Chapter 553
The second approach was to observe and record, gradually improving with the techniques Zhao Jingfan had learned.
In simpler terms, it was about using the rudimentary chemistry knowledge acquired from Zheng Fa to refine the elixir formula.
At heart, Zheng Fa was neither certain that his path would be better than Elder Xiong's, nor did he intend to undermine him.
He simply wanted to increase the chances of success.
Currently, the entire sect was burning through funds and manpower, all waiting for this experiment to succeed—after all, the Jiushan Sect was already in the red due to the construction of the Shenxiao battleship.
He was certainly anxious and had no intention of using this as a means to compete.
Moreover, two legs are steadier than one.
If one method fails, perhaps another will succeed?
For this reason, after some thought, Zheng Fa decided to let Elder Xiong conduct the experiment according to his own ideas—perhaps Elder Xiong was indeed right, and the results would come faster.
Understanding Zheng Fa's thoughts, Zhao Jingfan asked, somewhat confused, "What can I do?"
"Our experiment must be based on Elder Xiong's current results, so you need to teach these disciples how to refine the current subpar elixirs."
To improve, one must first learn the basics before having the ability to suggest improvements.
Although the disciples had recorded every technique from Elder Xiong, having Zhao Jingfan, the inheritor of Elder Xiong, to guide them would be even better.
From the previous experimental process, it was clear that this elixir required a Dan Master at the Golden Core stage.
The Jiushan Sect currently lacked such a master.
According to Zheng Fa and Madam Xuanhua's judgment, relying on the experience from the "Golden Core Project" and utilizing the celestial formation techniques, they believed that even a Foundation Establishment Dan Master could meet the experimental requirements.
Zhao Jingfan's expression grew conflicted upon hearing this.
"How about this, go back and ask Elder Xiong," Zheng Fa suggested, noticing his hesitation. "If he agrees, you can come help us. If not, we can manage our own research."
Zheng Fa was not insistent.
Zhao Jingfan nodded, then hesitated before saying, "If he doesn't agree, I'll go plead with the Sect Leader."
He returned to his quarters and discussed the matter with Elder Xiong.
"Agree! Why wouldn't I agree? I’m more than willing to teach this secret method to the Jiushan Sect!" Elder Xiong leaned back in his chair, a cold smile on his face.
"Now, Zheng Mengzhu wants to compare a group of Foundation Establishment disciples with me, a Nascent Soul cultivator."
"If I back down, wouldn’t that be a disgrace to the Qingmu Sect's alchemical reputation?"
"You go teach them, and teach them well—no holding back!"
"Otherwise, they might say we won by unfair means!"
(End of this chapter)
---
Chapter 413: The Face of Qingmu, Water Method Alchemy
"Master, what brings you here?"
Zhao Jingfan looked at Master Song in the alchemy chamber, surprised.
Master Song was focused on the flames in the alchemy furnace, his brow furrowed, lost in thought, and did not respond until the spiritual fire extinguished. Then he turned to Zhao Jingfan.
"Why can't I be here?"
Before Zhao Jingfan could answer, Elder Xiong, standing beside the furnace, picked up a freshly refined elixir, sniffed it, and a horrifying bluish-purple mist emanated from his nostrils, spreading across his cheeks and forehead, as if he had been poisoned.
"Ha!"
Elder Xiong exhaled sharply, a black mist spewing from his mouth, sizzling in the air, sending chills down one’s spine.
"The elixir's toxicity is too strong."
His complexion shifted from green to white, then darkened, clearly disheartened. He turned to Master Song and asked, "What do you think?"
Master Song stroked his beard, pondering before speaking. "This elixir has some medicinal properties, but they are insufficient, while the toxicity is exceedingly strong..."
"Perhaps there are too many impurities."
Elder Xiong nodded, seemingly in agreement with his assessment, then sighed, "It’s likely due to these two ingredients. The Five Elements Orchid aside, I’ve heard of Frostleaf, but I truly don’t know its effects. I’ve searched through all the sect’s texts and found nothing."
"I’ve used every secret method available, yet the toxicity remains so potent..."
As he spoke, a hint of despair crossed his face, as if he was losing hope.
"Great Elder, I’ve summoned all the Dan Masters above the Golden Core stage in the sect to brainstorm," Master Song said, his tone resolute, exuding an air of determination. "All secret methods, formulas, and texts must be brought forth; this is not the time for holding back."
"If this elixir fails, so be it."
"But if it succeeds, it must be refined by our Qingmu Sect!"
These words stunned Zhao Jingfan.
He now understood that Master Song was not just personally involved in helping Elder Xiong refine the elixir.
He was mobilizing the entire sect’s resources for this one batch of elixir.
But why?
He looked at Master Song, somewhat puzzled.
Master Song glanced at him, as if sensing his confusion, and said calmly, "The reputation of our Qingmu Sect as the leader of the Hundred Immortals Alliance in alchemy cannot be tarnished!"
"Oh."
Zhao Jingfan nodded obediently, but internally he questioned, how important could reputation really be?
"Foolish boy, you will one day lead the Qingmu Sect. Don’t you see the implications of this matter?"
Zhao Jingfan was momentarily bewildered, but being clever and having managed the Zhao family for years, he quickly grasped the situation:
"The Alchemist Guild?"
"Exactly!"
Master Song’s tone carried a hint of satisfaction, even surprise, as if he was pleasantly taken aback.
Zhao Jingfan felt that Master Song’s delight in his understanding was somewhat condescending.
"Master, I’m not that naive... If we sell our ancestral secret methods and Jiushan Sect has something better, wouldn’t that devalue our own?"
"That’s the point."
Elder Xiong sighed, adding, "The problem is, if Jiushan Sect has it, that’s one thing. What we can’t tolerate is if a group of Foundation Establishment disciples produces an elixir that we can’t refine..."
"The reputation of Qingmu Sect is a minor issue."
"Our future standing is what truly matters..."
"What about the patent rights? Do we still have a share?"
Zhao Jingfan felt enlightened. He had previously thought Elder Xiong was merely caught up in a rivalry, but now he realized... this was a conflict between two schools of alchemy.
What Zheng Fa referred to as parallel experiments had now evolved into a dispute between the traditional Xuanyuan alchemy represented by Qingmu Sect and the new-style alchemy represented by Jiushan disciples.
This conflict could very well determine the future authority of the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s alchemical system, or the Alchemist Guild’s voice.
"If we cannot surpass those Jiushan disciples..." Master Song’s expression grew heavy, his tone tinged with uncertainty, "then all the secret methods we’ve accumulated..."
"The Golden Core and Nascent Soul Dan Masters we’ve cultivated..."
"Even the entirety of Qingmu Sect, wouldn’t it all be rendered insignificant?"
"Do you understand?"
Zhao Jingfan fell silent for a moment, muttering, "Great Elder, weren’t you quite confident a couple of days ago?"
Back then, he had said something about winning by fair means, and now he was frantically rallying support.
This was simply against the spirit of martial ethics!
Elder Xiong’s expression turned slightly awkward, and after a long pause, he finally said, "Of course I’m confident. Logically speaking, how could I, a Nascent Soul, be outdone by a few Foundation Establishment cultivators..."
"Then Great Elder, you..."
"Isn’t there Zheng Fa?"
Zhao Jingfan was taken aback, hearing the frustration in Elder Xiong’s voice.
"Looking at Zheng Fa’s past, when has he ever reasoned things out?"
...
As Zhao Jingfan entered the second alchemy chamber, he couldn’t help but stare at Zheng Fa.
Sometimes he found it curious that Zheng Fa hadn’t changed much from the image in his memory.
Yet Elder Xiong seemed so... apprehensive.
"What’s wrong?"
Zheng Fa, who had been focused on the pages of experimental records in his hands, seemed to sense Zhao Jingfan’s gaze and looked up.
"Nothing... It’s just that Master Song is currently putting all his effort into helping Elder Xiong refine the elixir."
"Moreover, it seems that everyone in the Qingmu Sect cannot hold back at this moment."
After hearing this, Zheng Fa’s expression remained unchanged.
"Oh."
"Oh?"
This response was too bland, causing Zhao Jingfan to wonder, "Did you foresee this from the start?"
"Mm."
Zheng Fa glanced at him and smiled, but that smile sent a chill down Zhao Jingfan’s spine...
What a load of nonsense about not changing.
Why was Zheng Fa becoming more and more unscrupulous?
He realized he had figured out Zheng Fa’s intentions—
Whether these Foundation Establishment disciples could refine the elixir might not matter much.
What truly mattered was to make the Qingmu Sect feel the pressure.
To be honest, Zhao Jingfan had never seen the entire Qingmu Sect unite in such a way. Even during the invasion of the Great Freedom Demon Ancestor, there were still those who took advantage of the chaos and hindered each other.
Yet now, for Zheng Fa’s project, they had begun to rally together...
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