Nine Turns Heart Dan! . . .
"Master Bai, you don't even believe what you just said," Cha Eun Xiao spoke with disdain. "How can you say that? It truly opened my eyes."
Master Bai felt a bit embarrassed and absentmindedly rubbed his nose. His intention had been to undermine Feng Zhiling's confidence, but it seemed his words had revealed his own lack of self-confidence. He didn't even dare to respond to Cha Eun Xiao.
He was absolutely certain that Feng Monarch would ascend to the Human Realm Upon Heavens. There was no doubt in his mind, not even a seventy percent certainty.
"Take care," Master Bai said, eager to leave.
"Wait," Cha Eun Xiao called out, making it the third time he had done so.
Master Bai had anticipated this and replied, "Feng Monarch, is there anything you wish to give me?"
Cha Eun Xiao laughed. "That's why I told you to wait. Don't rush. By the way, you looked rather awkward as you prepared to leave."
"Being nice isn't exactly my strong suit," Master Bai replied with a wry smile, rubbing his nose.
The challenge of dealing with Feng Zhiling was that he could easily discern the thoughts of others and would vocalize them without hesitation, regardless of the time or place. Furthermore, he often used this knowledge to strike at his opponents, and his strikes were painful.
"We have been contending in this mortal world. Now that you're departing and I took considerable advantage of you earlier," Cha Eun Xiao said matter-of-factly, "I believe I should make it up to you a bit."
Master Bai was intrigued. "Oh?"
"You have about twenty Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan beads ready for use. I suppose that should be more than sufficient, and I won't offer more of those. Given your countless treasures, any offering from me would likely be ordinary. Right now, I can only give you a single dan bead."
Cha Eun Xiao carefully retrieved a bottle. "I used materials that are over ten thousand years old, along with some other rare substances, to craft two batches of Nine Turns Heart Dan. It is an equally challenging endeavor as creating Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan, requiring various materials that must be aged and a good deal of luck. Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan no longer holds any particular significance for me. The success rate is quite high if I have the right materials. These Nine Turns Heart Dan, however, are my true masterpieces. I used the valuable materials from Wan and Xiu as the base components, and incorporated various rare items I've collected over the years. I also infused them with some Primordial Spiritual Qi I recently obtained through luck. Two batches were successful, with each containing three dan beads. I am incredibly fortunate to have produced these dan beads. They are very likely the only Nine Turns Heart Dan I will ever be able to create in my life. In this jade bottle, there is just one of them."
Cha Eun Xiao delivered his explanation calmly.
"Nine Turns Heart Dan!" Ling Wuxie and Master Bai were both left astounded by the name, rising from their seats simultaneously.
"Supreme Nine Turns Heart Dan!" Cha Eun Xiao stated in a low voice. "While it may not be as good as those made from materials in the Human Realm Upon Heavens, it is still the most valuable item I have ever crafted."
Master Bai couldn't help but cough; it appeared he was struggling to keep his emotions in check.
Initially, he had believed that since Wan-Er and Xiu-Er had already taken something from Feng Zhiling, he had received his fair share. He didn't wish to accept more from Feng Monarch, as he didn't want to become overly indebted to him. However, when he laid eyes on the Nine Turns Heart Dan, his perspective underwent a rapid transformation.
"That is a Supreme Nine Turns Heart Dan!"
How valuable was the Supreme Nine Turns Heart Dan? It was an exceedingly rare and precious treasure. Since the dawn of history, only a single Heaven Seizing Supreme Dan bead had ever appeared. Just one, throughout all of history!
However, in the entire history of the universe's existence, a supreme-level Nine Turns Heart Dan had never made an appearance. Not once! Numerous accomplished alchemists had spent their entire lives in the Human Realm Upon Heavens, striving to create only standard-grade Nine Turns Heart Dan. Never had there been a sight of dan clouds or dan mist hovering around these dan beads, a clear indicator of supreme-grade dan. Such a feat was already considered a rare treasure in the Human Realm Upon Heavens, a true rarity. If one of these supreme-grade dan beads were to surface, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the Human Realm Upon Heavens. Even the four great dominators would be compelled to vie for it!
The Nine Turns Heart Dan was a unique elixir that acted on the mental state of a cultivator. Breaking through to a new stage was not primarily about martial art level or other cultivation capabilities, but rather the enhancement of one's mental state. This was the key! It was once said, 'one thought change leads to a saint,' signifying that the transformation from a mortal to a saint depended on a shift in mental state. The significance of mental state to a cultivator was paramount. Hence, the Supreme Nine Turns Heart Dan was an invaluable treasure!
"Thank you," Master Bai sincerely bowed and accepted the jade bottle.
At that moment, he was brimming with excitement.
Cha Eun Xiao breathed a deep sigh and remarked, "You're welcome. From this point forward, by giving you this dan bead, we'll have no outstanding debts. I've taken advantage of your hospitality, and I'm aware that you were aware. Yet you let it slide. This dan bead is my way of making amends to you. I'll find relief if you can attain the supreme."
He smiled and continued, "You understand how crucial finding relief is for me, just as it is for you."
Master Bai slowly nodded and said, "Indeed. In my view, you've already more than made amends without giving me this dan bead. It has exceeded my expectations. Clearly, it's not about me. What you truly desire is to free yourself from the burden on your heart. I comprehend that."
Cha Eun Xiao smiled. "That's accurate. I simply want to be liberated."
As Ling Wuxie gazed at the small bottle in Master Bai's hand, a pang of jealousy filled his eyes. His hands seemed poised to reach out and snatch it.
"Oh, heavenly heavens... that is the Supreme Nine Turns Heart Dan, in the supreme grade," he muttered in astonishment. "Oh, dear mother... why doesn't anyone ever give me anything?"
Ling Wuxie was inwardly fuming with anger. But suddenly, he had an epiphany.
"Ah, right, this isn't over yet," he thought. "He should say it one more time, shouldn't he? Perhaps I still have a chance to receive something!"
"Should I say... 'take care' like they did?" he contemplated.
Master Bai's voice resonated deeply as he said, "Feng Monarch, all things must come to an end. I believe it's time to conclude our conversation. We shall take our leave."
Cha Eun Xiao responded, "You're absolutely right. I won't detain you any longer. Have a safe journey. Take care."
Ling Wuxie moved forward and, in a peculiar tone, declared, "We will now take our leave. TAKE CARE!"