Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 416 Immortal Selection Festival - Merging Elixir
Xiao Chen had seen the concept of a large-scale sweep in the Cai family's collection of books before.

However, perhaps due to some taboo, the book is always vague and not very detailed when mentioning related specific content.

despite this.

Xiao Chen could easily guess that there was only one target for the sweep.

After all, it is common knowledge that the only force that dares to oppose the Holy City for a long time is the Reverse Immortal Alliance, which has always been active in causing trouble in the shadows.

Therefore, he didn't take it seriously.

What does this crackdown on the Reverse Immortal Alliance have to do with him, a fake member of the Reverse Immortal Alliance?

Moreover, he doesn't need to worry about losing an excellent channel.

It should be noted that, according to the historical records of this realm, a major sweep always follows each Immortal Selection Festival.

They didn't actually manage to capture all the cultivators from the Reverse Immortal Alliance.

It seems that this time, it will just be a formality, just like before.

In fact, Xiao Chen was more interested in the Immortal Selection Festival.

This is not only a once-in-a-century mega-event, but also a ceremony of great significance.

It is said that on each year's Immortal Selection Festival, a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator will be able to break through the Xuan Barrier and enter the Deity Transformation Realm.

Although ancient history is blurred, there are indeed quite detailed records from the last million years.

Moreover, each time there are tens of thousands of holy city monks as witnesses, so it should be impossible to fake.

When Xiao Chen first learned about this, he really wanted to go and see what was going on there.

Although, from a macro perspective, the number of Nascent Soul cultivators born in the entire cultivation world every hundred years is not very high.

Besides, the new cultivation world has gathered almost all the spiritual energy in the world.

In such an environment, it's normal for more high-level cultivators to emerge.

However, it's a bit absurd that someone can break through to the Nascent Soul stage every year on the day of the Immortal Selection Festival.

This piqued Xiao Chen's curiosity.

However, there is a problem: one can only participate in the Immortal Selection Festival by going to the Holy City.

Considering that there is likely to be more than one Nascent Soul Venerable on the day of the festival, or that they may be observing from the shadows.

To be honest, he was a little reluctant to go.

As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat, and there's some truth to that.

Xiao Chen believes that his most urgent task right now should be to earn spirit stones to break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

So he didn't continue the discussion about the sweep.

Instead, he took out the thirty-one spiritual artifacts from his storage ring: "Speaking of which, I happen to have a batch of extra spiritual artifacts on hand."

"Could you please handle this for me?"

"Especially these defensive magical artifacts, you can set their prices based on the market."

Zhang Cunfu quickly took them one by one, and also took the opportunity to examine the quality of these items.

Although he wasn't a professional appraiser, as the warehouse manager, he had long since developed an exceptional eye for quality.

Therefore, it is immediately apparent that nearly half of the magical artifacts used similar refining techniques, clearly indicating that they originated from the same faction.

Moreover, these magical artifacts are not new; in fact, they could be described as somewhat old.

At the same time, the refining process was not very good. It was like an old thing that was taken from a small workshop, used for a while, and then discarded.

Zhang Cunfu immediately understood.

These magical artifacts should be old stock that the Anti-Immortal Alliance had stockpiled after they were phased out.

"By the way, what's the market trend for various low-level spiritual items lately?"

Xiao Chen then pressed on, "What are some of the cheaper options? Write me a list."

Zhang Cunfu is indeed very professional when it comes to market information.

In a short while, he picked up his pen and scribbled down a list of the recent conditions of nearly a thousand kinds of spiritual creatures.

Judging from the prices in the market, many spiritual materials and items are much more expensive than those on the other side of the Sea of ​​Compassion.

The market conditions outside should be roughly the same.

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

Xiao Chen put away the list and confirmed one last time, "If you have it, just say so. If not, you can go back now."

Zhang Cunfu actually wanted to ask for some more spirit stones to smooth things over and expand his network.

The wider his network and the more people he knows, the more valuable he becomes, and the safer he is.

However, after considering the current situation of the Reverse Immortal Alliance, he ultimately decided not to speak and instead wait until things calmed down before making a move.

After parting ways with Zhang Cunfu, Xiao Chen turned around and went outside the market.

It was already evening, the time when the cultivators of the wasteland would come out to move around.

Therefore, neither Chen Fan nor Xu Dayou were home; only Xu Dayou's wife was busy processing a new batch of cinnabar residue in the courtyard.

Her condition has improved a lot now.

Without much rest, they resumed their hard work to earn spirit stones.

When she saw Xiao Chen's sudden visit, she was first taken aback, and then she expressed her gratitude many times.

Then they invited him to sit down, served him tea and wine, and even pulled out a few ordinary-looking but fresh spiritual fruits from somewhere.

After finishing my work, I stood in front of the pavilion in the courtyard, feeling a bit lost and unsure of what to do.

Normally, when someone visits, she might chat with the guest about everyday things, but when facing her important family member, she doesn't know what to say.

After holding his breath for a while, he finally managed to ask, "Senior, have you eaten?"

"How about I cook you some dishes to go with your drinks?"

To be honest, Xiao Chen is the kind of person who enjoys trying different kinds of food.

However, he had reason to suspect that there were no good ingredients in the yard.

So he declined the idea, saying, "There's no need to go to that trouble."

“I noticed you were dealing with discarded pills just now. Why don’t you tell me about this industry?”

“In particular, I noticed that there seemed to be a trace of malevolent energy floating on the pile of earthenware jars.”

"This isn't very safe. What exactly happened?"

Compared to the food, Xiao Chen was more interested in the fierce aura of this rare item.

Although this malevolent energy was too weak, it seemed to pose no threat even to a Golden Core cultivator.

However, it was clearly quite special, quite different from the Five Elements of evil energy and the common blood evil, fierce evil, and malevolent evil, which made him somewhat curious.

I want to take this opportunity to learn more about this world.

Upon hearing Xiao Chen's question, the other party immediately seemed to have found the answer.

He immediately spilled everything he knew, without holding back any information, as if pouring beans from a bamboo tube.

Of course, her knowledge was very limited.

The main content is based on hearsay and rumors obtained over the years.

However, Xiao Chen didn't care and treated it as just listening to stories to pass the time.

An hour passed quickly, and he gained a more comprehensive understanding of the business of disposing of discarded pills in this world.

Simply put, all the blessed lands in this world, including the Holy City, will generate a large number of waste pills during the alchemy process.

These waste pills should, in principle, be thrown away directly.

After all, they not only have no corresponding function, but may even be toxic or have all sorts of strange negative effects.

However, due to those spirit-gathering arrays, this place has become a place where spiritual herbs are scarce and resources are lacking.

Therefore, some people were reluctant to destroy them directly and racked their brains to find ways to utilize these waste pills.

Perhaps it was good luck, but over time someone actually discovered a good method.

However, before discussing this method, we must first mention the special circumstances of alchemy in this world.

The alchemy that Xiao Chen had previously encountered mainly involved using herbs and spiritual medicines as pills.

Occasionally, cinnabar or similar substances are used, but only in small amounts as a medicinal guide or adjuvant.

However, this approach has a major problem: it requires the consumption of a large amount of elixirs.

In this world, most spiritual herbs are found in spiritual herb gardens; you simply cannot find wild spiritual herbs outside.

then what should we do?

Hey, I've got an idea!
Besides plants and trees possessing spiritual power, minerals also possess the spiritual power of the five elements.

There is indeed no spiritual energy or spiritual herbs outside.

However, the underground spiritual mines will not revert to stone just because the spiritual energy is scarce.

Why can't we use the Five Elements Spiritual Ore to replace the Spiritual Herb?

Although this idea sounds a bit far-fetched, it has been realized through the continuous research and trial and error of many generations, and of course, through countless sacrifices.

This world eventually found a way to refine elixirs using metals and stones, and successfully developed it.

This also gave rise to two related professions.

They were all pill testers whom Xiao Chen had met before, who risked their lives to earn a small amount of spirit stones by helping to take new pills to test their effects.

And another type of cinnabar gatherer.

They are responsible for recycling some of the waste gold and stone pills, and then using a rather dangerous process to re-extract the recyclable spirit ore from them.

Later, with further exploration and improvement, it eventually became what it is today.

After learning about this history and situation.

Xiao Chen felt a mix of emotions at first.

Firstly, I felt sorry for the hardships faced by cultivators at the bottom of this world; secondly, an old saying couldn't help but come to mind—life will find its own way.

But then he also remembered two valuable pieces of information.

The first piece of intelligence is that this world not only has alchemy and elixirs, but also, through large-scale alchemy trials, has successfully developed many special-effect poison pills from discarded pills.

This is definitely a huge technological advantage for the other side of the Ocean of Compassion.

In particular, spirit ore can also be used as a elixir.

Xiao Chen quickly realized that there was not only a certain profit margin inside, but also special use value.

For example, if a certain herb has become extinct in the Sea of ​​Compassion, its corresponding elixir formula will also lose its effectiveness, becoming an ancient formula with only reference and commemorative value.

He had previously seen many similar ancient prescriptions in the scripture pavilions of various sects.

However, if we can integrate the principles of metal and stone, and replace that one herb with a five-element spiritual ore of the same grade, wouldn't that mean there is a chance to restore the pill formula?
If Xiao Chen could really achieve this, it would be even more crucial than simply earning spirit stones.

This is also the true and irreplaceable value of the special ability to travel between the two worlds.

You don't actually need to travel to earn spirit stones.

Only such resource complementarity, and even technological complementarity, is the most valuable asset.

The second piece of information Xiao Chen obtained was that on the westernmost side of the Zejing Blessed Land, there was a fissure filled with a large amount of malevolent energy.

To make collecting easier, many nearby waste pills would be sent there and dumped.

Then, after some time, some fearless cultivators would climb down with ropes tied around their waists to retrieve the corrupted pills.

After being placed in this way, some vulnerable parts of the waste pill will be devoured by the evil energy.

Therefore, even Foundation Establishment cultivators can easily decompose the remaining second- or even third-tier waste pills. Of course, the price to pay is that these salvaged waste pills will inevitably be tainted with a trace of malevolent energy.

If one is accidentally corrupted by evil energy during the treatment, one will either have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to buy elixirs, or die in pain and torment.

The wisp of malevolent energy that Xiao Chen had seen earlier also originated from that crevice in the ground.

Locals call it Rongdan Sha.

Back when he first obtained the "Mysterious Heaven Food Secret Method," he could even consider earning spirit stones by collecting discarded pills.

It might even be an interesting story that could be written into a storybook.

However, Xiao Chen was no longer interested in that little bit of money; he was more interested in the malevolent energy there.

Although the evil energy there does not belong to the Five Elements of evil energy, it may not be useful to him.

But at least it sounds like quite a lot, and he happens to have two empty gourds on him right now.

Then why not take some time to go there and collect some to store in the gourd for later use?

Who knows, one day in the future it might come in a special use, just like the Yang Fire Sha before.

We then chatted for a while about the relatively miserable living conditions of the elixir gatherers.

Then they heard the door slam shut, and looking up, they saw Chen Fan finally returning with Xu Qingyi.

The two immediately bowed and greeted each other.

Chen Fan, in particular, consolidated his Golden Core cultivation during this period and also comprehended the Heaven-level secret techniques at hand multiple times.

His comprehension was exceptionally high, so every time he read a book several times, he could always glean new insights from between the lines.

The more he read, the more he felt that this secret method was full of profound wisdom and pointed directly to the path to enlightenment.

At the same time, he felt an ever-growing sense of admiration for Senior Xiao, who 'created' this secret technique.

So much so that when he sees Xiao Chen now, he is much more respectful and courteous.

A hint of admiration, which he himself was unaware of, flickered in his eyes.

Previously, Chen Fan's loyalty was primarily motivated by gratitude for being saved and mentored.

They even went so far as to say that they were willing to go against their conscience and join Xiao Chen, who was highly suspected of being a member of the Anti-Immortal Alliance.

Now his thoughts are completely different.

Not only did they no longer feel unwilling, but they also felt a sense of guilt because of their previous wrong ideas.

I've made up my mind to do everything I can to repay this kindness.

Therefore, when Xiao Chen instructed them to go and sell different spiritual materials to the rogue cultivators in the wasteland.

Chen Fan immediately patted his chest and promised to quickly complete the resale under a new name in the shortest possible time.

In the past, he would have definitely asked about the situation indirectly first.

But now, he feels he doesn't need to worry about it anymore.

Senior Xiao is exceptionally intelligent and has a deep love for all living beings; he must have already made his plans long ago.

Therefore, all he had to do was to do his best to carry out every task assigned to him by the other party.

"Oh, by the way, I brought you a small gift this time."

Xiao Chen took out a thousand catties of crab meat and handed it over: "Your height is alright, but you look a bit too thin."

"Starting today, I will eat one or two pounds every day to replenish my qi and blood."

"While it may not be necessary to cultivate both the Dharma and the body, having a strong body is always beneficial."

Anyway, he couldn't possibly eat all that crab meat.

Moreover, Xiao Chen had already raised his blood concentration to a very high level through the blood crystal.

This meant that no matter how much fourth-tier spirit beast meat he ate, he could no longer increase his blood and qi concentration.

It's just something to talk about.

Since that's the case, we might as well send some away.

This can not only improve the skills of the assistant so that he can do his job better, but also earn him gratitude.

as predicted.

Upon seeing the fourth-tier spirit beast meat and hearing Xiao Chen's concerned words, Chen Fan was even more moved.

The senior was still extremely busy, researching the fight against the Holy City, yet he still managed to find time to check on his health.

They even specially sent him nourishing foods; they were practically like godfathers to him.

He secretly vowed that he must live up to expectations, work harder, and never let down Senior Xiao's kindness to him.

After assigning the tasks, Xiao Chen did not linger any longer.

In the past, he might have stayed to wait and see Xu Dayou one last time.

After all, he was already here, and this was one of the few people he knew here.

However, we're in a bit of a rush this time, so we won't wait.

After quickly getting his bearings, Xiao Chen rushed to Pingyi overnight, heading straight for the Cai family.

He and the Broken Gold True Lord had agreed to use the Cai family's address as their contact address.

If the fully fused custom spiritual artifact has been successfully crafted, the Cai family will receive a coded greeting letter.

This way, he wouldn't have to spend so much time going there to check the situation.

Especially when it's time to rush back before the fifteenth, like now, one can take a moment to check the letter and know directly whether the refining is complete or not.

However, they had not yet arrived at the Cai family's door.

Xiao Chen saw a large group of people gathered at the entrance of their ancestral home from afar, seemingly watching a spectacle.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a beautiful lady kneeling at the main entrance of the Cai family's residence, with a handkerchief inscribed with a message written in blood spread out in front of her.

She was also holding a little girl who looked to be only about ten years old in her arms.

Judging from their clothing, they didn't seem to be from a poor family looking for relatives.

At the same time, Xiao Chen also noticed that there were several cultivators belonging to the Cai family standing around, and many servants guarding the gate.

But none of them went up to scold or drive them away.

At the same time, none of their expressions were very pleasant.

This suggests that they likely knew the woman or the little girl, or that they knew the situation was not simple.

Compared to them, the onlookers and independent cultivators were different.

Although they dared not openly mock or laugh near the Cai family's residence.

But they all stayed there with anticipation on their faces, occasionally whispering to each other and then exchanging knowing smiles.

Seeing this scene, Xiao Chen also glanced curiously at the blood-written letter.

The gist of it is that although her husband has been missing for many years, his talent means he may not necessarily have perished; he may simply be temporarily trapped in a dangerous place.

However, some people within the clan couldn't wait any longer and secretly seized the spiritual fields under the names of these orphans and widows to grow spiritual herbs for their own use.

Now they even want to remove their names from the land deed and completely take over the land.

So she brought her child to the clan chief to seek justice.

Judging from this situation, they should belong to a branch of the Cai family. They do not usually live in the ancestral home and rarely see elders with influence within the clan.

Forced into a corner, they had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure.

Of course, Xiao Chen's arrival was also timely, coming shortly after they arrived.

Otherwise, the Cai family would have done something extraordinary by simply leaving them outside without any reaction.

In fact, he had just finished reading the contents of the blood letter.

Then they saw two elderly men with white hair and beards coming in together from inside the Cai family gate.

Then one of them shouted at the lady, "Nonsense!"

"Why can't you resolve your grievances behind closed doors? Why do you have to make a scene that everyone knows about?"

"Who taught you to act like this? Who gave you this advice?"

Another person immediately stepped in to smooth things over: "Hey, Second Brother, don't be in such a hurry. We're all family here. Let's go inside and talk things out."

"Oh dear, Xiaowan, really, how could you involve the child?"

"She's just a little kid, she doesn't understand anything."

“If you have something to say or feel wronged, you can come directly to the clan elders to seek justice for you.”

"This whole thing is really inappropriate."

“Listen to your uncle’s advice, don’t kneel here anymore, take the child home to sleep first.”

"This is the time to take care of your health, so don't let it affect your child."

"As for what you want to say, it's so late now. To be fair, we should wait until tomorrow morning to gather everyone together to discuss it."

"Of course, if you're really in a hurry, we can talk about it tonight."

"As long as you say the word, your uncle will risk his old face and immediately send people to invite the heads of each branch of the family from their homes overnight."

"But you've always been sensible, and you're not the kind of person who doesn't understand things."

"Everyone should know that each family has its own affairs."

"If we suddenly need to call everyone over, it will take at least one or two hours."

“You’re standing here with the child in the cold wind. Why don’t you come inside with your uncle, have some warm tea to warm up, and give the child some snacks to fill her stomach?”

"No matter what, we shouldn't stay here and let outsiders laugh at the Cai family. What do you say?"

His words, accompanied by his tone and gestures, especially his repeated mentions of the child, were all carefully crafted.

This immediately made the beautiful lady waver.

It's currently winter in the new cultivation world, and since the children haven't started their cultivation yet, they naturally can't stand the cold.

But she also understood.

If we miss today, we may not have another chance to come again tomorrow.

Not only will her branch clansmen bully her, but the clan elders might also take their anger out on her for what happened today, and then everything will be over.

Therefore, she was caught in a dilemma.

Logically speaking, this matter has nothing to do with Xiao Chen.

He could have chosen to ignore it, since he's never been one to meddle in other people's business and has never been a good person.

But if you ask him to pretend he didn't see anything right now, he'd actually find it a little hard to bring himself to do it.

So Xiao Chen directly activated his divine sense and sent a telepathic message to the Cai family head, who was in the study reviewing family intelligence, instructing him to come and handle the matter directly.

That's right, he didn't intend to intervene directly, but deliberately took a roundabout approach.

Firstly, he didn't want to expose his relationship with the Cai family to the rogue cultivators, nor did he want to show off his strength and attract unnecessary attention.

Secondly, he was unaware of the internal grievances within the Cai family.

If he were to speak rashly given his position, the final investigation results would certainly not be true.

Instead, it was a 'truth' that everyone, after much deliberation, believed best suited his wishes.

Don't think this is an exaggeration.

The personal whims of a Nascent Soul True Monarch are often more important than the truth!

(End of this chapter)