Chapter 113: Second-rank Alchemist
Two and a half years later.
Tianxuan City had already developed into a sanctuary for rogue cultivators.
It attracted countless rogue cultivators to gather, becoming even more prosperous than when it was jointly governed by three factions.
After all, in the world of cultivation, in terms of heritage and quality, rogue cultivators might not compare to those sects and great clans, but in terms of sheer numbers, they were like wild grass.
Rogue cultivators could not be burned out.
【Lifespan: 60/215】
【Realm: Early-stage Foundation Establishment (22/100)】
“Sixty years old and at the early-stage Foundation Establishment Realm. Among rogue cultivators, that's already quite good.”
Inside the cave abode, Lin Chang’an looked at the unchanging face reflected on the calm surface of the teacup and sighed.
This was the charm of cultivation. Sixty years old for a Foundation Establishment cultivator was merely the beginning. It felt like growing younger with age.
“These past years, I really underestimated the alchemical skill. Or rather, every one of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation has its own profundity and should not be taken lightly.”
Before him, the alchemy furnace flickered with firelight. As his cultivation deepened and the spiritual power of his cultivation method became purer, true fire could already be freely controlled.
“It's done.”
Half a stick of incense later, as the fire in the alchemy furnace gradually receded and the scent of pills wafted out, Lin Chang’an’s face revealed a satisfied smile.
And the panel notification sounded.
【Second-rank Alchemist +5 (Beginner 4/100)】
“Second-rank Alchemist, finally achieved.”
As the alchemy furnace opened, five pills radiating spiritual light floated out, making Lin Chang’an feel deeply moved.
He had successfully established his Foundation at age fifty-four and then began to delve into the path of alchemy. It had taken him more than six years to break through to second-rank.
Though he felt it was a bit slow, if word got out, it would surely make many people green with envy.
“Second-rank low-grade pills, finally refined.”
Looking at the pills in his palm, still radiating heat, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but shake his head.
He had been quite confident before, thinking he could break through in a year at most, but he hadn’t expected it to become harder the further he went.
For that final step, he had endured for a long time.
“But in the end, hard work pays off. Advancing a skill to second-rank in six years—this kind of talent is rare even in the world of cultivation.”
Looking at his cultivation proficiency, he finally no longer had to endure the torturously slow pace of cultivation.
“Second-rank pill, let me see what you can do.”
Taking a deep breath, Lin Chang’an composed his mind and swallowed a pill, then began to operate the Essence Condensation Method to absorb the medicinal power.
Indeed, being a second-rank pill, the potent medicinal power surged in his abdomen, then was encapsulated and filtered by the crystalline core of the Essence Condensation Method, transforming into pure spiritual power.
This feeling, after more than six years of barely noticeable cultivation progress, finally felt tangible.
And so vivid.
Five days later, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes. The medicinal power of that second-rank pill had finally been fully absorbed.
“This speed of cultivation is clearly a whole level higher. If I always had second-rank pills to aid in cultivation, then my speed would at least double.”
After seeing that six years of effort hadn’t been in vain, a smile appeared on Lin Chang’an’s face.
“However, the main ingredients for refining pills are about used up. I should go restock first, then begin large-scale refinement for cultivation support.”
It was all thanks to the rapid development of Tianxuan City in recent years. That Master Lu had vast connections, reaching even the neighboring countries.
Trade in the marketplace within Tianxuan City had become increasingly vibrant, allowing his second-rank talismans to be sold with ease.
This gave him great convenience. In the past two years, whether refining pills, drawing talismans, or occasionally studying formations and other miscellaneous arts, none of it had delayed his cultivation.
Walking out of the cave abode, the Azure-Horned Bull, soaking in the pool and basking in the sun, immediately perked up and emerged from the water upon seeing its master.
The enormous, muscular body exuded a sense of oppression, yet the giant beast now displayed a fawning expression.
“Moo, moo.”
Looking at the Azure-Horned Bull’s ingratiating calls, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but stroke its smooth hide enviously.
“Top-grade bloodline, truly enviable.”
This Azure-Horned Bull only needed to eat and drink well every day, yet its cultivation progress wasn’t a bit inferior to his own.
Judging by the aura it now faintly emitted, it would likely break through to mid-stage second-rank within another decade or so.
This made Lin Chang’an sigh with emotion.
“There really isn’t much difference between humans and demon beasts. Spiritual roots and bloodlines are essentially the same—everything is determined at birth.”
But precisely because of this, both human cultivators and demon beasts were fighting against fate.
Humans created cultivation methods, refined spirit pills, and altered their spiritual root aptitude.
Demon beasts, driven by instinct, sought spirit herbs and rare fruits to evolve their bloodlines.
Different paths, same goal—all striving to seize the fortune of heaven and earth.
“But you, my bull, are lucky to have met me. Ordinary folks wouldn’t be willing to raise you like this.”
Looking at the Azure-Horned Bull’s current development, Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.
In addition to the spirit herbs and fruits sent regularly by the Zhou Family to feed the Azure-Horned Bull, he had also gained a great deal of knowledge on beast taming over the past two years.
He would occasionally buy some in the marketplace trading zone.
Otherwise, how could this bull have grown so fast?
It was all piled up with spirit stones.
“Let’s go. Follow me to the marketplace trading zone.”
Before heading out, Lin Chang’an habitually stored the Azure-Horned Bull into the Spirit Beast Pouch. After all, having a second-rank spirit beast by his side brought peace of mind.
...
“Greetings, Senior Lin.”
Just as he stepped out of his cave abode, he ran into the two grandsons of Fellow Daoist Chen Qing from next door—Chen Wen and Chen Feng.
“So it’s the two young friends.”
The two young men had grown even more mature, especially since both of them were now at the mid-stage of Qi Refinement.
“Senior Lin, there’s a pest problem in the spirit fields recently. We’re worried it’ll affect this year’s harvest, so we came to visit grandfather.”
The honest and simple Chen Feng smiled and explained the reason for their visit.
Lin Chang’an nodded in realization.
Even in the world of cultivation, various spirit insects existed, and pest outbreaks in spirit fields were common.
Poorer cultivators, unwilling to spend spirit stones, would guard the fields themselves against pests.
Those with slightly better conditions would purchase spirit medicines specifically for pest control, or use other methods.
“I see. Then go notify Fellow Daoist Chen quickly.”
Lin Chang’an lightly nodded and then made his way toward the marketplace trading zone.
However, after the two entered their family patriarch’s cave abode, Chen Wen immediately revealed a displeased look and muttered,
“Chen Feng, can’t you stop siding with outsiders? Why’d you tell him about this? If the spirit field yield is poor this year, I want to see how that freeloading son-in-law friend of his continues to rent.”
It was clear Chen Wen still held a grudge about not being able to rent the spirit field back then.
But Chen Feng shook his head and replied,
“Big Brother, what are you thinking? Senior Lin’s spirit field is rented to the Zhou Family.”
At this, Chen Wen couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy, secretly resentful that Lin Chang’an was merely trying to curry favor with the Zhou Family.
“Grandfather.”
Inside the cave abode, upon hearing the two report, Chen Qing furrowed his brows and finally shook his head helplessly.
Ever since reaching Foundation Establishment, although life had improved, so had the number of trivial matters.
Over the past two years, the once decisive and stern rogue cultivator Chen Qing had gained a more approachable demeanor, smoothed out by the minutiae of daily affairs.
“Pest infestation, is it?”
“Yes, grandfather. The family can’t afford to be careless with this. It’s one hundred mu of spirit fields. One misstep could impact the family’s entire year of development.”
Chen Wen hurried to express his concern. After all, the family had only recently stabilized. It wasn’t like the old days.
If this year’s income took a hit, it would directly affect his cultivation resources.
“No worries.”
To Chen Wen’s concerns, Chen Qing, now a Foundation Establishment cultivator, remained composed. After all, he had weathered far too many storms as a rogue cultivator.
“Just in time to visit the Zhou Family and seek that Fellow Daoist Lin’s friend, to purchase some spirit chickens. Not only can they prevent pest infestations, but after a year of raising, they’ll add a good amount of spirit flesh to our clan.”
“Senior Lin’s friend from the Zhou Family!?”
Upon hearing that they were going to find the freeloading son-in-law who had taken their spirit field, Chen Wen couldn’t help but show displeasure on his face and frowned as he said:
“Grandfather, now that our Chen Family also has an inherited foundation in spirit fields, and with you, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, sitting in charge, why should we lower ourselves to seek out a freeloading son-in-law? We should go directly to the Zhou Family.”
The Chen Family still didn’t know that Lin Chang’an had rented a high-grade one hundred mu spirit field from the Zhou Family. They had always assumed it was that freeloading son-in-law Li Erniu relying on the Zhou Family to rent it.
So Chen Wen expressed his dissatisfaction, believing that his grandfather was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Though the Chen Family could not compare to the Zhou Family, they were at least both Foundation Establishment clans. Shouldn’t they just go directly to the Zhou Family?
To go find someone who wasn’t even a Foundation Establishment cultivator—wasn’t that lowering their own status?
“Big Brother, Grandfather naturally has his reasons.”
Seeing the situation, Chen Feng, although also confused, was not as displeased as his elder brother. Instead, he felt his own strength was weak and believed he should focus more on cultivating.
Looking at the two most promising grandsons in the clan, Chen Qing, the Foundation Establishment cultivator, let out a sigh and showed a trace of wistfulness on his face.
“You two still don’t understand. Do you really think that just by becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator, all early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators are equal?”
Looking at the two of them, Chen Qing shook his head and began explaining to his grandsons.
“Cultivators of the same realm are also divided into ranks. Take Fellow Daoist Lin for example—he is a second-rank Talisman Master. In every aspect, he surpasses me. Do you understand?
Just the profits from talismans alone match our entire clan’s annual income.”
Different circles offered different experiences. In the eyes of two Qi Refinement cultivators, once someone reached Foundation Establishment, it was proof that a rogue cultivator had succeeded.
But they didn’t understand that even among Foundation Establishment cultivators, the gap could be vast.
Just as Chen Qing felt the gap between himself and Lin Chang’an, so too did Lin Chang’an feel the gap between himself and Song Tingfeng, or the great clans.
“By the same logic, do you think that our Chen Family, just because we have this one hundred mu of ordinary spirit field, can be listed among the cultivation clans, equal to an established clan like the beast-controlling Zhou Family?”
Looking at his two grandsons, Chen Qing shook his head and sighed as he spoke these words.
Upon hearing this, the two seemed to have had their understanding overturned.
Chen Feng was even more bewildered. He hadn’t expected that even after reaching Foundation Establishment, there was still more to strive for.
But Chen Wen furrowed his brow and said solemnly:
“Grandfather, isn’t the Zhou Family just a few hundred years older than us? Is the gap really that big?”
“Legacy! Foundation! Tell me—aside from my old bones and this one hundred mu spirit field, what else does our Chen Family have?”
Chen Qing shook his head and continued explaining the foundation of an established great clan like the Zhou Family.
“Their inheritance in spirit beast rearing—whether it’s the spirit pets they sell annually, or the spirit fruits, spirit herbs, pills, and more required to raise those pets—all of it far surpasses what we can match.
Not to mention the other businesses they’re not even best at, like alchemy and talismans. That one hundred mu of spirit field you think is so valuable? In the eyes of the Zhou Family, it’s just a minor base asset.”
The difference wasn’t just in materials, but in accumulation.
The Zhou Family had accumulated for hundreds of years, developing their unique reputation for beast taming.
They could ensure that their family produced Foundation Establishment cultivators generation after generation, uninterrupted for centuries. But for rogue clans like the Chen Family—
producing just one Foundation Establishment cultivator was a blessing from the heavens. Producing a second would require gambling with everything.
“We rogue cultivators, by sheer luck, achieve Foundation Establishment, and think that by giving our clan hope, we’ve become some great cultivation clan. Maybe that’s true in a small place—but here!”
At this point, Chen Qing shook his head. The difference wasn’t small at all.
“We so-called Foundation Establishment clans aren’t even worth mentioning. Don’t you know how hard it is to gain even one more Foundation Establishment cultivator in the clan?”
After hearing their grandfather’s explanation, and clearly understanding the gap between the Chen Family and real Foundation Establishment clans, the two couldn’t help but feel their faces burn.
Even Chen Feng had once believed their clan had already been listed among the cultivation clans. In hindsight, it was nearly laughable.
“Grandfather, your grandson understands.”
Chen Wen quickly responded, lowering his head and admitting his mistake. His attitude brought a satisfied nod from Chen Qing.
And Chen Feng silently nodded as well. He would work hard on his cultivation and strive to become the second Foundation Establishment cultivator in the clan.
“All right, you two are the most talented in the Chen Family. The future of the clan depends on you.”
With a proud smile, Chen Qing, though incomparable to those clans with deep foundations,
was still better off than many.
Over the past years, countless Foundation Establishment cultivators had appeared in Tianxuan City, even from neighboring nations.
The spirit fields they rented came with an expensive price.
Unlike him, who had once rendered meritorious service to Tianxuan City and been rewarded. His yearly fee was minimal.
Compared to those Foundation Establishment clans, he was still a cut above.
As time passed, the resources saved over ten years were enough to raise a cultivator to late-stage Qi Refinement.
So he wasn’t lacking at all.
“All right, focus on cultivation and strive to break through to late-stage Qi Refinement soon. The spirit fields will be handled by others in the clan.”
...
Gathering Immortals Tower.
“Greetings, Uncle Lin.”
Shen Fan, son of Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, though he had not inherited his parents’ sharp wits, exuded a sense of honesty.
Seeing Lin Chang’an, he respectfully and properly offered greetings.
Meanwhile, the maid from Wei Buyi’s family was quite the clever one. Upon seeing Lin Chang’an, she immediately flattered him with a sweet smile.
“Uncle Lin, I haven’t wasted your teachings. In a while, I’ll go to your estate and plant a few spirit bamboos for you—see how my skills fare.”
“Good, good, good.”
Looking at this little girl Wei Yingying, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but nod and chuckle.
And Shen Fan, seeing this, scratched his head awkwardly, not knowing what to say in thanks. In the end, he just followed up on Wei Yingying’s words and said:
“Uncle Lin, I have spirit stones. I’ll buy spirit bamboo then go with Yingying to help you plant it.”
The fifteen-year-old boy and girl made Lin Chang’an feel quite satisfied.
At least in this, it hadn’t been in vain to arrange for this girl and the boy to study to become Spirit Plant Caretakers with the Zhou Family.
Knowing how to be grateful was more important than anything else.
“You brat, why are you so bad with words? I don’t know who you take after.”
Shen Lie walked over and glared at his simple-minded son.
Thinking of himself and his wife—how they were both smooth and eloquent—and then this son of theirs, who hadn’t inherited any of it, he couldn’t help but feel exasperated.
“All right, isn’t Yingying here?”
Lu Qingqing walked over with a smile, watching the mischievous girl who tried to please her, and it was obvious to everyone what was on her mind.
This scene made the approaching Wei Buyi’s face turn dark.
He had once plotted to claim Elder Lu’s inheritance, but after going in circles, it was his junior sister who had her eyes on it.
She wanted the pot, the flower, and everything together.
Truly retribution.