Chapter 121: Old Scoundrel, How Dare You Insult Me Like This! (II)

The next morning, a young man stood at the gates of the Spirit Herb Pavilion, braving the swirling snow. He waited patiently, unmoving, until the doors finally creaked open. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

“Five bottles of Dust Transformation pills and one box of calming incense,” he said calmly.

The sleepy-eyed attendant behind the counter blinked in surprise, still half-lost in her early morning daze. She automatically began to respond, “Dust Transformation pills are two hundred spirit stones per bottle, and calming incense is one hundred and twenty per box.”

The young man placed a pouch on the counter with a soft clink. “One thousand one hundred and twenty spirit stones. Please count them.”

The attendant snapped fully awake at the sound. “Oh—yes, sir! Please wait a moment!”

Even after the customer had left, she stood there in a daze, staring at the empty space where he had stood. Wealthy rogue cultivators were rare, and this one had just purchased five whole bottles of Dust Transformation pills without batting an eye.

Dust Transformation pills, such high-quality medicine, are generally only purchased by late stage Qi Refining cultivators, and even then, only one bottle at a time. But that person earlier actually bought five bottles at once.

The attendant thought.

“Are rogue cultivators this rich nowadays...?”

***

Luo Chen didn’t know about anyone else’s wealth, but he knew one thing—qi-nourishing pills were no longer effective for him.

Now that he had reached the seventh stage of Qi-Refining, their medicinal power barely moved the needle. If he wanted to maintain his cultivation progress, he needed a stronger alternative.

Dust Transformation pills were currently the best option available to him.

As a standout among first-tier pills, Dust Transformation pills were renowned for their immense and pure medicinal power. Even the low-grade Dust Transformation pills sold externally had over double the efficacy of qi-nourishing pills.

Back when Gu Caiyi was still at Tianxiang Tower, a top-grade Dust Transformation pill casually gifted by late stage Foundation Establishment cultivator Fei Bowen allowed her to break through her bottleneck and advance to the ninth stage of Qi-Refining in one go.

As for top-grade Dust Transformation pills, Luo Chen couldn’t afford them, nor did he know where to purchase them. Such premium items were rarely sold as regular offerings by Spirit Herb Pavilion, where only low-grade pills were made available to rogue cultivators. Only during yesterday’s auction did they release a large number of mid-grade and top-grade pills for bidding.

From a conspiracy perspective, Luo Chen couldn’t help but suspect that Spirit Herb Pavilion’s parent sect, Medicine King Sect, kept the best pills for internal use or sold them exclusively to major sects. It was a quiet but powerful way to control the cultivation landscape: sect cultivators advanced faster, and rogue cultivators, even if they had the aptitude, simply couldn't keep up.

Pushing these speculative thoughts aside, Luo Chen once again laid out his cultivation plan.

Yesterday’s auction had been a harsh reminder of reality. The fierce bidding for Foundation Establishment pills—where even the chance to compete was predetermined—had shaken him for a moment. But only for a moment.

After just one night, Luo Chen had already regained his resolve.

For now, the path was clear. Complete Qi-Refining. Secure his foundation. As for the Foundation Establishment pill... that would come later. Thinking too much about it now was simply unnecessary worry.

Rather than dwelling on those thoughts, he focused on how the Alchemy Hall, Poshan Gang, and Mi Shuhua could support him.

Qi-nourishing pills are useless to me. I need to come up with a reason for the Poshan Gang to replace them with Dust Transformation pills. The reason is easy to find; it mainly depends on how much value I can bring to Mi Shuhua.

"And from the fact that Mi Shuhua didn't even bat an eye while buying the Four Symbols Cauldron for me, it's evident that he sees immense potential in me.

It wasn’t just the Four Symbols Cauldron. From the daily treatment to the occasional placating words, Luo Chen was very aware that Mi Shuhua valued him greatly. He was perhaps even more valued than Qin Liangchen, Han Dang, or Wang Yuan back in the day.

At the root of it all was the spirit stones!

"Yesterday, when Mi Shuhua bought that enchanted treasure, he nearly emptied his savings. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had to sell so many items.

"Poshan Gang generates substantial revenue, but much of it isn't immediate. Moreover, to keep so many rogue cultivators loyal to the Poshan Gang, they naturally have to distribute considerable benefits.

"In comparison, Jade Essence pills have become a new source of income.

"As of now, the distribution channels for Jade Essence pills are nearly established—whether through Dahe Market shops, collaboration with Dajiang Gang, or local cultivation families.

"The channels are in place, and Mi Shuhua himself has gained an enchanted treasure, significantly boosting his power. He might even have the support of stationed cultivators from Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. With everything ready, all that's left is the final push!"

And Luo Chen was well aware of what that push was.

Production!

"If they want me to increase production, it will take more than just a top-grade cauldron!" Luo Chen sneered.

Previously, he had felt a twinge of guilt, thinking he was loading the old man too much. But after seeing Mi Shuhua casually spending a fortune yesterday, he realized he had been far too kind.

Exiting the city, Luo Chen spotted his two bodyguards at the gate. Oddly, they hadn’t noticed him; their eyes were fixed on something above. Curious, Luo Chen walked up with a smile. “What are you looking at?”

Zhou Yuanli didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he simply pointed upward.

Luo Chen followed his gaze—and froze.

Dozens of severed heads lined the top of the city wall, densely arranged, swaying slightly in the cold wind.

If Luo Chen hadn’t experienced the battlefield firsthand, he might’ve vomited on the spot. Even so, a chill crept up his spine. “What are these?” he asked quietly.

Zhou Yuanli exhaled, his breath misting in the cold air. “Mostly rogue cultivators,” he said flatly.

“What did they do?” Luo Chen asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“What else could they have done?” Liu Qiang sneered. “These lunatics rampaged through the inner city last night, committing murder as if the Sword Pavilion’s Enforcement Team didn’t exist!”

Luo Chen looked up again, this time more carefully. The severed heads displayed expressions of sheer terror, their faces frozen in the moment before death. The neck wounds were unnaturally clean—sharp, precise. This wasn’t the work of enraged mobs or crude weapons.

Ordinary flying swords, though famed for their sharpness, often caused widespread damage when infused with spirit power—blades that tore rather than sliced. But these wounds bore none of that chaos. No, this level of precision could only come from sword cultivators—those trained by the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

Even without deploying sword orbs, their mastery allowed them to compress sword light and spirit power into thread-thin strikes. If the attack missed, nothing happened. But if it landed—clean, silent death, as if slicing through jade or gold.

“Unfortunately,” Zhou Yuanli said beside him, “the enforcement team only handles inner city matters. As long as the outer city doesn't explode into a full-scale riot, they turn a blind eye.”

“Yeah,” Liu Qiang snorted. “Last night, there were at least a few hundred brawls out there. Guess that’s still not ‘major trouble,’ huh?”

Luo Chen stood frozen, stunned.

The outer city had seen that much violence?

Suddenly, it all made sense to him.

The auction. All those rare pills, enchanted treasures, and high-tier resources. Not everyone had walked away satisfied. Those who failed to secure what they wanted must have boiled over with frustration—and some clearly turned to violence to vent it. Inner city residents might’ve been protected by prestige or alliances. But rogue cultivators leaving under cover of night? Easy prey.

No wonder chaos had erupted in the outer districts. The chain reaction made perfect sense.

Luo Chen let out a long breath and muttered, “Let’s just hope that kind of trouble doesn’t find me.”

Shaking his head, he motioned to his bodyguards, and the three of them soared toward Crescent Moon Valley.

It was broad daylight. That offered a measure of security—for now. Even the most brazen of rogue cultivators wouldn’t dare provoke the Enforcement Team in the open. Night was for wolves. But in the sun, they played nice.

***

Thud!

The muffled sound spread out.

Dozens of cultivators craned their necks, peering curiously into the newly reconfigured alchemy room. Their whispers rippled like wind through reeds.

"The Alchemy Hall has a top-grade cauldron now?"

It was true. Luo Chen had just finished setting up the Four Symbols Cauldron in the main alchemy room. As part of the adjustment, he had the old Drain Cloud Cauldron moved to one of the smaller rooms. It was a tight fit, but just barely manageable.

When he stepped outside to check on the preparations, he was greeted not by noise, but by a strange hush. An eerie silence had blanketed the usually noisy hall.

Mi Shuhua has arrived!

“Good morning, Gang Leader!” Luo Chen greeted him with a bright, cheerful smile, acting as though he hadn't cursed him as an “old scoundrel” the night before in his courtyard.

Mi Shuhua returned the smile with a nod. “Nothing major today. I was just passing by and thought I’d check whether the Four Symbols Cauldron suits you.”

Passing by, huh?

Luo Chen’s lips twitched slightly, but he wisely said nothing.

With a casual wave of Mi Shuhua’s hand, the surrounding cultivators snapped into motion. Within moments, the Alchemy Hall was bustling with activity, each person preparing for the first official test run of the new cauldron.

Luo Chen focused all his attention on the main alchemy room. Today, more than anything, was about familiarizing himself with the Four Symbols Cauldron’s handling. He lit the fire, opened the cauldron, and began adding ingredients—four batches in total.

His hands moved like a dance, every motion graceful and precise. Bits of jade marrow slipped into the cauldron from four perfectly shaved pieces of Washed Jade, falling like droplets of snow.

“Hmm... not enough heat?”

He frowned slightly, then closed the lid and doubled the firewood in the pit beneath. Still not satisfied, he cast a Fireball spell, directing its energy into a web of smaller streams. Under the control of his Flame Manipulation, the fire evenly wrapped around the base of the cauldron, burning steadily.

The heat and spiritual energy inside the room rose quickly, and so did Luo Chen’s understanding of the cauldron’s temperaments. He could feel it responding to his inputs, like a wild beast slowly beginning to recognize its handler.

After a long time, he walked out, looking slightly exhausted.

When Luo Chen finally emerged from the alchemy room, his face was pale and his steps weary.

“Forty pills,” he reported. “Fifteen mid-grade, twenty-five low-grade. I’d say luck was on my side today.”

Mi Shuhua took the snow-white pills from Luo Chen’s hands.

After carefully inspecting them, he revealed a satisfied expression.

A satisfied smile crossed his face. “Very good. Results on your very first attempt. Once you’ve adjusted to the new cauldron, your output of mid-grade pills will definitely improve.”

"It’s all thanks to your guidance, Gang Leader!" Luo Chen replied modestly.

Mi Shuhua shook his head. "If a Foundation Establishment cultivator like me could train alchemists so easily, they wouldn’t be worth much. Your talent is what’s truly valuable."

Then, his gaze fell on Luo Chen’s clearly fatigued expression. A hint of concern flickered across his face.

“Does refining pills wear you out this much?” he asked with a frown.

Luo Chen gave a wry smile. "Gang Leader, the Four Symbols Cauldron is a top-grade enchanted artifact. Even using just its alchemical functions consumes a massive amount of spirit power.

"Besides, no one here can assist me yet. I have to handle everything myself. How could I not be exhausted?"

Hearing this, it seemed reasonable.

After all, earlier during the refining session, Mi Shuhua had extended his spirit consciousness to observe Luo Chen’s every move inside the alchemy room. From handling ingredients and choosing the right moment to open the lid, to fine-tuning the fire’s intensity and gently stirring the contents with spirit power—it was a meticulous, exhausting process.

To an ordinary late-stage Qi-Refining cultivator, refining a single batch of pills was nearly equivalent to fighting an intense duel with a peer. It drained both spirit energy and mental focus in equal measure.

Mi Shuhua paused, contemplating for a moment before asking, “Do you need any help?”

Luo Chen didn’t hesitate. “I need Dust Transformation pills. At least four bottles per month.”

The words dropped like a stone in a quiet pond. Even Sikong Shoujia and Gu Caiyi, who were standing nearby, instinctively held their breath.

Four bottles of Dust Transformation pills—that was nearly eight hundred spirit stones a month. Within the Poshan Gang, not even the nine Hall Leaders typically received that level of allocation after profit sharing. Luo Chen’s previous monthly allowance had only included five bottles of qi-nourishing pills, worth around five hundred spirit stones.

A sudden jump like this was truly asking for a lot!

But Mi Shuhua merely paused for a breath before nodding. “No problem. Since Mi Junping is bringing your dividends today anyway, I’ll have her switch all the qi-nourishing pills to Dust Transformation pills.”

He gave a slight smile, then added with a trace of warning in his tone, “But this month, I expect solid results from the Jade Essence pills.”

Luo Chen nodded in agreement, though he didn’t go so far as to make a verbal promise. Mi Shuhua didn’t press for one either. After a few final reminders to take care of himself, he turned and left the Alchemy Hall.

Only once the old man had departed did Luo Chen finally exhale a long breath. For some reason, Mi Shuhua’s presence now carried a weight it hadn’t before—especially when he wasn’t smiling. Maybe it was the confidence granted by his new enchanted treasure, or maybe it was just the culmination of everything he’d built up.

Still, Luo Chen turned back toward the main alchemy room and let his gaze fall upon the Four Symbols Cauldron. A faint smile played across his lips.

Now, he too had confidence.