Chapter 917: Pill Alliance, Top Artifact Refiner
by Xen“Master, you might not know this, but Huaying Pill ingredients are rare and extremely hard to refine. Right now in the Starry Sea, only the Pill Alliance can reliably produce two or more pills per batch. Other forces’ alchemists struggle just as much.”
Zhenhai Patriarch noticed Lu Changsheng’s dissatisfaction and spoke up to explain.
The standard for a fourth-rank alchemist is consistently producing fourth-rank pills.
But the Huaying Pill isn’t your average fourth-rank pill. Its materials are scarce and precious with sky-high refinement difficulty.
Managing to reliably yield even one pill is impressive enough to land you a guest elder position in any major force complete with VIP treatment.
Take our Zhenhai Seven Sects’ chief alchemist for example. He has a fifty percent chance of producing two pills which already puts him among the elites in the entire Starry Sea.
Only the Pill Alliance’s top figures can consistently outperform that.
Lu Changsheng frowned but he could understand.
After all not everyone was like him. With enough time and effort he could achieve sudden enlightenment fusing alchemy artifact refining talisman making and more into profound mastery.
“If we commission the Pill Alliance to refine Huaying Pills what’s the cost?” Lu Changsheng asked curiously.
“Regular Pill Alliance alchemists will take on Huaying Pill jobs for free just for the practice. But to guarantee three pills you’d need their top experts.”
Zhenhai Patriarch continued “But those guys rarely accept commissions unless you owe them a favor or offer something they really want.”
“If they’re free and willing to fire up the furnace besides the basic fees they usually demand one Huaying Pill as payment.”
Sure the Starry Sea had neutral powers like the Pill Alliance Blade Forging Mountain and Starrymoon Hall specializing in alchemy artifact refining and divination.
Yet major forces still insisted on training their own alchemists refiners and diviners. Inviting top talents was just too hard far less reliable than homegrown experts.
Plus these groups played favorites.
If you’re a high-level cultivator with your own senior alchemists refiners or diviners they’d charge less.
But if not the price could skyrocket.
“Tsk.”
In his early days Lu Changsheng had supported his many wives concubines and children with his talisman-making skills so he knew how lucrative these trades could be.
But hearing the Pill Alliance’s fees still made him click his tongue in disbelief.
No wonder these forces could stay neutral he thought.
With skills like that why bother fighting tooth and nail for opportunities?
“Seems like commissioning the Pill Alliance for Huaying Pills isn’t worth it.”
Lu Changsheng then asked Zhenhai Patriarch about the artifact refining level in their Zhenhai Seven Sects.
“Master I’m quite skilled in artifact refining myself.”
Zhenhai Patriarch’s expression turned proud. “Not to brag but aside from the late former head of Blade Forging Mountain few in the Starry Sea can match my refining expertise.”
He was a clone formed from Turtle Immortal Patriarch’s bloodline talent.
With his own consciousness he started far ahead of most cultivators reaching Nascent Soul in record time.
But his origin was both a blessing and a curse.
Influenced by his main body his cultivation progressed slowly so he devoted much time and energy to studying the Zhenhai Seven Sects’ inheritances.
Artifact refining was one area where he invested heavily and showed natural talent.
“Oh?” Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow. He pulled out the blueprint for the Small Misty Dust Banner and handed it over asking if he could refine it.
Zhenhai Patriarch examined it for a moment recognizing it as a composite spirit treasure that needed to link with a main banner.
“Master there should be a main banner for this right? If you let me study it briefly refining this won’t be hard.”
Zhenhai Patriarch pondered before saying.
“Good!” Lu Changsheng’s face lit up with delight.
He hadn’t expected Zhenhai Patriarch’s refining skills to be this advanced.
Sure he needed an alchemist to help with Huaying Pills.
But right now no one at home urgently needed them.
On the other hand he had a pile of magical treasures and spirit treasures needing recasting refining or upgrading.
“Once I’m done with my tasks I’ll give you the main and sub banners to study and replicate. In the meantime help me recast these spirit treasures.”
Lu Changsheng handed over the Mountain-Moving Whip Silkworm Robe Yellow Spring Map Jiaolong Seal and Yin Ming Ghost Sword to Zhenhai Patriarch.
Except for the Yellow Spring Map which he got from the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons the others were the natal spirit treasures of True Lord Loushan True Lord Tiancang Flood Dragon Holy Son and True Lord Mingsha respectively.
Such natal treasures couldn’t unleash their full power unless your cultivation path aligned perfectly.
So Lu Changsheng had long planned to recast them or break them down and fuse into new treasures.
As he spoke Lu Changsheng also gave Zhenhai Patriarch some fourth-rank spiritual materials instructing him to first repair the Silkworm Robe and craft a fourth-rank robe for himself.
Then recast the Mountain-Moving Whip upgrading its law-breaking and weight aspects for future use by him or his Brahma Demon True Form as a weapon.
Whether for his fourth-rank physique or Brahma Demon True Form he needed a dedicated weapon.
“.”
Zhenhai Patriarch stared at the spirit treasures his face twitching. This guy was treating him like a workhorse.
Recasting fourth-rank spirit treasures even simply took months or years.
And Yangming True Lord’s demands were high.
It wasn’t just basic recasting; they had to be top-quality spirit treasures.
If he had to infuse spirits and nurture spirituality it could take years per piece.
“You don’t need to nurture spirituality. Just maximize the quality as much as possible.”
Lu Changsheng knew this was grueling work.
Otherwise with his artifact refining already at fourth-rank why hadn’t he started yet?
Thinking of this Lu Changsheng waved his hand and several more magical treasures and spirit treasures appeared.
These were True Lord Pinghai’s Pinghai Halberd Fuhai True Lord’s Jiaolong Spear and a few other treasures.
“These treasures and spirit treasures return them to their original owners. In the future if Pinghai Sect or Fuhai Sect get new Nascent Souls they can use them directly.”
Spirit treasures were precious sure.
But now the Zhenhai Seven Sects were under his control like his own enterprise.
Returning them would boost the Zhenhai Seven Sects’ combat power.
Keeping them to break down and fuse would just mean new Nascent Souls in the sects wasting resources on new ones.
Plus asking Zhenhai Patriarch to help with refining he needed to offer some benefits not let him work for nothing.
Zhenhai Patriarch saw the natal spirit treasures of True Lord Pinghai and Fuhai True Lord and his expression froze.
Who could’ve thought one wrong decision would turn their Zhenhai Seven Sects into enemies leading to this fate.
He sighed took the spirit treasures and said “Master do you still have Lingbo’s body and treasures?”
Now his life was in Yangming True Lord’s hands so dwelling on past grudges was pointless.
But the other party voluntarily returning Pinghai and Fuhai’s natal treasures suggested letting bygones be bygones. He couldn’t help thinking of Lingbo True Lord’s body.
Even though Lingbo True Lord had already seized a new body.
Her original body was a top-tier spirit body perfectly matched with her Nascent Soul spirit body cultivation method and divine abilities.
If recovered it could serve as a backup body or for cultivating clone or incarnation techniques.
Plus besides the body Lingbo True Lord’s spirit treasures had fallen into Lu Changsheng’s hands.
For a Nascent Soul cultivator that greatly impacted combat strength.
Currently in the Zhenhai Seven Sects Pinghai Fuhai and Nuhai were dead;
Zhenhai Tunhai and Lingbo were severely injured and reincarnating with only Minghai at full strength.
In this situation he had to maximize the Zhenhai Seven Sects’ power to handle upcoming troubles and probes.
“Lingbo True Lord’s body isn’t with me right now.”
Lu Changsheng paused before saying “But her spirit treasures and magical treasures I can try to get back.”
Although Lingbo True Lord’s body hadn’t been fully turned into a puppet by Qian Zhuyan.
It had become Qian Zhuyan’s soul clone.
In that case abandoning the body would undoubtedly affect her soul.
But for the natal spirit treasures Lu Changsheng didn’t mind returning them.
After all as Zhenhai Patriarch said some Starry Sea forces were already probing the Zhenhai Seven Sects. If troubles snowballed he couldn’t just stand by.
“Thank you Master.”
Since Lingbo True Lord had completed the seizure Zhenhai Patriarch didn’t push too hard on the body. Getting back the spirit treasures was already good.
“Since you’re skilled in artifact refining I have a refining inheritance here. Spend some time studying it; it should help you.”
Lu Changsheng thought for a moment then handed a jade slip to Zhenhai Patriarch.
Now that he’d cultivated the God-Devouring Technique with his soul breaking through to late Nascent Soul he had full control over Turtle Immortal Patriarch no worry of betrayal.
Zhenhai Patriarch though unwilling was suppressed by his main body Turtle Immortal Patriarch. Unless pushed to the brink he couldn’t rebel.
In this case Lu Changsheng was willing to be generous show goodwill by passing the artifact refining section of Divine Creation Refinement Art to him.
Besides for refining other high-level spirit treasures in the future he’d need Zhenhai Patriarch’s help. The higher his skill the better.
“Thank you Master.” Zhenhai Patriarch’s face remained calm as he accepted the jade slip not viewing it immediately planning to study it after their talk.
“Also help me gather the materials on this list and prepare some artisans and array masters.”
Lu Changsheng continued handing over a material list to Zhenhai Patriarch.
Heavenly Sword Sect was busy relocating now.
Once they finished it’d be his turn to get busy.
For example renaming Heavenly Sword Sect to Yangming Mountain meant redesigning the protective array and many buildings needed artisans for repairs and handling.
Besides the array building the Dew-Receiving Platform was also on the agenda.
Previously he’d debated placing the Dew-Receiving Platform in Immortal City of Damengze Zhenhai Sect Heavenly Sword Sect or Da Mengze’s sea eye.
Now he’d decided.
Build it on Heavenly Sword Sect’s spiritual land the future Yangming Mountain!
The reason was simple: no matter where there’d be drawbacks and troubles.
His reputation now intimidated the Jiang Yue Liang regions even spreading across Southern Desolation and Northern Region.
Few dared trouble his family.
And Jiang Kingdom had become his main base.
Soon Holy Maiden Youyue True Lord Incinerating Wither and True Lord Nine Spirits three Nascent Soul cultivators would guard it.
Once Hong Lian broke through to Nascent Soul it’d be four!
That strength could already rival some mid-Nascent Soul cultivators.
Moreover once he set up teleportation arrays between Jiang and Jin Kingdoms and Jiang and Zhenhai Sect connecting them.
Ah Youduo Heaven Corpse Sect Master Turtle Immortal Patriarch and Zhenhai Patriarch could provide immediate support.
With that firepower he feared no force in Southern Desolation or Northern Region.
Beyond these people Lu Changsheng’s greatest confidence was Yangming Mountain this fourth-rank spiritual land.
Once he advanced to fourth-rank array master and set up Yangming Mountain’s gate array to his specs fusing with it and activating the Sun-Moon Yin-Yang Mirror even a late Nascent Soul great cultivator wouldn’t faze him. He was confident he could repel them!
Guarding Yangming Mountain plus Hong Lian Turtle Immortal Patriarch Zhenhai Patriarch True Lord Nine Spirits Holy Maiden Youyue True Lord Incinerating Wither and others Lu Changsheng didn’t believe any top force would wage war and clash head-on with him.
So placing the Dew-Receiving Platform on Yangming Mountain was the safest and most secure!
Zhenhai Patriarch looked at the list and couldn’t help frowning.
He thought these material and personnel demands were huge.
What was the other party planning?
Building a fourth-rank immortal city?
But he’d heard news of the Jiang Liang-Yue war and vaguely guessed Lu Changsheng’s intentions nodding in agreement.
He was just surprised. The guy had been so low-key cultivating in Immortal City of Damengze how did he suddenly become so high-profile?
“In that case I’ll leave it to you. Gui Da come with me to Divine Maiden Palace.”
After assigning the tasks Lu Changsheng turned to the hunched high-backed Turtle Immortal Patriarch nearby.
“Yes.” Influenced by the Demon Subjugation Talisman Turtle Immortal Patriarch instinctively obeyed Lu Changsheng’s words.
“I have some matters with Divine Maiden Palace to handle. There won’t be any danger or trouble.” Lu Changsheng explained.
But such an explanation was unnecessary for Turtle Immortal Patriarch and Zhenhai Patriarch.
After all Penglai Island was just on the same level as Zhenhai Seven Sects.
In Divine Maiden Palace only Shen Jianjia that top Starry Sea cultivator warranted attention.
But neither Turtle Immortal Patriarch nor this Yangming True Lord feared her.
“Master please keep my connection to Zhenhai Seven Sects as hidden as possible to avoid unnecessary troubles.”
Zhenhai Patriarch knew his main body influenced by the slave mark wouldn’t say much to Yangming True Lord.
So he had to remind him.
“Don’t worry.” Lu Changsheng knew if Turtle Immortal Patriarch’s matter leaked Zhenhai Seven Sects would be thrust into the spotlight drawing more wariness from other forces.
“Gui Da if you act openly is it convenient or will it cause trouble?”
Lu Changsheng asked proactively curious about his bloodline identity and any potential enemies or dangers.
“Master rest assured no one in the Starry Sea can threaten me. As for the Forbidden Sea there are a few enemies but it won’t affect anything.”
Turtle Immortal Patriarch spoke with strong confidence in his strength.
“Enemies in the Forbidden Sea?” Lu Changsheng had always been curious about the Forbidden Sea.
“I’ve lived in the Forbidden Sea and encountered some natural treasures along the way leading to fights with demons.”
Turtle Immortal Patriarch explained.
Though he was a turtle cautious by nature.
When opportunities arose he’d still compete for them.
Inevitably that led to grudges with some demons creating enemies.
But such rivalries unless one was gravely injured neither could really harm the other.
Lu Changsheng nodded.
In life who doesn’t have a few enemies?
Like him Lu Ancestor always kind to others yet he still had some foes.
Soon the two left Fuhai Sect planning to ride Lu Lingjing to continue to Divine Maiden Palace.
But Lu Lingjing instinctively sensed danger and fear from Turtle Immortal Patriarch.
Seeing this Turtle Immortal Patriarch activated his divine ability further concealing his demon power and aura so even Lu Changsheng could hardly gauge his depths.
“Such profound aura concealment.” Lu Changsheng thought he’d need to cultivate Seamless Robe to great completion to match this.
“At Divine Maiden Palace disguise as my steward and call me Master.”
Lu Changsheng said looking at Turtle Immortal Patriarch in his black robe hunched like a servant.
In this guise behind him he looked nothing like a top demon king just a mere attendant.
“Yes Master.” Gui Da had no objections.
Though Lu Changsheng had said before he didn’t need to demean himself.
Influenced by the Demon Subjugation Talisman he instinctively showed respect before Lu Changsheng.
As he spoke he activated his bloodline ability adding a touch of aged twilight making him seem even more like an old servant.
Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but marvel at Turtle Immortal Patriarch’s concealment and disguise skills.
When Lu Changsheng returned to the stomach chamber Qin Yuning immediately bowed and said “True Lord.”
But seeing the hunched servant-like Turtle Immortal Patriarch behind Lu Changsheng she looked surprised wondering who this old man was.
She couldn’t see through Turtle Immortal Patriarch at all as if he were just an elderly man nearing the end of his life.
“This is my steward Ah Gui.”
Lu Changsheng introduced simply then closed his eyes and sat cross-legged.
Turtle Immortal Patriarch stood hunched by his side.
After Lu Changsheng and Turtle Immortal Patriarch left Zhenhai Patriarch slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and looked at the jade slip Lu Changsheng gave him.
His Zhenhai Seven Sects originated from the top force in Eastern Sea Cultivation Realm Yuhai Mountain.
Their techniques and inheritances surpassed ordinary Nascent Soul-level forces.
His high refining skill came from dedicating time and energy plus the profound inheritance from Yuhai Mountain.
So he looked down on ordinary refining inheritances.
Even studying them was just for analogies to spark inspiration.
But he was quite interested in this Yangming True Lord’s refining inheritance.
He wanted to see its level compare it to Yuhai Mountain’s and perhaps deduce the man’s origins from it.
“This”
Zhenhai Patriarch examined the artifact refining section of Divine Creation Refinement Art his expression growing more serious.
He realized this refining inheritance was on par with if not slightly superior to Yuhai Mountain’s.
Especially noticing it was incomplete with complementary techniques!
“Such an inheritance definitely comes from a major force one not inferior to Yuhai Mountain! Is this guy really the Eastern Emperor?”
Zhenhai Patriarch’s mind raced suspecting Lu Changsheng’s identity leaned toward the Eastern Emperor again.
After all only someone of Eastern Emperor’s caliber could bestow such a top inheritance.
“But Sun-Moon Star Palace isn’t known for refining they shouldn’t have such a top inheritance!” Zhenhai Patriarch was puzzled.
After pondering long without figuring out Yangming True Lord’s origins he stopped thinking and delved into the refining inheritance starting to repair the Silkworm Robe and recast upgrade the Mountain-Moving Whip.
Earlier he’d grumbled inwardly about the grunt work.
But gaining the Divine Creation Refinement Art’s refining section sparked new ideas through analogies dissolving his complaints. It was a perfect chance to verify and practice.