Soon, news spread in the market that the Old Master of Huang's Pill Workshop had become a High Grade Alchemist.
Before anyone could question it, another sensational piece of news was released—the Beneficial Technique Pill had emerged.
"Each pill is priced at three hundred Spirit Stones, equivalent to two years of cultivation for a Late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. The effects weaken gradually, with the first three pills being the most effective, accumulating a total of five years of cultivation."
This price is not high and is equivalent to the prices of similar pills in the market, allowing the Pill Workshop to have a fifty percent profit.
As soon as this news was released, Huang Yueyang immediately demonstrated its effects. Three years ago, he had just broken through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer. At this moment, after consuming six or seven Beneficial Technique Pills consecutively, he directly reached Qi Cultivation Perfection.
Although he was over seventy years old, with slim chances of achieving Foundation Establishment and almost equating to death, he solidified the pill's efficacy, attracting numerous Late-stage Qi Refining cultivators to purchase it.
Especially cultivators under sixty years old, who are at a critical stage for breaking through to Foundation Establishment.
Just nine hundred Spirit Stones, less than the price of a Top Grade Magical Artifact, could save them five years of time, which is truly worthwhile for them!
Furthermore, some who discovered the pill loses its effects after the seventh pill directly threw down two thousand one hundred Spirit Stones to purchase seven pills.
In the Pill Workshop, Chen Sheng cupped his hands:
"Father-in-law has worked hard!"
His alchemy skills were lacking, and only Huang Yueyang could refine this pill; now orders were scheduled until March of the following year.
However, the pill's refining difficulty was quite high, and Huang Yueyang could not achieve multiple pills from one furnace, so he could only work day and night.
They earned so much in these days that even Chen Sheng was somewhat anxious, worried about not being able to hold on to it.
Yet, Huang Yueyang waved his hand, advising him:
"This pill's audience is limited. After some time, it will calm down. For now, we can earn what we can."
Chen Sheng thought for a moment and nodded:
"Father-in-law is right."
The development of the situation was indeed as Huang Yueyang had predicted. After the first few months, the surrounding Late-stage Qi Refining cultivators were mostly exhausted, and those buying Beneficial Technique Pills became increasingly rare, often selling only one or two a month.
The biggest client now was the Cyan Wood Commerce Association, affiliated with the Qinghua Sect.
They had reached an agreement to order thirty Beneficial Technique Pills annually at a price of two hundred Spirit Stones each.
This price compressed the Pill Workshop's profit, drastically reducing it, but Huang Yueyang was quite pleased:
"Finally establishing the connection."
Chen Sheng agreed deeply; in this world, strength reigns supreme, and no matter how many Spirit Stones you earn, if you can't keep them, it's pointless.
Thousand Machines Workshop.
The Cyan Wood Commerce Association, with both power and influence ranked at the forefront, has so many benefits from establishing this connection, not just stabilizing business.
They also have opportunities through the Cyan Wood Commerce Association's channels to acquire rare items from the market, such as Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects.
Huang Yueyang suddenly spoke:
"By the way, Yijing is already three years old. Has the spirit testing been done?"
Chen Sheng nodded, a bit downcast:
"No Spiritual Root."
Upon hearing this, Huang Yueyang patted him on the shoulder:
"It's normal. Even the offspring of Foundation Establishment cultivators may have no Spiritual Root. If Qi Cultivation is not possible for him, you might as well teach him some medical arts and martial arts of the mundane world, so he can continue the family line early."
"Looking at Chen'Er's disposition, he might not be able to inherit the Alchemy Dao either, so make plans early."
Chen Sheng nodded:
"Thank you for your guidance, father-in-law."
Suddenly, a thought flickered across his mind, and he whispered a few words to Huang Yueyang.
Huang Yueyang nodded gently after hearing:
"If it can be done, you can give it a try."
After pausing, he added:
"If it doesn't work, don't treat him unfairly."
...
Qin Mansion.
Qin Dajiang came out to greet, with more wrinkles on his face, his complexion increasingly sullen.
In previous years, Aunt Qin passed away from illness, leaving him alone. Seeing Chen Sheng, his voice was hoarse yet carried a trace of joy:
"Xiaoyun is here!"
Chen Sheng nodded with a smile: "Uncle."
Over the years, Chen Sheng often came to visit. He watched the once robust man age step by step, feeling a sigh in his heart.
Entering the courtyard, he saw a young boy practicing magic, standing straight with eyes and brows revealing a maturity beyond his age.
At first glance, there was a resemblance to Qin Shuang from his memories—a stance akin to an old friend.
Chen Sheng couldn't help but laugh:
"Yuan'Er is becoming more like Brother Shuang."
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Qin Dajiang's face as well, waving to the boy:
"Yuan'Er, your uncle is here."
Qin Yuan immediately jogged over, respectfully greeting:
"Greetings, uncle."
His actions were steady, eyes clear, carrying a sense of spiritual qi and composure.
Chen Sheng laughed heartily, rubbing his little head, liking him more and more.
At this moment, he suddenly understood the feelings of Cao Cao seeing Guo Yi, Huang Tingjian meeting Su Guo.
—The stance of an old friend, the child of an old friend.
Recalling the care he received from uncle's family back then, facing such a well-behaved child now, how could he not extend his affection to the roof?
They sat in the inner hall.
Chen Sheng slowly explained his intention:
"I want Yuan'Er to learn alchemy from me."
Upon hearing this, Qin Dajiang was taken aback.
Chen Sheng continued:
"To be honest, uncle, recently we tested Yijing for spirituality, and there was no Spiritual Root. Xichen loves flying swords and cultivation but just doesn't love alchemy."
"I see that Yuan'Er is calm in handling matters, perhaps he can inherit my Alchemy Dao. Rest assured, uncle, I will impart everything I know without reserving anything."
Qin Dajiang listened silently, came to his senses, and tears fell down his old face:
"Xiaoyun, uncle thanks you!"
As an elder, he had grown wise and was far from foolish.
How could he not know, even if Chen Sheng's children could not inherit the Alchemy Dao, there would be future generations, so why hand it to an outsider?
This is based on affection, relying on the many years of friendship between the two families.
Chen Sheng quickly supported him: "Uncle, we are family, so let's not speak in terms of two families."
Upon hearing this, Qin Dajiang gradually calmed his emotions and instructed Qin Yuan beside him:
"Kneel down and kowtow three times to your uncle, and call him Master."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan obediently knelt and kowtowed.
Bang bang bang!
After three kowtows, his forehead indeed had a blood mark.
"This child, why be so earnest."
Chen Sheng quickly took out medicine from his Storage Pouch to wipe for him.
A trace of heartache flashed in Qin Dajiang's eyes, though he said:
"Kowtowing to a master is how it should be."
Chen Sheng chatted a few more words with the boy.
Qin Yuan's responses were orderly and focused, being exceptionally well-raised.
Chen Sheng grew increasingly fond in his heart.
Suddenly, Qin Dajiang waved, letting Qin Yuan go play outside, leaving only the two of them in the inner hall.
Qin Dajiang slowly opened up:
"Xiaoyun, even if I don't say it, you might guess it. Your Brother Shuang failed at Foundation Establishment… and just left, leaving only Yuan'Er."
Chen Sheng, upon hearing, felt his heart skip a beat. He had thought Qin Shuang had fallen during magical combat while traveling but hadn't expected him to leave due to failing at Foundation Establishment.
He was a prodigy who had achieved Qi Cultivation Perfection in his early thirties, yet he fell at the hurdle of Foundation Establishment.
Revisiting this matter, Qin Dajiang was still filled with grief, and Chen Sheng comforted him with a few words.
Qin Dajiang continued:
"In recent years, I've been weighed down with worry, accidentally deviating and my health deteriorating day by day. But Yuan'Er was too young, so I had to hold on."
As he spoke, his helpless voice trembled:
"I don't dare to die!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng felt increasingly moved and hurriedly checked his pulse, finding the meridians in disorder, indeed at a terrible state.
Qin Dajiang shook his head:
"I know my own body. The only thing I'm not at ease with is Yuan'Er. I thought, when I can't hold on any longer, I'd have to ask you."
"But I didn't expect you to come today. Uncle truly thanks you."