Chapter 184 Heading to the Valley of the Pill God

The topic quickly passed, and Sang Yunchu then asked, "Cai'er, did you and Shaogan come here for something?"

Remembering the purpose of her visit, Zhong Cai immediately said, "It's just to tell you about our itinerary these past few days! Old Wu and I went to the Star Moon Palace!"

Sang Yunchu was taken aback: "Star Moon Palace?"

Jiang Chongguang looked over as well, puzzled, and asked, "What are you doing there?"

Zhong Cai didn't hide anything and said directly, "Old Wu and I know a friend who said he was going to the Star Moon Palace to apply for a marriage alliance and asked Old Wu and me to go and support him, so Old Wu and I went!"

Sang Yunchu asked with great interest, "Is Cai'er so excited because she's become a son-in-law?"

Zhong Cai nodded immediately, saying enthusiastically, "It's a done deal! Later, they held their wedding ceremony, and Lao Wu and I attended before returning." He spoke at length, "I thought that since we're friends, and Xingyue Palace is an eighth-level power like our Canglong Palace, and Brother Fan's wife is the young master of Hanyue Palace, their elders' power is similar to Master and Master Jiang's, so they're of similar status to Lao Wu and me. When we send a congratulatory gift, we represent more than just Lao Wu and me, so we should definitely give more than be stingy!"

Sang Yunchu and Jiang Chongguang listened to him with smiles.

Wu Shaogan's eyes were filled with tenderness, and a smile played on his lips.

Zhong Cai got even more excited and spoke even faster:

"The Star Moon Palace is making quite a show of things. I stayed there for a few days and then I realized that my original plans wouldn't work!"

"Then I directly increased the Xuanzhu to 888!"

Zhong Cai gestured wildly, "Then I refined this number of top-grade level four pills!"

Next, he went on and on about the high-level pills, magical artifacts, and savage beast corpses he had given away, listing them all one by one.

As for where these things came from?

Zhong Cai did not elaborate.

Everyone has their little secrets, right? A cultivator can obtain resources through any means possible!

Moreover, these are all resources that are below level seven. If the chosen ones of other forces have explored a few more hidden ruins, they might be able to obtain them as well!

In addition to the congratulatory gifts, Zhong Cai also specifically mentioned the reactions of the other guests in the hall, who were all very happy.

“Master, Master Jiang, you don’t know, when the young elder of Xingyue Palace was showing off his gifts, I saw many people secretly taking out invitations to write and draw. They must have given too little and were afraid of losing face, so they made up for it!”

"Later, when they were giving gifts, each of them would put five million Xuanzhu (mysterious pearls) in front of them first. It was hilarious!"

"Brother Fan, you really have to thank Lao Wu and me this time. We gave out a whole bunch of gifts up front, so we felt bad giving too little!"

·

As Zhong Cai spoke, the other three people present generally nodded and smiled in agreement. Zhong Cai would also glance at Wu Shaogan from time to time to make sure she hadn't said anything wrong, and Wu Shaogan, of course, would respond promptly.

After Zhong Cai finally finished speaking, Wu Shaogan handed her a cup of tea, which Zhong Cai gulped down in one go—ah! So refreshing!

Sang Yunchu met his disciple's bright eyes and chuckled, "It's time to show the strength of my Azure Dragon Sect. Cai'er did a good job and also displayed the style of her master."

Jiang Chongguang shouted in a loud voice, "Well done!"

Zhong Cai was immediately satisfied.

Sure enough, that's exactly what he and Lao Wu should have done!

Sang Yunchu took out a mustard seed bag, pushed it to Zhong Cai, and said with a smile, "This time, Cai'er has brought honor to the academy and me, so the expenses can't all be borne by Cai'er. I should also subsidize a little. Here, Cai'er, take this."

Zhong Cai didn't stand on ceremony with his master and readily took it, saying casually, "This disciple will not stand on ceremony with Master."

As he spoke, his soul quickly sank in and "saw" the amount inside.

A full five million low-grade mystic stones.

Zhong Cai beamed with joy and immediately put away the Xuan Stone, not forgetting to shower it with compliments: "Master is indeed the one with the most Xuan Stones! No one can compare to Master's wealth!"

Upon hearing this, Sang Yunchu laughed with delight.

Jiang Chongguang tossed a mustard seed bag to Wu Shaogan, too lazy to say anything more, but the meaning was very clear.

Wu Shaogan was equally unceremonious—sweeping his soul over, he indeed found it to be five million low-grade Xuan stones.

"Thank you, Master." Wu Shaogan smiled slightly and handed the mustard seed bag to Zhong Cai.

Zhong Cai took it casually, examined it skillfully, and then put it away with even greater ease.

Sang Yunchu raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Chongguang laughed heartily.

But this wasn't the first time such a scene had occurred, and the two masters were quite used to it.

·

After that, the master and his apprentices chatted happily for a while.

Sang Yunchu had a meal with the other three people.

After the meal, Jiang Chongguang had nothing to do, so he left first.

Wu Shaogan sat to the side, cross-legged in meditation, quietly waiting for his daughter, A-Cai, to ask her master questions and resolve her doubts about alchemy...

·

After that, things returned to normal.

Wu Shaogan and Zhong Cai had a full schedule every day, actively and diligently cultivating, honing their combat skills, refining elixirs and making talismans, and so on.

Of course, while they might not be inseparable in everything they do, they are always within each other's sight. Whenever they take a break and look up, they are guaranteed to have a pleasant look at each other, which will then motivate them to get back to work with renewed energy.

Zhong Cai devoted himself to alchemy.

If he used to spend only half his time each day on alchemy, now he devotes at least 70% of his time to it.

This wasn't because he had neglected honing his martial arts skills, but because he wanted to refine more types of level four pills.

Zhong Cai is doing her best to build up the foundation for the "Day of Return to Spring".

Because the test that Dan Shenmu puts on alchemists is only alchemy skills, he ensures that the success rate, the number of top-grade pills, and the total number of pills produced for each new type of pill he has learned meet a minimum standard: the success rate must be at least 80%, each batch must produce at least one top-grade pill, and each batch must be full of pills.

Then he immediately went on to try another one.

Each time, it would take him at least five or six days, and sometimes up to ten days, to learn how to make another type of elixir.

Everything went smoothly.

Wu Shaogan was also making preparations.

Aside from spending some time drawing purification talismans and practicing dual cultivation with Zhong Cai, he devoted all his other time to improving his combat power.

This training wasn't difficult. He casually summoned some Dao soldiers, nurtured their strength to the peak of the Suspended Illumination Realm, and then had them use their full power to besiege him.

Wu Shaogan progressed from fighting five opponents to fighting ten, and then gradually increased the number of opponents, getting surrounded by Taoist soldiers every day to improve his combat power.

As time went on, his combat power continued to increase.

The Taoist soldiers actually have different attack methods, and many of their attack angles are very tricky. They can even modify simple weaknesses that are exposed to a certain extent... so they are not easy to deal with.

And once they receive instructions, they really won't show any mercy.

Even though Wu Shaogan was exceptionally strong, the Dao soldiers were tireless. Relying solely on his deep foundation to wear them down was futile; he could only fight them with all his might.

However, the armor worn by the Taoist soldiers and their own bodies were very sturdy, making them difficult to harm.

Most of the time, Wu Shaogan endured the relentless and relentless attacks of the Taoist soldiers, constantly looking for opportunities to counterattack, until he could no longer hold on.

Wu Shaogan naturally suffered many injuries during this siege.

When Zhong Cai saw this, he was heartbroken, but it was unavoidable. He wouldn't stop his old man from making progress, so in the end he could only prepare as many top-grade healing pills as possible.

With the help of elixirs, Wu Shaogan became even more reckless in his battles against the Dao soldiers, his crazy enthusiasm—although surrounded, he still had a smile on his face—lasting for a long time... When things got too exciting, his lover would naturally come to help him out.

And so, both of them made rapid progress.

·

Before we knew it, half a year had passed.

Zhong Cai was able to refine a total of forty-one different types of fourth-grade pills.

During this period, he also participated in the assessment and remained at the top of the list. The number of stars on his badge was also changed to "41", further widening the gap between him and other fourth-level alchemists.

The alchemists all saw it and kept an eye on him, but they had all become numb to it.

Given the current situation, even if someone said that Zhong Cai was already capable of trying to refine level 5 pills, they would believe it.

Why is Zhong Cai still continuously adding new pills to his rank of fourth-level alchemist...?

Those alchemists with some connections are well aware of this.

For the sake of the Divine Wood!

The alchemists all felt that once the day of rejuvenation passed, Junior Brother Zhong would soon find the key to level 5 pills and advance to level 5—he might even become a level 5 pill king!

...Although they knew it was impossible to catch up, the many alchemists quickly found their martial arts cultivator companions and continued to hone their skills.

Yes, every alchemist who heard the news wanted to go to the Alchemy God Tree.

Even if they might not be able to satisfy the Divine Tree, they would not be willing to give up such a once-in-a-millennium opportunity.

So these alchemists were already working very hard to improve their alchemy skills, and when they saw Zhong Cai's ever-increasing achievements... after returning to their respective residences, they trained themselves with the utmost intensity.

Refining pills every single day! As long as they don't die, refine them to the point of death!

Under such circumstances, almost all alchemists were constantly improving their skills.

It wasn't just the fourth-level alchemists in the same region as Zhong Cai on the alchemy ranking that were affected; those at lower levels, such as the fifth and sixth, were also very familiar with Zhong Cai's name. Every time they saw a few more stars under Zhong Cai's name, many higher-level alchemists felt a chill run down their spines and their hair stood on end... and they dared not be idle.

·

Another half month passed, and Zhong Cai, who was refining pills, suddenly had a thought, and his movements became more agitated.

Perhaps because of this fluctuation, a faint smell of burning appeared in the alchemy furnace, and the furnace itself trembled slightly.

Zhong Cai reacted quickly, grabbed several different medicinal herbs from the side and threw them into the alchemy furnace, rapidly neutralizing some of the unhealthy medicinal properties and restoring the aroma to a faint fragrance.

The alchemy furnace has stabilized.

Zhong Cai calmed herself down and quickly threw in the other prepared medicinal herbs.

This series of actions was noticed by Wu Shaogan, who was meditating nearby. Seeing that everything was alright, he asked, "A-Cai, what's wrong?"

Zhong Cai shared her feelings from earlier and added, "Luckily, this batch wasn't wasted, otherwise we would have lost money."

Wu Shaogan immediately praised, "It's A Cai's alchemy skills that are outstanding; that's how she turned the tide."

Zhong Cai chuckled, quite pleased with himself.

Before long, the alchemy furnace vibrated, and the elixir condensed within.

The fragrance of the pills intensified, and Zhong Cai quickly collected them, placing them into different storage containers.

However, the mistake was due to a momentary lapse in concentration. Even with subsequent remedial measures, it still affected the medicinal materials to some extent. Therefore, the final pills produced were still full-quality pills, but all of them were of superior grade, with no exceptional quality pills appearing.

Zhong Cai had no complaints; he was already quite skilled at saving the patient to this extent.

·

After collecting the batch of pills, Zhong Cai said, "Let's go out and stop refining for now."

Wu Shaogan had no objection. He got up and accompanied Zhong Cai as they left the ancient city. They walked out of the house side by side and strolled around the hilltop on their own property to relax.

The two strolled along leisurely.

Soon, Zhong Cai's mood brightened.

Qingyu and Qinghui transformed into two fluffy balls and squatted on the thick tree branches.

Both of them can change size, and they are comfortable to be in either form.

And probably because they were raised by the couple from such tiny sizes, they quite like to stay in their fluffy state unless their masters give them other instructions.

Strangely enough, after they shrink, they retain their energy, and their weight also decreases.

Like this tree branch in front of them, if their weight remained the same, they wouldn't be able to squat on it at all, and it would easily break them. But now, the two furballs are swaying gently as the branch moves up and down.

They are absolutely adorable.

·

Zhong Cai reached out and took one of them off, rubbing it between her hands to relieve stress.

The other one, not wanting to stay alone on the branch, simply jumped down and perched on Wu Shaogan's shoulder—and was also picked and rubbed.

The two fluffy little balls seem to enjoy playing with their owners like this.

Just as the two masters and two pets were playing happily, a figure suddenly shot in from the horizon and landed beside them with lightning speed.

This is a puppet.

A puppet belonging to Sang Yunchu.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan quickly stuffed the ball of fur into their sleeves and went to meet it together.

"Did Master want to see us about something?"

The puppet came to deliver a message, saying succinctly, "The day of returning to spring has begun. In an hour, the master will take the two young masters to the Valley of the Pill God."

Zhong Cai was stunned. He had already recovered? He suddenly remembered his previous absent-mindedness and immediately understood—it was probably because he had been thinking about this matter these past few days and had a premonition.

Then, Zhong Cai looked at her husband, Lao Wu.

Wu Shaogan happened to be looking into his eyes.

The two said in unison, "We'll be right there."

·

Dan Shen Valley is naturally the valley where the Dan Shen Wood grows.

The news of the return of spring was timely, which must be because there were people from the Azure Dragon Guardian there all along. As soon as the Divine Tree began to sprout new buds, they would quickly discover it and transmit the news back through special channels.

However, the distance from here to Dan Shen Valley is quite far, and it will take a lot of time to get there, so we can't afford to delay.

Otherwise, by the time they finally arrive, the day of spring's return will have already passed, wouldn't it be a wasted trip?

·

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan had nothing to pack, and without waiting for an hour, they followed the puppet directly to the Mei Family Mountain Range.

Before long, we arrived.

From afar, it can be seen that the Mei Family Mountain Range is also very active, with many alchemists quickly contacting martial arts cultivators who are cooperating with them.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan quickly joined up with Sang Yunchu.

·

Jiang Chongguang was also there.

This time, all the alchemists from the Azure Dragon Academy traveled together on an eighth-level treasure ship to the Valley of the Pill God.

Since they were pressed for time, they used the Azure Dragon Warship, an eighth-level flying artifact created within the academy and representing the prestige of the Azure Dragon Academy.

Jiang Chongguang was the main bodyguard, but he didn't like to get involved, so other senior instructors from the Azure Dragon Academy were responsible for operating the treasure ship and handling the corresponding miscellaneous tasks.

In addition, more than ten spirit transformation mentors also came forward to protect him.

As the pillar of the bodyguards, Jiang Chongguang not only possesses unparalleled individual combat skills, but also carries a clone of his father with him. If any problems arise and his own strength is insufficient to handle the situation, he can release this clone to crush all demons and monsters.

·

When Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan saw their two masters, they quickly bowed and greeted them.

Sang Yunchu wasn't surprised to see them, and simply smiled and asked, "Cai'er, are you confident?"

Zhong Cai answered without hesitation: "Yes!"

He's made so many preparations and mastered so many pills, he doesn't believe he can't satisfy the Pill God Tree!

Sang Yunchu chuckled: "I also think that Cai'er will definitely gain a lot."

Zhong Cai chuckled.

Jiang Chongguang then gave his disciple a few words of advice: "Be careful when you are guarding your little Daoist partner, and don't let anyone take advantage of the situation."

Wu Shaogan said solemnly, "I will do my utmost."

·

Without delay, the master and his disciples headed outside.

Led by their two masters, Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan rode in a magnificent carriage and gracefully arrived at a very spacious open space in the academy.

There are already quite a few people here.

They were well-informed and arrived just as eagerly, ready to set off.

Zhong Cai looked closely and spotted several alchemists who looked somewhat familiar. Some were tense, some were suppressing their excitement, and others were talking to the martial arts cultivators beside them...

Many powerful auras also burst forth from time to time in the crowd, but because the Azure Dragon disciples almost always armed themselves fully and never parted with their defensive items, these auras, even if they were a bit chaotic, did not affect many people.

·

When the car landed on the ground, many people looked over.

The vehicle itself is a level six vehicle, so it is naturally quite imposing.

Jiang Chongguang was the first to appear outside the car.

Too many people in the college knew him, and they all immediately composed themselves, with even the whispering ones falling silent.

Immediately afterwards, everyone saw a handsome, slender young man walk out, followed by two familiar-looking junior brothers. After a moment's thought, they knew who they were.

So these are the people who have come over!

Of course, this is not surprising. Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan, this couple, will definitely go together. As the only disciples of two Spirit Transformation experts, how could their masters feel at ease sending them to a place like Dan Shen Mu, where the forces would inevitably become mixed soon?

Naturally, I quickly followed.

·

Zhong Cai and his three disciples stood in a relatively secluded spot, waiting quietly.

After the other alchemists and martial arts practitioners arrived, they gradually fell silent as well.

One after another, many alchemists and martial arts practitioners arrived together, gradually filling the open space...

Zhong Cai glanced around discreetly and immediately realized that their Azure Dragon Academy was indeed full of hidden talents. There were so many alchemists who could reach level three or above—don't be fooled by the small number on the alchemy ranking list, when you include those who couldn't make it, the number was dozens of times greater!

However, even with a large number of people, the level eight treasure ship was enough to accommodate them all.

·

Not long after, a figure appeared in the sky, and then a large shadow appeared behind the figure—a terrifyingly huge treasure ship appeared!

The figure quickly stood at the bow of the ship and announced loudly, "Anyone wishing to travel to Dan Shen Valley may board the ship—"

As soon as he finished speaking, more than a dozen figures appeared on the deck.

Both of them were Spirit Transformation Realm experts—Sang Yunchu and Jiang Chongguang weren't in a hurry and stayed with their two disciples.

Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan exchanged a glance, held hands, called out to their masters, and leaped up. When they landed safely on the deck, they found that their masters had already arrived.

Cultivators frequently arrived from the vicinity.

Numerous figures appeared with a "whoosh," quickly filling the deck.

Interestingly, as expected of an eighth-class treasure ship, the deck could never be filled.

No matter how many cultivators arrived, and even though the treasure ship "swallowed" hundreds of people, it was never crowded, and the interior space always maintained a very comfortable state.

·

Zhong Cai looked back.

The cabins are also very… outstanding.

First of all, it was very large, and then it was built into a huge pavilion that was more than ten stories high!

Each floor has multiple small cabins, which are undoubtedly available for passengers to choose from.

The pavilion itself is very grand and imposing, with a deep and dignified color, full of spirit and without a trace of frivolity.

·

The leader of the group, a Spirit Transformation cultivator, announced loudly, "Disciples may choose their own cabins. We will inform you upon arrival—"

The sound was not loud, but it was clearly transmitted to everyone's ears.

Not long after the words were spoken, many alchemists, protected by martial arts cultivators, entered the pavilion.

Zhong Cai pulled Wu Shaogan aside and said goodbye to his two masters.

Sang Yunchu and Jiang Chongguang also went to meet up with the other Spirit Transformation cultivators.

Of course, Sang Yunchu isn't boarding the ship as a Spirit Transformation expert; he's using his status as an eighth-level alchemist. Besides him, there are actually several seventh-level alchemists going along as well. Even if they can't climb the Pill God Tree, they still want to witness the excitement of such an event firsthand.

In Dan Shen Valley, there will inevitably be many other high-level alchemists from other forces going there as well. The seventh and eighth level alchemists, led by Sang Yunchu, will also take the opportunity to exchange and spar with other alchemists.

In any case, every time the Dan Shen Tree returns to spring, it is a grand gathering for alchemists!

·

The speed of the level 8 treasure ship was really very fast.

Even though the Dan Shen Tree was so far away, with this treasure ship as our mode of transport, we arrived smoothly in just one and a half days...

The Valley of the God of Elixir is almost here!