Eternal Life: My Talents Can Refresh

Chapter 417 - 204: Hidden Strength, Golden Core’s Visit

Chu Ning felt a chill in his heart.

He followed the others, slightly cupping his hands in salute.

Even if "Alchemist Xiao" was reclusive, he wouldn’t be so arrogant as to display haughtiness in front of a Golden Core Cultivator.

Gong Yuyuan, dressed in a purple Daoist robe, had a smile on his face, swept his gaze around at everyone present, and then slowly began to speak:

"The Major Sect has some matters to discuss with Alchemist Xiao; the rest of you may leave for now."

Upon hearing Gong Yuyuan’s words, many cultivators immediately bore complex expressions and left one after another.

Among them, Cheng Depeng’s face was the most complicated.

He was well aware of the situation within the Jiuhua Sect’s Alchemy Pavilion.

At this point, he also knew that with the Jiuhua Sect’s involvement, his hopes of acquiring the Foundation Establishment Pill were likely dashed completely.

After everyone had departed, He Yanmao, whom Chu Ning had met before, cracked a smile on his stern face and then said to Chu Ning:

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, this is our Jiuhua Sect’s Grand Elder, Master Gong.

Master Gong, this is Fellow Daoist Xiao."

"Greetings, Elder Gong." Chu Ning did not act presumptuously, and once again cupped his hands in a salute.

Gong Yuyuan smiled and said:

"Alchemist Xiao, I wonder if it would be convenient to have a chat in your cave mansion."

"Please, Elder!" Chu Ning nodded, made a gesture of invitation, and then took the lead to fly toward the cliff.

He simultaneously deactivated the array restriction.

Inviting both of them to a tea room in the pavilion, Chu Ning sat across from them.

Gong Yuyuan went straight to the point:

"Alchemist Xiao, you should have already guessed our purpose; I want to confirm something with you first.

I have heard that you have refined a Foundation Establishment Pill, and I wonder if you still have one."

"One left." Chu Ning said calmly, reaching out to place a jade bottle before Gong Yuyuan.

The latter did not take it, instead using his divine sense to scan the jade bottle, showing a trace of surprise on his face.

"Such a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill, Alchemist Xiao, have you refined this type of pill before?"

Chu Ning did not mention it was his first time refining, but vaguely said: "I followed my master and refined it once."

Gong Yuyuan nodded:

"I’ve heard that Alchemist Xiao has obtained the Ancient Sect’s alchemy technique inheritance; it appears that this is true."

He paused and continued:

"I am not sure how much Alchemist Xiao knows about the situation of alchemists within our Jiuhua Sect, but I’ll tell you.

Originally, there were three outstanding alchemists in the sect, all capable of refining Foundation Establishment Pills.

One is Junior Brother Ling, who is in secluded cultivation attacking the middle stage of Golden Core.

Another is Nephew Qiu, who has recently passed away, and Junior Brother Ling’s son, Nephew Ling, also met with misfortune outside."

As he spoke, Gong Yuyuan gestured to He Yanmao beside him.

"Nephew He has also been refining Foundation Establishment Pills recently, but the pill formation success rate is not high so far.

Even for our Jiuhua Sect, it’s difficult to provide enough materials for him to practice in a short time."

Hearing this, He Yanmao’s expression showed slight embarrassment.

Gong Yuyuan continued:

"Previously, Nephew He mentioned the matter of Fellow Daoist Xiao joining our Jiuhua Sect. Upon hearing that Alchemist Xiao could refine Foundation Establishment Pills, I came directly.

I hope Alchemist Xiao will seriously consider joining our Jiuhua Sect."

Chu Ning looked up at Gong Yuyuan, contemplating silently without replying immediately.

This was partly to suit Xiao Cheng’s character and, on the other hand, not agreeing too readily was to set conditions for obtaining more bargaining chips.

Gong Yuyuan continued:

"Since the Supreme Elder is in secluded cultivation and the Sect Leader is away, I’m here as the official representative of the Jiuhua Sect.

As long as Alchemist Xiao joins the Jiuhua Sect, I can agree to some of your demands on behalf of the Sect and provide sufficient alchemy and cultivation resources.

I also know that Alchemist Xiao, through selling elixirs, has acquired many cultivation resources, but the resources of a Major Sect are beyond your imagination."

At this point, Gong Yuyuan paused slightly and added lightly:

"There is one more thing Alchemist Xiao must understand.

If any Foundation Establishment Pills are circulating from Jiuhua Mountain, we also hope it would be through the Jiuhua Sect."

As he said this, Gong Yuyuan did not display any apparent force or aura, but his calm words sent a chill through Chu Ning.

Of course, he knew what Gong Yuyuan’s words implied.

It seemed this Golden Core Late Stage Cultivator intended to use both kindness and authority.

However, getting a Golden Core Late Stage Cultivator to persuade him for so long was about enough.

Sensing the moment was ripe, Chu Ning slowly said:

"Since Elder Gong has personally come to invite me, it would be inappropriate for a junior like me to refuse."

Upon hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Gong Yuyuan’s face.

"Great! If Alchemist Xiao joins, you will be a Steward in Jiuhua Sect’s Alchemy Pavilion.

I, Mr. Gong, promise that there will be no difference in terms of treatment or status, and possibly even higher."

He Yanmao, too, let out a sigh of relief in his heart.

Heaven knows how much pressure their Alchemy Hall has been under recently.

Chu Ning, however, maintained a relatively calm demeanor and slowly said:

"I can join the Jiuhua Sect, but I have a few conditions, and I hope Elder Gong will agree to them."

"Alchemist Xiao, please speak." Gong Yuyuan seemed to have anticipated that Chu Ning would set conditions, so he was not too surprised.

However, as Chu Ning continued, the expressions of both Gong Yuyuan and He Yanmao grew slightly astonished.

About half an hour later, the matter of Chu Ning joining the Jiuhua Sect was entirely settled.

In front of Gong Yuyuan, Chu Ning reached up to remove the silver mask from his face, revealing his youthful appearance.

Causing the two opposite him to be quite surprised.

...

A few days later, a rumor circulated near Jiuhua Mountain.

It was said that the famous Alchemist Xiao from near Jiuhua Mountain had refined Foundation Establishment Pills, and the Grand Elder of Jiuhua Sect personally went to invite him to join the sect.

However, this Alchemist Xiao did not agree, saying only that he would consider and respond in three days.

Yet three days later, when the Grand Elder of Jiuhua Sect returned, he found that Alchemist Xiao had already left.

Consequently, the Grand Elder of Jiuhua Sect was furious and issued a hunt order, demanding that the Jiuhua Sect make every effort to pursue him.

Many cultivators even went to Alchemist Xiao’s residence to check and found that the cliffside cave mansion had indeed been destroyed.

For a time, many cultivators near Jiuhua Mountain expressed sighs of regret.

Some lamented the hardships of being a loose cultivator, while others regretted not purchasing the Foundation Establishment Pill in time.

However, since Alchemist Xiao was always reclusive and had not made any friends, the matter soon faded from people’s memories.

No one mentioned it again.