Chapter 274: Yao Chen Is a Highly Revered Elder to Me
Watching Lu Bu's departing figure, the scruffy old man stood there with his mouth slightly agape, his face full of regret and bitterness. The Seven Tier Advanced Dan Recipe of Lesser Assist Pills he had just acquired no longer seemed appealing no matter how he looked at it, it just didn't sit right.
As a Seven Tier Advanced Alchemist, like most others stuck at this level, he had been stuck for decades, dreaming of breaking through to the Eighth Tier. The Soul Nurturing Dust might not guarantee such a breakthrough, but its unique energy could provide a critical boost to his stagnant soul state, offering a glimmer of hope.
"Sigh…" The scruffy old man let out a deep sigh. He had once held a life changing opportunity in his hands but failed to cherish it. Only after it was gone did he realize the depth of his loss. Reflecting on it now, all he could do was lament.
"Old Yan, what exactly is that Soul Nurturing Dust you mentioned earlier?"
"You don't even know?" The scruffy old man shot them a glance, clearly annoyed. "And yet, you were laughing so loudly just now?"
"Forgive my straightforwardness I just couldn't help feeling delighted seeing you lose out… Hahaha!"
"Enough nonsense. Just tell us, what is Soul Nurturing Dust? It sounds like it's something really valuable."
"I'm not telling!" the scruffy old man snapped back. "Look at you this is how you ask someone a question? You don't even know how to use the word 'please'!"
Elsewhere, within the mountains near the Dan Tower, at the estate where Lu Bu was residing, Hei Qing couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Lu Bu, what is this Soul Nurturing Dust?"
Hei Qing had already sensed that the copper fragment was unusual, but he didn't expect Lu Bu to uncover its secrets so quickly. It was truly beyond his expectations.
Lu Bu chuckled softly and flicked his finger, causing a faint yellow particle to float in front of Hei Qing.
"Try fusing it into your soul," Lu Bu said, motioning with his chin, a sly smile on his face.
Hei Qing hesitated for a moment, his curiosity overcoming his doubts. The particle of Soul Nurturing Dust floated gently toward his forehead and then merged into his brow.
Immediately, Hei Qing felt a sharp, piercing pain in his soul, an almost unbearable discomfort. But just as the pain reached its peak, it vanished. In its place came a unique flow of energy that gradually seeped into his soul.
In that instant, the world around him seemed to become clearer. It was as though every detail of the universe unfolded vividly before him. His previously stagnant soul state began to loosen, showing signs of advancement.
"This… this…" Hei Qing was utterly shocked. While his Dou Qi hadn't improved, his control and understanding of Dou Qi seemed to have leaped to another level. The benefits this tiny particle brought him were equivalent to years of arduous training.
"Soul Nurturing Dust is an essential component for ancient alchemists to refine Eight Tier pills. When fused into the pill, it significantly enhances the pill's spiritual essence," Lu Bu explained. "Not only that, but it can also be fused directly into one's soul, nurturing and strengthening it. Over time, it can allow the soul to ascend to the spiritual realm."
"So it's that precious?" Hei Qing's expression turned serious. He was well aware of how difficult it was for a mundane soul to reach the spiritual realm.
"Hahaha… Brother Lu Bu, you truly are exceptional sharing such a valuable item with me!" Hei Qing burst into laughter, deeply touched. He vividly remembered that the oxidized copper sphere contained five particles of Soul Nurturing Dust, and Lu Bu had given him one without hesitation.
If word of this got out, it would undoubtedly drive alchemists across the land into a frenzy.
"It's the least I can do," Lu Bu replied with a smile. Hei Qing had saved his life once, and without him, defeating the Nine Heavens Sovereign would have come at a much higher price.
Moreover, Hei Qing's presence lent Lu Bu significant leverage in negotiating with the Dan Tower regarding the Three Thousand Flames.
"This is for you use it to contact me if needed," Hei Qing said with a grin. He flicked his finger, and a dark golden scale the size of a palm flew toward Lu Bu. A unique and commanding aura emanated from it.
"Hahaha… Thank you, Brother Hei Qing!" Lu Bu laughed. Although Hei Qing was only an Eight Star Dou Zun, the ability to contact him at any time was invaluable.
Meanwhile, news of the Soul Nurturing Dust had spread like wildfire through the Dan Domain, causing an uproar throughout Holy Pill City. This ancient treasure had sparked widespread amazement, with many alchemists scrambling to acquire even a single particle.
However, people soon realized that no one even knew the name of the individual who possessed the dust. All they had to go on was the description of a particularly arrogant young man whose demeanor seemed almost designed to provoke a beating.
For those who had encountered Lu Bu at the trading fair, the realization left them stunned. They tried to recall his face, even attempting to sketch it, only to find that their memories grew increasingly blurred. It was as though his features were shrouded in mist, impossible to capture.
"What's going on here?" The alchemists were baffled, unable to explain the strange phenomenon.
"Teacher, who do you think that person might be?" In the Dan Tower, Cao Ying propped her delicate chin on her hand, her voice dripping with curiosity.
"Of course, it's Xiao Yan… oh, I mean, Lu Bu," Xuan Kongzi replied.
"But how is it that no one can remember his face?" Cao Ying pressed.
"The spiritual realm and the mundane soul are worlds apart," Xuan Kongzi explained. "Lu Bu is exceptionally cautious, always cloaking himself in a layer of soul power to block others' detection."
"Those alchemists at the fair were all Seven Tier at best, with weaker souls than his. Naturally, they couldn't retain an accurate memory of his appearance."
"So that's how the spiritual realm works…" Cao Ying's enchanting face lit up with understanding. It was the first time she had learned of this ability.
"What about that Soul Nurturing Dust? What exactly is it?" she asked, her curiosity deepening. The ancient treasure's origins fascinated her.
"Go find the answer yourself!" Xuan Kongzi snapped, pointing toward another room.
Dan Tower housed countless ancient texts, more than enough to satisfy her curiosity. He was her mentor, not her personal encyclopedia.
"Oh…" Cao Ying giggled and obediently went off to search the archives.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. On the mountain estate where Lu Bu resided, spatial ripples stirred the air as four figures appeared. Compared to their last visit, there was now an additional timid girl among them, delicate as a porcelain doll.
Hei Qing glanced at the pale faced girl, and a hint of surprise flashed across his rugged face. She seemed unusual, somehow extraordinary.
Noticing Hei Qing's gaze, the girl shrank back like a frightened rabbit, hiding behind Xuan Yi.
"Don't be scared, Dan Chen. It's alright," Cao Ying said with a gentle smile.
This girl was none other than Dan Chen of the Dan family, Xuan Yi's disciple. Among the younger generation of the Dan Tower, she was one of the few whom Cao Ying held in regard though that had changed recently, now that another figure had appeared: not Xiao Yan, but Lu Bu.
Additionally, there was another noteworthy individual, Song Qing, the disciple of the First Elder among the Eight Elders of the Dan Tower. He was not a student of Tian Lei Zi, one of the other three presidents of the Dan Tower.
"Hehe… It seems Lu Bu has already started preparing," Xuan Kongzi remarked, ignoring the conversation between the juniors. His gaze shifted toward the center of the estate, where Lu Bu sat cross legged in the open space, still as a statue, his calm demeanor resembling that of a meditating monk.
Before him stood a dark red cauldron, its surface adorned with intricate beast carvings that appeared to move and surge like a stampede of wild beasts. Its aura was both majestic and intimidating.
"Is that… the Myriad Beast Cauldron?" Xuan Yi asked in surprise.
"The Heaven Cauldron Ranking… It's not that astonishing, is it?" Xuan Kongzi asked, puzzled. The Dan Tower had managed to acquire a few cauldrons from the Heaven Cauldron Ranking, which, while rare, were not enough to cause shock for someone of their standing.
"No," Xuan Yi replied, her tone serious. "As far as I know, the Myriad Beast Cauldron was taken by Han Feng back then!"
"Han Feng?" Xuan Kongzi's expression shifted, his gaze turning sharper as he scrutinized Lu Bu. "There were rumors that Yao Chen's disappearance was tied to him…"
If that was true, then Lu Bu must have some deep connection to Yao Chen.
Xuan Yi pursed her lips, saying nothing, though her expression suggested she was deep in thought.
Cao Ying and Dan Chen exchanged glances, their beautiful eyes reflecting a shared sense of astonishment. Yao Chen… Wasn't he the legendary Medicine Venerable?
Could Lu Bu truly be connected to such a mythical figure?
Time trickled by, yet Lu Bu remained unmoving, his eyes closed as if in deep concentration. He sat before the cauldron like a statue, unaffected by the arrival of Xuan Kongzi and the others.
Despite this, the four from the Dan Tower showed no sign of impatience. As top tier alchemists of the Central Plains, they understood the importance of preparation. If Lu Bu had hastily begun the moment they arrived, it would have rendered the upcoming demonstration meaningless.
An hour passed quietly. The Dan Tower's four alchemists were still composed, but Hei Qing was growing restless, scratching his head and shifting in his seat.
"Alchemists… Always so troublesome!" Hei Qing grumbled.
It was then that Lu Bu suddenly opened his eyes. Rising to his feet, his vast soul power slowly spread out like a tidal wave.
Hei Qing's expression tightened. An instinctive sense of pressure washed over him, emanating from Lu Bu's soul. Even the four alchemists, though they frowned slightly, activated their protective auras to fend off the oppressive force.
"He's already this strong?" Cao Ying raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
"Just watch," Xuan Kongzi said, shaking his head in mild surprise. "This kid's soul feels nothing like that of someone who's just entered the Spiritual Realm."
With a soft whoosh, a green glow flared as a serpentine flame rose from Lu Bu's body, coiling around him before plunging into the Myriad Beast Cauldron.
The intense heat of the Green Lotus Core Flame surged forth, igniting the interior of the cauldron in an instant. Fierce flames roared to life, filling the cauldron with their fiery brilliance.
"An Heavenly Flame!?" The four alchemists' pupils contracted in unison as they cried out in shock.
When the green flame appeared, the fire seeds within their bodies trembled uncontrollably, resonating with a deep sense of submission.
"This man is truly extraordinary!" Cao Ying's eyes glimmered with fascination. Her curiosity toward Lu Bu deepened with every passing moment.
Meanwhile, a faint light flickered across Lu Bu's Nethersea Ring, and a hundred types of medicinal ingredients flew out, filling the sky above the estate.
"South Ridge Ghostwort, Golden Lotus Dragon Plate, Millennium Green Root… He's refining a Dissolution Elixir!" Xuan Yi's gaze sharpened as she identified the ingredients suspended in the air.
The Dissolution Elixir was an Eight Tier, dual colored pill. Its function was similar to that of the Spirit Ascension Pill or the Royal Extreme Pill, in that it temporarily boosted the user's strength by one star. However, it had a limitation while it worked for Dou Zuns, it became ineffective once they reached the Nine Star stage and transitioned to Advanced Dou Zun.
Behind her, Dan Chen and Cao Ying exchanged glances, their expressions heavy. Both girls felt the pressure but didn't let it overwhelm them. While a dual colored pill was impressive, they weren't incapable of achieving the same result. They refused to be overshadowed.
"You're celebrating too soon," Xuan Kongzi remarked indifferently. "This demonstration isn't a competition but a test to prove he's capable of reaching the Eighth Tier. It's very likely… Lu Bu won't even use his full strength."
His comment left Dan Chen and Cao Ying stunned. Their delicate faces paled slightly. If this wasn't Lu Bu's best effort, then the gap between them was much larger than they had anticipated.
"Stop exaggerating!" Xuan Yi glared at Xuan Kongzi, annoyed. "How do you know a dual colored pill isn't his full strength? And what if he fails? Stop pressuring the kids!"
Xuan Kongzi shrugged, choosing not to argue further.
On the other side, Lu Bu had already begun refining the ingredients. One by one, the materials dissolved into their essence, which floated within the cauldron.
"His technique… It carries a hint of Yao Chen's style, but not much," Xuan Kongzi murmured, stroking his chin as he observed Lu Bu at work.
As they watched Lu Bu's retreating figure, the disheveled old man stood speechless, his mouth slightly open, filled with regret and bitterness. The high grade seventh tier pill formula for the Minor Assistance Pill that he had just obtained no longer seemed appealing on the contrary, the more he looked at it, the more irksome it became.
He was a seventh tier advanced alchemist, just like many others, stuck at this level for decades. He dreamed of one day breaking through to the eighth tier.
The Nurturing Spirit Powder might not guarantee success, but the spiritual energy contained within it could give him a chance to strengthen his soul and break through his stagnant soul realm.
"Sigh…" The old man heaved a long sigh. He lamented the once in a lifetime opportunity that had been right in front of him but that he had failed to grasp. Now, knowing he had irrevocably lost it, he could only drown in endless regret.
Thinking about it left him overcome with melancholy.
"Old Yan, what exactly is this Nurturing Spirit Powder you're talking about?"
"You don't know?" The old man rolled his eyes at them. "Why are you laughing so hard if you don't even know what it is?"
"Forgive my bluntness it's just that seeing you lose out makes me so happy… Hahaha!"
"Stop interrupting. Just tell us what the Nurturing Spirit Powder is. It seems really valuable."
"I'm not telling!" The old man snapped irritably. "Look at your attitude how dare you ask me questions without even saying 'please'?"
Elsewhere, within the mountain estate near the Dan Tower, where Lu Bu resided, Hei Qing curiously asked, "Lu Bu, what exactly is this Nurturing Spirit Powder?"
Hei Qing instinctively sensed that the copper piece had been extraordinary, but he hadn't expected Lu Bu to uncover its secrets so easily. It caught him entirely off guard.
Lu Bu chuckled softly, flicking his fingers to release a faint yellow speck of powder that floated before Hei Qing.
"Infuse it into your soul and see for yourself," Lu Bu said with a slight smirk, gesturing at the speck of powder.
Hei Qing hesitated for a moment, eyeing the yellow dust. After a brief pause, the speck seemed to move on its own, settling gently on his forehead.
Immediately, Hei Qing felt a stabbing pain in his soul, so intense that it made him wince. But just as quickly as the pain arrived, it dissipated, replaced by an unusual warmth that seeped into his soul.
In an instant, Hei Qing felt an unprecedented clarity, as though the entire world had become sharper and more vibrant. Every detail of his surroundings seemed vividly etched into his consciousness.
Even more astonishingly, the bottleneck that had long blocked his cultivation began to show signs of loosening.
"This… this is incredible!" Hei Qing exclaimed in shock. While the Nurturing Spirit Powder hadn't directly increased his Dou Qi, it had significantly enhanced his ability to perceive and control it.
The effects of this tiny speck were equivalent to years of diligent cultivation.
"The Nurturing Spirit Powder is an essential material used by ancient alchemists to refine eighth tier pills. When fused into a pill, it greatly enhances the pill's spiritual properties," Lu Bu explained calmly.
"Moreover, when infused directly into the soul, it nourishes and strengthens it, allowing the user to develop the spiritual energy necessary to transcend ordinary limitations and step into the Spiritual Realm."
"So that's how precious this stuff is?" Hei Qing said, his face full of awe. Given his vast experience, he fully understood just how difficult it was to cross from a Mortal Soul to a Spiritual Soul.
"Haha, Lu Bu, I knew you were the real deal! You're even willing to share such a treasure with me!" Hei Qing laughed heartily, visibly moved.
He clearly remembered that there had been five specks of Nurturing Spirit Powder in the copper residue, and Lu Bu had gifted him one of them. Hei Qing hadn't expected such generosity, especially given the powder's immense value it could easily incite a frenzy among alchemists if word got out.
"It's what you deserve," Lu Bu replied with a smile. Hei Qing had saved his life before. Without him, Lu Bu might have paid a steep price to contend with the Nine Heavenly Lords.
Besides, with Hei Qing standing by him, Lu Bu had the upper hand in the matter of the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Compared to the Dan Tower, his position was far more advantageous.
Hei Qing smiled and, with a flick of his finger, sent out a dark golden scale the size of a palm. The scale floated toward Lu Bu, radiating Hei Qing's unique aura.
"Take this. If you need my help, use it to contact me," Hei Qing said with a grin.
"Haha, thank you, Brother Hei Qing!" Lu Bu laughed. While Hei Qing's cultivation level wasn't the strongest he was only an Eight Star Dou Zun being able to call upon him at any time was still invaluable.
As the news of the Nurturing Spirit Powder spread throughout the Alchemist Trade Fair, Saint Pill City erupted in chaos. Many were amazed by this ancient treasure, and some desperately sought to obtain even a single speck of it.
But as they pieced the story together, they realized something odd: no one knew the identity of the alchemist who had uncovered it. All they knew was that he was a brash young man whose arrogance made him incredibly unlikeable.
Those who had met Lu Bu were dumbfounded. They tried to recall his appearance, hoping to sketch his face, only to discover something peculiar.
The more they tried to remember, the blurrier their memories became. It was as though a veil of mist obscured their recollection of him, leaving them with no clear image to recreate.
"What's going on here?" the alchemists murmured, utterly baffled.
Meanwhile, in the Dan Tower, Cao Ying rested her delicate chin on her hand, gazing at her teacher with curiosity.
"Teacher, who do you think that man is?"
"Of course, it's Xiao Yan… Oh no, I mean Lu Bu," Xuan Kongzi replied with a chuckle.
"But how can no one remember his face?" Cao Ying asked, intrigued.
"Spiritual Realm souls are fundamentally different from Mortal Realm souls," Xuan Kongzi explained. "Lu Bu is very cautious his body is always enveloped by a layer of soul energy that prevents others from probing into his appearance.
"The alchemists at the trade fair were mostly seventh tier and below, so their souls were weaker than his. Naturally, they couldn't retain a clear image of him."
"Spiritual Realm souls can be used like that?" Cao Ying's delicate brows lifted in surprise. This was the first time she had learned of such an application.
"What about that Nurturing Spirit Powder? What is it exactly?" she asked, her curiosity deepening. Lu Bu seemed to be full of mysteries.
"Go look it up yourself!" Xuan Kongzi grumbled, pointing toward another room.
The Dan Tower's library was filled with records of ancient knowledge. There was no need for him to explain something she could learn on her own. After all, he was her teacher, not her personal encyclopedia.
"Fine…" Cao Ying pouted but quickly trotted off to find the answer herself, her curiosity growing stronger with each step.
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