Chapter 186 Seeing Lu Yuning Again
After the numerous treasure ships arrived, they all found an open space to dock.
Similar to, yet different from, when high in the air, now it's not the highest-ranking ships that get to the front; instead, level nine treasure ships choose their positions first, followed by the others. The lower the rank, the less choice they have, and some can only "squeeze in" and land in inconspicuous gaps.
The Azure Dragon Academy is a powerful institution, and its selection process is relatively quick.
Although many level-eight forces usually have to lag behind Canglong Academy because they have more Nirvana cultivators, now that Canglong has an level-eight alchemist like Sang Yunchu, Sang Yunchu's status in the territory of Dan Shenmu is higher than that of ordinary Nirvana cultivators, and the status of Canglong Academy will rise accordingly.
It should be noted that there are only about twenty level eight alchemists on the entire continent.
In the fifteenth state, including Sang Yunchu, there are only two others—the other is from the Tianxuan Sect and is also a confidant of the state lord.
That's not a small amount.
In some large states, there isn't even one.
·
The location chosen by the Azure Dragon Academy is quite large, situated to the left of the Pill God Tree.
The other level eight treasure ships each occupied their own territory, and were not too close to each other—but some had already agreed to place their territories adjacent to each other.
Many forces that have connections with major powers, or those that are dependent on them, will park their flying magical artifacts near these major powers.
·
On the deck of the treasure ship.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan stood together, waiting for further arrangements, their eyes fixed on the enormous Dan Shen Tree.
Only after reaching the bottom of the valley will one discover that the Dan Shen Tree is still quite far from the "treasure ship positions".
There was a huge depression at the bottom of the valley, filled with dark, fertile soil. The Dan Shen tree grew in the center of the fertile soil, its roots extending and occupying the entire area, and its branches also extending to the same extent.
If you stand on the edge of the pit, it feels as if you can directly touch the nearest leaf.
But the edge of the pit was filled with a strange power, like a huge defensive shield, blocking other people, flying artifacts and so on.
The fragrance emanating from the Dan Shen wood is still captivating, but the concentration is no different from when it was there—whether you are near or far, the scent is exactly the same, which is another peculiarity of it all.
Zhong Cai said in a low voice, "Just as the rumors said."
Wu Shaogan nodded slightly.
·
The Dan Shen tree is entirely green, towering thousands of feet high, with canopies like clouds, layer upon layer, numbering in the thousands and tens of thousands.
Each layer of the canopy has many branches, like a palm, and each branch is adorned with dense, half-arm-length, crescent-shaped emerald green leaves.
At the very front of these branches grows a huge leaf that is parallel to the branches and the ground. It is about several feet in diameter, like a palm holding something up, or like a series of thin wooden platforms. A rough estimate suggests that each huge leaf is about an inch thick.
The number of branches varies in each layer, and at a glance, it is impossible to count exactly how many wooden platforms there are.
Undoubtedly, this wooden platform is large enough to support both alchemists and martial arts practitioners, and also provides ample space for martial arts practitioners to move and leap on it.
·
After examining the Divine Pill Tree, Zhong Cai withdrew his gaze and couldn't help but look at his fellow alchemists around him with a somewhat strange expression.
"Old Wu, can you feel it?"
Wu Shaogan looked at him, his spiritual sense quickly gathering the faint sounds around him, and replied knowingly, "No."
·
It turns out that ever since Zhong Cai arrived at the bottom of the valley, he has strangely discovered that he can distinguish the level of the medicinal fragrance on each alchemist he sees—in other words, he can directly "see" what level of alchemist the other party is.
Many alchemists around were also discussing it, and they seemed to be able to "see" it clearly as well, as if an instinct had suddenly appeared.
In reality, although alchemists usually carry the scent of pills, it is very mixed. Even alchemists with very high alchemy skills may not be able to accurately determine the level of a lower-level alchemist. This is especially true for alchemists who have already condensed their pill imprints, as all the scents of pills naturally blend together, making them even more indistinguishable. Of course, the fewer pills one has learned and the less pill imprint one has, the easier it will be to distinguish them.
Unlike now, when all the alchemists look at each other, it's as if each other has "a certain level" written on their heads, crystal clear.
Zhong Cai asked Wu Shaogan because he wanted to know if martial arts cultivators could also "see".
In fact, it is not possible.
This seems to be a code circulating among alchemists.
Zhong Cai murmured, "It's quite interesting..."
Wu Shaogan smiled.
He could see that the light in his Ah Cai's eyes was even more lively, and her whole body was filled with eagerness.
·
Just then, a high-grade level seven treasure ship landed.
Zhong Cai glanced over instinctively and immediately recognized someone she knew.
Standing at the bow of the boat were Yuan Yifei and Yuan Bing, a married couple.
It turned out to be the treasure ship of the Lord of Jiuqu City.
The flying boat carried a large number of soldiers and generals guarding the city, as well as many alchemists who accompanied it.
Among them were several of Yuan Yifei's disciples, Ji Ting, Mi Wanyue, and Lu Yuning, who all came.
There was another person who looked somewhat familiar. Zhong Cai recognized him as Ding Jing, the alchemist who had once held a martial arts contest to find a husband. Standing next to him was his Daoist partner, Zong Ling.
After ten years, Ding Jing was still a fourth-level alchemist, while Zong Ling had reached the peak of the Suspended Illumination Realm. Although they didn't engage in any particularly intimate actions, their expressions showed a close bond, and their occasional glances at each other revealed affection. Their auras were also much stronger than before, demonstrating their considerable progress over the years.
Zhong Cai nudged Wu Shaogan.
Wu Shaogan looked over as well, and nodded with a smile.
This time, the two of them took a closer look at Master Yuan's disciples.
Ji Ting and Mi Wanyue looked much the same as they had back then, and the aura they exuded was still at the same level—they were originally level five and level four alchemists respectively, and it was never easy for them to improve their levels. However, although their levels hadn't increased, they should still be able to refine more pills when they actually started refining them.
As for his appearance and temperament, they are still the same as before, and his eyes are still clear.
And Lu Yuning...
He hadn't changed much; he was still handsome and looked very gentle.
However, although his cultivation level has reached the Suspended Illumination realm, it seems he has put in a lot of effort, but the aura of alchemy emanating from his body still seems to be at the third level.
·
Zhong Cai paused.
Over the years, because their masters were good friends, Uncle Yuan often asked his master about the difficulties in alchemy, and they also talked about Lu Yuning's matter.
Because Lu Yuning had harbored ill intentions towards him back then, his master learned some of this information and told him about it.
·
The year Lu Yuning was caught, Uncle Yuan told him to first choose someone he liked and break up with everyone else. To prevent him from disobeying, Uncle Yuan secretly had powerful figures from the City Lord's Mansion keep an eye on him and make him carry it out.
However, Lu Yuning didn't pick anyone and obediently broke up with them all before going into seclusion.
Senior Brother Ji Ting also followed his master's instructions and accompanied Lu Yuning into seclusion, watching over him to improve his alchemy skills.
Lu Yuning was very honest, but less than a year later, Senior Brother Ji Ting declined the job from Uncle Yuan. After Uncle Yuan repeatedly inquired, he learned that Lu Yuning had actually confessed her feelings to Senior Brother Ji Ting.
Senior Brother Ji Ting only felt brotherly affection for Lu Yuning and nothing more. After politely declining, he realized that it was just a misconception caused by his constant attention to Lu Yuning. He honestly reported this to his master and then went into seclusion to hone his alchemy skills.
Uncle Yuan had no choice but to send another guard to keep an eye on Lu Yuning, instructing him not to talk to her and to just watch her refine pills.
A few months later, the guard was caught sleeping with Lu Yuning.
The guard was very ashamed, saying it was a momentary impulse, while Lu Yuning also said it was to relieve her loneliness.
If the two were truly in love, Uncle Yuan wouldn't say much, but since they weren't, Uncle Yuan could only transfer the guards and replace them with one who was even stricter.
This time they managed to hold out for a year or two, but eventually they ended up getting back together.
It was still just a fleeting affair.
After changing to a third person, it was still just a fleeting affair after more than a year.
Three or four years have passed since then.
Uncle Yuan tested Lu Yuning's alchemy skills and found that he had learned less than five types of pills—and these were only level three pills!
This is a complete waste of talent!
Uncle Yuan was furious and personally kept an eye on Lu Yuning for a while.
He then realized that Lu Yuning would become restless and unable to sleep after refining pills for a long time each day. Many times, Lu Yuning looked at him with a hint of innocence, subtly revealing a seductive quality.
Although Lu Yuning quickly seemed to realize something and composed herself.
He soon took the initiative to ask questions again, but his wording and tone gradually became ambiguous.
Uncle Yuan took the initiative to talk to Lu Yuning.
Lu Yuning remained silent.
Uncle Yuan personally inspected Lu Yuning's companion treasure and found that there was no problem; it was not the kind of thing that required enticing others to cultivate.
Uncle Yuan examined Lu Yuning more carefully to see what kind of medicine he had been given—but there was none; his physical body, blood, and even his primordial spirit were all normal.
Uncle Yuan examined Lu Yuning carefully again to see if she had any special constitution—but no, she didn't. During the examination, Lu Yuning made some unintentional little movements that were somewhat suggestive—although it was very subtle, Uncle Yuan himself was a Spirit Transformation cultivator! How could he not notice that she was doing it on purpose?
Uncle Yuan couldn't understand it, and he was greatly shocked.
Uncle Yuan summoned his Daoist partner, Yuan Bing, to examine whether Lu Yuning had been afflicted by some evil magic.
Yuan Bing, with his extensive knowledge, still couldn't find any problems after a thorough inspection.
During the inspection, Lu Yuning also made some "unintentional small movements" towards Yuan Bing.
The couple: "..."
I just don't understand, where exactly is the problem?
Finally, the couple locked Lu Yuning in a secret room.
There was no one to guard him, and Lu Yuning was no longer required to refine pills; he was simply allowed to focus entirely on improving his strength.
This method seems to be somewhat effective; Lu Yuning did indeed improve her cultivation level.
However, Lu Yuning seemed focused on breaking through to the next level, and didn't spend too much time on the smaller stages of the Enlightenment realm that required accumulating foundation. She did consume quite a few pills, but the quantity was still somewhat insufficient...
·
This is considered a family scandal.
The reason Yuan Yifei told Sang Yunchu was because he really couldn't understand what was wrong with his disciple, so he asked his friend, who was already an eighth-level alchemist, if he could figure out what the problem was.
Sang Yunchu didn't see anything wrong.
So, setting aside all the impossibilities, Yuan Yifei and the others could only conclude that Lu Yuning simply couldn't give up her romantic affairs.
Zhong Cai was also very shocked when she heard about it.
In short, it's about forcibly demanding that Aquaman come ashore, and Aquaman is desperate and starving.
But for Yuan Yifei, there is absolutely no reason why he would let Lu Yuning go out and play with other people's feelings just because Lu Yuning can't quit.
Lu Yuning is really... anyone would do.
Even if he disguised himself, he would still flirt with anyone, and he didn't even seem to realize that he was flirting. He would accidentally reveal it... Once discovered, Yuan Yifei would be criticized for "failing to teach his disciples properly." He was afraid that when Lu Yuning got excited, she might think she was subtly seducing a powerful person, but she might just get killed by that powerful person.
I don't know where Lu Yuning got his confidence from, daring to make small moves in front of a Spirit Transformation Realm expert. Moreover, he wasn't just being audacious because he was Yuan Yifei's disciple; he actually thought that a Spirit Transformation Realm expert wouldn't be able to detect him!
Yuan Yifei is truly a complicated story.
But in the end, Lu Yuning was still his disciple. During the years he had imprisoned Lu Yuning, Lu Yuning's strength had indeed improved. So when the day of the return of spring arrived, he still took Lu Yuning with him, giving him a chance to obtain an opportunity.
However, he will still keep an eye on Lu Yuning, and after this matter is over, he will continue to lock Lu Yuning up.
·
Zhong Cai recalled how she felt after hearing news of Lu Yuning over the years, and her feelings were still hard to describe.
Wu Shaogan glanced at Lu Yuning with an indifferent expression.
However, the two of them still had a good impression of the other people in the city lord's mansion.
Zhong Cai pulled Wu Shaogan along, smiling and bowing respectfully: "Uncle Yuan, Uncle Yuan Bing! How have you been?"
There were many people on the Canglong's ship, but the two Spirit Transformation cultivators still quickly spotted Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan.
They smiled and nodded.
Yuan Yifei asked with a smile, "Cai'er, stop it, where's your master?"
At that moment, Sang Yunchu's gentle voice rang out: "You've only just arrived and you're already speaking so loudly, Brother Yifei, where's your manners?"
Yuan Yifei responded with a joke: "Compared to the eighth-level Sangdan King, I am naturally lacking in manners."
Without a sound, Sang Yunchu stood beside his disciples, the couple, and looked across at them.
The two friends hadn't even met in person when they started bickering.
Over there, Ji Ting and several other disciples also bowed to Sang Yunchu.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan then greeted Ji Ting and the others.
They were acquaintances and didn't exchange many pleasantries.
Mi Wanyue deliberately waved her hand at Zhong Cai, revealing a somewhat unconvinced expression.
·
—It was also during this decade that Mi Wanyue visited Canglong once and took the initiative to challenge Zhong Cai to a contest of alchemy skills.
This matter was simply carried out at Sang Yunchu's residence. Mi Wanyue suffered a crushing defeat and went back to work hard. Afterwards, she often asked Yuan Yifei about Zhong Cai's progress in alchemy, but every time she heard that she had suffered a crushing defeat, she could only continue to work hard.
Seeing that Mi Wanyue's alchemy skills were improving very quickly, Ji Ting was pleased and happy, but he also felt the pressure and was working hard as well.
As for the sense of shock and turmoil that Lu Yuning's confession brought him, it dissipated on its own through his continuous efforts... Ji Ting is actually making rapid progress as well.
Although Lu Yuning was a real headache for Yuan Yifei, he was very satisfied with both his eldest and second disciples.
This time, he also believed that his two disciples could achieve good results.
·
Both Sang Yunchu and Yuan Yifei were surrounded by many people, so they didn't exchange many pleasantries for the time being. After saying hello, they each went about their own business.
By this time, almost all the flying magical artifacts had landed.
Two more beams of light appeared on those two level-nine treasure ships.
They are the clones of ninth-level alchemists.
The two level-nine alchemists slightly raised their hands.
Behind them, many alchemy disciples sat cross-legged, each with an alchemy furnace in front of them.
They've begun refining the elixir.
As if sending a signal, the alchemists on the other treasure ships also began to make preparations.
·
Sang Yunchu chuckled and said, "Go ahead."
These words were not only spoken to his own disciples, but also, in his capacity as an eighth-level alchemist, to all the alchemist disciples of the Azure Dragon Academy.
Meanwhile, the martial arts cultivators on the deck made way, leaving enough space for their companions to refine pills.
Wu Shaogan was the same.
As he moved swiftly, he sensed the surging air currents around him, which were the auras of other martial arts cultivators clearing away nearby "obstacles".
Wu Shaogan released his aura, which collided with and competed with the surrounding air currents.
Soon, an open space of about a few feet in diameter appeared near him.
Zhong Cai immediately gave Wu Shaogan a bright smile, and with a flick of his hand, he took out a pill furnace and several baskets of medicinal herbs.
The wood and fire churned beneath the alchemy furnace. Zhong Cai's movements were lightning-fast; she handled the first medicinal herb with ease and skill. As the wood and fire warmed the furnace to its optimal state, she tossed the herb inside.
An almost inaudible hissing sound rang out inside the alchemy furnace as the medicinal herbs were rapidly melted.
The next moment, the second medicinal herb was thrown in as well.
The movements were incredibly fluid.
·
At this moment, if one were to look down from high above, one would see that the decks of countless treasure ships were densely packed with alchemists.
Countless martial arts cultivators stood guard beside the alchemist, wary of any potential interference from the surroundings.
Beneath countless alchemy furnaces, fires of wood surged and churned.
·
Normally, within their respective territories and cities, a level three alchemist is considered quite good, and their total number is not large.
However, there are too many people on the entire continent, and the lifespans of cultivators are too long, resulting in a considerable number of alchemists at or above the third level.
When alchemists from countless cities responded and came to gather together... it became somewhat terrifying.
Gradually, a faint fragrance began to emanate from the alchemists' furnaces.
This indicates that every step has gone smoothly, and the elixir is showing signs of success.
But as the aroma spread, a sudden burst of loud popping sounds also occurred.
This caused many alchemists to explode their furnaces again.
Perhaps it was a bad mindset, or perhaps there was a mistake in the refining process... they had no choice but to start over.
·
The Azure Dragon Academy's treasure ship, nearby level seven treasure ships, and other level eight treasure ships not far away... were filled with the fragrance of elixirs, which continued to waft out.
So far, not a single alchemist has experienced a furnace explosion.
Zhong Cai refined the pill methodically. Although it took quite a while to refine a fourth-grade pill, he showed no impatience whatsoever.
In his alchemy furnace, every step of the reaction of numerous medicinal herbs was remarkably perfect.
·
Countless spiritual thoughts swept over the alchemists who were refining pills.
If you examine these soul fragments closely, you'll find that none of them belong to martial arts cultivators; they all originate from alchemists.
High-level alchemists were admiring promising young talents.
They were highly skilled in refining elixirs and knew a large number of elixir formulas. They could instantly recognize the elixirs being refined by most of the alchemists present, simply by looking at the medicinal herbs prepared beside them.
When their spiritual senses swept over the alchemy furnace, they could clearly see the reactions within it and immediately discern the superiority or inferiority of each.
Meanwhile, amidst the intertwining of their thoughts, many advanced alchemists were chatting and laughing.
·
"The disciple of a ninth-level alchemist is indeed extraordinary. His method of processing medicinal herbs is almost perfect. If I were their age, I could not have done so."
"The disciples of several veteran level-eight alchemists are also quite good; their pills are about to condense in their furnaces."
"Look at them, that one, that one, and the other disciple's master seem to be a level seven alchemist?"
"I am indeed your junior disciple, and I humbly request your guidance, senior."
"Haha! Your teaching methods are excellent! Two of your disciples are particularly outstanding; they are sure to produce top-notch students!"
"Thank you for your praise, senior. I will do my best."
·
Although the many advanced alchemists did not gather together, the area radiated by their spiritual senses was very wide. Many of them had known each other for a long time, and their communication was like that of a large chat group and many smaller chat groups. Their conversation was very casual and smooth.
Whenever they see a junior who can produce top-grade pills, they might mention it.
·
"The requirements for an eighth-level power are indeed much stricter. Look, quite a few disciples are already about to produce their cores."
"The pills produced are of exceptional quality, very good!"
"However, some of them are older and may not have enough talent; they are just skilled."
"It is not necessarily a bad thing for someone to achieve great things later in life."
"Some of them are only refined to the third grade. Even if they produce a top-grade pill, it doesn't necessarily mean that the person has extraordinary talent."
"In my opinion, among the great alchemists, only those at the fourth level are somewhat worth considering."
"Perfect timing, let's look over there!"
Suddenly, an eighth-level alchemist raised his voice slightly.
In an instant, the spiritual senses of dozens of alchemists swept in that direction.
·
On the deck of an eighth-class treasure ship, a handsome and agile young alchemist was constantly making hand seals, and his alchemy furnace was humming and trembling.
The medicinal fragrance emanating from his alchemy furnace was very refreshing, indicating that he had clearly reached the crucial stage of condensing the elixir.
After a short while, the young alchemist suddenly tapped the alchemy furnace and smoothly completed the last step.
The alchemy furnace trembled violently once more!
The young alchemist extinguished the fire and gently swept his hand to open the alchemy furnace.
Then, an even richer fragrance of cinnabar burst forth.
Six perfectly round pills jumped out of the furnace and landed directly in the young alchemist's hands.
Level 4 pills, full-strength pills, with the possibility of producing top-quality pills.
This is not surprising; many disciples of advanced alchemists can reach this level—or rather, advanced alchemists require their disciples to reach this level.
However……
This young alchemist was quite different.
Of the six pills he produced, five were of the highest quality!
The remaining one is also of superior quality.
·
For a moment, many advanced alchemists were speechless.
"Whose disciple is this...?"
Immediately, a soft laugh echoed from within a soul's consciousness.
[He is Sang's disciple.]
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