Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

As Bai Wuming finished speaking, a small group of beautiful young women in magnificent embroidered dresses approached, each carrying a tray. They came before Song Changsheng and the others, respectfully placing a small Jade Bottle on each of their low tables.

Song Changsheng regarded the Jade Bottle before him with keen interest. He had some knowledge of the Divine Cultivation Pill; it was a rare Tier Two High-grade Pill that offered immense benefits to one’s Divine Sense after consumption.

A single Divine Cultivation Pill was incredibly rare on the market. Its refining method was unique, the success rate was extremely low, and its ingredients were exceptionally scarce, so its price had always remained sky-high.

Then, Bai Wuming spoke again. "This Pill was refined by a disciple of mine. He is young and impetuous, so there are bound to be some oversights. I hope you will all offer your valuable guidance."

’Of course, that’s just a formality. Which of the pills presented at this conference hasn’t already undergone rigorous internal screening?’

’Most people here are amateurs; could they possibly be more professional than the Alchemists of Hundred Herbs Hall?’

’It’s just an opportunity to build a reputation for one of their juniors.’

This Pill was a sample. If most people present felt this improved version was better than the original, Hundred Herbs Hall would immediately begin mass production and quickly seize the original’s market share.

’An improved version... I wonder how effective it is.’ Song Changsheng had taken a Divine Cultivation Pill before in an attempt to awaken the Artifact Spirit of the Daoist Scripture in his mind, but the results had been mediocre. He hoped the Pill before him now would give him a pleasant surprise.

He poured the Pill into his palm. It was about the size of a grape and uniformly brown. Its aroma was subtle, with only a faint medicinal fragrance. After observing it carefully for a moment and finding nothing amiss, Song Changsheng placed the Pill in his mouth.

Although the Pill Tasting Conference had been held dozens of times without a single incident, one could never be too careful.

Beside him, Zhuang Yuechan also lifted a corner of her veil, placing the Pill into her small, cherry-like mouth. Hex Tang, who happened to glance over, froze on the spot.

Though it was just a glimpse, the tip of the iceberg, Zhuang Yuechan’s breathtaking beauty sent ripples through Hex Tang’s heart. He felt a pang of disappointment when she quickly lowered her veil, preventing him from seeing her full face.

He turned to the Guardian at his side. "What’s her name?"

The question came out of the blue, but the Guardian had watched Hex Tang grow up and knew his nature all too well. From the way Hex Tang had been staring just now, he knew his Young Master had likely taken a fancy to the lady from Luoxia City.

’Oh, Young Master, she is far out of our league,’ the Guardian sighed internally, but he still replied.

"Zhuang Yuechan... Yuechan..." Hex Tang murmured the name a few times, his eyes growing brighter and brighter. ’If I can secure a marriage alliance with the Great City Lord, who will be able to compete with me for the Sect Leader’s position?’

Although he was the great-grandson of Supreme Elder Hex Tai, when it came to his bid for the Sect Leader position, Hex Tai was less of an asset and more of a stumbling block.

Hex Tai himself was once the Sect Leader. He was promoted to Supreme Elder only after breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm, and he still wielded immense authority.

First Hex Tai, now Hex Tang. Who could guarantee the next Sect Leader wouldn’t also be a Hex? If that happened, wouldn’t the Lieyang Sect become the Hex Family’s private domain?

This was a situation the other powers in the sect would never allow, which made Hex Tang’s path to succession incredibly difficult. He was well aware of this fact.

But if he could forge a connection with Luoxia City, things would be vastly different. At this thought, Hex Tang’s gaze burned with fervent desire.

Zhuang Yuechan, however, frowned slightly. ’That man’s eyes are so improper...’

By now, Song Changsheng had finished refining the Pill. Compared to the ones he had taken in the past, the medicinal effects of this improved version were noticeably stronger, and its texture was a cut above as well. Most importantly, it had a calming and spirit-soothing effect, which was a nice bonus.

The progress toward awakening the Artifact Spirit was now halfway complete. He estimated that another thousand or so of these Divine Cultivation Pills would do the trick.

Of course, that was just wishful thinking. The Pill wasn’t cheap; that single dose was worth several thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

After rinsing his mouth with the prepared Spiritual Spring water, Song Changsheng also noticed Hex Tang’s stare.

It was hard not to notice. The man made no effort to conceal his intentions; his eyes were like hooks, looking as if he wished they could latch onto Zhuang Yuechan.

Song Changsheng suddenly felt a nameless anger flare up within him. He hadn’t even felt this way when Hex Tang had provoked him earlier.

He now had one more reason to kill the man. Song Changsheng had never been a forgiving person...

The improved Divine Cultivation Pill was met with approval from most of the attendees. It was expected to completely dominate the market soon.

Once everyone had more or less finished processing the effects, Bai Wuming clapped his hands, and attendants soon brought out a new Pill.

This Pill was rather interesting. It was a new formula concocted by a Tier Three Alchemy Master from Hundred Herbs Hall, named the Turtle Breath Pill. Upon consumption, it would immediately suppress one’s entire aura and induce a state of feigned death that could last for up to a month. It was said that not even a Purple Mansion Cultivator could detect the deception.

But Song Changsheng found it rather useless. ’In this day and age, it’s common practice to grind one’s enemies to dust. What’s the damn point of feigning death?’

Only a few people tried the Pill, but it was surprisingly convincing; at least, Song Changsheng couldn’t spot any tells.

After a moment’s thought, he put the Pill into his Storage Bag anyway. ’Who knows, maybe it’ll come in handy one day?’