Chapter 198 Reactions from All Sides
No matter how unpleasant it was, alchemists and martial arts practitioners who fell from the Divine Pill Tree could not stay in the depression formed by the tree roots for long.
Ning Xuran said, "Take me back."
Zong Jinhai agreed, reached out and grabbed Ning Xuran's arm, and in a flash, brought him to an eighth-class treasure ship.
This was the treasure ship of the Golden Light Pavilion, the faction to which the two belonged.
Several handsome male and female cultivators came over and pushed Zong Jinhai to the back, comforting Ning Xuran with words of comfort and leading him into the cabin.
Zong Jinhai didn't compete with them; he simply walked at the back before taking out a pill and swallowing it.
Unless Ning Xuran takes the initiative to contact him, he will never try to make himself feel relevant.
At the same time, Zong Jinhai was also pondering.
The two people Ning Xuran had asked him to target were no ordinary individuals.
A master alchemist's skill is readily apparent, as evidenced by those top-grade pills. While the strength of a martial arts cultivator may not be immediately obvious, he had personally fought against them and could naturally ascertain that the opponent's strength was likely enough to take on several of him alone—not to mention, the opponent also had avatars.
Thinking of this, Zong Jinhai paused.
Incarnation.
He seemed somewhat familiar with something like this, a being that could condense such a clear and terrifyingly powerful avatar at the Suspended Illumination Realm.
At this moment, a spiritual thought arrived.
[Junior Brother Zong, you're usually so cautious, how could you possibly try to kill someone from Azure Dragon Academy?]
Zong Jinhai subconsciously turned his head and saw a calm and spirited woman standing not far away. Her name was Zhi Yuxiang, and she was his fellow disciple with whom he had collaborated several times.
He had a decent relationship with her, but her own background was quite good. She was a direct disciple of another Nirvana Elder. Although their relationship was certainly not as close as that between Ning Xuran and his grandfather, she had no shortage of resources and did not need to curry favor with Ning Xuran.
Reminded by Zhi Yuxiang, Zong Jinhai suddenly remembered.
Azure Dragon Academy! It turns out to be the top power in the fifteenth state, which is far behind them.
The Golden Pavilion is located in the second state, which is very far from the fifteenth state, separated by several states, and there is almost no communication between them.
Now he has unearthed some information about the Azure Dragon Academy from his memories. The academy does indeed have a very terrifying combat technique that can condense avatars, and even more than one avatar if one has enough profound energy.
This kind of avatar is naturally inferior to the true clone nurtured during the Nirvana Realm, but it can be very advantageous in combat.
Moreover, that battle technique seems to have other abilities... which means it requires a high level of comprehension, which is why not many people in the Azure Dragon Sect can learn and master it.
Even so, over the years, the number of Azure Dragon disciples who know combat techniques has accumulated to a considerable extent.
If Azure Dragon were to engage in battle with other forces, and given that Nirvana is not frequently unleashed, Azure Dragon would most likely hold an absolute advantage.
This is an extremely formidable force.
·
Zong Jinhai did not meet Zhi Yuxiang's gaze; instead, his expression turned somewhat grim as he reminisced.
[Senior Sister Yuxiang, do you know who those two people were just now?]
Zhi Yuxiang also didn't look at Zong Jinhai, and walked to the other side to stand, acting as if nothing had happened.
But in fact, she told Zong Jinhai everything she knew through telepathy.
[Zhong Caidan and Wu Shaogan are a Daoist couple. The former is the only disciple of Sang Yunchu, the newly promoted and youngest eighth-level Pill King, and is deeply favored by Pill King Sang; the latter is the only beloved disciple of Jiang Chongguang, the peerless battle king at the peak of the Spirit Transformation stage, and Jiang Chongguang is the only son of Jiang Yun, a Nirvana Realm expert.]
Senior Jiang Yun's combat strength is terrifying; he can single-handedly contend with two Nirvana Realm experts of similar cultivation levels. In other words, he can directly hold off two Nirvana Realm experts, keeping them busy.
The dean of Azure Dragon Academy has been in seclusion for many years, but she has a past relationship with the governor of the fifteenth state. Therefore, although Azure Dragon Academy is only an eighth-level power, in reality, as long as this dean is present, her status in the governor's heart will not be much inferior to that of the sect from which the governor once came.
·
The more Zong Jinhai listened, the paler his face became.
Although he followed Ning Xuran's orders and fought his way up, he did not kill everyone.
Ning Xuran himself was selective in his actions and would not actually deal with those of high birth—after all, there were so many alchemists on the first branch, there was no need to gnaw on tough nuts.
Therefore, both Zong Jinhai and Ning Xuran bypassed those they knew who came from prestigious families.
Zong Jinhai, in particular, would even ambush martial arts cultivators who were entangled with wooden beasts in order to improve the efficiency of the leaf blades. However, if he found that the opponent's moves were exquisite and not easy to deal with, he would let them go.
Those who would truly be killed by Zong Jinhai were naturally the ones whose strength was insufficient as soon as they were tested.
Most of the alchemists who died at Zong Jinhai's hands were not killed intentionally by him, but were caused by the residual force of his power... or because their own combat ability was too poor after the opponent's martial arts cultivator was gone, they fell and died.
But now...
Zong Jinhai's disgust for Ning Xuran grew even stronger.
His intuition was clearly warning him that Wu Shaogan was dangerous, but Ning Xuran directly ordered him to kill those two people, and he had no choice but to obey the order, kicking such a thick iron plate!
Zong Jinhai secretly harbored murderous intent towards Ning Xuran.
During the Spring Return Day, the various forces naturally refrained from fighting, and their actions on the Divine Pill Tree were all in accordance with the rules. However, after the Spring Return Day ended, who knew if the Azure Dragon would secretly plot against him?
Even if Canglong doesn't hold a grudge about the matter between disciples, he has already offended Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan!
Zong Jinhai felt a chill run down his spine as he recalled what happened on the Dan Shen Tree.
Based on his experience, he could now naturally realize that Wu Shaogan had begun to disguise himself ever since their leaves floated up.
So young, yet so deep in thought.
What's even more terrifying is that he clearly observed carefully, and for more than an hour, he still couldn't detect that the other party was pretending!
This shows that the opponent's understanding of different levels of combat power is also extremely advanced, and he can control his own fighting style at will - after all, if the control is not perfect, there will always be some flaws.
The more Zong Jinhai thought about it, the more goosebumps he got.
Such a person, unless they undergo Nirvana or are targeted by a supreme being, will never perish halfway through their journey.
And as long as he grows up...
He might even surpass his master, Jiang Chongguang!
The Jiang family, father and son, including their disciples, have truly surpassed their masters generation after generation.
and……
Zong Jinhai secretly wanted to slap himself.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan were at an altitude of over 700 zhang. Zhong Cai himself could summon wooden beasts, so it was clear that they were not looking for trouble everywhere, but rather relied on alchemy to ascend the mountain.
Therefore, Zhong Cai's initial height must not be low, which means he has exceptional talent.
With such talent, wouldn't a discerning high-level alchemist recognize his potential and take him in?
He even witnessed Zhong Cai refine so many top-grade pills—could such an ability have been achieved without guidance from a high-level alchemist?
Ning Xuran himself ordered the attack, probably because Zhong Cai was too young and his alchemy skills were too outstanding, which caused his jealousy to erupt at that moment. He was also confident that the Dan Shen Wood allowed conflict and that his backer could protect him.
But what about Zong Jinhai?
He's been provoking us so successfully that he's become smug without even realizing it!
Why resort to a "fatal blow" when one could have feigned compliance or tested the waters first?
·
Zhi Yuxiang's voice transmission was still ringing out.
[When you were on the Pill God Tree, King Sangdan easily refined a top-grade eighth-level pill, and it is said that his technique was perfect.]
Two out of three were auctioned off, both at top-tier prices. Even now, King Sangdan is surrounded by numerous Nirvana Realm experts, and several have already placed orders. With his influence, a single call from him could likely…
You were too reckless this time.
Upon hearing this, Zong Jinhai abruptly closed his eyes.
He should have followed his instincts; he really shouldn't have killed him.
While one could have a pretext to kill Wu Shaogan, in the course of battle, it was inevitable that one would use murderous intent to pressure the opponent.
But he unleashed two flashes of light with a single strike, even targeting the alchemist… that was quite unsightly. However, perhaps he could argue that it was to divert Wu Shaogan's attention?
In that instant, countless explanations flashed through Zong Jinhai's mind.
But regardless of the method, they all seem like forced attempts to justify themselves.
Ultimately, Zong Jinhai made his decision.
Anyway, I've gained quite a lot this time, so I should digest it properly. When I get back, I can rent a cultivation spot within the sect and go into seclusion for a life-long cultivation session.
With all his previous savings, he could cultivate for several decades.
During this period, he will not leave the sect again, nor will he have any further contact with Ning Xuran.
·
Sang Yunchu and Jiang Chongguang also witnessed the scene on the top floor of the Dan Shenmu tree.
Although the two were far apart, they could still see Ning Xuran giving the order and Zong Jinhai cooperating in the assassination attempt.
At that moment, Sang Yunchu's gentle smile froze slightly.
Jiang Chongguang's face darkened.
Other advanced alchemists and martial arts experts in the vicinity also witnessed the same scene.
Fighting is indeed allowed on the Dan Shen Tree, but who among them wouldn't discover the truth?
At first, everyone remained still, but after Zhong Cai produced the pill, the atmosphere became very strange as the furnace on the other side exploded.
The next move Ning Xuran made, in which she had Zong Jinhai take action... was clearly Ning Xuran's intention to eliminate Zhong Cai.
When Ning Xuran faced a top-tier alchemy genius like Zhong Cai, it was like many less-than-excellent alchemists encountering Sang Yunchu. The other party's abilities were far superior, leaving everyone in awe and unable to catch up, which was despair-inducing...
It's normal to feel jealousy or even resentment.
However, alchemists mostly need a peaceful state of mind to refine pills, and many alchemists will try to adjust their mindset after they find that it is not right.
Few alchemists would think that because the opponent is too powerful, it's enough as long as the opponent is gone.
Even if some alchemists try to harm alchemists with stronger alchemy skills, it is usually just a conflict of interest between the two parties—a conflict of interest in various aspects, but it is never just because of jealousy.
That Ning Xuran, she really has a narrow mind.
·
Countless high-level alchemists and martial arts experts focused their attention on Sang Yunchu.
Sang Yunchu withdrew her gaze and smiled slightly.
Then, he spoke softly, "Master Liu, your disciple has such a powerful aura."
Among the countless networks of telepathic communication, one transmission sounded awkward.
[Please forgive me, Senior Sang. I will certainly punish him severely upon our return.]
Sang Yunchu's voice softened, and he spoke openly and honestly: "With such a powerful force as the Golden Light Pavilion, how dare I, Sang, make any demands? It's just that Cai'er has had bad luck."
Master Liu of Jin Guang Ge: "..."
Although he was a level seven alchemist, he still broke out in a cold sweat when faced with the strange and sarcastic tone of a level eight alchemist.
At the same time, his opinion of Ning Xuran plummeted.
Given Ning Xuran's talent in alchemy, he falls somewhere between being someone he could take in and someone he couldn't, but he would never be a disciple that Ning Xuran values highly.
The reason he continued to teach him carefully was largely because he valued his grandfather, who was in the late Nirvana stage, and also because Ning Xuran frequently sent him seventh-grade rare medicines, which showed his filial piety.
Therefore, Master Liu also mobilized his connections and made various connections, and made reasonable use of the power of that Nirvana late-stage expert to broaden Ning Xuran's channels for improving his alchemy skills, which can be considered as giving enough reward.
Ke Ning and Xu Ran are such a handful!
In the past, he was very perceptive and would never target alchemists with good backgrounds. This time, however, he was blinded by jealousy and lost his mind!
He could no longer value a disciple like that.
He doesn't value it, and he'll only remain silent for a while because of King Sangdan; but if he continues to show that he values it, King Sangdan might target him! He can't withstand being targeted by an eighth-level pill king!
As a master alchemist, Master Liu still wants to continue his career in the circle of advanced alchemists.
·
The advanced alchemists rarely saw Sang Yunchu angry, so they remained silent for a moment, only exchanging a few words in secret.
However, in their view, this anger was justified.
If they had a disciple as outstanding as Zhong Cai, who focused solely on alchemy and didn't cause trouble, yet someone still wanted to kill him...
Don't say that this was permitted by Dan Shenmu.
The Dan Shenmu (丹神木) is meant to encourage martial arts practitioners to fight and test the alchemists' judgment, not to allow people to kill alchemists at will.
Although they won't do anything on the day of the return of spring, since it's clear that their own disciples didn't cause trouble, shouldn't they be allowed to retaliate afterwards?
If they don't retaliate, will their disciples' safety be guaranteed in the future?
Which family wouldn't feel sorry for their disciple?
Of course, since Zhong Cai didn't actually get into trouble, King Sangdan's retaliation was probably just a warning and not too severe.
·
The advanced alchemists were all focused on Zhong Cai, and hadn't expected that Wu Shaogan was also being targeted.
The martial arts experts didn't pay much attention either. After all, martial arts cultivators who had been exposed to the Divine Wood were meant to withstand all sorts of dangers, from wooden beasts to other martial arts cultivators. All sorts of crises were to be expected.
However, Jiang Chongguang was very unhappy.
He had previously witnessed many battles between martial arts cultivators on the Dan Shen Tree. Among them, Zong Jinhai provoked the most, reacted the fastest, and climbed the highest. His performance was naturally noticed by Jiang Chongguang.
Jiang Chongguang believed that Zong Jinhai dared to kill him directly because his master's strength was not enough.
If he is already a powerful expert, or if he is famous for his Nirvana, his disciples will definitely become well-known!
However, he is currently only a spirit.
Even if his combat strength is not bad, a Spirit Transformation is just a Spirit Transformation and cannot truly protect his disciples.
Jiang Chongguang's eyes flickered slightly.
If his master is powerful enough, his disciples wouldn't need to fake their strength or wait for others to make the first move... His disciples should be able to knock people down directly without any restraint.
Sang Yunchu seemed to have noticed something, and his gaze inadvertently swept over Jiang Chongguang.
He also had his own plans.
After we get back, we should refine more pills that will be useful to Senior Brother Jiang.
Senior Brother Jiang should take advantage of this momentum and quickly improve his strength.
Of course, pills to stabilize one's strength after a breakthrough are also indispensable...
·
On the other side, Ning Xuran gradually calmed down amidst the flattery of many disciples.
As her emotions shifted, Ning Xuran gradually calmed down and began to review the strengths of Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan.
He had a vague sense of unease.
The strength of that alchemist and martial arts cultivator...
Ning Xuran remained calm.
He initially thought that the martial arts cultivator was only good at archery, so he figured that the alchemist was probably just a genius from a less powerful force. He wanted to get rid of him before the Spring Return ended and before the alchemist was valued by a higher-level alchemist.
However, the martial arts cultivators accompanying him were extremely powerful, powerful enough to easily defeat Zong Jinhai... then I'm afraid...
Ning Xuran frowned.
I hope he's wrong.
...If the alchemist was already a disciple of a high-level alchemist, then things would be a bit complicated.
However, his grandfather will probably help him.
Anyway, nothing serious happened, so there shouldn't be any major problems.
At worst, he can just keep a low profile from now on.
·
Meanwhile, the powerful figures and advanced alchemists who accompanied the Golden Light Pavilion also reported the matter back to their sects.
At the same time, Sang Yunchu's sarcastic remarks were also relayed back.
How should this be resolved? Should we offer some form of compensation, or should we just pretend it never happened...?
We have to wait for the upper echelons of the Golden Light Pavilion to discuss it before making a decision.
Regardless, Zhong Cai's alchemy skills were too powerful, and his talent too high. If he were just an ordinary alchemist disciple, the Golden Light Pavilion wouldn't need to give him a second thought—after all, it was a contest encouraged by the Pill God Tree, and it wouldn't be acceptable for any alchemist to cause trouble.
But Sang Yunchu's only disciple was different.
Sang Yunchu and the Azure Dragon Academy are both extremely difficult to deal with!
·
While everyone reacted differently, Zhong Cai remained very calm as he refined the elixir.
Moreover, not long after, it produced another batch of five top-grade pills and one high-grade pill, and continued to feed them to the Pill God Wood.
However, Zhong Cai was also very clear about the previous battle.
Of course, with his old master Wu around, Zhong Cai wouldn't react at all even if the blade was right in front of his face. Besides, the threat had already been eliminated before he even got close, so he didn't care at all.
But at the same time, Zhong Cai also sensed the murderous intent.
Zhong Cai thought about it and felt that the murderous intent was quite normal.
It's a struggle.
Anyway, he has Lao Wu protecting him, so it doesn't matter. Lao Wu will take care of any who come.
Zhong Caichong and Wu Shaogan smiled.
He could tell at a glance that his old man, Wu, had not been harmed in the slightest and had no other problems... He was still the same healthy and handsome man.
That's fine.
Zhong Cai didn't even try to recall what the leaves that had floated up looked like, nor did she remember what her opponents looked like.
He simply smiled broadly at Wu Shaogan and praised, "Old Wu is the best!"
Wu Shaogan smiled slightly: "Don't worry, A-Cai."
Zhong Cai was very relieved.
Then, he took out some resources and continued to refine his Flying Feather Pill.
·
Before I knew it, another day had passed.
Zhong Cai opened the furnace again.
This time, he had a strong premonition of success, and even during the refining process, he felt that every step was perfect.
It should be fine...
Zhong took out all the Flying Feather Pills.
Then, he gave a very satisfied smile.
He said it was no problem!
The pills have been produced, and they are all of the highest quality!
He finally crafted the Flying Feather Pill!
This is also the second elixir that Zhong Cai has produced that has reached such a perfect level.
·
We will proceed according to the established procedure.
Zhong Cai stood before the blue light, expectantly reaching out to scoop something out.
They first retrieved the jade tablet and other martial arts resources for Wu Shaogan, and then Zhong Cai brought out another book.
Zhong Cai opened it to take a look.
Without a doubt, this is the middle part of the nine-level inheritance.
Sure enough, the detailed outlines of various knowledge in this book continue up to level seven, encompassing a wide range of topics and being extremely comprehensive.
It wasn't until levels eight and nine that I started to fall short again.
Zhong Cai was not in a hurry.
Having gained experience with two top-grade pills, he felt his alchemy skills had improved further, and he had greater confidence in making other pills! He believed that when refining the third pill, he wouldn't need as much time as the previous two.
Even at this moment, Zhong Cai secretly harbored some ambition.
Did he... also try to refine all forty-one kinds of pills he knew to this level?
Perhaps he can do it, perhaps he can't.
But as long as this day of spring returns lasts for one more day, he will definitely come one by one!
·
Zhong Cai also took out two other alchemist resources, but they were only rare herbs and not as good as the ninth-level inheritance.
He wasted no time and hurriedly pulled his old man, Wu, to resume refining pills.
At that moment, he was truly thrilled.
·
What happened next did not surprise Zhong Cai.
Two or three days later, Zhong Cai had refined the third type of pill to the highest grade.
At the same time, he also obtained the second part of the ninth-level inheritance.
Thus, the entire set of traditions was complete.
After Wu Shaogan collected all three booklets, they miraculously merged together to form a thick, complete book.
Zhong Cai smiled with joy.
But this is not the end.
Zhong Cai continued to refine the fourth type.
He was eager to know what kind of resources Dan Shenmu would give him if he continued to succeed like this.
Perhaps... there will be even more inheritances?
Or perhaps, each person can only have...
Let's polish it first, no matter what!
Zhong Cai had some guesses, was very much looking forward to it, and continued to do so.
·
Two or three days later, Zhong Cai successfully refined the fourth type of elixir.
The furnace lid was lifted.
This time, six top-grade Breakthrough Pills were retrieved from them!
Breakthrough Pills are extremely expensive pills. If each batch can produce so many top-grade ones, we should be able to make a lot of money...
Zhong Cai was thinking all sorts of random thoughts when he fed the Dan Shen Wood and quickly appeared in front of the azure light.
The resources are still retrieved from it.
After finding the three jade tablets meant for Wu Shaogan, Zhong Cai pulled out another strange object from them.
Subconsciously, Zhong Cai looked down to observe.
It looks a bit like... a flower basket?
No, no, no, upon closer inspection, it seems to be something nested within something, which is quite strange.
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