Chapter 242

Chapter 242: Toad Gu

In front of a golden-threaded nanmu tea table embroidered with exquisite patterns, Geng Feng sat upright, looking at him without a smile; his indifferent eyes gave off a feeling of keeping people at a distance.

Zhou Luo maintained a smile and was not affected at all.

"I heard you are a Pill Master?" Geng Feng asked lightly, somewhat directly.

"Indeed, I am a top-level Pill Master," Zhou Luo replied calmly, neither humble nor arrogant.

His original intention was to get to know the second level Pill Master behind him, so when facing Geng Feng, it was best to maintain equal communication.

Hearing that the other party was actually a top-level Pill Master, Geng Feng’s expression noticeably softened greatly, and he showed a smile:

"Pill Master Zhou, from whom did you learn?"

He observed the other party’s appearance; even if he deliberately concealed his age, he estimated that it would not exceed sixty years.

In Immortal City, such a young top-level Pill Master was truly rare.

Could the other party be from an Immortal Sect?

Zhou Luo did not hide it and said generously, "I have been cultivating in the Lin Family all along."

He had come to Immortal City with no intention of hiding his identity; moreover, he had been recognized by Wang Lang early on, so if the other party did any investigation with intent, he would definitely know.

It was better to frankly state his identity to appear forthright.

Hearing that the other party was from a long-life family, a hint of surprise flashed in Geng Feng’s eyes, then he enthusiastically poured him a cup of spirit wine.

"Pill Master Zhou, have some tea."

Although he had a master who was a second level Pill Master, he himself was just one of the master’s many disciples, not of particularly high status; otherwise, he wouldn’t be living here.

So, when facing a Pill Master from a long-life family, he did not look down upon him.

Next, the two began their formal conversation.

The content of their conversation was mostly about pill-making related matters or daily topics.

Zhou Luo did not reveal the purpose of his visit; he only said it was a courtesy call.

After all, he wanted to befriend the second level Pill Master behind him, and it was sufficient to maintain a normal neighborly relationship with him.

Yet this seemingly simple exchange left Geng Feng constantly amazed.

Because he found that the other party’s understanding of pill-making seemed much deeper than his own, and he couldn’t help but regard him more highly in his heart.

"Pill Master Geng, as a first visit, I have prepared some humble gifts; please accept them."

When he was about to leave, Zhou Luo took out the gifts he had prepared in advance.

The gifts weren’t many—just two medium-quality symbols and one bottle of spirit wine.

Seeing these things, Geng Feng immediately said, "Pill Master Zhou, there’s no need for this; I don’t like accepting gifts from others, you should take them back."

Zhou Luo had already expected such a response; with a smile on his face, he said, "Pill Master Geng, we are both fellow practitioners; these gifts are not valuable, they’re just tokens of goodwill."

Truly, two medium-quality symbols and a bottle of spirit wine weren’t that great; the meaning was conveyed that was enough.

Geng Feng’s eyes flashed slightly, and in the end, he did not refuse, "Fine, then I accept unworthily."

Then he waved his hand lightly and took them all away.

After packing it away, he took no further action.

Zhou Luo then stood up to take his leave.

"Safe travels, Pill Master Zhou. Feel free to visit when you have time." Geng Feng smiled warmly and personally led him to the mansion’s main gate.

Both were top-level Pill Masters, yet the other clearly possessed deeper insights than himself; more exchanges could certainly be beneficial.

"Certainly," Zhou Luo bid his farewell.

After leaving the mansion, he looked across at the small courtyard opposite Feng Yuan Ju.

The courtyard bore no plaque and was separated from Wang Lang’s home by three dwellings. He walked over and arrived at its gate.

The main door stood open. Just as he prepared to announce his visit, his expression froze.

"Big Brother Zhou!"

In the courtyard stood a woman in a yellow gown, holding a basin filled with dark liquid. Spotting Zhou Luo at the gate, her expression registered surprise as she called out.

Zhou Luo’s expression shifted slightly.

He never imagined such a coincidence could happen—his new neighbor across the way was actually Yao Wu, the Gu Master he had saved merely days ago.

Yao Wu was equally astonished to see him at her gate. Assuming he sought her assistance, she immediately set the basin down and hurried over.

"Big Brother Zhou, what brings you here? Encountered some trouble?" Her bright eyes sparkled with delight.

"Cough, cough. I just moved in nearby and intended to greet the neighbors. I hadn’t imagined you resided here," Zhou Luo replied, a touch of awkwardness in his tone.

Hearing these words, Yao Wu looked utterly amazed. She beamed, "Is Big Brother Zhou living nearby? Come in, please!

Just the other day, my teacher was saying we hadn’t properly thanked you."

Zhou Luo nodded and followed her into the courtyard.

Within the yard, a few Gu insects could be seen gnawing on something within a patch of spiritual grass. Various herbs related to Gu techniques grew throughout.

"Teacher! My lifesaver is here!" Yao Wu shouted as she entered the main hall.

"Heard you, little girl. This teacher still has ears, haha!"

The next instant, a hearty laugh echoed, followed by the appearance of a vibrant, old man in gray robes. Though his hair was white, he seemed energetic for his age.

He looked Zhou Luo over with a kind smile, his demeanor welcoming. "You must be Yao Wu’s rescuer. Come, please sit."

Zhou Luo took a seat on the mahogany large chair inside the main hall, returning the smile. "I am Zhou Luo, a Pill Master. Greetings, elder."

He chose not to hide his identity either.

"No need for such formalities. This old man is merely a common Gu Master, far less distinguished than you Pill Masters."

Learning his guest was a Pill Master deepened the older man’s respectful expression.

While cultivating Gu techniques ranked respectably among the hundred cultivation skills, it still fell slightly short of matching the four major skills.

Gu Masters represented a more obscure discipline, demanding exceptionally high barriers to entry—particularly concerning innate talent and mental strength.

Judging by the elder’s mental strength fluctuations, he was likely a top-grade Gu Master and potentially one step away from advancing to the Second Level.

It seemed even within this Immortal City, masters lived hidden in plain sight.

Settled, the elder engaged Zhou Luo in enthusiastic conversation.

His name was Zhu Quancheng, indeed a First Level top-grade Gu Master—amiable and hospitable by nature.

In gratitude for Zhou Luo’s aid to his disciple, he offered an introductory tome on Gu techniques.

Such rare books commanded scarcity in the market; this gift signaled a genuine desire for friendship.

After all, as a top-level Pill Master, Zhou Luo held significant standing in the Immortal City.

Zhou Luo responded in kind, presenting Zhu Quancheng with an upper-level pill to strengthen their growing rapport.

"Pill Master Zhou, this pill is too valuable. This old man scarcely feels deserving of such generosity. How about… a top-grade Gu insect as thanks?" Zhu Quancheng accepted the vial.

True friendship required balanced exchange. Gifts should reflect mutual respect without disparity that diminished either party.

Though Yao Wu had offered a mid-grade Gu insect previously, Zhu Quancheng supplementing it with a top-grade specimen felt entirely appropriate.

The chosen insect? A lumpy toad Gu, pallid yellow all over and covered in bumps across its back.

This toad Gu wasn’t large—merely palm-sized. Resting it upon the hand felt like holding several small eggs.

"Pill Master Zhou, this top-grade toad Gu can neutralize toxins, fortify vital energy, and ward against illusions," Zhu Quancheng introduced with pride.

This specific toad Gu was his crowning work, exhibiting exceptional potency—particularly against poisons.

Zhou Luo raised an eyebrow.

As a Second Level Poison Master himself, such a Gu offered little practical use. Still, recognizing the sincerity behind it, he declined nothing.

With a courteous nod, he accepted it graciously. "My sincere gratitude for this gift, Gu Master Zhu."