Chapter 318

Chapter 318: Geng Feng’s Transformation

During this period, the name Zhou Luo had become strikingly prominent across the Qinyuan Domain.

Whether it was his slaying of two Foundation Establishment cultivators or his ascension to a second level Pill Master, both achievements left people utterly astounded.

Moreover, after rumors spread of his ability to refine Foundation Establishment Dan, countless eyes turned toward him.

However, given the inherent difficulty of refining Foundation Establishment Dan, many still harbored doubts about these claims.

It wasn’t until the Wang Family publicly confirmed the news that everyone truly believed in his capability.

Once disclosed, this revelation sent shockwaves through the community, igniting yet another sensation.

Qi Refinement cultivators, desperate to secure Foundation Establishment Dan but lacking avenues to acquire it, journeyed personally to Maple Leaf City hoping to seek an audience with Zhou Luo.

For according to details revealed by the Wang Family, his success rate in alchemy was remarkably high, practically guaranteeing at least one standard Foundation Establishment Dan.

A guaranteed standard Foundation Establishment Dan.

Such assurance represented an immense temptation.

Even seasoned second level Pill Masters within the Immortal City couldn’t offer similar certainty.

Some dismissed these words as exaggerated boasts, others chose a wait-and-see approach, while still others decided to take a gamble.

Amidst this fervor, the Lin Family swiftly announced that, to ensure safety during the refining process, all future sessions would take place within the Immortal City’s core district.

The next refining session was specifically scheduled for one month hence.

This directive forced the cultivators gathered at Maple Leaf City to return in defeat, yet they remained undaunted, departing with hearts full of anticipation.

Qinyuan City, Yao Yuan Pavilion.

Wang Lang’s face radiated joy daily lately, and he walked with an unmistakably light step.

Feeling the respect emanating from those around him filled him with an even deeper sense of self-satisfaction.

Truly, in these times, one’s choices mattered most.

Had he not sided with Zhou Luo back then, he wouldn’t enjoy such eminence today.

With Zhou Luo’s fame reaching new heights, Wang Lang’s own status as Yao Yuan Pavilion’s second manager soared accordingly. Wherever he went, he now basked in admiration and flattery.

Inside the main hall behind Yao Yuan Pavilion, Wang Lang sipped tea leisurely, holding a set of jade slips.

They detailed industrial layouts, commercial intelligence, and other matters pertaining to the Immortal City.

Zhou Luo had already sent word: in the near future, he would embark on expanding into new markets.

Therefore, these past few days had been consumed by Wang Lang meticulously strategizing how to arrange their forthcoming business operations.

Especially with Zhou Luo’s fame experiencing a fresh surge, he was determined to leverage this momentum fully, crafting initiatives to attract customers.

As he immersed himself in his research, an attendant entered from outside.

“Second Manager, Pill Master Geng is here again.”

Hearing the name, Wang Lang’s eyebrow arched sharply. “This guy certainly has patience,” he remarked without courtesy.

Ever since Zhou Luo attained the rank of second level Pill Master, Geng Feng had made it a habit to visit Yao Yuan Pavilion periodically.

He always presented these visits under the polite guise of paying respects.

However, Wang Lang clearly knew that this self-conceited fellow actually wanted to curry favor with the other party through their past neighborly relationship.

Naturally, Wang Lang, who had never gotten along with him, refused each time.

Geng Feng wasn’t angered and instead kept up this behavior.

Today, he came to Yao Yuan Pavilion as usual.

"Second Manager, do we tactfully refuse again?" a servant inquired.

Wang Lang was about to nod when he noticed words on the jade slips. An idea suddenly struck him, and he said:

"You let him in."

"Very well."

The servant took the order and left, soon arriving at the front hall.

"Pill Master Geng, our Second Manager wishes to see you."

He spoke toward the man in green robe pretending to search for potions behind the counter.

"Truly?" Geng Feng’s voice carried a hint of surprise.

He hadn’t expected the other party to agree to meet him today.

Could this be Zhou Luo’s intention?

Instantly, his heart stirred with excitement and he felt invigorated.

Back when he first learned Zhou Luo had unexpectedly gained the favor of a powerful figure and succeeded in Foundation Establishment, he merely felt a brief ripple of emotion without much concern.

In his view, Foundation Establishment cultivators weren’t as revered as imagined.

After all, as a Pill Master, he often encountered Foundation Establishment cultivators while making introductions for those who wished to refine Foundation Establishment Dan.

He merely thought the other’s luck was slightly too good occasionally.

Later, when news spread that Zhou Luo had become a second level Pill Master, Geng Feng grew restless.

Who could’ve imagined a peer who once mingled equally with him would soar so high, becoming utterly beyond his reach overnight?

Recalling Zhou Luo’s past respectful attitude toward him, Geng Feng’s initial nonchalance slowly morphed into envy, jealousy, and resentment.

Under these circumstances, he urgently desired to learn how the other had achieved it.

Thus, he chose to come to Yao Yuan Pavilion seeking him.

Yet Wang Lang always found some reason to refuse.

As for visiting Maple Leaf City directly, Geng Feng considered it too. But he thought too highly of himself, and as the disciple of a second level Pill Master, such behavior might invite criticism and tarnish his master’s reputation.

Just days before, the news broke that Zhou Luo could refine Foundation Establishment Dan, striking Geng Feng like a thunderbolt.

Not only him—even his master, Pill Master Sun, was astounded and hurried to inquire about the situation.

But Geng Feng only knew fragments.

Originally, he planned to swallow his pride and journey to Maple Leaf City if Wang Lang refused again, hoping for a chance to meet Zhou Luo.

Never did he expect Wang Lang to shift his stance today.

He followed the servant all the way to the backyard until spotting Wang Lang seated in the central position of the main hall.

Wang Lang leaned against the chair back, hands resting on the armrests, a smile gracing his face while mockery flashed deep in his eyes.

"Pill Master Geng, long time with peace."

"Long time with peace, long time with peace."

As he spoke, Geng Feng’s eyes darted about searching for Zhou Luo.

"Stop looking. The Master Manager isn’t here. You can tell me what’s on your mind." Wang Lang said plainly.

Geng Feng offered an awkward smile: "I was hoping for an opportunity to meet Pill Master Zhou."

Like other cultivators outside desperate to meet Zhou Luo and forge connections, Geng Feng wished to build closer ties.

Especially since they had once been neighbors for years and often exchanged insights on alchemy skill.

In his view, with such history, meeting Zhou Luo might reveal how the breakthrough to second level Pill Master occurred—or even win him a few pointers.

True, he had a master. However, Pill Master Sun adored taking disciples and had dozens under him.

Geng Feng stood unobtrusively among them, enjoying few privileges daily—hence his move to the inner city.

Befriending Zhou Luo, now a second level Pill Master, felt essential for advancing his alchemy skill.

Besides, they had known each other since long ago.

Hearing these words, Wang Lang curled his lip: "That’s certainly possible."

Geng Feng jolted, amazed the other agreed so readily, instantly beaming with joy.

Yet Wang Lang abruptly changed his tone: "However, there’s another matter I’d like Pill Master Geng to assist with…"