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墨書 Inktalez
Zuo Dao's words were deafening, and Kun Ru Tao felt as if the ground was shaking beneath him. What kind of person had he brought in on a whim?
Second Elder Su Ziqing, however, showed no surprise at this statement; he simply stared into Zuo Dao's eyes. Zuo Dao's gaze was calm and serene, making it difficult for Su Ziqing to discern what thoughts lay within.
"I can agree to your request, as long as you have the ability. There are no shortcuts in Doushuai Palace; everything relies on one's own strength." Su Ziqing suddenly found this cultivator before him intriguing.
Having presided over Xuming Hall for countless years, he had encountered many talents, but few matched the one before him. Although Zuo Dao had made such a bold statement, there was no hint of emotional fluctuation in his eyes, as if he were discussing something trivial.
This young man's temperament was remarkably good, and he seemed not particularly interested in the Danbi. But why did he want to secure a spot in the finals?
"If you have the strength, then giving you first place would be nothing. The question is, why should I give it to you?" Su Ziqing clasped his hands together, smiling at Zuo Dao.
At that moment, Su Ziqing felt less like an elder of Doushuai Palace and more like a businessman. Kun Ru Tao couldn't help but silently mourn for Zuo Dao upon witnessing Second Elder's demeanor. Anyone from Xuming Hall knew that when Second Elder made such a gesture, it usually meant trouble was brewing.
"Then do you want a complete Spirit Pill for Transmutation?" Zuo Dao didn't want to get entangled with Su Ziqing any further and directly revealed his trump card.
"What? You have a complete Spirit Pill for Transmutation?" Su Ziqing exclaimed, suddenly reaching out toward Zuo Dao.
Seeing the sudden movement, Zuo Dao swiftly sidestepped just in time.
"I not only have a Spirit Pill for Transmutation but also Seizing Pill and Creation Pill," Zuo Dao said nonchalantly, seemingly unfazed by Su Ziqing's eagerness. He leisurely added another remark.
"Uh."
Su Ziqing attempted to make another move but froze in place upon hearing Zuo Dao's words. After a long pause, he managed to say, "What did you say? Say it again! Just once!"
From Su Ziqing's initial attempt to act against him, Zuo Dao sensed that there was no malice behind it; it was merely an impulsive reaction. When he mentioned the Seizing Pill and Creation Pill, it further confirmed his assumption.
"Ah, Second Elder, you can't be that old yet, can you? Do you really need me to say it again?" Zuo Dao teased as he looked at the other.
At this moment, Su Ziqing also realized what was happening.
"Ru Tao, I want you to come under my wing. Are you willing?"
Kun Ru Tao, who had been watching the two engage in their Soul Battle with great interest, was suddenly taken aback by Su Ziqing's words.
"Second Elder, you are..." No matter how strong-willed he was, this unexpected happiness left him dizzy.
"Do I need to say it again?" Su Ziqing laughed at this point. After being teased by Zuo Dao, he finally understood what that feeling was like—truly exhilarating!
"Disciple pays respects to the Master." Kun Ru Tao was no fool; in fact, he was quite astute. Without hesitation, he bowed deeply.
In Doushuai Palace, cultivators were ranked in various tiers. Someone like Kun Ru Tao could barely be considered doing well; he had an elder who valued him and his own strength was decent. However, that did not mean he held any significant position within Xuming Hall.
Within the entire system of Doushuai Palace, personal qualities were of utmost importance. Even if you were a descendant of an elder, lacking strength meant you could easily be excluded from the center of power.
Another reason was that each elder in Doushuai Palace did not take on disciples casually. Every disciple they accepted had to be outstanding within Doushuai Palace. Kun Ru Tao knew that he could only be considered above average in Xuming Hall; he wasn't exceptional. Yet, for Second Elder to take him as a disciple meant there was a reason behind it.
It was because of the person he brought along and perhaps even more so because of that person's words.
"Very good, very good." Su Ziqing looked at Kun Ru Tao with a smile as he stroked his beard. Although this disciple wasn't remarkable, he was clever enough. "This is the Dan Furnace I used before; consider it a gift for your apprenticeship!"
Su Ziqing was also someone who could let go of things easily. For certain reasons, he accepted Kun Ru Tao as his disciple, but since he had taken him on, he would certainly not hold back.
A delicate Four-Eared Alchemical Furnace appeared before Kun Ru Tao. Its ancient design featured intricate carvings around the furnace walls, indicating it was a remarkable piece.
"Damn, what a grand gesture! To pull out a Half-Divine Artifact right away!" Zuo Dao thought, drooling with envy. He lamented how his master could be so impressive.
Kun Ru Tao accepted the Dan Furnace and stood respectfully behind Su Ziqing. He had regained his composure and was contemplating the situation clearly in his mind.
Although he was momentarily awed by the Half-Divine Artifact, Zuo Dao had seen many such artifacts before, including Celestial Artifacts. It was just that he had come to take the Alchemist assessment, and now it seemed he was being turned into a disciple instead.
"Did anyone see you when you brought him in?"
Kun Ru Tao paused at Su Ziqing's question, wondering if his master intended to silence him. Though anxious, he reported truthfully.
"When I led him here, Yu Ming was aware of it, and there were other cultivators present for the Danbi."
"I see!" Su Ziqing glanced at Zuo Dao and noticed that after asking the question, the latter remained calm, his expression unchanged.
"Go on with your business. If anyone asks about him, just say you didn't pass the assessment."
"Understood." Kun Ru Tao was unsure of what his master was thinking but quickly complied.
"Alright, you may go. Remember my words, and everything we discussed here today is something you did not hear." With that, Su Ziqing gave Kun Ru Tao a meaningful look.
That glance nearly terrified Kun Ru Tao.
"Today, I only brought someone for the assessment; if they did not pass, I know nothing else."
After hearing Kun Ru Tao's words, Su Ziqing nodded in approval and turned to look at Zuo Dao. Realizing this, Kun Ru Tao quickly took his leave. As he turned to close the door, he noticed that his back was already drenched in sweat.
"You should know I mean no harm, but I must tell you this: never speak carelessly about the Spirit Pill outside, or else..." Su Ziqing's words sent a jolt through Zuo Dao.
"This Second Elder, the Transformation, Seizure, and Creation Pills are all part of One Dan, Three Lives; there shouldn't be any issues!" Zuo Dao said, somewhat confused.
"Since you know about One Dan, Three Lives, you should understand its preciousness," Su Ziqing replied. Hearing Zuo Dao mention One Dan, Three Lives stirred great excitement within him, though his expression remained calm.
At this point, if Zuo Dao still didn't understand, he would truly be oblivious. One Dan, Three Lives only existed in ancient times; although the Alchemical Path was flourishing now, some things simply could not compare to the standards of antiquity.
Zuo Dao had stumbled upon this knowledge purely by chance. To him, these matters seemed quite ordinary, but for the cultivators of this world, they represented an immense temptation.
The Transformation, Seizure, and Creation of One Dan, Three Lives were renowned pills in ancient times. Long-term consumption offered tremendous benefits to a cultivator. At least during the breakthrough phase, one wouldn't need to worry about bottlenecks or tribulations. If combined with decent innate talent, reaching the Immortal realm could be a smooth journey.
Who wouldn't want such a pill? Who wouldn't desire this Spirit Pill?
"Don't you ever feel tempted?" Having grasped the key point, Zuo Dao still probed Su Ziqing.
"It's false not to feel tempted; it's just that I lack the ability to refine it. If the Palace Master were to take action, perhaps there would be a two in ten chance," Su Ziqing suddenly sighed. "Fortunately for me, if it were any other alchemist, they would certainly try to find a way to obtain this Spirit Pill from you."
"Why is that?" Zuo Dao didn't understand why encountering other cultivators would lead to such misfortune.
"Because the Transmutation Spirit Pill I obtained contains some information regarding the Three Lives Pill."
At this point, Zuo Dao finally understood why Su Ziqing felt this way.
The Three Lives Pill, also known as One Dan, Three Lives, is renowned for its difficulty in crafting. Unlike ordinary elixirs, where a failed attempt might only result in the loss of some herbs or a Dan Furnace, the consequences of failing to produce the Three Lives Pill are far more severe.
Perhaps due to its name, every Cultivator who fails to refine the Three Lives Pill not only suffers a regression in their cultivation but also experiences a decline in their Alchemical Path Realm. This remains an unsolved mystery; even in ancient times, no one knew why this occurred.
This highlights the rarity and value of the Three Lives Pill.
After obtaining a fragment of the Transmutation Spirit Pill, Su Ziqing erased the crucial information within it, leaving only the pure Spirit Pill. Even so, this earned him considerable rewards within Doushuai Palace, and he was tasked with perfecting the Transmutation process.
Today could also be a chance for Kun Ru Tao; otherwise, Su Ziqing would not have taken him as a disciple. He might have benefited from Zuo Dao's influence.
"Thank you, Second Elder," Zuo Dao said sincerely after hearing Su Ziqing's words. Su Ziqing accepted his gratitude calmly.
"Actually, I have my own motives for being so involved with you," Su Ziqing added, feeling a bit embarrassed after saying it.
"I understand. If I had known how important the Three Lives Pill was, I wouldn't have come out so casually," Zuo Dao replied with an air of understanding. "Anyway, even if I gave it to you, you wouldn't be able to refine it."
The first statement eased Su Ziqing's heart somewhat, but the second felt like a slap in the face. However, Zuo Dao was speaking the truth. Previously, when the palace master intervened, there had been only a two in ten chance of success—perhaps that was an exaggeration. There might be others capable of refining the Three Lives Pill, but they certainly wouldn't be from Doushuai Palace.
In such a short time, Su Ziqing gained a preliminary understanding of Zuo Dao—a young Cultivator who was inexperienced yet straightforward and possessed some strength.
Noticing Zuo Dao more closely, he realized that Zuo Dao's age could make those who prided themselves on being young talents feel ashamed. If Zuo Dao truly was as he appeared, he certainly deserved the title of "young and promising."
"May I ask why you want to participate in the Danbi?" Due to his previous knowledge about Transmutation, Su Ziqing had formed an understanding of Zuo Dao's Alchemical Path cultivation level. He didn't believe that someone with Zuo Dao's abilities couldn't reach the end; he just wondered why he sought such an opportunity.
"I have lived deep in the mountains with my master for some time and am unaware of many things in the outside world. This Centennial Danbi presented an opportunity that piqued my interest; however, my main goal is to learn about some situations outside. I don't wish to bully anyone," Zuo Dao thought up a general excuse that was foolproof.
"You are quite confident. Let's set everything else aside for now; you should proceed with the assessment first. Having a Dan Badge from Doushuai Palace while traveling can save you a lot of trouble." Su Ziqing remained noncommittal to Zuo Dao's words. It was their first meeting, and some topics were better left unspoken.
Zuo Dao understood the reasoning behind it. He had some knowledge about the Dan Badge from Doushuai Palace. With the Dan Badge, at least he wouldn't attract unwanted attention regarding his identity. Doushuai Palace was independent and had a good reputation across various domains, which would be beneficial for his future endeavors. At the very least, the Dan Badge from Doushuai Palace was much more useful than tokens from other factions.
"The Dan Badges from Doushuai Palace are divided into five levels: Black Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Star Diamond. Each level represents a different Realm of the Alchemical Path. Which level do you wish to take the assessment for?" Su Ziqing was also trying to gauge him.
However, upon hearing this, Zuo Dao felt overwhelmed; he had no idea there were so many details involved in the assessment.
"Excuse me, Second Elder, what are the differences among them?"
Doushuai Palace had always focused on the Alchemical Path and was far ahead of others in this regard. These five types of Dan Badges represented the strength of Doushuai Palace.
The lowest Black Iron Dan Badge corresponded to what Zuo Dao knew as a ninth-level Dan Immortal Master, or Emperor Alchemist. This was merely the most common type of Dan Badge within Doushuai Palace. The Bronze level indicated that a person had already stepped into the door of the Alchemical Path and had developed their own insights regarding alchemy. Such individuals were referred to as "Alchemists" within Doushuai Palace.
Above Silver represented another Realm of the Alchemical Path; they could integrate Dao into their pills, similar to how Zuo Dao had refined four types of elixirs in Chaos City. They were known as "Dao Dan Masters."
The Gold level took it a step further; they were called "Alchemists" by the world. They no longer practiced mere Alchemy but instead cultivated pills using their own Dao. These pills were suitable for various people and completely devoid of any pill toxicity, being entirely composed of Dao, making them incredibly precious.
As for the Star Diamond Level, according to Su Ziqing, it was exceedingly rare even within Doushuai Palace. Aside from a few palace masters and elders, there were only a handful in total. This level was known as "Holy Dan," and even the term "Master" was discarded in its presence, highlighting its terrifying nature.
After Su Ziqing explained the Realms of the Dan Badges from Doushuai Palace, Zuo Dao began to ponder. He could refine at the Silver level in the Great Celestial Domain already. Due to other matters, he had become somewhat lax regarding the Alchemical Path, but even so, he still held hope for achieving a Gold Dan Badge. As for Holy Dan, Zuo Dao didn't even consider it; given his current level, it was more realistic to focus on attainable goals.
"Then I'll go for Silver; it's better to conserve some energy." Zuo Dao's words caused Su Ziqing, who was stroking his beard, to tremble slightly as he accidentally pinched off several strands of his beard.
He had thought that Zuo Dao would only be at most at the Bronze level; after all, he himself held a position as an elder in Xuming Hall because he wore Doushuai Palace's Silver Alchemy Emblem.
Silver? Saving some effort? This person in front of me is at least an Alchemist. That’s the Golden Dan Emblem, second only to the Star Diamond Level in Doushuai Palace. Someone like that would attract a crowd wherever they go!
In fact, Zuo Dao thought that Silver's Dan Badge was at least not as common as Black Iron or Bronze; it wasn't something just anyone could possess. At least with the Silver Alchemy Emblem, Doushuai Palace should give him some recognition.
“Are you doing this on purpose?” Su Ziqing said fiercely.
“What do you mean on purpose? Didn’t you ask me to take the assessment? Now that I’ve done it, you’re questioning me,” Zuo Dao rolled his eyes.
“You…” Su Ziqing was infuriated. “Fine, I won’t make you take it step by step; you can directly take the Silver Level assessment. If you fail, just wait and see.”
“I’m Second Elder; you wouldn’t take this opportunity to get back at me, would you?” Zuo Dao looked at her suspiciously.
“Get lost.” Even Su Ziqing’s good temper was pushed to its limits by Zuo Dao.
“How do we proceed?” Zuo Dao asked cautiously.
“I already explained the Silver Level to you before. As long as you can incorporate a trace of the Great Dao into the elixir you refine, you’ll pass,” Su Ziqing said, her irritation subsiding as she got down to business. “You don’t even need to provide your own materials this time; feel free to use whatever is in the Dan Room. You have three chances. You know what to do, right?”
With that, Su Ziqing flicked her sleeve and walked behind a screen, and Zuo Dao followed her.
Once they turned past the screen, Zuo Dao discovered another area. A Mountain Valley appeared before him, with a building right in the center; he immediately recognized it as the Alchemy room. The walls of the Mountain Valley were lined with many similar buildings, but they were all inferior compared to the one in the middle.
“Originally, if you were taking the assessment, it would have been in those Alchemist's Chambers around Mountain Valley, but today you're lucky; since I’m here, you can use the central Dan Room,” Su Ziqing said smugly.
“Pfft, what’s so great about having an extra Inferno?” Zuo Dao saw through Su Ziqing’s pride and couldn’t help but retort.
"Brat, you..." Su Ziqing had lost count of how many times he had gotten angry today. Although he was a bit scheming, he considered himself a good person in Doushuai Palace. Why was he still being targeted?
"Don't think I don't know what you're up to. That Inferno is a later creation, used for Alchemy, at most it's Bronze level. Silver? Who do you think you're fooling?" Zuo Dao showed no mercy, cutting through Su Ziqing's thoughts with a single remark.
"This." Su Ziqing hadn't expected Zuo Dao's gaze to be so sharp that he could see through the Inferno's level. "I just asked you to use that Dan Room; who told you to use the Inferno inside?"
Su Ziqing couldn't help but laugh at himself. "Brat, can't you give me a little face?"
"Fine then." Zuo Dao shrugged, but inwardly he thought, "What face? If it weren't for my brilliance, you'd have taken me for a ride."
He agreed verbally but began calculating in his mind.
"Elder, what do you think of these four types of pills?" In an instant, Zuo Dao came up with a brilliant idea. He took out one each of the Survival Pill, Fusion Essence Pill, Antidote Pill, and Transforming Pill to show Su Ziqing.
Su Ziqing took them and, after a brief examination, realized that all these pills were crafted by an Alchemist. Moreover, they had been produced not long ago.
"These were made by your master, right?" Su Ziqing's tone was casual, but he was thoroughly impressed by the Alchemist who had crafted these four types of pills.
Four types of Great Dao! Was it really necessary to hit someone so hard? I am also an Alchemist, but I can only merge three types of Great Dao!
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