Chapter 555 - 235: Danxia
Upon seeing Chen Qing, a gentle smile formed on Qu River’s face. He seemed to recall something and said, "Ah, Junior Brother Chen. As it happens, I’m about to head to Danxia Peak. I remember seeing you exchange for Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pills, and I told you that for some Elixirs, it’s far more affordable to find an Elder you know on Danxia Peak and exchange directly, rather than at Wanxiang Hall."
Chen Qing’s eyes lit up at his words.
He of course remembered Qu River’s casual advice, but since they weren’t well-acquainted, he felt it would be improper to press him for the specific connections.
Now that Qu River had brought it up himself, it was clear he intended to make an introduction. This was a perfect opportunity to get access to the Sect’s internal resource channels.
Chen Qing immediately clasped his fists again in a solemn gesture. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother. I’ve been worrying about this very thing."
"We’re fellow disciples. There’s no need for such pleasantries."
Qu River waved his hand, his smile easygoing. "Come on, walk with me. It’s a good chance to introduce you to Elder Zhang of Danxia Peak."
The two of them immediately set off together in the direction of Danxia Peak.
Within the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, the Inner Nine Peaks stood tall, each with its own distinct character.
Although Danxia Peak was not the main peak, its status was exceptionally unique.
Even before they drew near, they could smell a faint, refreshing herbal fragrance wafting through the air.
Amidst the peak’s lush forests, ancient-styled Alchemy Rooms could be seen built into the mountainside. From time to time, wisps of vapor would drift up from the vents on their roofs, weaving together in the air to form a radiant glow that shone in harmony with the distant clouds.
This was precisely the origin of Danxia Peak’s name.
The Danxia Peak disciples and Stewards they encountered along the way all stopped in their tracks upon seeing Qu River. They would respectfully clasp their fists in salute, addressing him as "Brother Qu" or "Qu Zhenchuan," their expressions filled with clear reverence.
Qu River simply gave a slight nod in return, his demeanor poised and unhurried.
Even an elderly man in Elder’s robes walking toward them took the initiative to stop upon seeing Qu River. He smiled and politely cupped his hands. "Nephew Qu, what brings you to our Danxia Peak today?"
Qu River stopped and returned the polite salute. "Elder Li, I’ve brought a junior brother to pay a visit to Elder Zhang."
"I see. In that case, I won’t keep you."
Elder Li smiled, his gaze resting on Chen Qing for a brief moment before he went on his way.
Once Elder Li was some distance away, Qu River lowered his voice and said to Chen Qing, "That was Elder Li, one of Danxia Peak’s Elders. He’s mainly responsible for the distribution of Alchemy Materials."
Chen Qing nodded silently, gaining a more direct understanding of the supreme status True Disciples held Within the Sect.
Ordinary Inner Sect Disciples, and even some regular Elders, had to show sufficient respect when encountering a True Disciple.
This was not just due to their strength, but also because of their future potential and influence Within the Sect.
Soon, the two arrived at a secluded side hall halfway up Danxia Peak.
Even before they entered, a rich herbal aroma and a faint wave of heat washed over them.
Qu River was clearly very familiar with the place and pushed the door straight open, heading inside.
Chen Qing followed close behind. Inside the hall, a Red Copper Pill Furnace half a man’s height stood in the center. Though the flames beneath it had been extinguished, the residual heat still made the air shimmer faintly.
An elderly man in simple gray robes stood before the Pill Furnace, his brow deeply furrowed. He was staring at a freshly refined Elixir in his hand, seemingly unsatisfied with its quality.
Nearby, a female disciple who looked to be about seventeen or eighteen was frantically rummaging through a medicine cabinet.
She wore the common robes of a Danxia Peak disciple, with a navy-blue apron tied around her waist, dotted with a few medicinal stains.
She had delicate features, but right now, her face was flushed red with anxiety and nervousness, and fine beads of sweat dotted the tip of her nose.
She fumbled as she picked up several similar-looking herbs to compare them, obviously struggling to tell them apart.
"Chi Shao! I need ten-year-old Chi Shao, not Bai Shao! And the Ice Heart Grass needs to have dew on it, not be dried out like this! How many times have I told you? The preparation of alchemy materials is the foundation of Alchemy! If the foundation is weak, how can you possibly succeed in forming a Pill?" Elder Zhang snapped without looking up, his voice filled with obvious displeasure.
The female disciple’s hand trembled at his words, and she nearly dropped the herbs. "Master, I... I’ll go look again..." she stammered.
"Elder Zhang!" Qu River called out with a smile upon seeing the scene.
Elder Zhang looked up. When he saw it was Qu River, his expression softened. "Ah, Qu Zhenchuan. Come in, have a seat."
His gaze then fell upon Chen Qing, appraising him for a moment.
Qu River stepped aside to make the introduction. "Elder Zhang, this is a junior brother from my True Martial Lineage, Chen Qing."
Chen Qing stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Disciple Chen Qing greets Elder Zhang."
Elder Zhang nodded in acknowledgment. His attitude wasn’t warm, but it couldn’t be called cold either.
Chen Qing, however, remained perfectly calm about this.
Within the Sect, strength was paramount. Although Chen Qing was a True Successor Candidate, his Cultivation was still shallow, not yet enough to make an Elder of Danxia Peak give him any special treatment.
’If this Elder had been overly enthusiastic, that would have been far more suspicious.’
Qu River didn’t beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly. "I’m here for the usual, to exchange for some commonly used Elixirs. In addition, my junior brother here needs some Quenching Gang Pills and Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pills—and they must be Upper Grade quality."
"Not a problem. That’s a small matter."
Elder Zhang nodded slightly, then said to the female disciple at his side, "He Zhi, leave that for now. Take Nephew Chen to the side hall and get him two bottles of High-quality Quenching Gang Pills and two bottles of Dragon Tiger Bone Tempering Pills, as he requires."
"Yes, Master!"
Looking as though she’d just been granted amnesty, He Zhi quickly complied and let out a secret sigh of relief. Only then did she turn to Chen Qing and say, "Brother Chen, please follow me."
"Elder Zhang seems quite strict with his disciple, doesn’t he?" Qu River asked with a casual smile, watching as He Zhi led Chen Qing away.