Dragon Daoist

Thanks to Lu Ming's previous insightful and easy-to-understand intelligence lesson.

Su Bai already had a clear understanding of the structure and status of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion, as well as the potential impact of joining it.

Therefore, when Fang Yuan, representing Pill Pavilion, formally extended the invitation, he did not show any excitement or hesitation. He simply listened calmly, as if considering something he had already anticipated.

This Fang Yuan, in the eyes of the experienced Fang Yuan, did not make him feel that the other party was arrogant; on the contrary, he nodded in approval.

Her opinion of Su Bai unconsciously rose even higher.

"No wonder he deserves the personal attention of Pavilion Master True Man He, who praised him as a young man with ' Talent and temperament.' His composure in the face of honor and disgrace surpasses that of many veteran Alchemist who have been immersed in the Alchemy Street for many years." He thought to himself, and the smile on his face became even warmer.

"I am well aware of the reputation and status of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion."

Su Bai waited until Fang Yuan finished speaking before slowly asking, "I just wonder, what specific conveniences and benefits will I enjoy after joining the Star Luo Pill Pavilion?"

"Please, Director Fang, do not hesitate to enlighten me."

He didn't agree immediately, but instead asked about the practical benefits, showing that he valued the opportunity while maintaining a certain degree of caution.

Fang Yuan was not surprised by this; on the contrary, he thought it was only natural.

Cultivators value practical benefits, especially Alchemist who come from humble backgrounds; they need to be meticulous in their calculations.

He stroked his long beard and calmly replied, "The benefits of joining the Star Luo Pill Pavilion are numerous, of course."

"The most important point is the advantage in procurement. Pill Pavilion has in-depth cooperation with many large spirit medicine merchants in Heavenly Star City and even the Demon Star Sea. With the identity Token of the Pill Pavilion members, the vast majority of Spirit Medicine Ingredients can be purchased at a discount of 10% to 20% compared to the market price."

"Over time, this amounts to a considerable saving for Alchemist."

He paused, then his tone became serious. "Secondly, it's about protection."

"Alchemist Lu should know that although Alchemist are respected and can accumulate wealth quickly, they are often not good at Magic Duel and dealing with complex situations."

"One of the original intentions of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion was to pool the strength of many and rely on each other."

"If any member encounters intractable troubles within Heavenly Star City, whether from other forces, independent cultivators, or even undue pressure from within the Heavenly Star Alliance, they can seek help from the Pill Pavilion."

"Pill Pavilion will intervene and mediate, and may even provide necessary protection, depending on the circumstances."

"The three Pill Sect Grandmasters in the pavilion are our strongest support." Fang Yuan's tone was filled with pride as he finished speaking.

The promise alone that "you can seek help from the Pill Pavilion" is enough to make countless Alchemist flock to it.

After all, in the dog-eat-dog Cultivation World of cultivation, reliable protection is far more precious than Spirit Stone.

Su Bai nodded slightly. These benefits were basically consistent with what he had learned from Lu Ming and his own speculations.

He then asked, "So, what obligations will I, Lu, bear upon the Pill Pavilion? Or rather, what will I need to give up?"

Fang Yuan shook his head and smiled, "There are obligations, of course, but they are by no means demanding or unreasonable."

"The key is the word 'mutual assistance.' For example, occasionally, if the Heavenly Star Alliance or other major forces that are on good terms with the Pill Pavilion have an urgent need for a large quantity of pill refining, and the Pill Pavilion's internal manpower is insufficient, they will issue a task, asking members with free time to assist for a fee."

"For example, the organization holds regular or irregular alchemy experience Exchange Conference and small alchemy discussion sessions to encourage members to share their experiences and discuss difficult questions."

"This is highly beneficial for improving one's alchemy skills and broadening one's horizons."

"Furthermore, upholding the reputation of the Pill Pavilion and abiding by the basic order of the Alchemy Street are also our due responsibilities."

After listening, Su Bai gained a more thorough understanding of the nature of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion.

It's more like a combination of an Elite club and an industry union.

Internally, it provides a platform for communication and a certain degree of protection; externally, it forms an influential whole, advocating for the interests of its members.

This model is indeed very suitable for him, who currently needs a stable environment for development and also yearns for higher knowledge of Dao of Alchemy.

"Director Fang's explanation is very detailed, I understand." Su Bai no longer hesitated, cupped his hands and said solemnly, "Thank you for the high regard of the Pill Pavilion and its Pavilion Master, I, Lu Jiu, am willing to join the Star Luo Pill Pavilion and study the Dao of Alchemy with my colleagues."

"Excellent! Alchemist Lu is indeed straightforward!"

Fang Yuan's smile widened; these were exactly the words he had been waiting for.

With a flick of his wrist, a small, exquisite object appeared in his palm.

It was a Miniature Alchemy Furnace pendant, no bigger than a little fingernail, and dark gold in color.

The body, handles, legs, and even the lid knob are all carved with exquisite detail, and you can even see the faint Cloud Patterns on the furnace wall.

"This is Token of identity for a member of my Star Luo Pill Pavilion. Alchemist Lu, please accept it." Fang Yuan handed over the Miniature Pill Furnace.

Su Bai took it; it felt slightly heavy in his hand.

He initially thought it was just a well-made ornament or an ordinary Token, Consciousness infused it with a trace of Spiritual Power, wanting to Refinement and make it his own.

However, the moment the Spiritual Power touched the Miniature Pill Furnace, a sudden change occurred!

Su Bai felt a sudden weight in his hand, and the Miniature Pill Furnace flew out of his grasp, hovering in mid-air and rapidly enlarging under the influence of silver runes!

In the blink of an eye, a complete Alchemy Furnace, about three feet tall, dark gold in color, with three legs and cloud Cloud Patterns swirling around its body, landed steadily on the floor in the center of the tea room!

The furnace body has a restrained luster, yet it exudes a calm and profound aura.

It was a top-grade Top-grade Magic Artifact- level Alchemy Furnace of excellent quality, inscribed with Mustard Seed Sumeru Array, and brimming with Spiritual Qi!

"This..."

Even with his calm and composed nature, Su Bai couldn't help but show surprise at this moment.

He carefully sensed it and concluded that, in terms of quality, its market price was probably over three thousand Spirit Stone!

A top-grade Alchemy Furnace worth over three thousand Spirit Stone will be used as a "meeting gift" and Token of identity!

The sheer wealth and emphasis on talent displayed by Xingluodan Pavilion are evident!

Even Su Bai couldn't help but admire his arrogance!

"I am deeply grateful for the generous gift from the Pill Pavilion." Su Bai suppressed his emotions and solemnly shrank the Pill Furnace back into his palm. This time, he successfully completed the initial Refinement.

"Oh, right, Alchemist Lu," Fang Yuan added, as if remembering something else, "At the end of this month, the Pill Pavilion will hold a ' Little Pill Conference ' for the Foundation Establishment Realm members."

"At that time, not only will many directors and grandmasters from the pavilion be present, but True Man He Pavilion Master may also personally come to provide guidance."

"This is a great opportunity to get to know colleagues and exchange skills. I wonder if Alchemist Lu would be interested in attending?"

Su Bai's heart stirred slightly.

Having just Pill Pavilion, it's the perfect time to integrate into the community.

This so-called Little Pill Conference sounds like a high-level Exchange Event within the Star Luo Pill Pavilion, where even the Pavilion Master might make an appearance, making it quite significant.

More importantly, he had long heard that there was a secret channel within the Star Luo Pill Pavilion where one could trade or exchange rare Pill Formula that were difficult to find outside.

He desperately needs a large number of first- and Second Tier Pill Formula to broaden his horizons and accumulate "alchemy experience".

This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the future challenge of becoming a Second Tier Alchemist.

After a moment's thought, Su Bai nodded in agreement. "I am honored by Director Fang's invitation. I will certainly participate in such a grand event to broaden my horizons."

"Excellent! I will register you now."

Fang Yuan nodded in satisfaction. "The specific time and location will be notified to you through the Transmit Message restriction within the Pill Furnace on this Token in your hand. Alchemist Lu, please remember to pay attention and don't miss it."

"Thank you for your help, Director Fang." Su Bai stood up to express his gratitude.

"No need for formalities, it is my duty. In that case, I will not disturb Alchemist Lu's cultivation any longer. Farewell."

Having completed his task, Fang Yuan was in high spirits and got up to take his leave.

Su Bai escorted her all the way down to the shop entrance, watching her figure disappear into the crowd before returning.

He toyed with the "Sumeru Pill Furnace" in his hand, which had been Refinement and recognized by him and could be changed at will, a slight smile playing on his lips.

In the days that followed, Su Bai continued to run his Number Nine Pill Shop as usual, refining increasingly refined Dark Gold Golden Marrow Pill, while patiently awaiting the Pill Pavilion Alchemy Competition at the end of the month.

At the same time, they also began to pay attention to and collect information about Second-tier Pill Recipe and alchemy tips.

The peaceful life of Alchemist did not last long.

One day, he had just finished Nourishing a batch of Pill and was recuperating when...

Without warning, the [Azure Fish Token] worn close to the chest emitted a clear and continuous burning sensation.

"Hmm? Mission assignment?"

Su Bai raised an eyebrow, a slight chill running down his spine.

He hadn't received any orders from the Azure Fish Hall for some time.

He quickly returned to the inner room, set up a simple soundproof barrier, and took out the Token.

By focusing his Divine Sense into the Token, a cold and concise message immediately appeared in his mind:

Target: Dragon Daoist, Heavenly Punishment Platform Punishment Officer in Heavenly Star City

Quest Reward: 100,000 Spirit Stone

Task deadline: one month

(Note: In view of your outstanding performance, this mission is a promotion mission to the Shark-level. After completing this mission, you will be promoted to Shark-level Killer.)

"A promotion mission? The target is... Punishment Officer at the Heavenly Punishment Platform?"

Su Bai frowned deeply after reading the message.

100,000 Spirit Stone!

This amount is an enormous sum for Foundation Establishment Cultivator, enough to drive many people mad.

The "Shark" level promotion qualification is a coveted stepping stone for countless Assassin in the Azure Fish Hall, signifying richer rewards, more secretive authority, and even a higher status within the organization.

But... the target is Dragon Daoist, Punishment Officer at the Heavenly Punishment Platform!

Su Bai was no stranger to the Heavenly Punishment Platform, as evidenced by Lu Ming's experience.

That was an elite department directly under the Heavenly Star Alliance, responsible for investigating major cases, apprehending criminals, and maintaining stability in the core area.

Its members are all outstanding individuals selected from among numerous Foundation Establishment Cultivator, possessing solid cultivation, rich combat experience, and are often equipped with excellent magical Law Artifact Talisman, and are proficient in combined attack techniques.

The difficulty and consequences of killing an ordinary City Guard Army are vastly different from those of killing a Heavenly Punishment Platform Punishment Officer.

To be honest, the moment Su Bai saw this task, he already had the thought of refusing it.

Even 100,000 Spirit Stone couldn't awaken Su Bai's desire.

If Su Bai steadily refines pills for five or six months, he can also earn 100,000 Spirit Stone.

Furthermore, killing the Punishment Officer at the Heavenly Punishment Platform would make escape a troublesome matter.

If his identity is unfortunately discovered, Lu Jiu of the Alchemy Street will be unable to maintain his identity.

Reintegrating into the Alchemy Street will become much more difficult.

"Wait, what's wrong with my thinking?" He couldn't help but examine his current state.

"Should I say that... a comfortable life of alchemy can indeed easily wear down Cultivator's sharpness and adventurous spirit?"

Su Bai chuckled self-deprecatingly.

He found that his first reaction was to weigh the pros and cons and consider giving up.

This seems subtly different from when he first arrived in the Demon Star Sea, when he dared to take on dangerous missions in order to obtain cultivation resources.

But he quickly came to his senses, and his eyes sharpened again.

"No, you can't think like that. The Path of Cultivation is inherently about defying fate, fighting against heaven, earth, and humanity!"

"We can plan carefully and weigh the risks, but we must never lose that fighting spirit and the drive to seek opportunities in dangerous situations."

"Immortals are forged through struggle, not by hiding or refining! Losing this spirit will inevitably hinder your Dao Path, making you no different from an ordinary Alchemist!"

He took a deep breath and made a decision. "No matter what, we can't give up now. At the very least... we need to do some reconnaissance, to understand the target's specific situation, patterns of action, and places they frequent."

"Assess the true risks and opportunities. If it's worth the 100,000 Spirit Stone and the ' Shark ' qualification, it's worth the gamble. If it's truly not worth the effort... it's not too late to make further plans."

Having sorted out his thoughts, Su Bai no longer hesitated. He changed into an inconspicuous gray cloth robe, disguised himself, and left the Number Nine Pill Shop under the cover of night.

He did not go directly to search for the whereabouts of the Dragon Daoist.

Instead, they turned to another special area of Heavenly Star City — the Black Market.

That night, Su Bai disguised himself and went to the Heavenly Star City Black Market.

The Heavenly Star City Black Market was located in a corner of Heavenly Star City, and the Cultivator entered and exited it were all disguised.

There were no formal shops in the Black Market, only simple stalls.

Su Bai visited several stalls and sold all of Tao Jian's belongings, earning nearly 100,000 Spirit Stone.

Afterwards, Su Bai browsed the Black Market, preparing some items that Assassin could use.

The previous [Thousand Mile Lightning Escape] has been used up; at least one new teleportation device needs to be purchased.

It must be said that there are quite a few strange items here, and most importantly, there's no fear of being traced back to their origins.

If you buy Spirit Artifact from the Artifact Refining Street, you might be remembered after using it, and people might try to trace its origin.

Items purchased on the Black Market don't involve as much trouble.

The sources are all over the place, and if you really try to trace them back to the items themselves, the final result will probably be a complete mess.

"Black Sky Talisman?"

Su Bai stopped at a stall.

The Cultivator at the stall wore pig-head masks to conceal their aura, making it impossible to discern their cultivation level.

The Black Sky Talisman is extremely famous in Demon Star City, and is one of the most outstanding Teleportation Talisman on the Talisman Street of Star Luo Market.

It is said that High-grade Black Sky Talisman can remain undisturbed by the aura of Golden Core Stage Cultivator, allowing them to successfully teleport away and escape.

Ordinary Talisman, such as Su Bai's previous [Thousand Mile Lightning Escape], would collapse on the spot under the influence of Golden Core Cultivator 'Golden Core Cultivator Divine Sense if locked on from a distance, resulting in a failed teleportation.

High-grade Black Sky Talisman can ignore the locking effect of Golden Core Cultivator. As long as they avoid being directly affected by Golden Core Cultivator' Law Technique, they can be teleported away.

Su Bai had previously made a special trip to the Alchemy Street to look at the Black Sky Talisman, intending to purchase it for escape when killing a target, but he didn't have enough Spirit Stone that time.

If you find it on the Black Market right now, it's an excellent time to buy it, and you don't have to worry about it being traced back to its source.

"What rank is this Black Sky Talisman?" Su Bai asked.

"Naturally, it's a high-level one," the stall owner said after fiddling with the Talisman.

Su Bai nodded slightly. "May I take a look?"

The stall owner handed over the Talisman.

After carefully confirming that everything was correct, Su Bai said, "Name your price."

"High-grade Black Sky Talisman costs 50,000 Spirit Stone on the Artifact Refining Street, but I only need 45,000 for it. Isn't that reasonable?" the stall owner said.

Su Bai nodded slightly. "It's not expensive, I'll take it."