Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 289 Young people, they have no manners or etiquette!

Perhaps Xiao Chen set off a little too early.

When he arrived in the alley, it was just getting light, with only a faint glimmer of dawn in the east.

So, in order not to appear too anxious and not to disturb the other person's sleep, he deliberately waited a little longer at the alley entrance.

As the sun rose fully, early risers began to pass by.

He then walked to the front of the courtyard and prepared to knock on the door.

"Squeak~!"

However, before Xiao Chen could raise his hand, the door opened by itself.

Immediately afterwards, a chubby-faced boy peeked out and stared at him curiously, blinking his eyes.

Then he immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, senior! Please come in!"

He naturally recognized this guest who had visited twice before, so he took the initiative to say, "Grandpa is in the backyard. Please have a seat, senior. I'll go and inform him."

After saying that, he ran off to the back in a flash.

Watching his unconscious steps as he left, Xiao Chen vaguely sensed a special rhythm in them.

In addition, there was a clear surge of energy and blood emanating from the boy, as if he had just finished cultivating.

If nothing unexpected happens, he should have gotten up early to train his body.

This is a process that most physical practitioners must go through. Only through diligent study and practice can one fully stimulate and develop one's own Qi and blood.

As for Xiao Chen, who mainly relies on spiritual objects and blood crystals to temper his body, he is an extremely rare exception.

After all, doing so would consume too many resources; it would be far too extravagant.

Moreover, blood crystals are not only difficult to absorb and utilize, but they are also priceless and unavailable, making them a cultivation resource that cannot be purchased with spirit stones alone.

"Be gentle, these are all very valuable treasures."

"Watch out for the threshold, don't trip over it."

Just as Xiao Chen sat down in the front hall, he heard a series of instructions coming from outside the main door.

Immediately afterwards, a group of people carried in several large boxes.

Just by looking at the large red flowers on each box, you can tell that it must be some kind of prepared gift.

The steward, dressed in black, was directing his servants to arrange the boxes in order.

He seemed to know quite a lot, even the placement and angle of the items were carefully considered.

Another middle-aged cultivator, dressed in a cross-collar robe, walked into the front hall with a smile.

He first craned his neck and looked around. Seeing that there was no one else around, he took two steps closer to Xiao Chen, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Dai Yongliang from Tao Island. Greetings, fellow Daoist."

"Fellow Daoist, are you also here to ask Master Geng to refine pills for you?"

I really didn't expect that even though he arrived so early, there were people who arrived even earlier than him.

"Well, it is."

Xiao Chen nodded; he had indeed asked Alchemist Geng to help him refine pills.

Upon hearing this, Dai Yongliang felt a sudden tightness in his chest.

Oh no, it turns out they really are competitors trying to steal the opportunity to refine pills.

Dai Yongliang then took a closer look at the young man in front of him and began to assess his competitor in secret.

Although the other party looked young, their cultivation level was actually higher than his, and their aura was as calm and deep as an abyss, indicating that they had already reached the late stage of the Golden Core realm.

With higher cultivation level, one will definitely be more favored by Master Geng and will naturally be more likely to gain his favor.

However, according to Dai Yongliang's observation, Xiao Chen did not seem to have brought any gifts.

While it's possible it was placed in a storage ring, that would undoubtedly put it at a disadvantage compared to him.

After all, ordinary gifts are nothing new to alchemists who are used to seeing good things.

It certainly couldn't compare to the spirit beast egg he had specially prepared, or the pair of parrots he had someone send from the north.

"Be gentle with your movements, and don't sway back and forth!"

As they were speaking, another command was given outside the gate.

Immediately a young man wearing high-heeled shoes walked in, followed by dozens of servants carrying in many larger mahogany chests.

"Oh dear, there are actually people who arrived before me."

The young man was clearly surprised to see the two people in the front hall.

However, unlike Dai Yongliang, he was not polite at all. Instead, he walked into the front hall in a very casual manner and sat down in the chair opposite Xiao Chen.

Then, raising his head, he said, "Hey, you two are here to see Master Geng Dan too, right?"

"Your information network is quite good."

"It's a pity you won't have the chance!"

He smiled smugly and pointed his thumb into the yard: "Take a look outside."

"In the entire Listening Waves Sea, every kind of spirit beast that can breathe, except those that swim in the water, is here, without exception."

"I'm determined to have this month's elixir."

"You two don't need to wait here anymore. You should head home as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Dai Yongliang immediately tensed up.

He couldn't help but look up and peer into the courtyard.

Even before I came here, I had heard that Master Geng Dan was now living a semi-secluded life.

The rule was set that he could only accept one batch of pills per month at most, and that would depend on his mood.

Dai Yongliang came here because he had heard a rumor.

Rumor has it that Master Geng Dan particularly values ​​his grandson, and therefore has been acquiring different breeds of spirit beast cubs for a long time.

Therefore, he specially asked a friend to help him bring a spirit beast egg and a parrot to visit, hoping to win the other party over.

However, judging from this situation, the young man was clearly better prepared.

Whether it's because the other person is so young yet has the cultivation level of the late Golden Core stage, or because of those valuable mahogany boxes.

Dai Yongliang felt that he definitely didn't have much of a chance left.

But it wouldn't be very satisfying to come all this way and then just slink away like that.

So he gave the young man opposite him an awkward smile and pinned his hopes on the pair of parrots.

His friend said that this is a rare breed, and it might have a miraculous effect.

At the same time, he subconsciously glanced at Xiao Chen, his eyes filled with a hint of sympathy.

This young man clearly hadn't received the message, so he didn't bring any living creatures with him and is likely to be the first to be eliminated.

However, Dai Yongliang noticed that the other party completely ignored the young man opposite him.

Unlike him, they didn't anxiously observe the situation outside. Instead, they sat calmly in their chairs, seemingly unconcerned.

This made him secretly admire him.

No wonder he was able to cultivate to the late stage of the Golden Core realm at such a young age; he truly has extraordinary abilities!

His calm and composed attitude alone is something he should learn from.

To his shame, Dai Yongliang, who was older, was even more impatient.

"Hmph~!"

Seeing that no one responded, the young man did not say anything more. Instead, he snorted softly, crossed his arms, and sat in the chair to wait patiently.

He didn't say that simply to show off.

The main purpose is to directly discourage others from leaving.

Since the desired effect has not been achieved, there is no need to pursue the matter relentlessly and offend people unnecessarily.

Besides, it doesn't matter, he came prepared.

The three waited for a moment.

Finally, footsteps were heard coming from behind the house.

Immediately afterwards, Master Geng pushed open the brocade curtain and walked out with a smile: "Oh dear, I was busy processing spiritual herbs just now, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, fellow Daoist."

Ok?
Dai Yongliang and the young man initially thought Geng Danshi must be in a good mood today because he was all smiles.

Then, after hearing what he said, she was stunned for a moment.

Have you been waiting?
Under their surprised gazes, Xiao Chen stood up and returned the greeting: "Master Dan is too kind. This little bit of time is nothing to mention."

Seeing that the two seemed to know each other well, the two people next to them felt a sudden unease.

Sure enough, the next moment, Master Geng looked at the two of them.

He had been smiling just moments before, but now his face was stern, as if he were questioning them: "These two fellow Daoists look unfamiliar. Is there something you need?"

Dai Yongliang quickly cupped his hands in greeting, wanting to reply, "I've met you..."

Just as he was bowing, the young man shouted first, "Lu Rending, the manager of Caiyun Peak, greets the alchemist."

"I have long admired your reputation, Master Dan. I have come to pay you a special visit today. My master instructed me to bring some small gifts, please accept them with pleasure."

As he spoke, he took out a gift list from his pocket and handed it over: "It's just a small token of my appreciation."

Caiyun Peak is a secondary peak of Yuntao Sword Lodge, where various sect guest elders and managers reside.

Dai Yongliang was somewhat taken aback, not expecting the other party to interrupt him directly.

Young people, how can you be so rude and immoral!

"Oh."

However, Master Geng merely glanced at the gift list and did not reach out to take it.

Instead, he turned to look at the other side: "You've also come to ask me to start a furnace for alchemy?"

Dai Yongliang quickly replied, "Master Dan has keen insight, I am..."

Before he could finish speaking, Master Geng waved his hand and said, "Alright, I don't want to refine any more pills this month. You can go back now."

"Take everything you brought with you, leave nothing behind, and never enter this gate again."

That was very impolite; it showed absolutely no respect.

However, as a fourth-level alchemist, even though his tone was impolite, the other two did not dare to retaliate.

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Xiao, let's ignore these idle people."

Master Geng turned his head, a smile returning to his face: "Please move to the tea room first, and try my Jade Dragon Small Leaf Tea. Let's talk business while we enjoy some tea."

As he spoke, he gestured for them to follow him.

Fellow Daoist Xiao?
The two who had not yet left were still wondering in their hearts what the white-clad youth in front of them was.
Why is there such a big difference in attitude when we all came together?

Upon hearing the surname Xiao, they were all immediately taken aback, staring in disbelief at Xiao Chen's departing figure.

It should be noted that due to the strong winds these past few days, many cultivators have been unable to go outside.

So people would often take the opportunity to get together in teahouses, taverns and other similar places.

Let's talk about the latest major events.

At the same time, since everyone is celebrating the Lunar New Year, it's natural to reflect on the major events that happened in the past year.

The name Xiao Chen appeared multiple times during this process.

From the auction at the beginning of the year, to the Eight Directions Arena, and then to the new ruins, it has been a resounding success.

Its abundant wealth and astonishing strength have made it synonymous with the strongest Golden Core cultivator in the Compassionate Sea.

Currently, throughout the entire Tinglang Market, there isn't a single cultivator who hasn't heard of Xiao Chen. It's just that the various scrolls haven't had time to spread, and not everyone can witness the related image stones.

That's why the two of them didn't recognize each other just now.

At this moment, reminded by the address "Fellow Daoist Xiao," and upon seeing the legendary white-robed figure, he immediately became seventy percent certain.

In addition, the other party looked as young as rumored and was highly regarded by Master Geng.

He immediately confirmed in his mind that this was the famous Xiao Chen!
Thinking of this, Dai Yongliang quickly reviewed his words and actions just now.

Suddenly, I felt my face burning slightly. How could I have had such thoughts?

It really shouldn't be!

Fortunately, although he had some slightly inappropriate thoughts, he did not show them, so Fellow Daoist Xiao should not take them to heart.

But on the other hand, Dai Yongliang felt a little regretful.

I knew that Fellow Daoist Xiao was sitting right next to me, and that he seemed kind and approachable.

I should have taken the opportunity to flatter him a bit more; maybe I could have gotten this connection.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Dai Yongliang is also a Golden Core cultivator; you have to understand that not all Golden Core cultivators are the same.

He respectfully bowed to Geng Danshi's retreating figure, then went out to instruct his servants to take the spirit beast eggs away.

Lu Rending, who was standing to the side, was also quite surprised.

He had some connections within the Yuntao Sword Pavilion, which is why he was mentioned in the news long before rumors began circulating outside.

He had already heard of Xiao Chen's great name from several of his disciples.

Especially after returning from the ruins, the sect's evaluation of them was incredibly high.

In the words of Steward Zhang of the Punishment Hall, if the Supreme Elders did not intervene, Fellow Daoist Xiao alone could take on the entire Caiyun Peak.

This reminded me of how he had just shown off the spirit beast he brought to Xiao Chen.

Lu Rending felt a sudden panic in his heart, realizing he should never have said anything out of turn.

He quickly recalled Xiao Chen's expression at that time.

Fortunately, if I remember correctly, the other party was nonchalant and didn't seem to care at all.

Come to think of it, what kind of person is he? Why would he care about someone as insignificant as me?

As the saying goes, a magnanimous person doesn't hold a grudge against a petty person, so I imagine Fellow Daoist Xiao shouldn't mind.

After comforting himself with this thought, Lu Rending didn't dare to delay and quickly ordered his servants to carry away all the mahogany boxes.

Finally, he personally left the door slightly ajar before tiptoeing away.

He actually thought for a moment whether he should wait at the door and apologize in person.
But after careful consideration, I think it's best not to go through the trouble.

Maybe they had already forgotten, but he reminded them and made them remember again.

The two of them left one after the other, while in the tea room on the other side, Xiao Chen had a steaming cup of spiritual tea in front of him.

He picked it up and took a small sip: "Hmm, it tastes very good, slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste."

Of course, you can't actually taste the aftertaste right after drinking it.

However, Master Geng did not mind this. Instead, he took out a small jade bottle and placed it on the table: "It seems that Fellow Daoist Xiao is getting impatient."

"The elixir is in the bottle; fellow Daoist, why don't you open it and take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen didn't stand on ceremony and immediately grabbed the jade bottle: "Then I won't be polite."

Gently uncork the bottle, and a strange, sweet fragrance immediately wafts out.

The aroma is exceptionally rich, but not sweet; instead, it carries a faint hint of vinegar, making it seem as if the bottle contains aged vinegar.

This is very strange.

Logically speaking, such a problem should not exist in finished elixirs.

As an alchemist, Xiao Chen had never heard of any related rumors.

He frowned slightly, but he wasn't in a hurry.

Instead, he asked out of curiosity, "This fragrance seems rather unusual. Is there perhaps some explanation behind it?"

Seeing this reaction, Master Geng couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "As expected of the recently renowned number one Golden Core cultivator, his mentality is truly stable."

Even when it comes to such a major matter as a breakthrough pill, he remains so calm.

In his earlier years, he had seen countless Golden Core cultivators at the Great Perfection stage, who were restless and anxious about breaking through to the next level with the help of spiritual pills.

Some people, upon seeing that the alchemy attempt seemed to have failed, would even abandon their previous fawning attitude and turn against the alchemist on the spot.

However, after realizing that the fragrance of the pill was not right, Xiao Chen remained calm and showed no sign of panic.

Moreover, Geng Danshi could tell that his calmness wasn't feigned; he genuinely showed no sign of anger.

In this respect alone, he surpasses many others.
"Fellow Daoist Xiao is indeed extraordinary, remaining calm in the face of adversity and possessing profound wisdom."

Master Geng sighed, then smiled and introduced, "Indeed, this scent is a remnant of my unique technique."

"Fellow Daoist, please rest assured and inspect the pills."

Xiao Chen was somewhat puzzled by what he heard, but he didn't think much of it, only thinking to himself that it was indeed true.

He didn't panic even after seeing that the alchemy attempt seemed to have failed.

Actually, it's simply because I have another Moon-Dyed Jade Marrow Fungus in my possession.

Besides, alchemy can't always be successful; if all else fails, you can just try again.

Upon closer inspection of the pills' color, it was indeed found that both pills were perfectly round and plump.

Xiao Chen carefully used his true essence to pick up a grain and brought it closer to examine it.

Then one could see three extremely fine purple lines, like hair strands, above the moon-white pill.

These are pill patterns that only appear on pills refined by fourth-level alchemists.

The Three-Patterned Elixir means that its efficacy is 30% stronger than that of the ordinary Jade Marrow Infant Transformation Elixir.

Although this increase is relatively limited, after all, it only provides a 20% success rate in total, and the so-called 30% increase is less than 25%.

However, the very nature of the breakthrough pill means that even the slightest success rate is extremely important.

Of course, Xiao Chen valued another point even more, which was that the pill pattern itself also meant that the refining was successful.

There is never any mention of "cinnabar patterns" on inferior elixirs.

"Phew, the patterns on the pill are exquisite, and the pill itself is well-proportioned. Thank you for your hard work, alchemist."

Seeing this, Xiao Chen also showed a knowing smile.

He then took out a small jade bottle that he had prepared beforehand, intending to put the pills away.

"Wait a minute!"

Master Geng hurriedly stopped him, saying, "What do you mean by this, Fellow Daoist Xiao? Such a spiritual pill should be stored in a jade bottle with a unicorn-like patina, how can you use an ordinary green jade bottle?"

what?
This was something Xiao Chen was unaware of; there was such a thing about the bottle containing the pill?

"Uh, that's because I wasn't prepared enough."

He readily and frankly admitted, "I did not bring the jade bottle with me this time."

"If the alchemist has any extra jade bottles here, I am willing to buy them at a high price."

Regardless of whether this statement is true or not, since the other party is a fourth-level alchemist, let's just assume he's right.

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Master Geng was taken aback and looked down at the bottle on the table: "Isn't this a ready-made jade bottle?"

Xiao Chen also looked at the original jade bottle: "Isn't there still a pill master's elixir inside?"

One of the rules for commissioning someone to refine pills is that, unless a fixed reward of spirit stones is agreed upon beforehand, in most cases, you can only take one finished pill.

Whatever remains, however much or little, belongs to the alchemist.

These conditions are quite demanding, but they have been almost universally accepted since ancient times.

This is precisely why independent alchemists can earn enough to continue studying higher-level alchemy techniques.

Otherwise, without sects to bear the resource losses caused by early refining failures, alchemy would have long been completely monopolized by major forces.

If that were to happen, the cost for independent cultivators to obtain pills would only be higher.

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Xiao, you've misunderstood!"

Upon hearing this, Master Geng suddenly realized what was going on and explained with a smile, "You've already paid the reward for this alchemy session."

"In that case, the remaining elixir is naturally yours."

What he meant was that the agreement between the two of them already covered all the compensation.

Moreover, as an elderly man, he neither has the energy nor the need to continue earning more resources to study alchemy.

Nowadays, Master Geng Dan is thinking more about spending more time with his grandson and raising him.

That's why they set a rule of opening the furnace only once a month at most, and moved to a secluded alley to turn away the endless stream of visitors.

"Then thank you for your kindness, Alchemist."

Xiao Chen didn't bother with any more pleasantries, as that would be pointless.

So he accepted it along with the jade bottle.

As the Jade Marrow Nascent Soul Pill fell completely into the Vast Sea Ring, he took another big step closer to forming his Nascent Soul.

Let's do the math.

Jade Marrow Infant Transformation Pill, Infant Nurturing Altar, Blood-Bestowing Infant Painting Secret Technique, plus the Infant Transformation Jade that Xiao Chen obtained before.

These external aids alone can provide a 70% success rate for conception.

Each pair of malevolent energy can increase the percentage by half a percent, so he has now collected four pairs, which is 20 percent.

In total, that's a full 90% success rate for achieving the goal of completing the nascent soul formation process!

If we can defeat the Yang Water Sha and gather the last pair of Sha Qi, plus the extra half-success rate of Nascent Soul formation provided by the Five Elements Seal, then...

That means exactly 100%, no more, no less.

Even including the three rings of red patterns we just saw, there's still a bit of redundancy.

"Bang bang bang!"

Just as Xiao Chen was calculating the success rate in his mind, there was a sudden, urgent knocking on the door.

Then came a slightly childish voice: "Grandpa, a guest has come to see you!"

Master Geng frowned slightly, but still asked directly, "Who has come?"

He had specifically instructed that his grandson would not come to the tea room to disturb him unless it was something particularly important or if there were any guests.

The boy poked his head in and said, "It's Grandpa Shuang. He even brought me those really delicious spirit fruits from last time!"

Upon hearing this, Master Geng's expression turned solemn, and he let out a heavy sigh.

He then looked at Xiao Chen and explained, "It is True Lord Lüshuang who has arrived. I must go and greet him. It seems we cannot talk any more today."

"If Fellow Daoist Xiao wishes to pay a visit to the True Lord, you may come along. I will introduce you to him."

"If there is any other urgent matter, you can have Ah Cheng lead you out through the back door."

To be on the safe side, Xiao Chen felt he should have something urgent to attend to.

So he turned down this opportunity, which would have made others incredibly envious, to meet a true sage.

There will be plenty of opportunities to meet him after he makes a breakthrough in the future; there's no need to rush it today.

(End of this chapter)