He didn't require any additional conditions; Luo Chen would be tempted on his own.

Lastly, they had prepared the various materials mentioned earlier.

Luo Chen looked at the four with doubt, "Can you really gather all these materials?"

Pointing at the bamboo slip, he said solemnly, "The ingredients needed for the Shadow Essence Pill are not ordinary; even if I were to procure them, it would be difficult to gather them within a hundred years."

However, He Lianyun was confident.

"Fellow Daoist, you may be underestimating me."

"Although the Lianyun Business Alliance has declined, it has been operating for over a hundred years. I can provide sixty percent of the materials right now."

"As for the remaining forty percent, it will take a few years, but we can still gather most of it."

Luo Chen's eyebrows rose, and he had forgotten about this aspect.

The Lianyun Business Alliance specialized in trading resources from all over.

Not to mention the former Dahhefang branch, which collected countless treasures and oddities from the Million Great Mountains of the Eastern Wasteland every year.

However!

"What about the three primary ingredients?"

Even Luo Chen couldn't obtain one of those three.

Unexpectedly, He Lianyun spoke frankly, "The most precious and rare of the three primary ingredients—the Indigo Thunder Flower—is already in our possession."

"Oh?"

He Lianyun pointed at Xiao Sanren.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao obtained a complete Indigo Thunder Flower in the Divine Transformation Ruins, enough for at least ten to fifteen Shadow Essence Pills."

Luo Chen's gaze shifted to Xiao Sanren.

Since the start of their discussion, this person had been silent, even more so than Fu Jiusheng.

At this moment, under Luo Chen's gaze, Xiao Sanren nodded solemnly.

Luo Chen pursed his lips, "Then, how do we find the other two primary ingredients?"

This time, the four of them looked at Luo Chen simultaneously.

Luo Chen's eyebrows furrowed.

"What does this mean? Didn't you say you could gather them?"

He Lianyun smiled slightly, "Fellow Daoist, look at the name of the Heavenly Mountain Rejuvenation Water. Does it sound familiar?"

"Of course, it's familiar. Isn't it a Tier One spirit herb for revival... Heavenly Mountain?" Luo Chen was taken aback and blurted out, "Could it be produced in the Ice Fortress?"

He Lianyun nodded and said in a hoarse voice, "This is a secret that your younger generation doesn't know. The Ice Fortress is located in the most barren area of the Jade Cauldron Domain, and it mostly restricts female cultivators when selecting disciples. Yet, in such a situation, they have produced nine Golden Core Cultivators... no, now it's ten! What do you think is the reason for this?"

As Luo Chen contemplated, He Lianyun waved his hand and declared, "It's rumored that the Ice Fortress produces Heavenly Mountain Rejuvenation Water, and they use it in conjunction with their sect's Core Formation secret technique to cultivate ten Golden Core Cultivators. And you, Dan Chenzi, have a connection with the Ice Fortress..."

At this point, Luo Chen finally understood.

They had placed their hopes on him to obtain the Heavenly Mountain Rejuvenation Water, one of the primary ingredients!

Indeed, with Luo Chen's connection to the Ice Fortress, personally requesting a portion of the Heavenly Mountain Rejuvenation Water wouldn't be a difficult task.

After all, Elder Cang Long had mentioned that if not for his unsuitable physique, she would even allow Luo Chen to use the Ice Fortress's unique Core Formation secret technique.

With this in mind, Luo Chen focused on the last primary ingredient.

This time, before he could speak, Fu Jiusheng explained directly.

"I know where the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit is!"

"The only consideration is how to harvest it."

At this point, his gaze intensified as he looked at Luo Chen, "With your renowned reputation as a pill refinement master, your skill in the Tranquil Heart Technique shouldn't be too low, right?"

Luo Chen waved his wide sleeves and smiled without saying a word.

Yinsha Lady added, "Fellow Daoist Fu might not know that during the dispute over the Green Cauldron Dao Seed, Dan Chenzi's pill refinement technique was so divine that even the Tier Three Alchemists of Green Cauldron Valley highly praised it. In the vast Jade Cauldron Domain, he is likely the best at the Tranquil Heart Technique, and no one would dare claim second place!"

Upon hearing this, a look of appreciation flashed in Fu Jiusheng's eyes.

Even though he had known this information beforehand, seeing Luo Chen's confidence still reassured him.

In the world, there were countless spirit herbs and immortal grasses.

Many medicinal plants had unique growth habits.

For example, the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit not only grew in a special environment but also had the characteristic of becoming impure once detached from the branch and instantly turning into a toxic substance upon falling to the ground.

From the moment it leaves the branch until it is used in pill refinement, it must not exceed an hour.

Otherwise, it would become a highly poisonous substance! Not to mention using it in pill refinement, even touching it would cause a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator to perish instantly.

Moreover, even this poisonous fruit cannot be preserved for too long.

Only a Tier Three Alchemist with an extremely high mastery of the Tranquil Heart Technique could pick and refine it on the spot.

Now, there was only one final question left.

"Dan Chenzi, can you really refine this pill?"

"This is a Tier Three pill, and even though the requirements for alchemy aren't as strict, our margin for error is minimal."

"You have to give us a guarantee. Otherwise, after all our hard work over the years, if you can't refine the Shadow Essence Pill in the end, it'll be like carrying water in a bamboo basket—all effort wasted."

Under the anxious gazes of the group.

Luo Chen fell into deep thought.

But in his heart, he couldn't help but smirk.

No wonder these four could come together! Yinsha Lady provided the pill formula, Xiao Sanren had control over the most crucial primary ingredient, the Indigo Thunder Flower, and He Lianyun had connections with the Lianyun Business Alliance, not only able to procure most of the basic auxiliary materials but also being a local snake in the Jade Cauldron Domain.

The other three also contacted him, Luo Chen, through He Lianyun.

Finally, it was Fu Jiusheng who held the key to the primary ingredient, the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit.

He knew where it was, but he didn't reveal it in advance.

This way, even if Luo Chen obtained the complete formula for the Shadow Essence Pill, he couldn't refine it.

As for how the four of them gradually got connected, there were probably many twists and turns, a story worth telling.

But it didn't have much to do with him, and he didn't bother to delve into the details.

Now, his mind was not concerned with how to refine this pill.

With his incredibly solid, even terrifying alchemy foundation, coupled with the abundant achievement points stored in the system, mastering this pill wasn't difficult.

In other words, as long as he had ten sets of raw materials, he could definitely refine a batch of Shadow Essence Pills!

What he was thinking about were matters beyond the pill.

Did these four gather in advance and reach a private agreement?

After the pill was successfully refined, would they create chaos or even join forces against him?

Also, Fu Jiusheng mentioned that the place where the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit grew was quite dangerous. Just how dangerous could it be?

As Luo Chen's silence prolonged, He Lianyun and the other three grew increasingly anxious.

They had seen his confidence earlier.

But now, when it was time to give a guarantee, he hesitated?

Could it be that he didn't have the ability?

Just as the four of them were feeling more and more anxious.

After a long pause, Luo Chen suddenly spoke.

"This pill, I can refine it!"

Before the four could rejoice.

He immediately asked, "How exactly are we going to cooperate? Do we have a plan for the distribution after the pill is refined? How can I ensure my safety during the refining process when we're not from the same sect and not friends? You have to clarify this!"

Regarding these three questions.

The group seemed to have prepared their answers.

Fu Jiusheng immediately replied, "The cooperation is simple. We, the herb gatherers, don't trust outsiders. At that time, none of us can bring along relatives, friends, or disciples. I'll personally lead you to the place where the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit grows, and there can only be the five of us!"

This answer didn't surprise Luo Chen.

The others also had no objections.

He Lianyun continued, "As for the last question, I have a suggestion. Before the pill is refined, everyone must ensure Dan Chenzi's safety to the best of their abilities!"

"I second that!"

"I second that!"

"I second that!"

"I disagree." Luo Chen suddenly spoke up.

The four of them were stunned.

Luo Chen smirked, "Words are empty, how can I trust you?"

"Er..."

"But you're unwilling to make a grand oath, so how can we gain your trust?"

"Simple!" Luo Chen immediately took out a jade slip, causing the four to look on curiously, "Although we're not making a grand oath, we can still establish an Essence Blood Covenant."

Essence Blood Covenant!

Upon hearing these words, everyone's expressions changed slightly.

In the cultivation world, there were numerous types of pacts and oaths.

The most well-known were the grand oaths linked to one's soul and verbal commitments.

Additionally, there were various pacts formed with the help of treasures and artifacts.

Among these, the Essence Blood Covenant was also quite famous.

This type of covenant seemed less binding than grand oaths, but in practice, many people preferred it.

After all, grand oaths were ethereal.

If an enemy was willing to sever their future cultivation path to break the oath, there was nothing the oath-maker could do.

One would die on the spot, while the other would only have their path severed but could still live for several hundred years. In the end, grand oaths were just that!

The Essence Blood Covenant was different.

Cultivators would drop a drop of essence blood, condensed from spiritual power and blood energy, to swear an oath.

If one broke the oath, they would immediately suffer backlash.

Although the backlash might not be too severe.

But at a critical moment, this slight backlash would be enough to alert others and even gain an advantage.

Yinsha Lady forced a smile and said, "We cultivators already have limited essence blood, and now we're at a crucial stage near Core Formation. If we make an oath with essence blood, won't it affect our cultivation too much?"

Luo Chen glanced at her, "Gathering the ingredients, and allowing me to research the pill, and become familiar with refining the Shadow Essence Pill, will take at least a few years. This time is enough for you to replenish the drop of essence blood you'll use for the covenant.

Could it be that you harbor ill intentions towards me? Or do you no longer want the Core Formation Spirit Herb?"

"If that's the case, I might have to reconsider this collaboration."

The former statement was reasonable and well-founded.

But the latter questions were rather ruthless.

"I have no such intentions! Absolutely none!"

Yinsha Lady's face paled, and she waved her hands repeatedly.

"How could I possibly harbor ill intentions towards Fire Spirit Lord?"

"Hmph!"

Luo Chen let out a cold huff, his gaze sweeping over the remaining three.

Under his scrutinizing gaze, He Lianyun and the others had no choice but to agree to establish an Essence Blood Covenant. Until the Shadow Essence Pill was successfully refined, everyone must ensure his safety to the best of their abilities and harbor no ill intentions.

Finally, the issue of pill distribution remained.

"If the number of pills is less than five, I want one. If it exceeds five, I want two! If it's more than ten, I want three!" Yinsha Lady said without hesitation, "After all, the pill formula was obtained by my husband at the cost of his life!"

However!

Xiao Sanren coldly smiled, "Without my Indigo Thunder Flower, you'd just have an empty formula."

These two argued fiercely.

He Lianyun and Fu Jiusheng didn't engage much in the dispute.

After all, a cultivator might only have one or two chances to form their Golden Core in their entire life.

Especially at their advanced age.

One pill would be more than enough.

The only point of contention was that they must have one pill if the number fell short of five.

Amidst the heated arguments, only Luo Chen remained silent, his cold gaze sweeping over the others.

Gradually, the quarreling among the four subsided.

"Dan Chenzi, what's your take on this?"

"What's my opinion?" Luo Chen smiled.

This smile was like a gentle breeze caressing everyone's faces, making them feel as if they were bathed in spring warmth.

Yet, it also resembled the heavy snowfall of a bitter winter, sending a chill down their spines.

"In the cultivation world, there are countless pill formulas and abundant medicinal ingredients, but none of these are truly important!"

He pointed at himself.

"Without an alchemist, all of these are just useless!"

"Therefore, I demand the lion's share! Everything must first satisfy my needs!"

"Yinsha Lady's terms are quite reasonable; you can apply them to me."

"The rest of you can discuss it among yourselves!"

This domineering declaration left the four of them speechless.

Luo Chen didn't bother arguing further. He returned to his seat, picked up the teacup, and took a sip of the slightly bitter tea.

To be honest,

The Tier Three Bodhi Tea that He Lianyun offered to his guests was indeed excellent.

Even Luo Chen, who was not well-versed in the Way of Tea, could sense its exceptional qualities after tasting it.

Once the tea entered his body, his spiritual energy became incredibly lively and vibrant, quickly condensing into drop after drop of pure spiritual liquid as it jumped and danced within him.

It seemed to have the effect of slightly accelerating cultivation! Even the clockwise-rotating Spirit Vortex within Luo Chen's body spun with increased stability and speed.

As he savored the tea,

The four of them continued their heated discussion, their faces turning red from the intensity of their argument.

After a long while,

When Luo Chen felt a slight bloating in his lower abdomen, the four of them finally reached an agreement.

"Dan Chenzi, we've discussed it, and we agree to your terms."

"That's excellent!"

"But there's one condition. Regarding the Heavenly Mountain Rejuvenation Water, can you request a few more portions to share with everyone? After all, it's also a good auxiliary item for Core Formation."

Luo Chen pouted, "I'll do my best!"

The others were helpless; this condition wasn't a mandatory requirement.

If Luo Chen wanted to be perfunctory, they had no way to stop him.

Next, they established the Essence Blood Covenant, agreed on the departure date nine years later, and after a full day of negotiation, the collaboration was finally settled.

The reason for specifically setting the departure date nine years later

Was because Fu Jiusheng mentioned that, based on his experience, the Nine-Striped Snake Saliva Fruit would need at least nine years to mature.

Nine years was the minimum estimated time.

As for the question of whether it would be too early? Better early than late!

Just before leaving, Luo Chen suddenly asked, "Great Elder, this Tier Three Bodhi Tea..."

"You mean this Third Stage Bodhi Tea?" He Lianyun replied.

Luo Chen nodded, "Yes, it tastes quite good."

He Lianyun thought for a moment, "I still have some left. I can have someone deliver a box of it to your cave mansion later."

Hearing this response, Luo Chen couldn't help but smile with delight.

"In that case, thank you, fellow cultivator!"

Afterward, he left the Cloudlink Tower under the moonlight.

Once he was gone, the atmosphere in the room became instantly quiet.

He Lianyun sat back in the main seat that Luo Chen had occupied, picked up the teapot, and was about to pour himself a cup when he realized it was empty.

He was stunned.

When was it all drunk? Yinsha Lady spoke up, "In the past, I only heard about Luo Chen's various deeds, and I thought he would be easy to approach. But I never expected him to be so domineering and even extremely greedy. Where is the demeanor of a humble gentleman? The rumors have misled me!"

This statement received absolute agreement from the other three!

Luo Chen's behavior today was indeed quite uncomfortable.

Despite being invited, he not only took charge but also acted extremely domineering in various collaborative matters, leaving no room for negotiation.

Yet, they needed his help.

Suddenly,

Fu Jiusheng asked a question.

"Xiao Sanren, have you observed Luo Chen's current state?"

(End of Chapter)

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