Longevity: My Talents Are a Bit Abundant-Chapter 389: Shrouded in Suspicion

Cultivation encompasses myriad arts, from pill, talisman, array, to artifact.

No matter how they are ranked, the Alchemy Dao remains the king among cultivation techniques.

Shen Xuan had already devised his plan.

He would help Li Ruyi enhance her realm cultivation and recover her memories.

Li Ruyi was once a Tier Three Pill Master.

By studying the Alchemy Dao together, their efforts would yield twice the results with half the effort.

In the short term, the goal was to refine a Purifying Foundation Pill.

Over the years, Shen Xuan utilized the "Devouring All Things" skill to refine spiritual power from demon beast meat.

His Dao Foundation Spirit Sea had continuously grown.

At the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment, it matched the perfection of Foundation Establishment.

However, a problem arose.

He had absorbed too much foreign spiritual power.

Within his Dantian, the Profound Ice Spirit Lotus was constantly facilitating the fusion of native and foreign spiritual power.

They did not achieve a perfect state in harmony.

Initially, Shen Xuan only had a middle-grade Dao Foundation.

Currently, the quality had declined, being only slightly better than a low-grade Dao Foundation.

Shen Xuan planned to stop refining foreign spiritual power after refining the Ice Mountain Bear King and focus on creating a Purifying Foundation Pill.

As long as the impurities could be eliminated and spiritual power refined, the Dao Foundation’s quality would improve.

Even if it meant losing some spiritual power, it was worth it.

The Spirit Pill Hall of the Cyan Cloud Sect was established on Changsheng Peak.

With guidance from a steward of the Spirit Pill Hall, Shen Xuan entered a reception hall.

He was greeted by Huang Yuan, True Master Changsheng’s direct disciple.

The two had met once at a small gathering of true master’s direct disciples.

Shen Xuan had exchanged for two bottles of Ten Thousand Years Spirit Milk from him using a Flying Talisman Spirit Array.

At that time, their transaction had been quite pleasant.

"Rare it is to have Senior Brother Shen personally visit our Spirit Pill Hall, an honored guest indeed, apologies for not welcoming you earlier!" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Huang Yuan spoke with a cheerful attitude, warmly welcoming him.

"Senior Brother Huang, you’re too kind!"

They shared pleasantries for a while.

Shen Xuan mentioned his wish to see his friend Li Ruyi.

"Alchemist Li? She’s currently refining pills at a critical stage and is unable to receive guests."

Huang Yuan said this with some embarrassment.

"Oh. Never mind then, I’ll come another day. Please ask Senior Brother Huang to tell Li Ruyi."

"Definitely, most definitely!"

Shen Xuan didn’t think much of it.

Now, he too was a Tier Two Pill Master.

Knowing that pill masters needed to remain undisturbed while refining pills, he decided to visit Li Ruyi again in a few days.

After all, he wasn’t in any rush.

Shen Xuan then turned to the Law Enforcement Hall.

True Master Ling Xiao personally met him.

"Shen Xuan."

"Disciple here."

"You should settle down!"

True Master Ling Xiao said with exasperation, "How many times has this happened now?"

Shen Xuan replied with grievance, "Master Ling Xiao, the disciple truly has no choice."

"Nie Wuhen from the Divine Sword Sect blocked my path intending to forcibly claim my treasures. I couldn’t just let him win on purpose."

"Fine! Where is it?"

Shen Xuan, a bit embarrassed, said, "Master Cold Jade advised, only if Master Ling Xiao offers substantial rewards should I return the Flying Sword and Core Formation Spiritual Objects."

True Master Ling Xiao sternly stated, "One hundred thousand sect contribution points."

"Whether you want it or not, you must hand over the items."

"I want it!"

Shen Xuan readily handed over the Flying Sword and Green Water Cold Gold.

One hundred thousand contribution points equated to three hundred thousand spirit stones.

Though a bit insufficient, it was better than nothing.

Shen Xuan dared not offend True Master Ling Xiao.

A Golden Core True Master of the sect, the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall.

He could be easily caught for any minor mistake.

Though True Master Cold Jade feared nothing, Shen Xuan was terrified.

True Master Ling Xiao received the Flying Sword and Spiritual Objects, allocating contribution points to Shen Xuan’s identity jade pendant.

As Shen Xuan was about to leave.

True Master Ling Xiao called him back.

"Shen Xuan. Well done. If anyone bullies you, make sure to come to me."

Shen Xuan immediately beamed with joy, bowing deeply in gratitude.

"Thank you, Master Ling Xiao."

In high spirits, Shen Xuan left with his stride brisk, returning to his cave mansion.

Late at night.

In the practice room.

Shen Xuan began refining the Essence Blood of the Ice Mountain Bear King.

A flash of golden light appeared.

Revealing a line of ancient golden text on the Mysterious Jade Talisman.

{"Stealable Talent": Smell and Taste, Silent as a Whisper, Cold Imperviousness, Bear’s Might, Ice Mountain Storm, Snow Throw}

Shen Xuan pondered for a moment and chose "Smell and Taste."

The Ice Mountain Bear King had an extremely keen sense of smell.

Ten times more acute than spirit dogs of the same tier patrolling the mountains.

The other bloodline talent skills either repeated or could be acquired later.

Now Shen Xuan prioritized the uniqueness and practicality of the demon beast’s bloodline talent skills he chose to seize.

His Dao Rhyme had increased by over six hundred points.

This was anticipated.

Although also a tier two top-grade demon beast, the bloodline of the Ice Mountain Bear Demon was evidently inferior to the Frost Snow Flood Dragon.

"Let’s hope it can slightly enhance the quality of the Water Spirit Root."

After refining the Essence Blood of the Enlightened Profound Tortoise, Shen Xuan’s Water Spirit Root quality had reached 88 points.

Only two points shy of the Immortal Spirit Root.

However, fully refining the Essence Blood of the Tier Three Enlightened Profound Tortoise, enhanced the Water Spirit Root’s quality by 2 points.

Whether the Essence Blood of the Tier Two Top Grade Ice Mountain Bear Demon could enhance the Water Spirit Root’s quality, Shen Xuan had no assurance.

Judging by the difficulty of refining, it was likely not possible.

Ten days later.

Shen Xuan returned to the Spirit Pill Hall.

This time, Huang Yuan was absent.

He was received by another direct disciple of True Master Changsheng.

Also the youngest disciple, named Zhao Shun.

"Li Ruyi? She’s refining pills and it’s not a good time for guests, Senior Brother Shen, please return another time!"

Compared to Huang Yuan, Zhao Shun was much colder.

His expression was clearly unwelcoming.

Almost issuing a direct dismissal.

Shen Xuan forced a smile.

"I came a while ago, asked Senior Brother Huang to tell Li Ruyi that I needed to see her."

"Kindly ask Junior Brother Zhao to help inquire when Li Ruyi might finish her pill refining, so I don’t come in vain again."

Huang Yuan was of similar age to him.

They could address each other as senior brothers.

Zhao Shun was evidently much younger.

Shen Xuan directly addressed him as "junior brother."

Seeing Shen Xuan’s smile and request.

Zhao Shun relaxed his expression a bit.

Causally pointing to the steward beside him.

"Go and check how much longer Li Ruyi will take to finish refining the pills?"

"Yes!"

The steward hurried away.

In no time, he quickly returned.

Whispering into Zhao Shun’s ear.

"Senior Brother Shen, Li Ruyi will only open the furnace in ten days."

"Thanks, Junior Brother Zhao. I’ll return in half a month."

"Please ask Junior Brother Zhao to pass the message."

Despite his doubts, Shen Xuan left with a courteous smile.

Regardless of the situation.

Zhao Shun was a direct disciple of True Master Changsheng.

Even if his attitude was a bit off.

Shen Xuan was also unwilling to offend easily.

Half a month later.

Shen Xuan came to the Spirit Pill Hall for the third time.

"Li Ruyi? She’s refining pills. It’s not suitable to receive guests."

It was still Zhao Shun, almost the exact same excuse.

Shen Xuan was taken aback.

"Wasn’t it said that she finished her last pill refining five days ago?"

"Yeah. She finished the last refining, and started a new batch. Senior Brother Shen, is there a problem?"

Zhao Shun said coldly.

Shen Xuan’s smile gradually faded.

Not only was there a problem, it was a big one.

Li Ruyi was a Nether Cultivator.

Only in the middle stage of the Soul Foundation, her soul body hadn’t solidified.

She was not suited to refine pills personally.

While at the Small Gu Peak, Li Ruyi merely guided pill refining.

She had never started a batch herself.

Her main focus was on soul power cultivation.

Unexpectedly.

After True Master Gu Feng recommended her as an Honored Guest Elder for the Cyan Cloud Sect.

Not only had she to refine pills personally.

She didn’t even have time to rest in between.

"Please, Junior Brother Zhao, let me see Li Ruyi."

Shen Xuan said with a serious expression.

"No way!"

"Li Ruyi is refining pills, not suitable for guests. If the pill refining fails because of this, the loss would be tremendous, Zhao cannot bear it."

"Senior Brother Shen, please go back!"

Zhao Shun still refused.

His voice carried a hint of anger.

Hearing this, Shen Xuan suddenly smiled.

"As the saying goes, ’Three times is enough’.

"I’m just here to see a friend at the Spirit Pill Hall, and this is the third time."

"Junior Brother Zhao, why are you obstructing me at every turn?"

Zhao Shun’s expression changed abruptly.

"Obstructing?"

"Shen Xuan, you disturb the pill refining affairs of the Spirit Pill Hall repeatedly, I should ask you, what are your intentions?"

Shen Xuan nodded.

He sat down.

Took a sip of spirit tea.

Slightly calmed the anger in his heart.

"Li Ruyi is a friend of mine, and I requested her introduction to the sect by Master Gu Feng."

"Regardless, this time, I must see Li Ruyi."

"Pill refining, right! I will wait here."

"If Li Ruyi refines pills for ten days, I will wait ten days. If for a hundred days, I will wait a hundred days."

Zhao Shun glared at Shen Xuan.

Looked for a long time.

"Suit yourself!"

After speaking, Zhao Shun left with a flick of his sleeve.

Shen Xuan remained calm and composed.

Sat alone in the reception hall drinking tea.

He simply didn’t believe it.

That the Spirit Pill Hall could keep ignoring him like this.

"Master Shen, you should go back first."

The steward advised repeatedly seeing that it was getting late.

"It’s fine. I’ll just wait here."

Shen Xuan was indifferent.

Though he didn’t know what had happened to Li Ruyi.

The Cyan Cloud Sect was a major sect of Song Country.

Li Ruyi was an Alchemist Honored Guest Elder.

Her life was surely safe.

As for himself.

As a direct disciple of two branches, his status and position were not inferior to a Golden Core Inheritor.

The disciples of the Spirit Pill Hall dared not harm him.

Shen Xuan stayed in the reception hall of the Spirit Pill Hall for seven days and nights.

On the eighth day.

Huang Yuan appeared.

"Senior Brother Shen, why are you still here?"

"I’m waiting for Li Ruyi."

"Didn’t Junior Brother Zhao tell you? Alchemist Li is refining pills."

"So what?"

Shen Xuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, staring at Huang Yuan.

"Why wouldn’t the people of the Spirit Pill Hall let me see Li Ruyi?"

Huang Yuan awkwardly smiled bitterly.

"How could that be!"

"Alchemist Li is truly refining pills."

Shen Xuan shook his head.

"Senior Brother Huang, let me be blunt."

"Not only is Li Ruyi a friend of mine, but she’s also connected to my Dao path."

"She’s an Honored Guest Elder, the Spirit Pill Hall doesn’t have the right to keep her confined like this."

At this moment, Shen Xuan was ready to break ties.

After all, he was an alchemist too.

Fellow professionals are always competitors.

Though he didn’t know why the disciples of the Spirit Pill Hall were treating him this way.

But since they were giving him such a hard time.

He wasn’t going to be polite either.

"Senior Brother Shen, you’re wrong! Our Spirit Pill Hall would never confine Alchemist Li!"

"Take me to see."

Shen Xuan said coldly, "If Li Ruyi is refining pills, I absolutely will not disturb her."

"Senior Brother Shen, please wait."

Huang Yuan left the reception hall.

An hour later.

Huang Yuan returned.

"Senior Brother Shen, the senior brother agreed. I’ll take you to the Alchemy Room of Alchemist Li."

"Then, thank you, Brother Huang."

Inwardly, he contemplated.

Ge Chengming, the senior disciple of True Master Changsheng, was at Foundation Establishment Perfection, a sect core formation seed.

He managed the daily affairs of the Spirit Pill Hall.

If he was present.

Shen Xuan couldn’t lose his temper.

After all, Ge Chengming’s status was higher than his.

"I hope it’s just a misunderstanding."

After all, Li Ruyi was merely an Honored Guest Elder.

And a Nether Cultivator.

No matter how the Spirit Pill Hall treated Li Ruyi.

As long as it wasn’t excessive.

Shen Xuan couldn’t interfere.

Huang Yuan led Shen Xuan, moving forward.

Along the way, they passed by the Giant Furnace Refining shop.

Shen Xuan only took a glance, then withdrew his gaze.

Li Ruyi was not there.

Originally, he thought that Li Ruyi, as an Honored Guest Elder, was there to guide the Giant Furnace Refining affairs.

Unexpectedly, she had her own Alchemy Room in the Spirit Pill Hall.

Quickly, the two arrived at a quiet and antiquated Alchemy Room.

Sure enough, Li Ruyi was inside refining pills.

Two alchemy apprentices assisted her.

Zhao Shun was supervising on the side.

A burst of medicinal fragrance wafted from the pill furnace.

When Shen Xuan smelled it, his expression changed.