Chapter 328

Chapter 328: Vice Leader of the Potion Alliance [Le]

After Pill Master Sun’s words were spoken, Zhou Luo’s eyebrows slightly rose.

The guests present were all important figures from the core area, and the fact that he did not choose to transmit sound, but said it openly, surprised Zhou Luo.

At that moment, others also turned their gaze, seemingly aware of what he was going to say.

Then, they heard Pill Master Sun say with a serious expression: "May I invite Pill Master Zhou to serve as the vice leader of my Potion Alliance?"

His voice was not loud, but it reached everyone’s ears, and none showed any expression.

Obviously, they all knew about this matter.

"Pill Master Sun, I appreciate your kindness, but I genuinely do not have time," Zhou Luo said, refusing.

Becoming the vice leader of the Potion Alliance would bring him no benefits and might even waste his time.

Moreover, such an organization easily involved all kinds of power struggles, and he disliked that.

Now, he only wished for stability in cultivation and to firmly establish himself in this Immortal City.

"Pill Master Zhou, with your abilities, you are fully capable of being the vice leader of the Potion Alliance," Pill Master Sun said sincerely.

Before Zhou Luo could speak, others quickly voiced their support.

"Pill Master Zhou, I believe Pill Master Sun is correct."

"Indeed, with your talents, Pill Master Zhou, you could easily join the Potion Alliance."

"If Pill Master Zhou were a spiritual symbol master, I might have to extend an invitation too, haha."

…

Zhou Luo heard their remarks and decided what to do next.

It appeared Pill Master Sun had long expressed his intentions to them, trying to draw Zhou Luo into the Potion Alliance.

Facing this subtle attempt to win him over, Zhou Luo understood it perfectly.

But he disliked it, and the Potion Alliance of this Immortal City was truly subpar.

If it were in Jinyun Continent or the capital of Zhongzhou, he might have shown some interest.

Therefore, he spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Thank you for your high regard, but I really have no free time."

Having said that, no matter what else others wished to add, they were helpless.

After the banquet concluded, others departed one after another, while Pill Master Sun remained.

"Pill Master Zhou, regarding our discussion that day, I still have a few questions. Would it be convenient for you to address them now?" Pill Master Sun transmitted soundly.

This situation was actually a bit awkward for him.

After all, he had been famous for many years, yet now he was asking a junior for advice; if it became public, it might invite ridicule.

A glint flashed in Zhou Luo’s eyes; he was not averse to sharing some information.

But regarding the core knowledge, he absolutely could not reveal it.

He only needed to occasionally offer minor benefits to build a sense of obligation.

"Of course, but Pill Master Sun, I have already said nearly everything I should," Zhou Luo hinted mysteriously.

Pill Master Sun understood implicitly and said earnestly, "Pill Master Zhou, thanks to your assistance, this favor must be repaid in the future when opportunity arises."

Zhou Luo smiled faintly.

This was precisely the sentiment he had awaited.

Afterward, he and Pill Master Sun had an in-depth discussion on alchemy matters.

Several months passed.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day he had promised Quan Chunzhi to concoct the pill.

That morning, the woman arrived early at the main gate of Zhou Fu.

She wore pale blue robes, her hair coiled in a bun; her delicate face showed not a single wrinkle. Her bright eyes gazed at the gate, a trace of aloofness within their depths.

The gate swung open, a servant appearing. "Senior Quan, my master awaits you inside."

Quan Chunzhi moved with light steps into the residence courtyard.

Entering the inner courtyard, she observed a group of women dressed in luxurious finery, dignified and graceful, chatting lightly by a stone table.

She thought to herself this Pill Master Zhou truly lived up to his reputation of liking to marry wives and take concubines.

She then proceeded to the main hall, where she saw Zhou Luo in his white robe and bowed slightly.

"Pill Master Zhou."

Though soon to be an honorary disciple of the Golden Core master, she still needed to show due respect beforehand—after all, she was depending on him for the pill concoction.

Zhou Luo gave a slight nod.

Quan Chunzhi smiled lightly. "I must trouble you greatly this time, Pill Master Zhou."

"Rest assured, Friend Quan, I will exert my utmost effort," Zhou Luo replied.

Moments later, Quan Chunzhi followed Zhou Luo into the alchemy room. She watched him stand before the furnace with her beautiful eyes, not blinking for a moment.

After making some preparations, Zhou Luo brought out the Foundation Establishment materials.

He had skimmed some off the top already, though only connoisseurs could detect the discrepancy.

He raised his hand nonchalantly; a wisp of spiritual energy drifted into the furnace.

Whoosh—

Instantly, fierce flames surged within the furnace.

The flames were cyan-blue, intensely hot, emitting a sizzling sound.

This was a fire-control technique drawn from the cultivation resources Pill Master Sun had gifted him.

Despite its unpretentious name, it was a genuine Upper-grade Qi Refinement technique, usable even in combat.

The cyan-blue fire blazed violently. Zhou Luo focused intently on the furnace, began adding materials, and commenced the pill concoction.

Melting the Foundation Establishment Dan materials differed little from other potions; the crucial part was preventing the medicinal liquids from conflicting.

Among the thirty-one auxiliary herbs for the Foundation Establishment Dan, several were inherently antagonistic.

Repressing their conflicting properties relied entirely on the Pill Master’s skill.

During his earlier discussion with Pill Master Sun, Zhou Luo had suggested Alchemy Techniques to suppress the issue of conflicting medicinal properties.

After experimentation, Pill Master Sun discovered remarkable efficacy, leading to their continued discourse and his realization of how formidable the secret techniques Zhou Luo mentioned truly were.

Opposite him, Quan Chunzhi observed Zhou Luo’s meticulousness and effortlessly fluid movements, her unease easing considerably.

Gathering the Foundation Establishment materials had demanded immense pains.

She mused bitterly that she, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, could scarcely afford even the core district of the Immortal City anymore.

Yet, thinking of her ne’er-do-well brother, she sighed deeply within.

No other option; she was his blood sister after all.

If she abandoned him, who else would?

Still, once she became Master Xuanlong’s honorary disciple, striving hard to climb higher, securing a foothold in this Immortal City was not beyond reach in future.

With this thought, her beautiful eyes shone brightly, resolve steeling within.

As a loose cultivator, clawing her way up over a hundred years had forged indomitable will; once decided, she would not waver.

Had it not been for her brother, Master Xuanlong might have taken her as a disciple years earlier.

Yet, she harbored no regret for these sacrifices.

Her path was one of following her heart, never acting against her inner principles.

Despite enduring much censure, she remained unwavering and unchanging.

She watched the rather handsome man before the furnace. Should this endeavor truly succeed, he would have rendered her an enormous service.

In future, ascended as Master Xuanlong’s disciple, she would repay this kindness.

Even unspoken as a promise, she would fulfil it.

For this was her path.

Three days later, the Foundation Establishment Dan concoction neared its end.

Quan Chunzhi’s heart leaped into her throat, eyes fixed unblinkingly on the furnace.