Chapter 527: The Second Day, Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion's Display

Chapter 527: The Second Day, Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion's Display

December 21, 2024

Su Chen was reluctant about this matter. If he wanted to seclude himself, he could have done so long ago. Why did he have to seek cooperation with Zhu Ming Palace, offering them benefits in exchange for his own gains?

Su Chen had come to Jin State to resolve the trouble and crisis caused by Wulan Mountain Villa. Additionally, Su Chen had some thoughts about other matters. For instance, Qiu Ruoshuang. If he chose to compromise and seclude himself, would he still have a chance to get closer to her? Even if she was willing, would her family, the Qiu family, look favorably upon him? Su Chen didn't want to put Qiu Ruoshuang in a difficult and embarrassing situation.

He also didn't want to become a disgraced and pathetic figure. With his Heaven's Will, a mysterious ability, he could only sneak around like a black mouse in the shadows, which was truly humiliating.

"The method of handling this matter has already been decided by the Palace," the Second Elder of Zhu Ming Palace said, his voice carrying a hint of sternness.

Su Chen had only heard half of what he wanted to say. The rest of his words were likely: "Today, when discussing with Elder Su, it was not a negotiation but a notification of this decision."

The Second Elder's words made it clear that Su Chen's compromise had made him bolder, and now he was imposing his will on Su Chen. Su Chen understood that the decision was made without consulting him, and it might not be in his favor. As the Honorary Elder of Zhu Ming Palace, Su Chen felt that he deserved better treatment. Not only had he not gained much benefit from them, but now he had to bear losses because of them.

"Elder, I still have some thoughts about this matter. Coincidentally, I encountered the Heavenly Alchemy Expo, and I don't want this mud to keep splashing on me." Su Chen spoke up, his tone direct and unyielding.

In response, the Second Elder repeated his previous statement, "The method of handling this matter has already been decided by the Palace."

This firm attitude seemed to imply that Su Chen had no choice but to accept Zhu Ming Palace's arrangement.

"This matter is closely related to my personal interests, and I have my own ideas. There's no need for the Elders of Zhu Ming Palace to trouble themselves over this." Su Chen asserted his independence.

With the conversation seemingly at an impasse, Su Chen's tone became less polite.

"Elder Su, regarding the Jade Essence Pill technique, we both know the truth. Don't turn a clever plan into a blunder, making things worse."

The Second Elder offered a suggestion, "If you choose seclusion, the Palace can ensure your well-being and provide for you."

Elder Su, your skill in crafting the Jade Essence Pill is quite impressive. Occasionally, helping with small tasks will earn you favors from the Palace."

Seclusion, it seems, was the only option.

As the conversation progressed, Su Chen sensed that the Second Elder had other intentions. This decision was not just about the current matter. There was an underlying desire to control him, to keep him from wandering freely.

Su Chen's existence posed a potential threat. This threat was the possibility of him spreading the technique of crafting the Jade Essence Pill.

Zhu Ming Palace, having acquired the technique, did not want any other competitors. The more competitors there were, the less benefit the Palace would gain. From this perspective, the interests of Zhu Ming Palace, Odd Tower, and Crystal Pavilion were aligned.

"Thank you for the reminder, Second Elder. Regarding these matters, I have my own plans. I know how to handle this, and I will take my leave as the day grows late." Su Chen's words were firm, showing no sign of compromise.

With this, the conversation reached a breaking point, and both sides revealed their true intentions.

Watching Su Chen leave, the Second Elder hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Elder Su, please ensure the secrecy of the Jade Essence Pill technique. If it spreads, it will bring trouble to both of us. Rest assured, Zhu Ming Palace has the strength to block any potential problems."

Hearing this, Su Chen smiled and turned to leave. He knew that his relationship with Zhu Ming Palace had reached a critical point. Their cooperation was on the verge of collapse.

Zhu Ming Palace was unwilling to sacrifice some benefits to help Su Chen, yet they expected him to compromise. This partnership had no chance of lasting.

At this moment, Su Chen realized that he had to take matters into his own hands. He needed to shake off the mud that had been splashed on him.

As Su Chen left, a bodyguard approached the Second Elder. "Second Elder, shall we let him go just like that? Should we capture and restrain him?"

The Second Elder frowned and waved his hand dismissively. "Zhu Ming Palace's current status is due to his efforts. Although the technique was stolen, it was still given to us."

After taking advantage of the situation, to still turn against him is truly inappropriate."

When I left, the Palace Master also emphasized multiple times that I should talk to Elder Su and must not take action.

If you really make a move, I'm afraid you'll all feel disheartened, won't you?"

Upon hearing these words, the guard beside him chuckled.

This laughter actually revealed some underlying issues.

It's a matter of reputation, a reputation called order.

If one has contributed and yet still gains nothing in return, what's the point for those below to contribute and strive?

Taking action against Su Chen would undoubtedly be a severe blow to their morale.

Even if this guard followed the order at the time, he would still harbor a grudge in his heart.

"I hope he knows better and doesn't cause any trouble.

Some matters, if not blown out of proportion, are trivial and can be overlooked.

But if it escalates, it becomes a major incident that shakes the entire Jin State.

Our Zhu Ming Palace will also be greatly affected."

Elder Ming's speculation was not wrong.

If this matter were to escalate, it would mean that Zhu Ming Palace had sent certain disciples to steal the techniques of other sects.

This would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Zhu Ming Palace.

In the current situation, Zhu Ming Palace still feels it can be accepted.

But when it comes to Su Chen's issue, the conflict is not directed at them.

After returning to his accommodation, Su Chen pulled out a chair.

He lay on it, pondering countermeasures for the current situation.

In the face of this situation, Su Chen was certain that he could only rely on himself to take action.

Zhu Ming Palace chose to remain dormant, completely silent on the matter, allowing it to ferment.

To resolve it, he could only rely on his own response.

There was no solid evidence against the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion.

The reason these speculations spread so widely was mainly due to everyone's habitual mindset.

For so many years, only the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion in Jin State had been able to craft Jade Essence Pills.

Unless they had stolen others' techniques, how could they have suddenly realized it?

When the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion first appeared, many alchemy forces indeed researched Jade Essence Pills on their own.

But after years without success, almost all of them gave up.

Without investing effort into research, how could they have suddenly mastered the techniques of crafting Jade Essence Pills?

Moreover, the Jade Essence Pill techniques demonstrated by Zhu Ming Palace felt both familiar and unfamiliar.

The familiarity lay in the profound grasp of the techniques.

The unfamiliarity was in their application.

Many forces invited Zhu Ming Palace to craft elixirs for them.

They found that the success rate of basic-level pills was very close to that of advanced pills.

This was clearly not the result one would expect after prolonged research.

Ordinary sects, through gradual progress, become extremely familiar with crafting common pills due to their frequent production.

The success rate should be significantly higher for common pills compared to those made with precious medicinal ingredients.

After all, the rarer the ingredients, the fewer opportunities one has to practice.

The similar success rates for both common and precious pills could only mean one thing.

Regardless of the type of pill, Zhu Ming Palace had crafted them only a few times.

This situation further aligned with everyone's speculations.

The reason these speculations spread so widely was that everyone guessed this way and firmly believed in their own guesses.

Su Chen contemplated in his heart.

To dispel these speculations, he only needed to provide a more plausible scenario.

Letting this scenario be known to the majority would naturally refute the previous statements.

After a night's rest, Su Chen had already devised a countermeasure.

As dawn broke, Su Chen left the guesthouse early.

Today, he would find an opportunity to address the matter here.

According to the previous information, the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion, these two sects, would appear today.

Most people here would likely gather to witness the spectacle.

In the past six months, the popularity of these two sects had skyrocketed.

Everyone wanted to see the progress they had made in crafting Jade Essence Pills.

Recently, after the alliance between the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion, rumors of their increased alchemy prowess had been circulating.

Everyone was curious to know if their pill quality had indeed improved.

Only with improved pill quality could they have a chance to rival Zhu Ming Palace.

Only then would there be an opportunity to obtain Jade Essence Pills at a lower cost.

Su Chen felt he had left quite early, but there were even earlier arrivals, and quite a few of them.

The exhibition areas of the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion were set up in the northern part of Summer Region City.

This area was originally designated for many minor sects to showcase their elixirs.

Yesterday, this area seemed a bit deserted.

Many spots were even vacant, giving off an empty vibe.

But at this moment, with the presence of the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion, the foot traffic surged.

The surrounding buildings, their second floors, were already occupied by wealthy spectators.

Today, there would surely be a lively spectacle to witness.

In the midst of mundane daily life, such events were the most intriguing.

It was still the morning hour, and the bustling atmosphere was extraordinary.

Even the breakfast vendors had rushed over to shout their offerings.

In front of the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion's exhibition platforms, some people were busy, but no elixirs were on display.

For Jade Essence Pills, they were still reluctant to casually showcase them.

It was likely to be similar to the Zhu Ming Gong.

At that time, they would only allow someone to hold the pill box and display the Jade Essence Pill in front of everyone for a brief moment.

After the display, they would immediately close the box, preventing further viewing.

The stated reason was that Jade Essence Pills should not be exposed, as it could rapidly diminish their medicinal properties.

But everyone could guess the real reason—they didn't want others to study the pill's medicinal properties.

In essence, they feared others might learn their crafting techniques.

Nonetheless, being able to catch a glimpse of several Jade Essence Pills from above was indeed eye-opening.

Those who secured a spot in front didn't regret the effort.

Su Chen didn't push through the crowd.

He spent some money and went straight to the opposite building.

From this elevated position, he had a great view.

Although not too close, for cultivators, this distance was negligible.

With his powerful eyesight, he could easily observe the details of the elixirs.

As for the scent, the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion would certainly not allow others to smell them freely during the exhibition.

In this regard, whether one stood at the front or back made no difference.

As time passed, the crowd grew denser.

Below, several layers of people had gathered.

Finally, some representatives from the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion emerged.

Standing before the crowd, they began with some formalities.

Their words of welcome and gratitude seemed heartfelt.

But before they could finish speaking, some unusual voices rose from the crowd.

"Stop with the formalities, just show us your elixirs already!"

"Yeah, if you truly want to express gratitude, let us have a good look!"

Many in the crowd spoke up, their words laced with laughter.

They urged the representatives of the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion to present their elixirs.

Those who had come were naturally eager to see the elixirs sooner.

However, the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion were not so easily persuaded.

"Dear guests, we understand your eagerness.

But the Jade Essence Pill crafted by the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion is of pure quality.

If exposed carelessly, it could severely affect its properties.

Displaying it multiple times might lead to a significant loss of its medicinal properties."

This explanation was nothing new; everyone was already familiar with it.

Whenever it came to Jade Essence Pills, the response was always the same.

But at least they were willing to display it, which was already a positive sign.

In previous years, the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion would participate in only one session of the Heaven's Pivot Elixir Expo.

And even then, they were reluctant to exhibit their creations.

Unlike this year, not only were they willing to display their elixirs, but their attitude was also quite amiable.

"Hurry up, we've been waiting here for an hour!"

The crowd continued to urge them.

The person in charge was Peng Hongxu, the Third Pavilion Master of the Odd Tower.

Facing these demands, he smiled and continued at his own pace.

"Rest assured, dear guests, today will not disappoint.

Not only will you witness the completed Jade Essence Pill,

but we will also craft a Red Dragon Pill on the spot, showcasing the current pill-crafting techniques of the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion."

Upon hearing Peng Hongxu's words, many in the audience felt a chill.

They had expected the Odd Tower and Crystal Pavilion to demonstrate the crafting process.

Soon after, a middle-aged alchemist carrying ingredients entered the nearby enclosure.

The enclosure was about as tall as his neck, with a canopy above.

Others could see the alchemist's expressions, but his hand movements were completely hidden.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end