The Secret of the Perilous Lands: Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill

Upon receiving the message, Old Master Cai Family practically ran from his study to the door.

He personally took charge of the conflict.

They arranged for someone to take the Elegant Madam and the little girl to the Ancestral Hall to wait.

He also stated, "I will now handle this matter. I will definitely clarify the whole story in front of our ancestors and give you a fair and just resolution."

He then instructed his servants to summon all the heads of the various Cai Family Branch.

Furthermore, a specific time limit was set. "I must see everyone gathered at the Ancestral Hall within half an hour. Anyone who is late will be punished according to family rules!"

That's all.

Before Master Cai could speak, he dispersed the onlookers, including clansmen and independent cultivators.

Finally, he gave a barely perceptible nod to Xiao Chen in the crowd, but did not speak directly.

Instead, he went back to his study alone to wait.

The reason for not welcoming them in through the main gate is mainly because of concerns about the large number of people and unwanted attention outside.

Before they parted ways last time, Xiao Chen had specifically reminded him of this point: to be mindful of his behavior in front of outsiders and avoid exposing himself.

He naturally had ways to enter the Cai Family, including the study, without anyone noticing.

"Senior Xiao, I'm sorry for not managing my household properly; you must be laughing at me."

Upon meeting, Master Cai immediately admitted his mistake. "Please rest assured, I will definitely handle this seriously and rectify the family's conduct."

Xiao Chen waved his hand. "Let's not talk about that, let's get down to business."

"Tell me, has there been any news from the Clear Spring Blessed Land?"

Master Cai shook his head. "We haven't received any letters yet."

"Should I send someone over there to inquire about the progress?"

Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel a little disappointed upon hearing this.

The Shattered Gold True Monarch initially said that customizing Complete Fusion Spirit Tool would take about six months to a year.

Now that more than half a year has passed, it is theoretically possible that the forging has been completed.

However, since the Cai Family has not received any notification, it means that the forging process of this Spirit Artifact may be quite difficult, and therefore it is not yet finished.

It looks like it might take until the year is up.

However, on the other hand, slow and steady wins the race, and good things come to those who wait.

Let's wait a little longer. Half a year has already passed, so a few more months won't make a difference.

As Xiao Chen came into more and more contact with other Nascent Soul True Lord, he gradually got used to measuring time in years and months.

Gradually, I started to stop feeling that a few months was a long time.

"I just saw the report about being trapped in a dangerous area."

Xiao Chen changed the subject and asked, "What exactly happened in this regard?"

"The information in those books was vague; how much do you know about it?"

To be honest, this is quite annoying.

Xiao Chen had already browsed through the Cai Family Library, so theoretically his understanding of this world should be better than that of most locals.

However, in reality, he feels that he still doesn't understand many things.

It made me wonder if I had missed reading a portion of the content back then.

Or perhaps the Cai Family has been hiding some of their ancient texts from the public.

Otherwise, why would someone from a Branch Lineage understand something that he still doesn't?

This is clearly not right!

"Please calm down, senior!"

Master Cai broke out in a cold sweat and quickly explained, "There are many things in this area that even the clan doesn't know much about."

"Therefore, it was not included in the Family Library, thus creating a deficiency."

"It was absolutely not something we intentionally concealed."

After explaining the reasons, Master Cai preemptively added, "I don't know much about dangerous places either, and most of what I know is hearsay from old friends."

"It is difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and there may be inaccuracies among them."

"If you wish to obtain definitive information, senior, please allow this old man to write to and inquire with some old friends."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately waved his hand. "No need for that trouble."

"Just tell me what you know."

Writing letters is far too slow.

He decided to listen to the rumors first before considering whether he should conduct an in-depth investigation himself.

Only then did Master Cai report with relief, "I've heard that these dangerous places have existed for a long time, but most of them are located in extremely remote and barren areas."

"Not only is it fraught with danger, but there are also almost no spiritual objects inside."

"Due to the extreme distances, even some of the relatively nearby dangerous areas require several years of travel by Flying Boat to reach."

"Therefore, it's rarely circulated or discussed here."

Um?

That doesn't make sense.

Xiao Chen was a little puzzled. If this was such a place, why would someone from the Cai Family willingly go to such a dangerous location?

He didn't need to ask further.

Master Cai explained directly, "But it's quite a strange thing, actually."

"The more treacherous the place, the more likely it is to give birth to extraordinary and wondrous objects in its most central and dangerous areas."

"Extremely ominous items such as Blood Fiend Profound Crystal, Ghost Infant Fruit, or Heavenly Thunder Wood, which represent extreme yin and extreme yang."

"Even rare and precious treasures such as the Meridian Twin Lotus, Cliff Cloud Tea, Golden Thread Clay, and Thousand Year Snow Soul."

Therefore, it is common for independent cultivators to venture into various dangerous places.

"Or perhaps some nearby forces will periodically send people in to check the situation and harvest spiritual items."

"The reason why my Cai clan members are involved is due to an old case."

At this point, Master Cai sighed softly, "The situation within the clan hasn't been very optimistic for years."

"At that time, it was to exchange for a key spirit medicine with the Changye Ying Family, and also to conserve some Mid-Grade Spirit Stone in our reserves."

"The previous clan chief promised to send the clan's elite members to dangerous places to serve as repayment for the debt."

"But since we're venturing into dangerous territory, we're bound to encounter peril."

"Therefore, what happened at the door just now was most likely related to the seventh branch of the clan who disappeared after being sent there last time, and who is also my grand-nephew Cai Youzhu."

"Sigh~, that child actually does have some talent in cultivation."

"The original plan was that if I could pass this trial, I would be transferred to the ancestral home to be cultivated as a seed for the Golden Core, but I never expected that I would be gone without a trace."

After he said that, Xiao Chen understood much better.

Speaking of which, there's a saying in the Southern Domain that it's actually more likely that Death Trap and wondrous things will be born in perilous places.

On the contrary, ever since I went to the Eastern Domain, I have never heard anything like that again.

Upon hearing a similar story again, Xiao Chen felt a mix of nostalgia and contemplation.

It's unclear whether this phenomenon is related to the lack of Spiritual Power on both sides.

Or perhaps it's related to the principle of yin giving rise to yang, or the reversal of fortune?

In short, after understanding the general situation, he lost much of his interest.

This was because Xiao Chen had already become accustomed to listening to such stories of dangerous places as myths and legends when he was in the Southern Domain.

It's not that there are no fortuitous opportunity in dangerous places; these rumors are all hoaxes.

Rather, the probability of an ordinary cultivator encountering extraordinary items inside is so small that it's almost a scam.

In places where truly extraordinary items can be born, local sect cultivators often arrive early and set up camp there in advance.

Any place that can be visited by independent practitioners or outsiders is either at the wrong time of year or simply has nothing there to begin with.

"Oh, that's what happened."

Xiao Chen nodded. "Since we've come this far, why don't you go and take care of things over there?"

Now that the important business has been discussed, we decided to let the other party take care of their family matters first.

Moreover, he noticed that there was a lot of Lineage intelligence from the Cai Family family members on the desk in the study.

So he simply walked over and sat down at the desk, picked up a piece of intelligence, and prepared to delve deeper into the recent situation.

Although Xiao Chen had already inquired about it from Zhang Cunfu beforehand.

However, changing your perspective can help you grasp things more accurately.

Master Cai's eyelids twitched as he looked at the intelligence being flipped through, but he didn't say anything.

He quietly left the study, turned around and went directly to the Ancestral Hall, where he adjudicated tonight's farce.

Actually, it's nothing new. The truth is that the two members of the seventh branch of the clan watched as Cai Youzhu went out for several years without any news, and most likely died outside.

So they prepared to seize the Spirit Field from the orphans and widows he left behind.

Similar incidents have occurred in various Lineage.

As the clan Master Cai was already used to it.

Such matters can range from minor to major, and are usually handled by several elderly members of the corresponding Branch Lineage after the identity has been verified.

However, this time he skipped the procedure and gave the most severe punishment—the two masterminds were dragged out and beaten to death, and several accomplices who participated in the oppression and coercion had their cultivation crippled and were expelled from their families.

This actually goes beyond the scope of clan rules.

But precisely because of this, the older members of the clan, after exchanging bewildered glances, wisely remained silent.

For a moment, apart from the increasingly faint pleas for mercy from the person being dragged away, the Ancestral Hall was so quiet that the sound of candlelight could be heard.

Master Cai then took a closer look at the Elegant Madam.

After thinking for a moment, he gestured for her to leave the little girl in the care of several elderly women in the clan, and then called her outside to give her some private instructions.

Then he took her back to the study to report.

"Senior Xiao, everything has been taken care of."

Master Cai briefly explained the situation and the outcome, then said, "Xiao Wan is grateful for your help and said she wanted to come and thank you in person."

"The old man took it upon himself to bring her along as well."

After saying that, he winked at the other person to come forward.

The young woman named Xiao Wan was extremely unwilling, but she thought of the clan chief's earnest instructions and looked at his humble and respectful posture.

After a long internal struggle, I finally resigned myself to taking a few steps forward.

Then, he stammering, he said, "This humble servant thanks you for your help, senior."

"I have no way to repay your great kindness and virtue, I only wish... I wish to serve you with my humble and unworthy status."

Um?

She didn't seem like this kind of person before.

Xiao Chen sensed something was wrong, and when he looked up, he saw the other person's eyes, which were filled with a look of utter defiance.

She immediately realized that she was most likely acting under the secret instructions of Old Man Cai.

So he simply comforted her, saying, "Since you can't repay me anyway, don't force yourself."

"I've heard that your husband is quite talented, and I believe he will return safely in the future."

"Just wait until he gets back, tell him what happened today, and then have him come and help me with my work."

In reality, there's a high probability the other party won't be coming back, and Xiao Chen's implication was that if they can't come back, so be it.

If the other person really manages to escape death, then it means they are indeed a promising talent.

We can send it to Chen Fan then and lend him a hand. With something like this happening today, we can rest assured about using it in the future.

However, his push left Master Cai somewhat bewildered.

If he didn't have his eye on anyone, why would a dignified True Lord concern himself with such a trivial matter?

Does this mean there are really good people in the world?

Given Master Cai's age and experience, he is more inclined to believe that human nature is inherently evil.

It's not really his fault, after all, resources are scarce in this world, which makes the competition among cultivators extremely fierce, and good deeds are almost rare in the outside world.

The woman named Xiao Wan was sent away.

As Xiao Chen continued to peruse the intelligence in his hand, he asked, "I suddenly remembered, there's something else I need to discuss with you."

"It's nothing major, I just want to acquire a large quantity of Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill."

"That's why I came to ask you if you have any connections?"

Upon hearing this, Master Cai immediately frowned.

After mentally counting the pills, he replied, "If you need them urgently, senior, this old man should be able to gather about one hundred Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill by the end of the month."

"If the timeframe could be extended by a few months."

"By the end of the year, we should be able to gather another forty or fifty."

How many?

Xiao Chen's lips twitched when he heard the number.

A mere hundred or so Foundation Establishment, at most you can only earn a few Spirit Stone.

If that's all there is, it's not worth the trip.

"That's so little? Let's just forget about it then."

Xiao Chen then asked, "Well, go ask the Alchemist in the clan what the specific Pill Formula for the Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill is?"

"Then just bring the Pill Formula."

Considering that the Foundation Establishment is a second-tier pill, Xiao Chen felt it was more convenient and faster to refine it himself.

Or, after obtaining the Pill Formula, he could find a few reliable Second-Order Alchemist to subcontract the work.

Unfortunately, his plan failed before it even began.

Because the Cai Family simply did not have the Pill Formula for the Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Not even a Second-Order Pill Recipes?"

Xiao Chen asked with a hint of doubt, "Did your family really have Nascent Soul in your ancestry?"

This is not how a large Lineage should behave.

"Please allow me to speak, senior."

Master Cai gave a wry smile, "Most of the Second-Order Pill Recipes are available within the clan, including the Ancient-Method Foundation Establishment Pill formula."

"However, new-type Breakthrough Spirit Pill like the Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill are indeed not included in this category."

"Since the emergence of the new Breakthrough Spirit Pill, its formula has been a closely guarded secret."

"It can only be produced in the Holy City and various blessed lands, and a batch is periodically distributed to the outside world for sale."

So strict?

When Xiao Chen first heard this, he felt it was somewhat outrageous.

Is it really necessary to be so cautious about a mere second-tier pill?

But after thinking about the 90% Foundation Establishment Success Rate Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill, I suddenly felt that this explanation made more sense.

You should know that Breakthrough Spirit Pill are a form of hard currency.

Such a powerful Breakthrough Spirit Pill is highly sought after by everyone and is a treasure that is almost always in high demand.

If you control the relevant output, it's practically like controlling a treasure trove.

No, that's not all.

Xiao Chen quickly realized that the key was to control powerful Foundation Establishment like the Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill, which could indirectly affect the number of Foundation Establishment Cultivator within the territory.

Its importance far surpasses that of ordinary Foundation Establishment.

It is indeed worthwhile for the Gui Yun Sect maintain strict control over them.

But if I do that, doesn't it mean I'll have to resell something else?

Just as Xiao Chen was considering whether to give up and switch to reselling other spiritual items...

Master Cai mistakenly thought that he was dissatisfied with the answer.

So he quickly stepped in to cover up the situation, saying, "Actually, when I was young, I had some connections with Alchemist Zhao from the Gui Yun Sect."

"Although we've grown a little distant these past two years due to being busy with Lineage affairs."

"But if we want to meet them, it shouldn't be too difficult to buy some Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill."

"If we can get some more from him, we should be able to gather two hundred by the end of the year."

Actually, this number is a bit of a stretch.

However, Master Cai had already decided that if it wasn't enough, he would break it up with other Lineage, and eventually raising two hundred shouldn't be a problem.

If Xiao Chen really pressed him hard, he could try to find a few more on the Black Market or something similar.

Send someone to a nearby auspicious place to buy a few seeds, including writing letters to some acquaintances to buy and sell at a higher price.

Theoretically, it is possible to reach 260, 270, or even 300 by the end of the year.

However, that would be too much pressure, so I definitely couldn't agree to that much right away.

However, upon hearing this, a sudden inspiration flashed in Xiao Chen's mind.

So he smiled slightly and asked directly, "What kind of person is that Alchemist Zhao?"

"If you visit him with gifts, could you ask him to instruct the younger members of your clan in Pill Dao?"

ah?

At first, Master Cai didn't understand why Xiao Chen had suddenly changed his tune.

After listening, I finally understood.

So he quickly explained, "Senior, you may not know this, but Alchemist Zhao's parents were both disciples of the Gui Yun Sect, so he is a true and legitimate member of the Guiyun Sect."

"Although the old man had some acquaintance with him and could exchange a few words with him..."

"But there is absolutely no possibility of bribing him to reveal the sect's secrets."

"Moreover, people like them don't easily leave this blessed land."

"Many Alchemist from various sects will never even step outside the Mountain Protecting Grand Array of their entire lives, leaving absolutely no opportunity for others to take advantage."

"If we're going to see him, we can only do so by visiting the blessed land."

In fact, not only Ze Realm Blessed Land, but other blessed lands are also in similar situations.

The sect's high-ranking members are protected very strictly.

This is to prevent rebellious groups like the Rebellious Immortal Alliance from trying to buy things through kidnapping.

"Hey, what are you thinking?"

Xiao Chen smiled, offering no further explanation, and simply asked, "Of course I know they won't come out easily."

"But for example, if we are curious or admire them and want to stand by and observe them while they are refining pills, is that feasible?"

Let me explain it more clearly.

"Now, let's say I'm the one among the new generation of the Cai Family with the best talent in alchemy."

"You wanted to teach me the correct Pill Formula, so you took me to see that Alchemist Zhao."

"Then I would ask him if he would agree to let me watch him refine pills and learn the details of his techniques and steps."

ah?

Upon hearing this, Master Cai was completely stunned.

He could understand every single word Xiao Chen said.

However, putting these words together makes things a bit unclear.

If you connect this to the previous topic, it will only make things more confusing.

Aren't we discussing how to purchase Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill right now?

Why did the conversation eventually turn into whether or not it's okay to watch others refine pills?

Master Cai really couldn't understand whether there was any connection between the two.

But despite the confusion, the question still needs to be answered.

After careful consideration, he replied, "Such matters should be decided by the Alchemist himself."

"At the same time, that Alchemist Zhao is relatively easy to talk to compared to the others; otherwise, the old man wouldn't have sought him out back then."

"Therefore, if we can bring a generous gift, there shouldn't be any major problems."

"However, this gift must be substantial enough; it can't be something you can just buy anywhere."

"Furthermore, the pills we observe cannot be high-grade spiritual pills that require a long time to produce."

"At most, only some less important Third-Order Spirit Pill will offer a chance of success."

"If it involves crucial elixirs or secret techniques, the other side might become suspicious of us."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately felt relieved. "That's easy to arrange. Gifts are definitely not a problem. Besides, we don't need high-grade spirit pills; we just want to see the Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill once."

"This should be fine, right?"

"Help me think of a suitable excuse, and then say that I am a member of the Cai Lineage."

"Let's set off as soon as possible and return as soon as possible."

If they act quickly enough and get to the blessed land overnight...

There should still be enough time.

Master Cai didn't understand what Xiao Chen was in such a hurry for, but he didn't dare to ask.

So he had no choice but to leave home under the stars and moon.

While rushing to the blessed land as quickly as possible, he carefully planned what to say after they met.

Actually, Master Cai didn't want to be in such a hurry. "Senior, I think we should wait a couple of days before discussing it further."

"Let me inquire about Alchemist Zhao's preferences over the past two years."

"Then we'll address the root cause and cater to their preferences."

As the head of a large Lineage, he was not used to the impulsive and whirlwind style of independent cultivators.

On the contrary, they are more accustomed to thinking things through before acting and making decisions before taking action.

However, Xiao Chen said, "No need for that. I'll take care of the gift."

He currently possesses several Fourth-Order Spiritual Item that he doesn't need.

Any one of these items would be a generous gift, and you'd never have to worry about the recipient not liking it.

This has nothing to do with personal preference, because Fourth-Order Spiritual Item are inherently valuable.

Unless Xiao Chen is so unlucky as to accidentally send the other party the thing they hate most.

With that in mind, he asked ahead as he continued on his way, "By the way, you should be able to tell that I'm not a local from this Ze Realm Blessed Land."

"What taboos should we be aware of when we meet Alchemist Zhao later?"

Master Cai did indeed see this, so he explained several local customs and traditions to him one by one.

They also discussed the types of spirit objects.

Although the two slowed down their escape speed somewhat due to their discussion.

However, they still managed to arrive near the Ze Realm Blessed Land just as the Great Sun was rising in the east.