Going to Kunlun
In the matter of confronting Donghua University, Zhang Xuezhou spared no effort in finding fault.
Whether it's sabotaging Donghua's plans or targeting Donghua, he'll do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
Zhang Xuezhou was quite satisfied with the small group of Yang Jian, Li Tianwang, and others.
This group almost brought together those who had attained sainthood through physical means from the Three Realms, and the impact they had was immeasurable.
"The elixir of immortality and the elixir of eternal youth are of paramount importance. Everyone must be extremely cautious and must not leak this information to any outsiders!"
"Although we may have long lifespans, the world's spiritual beasts and herbs are constantly becoming extinct, so we need to prepare elixirs in advance to avoid future regrets!"
"When the art of destiny falls into its final stage, medicinal herbs will be scarce. Over the past thousand years, countless people have displayed extraordinary talent, yet ultimately they could not live long and could only perish. This matter is indeed not to be taken lightly!"
"Keep a close eye on Zhu Jiuyin!"
"Can we gather all the ingredients for the elixir of immortality? I feel my body is aging, and my strength is not what it used to be!"
"If we can be the first to refine the elixir of immortality, we'll be qualified to make an exchange, even if we don't get a share from Zhu Jiuyin!"
"To qualify for this exchange, the ingredients for the elixir of immortality must be extinct!"
In the secret place at the Guan River Mouth, the seats that were previously clearly distinguished between host and guest were no longer there; the group had gathered together and were constantly talking.
As the conversation progressed, everyone's expressions changed slightly.
"Cultivating medicinal herbs is not easy, but cultivating extinct ones is much easier," Li Tianwang murmured. "Even if a certain type of medicinal herb is drastically reduced, it will be difficult to refine this elixir!"
"Did someone in our Immortal Court make a move beforehand? Otherwise, it's impossible for every household to be losing such potent medicines?" Jinzha asked anxiously.
"There are only a handful of people qualified to take action," Mu Zha whispered.
"Currently, the materials for refining the elixir of immortality are available in the Immortal Court and Kunlun, but are practically nonexistent elsewhere," Yang Jian said. "You should first clarify the situation, and then I'll take action!"
"There are experts in this world who can defeat True Lord, but there is absolutely no expert who can defend against True Lord," the white dog clamored. "As long as the medicinal herbs aren't stuffed into a storage bag, True Lord can take whatever he wants!"
"If they're hiding in their magic bags, then nobody should bother with alchemy or medicine making!"
Commander Kang added in a low voice, his words anything but polite.
The secret place at Guan River Mouth is very low-key, yet it is independent of the Three Realms and no one dares to provoke it. The reason for this is Yang Jian.
Yang Jian, who is proficient in the Eight-Nine Mystical Art, is not only capable of both fighting and taking a beating, but he can also perform various transformations, making him impossible to defend against.
If Yang Jian weren't of noble character, this ability would have been enough for him to cause chaos everywhere, and he could easily ambush people with a single blow.
Let alone ordinary cultivators, even the Three Pure Ones Heavenly Venerables would not easily antagonize Yang Jian.
If it were the original Three Realms order, Yang Jian would certainly be able to get a share of the benefits. However, the current situation is being led by the Emperor, which makes Yang Jian feel uncertain and he wants to make some preparations in advance.
The group continued to negotiate, and each person was responsible for their respective tasks.
Only when Zhang Xuezhou finished drinking all the broth from cooking the fish did everyone stop talking.
"I await news from you all. Once I've gathered all the medicinal herbs, I'll begin refining elixirs and making medicine. Forget about immortality; at least we shouldn't grow old!"
Zhang Xuezhou wiped his mouth and patted his chest, agreeing to the task of refining the elixir.
"Shuo Xian is right," Li Tianwang nodded, "The elixir of immortality needs to wait for a specific opportunity, but the elixir of longevity can be obtained beforehand!"
"I'm familiar with the Kunlun area, let me go check it out there first!"
Yang Jian nodded; he clearly regarded the Kunlun Sacred Land as his backyard.
While others faced near-death experiences traveling to the Kunlun Sacred Land, Yang Jian navigated it with ease. His ability to transform into anyone made entering and exiting various places effortless.
"Kunlun has brewed eight dou of Nine Treasures Wine. If True Lord has the ability, you can take it all," Zhang Xuezhou said. "This wine is brewed with nine kinds of precious medicinal herbs and has many wonderful uses. Even True Lord would find it useful!"
"Immortal Shuo seems quite familiar with Kunlun?" Yang Jian asked curiously.
"This batch of Nine Treasures Wine was made by me, but unfortunately, the day it was completed almost became the day I lost my life. It's a memory I'd rather forget," Zhang Xuezhou shook his head and said, "Nowadays, I'm probably the only one who can refine Nine Treasures Wine. This can be verified!"
Zhang Xuezhou thought about Donghua, unsure whether the other party could replicate everything the Emperor had done.
If Donghua cannot brew wine like the Emperor, then only Zhang Xuezhou has ever brewed Nine Treasures Wine, and the probability of it being replicated by others is extremely low.
He mentioned the Nine Treasures Wine to Yang Jian, and also discussed the possible sealed jars for the Nine Treasures Wine. This level of familiarity amazed Yang Jian. Zhang Xuezhou's experience also surprised Yang Jian, who felt that the other party might have escaped from the hands of the Emperor or Empress, which could indirectly estimate the other party's abilities.
After a simple comparison, Yang Jian couldn't help but marvel.
"They really can't change their domineering ways. Since the Nine Treasures Wine was brewed by the Immortal of the North, taking it is fine!"
Yang Jian agreed to this extra task, but his heart grew heavier with worry.
The Emperor and the Jade Emperor are indeed different. The Jade Emperor is gentle and good at adjusting, while the Emperor is domineering and unassailable.
Although it's unclear why Zhang Xuezhou and the Emperor had a dispute that nearly resulted in Zhang Xuezhou being beaten to death, even if Zhang Xuezhou's demands were excessive, it doesn't justify discarding him after he's served his purpose.
Just thinking about how the Emperor and others were targeting Zhu Jiuyin to refine the elixir of immortality, and how his own body, which had become a saint, might be used as an ingredient in the elixir, made Rao Yangjian feel uneasy.
"How much is eight dou? Can we share one dou? What are the wonders of the Nine Treasures Wine? Can I drink it?"
The white dog circled around the group, and would chime in with a few words whenever the atmosphere became awkward.
"This wine can slow down the aging of the Divine Sense," Zhang Xuezhou said with a smile. "It can also help in the cultivation of the Western Sect Heart Sutra, making it a rare and precious item!"
Zhang Xuezhou lacked the ability to retrieve the Nine Treasures Wine from Kunlun, so rather than getting nothing in return, he decided to share it with everyone.
As long as Yang Jian can retrieve the wine, everything will be fine.
He was generous, mentioning the effects of Nine Treasures Wine Nine Treasures Wine the rare medicinal herbs used in it.
Some of these medicinal herbs overlapped with those used in elixirs of immortality, prompting the group to discuss them in hushed tones.
"The Emperor is too domineering! If he were to kill the Alchemist for successfully refining a great elixir, there would probably be no Alchemist left in the world!"
Li Tianwang complained bitterly, but felt mostly relieved.
Alchemist certified by the Kunlun Emperor must be incredibly powerful. Zhang Xuezhou's initial discussion of alchemy was somewhat casual, which made Li Tianwang and others not pay much attention to it.
After Xiao Lu showed off his skills in obtaining the pill, making Yang Jian suffer a setback, and then demonstrated the longevity pill and mentioned refining the elixir of immortality, it was clear that the opponent's foundation was indeed profound.
The real proof comes from Kunlun Brewing. The Emperor has a domineering personality, but his judgment is impeccable. The Emperor's certification is a golden brand.
After much deliberation and comparison, Li Tianwang concluded that Zhang Xuezhou's alchemy skills were not much inferior to Laojun's, and should be considered top-tier in the Three Realms.
Too many people seek Laojun's help, but their small group possesses a true master Alchemist, allowing them to be as free as they want and ensuring they are always one step ahead in refining elixirs.