Poison Cultivation

Chen Luo only had a superficial understanding of alchemy, and usually only refined some low-grade first-level fasting pills and rejuvenation pills as a daily supplement.

As for mid-grade first-tier pills, he has never successfully refined one since he began cultivating.

I currently have sixteen portions of herbs, which seem quite plentiful, but in reality, they are only enough for repeated practice to improve my skills. I can't expect to master them at all.

No wonder high-level alchemists are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.

It should be known that in the path of cultivation, which ordinary cultivator does not possess some skill in recognizing herbs, refining poisons, and mixing elixirs and pills?

Of the four unique skills—alchemy, talisman, weapon crafting, and array formation—alchemy has always held the top spot.

That's because this skill is the easiest to learn but the hardest to master.

It is easy to get started, but to delve deeper, one not only needs to be naturally intelligent and exceptionally gifted, but also needs to accumulate as many spiritual stones as mountains and consume endless resources.

Just considering the first-grade mid-level pill formulas, there are countless varieties. Chen Luo only devoted himself to learning one "Blood-Activating and Body-Tempering Pill". In the beginning, he had to spend fifty-six low-grade spirit stones to explore and ponder it, and he still might not be able to learn the essence and refine the pill.

If one were to attempt to obtain other elixirs, the expenses incurred would be immeasurable.

Even for a Foundation Establishment family with deep roots and abundant resources, it is extremely difficult and by no means easy to carefully cultivate a high-level alchemist.

Unfortunately, Chen Luo is now pursuing the path of poison cultivation, and "alchemy" is an unavoidable expense.

So even though he knew that "alchemy" was a money pit, he still had to bite the bullet and jump in.

After settling the bill, of the sixty-five low-grade spirit stones he had obtained from selling the Silver Star Bullets, only nine remained.

Chen Luo refused to keep any of the nine spirit stones for himself and instead exchanged them all for three bottles of pills: one bottle of Qi-Nourishing Pills and two bottles of Yuan-Replenishing Pills.

He knew in his heart that Wen Ruan had forcibly broken through the barrier that day, and his foundation was already weak and unstable, and his body was severely depleted.

Later, he generously lent me the spirit stone, and my life must have become even more difficult and impoverished.

In the past, when I was short of money and powerless, that was one thing, but now that I have a little more money, how can I only care about my own comfort?

He carefully put away the medicinal herbs and three bottles of pills, left Shan'an Hall, and went straight to Wen Ruan's residence.

Upon reaching the door, I gently knocked on the wooden gate.

A moment later, the door cracked open slightly, revealing a timid little face, pale and with delicate features.

Upon seeing a familiar figure outside the door, Wen Ruan's face immediately broke into a faint smile, and she quickly opened the door wide:

"Uncle Luo, it's you."

Chen Luowen nodded.

This girl helped him wholeheartedly when he was in trouble, and he never hesitated to be kind and generous to her.

"If it wasn't me, who else could it be? Could it be those hooligans, coming to bother you again?"

Wen Ruan quickly shook her head, her voice soft and gentle:

"They never came again. Ever since Uncle Luo punished them, they haven't dared to come looking for trouble again."

Having said that, he stepped aside to lead him inside and casually closed the door behind him.

Chen Luo sat down and said in a gentle voice:

"Last time, thanks to your generosity in lending me spirit stones, I not only repaired all my damaged meridians, but also broke through the shackles and reached the sixth level of Qi Refining."

From this day forward, with me here, no one will dare to bully you in the slightest.

Wen Ruan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and her weak voice involuntarily became clearer, her eyes filled with surprise:

"Really? Uncle Luo's meridians... are completely healed?"

Her primary concern wasn't her own safety, but rather Chen Luo's old injuries.

Chen Luo smiled and nodded, then casually pushed three bottles of pills in front of her:

"These three bottles are elixirs for nourishing qi and replenishing vital energy, which are most effective in strengthening the foundation and consolidating the roots."

"You should take good care of yourself, eat and rest, and stabilize the state you forcibly reached when you attempted to break through to the Void Realm. From now on, you must never rashly attempt another breakthrough."

Wen Ruan nodded repeatedly, but a hint of hesitation appeared between her brows as she looked at the three bottles of pills:

"Uncle Luo is now at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and his cultivation expenses must be much greater than before. How can I easily accept such precious pills..."

Chen Luo waved his hand, his tone warm and resolute:

"Just take it without worry. Uncle Luo has plenty of money right now, he won't lack these few bottles of medicine."

He then insisted that she put it away properly, and solemnly instructed her:

"Although Hu Bao and his gang of scoundrels have been punished and temporarily restrained, their wolves-like nature is hard to change, and there is no guarantee that they will revert to their old ways in the future."

I will find an opportunity to completely resolve this lingering problem.

However, if anyone tries to coax or threaten you into stepping out of the market, you must not agree, and you must not believe them.

He knew perfectly well that evildoers would stop at nothing to commit their crimes.

Since they can't outmaneuver them, Hu Bao and his ilk might turn their wicked intentions toward the innocent and gentle Wen Ruan.

This girl is kind-hearted, like a gentle lamb in the forest. If she really falls into the trap, not only will she be in danger, but she herself will also be restrained and end up in a passive and embarrassing situation.

Upon hearing that Chen Luo was going to make a move against Hu Bao and his gang, Wen Ruan's heart tightened, and she couldn't help but feel a little scared.

She knew from a young age that cultivators, once they drew their swords against each other, would often decide life or death with no room for maneuver.

Chen Luo had once saved her from hardship and treated her like a father or brother, gently lifting her up from the muddy ground.

In the past, he was anxious and helpless, and only by relying on him did he find a place to rely on and a sense of security.

She only wished for Chen Luo's life to be peaceful and stable, and did not want to see him in any danger or get hurt.

Chen Luo noticed the worry etched on her brow and guessed that she was somewhat concerned, so he gently comforted her with a smile:

"Don't be afraid. Hu Bao and his group are only at the third level of Qi Refining. Dealing with them is as easy as crushing grass and breaking branches for me, without expending any effort."

As soon as he finished speaking, his heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered that Wen Ruan was also at the third level of Qi Refining. Wasn't his blunt and crude speech unintentionally including her as well?

He immediately lowered his voice, secretly raised his eyes, and carefully observed her expression, afraid of hurting the girl's feelings.

Fortunately, Wen Ruan was pure and gentle, without a trace of worldly scheming, and did not notice the ambiguity in her words.

She lowered her eyes slightly and spoke softly:

"No matter what, Uncle Luo, please take good care of yourself and be careful in everything you do."

Having said that, she moved into the inner room, brought out a plate of delicate osmanthus cake, and with gentle eyes and a shy invitation, invited him:

"I made some cakes in my spare time, Uncle Luo, please try them and see if they're sweet enough."

Chen Luo picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. He found it sweet and soft, with a lingering osmanthus fragrance. His mouth was full of deliciousness, and he couldn't help but praise it repeatedly:

"Although it is a common tea snack, it is made with a light and elegant touch, and has a unique flavor."

Whoever marries Xiao Ruan in the future will truly be blessed with good fortune and boundless happiness.

Upon hearing these words, Wen Ruan's ears instantly flushed a light red, her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she lowered her eyes and tucked her sleeves in, her voice barely audible:

"It's just a simple, crude dish. If Uncle Luo doesn't mind and enjoys it, then that's all that matters."

After chatting for a while longer, Chen Luo finally decided to take his leave.

As they parted, Wen Ruan's fingers lightly twisted the hem of her dress, a hint of hesitation lingering between her brows. After a long while, as if finally making up her mind, she softly said:

"Uncle Luo, war is dangerous and perilous. Although Hu Bao's cultivation is shallow, he still has the advantage of numbers..."

Let me give you some things for self-defense.

After speaking, she moved gracefully and hurried back to the inner room, bringing out a simple and elegant small wooden box.

Chen Luo raised his hand and lifted the lid of the box. His gaze fell upon what he saw, and his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Three talismans lay quietly inside the box:

One was a Chaotic Blade Golden Knife Talisman, and the other two were Spiritual Light Solid Talismans. Both were mid-grade first-tier talismans, which ordinary cultivators would find difficult to obtain, let alone draw casually.

"Xiao Ruan, where did you get this kind of thing?"

Wen Ruan lowered her head and pursed her lips, her eyes timid.

"It's...it's what my father left me before he passed away."

As she finished speaking, her ears turned bright red, and her eyes betrayed her guilt and evasiveness.

Chen Luo the Second was a man of keen insight; he could tell at a glance that she was not being sincere.

But then I thought, who among those who cultivate themselves in this world doesn't have secrets in their heart?

Since she is unwilling to say it outright, why should I pry into her privacy?