Chapter 169 - 125: Opening the Furnace for Alchemy

Chapter 169: Chapter 125: Opening the Furnace for Alchemy

"It’s no trouble. We can wait out here."

With that, Chen Jianghe took a step back, motioning for Jiang Ruxu to close the courtyard gate.

If he had been alone, Jiang Ruxu would have surely invited him in. However, he had two others with him.

Alchemist Zhuang was fiercely protective of his granddaughter and disciple and would never allow the other two to enter the Blessed Residence.

"Alchemist Zhuang is still performing alchemy. We’ll have to wait a bit," Chen Jianghe said to Ruan Tieniu and Ji Wujin after Jiang Ruxu had closed the gate.

"It’s no trouble. We’re not in a hurry," Ruan Tieniu nodded.

Ji Wujin gave a nonchalant shrug.

Seeing Ji Wujin’s demeanor, Chen Jianghe had reason to believe the man was not very old.

’He might not even be as old as Yun Xiaoniu.’

’It was one thing for him to be immature. But without that mask, his face would probably be an open book.’

’Chen Jianghe even suspected Ji Wujin wore the mask all day simply because he was afraid people would read his expression when they talked.’

「An hour passed.」

The gate to the Blessed Residence opened once again. This time, it was Alchemist Zhuang who emerged, walking up to Chen Jianghe with a broad smile.

"I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting, Fellow Daoist. To make it up to you, I’ll host you at the Qinghe Tavern another day."

Alchemist Zhuang spoke in a tone that suggested he and Chen Jianghe were old friends, even cupping his hands in apology.

Anyone who didn’t know better would have thought he and Chen Jianghe shared a deep friendship.

"Now, that’s not right, Alchemist Zhuang. We waited too. How can you only invite Fellow Daoist Chen?" Ji Wujin interjected.

Chen Jianghe, who had been about to play along with Alchemist Zhuang to deepen their rapport, was caught off guard.

Alchemist Zhuang was also taken aback.

Then he let out a hearty laugh. "But of course! Fellow Daoist Ji and Fellow Daoist Ruan must come along as well."

"I’m just joking. If your alchemy is successful, Alchemist Zhuang, I’ll be the one treating you to a meal at the Qinghe Tavern."

"I just wonder if Fellow Daoist Chen would be willing to join us."

With just a few words, Ji Wujin had put the spotlight back on Chen Jianghe.

He was clearly still holding a grudge about Chen Jianghe taking him to the Qingpin Tea House last time.

"If you’re inviting, I don’t mind," Chen Jianghe said with a shrug.

’He was starting to get a handle on Ji Wujin’s personality.’

’He was even more unpredictable than Jiang Ruxu.’

’And he had a sharp tongue that spared no one.’

"AHEM."

Ruan Tieniu cleared his throat.

He shot Chen Jianghe a look, signaling that it was time to discuss business; he didn’t have time for this banter.

He was desperate to get his hands on a Foundation Establishment Pill.

The closer he got to obtaining the Foundation Establishment Pill, the more anxious he grew.

He wished he could have the pill in his hands that very instant.

Getting the message, Chen Jianghe asked, "Alchemist Zhuang, will you be able to begin the alchemy today?"

Alchemist Zhuang nodded.

He said calmly, "You two fellow daoists may give me the materials now."

At his words, Ji Wujin and Ruan Tieniu each took out a Storage Pouch and handed it to Alchemist Zhuang.

After taking the Storage Pouches, Alchemist Zhuang added, "You two will also need to provide four hundred Spirit Stones each."

???

’Chen Jianghe froze. Four hundred Spirit Stones? For two people, wasn’t that a total of eight hundred?’

’The thirty Spirit Pills were supposed to cover the fee for refining the Foundation Establishment Pills.’

’I had thought Alchemist Zhuang would ask for three hundred Spirit Stones each, just enough to offset the cost of those pills.’

’Sure enough, there’s a reason Pill Masters earn more Spirit Stones than Talisman Masters.’

’They can jack up the price on the spot, and there’s nothing you can do about it.’

"While I am a High-Grade Alchemist, I have long been capable of refining Tier Two Spirit Pills like the Lifespan Extension Pill and the Youthful Pill. Moreover, for this refinement, I am over eighty percent confident of success and guarantee that you will receive at least one Genuine Foundation Establishment Pill."