The Qian Hao Continent appeared calm on the surface, but the cultivators on the continent could sense something different. The disciples from the various sects and powers have been unusually well-behaved recently, mostly staying within their sects under restraint. In some of the cultivation cities, even the young masters who relied on their family backgrounds to act arrogantly on the streets had become less common.
Tian Lin Town also felt different. The powers that used to come to seek pills from the alchemist Gu Yao were almost nowhere to be seen, and it was vaguely heard that both Gu Yao and Senior Chi were not in town. The cultivators maintaining order in the town also seemed more vigilant than usual.
"What on earth is going on? It's like something big is about to happen."
"Could it be that they've found the hiding place of that old thief Huo Shu? Without removing that old thief, our Qian Hao Continent can't have true peace."
"Have you heard? Above our Qian Hao Continent, there are other continents with higher levels of cultivation. The cultivators there can transcend the Nascent Soul stage, reaching higher realms where they can truly turn clouds with a wave of a hand and move mountains and seas. I really want to see it for myself. Maybe those spiritual herbs and elixirs that we can't afford here are common there."
"Dream on. I've heard that without the strength of a Nascent Soul, don't even think about passing through that passage to the other continent. Your body would be torn apart by the spatial forces within the passage."
The cultivators discussed amongst themselves, skeptical about such news. While they were greatly interested in the continent at the other end of the passage with a higher level of cultivation, if even Nascent Soul cultivators were not valued there, then what would happen to them, mere Foundation Building and Golden Core cultivators? Wouldn't they just be at the bottom?
So they might as well stay put here and mix in. It wouldn't be too late to go when there was hope of condensing a Nascent Soul.
Suddenly, someone ran in, excitedly shouting: "Great news! Huge news! The old thief Huo Shu has been eliminated. He was taken out by the combined efforts of Nascent Soul seniors. He won't be able to cause chaos on our continent anymore!"In the taverns, tea houses, and market streets, there was a moment of silence, followed by a burst of noise. Had he really been destroyed? That was indeed great news; otherwise, it was like a sharp sword always hanging over their heads, never knowing when it would fall.
This news spread rapidly through the various branches of the Trade Alliance and the different sects and powers, reaching across the entire continent in the shortest time. At such times, even if there were remnants still in hiding, with Huo Shu dead, what else could they do but completely forget their past grievances?
With Huo Shu gone, these people couldn't stir up much trouble anymore.
The atmosphere in Tian Lin Town also noticeably relaxed because Gu Yao and Chi Changye, the two pillars of strength, had safely returned. The cultivators maintaining order all wore relaxed smiles on their faces. Speaking of the operation to eliminate the old thief Huo Shu, some were quite proud. The alchemist Gu Yao and Senior Chi had also participated in this operation and returned safely. Even though Gu Yao had just formed his Nascent Soul, his strength was solid.
During his Nascent Soul tribulation, Gu Yao had actually started to overturn the public's impression of him. Apart from being wealthy and imposing, one had to admit that although he was an alchemist, he wasn't as fragile as other alchemists; when Gu Yao became famous for his pill-concocting skills, he was also capable of fighting and killing on the battlefield.
After recovering from his injuries, Yin Hua decided to stay in Tian Lin Town, enjoying the care of his nephew. Feng Yin Pavilion had also established a branch in Tian Lin Town early on.
After a fierce battle, Gu Yao's cultivation had completely stabilized, so there was no need for seclusion. When he wasn't researching new pill recipes, he was taking orders for pill concoction, making his days seem endlessly peaceful and serene.However, what was destined to arrive would always come. The visitors were Meng, the leader of the alliance, and Zhang Qian, the head of the council. Yin Hua, who had been lazily enjoying the breeze and sipping wine, heard the report and stood up, patting his buttocks before heading to the reception hall to greet the guests.
After exchanging formalities, Yin Hua slumped into a chair at the side without any concern for appearances, giving off an air of casualness as if to say, "You talk; I'm just sitting here."
Meng, the alliance leader, couldn't help but smile wryly at this posture. Was he worried that they had come to bully Alchemist Gu Yao or something? Their vision wasn't so short-sighted anymore; they had many reasons to seek Gu Yao's favor.
"This is what we have discussed and entrusted the old man to deliver to Alchemist Gu Yao and Daoist Chi."
Meng, the alliance leader, presented two boxes. Gu Yao accepted them and upon opening, one contained a fire-element treasure, the Yan Sui Tian Crystal, and the other a thunder-attribute spirit object. Like all other treasures, these were rare and sought after.
The treasures originally taken from the Yin family were returned to Yin Hua on the spot, rightfully restoring them to their owner without room for dispute. As for these two items now distributed to them, they actually represented a significant share. There were a limited number of treasures available, yet there had been many Nascent Soul cultivators involved initially.
"This..." The gifts were very much to Gu Yao's liking; he couldn't bear to refuse them.
"Haha," laughed Meng, the alliance leader. "As far as I know, this Yan Sui Tian Crystal was originally obtained from Tian Lin Continent, and this thunder-attribute spirit object is perfectly suited for Daoist Chi. None of us old fellows specialize solely in thunder techniques."
It was clear that the thunder-attribute spirit object was intended for Chi Changye. The strength he displayed during this operation was more than enough to warrant such a spirit object. His final astonishing strike played a significant role in the elimination of Huo Shu; hence, giving this item to him was something everyone could agree on wholeheartedly.For this reason, Gu Yao was reluctant to refuse the offer. With the conversation at this point, Gu Yao no longer put on airs and, after expressing his thanks, accepted the gifts. The Yan Sui Tian Crystal was also returned to its rightful owner; in the hands of Tian Erge, it would play a significant role. Naturally, the thunder-attribute spirit object would go to Chi Changye.
Upon seeing this, Meng, the leader of the alliance, also smiled. With Gu Yao accepting the gifts, the following discussions would be smoother. It was because of the transformative elixirs and pills that none of the other Nascent Soul cultivators raised objections to this distribution; after all, they all had juniors and hoped for Gu Yao's indulgence.
Yin Hua narrowed his eyes. Each one of these old foxes, he had to keep an eye on them, or his nephew might suffer a loss. They shouldn't think that after giving two items they could make outrageous demands.
Zhang Qianzhi, who knew the ins and outs of the situation, couldn't help but chuckle silently when he saw the expressions of the three people. He hadn't participated in the encirclement and suppression of Huo Shu, but when Meng, the leader of the alliance, returned and told him of Gu Yao's achievements, Zhang Qianfeng was stunned on the spot. His understanding of Gu Yao's alchemy rose several levels. Ordinary alchemists wouldn't even dare to dream of what Gu Yao had achieved; not only did Gu Yao dare to dream, but he also had the courage to experiment and personally take to the battlefield.
He could innovate, he dared to boldly try new things, and he ventured where ordinary people feared to tread. Beyond his innate talent, this was precisely why Gu Yao could rapidly stand out and even be looked up to by others.
Zhang Qianfeng rarely admired someone so much. He always held himself in high regard, and although other Nascent Soul cultivators were stronger than him, he believed that given time, he would eventually catch up. However, the achievements Gu Yao had made were so dazzling that many alchemists could only look up to him from the foot of the mountain.
Meng, the leader of the alliance, felt a bit embarrassed, but he still had to say what needed to be said. He cleared his throat and began, "Alchemist Gu, this is one of the reasons for my visit. The second reason is..."
Gu Yao didn't make it difficult for Meng, the alliance leader, and interjected: "I know, Alliance Leader Meng and Council Head Zhang are here for the transformative elixirs. I actually didn't intend to keep them hidden forever; I just couldn't find a suitable opportunity to reveal them to the public."
Both Meng, the alliance leader, and Zhang Qianfeng found Gu Yao's concerns very reasonable and admired his magnanimity. From his willingness to share the formulas for the Spirit Refining Pill and the Dust Clearing Pill, it was evident that he genuinely wanted to benefit the wider community of cultivators, not to use these formulas for fame, status, or personal gain.
Meng, the alliance leader, said: "Alchemist Gu's considerations are extremely valid. As the leader of the Commerce Alliance, I represent various forces coming to discuss with Alchemist Gu. I can assure you that as long as the Commerce Alliance exists, it will protect Tianlin Town."
They had also discussed for many days how to please Gu Yao to the greatest extent. Once the passage was constructed, there was no need to say that Gu Yao and Chi Changye would not stay on Qianhao Continent for too long. Thus, giving him more spirit stones or materials might not truly win his heart, especially since they didn't have the capability to ensure Gu Yao's safety on Wanluo Continent.So it seems, upon reflection, that what Gu Yao is most concerned about on the Qianhao Continent would be the cultivators who came from Tianlin Continent. Once Gu Yao and Chi Changye leave, the status of Tianlin Town will surely plummet rapidly. Gu Yao definitely does not want to see such a situation arise, nullifying his and Chi Changye's efforts over the past decade or so.
The other powers are too scattered, only the Commerce Alliance now spans across the continent and can link all the different forces together, so it's most effective for the Commerce Alliance to make this promise. Of course, Alliance Leader Meng is also seeking the greatest benefit for the Commerce Alliance.
Tsk, really annoying, Yin Hua made a snorting sound without any attempt to conceal his displeasure. This was entirely taking advantage of the situation for their own benefit, trying to gain the most while giving up the least. But forget it, what could they offer that would truly entice Gu Yao? Those items, he didn't need them to give; with his nephew's abilities, couldn't he obtain them on his own?
Alliance Leader Meng and Zhang Qianfeng also felt somewhat embarrassed when they heard this discontented snort. Indeed, they couldn't offer anything better to Gu Yao. Elixirs? The ones refined by Gu Yao were already the best. Spiritual materials and treasures? Only those that best suited Gu Yao would be considered the best.
However, Gu Yao didn't mind and agreed without even bargaining: "Alright, I agree. The Commerce Alliance can send trustworthy alchemists over. Before I leave, I will teach them these formulas, refining techniques, and points for attention."
"Thank you!" Both Alliance Leader Meng and Zhang Qianfeng didn't expect him to agree so readily. From this, it was evident that Gu Yao's intention in making these formulas public was not for profit but perhaps truly for the sake of those cultivators with lesser talents.
"I have one condition."
"Please state it."
"I hope that when these elixirs are put on the market, they won't be priced too high, especially the middle and lower grades. The materials for these are actually not very expensive; it's just that the refining techniques are somewhat special," Gu Yao said.
Just as expected, Alliance Leader Meng and Zhang Qianzhi once again marveled internally, "We will follow Alchemist Gu's advice and set the prices at a reasonable level."
Alliance Leader Meng and Zhang Qianzhi didn't stay for long before they left. On one hand, they needed to prepare for the establishment of the agreement. It wasn't something that could be guaranteed with mere words. Gu Yao wasn't naive enough to believe that the Commerce Alliance would adhere to a verbal agreement indefinitely, so the best way to ensure this agreement would be to have it witnessed by the heavens.
Secondly, they had to select a group of alchemists to come and receive guidance from Gu Yao. Judging from Gu Yao's tone, these elixirs were not easy to refine, so the selection of these alchemists also needed to be careful.
After they left, they spread the news to all parties. Needless to say, everyone was pushing for the contract to be established as soon as possible, so that these elixirs could be brought to market quickly and they could also experience the wonders of these elixirs.
If there was no hope for the passage, they wouldn't dare to accelerate this matter. After all, the resources on the Qianhao Continent are limited. If every cultivator with spiritual roots could enhance their talents, it would eventually lead to a scarcity of resources on the continent.
Now that there is circulation, Nascent Soul cultivators can go to the Wanluo Continent, and the various resources and spiritual energy of the Qianhao Continent will not face exhaustion.