Chapter 149 Answering Back

"Apologies, the master is in secluded cultivation and cannot receive guests."

After descending the mountain, Wu Yu spoke to Yu Qin with polite courtesy.

No matter what, the person standing before her was at the Great Circle of Foundation Establishment, and reason dictated that she show reverence.

Besides, her master was not the arrogant sort of alchemist; if she acted too haughty, she might find herself dismissed by tomorrow.

Hearing this, Yu Qin's face was painted with disappointment.

She could roughly guess in her heart that Li Guanxuan was still harboring resentment over her past actions and was merely using seclusion as an excuse.

Without saying much more, Yu Qin left Peach Blossom Peak and headed toward the No. 1 Market District's Myriad Phenomena Pavilion.

If she could not find Li Guanxuan, finding his master, Liu Xiaoxian, should pose no problem.

Upon hearing that Yu Qin had arrived, Liu Xiaoxian furrowed her golden brows slightly, roughly guessing Yu Qin's true motive for coming to Silver Maple City.

It was nothing more than the Golden Essence Pill.

Of the two portions of materials from the Hua family, one had already been used, and rumors outside were that the Hua family had obtained a mid-grade Golden Essence Pill.

To refine a mid-grade Golden Essence Pill from ordinary materials—such consistent alchemy was enough to prompt many practitioners at the Great Circle of Foundation Establishment to visit and seek pills.

Liu Xiaoxian could not refuse to see Yu Qin; regardless of how things stood, it was True Monarch Meishuang who had saved her life during her hour of greatest peril.

"Speak directly if you have business; there is no need to beat around the bush," Liu Xiaoxian said without lifting her head, her tone filled with polite distance.

Yu Qin sighed softly and said, "What happened back then was indeed my fault and my master's, but matters have reached this point, and I have done my utmost to make amends..."

Liu Xiaoxian interrupted her, repeating, "State your business."

"I wish to ask Li Guanxuan to refine a top-grade Golden Essence Pill for me. The terms are negotiable," Yu Qin stated bluntly.

Liu Xiaoxian said indifferently, "You think too much. Lately, he barely has time for his own cultivation; where would he find the time to refine a Golden Essence Pill for you?"

"No time?"

Yu Qin was slightly startled. Could it be that when she visited Peach Blossom Peak, Li Guanxuan genuinely had no time to see her?

"It is not just the Hua family entrusting him to refine Golden Essence Pills; there are others as well."

Liu Xiaoxian continued, "Furthermore, this matter is not something I can decide. While this disciple of mine appears harmless to humans and animals, he actually possesses a rebellious spine. Even if I were to speak to him about this, he still would not agree."

"You are his master..."

Yu Qin wore an expression of disbelief.

When had a master ever lowered themselves to ask a disciple for a favor, only for the disciple to dare refuse?

Liu Xiaoxian simply did not want to help, nothing more.

To this, Liu Xiaoxian merely offered a faint smile and said nothing further.

Her relationship with Yu Qin had cooled significantly years ago, and the only reason she was receiving her now was out of respect for True Monarch Meishuang.

"In recent years, it will be impossible for him to refine Golden Essence Pills for anyone else. I advise you to seek someone more capable," Liu Xiaoxian said.

In the end, Yu Qin said no more and left with a expressionless face.

From her perspective, this master and disciple were still dwelling on past grievances and simply refused to help.

No matter.

In this world, Li Guanxuan was not the only quasi-third-tier alchemist capable of refining the Golden Essence Pill.

At worst, she could find someone else. Without Li Guanxuan's Golden Essence Pill, could it be that she was destined never to form her elixir?

Liu Xiaoxian glanced up at Yu Qin's receding figure, smiled indifferently, and didn't care in the least.

Matters of this sort were a matter of sentiment when one helped, and duty when one did not. Even if True Monarch Meishuang were to find out, she would not create any unpleasantness over it.

...

Four months later.

Peach Blossom Peak was suffused with a rich fragrance of pills. Housekeeper Wu Yu and the maidservants could feel their spiritual energy increasing significantly just by inhaling the aroma.

"It is a top-grade pill... Big Brother has succeeded."

Song Zhiqiao's eyes were filled with joy.

The fact that Li Guanxuan was able to refine a top-grade Golden Essence Pill using the Hua family's second portion of ordinary materials proved that he would be far more proficient in any subsequent refinements.

This time, Li Guanxuan had spent four full months on the alchemy.

The previous time had taken only three months.

Because their current dwelling was an entire mountain peak adorned with numerous pavilions and terraces, Li Guanxuan had specifically constructed a dedicated alchemy room, as well as a talisman-making room and others.

Looking at the Golden Essence Pill within the alchemy furnace, which bore five spiritual patterns, Li Guanxuan let out a slight breath of relief while his heart settled considerably.

Five spiritual patterns symbolized a top-grade pill.

"After resting for a few days, I can begin refining premium-grade pills."

Li Guanxuan wore a smile.

He now had three portions of exceptionally fine spiritual medicine materials in his possession, including the superior materials provided by Cao Feng.

Barring any accidents, a premium-grade pill was within reach.

Stepping out of the alchemy room and arriving at the pavilion, Li Guanxuan wrapped an arm around Song Zhiqiao's slender waist, listening as she recounted the events of the past four months in detail.

"The Luan family is growing restless and intends to unite various factions to assassinate Cao Feng."

Song Zhiqiao snuggled into her good brother's embrace, her voice sweet and melodious, effortlessly stirring the strings of a man's heart.

"Ever since True Monarch Huabai arrived in Silver Maple City and extended an invitation to Cao Family Ancestor True Monarch Cao Shu, the two True Monarchs joined forces to enter the Crimson Refining Mountain Range and excavate two quasi-third-tier spiritual veins..."

"This is also a signal. Outside, rumors are spreading that the Cao family and the Hua family have joined forces."

"Therefore, the Luan family's actions are, to a greater or lesser extent, overestimating their own capabilities."

"..."

Li Guanxuan swept his divine sense outward and chuckled, "No wonder so many Foundation Establishment grand cultivators have appeared in the vicinity; it turns out they are all here to protect Cao Feng."

"Outsiders all believe that after Big Brother refined the mid-grade Golden Essence Pill, he would naturally begin attempting to refine a top-grade one next. Once the top-grade Golden Essence Pill is successfully refined, Cao Feng will begin forming his elixir."

Song Zhiqiao said, "Regardless of whether he ultimately forms a true elixir or a golden elixir, it is not good news for the Luan family. Therefore, the Luan family ancestor, who has been in seclusion for many years, has personally come out to lobby various factions with the intention of moving against the Cao family."

Li Guanxuan sighed softly, "Fortunately, the Cao family has the assistance of the Hua family, coupled with the personal connections Cao Feng has developed over the years. The Luan family ancestor cannot threaten him..."

Merchants' Valley City bordered the frontiers of the three immortal dynasties of Daheng, Dazhou, and Daxuan—a fertile, oil-rich land. Relying solely on the old city master, who was at the Great Circle of Foundation Establishment, was simply not enough to stabilize the situation.

Thus, the Luan family ancestor, who possessed early Golden Essence cultivation, was the true decision-maker.

However, the Luan family ancestor remained in perennial seclusion, leaving the management of Merchants' Valley City to the Luan family head.

Having operated in this region for so many years, the Luan family ancestor undoubtedly possessed a vast network of connections and likely maintained friendships with prominent figures within the three immortal dynasties...

If not for the Hua family's assistance this time, Cao Feng might not have been able to form his elixir in peace.

Yet these matters did not require Li Guanxuan's worry.

Just as the Luan family had an ancestor, the Cao family likewise had an ancestor.

As for his own grievances with Merchants' Valley City, that was an entirely different matter.

After all, when the old city master had been at death's door and attempted to force him to refine a Golden Essence Pill within a short timeframe, he had been compelled to flee to Silver Maple City.

Should the Luan family ancestor also attempt to use this matter to threaten him, aside from courting public condemnation, Liu Xiaoxian was no pushover either.

Not to mention the cautionary tale of the Thunder-Fire Sect.

Therefore, Li Guanxuan estimated that the Luan family ancestor would not implicate him simply for refining a pill for Cao Feng.

Song Zhiqiao continued to chat and share amusing anecdotes from the past four months with Li Guanxuan in the pavilion.

In the end, their conversation gradually drifted into more intimate murmurs.

Li Guanxuan occasionally retorted with a few words of his own.

This caused the little green tea to roll her eyes repeatedly, the corners of her lips framed by crystalline, tender affection.

In due course, under the twilight glow within the pavilion, a sweet and melodious tune naturally drifted forth.

The adjacent peach grove danced with the wind, swaying gracefully.

...

Time flew.

January, a world of ten thousand miles of snow.

Peach Blossom Peak was draped in pure silver.

Suddenly, the defensive grand array activated, startling the three mistresses of Peach Blossom Peak into appearing instantly, their expressions grave as they looked outward.

Yet...

Just as a wisp of pill fragrance quietly permeated the air, intending to drift further afield, it was intercepted by the defensive array.

A stream of golden light surged from the alchemy room into the clouds, vanishing quietly a moment later.

"This momentum... a premium-grade pill has been successfully brewed."

Song Zhiqiao had been mentally prepared for some time, and she firmly believed her brother was capable of refining a premium-grade Golden Essence Pill.

She simply hadn't expected it to happen so soon.

After all, following the completion of that top-grade Golden Essence Pill, Li Guanxuan had rested for merely half a month before plunging wholeheartedly into the refinement of the premium-grade one.

Nor could that half-month be considered true rest, as the majority of the time had been spent in dual cultivation.

Even when Master Liu Xiaoxian had stayed at Peach Blossom Peak for some five days, she could only leave by riding the wind, completely unable to move the lower half of her body upon departure.

Moments later, blinding golden light shot forth from the alchemy room, intensely dazzling.

"It really comes down to dual cultivation..."

Qin Jiyue remarked with deep emotion, "Only through this can my husband's alchemy skills improve even faster."

Wen Rongxin flushed red and remained silent.

Li Guanxuan walked out of the alchemy room, his face devoid of color, looking as though his very essence had been entirely hollowed out, his footsteps somewhat unsteady.

Refining this premium-grade Golden Essence Pill had consumed a vast amount of his mental and spiritual stamina, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of relief the moment the pill formed.

Wen Rongxin immediately darted to Li Guanxuan's side, supporting him with tender care, and said with a touch of heartache, "You must recuperate properly for a while now; no more reckless antics."

Li Guanxuan nodded slightly, accepting the advice.

At present, he didn't even possess half his peak vitality; how could he possibly speak of exploring immortal caves?

Especially when one of those caves belonged to a Golden Essence cultivator.

"So many Foundation Establishment cultivators are watching us from outside Peach Blossom Peak," Qin Jiyue frowned and said.

The phenomenon accompanying the birth of the pill just now had clearly startled quite a few Foundation Establishment practitioners within Silver Maple City.

Beyond that, cultivators outside the city would soon receive the news as well.

Next...

Peach Blossom Peak was likely to become quite lively.

Li Guanxuan smiled nonchalantly, unconcerned, and instructed Wu Yu, "Xiaoyu, inform City Master Cao to send someone to collect the Golden Essence Pill."

"Understood, Master."

Hearing the voice carried by magic power in the distance, Wu Yu immediately bowed and accepted the command.

Accompanied by his three wives, Li Guanxuan returned to the pavilion to rest.

The three months of alchemy had drained a significant portion of his spirit and vitality.

"From now on, let us name this pavilion 'Wind and Snow Pavilion'."

Li Guanxuan swallowed a recovery pill, his complexion improving markedly as he smiled.

"No problem, I will attend to it immediately," Song Zhiqiao smiled.

Writing plaques naturally fell within her purview.

In less than half an hour, Song Zhiqiao had completed the plaque for the "Wind and Snow Pavilion."

Simultaneously, an elderly man in purple robes radiating demonic Qi ascended Peach Blossom Peak. Looking at Li Guanxuan in the Wind and Snow Pavilion, he cupped his fists in salute and said:

"Alchemist Li, you have worked hard."

The old man was none other than the Cao family ancestor.

With Cao Feng on the verge of forming his elixir, he was forced to personally hold down the fort at the city master's estate; anyone wishing to visit had to pass through his approval.

Li Guanxuan held up a jade bottle in his right hand and smiled, "Senior is too polite. This was an agreement between Big Brother Cao and myself, and it is only right that I fulfill it."

"This old man shall dispense with polite pleasantries then. Should Alchemist Li ever encounter trouble in the future, my Cao family will never stand idly by!" the Cao family ancestor stated earnestly.

After the Cao family ancestor departed Peach Blossom Peak, the entire city master's estate entered a state of high alert.

Li Guanxuan did not attend to anything else. Currently in a state of depleted spiritual energy, he needed to recover slowly.

A month later, a disturbance broke out within Silver Maple City, but it was swiftly and ruthlessly suppressed by the Cao family ancestor's iron-fisted demeanor.

Anyone stirring up trouble at this juncture was treated as an internal saboteur interfering with Cao Feng's elixir formation, and the Cao family ancestor showed not an ounce of leniency.

Besides, word of these rules had been disseminated half a year prior; no one could claim ignorance.

On this day, Liu Xiaoxian also arrived at Peach Blossom Peak.

"Once Cao Feng successfully forms his elixir, I will be leaving to take up a post in Huayue Immortal City," Liu Xiaoxian announced.

Hearing this, Li Guanxuan felt no surprise.

In due course, they would all form their elixirs and eventually leave Silver Maple City to settle in immortal cities possessing higher-tier spiritual veins, thereby continuing their cultivation and advancement.

Li Guanxuan pulled Liu Xiaoxian into his embrace and softly murmured, "Once Jiyue and I form our elixirs, we will join you in Huayue Immortal City."

Presently, both he and Qin Jiyue were at the late Foundation Establishment stage, specifically at the eighth level. Going to Huayue Immortal City now would only leave them more vulnerable; it was far wiser to wait until they possessed sufficient strength.

Only thus would they retain the capacity to protect themselves.

Liu Xiaoxian nodded slightly, naturally seating herself upon Li Guanxuan's lap, and smiled with twinkling eyes, "This branch headquarters has granted me an extended holiday, alongside handover duties, so I have ample time to accompany you."

Li Guanxuan gazed down at the deep cleavage visible beneath her loose Daoist robes. His gaze gradually grew heated as he reached out to stroke her, brimming with grand ambition:

"Zhiqiao, bring the wine!"

After a month, he had nearly recovered to his half-vitality state.

Aided by the potency of the medicinal spirit wine, he was almost confident enough to breach the defenses of a Golden Essence True Monarch.

During this period, Li Guanxuan hadn't been able to move his lower back much.

Yet that in no way hindered Qin Jiyue and Song Zhiqiao from exerting effort of their own.

Consequently, Qin Jiyue and Song Zhiqiao had grown numb to it and could only send Wen Rongxin over to deliver the medicinal spirit wine. The two women excused themselves on the pretense of other business, leaving the peach grove while signaling the female housekeeper Wu Yu to clear away all the maidservants.

Liu Xiaoxian's golden eyes rippled with autumn waves, brimming with flirtatious charm as she smiled teasingly, "Come to think of it, I have yet to work alongside the primary wife."

"Master, please do not mock me..."

Wen Rongxin hugged a jar of medicinal spirit wine, her face burning red, yet she still anxiously urged, "Husband, if you truly cannot..."

Before she could finish, Li Guanxuan directly sealed her lips and laughed heartily:

"I, the Immortal Venerable of Joyful Union, how could I ever not be able?"

...

At that very moment.

The fox demon mother and daughter, Tushan Yuzhi and Tushan Yuqing, arrived outside Silver Maple City.