The Demon Slayer Martial Saint Begins with Insect Refining

Chapter 383 The Scholar Arrives at the Door
The Long family's lakeside courtyard

Su Yan manipulated his hands with hand seals, and thousands of pill incantations flowed into the fourth-tier Twin Dragon Furnace in front of him. The fragrance of pills gathered and the light of the rosy clouds flowed, attracting even the insects and butterflies hidden in the courtyard to come out, disregarding their hiding places.

buzz
The alchemy furnace hummed, and in the blink of an eye, the lid of the cauldron opened, and nine pills flew out.

"A fourth-grade superior Dragon Elephant Golden Blood Pill. The Shan family has been able to dominate Xizhou Prefecture for many years. Sure enough, there is something in their treasury."

With a wave of his hand, Su Yan sent nine pills into the jade bottle. The pills were golden-red in color and had flowing patterns on them, indicating that they were indeed top-grade pills.

Now that Su Yan has broken through to the Dharma Aspect Realm, his alchemy skills have become increasingly proficient, making him one of the best among fourth-tier alchemists.

Of this batch of fourth-grade pills, three were of superior quality, while the rest were all in perfect condition.

"Master, with two Xuan Shuang Poison Dragon pills, you can break through to the fourth level of strength. The Blood Bone Centipede King has devoured the essence blood of 100,000 martial artists in Xizhou Prefecture and has already entered the mature stage. Now with this pill, it should be able to step into the transformation stage."

The recipe for the Dragon Elephant Golden Blood Pill was obtained in Maple City and is one of the Shan family's most treasured possessions.

Logically speaking, since the Shan family does not raise contracted beasts, it is unlikely that they would keep such a pill formula.

However, thinking of the Ten Thousand Blade Gengjin Beast in the Thousand Wood Mountains, Su Yan knew that this thing was mostly used to cultivate wild beasts in various parts of Xizhou Prefecture.

Using wild beasts as covert means to establish a foothold in various parts of Xizhou Prefecture, such methods can be described as ingenious.

Even now, it is extremely difficult to completely identify which of the fourth-tier calamity beasts in Xizhou Prefecture are servants of the Shan family.

The slightest mistake could trigger a beast tide, or even a hidden demon saint uprising.

After the pills were finished being refined, Su Yan got up and left the courtyard, where Long Wu was already waiting.

"Congratulations, Young Master Su, on your success in alchemy."

Long Wu smiled and cupped his hands in congratulations, his eyes filled with increasing admiration as he looked at Su Yan.

He was a Grand Dharma Aspect martial artist and had fought alongside Long Qing on the battlefield, so he naturally possessed keen insight.

The commotion Su Yan made while refining pills indicated that the pills were at least fourth-grade.

'Truly a dragon among men, a top-tier genius in martial arts, alchemy, and beast taming...'

"The Fourth Miss and the two young masters are all in the Golden Scale Hall. The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion sent an invitation, saying that there will be a trade fair for martial artists at the Dharma Aspect Realm. If Young Master Su is interested, he can go and take a look."

"Thank you, Fifth Grandfather."

Su Yan headed from the small courtyard toward the Golden Scale Hall. Upon entering the Golden Scale Hall, he heard Long Qiuhu's voice.

"Tianbao Pavilion has really brought out some good stuff this time, but these Mountain-Devouring Worms and Soul-Eating Worms are probably aimed at Su Yan."

Both the Mountain-Eating Worm and the Soul-Eating Worm are ancient mythical insects, renowned on the lists of wild beasts and ferocious insects.

The former devours mountains and mineral veins, growing continuously until it becomes a giant beast comparable to a mountain, reaching the cultivation level of a fifth-tier beast king upon completion.

The latter is a fourth-tier alien insect. Although it is not as strong as the former, it devours living souls, condenses soul power, and specializes in attacking the divine soul. For many martial artists, such an attack is extremely insidious.

Among martial artists, those who specialize in external martial arts are already extremely rare, and those who specialize in cultivating their spirit and soul are even rarer. If one were to fall victim to such a technique, their path in martial arts would likely be cut off.

Long Qiujian glanced at it and then said, "The Mountain-Swallowing Worm is just an egg, while the Soul-Devouring Worm is just a hair's breadth away from becoming an adult. Ordinary martial artists cannot deal with these two things."

Whether it's alien insects or wild beasts, they are naturally raised from a young age so that it's easier to plant various restrictions to control their lives and actions. At the same time, the younger they are, the easier it is to cultivate a bond with them.

However, there is one type of wild beast that faces an awkward situation: those that grow slowly, especially giant spirit beasts.

Giant spirit beasts take hundreds or even thousands of years to grow up, and even a martial artist at the Dharma Aspect Realm cannot outlast them.

Only a large, established sect with a long history could possibly maintain such a guardian beast.

The mountain-swallowing insect of today is just an egg. Which dharma body has so much lifespan and resources to support it?

On the contrary, the Soul-Eating Insects are a strange insect that specializes in attacking the soul. Once they reach adulthood, they are inevitably ferocious and difficult to tame. Their fierceness makes it even more difficult to place restrictions on their souls, making them a double-edged sword for ordinary martial artists.

If this thing were taken out, it could probably deal with them; there are probably very few among the Dharma Realm practitioners.

"So you're saying this is aimed at me."

Su Yan walked into the Golden Scale Hall, and the three of them's eyes lit up. Long Qiushui asked, "Was it all right?"

Su Yan smiled, and the Dragon Elephant Golden Blood Pills flew out of the jade bottle. Two of them flew towards Long Qiushui, while the remaining one each went to Long Qiujian and Long Qiuhu.

The three people caught the pills and put them into a jade bottle.

Although it was only a glimpse, the potent medicinal power still surprised the two of them.

They all come from wealthy and influential families and have seen fourth-tier pills before, but those of this quality are all highly skilled in alchemy.

"You gave us four, are the rest enough?"

Most of the medicinal materials for the Dragon Elephant Golden Blood Pill were directly paid from the Dragon Family Treasury, and there was no mention of expecting anything in return at the beginning.

Su Yan's status and position made him worthy of their investment, but they never expected that Su Yan would give the pills to them first after refining them.

"I have enough pills left after nine are made. Although my eldest and second uncles do not raise contracted beasts, their mounts are no different from contracted beasts, so naturally the stronger the better."

Su Yan's gaze fell on the roster and invitation sent by Tianbao Pavilion. The book was made of gold thread and was indeed glittering with precious stones.

"Your invitation is also here. There are two strange insects on the Tianbao Pavilion's roster. I think you'll be interested. However, behind Tianbao Pavilion stands Huo Lanxi, the Prefect of Wangcheng Si, who is a member of the Right Prime Minister's faction."

The Prefect of Wangcheng, being able to serve as a high-ranking official in charge of suppressing the city, must naturally be a figure of martial prowess.

Now that Tianbao Pavilion has set up such a scheme, and included these two special items among its traded goods, it must have its purpose.

Su Yan frowned slightly, but quickly understood. Just as Sima Changkong and Yuan Tianji had said, his methods and current identity made him an easy target for everyone.

"We're already at the center of the power struggle between the Right Chancellor's faction and the Grand Commandant's faction, so this one more thing won't make a difference. We might as well see what their purpose is first."

Su Yan thought for a moment and said that although he was being watched by many people, which was a troublesome thing, it was also a good thing.

Because the Dragon Vein Ancient Worm attracts everyone's attention, the Ferocious Insect Cauldron's abilities will not be noticed by many people.

As long as the Ferocious Insect Cauldron remains undetected and can nurture more Undying Cores, it will be invincible.

"As long as you are confident in yourself, that's fine."

Long Qiushui's eyes flickered slightly, vaguely knowing that Su Yan had a trump card to save his life, which reassured her a lot.

She thought for a moment and said, "Is there anything you want to trade? If you need anything, you can use the contents of the Long family's treasury first."

The trading of martial artists at the Dharma Aspect Realm is more rigorous than that at the Core Formation Realm, and the items traded are mostly things that are hard to come by.

Aside from the items offered by Tianbao Pavilion as the organizer, which can be directly auctioned with Yuan Stones, most other items require barter. This naturally makes trading more difficult, requiring martial artists with greater resources to participate.

Long Qiushui knew that Su Yan probably had his own power and some wealth in the Yuan Stone system, but compared to the many ferocious insects he raised as gold-devouring beasts, he might not actually have anything of value.

Su Yan shook his head slightly and smiled, "That's not necessary. There's still some time before the trade fair. I'll just refine a batch of pills."

"What elixir?"

"Returning to the Origin Golden Body Pill"

Long Qiujian, Long Qiuhu: ?

"You can refine even fourth-grade top-quality pills?"

The Returning Origin Golden Body Pill, a top-grade fourth-tier pill, is arguably one of the most coveted pills for martial artists in the Dharma Aspect Realm. It refines the Dharma Aspect, tempers the fundamental laws, and ultimately increases the chances of condensing a golden body.

No martial artist at the Dharma Aspect Realm doesn't yearn to break through to the Golden Body Realm. Even if the hope is slim, they are willing to give everything to seize every opportunity.

"It can be refined, but we still need to think of a way to make the formula."

Su Yan spoke in riddles, instructing Long Qiujian and Long Qiuhu to prepare some rare and precious materials before leaving the Long residence.

Su Yan headed straight for the Lancang Medicine Pavilion. Upon entering, Qu Qinglan was already waiting for him in the main hall.

Upon seeing Su Yan from afar, she swayed as she approached him, smiling as she said, "I congratulate you on breaking through to the Dharma Aspect Realm. Once you reach the Dharma Aspect Realm, you will enjoy a thousand years of lifespan and live freely."

She naturally became even more affectionate towards Su Yan, and at the same time, she learned from the Lancang Medicine Pavilion's information channels what Su Yan had done in Xizhou Prefecture, and her shock was unimaginable.

He slew the Ten Thousand Blade Gengjin Beast, broke through to the Dharma Aspect Realm, and then slaughtered tens of thousands of people in the great battle against the Shan family's rebellion.

Such ferocity is rare even among martial artists at the Dharma Aspect Realm, and even among those long-renowned old demons.

"Fellow Daoist is indeed well-informed, but I am currently embroiled in trouble."

Qu Qinglan smiled without hiding her true feelings and said calmly, "With your abilities, fellow Daoist, you will surely turn misfortune into good fortune."

As she spoke, she reached out her hand and led Su Yan upstairs, where the two entered a private room.

Qu Qinglan closed the door, lit incense, poured spiritual tea for Su Yan, and then said, "Fellow Daoist, you just broke through and came here. Do you need any special medicinal herbs?"

The two were already acquainted, so they got straight to the point.

"It seems that you used the Fire Extreme Pill last time quite well."

The Fire Extreme Pill was naturally not meant for Qu Qinglan, but as a fourth-tier pill, there would always be someone suitable to use it.

"Young Master Li has a special physique. His Spirit Fire Serpent Body has not been fully activated for a long time and has been stuck at the Danqiao Realm for a hundred years. Coincidentally, the Fire Extreme Pill refined by you helped him become a natural martial body and break through to the Dharma Aspect Realm."

The Li family was a considerable force in the Dali Dynasty, slightly weaker than the Long family, but their ancestor was also a master of the eighth level of the Dharma Aspect Realm.

Such a breakthrough deserves a considerable favor.

For Qu Qinglan, the more connections she accumulates, the more resources she will have, and the greater her power will be.

Su Yan said, "I need a pill formula and the medicinal materials for refining the pill. This will cost one hundred million stones."

One hundred million stones is almost half of Su Yan's wealth, including some of his gains in Xizhou Prefecture.

Qu Qinglan also showed a surprised expression upon hearing this: "What kind of pill formula does Fellow Daoist want? Could it be a top-grade fourth-order pill...?"

Before he could finish speaking, Su Yan said, "The Golden Body Pill of Returning to Origin."

Qu Qinglan's lips parted slightly, a look of surprise blooming on her face. She paused, then said, "Fellow Daoist's progress in alchemy is truly astonishing. With your status, obtaining the authority to exchange for this pill formula is not a problem. As for the materials, one hundred million yuan stones might not be enough, however..."

She paused slightly, but Su Yan wasn't in a hurry. His gaze fell on her fair cheek as he listened to what she was going to say next.

Qu Qinglan smiled and said, "With one hundred million stones and the pill formula, I'll give you a discount. You can gather the materials within three days. I'll also give you a set of medicinal herbs. However, if you succeed in making the pill, my Lancang Medicine Pavilion must give you three Guiyuan Golden Body Pills."

"Fellow Daoist Qu is quite the schemer."

Su Yan smiled, but did not refuse: "Deal, but be quick."

Qu Qinglan smiled slightly: "I will definitely ensure that you obtain the medicinal herbs before the Tianbao Pavilion's trade fair. Speaking of which, if you were to use such pills for trade, I'm afraid the pills offered by my Lancang Medicine Pavilion would have to be sourced from a different direction."

As the two were talking, a commotion suddenly arose outside the Lancang Medicine Pavilion.

Qu Qinglan was getting closer to Su Yan when she heard a voice, and her brows furrowed slightly without her noticing.

Before she could summon the servants to reprimand them, hurried footsteps approached, and a flustered female voice came from behind the door: "Elder, a lecturer from Qintian Academy has come with students looking for someone."

Qintian Academy?

Upon hearing this, Qu Qinglan frowned and asked coldly, "Who are you looking for?"

The woman's voice replied, "They said they'd let Su Yan take charge of the household."

Su Yan's face showed a subtle expression, and Qu Qinglan couldn't save face.

"Nonsense! You come to my Lancang Medicine Pavilion to look for someone? Do you really think Qintian Academy is better than Lancang Medicine Pavilion?"

Qu Qinglan suddenly stood up: "Fellow Daoist, please stay here. I will go and take care of this matter."

As a powerful force, Lancang Medicine Pavilion naturally has its own confidence. Although they used to make money peacefully, it doesn't mean that anyone can easily step on their face.

"Su Yan, who is in charge of the government, is hiding in the Lancang Medicine Pavilion. This is not something someone of your renown should be doing. Faced with national crisis and jeopardizing the nation's fate, don't you dare to come out and say something?"

The sound was as loud as a bell, reaching not only the Lancang Medicine Pavilion but also the ears of countless people in the royal city.

At this moment, a middle-aged scholar dressed in white robes, holding a long sword, with a righteous and awe-inspiring demeanor, accompanied by three or five old scholars, rose with imposing momentum and pointed directly at the Lancang Medicine Pavilion.

Everyone was captivated by the aura of this Dharma image and watched the show from afar.

An insider whispered, "I heard that during the rebellion in Xizhou Prefecture, Su Yan, the prefect, not only suppressed the Shan family army, but also stole the fortune of Xizhou Prefecture."

"Hiss, why is he stealing the Qi Luck? Could it be that he's planning to do something like the Mountain Family?"

Among martial artists, those who had some understanding of the concept of luck whispered among themselves, unsure whether it was genuine gossip or someone secretly manipulating things.

At this moment, outside the Lancang Medicine Pavilion, crowds thronged, making a section of the road completely impassable.

Inside the private room, Su Yan sneered, "Some people are really impatient; they couldn't resist jumping out so quickly."

He looked at Qu Qinglan and said with a smile, "Let's go, come down with me and take a look."

(End of this chapter)