Chapter 277 - 201: Entering Immortal Lake, Astonishing Skills
Moreover, since it grew in water, it had accumulated a great deal of Water Spiritual Power. It could nourish the body, and long-term consumption would not only be beneficial for advancing one’s Cultivation but would also likely have considerable life-extending effects.
Immediately, the Red Sky Profound Flame in his Dantian roared to life, ready to intercept. Even if he encountered a Tier Two Upper Grade Poison, it would be incinerated the moment it entered his throat.
Although his Poison Transformation Demon Technique had not detected any toxins, and Bai Hengwan had no reason to poison him, Lin Changheng still cautiously took precautions before taking a sip to taste it.
Hahh...
The moment the Water Spirit Tea entered his mouth, a potent wave of Spiritual Power surged forth. Yet, it wasn’t frenzied or explosive; on the contrary, it was exceptionally soothing.
"Excellent tea!"
Lin Changheng praised, then curiously asked for the tea’s name.
"Jade Wave Floating Bud."
Bai Hengwan smiled calmly. "Since Alchemist Lin enjoys it, I can gift some to you after our business is concluded."
"Then you have my thanks, True Inheritance Disciple."
Lin Changheng knew this was Bai Hengwan’s way of showing him goodwill. After all, of the three Pill Masters invited by the Immortal City, his efficiency was the highest. If his accuracy was also confirmed, then even though his Alchemy Dao Realm was relatively low, he had great future potential and was worth collaborating with.
Lin Changheng believed that no matter how united the Immortal City’s inner circle appeared, or how friendly and respectful the disciples seemed to one another, competition must exist among the True Inheritance disciples. After all, resources were unequally distributed; it was impossible to treat everyone exactly the same.
Besides, who would dare demand that Qing Lan Wanderer treat everyone equally?
In fact, the very act of the three True Inheritance disciples each finding a Pill Master to modify a Pill Formula offered a glimpse into this "competition."
It was just that outsiders were unaware.
...
Before long, the sound of tearing air came from outside.
An Escape Light dissipated, and a dark-complexioned, vigorous-looking old man with black hair rushed in anxiously.
"Miss Heng, you summoned this old man in such a hurry, saying you had a lead on the Pill Formula replacement?"
The black-haired old man had a booming voice, and it was clear from his tone that he was a fiery-tempered person.
His Cultivation was also quite high, reaching the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.
At the same time, Lin Changheng caught the scent of furnace fire and medicinal materials from the man, making his identity self-evident. Moreover, the fact that he immediately called her "Miss Heng" indicated that his own status was not low.
"That is so, Elder Kong. Otherwise, I would not have dared to trouble you to come all this way."
Bai Hengwan nodded. Then, turning to Lin Changheng, who was rising from his seat, she made the introduction. "This is Alchemist Lin, who successfully refined every pill in multiple batches of Foundation Establishment Pills, even producing Masterpieces. His name is already famous throughout the Immortal City."
"Haha! This old man has heard of Alchemist Lin’s name. Truly, the new generation surpasses the old!"
The black-haired old man’s piercing eyes swept over Lin Changheng, who felt as if he were being seen through completely. Startled, he immediately checked the status of his Fifth Layer Concealing Breath Technique. He inwardly sighed in relief, realizing he hadn’t truly been exposed. It was either that the old man’s gaze was simply too sharp, or he possessed some kind of intimidating Divine Soul Secret Technique.
Lin Changheng’s composure returned in an instant. This, in turn, caused a flicker of surprise in the old man’s eyes, and his gaze on Lin Changheng was now filled with keen interest.
"Greetings, Elder Kong."
Lin Changheng bowed, his demeanor neither servile nor arrogant.
The black-haired old man nodded. Bai Hengwan handed him a Jade Scroll. "If you would, Elder Kong, please take a look and verify it."
"Of course."
The old man took it with a large hand and immediately immersed his Divine Sense into the Jade Scroll to begin his inspection.
Lin Changheng and Bai Hengwan exchanged a glance, both giving a slight nod. Then they turned to the old man, awaiting his verdict.
"Oh...?"
Suddenly, the black-haired old man let out a sound of surprise.
"What is it?"
Bai Hengwan couldn’t help but ask.
"Alchemist Lin’s approach is rather ingenious."
The old man offered that single comment and said no more, continuing to inspect and ponder the contents.
A hint of joy touched Bai Hengwan’s face, and she couldn’t resist glancing at Lin Changheng.
She was very familiar with this Elder Kong. She knew he had a fiery temper, but his skill in the Alchemy Dao was also extremely impressive. He could refine Tier Two Upper Grade Masterpiece Pills and was just one step away from becoming a Tier Three Pill Master.
He was typically outspoken and direct, showing deference to no one except his own Master, and he never hid his true feelings.
He was exceedingly kind to those he took a liking to, but he never feigned politeness with those he disliked!
Even Fake Core Cultivators were no exception. While he might not confront them directly, he would have no trouble being dismissive or avoiding them.
But now, Elder Kong seemed to hold a favorable impression of Lin Changheng. It appeared their first meeting had gone well.
Moreover, Lin Changheng’s conduct was indeed pleasant without being slick or obsequious. She, too, was happy to build a connection by gifting the tea, making a small investment in their future relationship.
As she was lost in these thoughts, about half a cup of tea’s time later, the black-haired old man lowered the Jade Scroll, his expression still contemplative.
Seeing this, both Bai Hengwan and Lin Changheng remained silent, careful not to disturb him.
Then, he suddenly made a move.
He took out a Pill Furnace and placed it before him. Without another word, he began adding medicinal materials to it, apparently starting a practical test.
In response, Lin Changheng appeared perfectly calm, watching with a confident smile. His composed posture, in turn, bolstered Bai Hengwan’s confidence.
...
Half an hour later.
The flame died, and the furnace was withdrawn.
Elder Kong looked at Lin Changheng with clear appreciation. He then glanced at Bai Hengwan and said in praise, "Miss Heng, this old man has verified it. The medicinal materials Alchemist Lin suggested are an excellent replacement for the two Ancient Medicines. I just ran a deduction, and there should be no major problems integrating them into the complete Pill Formula. Only minor adjustments will be needed."
"That’s wonderful news! I had great confidence in Alchemist Lin!"
Bai Hengwan smiled, pressing her lips together.
"Elder Kong has a discerning eye! Since I was the one who submitted the solution, while I wouldn’t say it was a ninety-percent certainty, it was at least an eighty-percent one."
This time, Lin Changheng wasn’t overly modest with phrases like "You flatter me." Instead, he revealed a hint of the pride befitting a Pill Master at the opportune moment.
’When facing a group like Pill Masters, who carry a sense of professional superiority, it’s best to show a bit of that pride yourself. It speeds up their acceptance of you.’
Sure enough, Elder Kong let out a booming laugh, so powerful it made the water of the nearby lake churn. He beamed at Lin Changheng. "Now that’s the kind of confidence we Pill Masters should have!"