Chapter 1044 - 724: Primordial Dao Body
The two of them, Zhang Zehua and himself, possess outstanding talents, selected and nurtured by the Zhang Family as key figures in the Alchemy Dao.
Now, serving by Shen Xuan’s side, their alchemical accomplishments are deepening daily, and their cultivation is on the rise.
Their status within the clan is not what it used to be, quite extraordinary indeed.
Both are regarded as the Zhang Family’s key candidates for Core Formation.
"Thank you, Shen Pill Master, for your teaching grace! This junior will never forget it!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zezhong’s expression became even more respectful, bowing deeply.
Shen Xuan accepted his salute with composure, nodding slightly.
He has always bestowed his kindness without expecting repayment.
But if those who receive the kindness lack the most basic gratitude, then there is no need to continue nurturing them.
"You and Zehua have a solid foundation. In future cultivation, proceed steadily. If the Zhang Family provides ample resources, your chances of forming True Pills are quite promising. Do well on your own."
"Yes! Thank you for your encouragement, Shen Pill Master! This junior will do his utmost, never disappointing your expectations!"
Zhang Zezhong’s body trembled slightly, and his eyes flared with uncontrollable excitement, his voice quivering with emotion.
This was the first time in four years that Shen Pill Master had spoken so explicitly about their Core Formation!
To him, it was no less than a guiding light illuminating the path, of great significance.
...
In the living room, Shen Xuan strolled in.
His gaze swept across the people in the room, a slight stir in his heart.
The Sword Dao spiritual power on Zhang Shifan was noticeably refined compared to when he first returned to Phoenix Perch Mountain seven years ago.
It exuded a sense of washed brilliance, restrained sharpness.
𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
Unknowingly, he has been settled on this Frightening Sword Island of Phoenix Perch Mountain for seven years.
In the last two or three years, Zhang Shifan and Lady Hu frequently visited Frightening Sword Island to guide their children’s cultivation.
"Uncle Shen!"
The clear and pleasant voice of a young girl sounded.
A girl of about fourteen or fifteen years old, with picturesque facial features, hopped over excitedly.
She appeared gentle and charming, but her eyes were lively, revealing a mischievous and smart nature.
Zhang Tian’Er, the adopted daughter of Lady Hu, inheritor of the Poisonous Gu Technique.
Among the four Zhang Family members present, Zhang Tian’Er was the most lively.
Behind her, followed a tall young man of about seventeen or eighteen, her brother Zhang Wenshan.
Zhang Tian’Er, full of expectations, said, "Tian’Er is about to come of age soon! What gift are you planning to give Tian’Er?"
"Tian’Er! Don’t be rude!"
Lady Hu’s face turned stern, admonishing in a serious tone: "Speak properly in front of Shen Pill Master, pay attention to manners!"
"Yes, mother, Tian’Er knows her mistake."
Zhang Tian’Er complied obediently, but she quickly pulled a funny face at Shen Xuan, with no hint of fear or repentance in her eyes.
Shen Xuan couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
This little girl is a clever and mischievous one.
"Oh? Little Tian’Er is going to have her coming-of-age ceremony?"
Shen Xuan asked along her line of inquiry, "Should it be held grandly?"
"Yes! Of course!"
Zhang Tian’Er nodded repeatedly, "Uncle Shen, will you come?"
Shen Xuan pondered for a moment.
He had no interest in such ceremonies.
Yet, seeing the hopeful expression in the girl’s eyes, he nodded: "If I’m free then, I’ll come for a drink."
"Wonderful! It’s settled then!"
Zhang Tian’Er said happily, "Don’t forget to bring a coming-of-age gift!"
"Alright, I won’t forget."
Shen Xuan replied with a smile, feeling a bit more at ease.
For someone who has been cultivating for a long time, surrounded mostly by respectful and formal individuals, having such a lively junior adds a special charm.
He took out Frosty Ice Soul Tea, brewed it personally, and served the four people of the Zhang Family.
The tea’s clear fragrance was accompanied by hints of coldness, gradually creating a harmonious atmosphere in the room.
After a brief chat, Zhang Shifan and Zhang Wenshan stood up and took their leave to go teach Sword Dao on the island.
Zhang Tian’Er initially wanted to stay but was "sent" outside by Lady Hu to accompany her father and brother.
"Excuse my daughter for her lack of decorum, spoiled by me to the point of disrespect, causing Shen Pill Master to laugh at us."
"No harm done."
Shen Xuan waved his hand, unconcerned: "Children’s words are innocent, her candidness is also rare. Her little thoughts are understandable."
The two exchanged smiles.
With Shen Xuan’s status, giving a gift would surely be a precious item for Zhang Tian’Er.
The clever little girl was eagerly calling him "Uncle Shen," already expecting something.
"I won’t be attending her coming-of-age ceremony."
Shen Xuan pondered for a moment, took out a small jade bottle, and handed it to Lady Hu.
"This is the coming-of-age gift. Please pass it on to her."
Lady Hu received it with both hands, opened the bottle cap slightly, bringing it to her nose to sniff gently.
A strange, sweet and fishy scent wafted out.
Lady Hu’s expression changed drastically, her eyes flashed with surprise and doubt, and she closed the cap.
Her voice carried a hint of seriousness: "Shen Pill Master, what kind of poisonous liquid is this? It’s so potent!"
"It’s the essence of the Lifebound Poisonous Liquid of the Bloodthirsty Poison Mosquito King."
This was formed when he refined the Inner Core Essence Blood of the Tier Three Poisonous Mosquito King using the power of the Nine-Colored Treasure Lotus.
"The Lifebound Poisonous Liquid of a Tier Three Demon Insect?"
Upon hearing this, Lady Hu took a sharp breath.
"This is truly too valuable! Such toxic liquid, if refined onto a magical artifact, even a Fake Pill True Master who touches it would either die or lose skin! Tian’Er is merely at Qi Cultivation, how could she manage such a ferocious item?"
This gift, while supposedly given to Zhang Tian’Er, would ultimately require her care and usage.
Its value far exceeds an ordinary congratulatory gift.
Shen Xuan smiled slightly, then changed the subject: "Fellow Daoist Hu. To be honest, Shen is quite curious about the Poisonous Gu Technique. Could you kindly share some related knowledge?"
Lady Hu hesitated for a moment, looking slightly troubled: "Shen Pill Master, my Poisonous Gu Technique inheritance is under strict orders from the sect not to be disclosed..."
"Fellow Daoist Hu, rest assured, I only inquire about the principles, application, and effects of the Poisonous Gu Technique. I won’t ask about your sect’s secret techniques."