Chapter 62: Chief Alchemist
Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Chief Alchemist
Several years ago, Lujiao Mountain, under the guise of mediating a dispute, usurped the territory for itself.
They occupied Black Crow Mountain, using it as a branch for Lujiao Mountain.
However, this move made Lion’s Mane Cave extremely wary.
As the hegemonic power in the surrounding region, Lion’s Mane Cave did not permit any emerging force that showed signs of being a threat within its territory.
Lujiao Mountain already had seven Foundation Establishment Great Demons to begin with; such a move was naturally a violation of their unspoken rules.
Lujiao Mountain was suppressed by Lion’s Mane Cave, and these past few years had been miserable.
Now, they had changed their strategy, using Black Crow Mountain as the core to establish a Marketplace.
They were ceding some of their profits to ease the tension with Lion’s Mane Cave.
Langlang Mountain seized this opportunity to buy a few shops in the Marketplace, intending to get a piece of the action.
According to the plan, one of the shops was to be set up as an Elixir Workshop to accept some custom elixir orders.
Since it would be accepting custom orders, it would naturally need an experienced Alchemist to oversee it.
And Xu Chang’an, a High-grade Alchemist, was the perfect fit.
"Grey Rat, you won’t need to be involved in the daily management of the shop.
Your main responsibility at the Elixir Workshop will be refining custom elixirs.
As for ordinary, everyday Cultivation Elixirs, the other Alchemists from the Alchemy Hall will handle their refining and supply."
Jin Ling’Er explained in detail.
"At the same time, if you go to oversee it, your compensation as an honorary Elder will remain unchanged. Additionally, you will receive a share of the profits based on the Elixir Workshop’s overall earnings."
Faced with Jin Ling’Er’s request, Xu Chang’an considered it for a moment.
His own future plans already included getting into the custom elixir business.
This was a perfect opportunity!
’I can use this chance to develop my Demon Vein.’
’And build my reputation at the same time.’
’Furthermore, by overseeing the Elixir Workshop, the opportunities to refine difficult elixirs are bound to increase significantly.’
’It would also be a great help for improving my Alchemy Skill.’
"I will follow Elder Peak’s arrangements."
Xu Chang’an agreed.
Jin Ling’Er smiled at Xu Chang’an, looking very pleased.
"Good, Grey Rat.
As planned, the Elixir Workshop won’t be a small-scale operation.
You can find some assistants to bring with you to help with your daily alchemy.
And while you’re at it, help the mountain cultivate another batch of outstanding Alchemists."
Xu Chang’an readily agreed.
After that, Jin Ling’Er and Xu Chang’an chatted a little more.
Jin Ling’Er was one of the Elders in charge of Langlang Mountain’s new venture in the Marketplace.
As such, she would naturally be going to the Marketplace as well.
The handover of the shops, their decoration and setup, and the relevant regulations had not yet been finalized.
They tentatively agreed to set out for the Marketplace together in three months.
...
After deciding to go to the Marketplace to further his development, Xu Chang’an made some arrangements for matters within the Alchemy Hall.
He also selected two Low-grade Alchemists and a few Alchemy Apprentices from the Alchemy Hall to accompany him to the Marketplace.
Three months passed quickly.
The latest appointment from Elder Peak finally came down.
Xu Chang’an was appointed as Langlang Mountain’s Chief Alchemist, to be stationed at the Lujiao Mountain Marketplace.
Lujiao Mountain Marketplace was the name of the Marketplace that Lujiao Mountain had established on the occupied Black Crow Mountain.
’Lion’s Mane Cave is different from Peacock Mountain. It respects martial strength and isn’t skilled in trade and commerce.’
’Within its sphere of influence, Marketplaces are scarce.’
’And in the surrounding region, forget Marketplaces; even ordinary trading posts are pitifully few.’
’Lujiao Mountain’s plan to build this Marketplace is a clever move—a feigned retreat to make a real advance.’
’It completely fills the void for a marketplace in the surrounding area. Once it opens, the demand will be extremely high!’
’However, Lion’s Mane Cave can’t be that foolish. They must hold a significant stake in this Lujiao Mountain Marketplace.’
’A conservative estimate would be over one-third.’
’Right now, I need to accumulate enough Energy to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm.’
’That will likely be difficult to achieve in the short term.’
’I can only take it slow and steady; I mustn’t be too hasty.’
’This trip to the Marketplace is a good opportunity to focus on studying alchemy.’
’And while I’m at it, I should find a way to acquire some more Guarding Methods.’
’If improving my Guarding Methods proves difficult, I could try to work on my bloodline talent instead!’
’An unranked bloodline talent really is a huge hindrance!’
As he faced the upcoming trip to the Marketplace, Xu Chang’an quietly mulled things over.
Ignoring the disparity in Guarding Methods, he could currently just about hold his own against a Foundation Establishment Great Demon.
But his biggest weakness was his unranked bloodline talent, which severely dragged down his combat power.
Among Demons, bloodline is paramount. Different bloodline talents drastically affect one’s combat strength.
At the same Realm, it’s obvious at a glance who is stronger and who is weaker between a rat and a tiger.
If his bloodline talent were to improve...
Then...
’It doesn’t have to be much. I just need to raise it to a Lower Grade Bloodline Talent.’
’Then I won’t have to fear an ordinary Foundation Establishment Great Demon!’
’Take that Stone-Horned Deer from before—even if my Guarding Methods were inferior, I’m confident I could fight and win!’
A cold glint flashed through Xu Chang’an’s eyes!
...
The departure for the Lujiao Mountain Marketplace was later than originally planned.
After the appointment from Elder Peak came down, they waited for over another month.
Only then did Langlang Mountain organize a party, personally led by the Foundation Establishment Great Demon and Second King of Langlang Mountain, the Sparrow Spirit. Several Elders and numerous other Demons involved with the shops went with them to the Lujiao Mountain Marketplace.
For this first trip, it was naturally necessary to have a Foundation Establishment Great Demon present for security.
Afterward, he would presumably return to Langlang Mountain.
A massive black cloth flew through the sky, with the party of Demons from Langlang Mountain all standing on it.
Xu Chang’an faced the wind, enjoying the passing scenery with a pleasant mood.
Standing beside him was Jin Ling’Er.
Jin Ling’Er wore a magnificent, gold-colored long dress. Her beautiful hair reached her waist, fluttering in the wind.
As it fluttered, it gave off a faint, sweet fragrance.
The woman and the rat standing together made for a rather curious sight.
In front of them stood a Sparrow Spirit with a human body and a bird’s head, standing no more than five feet tall.
This was none other than Langlang Mountain’s Second King, who had returned from his travels years ago and single-handedly changed their fortunes.
The Sparrow Spirit looked somewhat ancient. In terms of physical build, he couldn’t even compare to an ordinary Qi Refining Old Demon, let alone a Foundation Establishment Great Demon.
But Xu Chang’an didn’t dare to underestimate him in the slightest.
The reason was simple.
The black cloth they were standing on was a Supreme-grade Magical Artifact!
Yes, a Supreme-grade Magical Artifact!
Although his Realm was lower than Jin Yuanba’s, with the power of this Magical Artifact, the Sparrow Spirit’s overall combat strength was likely no weaker than his.
This was also why, when the Sparrow Spirit had first returned, Cyan Snake Mountain and Wild Boar Mountain hadn’t made much of a fuss.
But at the celebration banquet, they had bowed their heads in submission and presented congratulatory gifts.
It was because the Sparrow Spirit had revealed this Supreme-grade Magical Artifact!
’He must have had a significant fortuitous encounter during his travels!’
Xu Chang’an secretly guessed.
’A mere Independent Cultivator Demon, far from home.’
’Enduring hardships, facing storms head-on.’
’Finally returning after reaching Foundation Establishment, using the might of a Supreme-grade Magical Artifact to restore the glory of his mountain.’
’According to the novels, that’s the classic template of a protagonist!’
’Unfortunately, the Demon Path is fraught with hardship. It shows no mercy to those who merely seem to have the makings of a protagonist.’
’How many have fallen along the way, and how many more have stagnated, unable to advance!’
From what Xu Chang’an had seen in his past life, countless exceptionally talented individuals had faded into obscurity before they could ever truly shine.
’The Demon Path is difficult; one must always remain vigilant and cautious.’