Immortality Begins With The Alchemical Master Chapter 829: A Familiar Face and the Sword Duel - Novel Cool

Chapter 829: A Familiar Face and the Sword Duel

Chapter 829: A Familiar Face and the Sword Duel

"Greetings, Elder!"

"Greetings, Elder!"

Amidst the chorus of greetings, the Heartless Immortal Maiden, a woman with a complex expression rarely seen, approached the pine tree at the cliff's edge.

Standing with her hands behind her back on the pure white snow, she asked without turning her head, "Lan, when did you arrive?"

A young woman in a plain white dress, untouched by any makeup, walked up behind her and respectfully replied, "I just arrived today. After three years of mourning for my husband, it's time I contribute to the Heavenward Sect."

"How have they...treated you?"

The Heartless Immortal Maiden hesitated, referring to the cultivators from the Heavenward Sect's mountain gate.

Since deciding to join the Heavenward Sect, most of the remaining cultivators from the Ice Fortress had visited Baili Qingchuan, except for her, who had never been to the Great Green Mountain.

There were subtle thoughts behind this, which were difficult for ordinary people to fathom.

Shi Lan replied without hesitation, "They treat us fairly and equally. Perhaps it's because of my husband's connections or the Supreme Elder's secret instructions, but my sisters don't feel like outsiders there."

"I see...that's great, really great."

The Heartless Immortal Maiden murmured, feeling extremely complex about the smooth integration of the Ice Fortress sisters into the Heavenward Sect, ultimately feeling more relieved than anything else.

She had gone against the ancestral teachings, leading her disciples to switch sects, and if they had fallen into the wrong hands, she would have been to blame.

Shi Lan looked at the woman's slender back and hesitated, "And you, Master?"

The Heartless Immortal Maiden calmly said, "Don't worry about me. You've met him before and know his ways. As long as I don't cross any taboos, there won't be any major issues, and I might even say..."

As she spoke, a flash of mana rippled through the Heartless Immortal Maiden's body, and ice spikes formed beneath her feet with a crunching sound.

Shi Lan, who had cultivated the Ice Fortress's core cultivation art, the Ten Directions Extreme Freeze Art, immediately understood the significance of this.

The Master's long-stagnant cultivation base had finally broken through!

Now, the Master was a late-stage Golden Core cultivator!

This alone demonstrated the importance that Luo Chen placed on the Master.

And indeed, it was true!

To outsiders, it seemed that the Heartless Immortal Maiden had humbled herself by joining Luo Chen's sect, taking on a lowly role of greeting and seeing off guests, which was somewhat insulting.

But the truth was that the Heartless Immortal Maiden was one of the few people who frequently saw Luo Chen, and her cultivation cave was located within a third-rank, top-grade cave in the Alchemy Luo Mountain.

In her free time, she often received pills bestowed by Luo Chen.

With her natural talent, it was only right that she had reached the late Golden Core stage.

Shi Lan slowly relaxed her hand and sighed, "Now that we've settled down and have the protection of the Supreme Elder, we no longer have to live in constant fear like before. It would be even better if Senior Sister Cang Long could wake up."

Cang Long Senior Sister?

Hearing this name, the Heartless Immortal Maiden rarely smiled.

She knew that the treasure Luo Chen was currently refining was specifically for treating Cang Long Senior Sister's injuries.

If successful, one day she would see her sister awaken.

Perhaps, by then, she might even surpass her sister and form her Nascent Soul before her, and she wondered what expression her sister would have. Just as the Heartless Immortal Maiden was feeling quite pleased, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, and the ice beneath her feet exploded.

She quickly turned around and looked towards the palace where Luo Chen had entered earlier.

A powerful wave of mana rippled out like ripples from the palace, snapping pine trees and blasting the snow into powder in its path.

But soon, an even stronger force suppressed the aftermath of the mana collision, preventing it from harming any of the Heavenward Sect's guarding cultivators.

What startled the Heartless Immortal Maiden was a pair of blue and red lights.

"That's...sword qi!"

The blue and red sword qi pierced through the palace's dome, shooting straight into the sky.

The sound of the swords' resonance lingered for a long time.

Without hesitation, the Heartless Immortal Maiden flew towards the palace, and other Heavenward Sect cultivators followed suit.

But just as they reached the palace entrance, Luo Chen's gentle voice came from within.

"It's nothing, just a small spar. You may all leave!"

"Yes, Master!"

The Heartless Immortal Maiden took a deep breath, glanced at the mysterious palace with reverence, and slowly retreated with the Heavenward Sect disciples.

...

Inside the palace.

Luo Chen slowly retracted his middle and index fingers, which had been merged, and his face showed admiration.

"As expected of the Lone Falcon of the Sword World, I, the Pill Emperor, am far inferior!"

Lin Qingxuan retracted his right hand, covering it with his sleeve, his face calm.

"The Pill Emperor is too kind. You don't primarily cultivate the Sword Dao, and yet after only a few years of immersion, you possess such pure sword qi. This is already rare in the world. Moreover, the method you just used to suppress the aftermath of the mana collision is the real skill!"

With these words, the tense atmosphere softened.

Pavilion Master Li, standing in the center, smiled and said, "One with exceptional sword techniques and the other with profound mana, it's truly a treasure land for such two peerless geniuses to emerge from the small Jade Cauldron Region."

"We can't compare to the Alchemy Sect," Lin Qingxuan humbly replied, lowering his stance.

Recalling the old times when they met after achieving Foundation Establishment and embarked on a journey to open up a new battlefield together, Luo Chen's mood seemed to be in high spirits.

He laughed and tapped the table with his right hand.

"Since you've fulfilled our sect's wish, let's discuss the collaboration for the Imperial Pupil Clear Dew," he said.

Upon hearing this, Pavilion Master Li's spirits were instantly lifted, and Lin Qingxuan blinked, also showing a hint of anticipation.

Luo Chen cleared his throat and smiled, "We've discussed the details before. The Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion and the Heavenward Sect will be responsible for collecting the corresponding raw materials, and we'll share the costs equally. If the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect wants to participate, you'll need to contribute some Spirit Stones."

Lin Qingxuan nodded, "That's only fair!"

"I want fifty percent of the refined Imperial Pupil Clear Dew. The remaining half, you can divide it among yourselves."

"This..." Lin Qingxuan hesitated.

"Alchemy Sect, this is different from what we agreed upon," Pavilion Master Li's expression changed dramatically, showing dissatisfaction.

"It wasn't finalized before, after all, I wasn't clear about the refining difficulty at that time," Luo Chen said with a squint, looking at the two with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, "Of course, if you don't want to collaborate, I won't force it."

Unclear about the refining difficulty?

It's probably because he didn't know how good the effects of the Imperial Pupil Clear Dew were!

Pavilion Master Li looked at Luo Chen's amber right eye, containing hidden anger, "We provided the pill formula and contributed most of the materials. With just a word, you want to take half. Isn't this a bit excessive?"

Luo Chen rubbed his clean chin, "Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit excessive."

Seeing his concession, Lin Qingxuan and Pavilion Master Li couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Business is like this, haggling is part of it, and a one-time deal doesn't last long.

After some thought, Luo Chen spoke, "Then, our sect will take a step back. You can have sixty percent, and I'll take forty."

Sixty-four percent?

Pavilion Master Li thought for a moment, his gaze falling on Lin Qingxuan.

Lin Qingxuan sighed, "I have no objections."

Pavilion Master Li smiled, "Alright, then it's sixty-four percent."

Bang!

Luo Chen knocked on the table again, revealing a sincere smile.

"Then let's discuss the compensation for our sect's contribution."

The transaction of pills is a long-term matter, but getting Luo Chen from the Alchemy Sect to refine pills is not without compensation, and it's definitely not something that can be settled with an additional ten percent of pill profits.

Especially for the procurement channels of raw materials, some of them are Luo Chen's people, which is why they can buy them from the Heavenly Origin Merchant Alliance.

Since he had the audacity to ask for fifty percent earlier, he must have his reasons.

Pavilion Master Li was also aware of this, "We've prepared a substantial amount of Celestial Qi for you, which is what you need. Additionally, there are some decent pill formulas and body tempering arts..."

It was clear that Pavilion Master Li had specifically inquired about Luo Chen's preferences, which is why he could cater to his tastes.

However, Luo Chen waved his hand.

"I'm sorry, but our sect doesn't need Celestial Qi for now. As for those low-grade pill formulas and body tempering arts, hmph."

Pavilion Master Li's eyebrows furrowed, and in an instant, he recalled the situation at the Shouyang Debate Conference.

It must have been at that time that Luo Chen had collected enough Celestial Qi, which is why he didn't value the small amount they had.

"Then what do you want?"

"Rest assured, our sect won't be unreasonable. We also want something you have in abundance," Luo Chen said, scanning the two of them as he slowly spoke, "Sword Pellets! Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth sword pellets of True Artifact grade."

Lin Qingxuan immediately refused, "Impossible!"

Pavilion Master Li shook his head, "We don't have them!"

Luo Chen's smile faded, "Is it truly impossible? Do you really not have them?"

His gaze slowly swept over the two of them, and Luo Chen's eyes were like mountains, exerting immense pressure.

"Our sect has already compromised, but now you respond like this. It seems a bit disrespectful, doesn't it?"

Lin Qingxuan opened his mouth, then said with a frown, "Friend, you're really putting us in a difficult position. Sword Pellets are the culmination of a sword cultivator's cultivation, often tied to their very existence. When the sword perishes, so does the cultivator. Our Jade Cauldron Sword Sect has only produced two Primordial Spirit True Men, and we don't have extra sword pellets. Do you want me to give you my life-saving True Artifact?"

Luo Chen understood, "If that's the case, then our sect asks for, is it a bit too demanding? Pavilion Master Li, is your Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion the same?"

Pavilion Master Li subconsciously wanted to nod, but under their gaze, he couldn't bring himself to lie.

He could only explain, "Our Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion does have extra True Artifact-grade sword pellets, but they are left by our ancestors, imbued with their will. Only those who cultivate our sect's arts can gain recognition and inherit these precious artifacts. The Imperial Pupil Clear Dew is something I personally seek, and it's already excessive to use the sect's manpower and resources. We can't further deplete the sect's interests."

"There are reasons, and there are difficulties!" Luo Chen smacked his lips, seemingly understanding them, but what he said next chilled the atmosphere in the hall. "In that case, I don't think there's a need to continue this cooperation."

Silence and stillness filled the hall.

Li and Lin exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.

Luo Chen closed his eyes, remaining silent to give them time to think.

The previously damaged dome now had snowflakes gently falling, adding a chill to the hall.

After a long while, the silence was finally broken.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, my Jade Cauldron Sword Sect has always been shallow in its foundation. After the great chaos, we are indeed lacking in strength. I can't provide a True Artifact-level Sword Pellet, but I can offer a single high-grade Flawless Sword Pellet of the Wood attribute, which contains only my Divine Soul imprint and can be transferred instantly. Additionally, I can give two more Flawless Sword Pellets of the Water and Earth attributes, also of high-grade Spiritual Treasure level. This is the limit of my Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion."

As Lin Qingxuan spoke, his gaze swept over Hong Ling, revealing an apologetic look.

Hong Ling bit her lip and nodded in acceptance.

Luo Chen opened his eyes, "I see your sincerity, Pavilion Master Li, what about you?"

Pavilion Master Li's multi-pupil eyes showed a hint of reluctance, "I can offer a True Artifact-level Sword Pellet of the Wood attribute, which contains only my Divine Soul imprint and can be transferred instantly. Additionally, I can give two more Flawless Sword Pellets of the Water and Earth attributes, also of high-grade Spiritual Treasure level. This is the limit of my Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion."

One True Artifact-level Sword Pellet and three Spiritual Treasure-level Sword Pellets.

This answer left Luo Chen somewhat dissatisfied.

But it was clear that this was their limit.

After all, Flawless Sword Pellets were not something that cultivators could nurture themselves; they were crafted with exceptional materials and were specifically meant to reward talented juniors or for cultivators' personal use in critical moments.

Just like the White Gold Sword Pellet that Luo Chen obtained from Fei Yunzi, it was a Flawless Sword Pellet, but Fei Yunzi's exceptional forging skills pushed it to the level of a True Artifact.

Under the gaze of Li and Lin, Luo Chen pondered for a long time before slowly knocking on the table.

"Agreed!"

With that, the cooperation was fully agreed upon.

To ease the tension from the previous haggling, Luo Chen changed the topic and asked about the current situation in the war between humans and demons.

The two played along and gave him a general idea.

Without further delay, after delivering three Jade Emperor Clear Pupil Liquids, they bid farewell and departed.

...

Three streaks of escaping light flew away from Alchemy Luo Mountain, neither fast nor slow.

Lin Qingxuan apologized, "I'm sorry, Hong Ling. I've given away the Flawless Sword Pellet I prepared for you."

Hong Ling forced a smile, "It's fine. The Sword Pellet I've been nurturing is already sufficient, and whether I can successfully advance to the Primordial Spirit stage is still uncertain. Brother, it's more important for you to improve your strength. With the Jade Emperor Clear Pupil Liquid, you can make up for your shortcomings."

Lin Qingxuan reached out and gently rubbed the woman's head, sighing softly.

"The Alchemy Sect is becoming increasingly domineering!"

"Brother, your hand?" Hong Ling noticed a trace of blood on his hand as he withdrew it.

It was faint, thin, but startling.

The woman couldn't believe it, "Could it be that you were injured during our earlier sparring session? But you clearly won the sword duel!"

Lin Qingxuan's right hand trembled slightly, and he quickly tucked it back into his sleeve.

"I won in the debate, but in the sword duel..."

Pavilion Master Li spoke up from the side, "During the Absolute Soul Battle, the Demon Sword of the Alchemy Sect was extraordinary. Now that he's personally asking for a Sword Pellet, it's likely for that Demon Sword!"

Pavilion Master Li spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction.

In his opinion, Luo Chen dared to make such a bold demand because Lin Qingxuan had been at a disadvantage in the sword duel.

On the surface, Luo Chen seemed slightly inferior, but he had only recently started forging swords.

However, Lin Qingxuan's injury was something he couldn't hide from Pavilion Master Li.

Lin Qingxuan shook his head, "It's not just that. In that instant of mana collision, I sensed a huge gap between me and Luo Chen. He..."

The man in the blue robe revealed a solemn look in his eyes, as if he couldn't believe the vast mana that Luo Chen seemed to possess beneath the tip of the iceberg.

Pavilion Master Li, who hadn't personally experienced the battle, didn't feel it as deeply.

He thought Lin Qingxuan was exaggerating Luo Chen's strength to cover up his previous loss.

"According to our agreement, I'll take four parts of the Jade Emperor Clear Pupil Liquid, and you'll take two parts. Here you go!"

A Jade Flask was tossed into Lin Qingxuan's hand.

Then, the two parties parted ways.

Lin Qingxuan looked at the lone Jade Flask in his hand, and his other hand clenched involuntarily, veins popping out.

He had given away the Pill Formula, Spirit Stones, and even the Sword Pellet prepared by his junior sister, only to receive this little?

"Brother..." Hong Ling looked at him with concern.

The young man, with graying temples, pursed his lips, "Let's go back!"

(End of Chapter)

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