The Demonic Cultivator In Zombie World

Chapter 224: The Holy Maiden’s Invitation

He Ze had an epiphany, "I understand now, those cultivators were disparaging the method as damaging to heaven and humanity, claiming it was more trouble than it's worth, but actually they wanted to buy it themselves!"

Chu Xuan chuckled, "Little Ze, place a bid, add twenty thousand."

He Ze was startled, "Master He, you want this technique too?"

Chu Xuan nodded.

Understanding his intent, He Ze immediately called out the new bid, "One hundred twenty thousand small spiritual stones!"

The bid of one hundred twenty thousand small spiritual stones fell like a hammer, silencing the room. The significant increase of twenty thousand was clearly intended to deter other bidders and secure the Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique straight away. Many cultivators, lacking substantial resources, began to back down.

After a moment of silence, another bid came. "One hundred thirty thousand small spiritual stones!" followed by "One hundred thirty-three thousand!"

The bids became sparse but were resolute. Once the price crossed one hundred thousand, it was no longer within the reach of ordinary Golden Core cultivators.

Thanks to the gifts from Nascent Soul cultivators like Yun Zhongyu and Shangguan Hao, Chu Xuan still had a tidy sum in his wallet. Fortunately, during this bidding, he did not encounter any malicious price inflators.

Finally, Chu Xuan secured the technique for one hundred fifty thousand small spiritual stones.

"Let's go, we've got everything we came for," he said, gesturing for He Ze to follow as they headed to the auction's backstage. After paying the spirit stones, they successfully acquired the "Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique."

Stepping out of the auction house's backstage, Chu Xuan felt a breath of fresh air; the breeze was gentle and soothing. Now all he needed to do was return to Blue Star, calm his mind, maintain a good mental state, and he could begin his push toward the Nascent Soul path.

"Unknowingly, I'm about to advance from a minor Qi Refining cultivator to a great Nascent Soul cultivator," Chu Xuan mused with a smile, ready to leave the auction house.

Just then, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of several figures approaching. He subtly furrowed his brows and quickened his pace. Despite his intent to keep a distance, a voice rang out from behind.

"Master He? Did you purchase the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique'? This kind of demonic, unorthodox method, you plan to practice it? Do you not realize that for us alchemists, the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' is nothing but a vile practice?"

Chu Xuan sighed softly and turned around. It was indeed Zhao Qian, her brows furrowed in a look of profound disappointment. He wasn't sure why she showed such an expression.

Chu Xuan bowed politely, "Fellow daoist Zhao, a pleasure to see you. Did you need something from me?"

Zhao Qian frowned, "Didn't you understand my words? That 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' is harmful to both heaven and humanity and destructive to oneself! An alchemist needs a rational mind. If you attempt to use this method to form your soul, your future success rate in alchemy will plummet! Don't waste your talents!"

Chu Xuan offered a mild smile, "My natural talent for cultivation is not great, acquiring the 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' was a choice made out of necessity. You, fellow daoist Zhao, have been favored by True Master Tiancang in the Reincarnation Tower for your pill concoction skills, yet you do not understand the predicaments of others."

He had heard of Zhao Qian's outstanding performance in the Reincarnation Tower, highly regarded by True Master Tiancang, who frequently involved her in alchemy and even considered taking her as his disciple.

Zhao Qian snorted coldly, "During my time concocting lifespan pills in the Reincarnation Tower, I've come to appreciate even more the value of talent for alchemy. He Liang, do not squander the gifts granted by heaven!"

Seeing Chu Xuan's indifferent response, Zhao Qian shook her head as if witnessing the decline of a talented alchemist.

"Are you the alchemist He Liang?" A cold voice interrupted.

Chu Xuan inwardly frowned but maintained a composed exterior as he faced the newcomer with a polite bow, "Indeed, I am He Liang. May I know who I am addressing?"

Leng Hanshuang approached, flanked by Wu Shang and Xun Zhao. She did not respond to Chu Xuan's question but instead spoke on her own terms.

"Your talents in alchemy have reached the ears of Uncle Master Tiancang. He often says that the most important thing in alchemy is talent. If you were to come to the Reincarnation Tower and train under him, you might become a leading figure in the world of alchemy."

Chu Xuan's heart skipped a beat before calming down. It seemed his occasional failures in alchemy had drawn too much attention. It was not entirely good news. Being noticed by a man-eating monster like True Master Tiancang made his skin crawl.

Leng Hanshuang added nonchalantly, "The 'Blood Demon Soul Condensation Technique' you've acquired is not something commendable. If you agree to come to the Reincarnation Tower to concoct pills for Uncle Master Tiancang, he can naturally provide a top-tier Soul Condensation Technique without any side effects. I'm about to head to the Reincarnation Tower with Zhao Qian. If you agree, I'll take you with us."

Having spoken, Zhao Qian, Xun Zhao, Wu Shang, and the others all turned their gazes toward Chu Xuan, awaiting his response. Though he did not know the identity of the woman, it was clear from the entourage of Xun Zhao and Wu Shang that she was a figure of high stature.

Chu Xuan sighed inwardly. Shaking his head with a rueful smile, he said, "My skills are limited and shallow; I dare not concoct pills for True Master Tiancang. I fear I might delay the progress of the Heavenly Lifespan Pill. Thank you for your generous offer."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Leng Hanshuang's eyebrows knitted tightly together, her face settling into a cold expression. Wu Shang scoffed, "You alchemists truly lack worldly wisdom. The Holy Maiden herself has extended an invitation, and yet you dare to refuse?"

Chu Xuan appeared terrified, trembling slightly, "The Holy Maiden herself?" He reiterated earnestly, "Every word I spoke is true; I truly fear delaying the Heavenly Lifespan Pill's progress."

Wu Shang seemed ready to speak further, but Leng Hanshuang waved him off, "If he refuses the opportunity we offer, let it be. Let's go." With that, she strode forward decisively.

Zhao Qian cast a brief glance at Chu Xuan and then looked away. She felt as if He Liang now belonged to a different world. From this moment on, she would become a disciple of True Master Tiancang, soaring through the heavens like a phoenix. Her Nascent Soul stage was just within reach. And He Liang? He would likely remain a mere Golden Core stage alchemist for life.

Unable to contain his curiosity, He Ze asked, "Why would you not accept the chance to concoct pills for True Master Tiancang? Would that not be a great opportunity?"

Chu Xuan smiled, "For Zhao Qian and others, alchemy is of utmost importance. For me, it is but a minor technique on the path of cultivation. If priorities are reversed, wasting precious time, how can one hope to achieve longevity?"

He Ze paused, struck by an epiphany.

"Let's go," said Chu Xuan, watching their retreating figures with an indifferent expression.

"Yes," He Ze nodded. As they neared his dwelling, Chu Xuan spoke again, "He Ze, I plan to enter seclusion for a while, suspending my alchemy. You need not follow me during this time."

He Ze, taken aback, asked, "Master He, do you no longer require my service?"

Chu Xuan chuckled, "I merely have no need for assistance temporarily as I prepare to advance to the Nascent Soul stage, where life and death are uncertain."

Quick to respond, He Ze exclaimed, "A person as good as you will surely succeed in forming your Nascent Soul! And when that time comes, make sure Zhao Qian sees clearly that your decision was the right one! I'll keep watch over your shop and note all those who come seeking your alchemy. I'll be waiting for the day you emerge from seclusion!"

Chu Xuan smiled faintly, "Well, you'd better take care and still be alive when I come out."

"Of course! With the Thick Earth Pill you concocted, I will definitely break through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core! Rest assured!" He Ze patted his chest, full of spirited determination.