Chapter 347 Leaving the Liu Family
Before leaving, Zhong Cai visited the first hall.
Most of the higher-level resources have been bought up, but there are still quite a few lower-level resources left.
Zhong Cai thought about it for a while, but still didn't restock.
He has used up most of the suitable resources he has left. It wouldn't be good to create a few more level nine characters, would it?
If you replenish your supplies by drawing cards from the altar...
Over the past few months in the Land of All Beings, he has spent a considerable amount of time refining pills, accumulating a total of about five million pill essences, enough to support the two of them in five consecutive Golden Flame Pool runs.
But there are too many powerful beings here, so let's save the sacrifice for when we get out.
Next, he had to travel back while researching the purifying pills for the beast race's bloodline that he wanted to study, as well as the orders placed by the beast race.
Yes, just before those rare beasts finished watching the excitement, scavenging resources, and preparing to leave the general store, several more groups placed orders.
Let's take a look at the statistics now:
The order for those Shadow Serpents consisted of one hundred Level 5 Serpent Heart Pills, along with one thousand sets of materials, with the first twenty pills being free.
The Amber Blue Spider order is for a Level 7 Rainbow Light Pill.
The Moon-Gazing Wolf Clan arrived again and placed an order for five hundred Level 5 Beast Cleansing Pills.
The Celestial Lion Clan placed an order for one hundred Level 5 Lion Essence Pills.
The Mud Giant Lizard clan placed an order for one hundred Jade Scale Pills.
The Mighty Giant Bull Clan placed an order for one hundred Mighty Pills.
The Purple Light Ape clan placed an order for one hundred Beast Bone Pills.
All in all, a total of one thousand pills need to be refined.
Moreover, there are three new skills to learn, making the task quite demanding.
However, once they are all refined, a large amount of pill essence can be accumulated.
·
Zhong Cai did the math and then sighed.
Wu Shaogan turned to look at him and asked, "A-Cai, what's wrong?"
Zhong Cai said dejectedly, "Even if I work day and night without rest, I can only refine a maximum of eighteen pills out of a thousand. Add to that the training process, and the fact that I don't want to spend all my time refining pills, it will take at least several more months."
Wu Shaogan touched Zhong Cai's cheek to comfort her.
Zhong Cai rubbed his fingers together and said, "So I think I still need to integrate quickly, which can save half the time."
Wu Shao chuckled dryly, encouraging, "Ah Cai, keep trying!"
Zhong Cai pouted: "I've tried my best."
The two chatted casually, held hands, and took out the Gate of All Beings.
In an instant, a door three zhang tall appeared, just like the one they had when they entered the Land of All Beings.
The door panels were still engraved with countless patterns, displaying images of numerous rare beasts in front of the two.
Zhong Cai grabbed Wu Shaogan's hand and ran forward.
Now, you can simply push open this door and "go out the same way you came in."
·
After leaving the Gate of All Beings, as expected, the two of them were still at the Liu family's residence.
However, after not having been out for several months, and since it wasn't originally their own residence, it now felt somewhat unfamiliar at first glance.
Wu Shaogan saw that several array plates were emitting a soft glow, clearly operating naturally and providing a tight defense for the room. At least within the Liu family, no one could force their way in.
Zhong Cai quickly put away the Gate of All Beings and stuffed it into the ancient city.
Wu Shaogan raised his hand and dismantled many array plates, storing them in the ancient city.
After the couple finished their work, they looked at each other and exchanged a glance.
Zhong Cai raised her eyebrows: "What are you looking at?"
Wu Shaogan casually remarked, "What are you looking at me for?"
Zhong Cai laughed: "So what if I look?"
Wu Shaogan deliberately spread his arms wide and said with a smile, "Then you can just look around as you please."
After exchanging a few tongue-twisting words, the two couldn't help but laugh again.
It's time to go out, it's time to leave the Liu family.
·
Zhong Cai pushed open the door and was greeted by two beautiful young women sitting at a stone table, seemingly studying some combat techniques.
It was the Liu sisters.
Although the two sisters seemed to be discussing something very seriously, they quickly noticed Zhong Cai when she came out and looked over immediately.
Upon seeing Zhong Cai, the two sisters immediately showed a look of joy and quickly stood up.
"Master Zhong Dan!"
When they saw Wu Shaogan come out of the house, their joyful smiles faded slightly, and their expressions became more serious. They respectfully greeted him, "Senior Wu."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan walked over.
"Have you been guarding this place the whole time?"
The Liu sisters wanted to give up their seats.
Zhong Cai waved her hand, indicating that they didn't need to do that.
The two sisters then stopped moving and maintained a very respectful attitude.
Liu Jinlan answered their questions, saying, "We sisters take turns here, awaiting your orders."
Zhong Cai nodded and said, "You've worked hard. Take this to nourish your body."
As he spoke, he took out two bottles, each containing several level-three pills, which were indeed nourishing for the physical body of cultivators who had attained enlightenment and also had a certain restorative effect on their profound energy.
The quality of these items is also top-notch; they are from Zhongcai's previous inventory.
The Liu sisters quickly took the bottle, and without examining it closely, they solemnly thanked them, saying, "Thank you both for your generous gift."
Zhong Cai waved his hand again, indicating that there was no need for so many polite words.
Then, Wu Shaogan suddenly said, "We didn't expect to be delayed for so long, and it's not convenient for us to stay here any longer. We wonder where Patriarch Liu is? We'll go say goodbye together and then we'll be leaving."
The Liu sisters' expressions immediately changed, and they both subconsciously tried to persuade the others to stay.
But considering that the two had already stayed there for so long, it seemed inappropriate to persuade them to stay any longer.
For a moment, the two sisters were at a loss for words. After a pause, they said, "You two have been in seclusion for a long time. The patriarch instructed us to prepare a small banquet. Why don't you two move over and have a taste? My sister and I will go and inform the patriarch and then come back to report."
Zhong Cai smiled and said, "That's fine too."
Liu Jinlan and Liu Jinmian then split up into two groups.
On one side, he went to report the situation to the head of the Liu family, while on the other side, he led the Zhong and Wu couple to a neighboring courtyard for a meal.
Knowing that the two of them didn't like to socialize with too many people, Xiao Yan didn't make the banquet too extravagant. She simply tried her best to prepare delicious dishes that were suitable for the two of them.
The ingredients for this small banquet were not just prepared, but rather were allocated by the head of the family in advance and gradually arranged for the clansmen to prepare them. They were carefully stored away, just waiting for the couple to come out of seclusion so that they could be cooked immediately.
Now, in just a short while, a variety of dishes have been presented.
The couple sat facing each other in the pavilion, their legs touching.
They ate intimately.
·
About half an hour later, Liu Jinlan returned, accompanied by the head of the Liu family.
At that moment, the Zhong and Wu couple had just finished their meal. The servants cleaned up the mess and served them tea.
Zhong Cai tasted the tea and found it to be of extremely high quality.
When the head of the Liu family arrived, the couple stood up to greet him.
The head of the Liu family immediately quickened his pace and said apologetically, "I have been busy lately and have neglected the two young masters. Please forgive me."
Zhong Cai said, "Patriarch Liu, you flatter me. Please have a seat."
The head of the Liu family sat down and was served tea.
The group exchanged a few polite words.
Zhong Cai then said to the Liu family head, "We have disturbed your residence for too long, and it is time for us to leave. We would like to bid you farewell in person. We will remember the Liu family's hospitality."
The head of the Liu family laughed and said, "Both of you are outstanding individuals. My Liu family feels honored to have such a humble abode. If you would be willing to stay for another ten or eight years, my Liu family would be more than happy to do so."
Zhong Cai smiled and said, "Master Liu, you are too kind. If we are destined to meet again in the future, we will definitely come to visit again."
The head of the Liu family immediately understood that this meant their Liu family would be moving to their main branch in the Western River Region. These two were disciples of the Spirit Immortal Sect and the War God Hall, so their Liu family was practically living right at the doorstep of these two powerful forces.
There's plenty of time in the future; if we're willing to meet, we're very likely to do so.
The head of the Liu family didn't say anything more, but simply drank another round of tea with them and inquired about the time the two had left.
The Zhong and Wu couple also stated frankly that once the tea was finished, it would be time to leave.
It was quite rushed.
Afterwards, the head of the Liu family personally saw the two of them off at the door.
·
The main gate of the Liu family mansion was too busy with people coming and going, so Mr. and Mrs. Zhong went through the side gate instead.
The group walked outside and saw a wide avenue.
As soon as Zhong Cai raised his hand, a magical chariot appeared on the ground, its light flashing rapidly before dissipating after a few breaths.
However, there is no doubt that it is a level six mystical weapon, and its defensive capabilities must be quite high.
The head of the Liu family looked at the two of them, took out a mustard seed bag, and said, "I forgot to mention earlier that the Qin family of Linyang City came to visit you while you were in seclusion to express their gratitude."
He gestured slightly to the side.
Quietly, she followed the Liu sisters over and quickly explained in detail how the Qin family had come to deliver a thank-you gift and how Qin Huayue had waited for some time.
Zhong Cai first took the mustard seed bag, and then nodded slightly as she listened to the Liu sisters' story.
"If the Qin family and the Liu family still have contact in the future, please ask Patriarch Liu to pass on a message that it was just a small favor and there is no need to be polite."
Patriarch Liu readily agreed.
The Liu sisters had been waiting for them for several months, and having spent so much time together before, they felt a mixture of respect and fear towards the Zhong and Wu couple, but overall they still had a very good impression of them.
So when the two sisters left, their eyes showed a lot of reluctance—but this emotion only lasted for a moment, and they immediately suppressed it and turned it into a wish for the two to have a smooth journey.
Zhong Cai waved goodbye again, then pulled Wu Shaogan and jumped into the car.
He was very satisfied with the Liu family's efficient and decisive actions, and his attitude towards them remained consistently positive.
·
The luxury car quickly drove away and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
The head of the Liu family then said to the two sisters, "You have done very well these past few days."
The Liu sisters quickly replied, "It wasn't hard at all."
The head of the Liu family added, "Naturally, we should allocate more of our share."
The Liu sisters immediately replied, "Thank you, head of the family."
After smiling, the head of the Liu family mentioned that he would have his allowance delivered soon, and then strode into the Liu family mansion.
The two sisters followed closely behind and then returned to their dwelling.
The pills given by Master Zhong must be of great benefit to them. After resting for a while, they should go into seclusion immediately.
Improve your strength quickly!
·
After the carriage reached the outskirts of the city, it was replaced by a flying boat.
Immediately, the flying boat took off and streaked across the sky at an extremely high speed, heading into the distance.
·
Inside the flying boat.
There were piles of bloody and mangled materials around Zhong Cai, emitting a strong fishy smell.
He frowned, picked up some of them and weighed them in his hand, or gently touched and pressed the flesh with his fingertips to judge the medicinal properties, and then quickly determined them before throwing them aside.
In several basins lay hearts of varying sizes—not those of humans, but those of serpents.
Zhong Cai then rummaged through the snake hearts, sorting them over, and finally took one out.
Before him was a large alchemy furnace enveloped in wood and fire.
Inside, many medicinal herbs were already burning and making a crackling sound, emitting a rather strong aroma that was faintly enticing to the senses.
Zhong Cai had been continuously feeding the selected blood, flesh, and snake hearts into the alchemy furnace in order. In just a few breaths, they mixed with the other materials and produced a miraculous reaction.
The aroma is even stronger now.
Zhong Cai couldn't help but complain, "This is supposed to be alchemy? I think it's more like cooking."
Wu Shaogan chuckled.
Zhong Cai knew that Lao Wu was making fun of him, so he turned his head and glared at him before continuing to refine pills, but he couldn't help but laugh as well.
·
In fact, since the ingredients needed to refine the Snake Heart Pill are all flesh and blood, when Zhong Cai started making it, even if he followed the pill formula, if he made a mistake or the steps were unstable, it would often result in many of the ingredients being directly...cooked.
Snake meat tastes delicious, so unsurprisingly, it all ended up in his and Lao Wu's stomachs—only because of the limitations of their cultivation levels, Lao Wu could eat heartily each time, while he could only eat a little bit.
Now, after many attempts, Zhong Cai has become more skilled and can select medicinal herbs more easily. The practice of turning medicinal herbs into food has never happened again.
It's the fresh, meaty aroma that's always tempting Zhong Cai, the alchemist.
Fortunately, after these few days, Zhong Cai has overcome all difficulties and successfully completed the research. He has even successfully produced pills. The only thing left is to refine a few more batches to improve the success rate and the quality of the pills.
·
More than half an hour later, the elixir was successfully refined without failure.
With the continuous improvement of his alchemy skills, Zhong Cai's alchemy skills have maintained a very high level of continuous release.
Moreover, after he refined the first batch of Snake Heart Pills, Zhong Cai had already memorized all the procedures. When he continued to refine them, he could almost perfectly replicate the process, so he rarely made mistakes, and the quality of the pills became higher and higher each time.
Six pills have been produced so far, three of which are of superior quality and three of medium quality.
This is another top-grade one compared to the previous batch.
Wu Shaogan handed over a box from the side.
Inside the box, there were about ten Snake Heart Pills rolling around. After these six pills were also put in, there would be a full twenty, not one missing.
Wu Shaogan carefully put away the pills, planning to hand them over for inspection when he went to the Land of All Beings later.
·
Zhong Cai glanced at the box and stretched comfortably.
"We've finally collected all the free ones. We'll take whatever's left, it's all ours to earn."
Wu Shao chuckled dryly, pinched Zhong Cai's cheek, and fed him a piece of meat.
Zhong Cai chewed for a moment, then shut her mouth in satisfaction.
He had it much harder than Old Wu. He was constantly tempted by the snake meat and couldn't wait to devour it all, but he had to persevere and not let the alchemy fail...
Old Wu had a way with him; he prepared carefully roasted snake meat for him and would give him a piece whenever he had a craving.
Zhong Cai ate some, and the problem was solved.
·
The airship sped forward.
Zhong Cai completed the order for the Shadow Serpent.
Because each batch of materials can yield six pills in the later stages, after deducting the dozen or twenty practice sessions and the free ones submitted, the total amount of medicinal materials consumed does not exceed thirty batches.
The Shadow Serpent provided a full thousand portions of medicinal herbs!
The remaining supplies were all happily stored in the special resource room within the ancient city by Zhong Cai, ready for use at any time.
Zhong Cai murmured, "What should we study next..."
Wu Shaogan suggested, "Let's use the Lion Essence Pill."
Zhong Cai looked over.
Wu Shaogan continued, "There's still some time before we return to the sect. Why don't you, Acai, study these unfamiliar pills to pass the time?"
Zhong Cai thought about himself and realized that he did indeed lose track of time when he was researching the new elixir, so he readily agreed.
He took stock of the medicinal herbs in his herb garden, and then took out a lot of herbs that Tian Shi had given him... and started working.
Once the Lion Essence Pill is refined, we can begin researching the Giant Strength Pill.
If everything goes smoothly, by the time he returns to the sect, he should have mastered all three of these unfamiliar pills.
·
Zhong Cai was very confident, and the result did not exceed his expectations.
When the flying boat arrived at the Western River Region, Zhong Cai had successfully researched all three types of pills and achieved the full effect of all three.
Time flies so fast; when I first arrived here, it was already the beginning of the month again.
The Heavenly Rankings reappear.
The airship continued its journey, and Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan went up to the deck and looked up at the sky.
The two of them first looked at the martial arts rankings—Zhong Cai felt that since his old man Wu Xiao had broken through his cultivation level, his ranking on the list would definitely improve.
First, let's look at the alchemist rankings—Wu Shaogan believes that A Cai's alchemy skills have made breakthroughs while she was detoxifying Tan Zheng, which could improve her ranking.
Then……
After they looked at the list separately, they looked at each other again.
Wu Shaogan spoke first: "A Cai is already the fifth Pill King!"
Zhong Cai also said almost simultaneously, "Old Wu, you're practically in first place!"
After they spoke, they both fell silent at the same time.
Relying on his martial prowess, Wu Shaogan grabbed Zhong Cai's wrist and took him to see the alchemist ranking list.
Zhong Cai had no choice but to watch it, and after watching it, she chuckled and said, "I've improved a lot!"
Wu Shaogan patted Zhong Cai's head and agreed, "A Cai has always been like this. With just a little practice, her alchemy skills will improve by leaps and bounds."
Zhong Cai said smugly, "My talent is indeed exceptional!"
Wu Shaogan chuckled, then quickly moved his hand to pinch Zhong Cai's cheeks twice more.
After Zhong Cai finished feeling smug, he enthusiastically pulled Wu Shaogan aside and insisted that he look at the Sky Martial Arts Ranking.
Wu Shaogan wasn't particularly interested in his own ranking, but since A Cai wanted him to see it, he naturally went.
Upon seeing this, he raised an eyebrow slightly.
Zhong Cai laughed and said, "I knew you'd be surprised, right?"
Wu Shaogan: "You didn't say that."
Zhong Cai nudged Wu Shaogan: "So now you understand what 'almost number one' means?"
Wu Shaogan sighed softly: "All I know is that the great battle with Brother Chao is about to begin."
·
The two had been in the Land of All Beings, but due to its unique nature, they could not see the Heavenly Ranking.
Therefore, they were unaware of the wondrous changes on the Sky Ranking.
But things are different now that it's out.
Both of them saw that the names of the first and second place on the list kept changing up and down.
In other words, even the Sky Ranking cannot definitively say who is first and who is second between Wu Shaogan and Chao Hanxiao.
To determine the rankings, we have to start fighting.
·
Zhong Cai gently nudged Wu Shaogan and asked, "Old Wu, what do you think? Should you take the initiative to challenge Brother Chao?"
Wu Shaogan thought for a moment and then shook his head.
Zhong Cai was puzzled.
Wu Shaogan said, "Respond to all changes with constancy."
Zhong Cai glanced at Wu Shaogan, suddenly had an idea, blinked, and said, "You wouldn't be thinking that you can do whatever Chao Hanxiao wants, since you're not going to take the initiative anyway... right?"
Wu Shaogan smiled and said, "The rankings are right there. Whether to fight or not is up to Brother Chao."
Zhong Cai shook his head and deliberately sighed, "Old Wu, you really have no ambition."
Wu Shaogan raised his eyebrows: "Anyway, there are plenty of geniuses to spar with right now, so we won't miss Brother Chao's challenge."
·
Indeed, Chao Hanxiao is the one who is threatened now. If he wants to maintain his ranking, he has to take the initiative to challenge Wu Shaogan. If he doesn't care, then he can just wait for the changes in the Sky Ranking.
The problem is how to distribute the rewards on the Sky Ranking now.
·
Speaking of rewards, here they are.
As Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan were chatting and laughing, dozens of boxes descended at once, landing in front of them.
This number is extraordinary.
However, the two soon sensed the arrival of a divine will, informing them that this was the reward they had accumulated.
In other words, after the two entered the special location, the Land of All Beings, their ranking on the Sky Ranking remained the same, but their rewards were retained and are now being distributed together with this reward.
That's why so much has piled up.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan opened the boxes one by one.
Wu Shaogan's side basically just adds a few new items, or increases the number of some rewards.
Zhong Cai has moved from the top ten to the top five, and a special reward has been added for the top five.
After they finished looking at their own, they looked at each other's.
immediately……
Zhong Cai was a little surprised: "Old Wu, your bonus this month seems a bit low?"
Wu Shaogan nodded and explained to him, "My rewards were originally more than these, but because the first and second place were not decided, some of the rewards were put on hold."
Zhong Cai suddenly understood: "What's been sealed off is the part that's different between the top and second-ranked candidates."
Wu Shaogan nodded again.
Zhong Cai paused, then suddenly revealed a somewhat subtle expression: "So, will Chao Hanxiao, who is also unsure of his ranking, receive a reward almost identical to yours?"
Wu Shaogan: "...Probably?"
Zhong Cai stroked his chin and said, "I think we can check now to see if Brother Chao has sent you a message."
Wu Shaogan was taken aback before taking out the communication device that Chao Hanxiao had given him.
There was no message on the token.
So, Wu Shaogan shook his head at Zhong Cai.
Zhong Cai became curious.
Does this mean that Chao Hanxiao doesn't care about this ranking?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
