Longevity: My Talents Are a Bit Abundant

The next day.

Shen Xuan wrote a secret letter about True Master Changsheng’s demise and had it sent to Mysterious Trace True Master.

Following this, in addition to his daily cultivation, Shen Xuan paid special attention to the growth of the Frost Cold Spirit Tea strain and the Precious Gourd Spirit Vine.

Especially the Precious Gourd Spirit Vine.

It was the only one he had, directly affecting the future of his Fire Attribute Spiritual Artifact.

Even for a Golden Core Cultivator, the spiritual artifacts they mastered are limited.

More isn’t necessarily better.

Duobao True Master of the Cyan Cloud Sect had the most spiritual artifacts.

It’s said he had six.

Yet during the sect war between Yan and Song countries, he was the only True Pill True Master to fall in Cyan Cloud Sect.

Spiritual artifacts are merely external.

Ultimately, it depends on the cultivator’s own cultivation.

This time, he acquired two Fire Attribute Spiritual Artifacts from True Master Changsheng.

A Tier Three Middle Grade Flying Sword, and a Flame Control Fire Flag.

Shen Xuan wasn’t impressed.

In his plan, he had already reserved two Fire Attribute Spiritual Artifacts.

One was a replica Five Fires Seven Birds Fan.

The other was this True Flame Precious Gourd.

If luck is on his side, it could both collect myriad flames and burn all things.

It is a true Fire Technique mass destruction weapon.

Next, following the secret technique from Demon Wood Sect, Shen Xuan performed spells to promote the growth of the Precious Gourd Spirit Vine.

He buried True Master Changsheng’s Inner Core beneath the Precious Gourd Spirit Vine.

The effect was evident.

After witnessing the celestial tribulation of the Purple Yunting Tree Emperor, Shen Xuan abandoned the method of refining Inner Cores.

The resulting pill power was too mixed.

Additionally, the karma was too heavy, affecting fortune and making it easy to suffer celestial punishment.

The Precious Gourd Spirit Vine was full of life, with its growth speed more than doubled under the enhancement of the True Master’s Inner Core, Fire Spirit Stones, and Burning Heart Demon Butterfly’s corpse.

"It seems to only take sixty-seven years to yield the Precious Gourd!"

Shen Xuan was quite pleased.

This innate spiritual artifact, nurtured by his own Fire Spiritual Power, naturally felt close to him.

In the future, once the Precious Gourd was yielded and refined into a Lifebound Spiritual Artifact, nurturing it would become much easier.

Shen Xuan summoned Shangguan Yan’Er, requesting her to watch over the growth status of the Precious Gourd Spirit Vine daily.

If he wasn’t in the cave mansion.

Shangguan Yan’Er was responsible for adding Upper Grade Fire Spirit Stones into the Spirit Locking Array.

"Husband, don’t worry, Yan’Er will definitely take good care of this spirit plant!"

Shangguan Yan’Er agreed happily.

She glanced at the Spirit Locking Array.

The array core was filled with Upper Grade Fire Spirit Stones.

With such a setup, this Precious Gourd Spirit Vine was extraordinary.

Shangguan Yan’Er knew that aside from this, there wasn’t much else she could help with.

She could only manage the miscellaneous chores in the cave mansion for Shen Xuan.

Shen Xuan had invested so much in this Precious Gourd Spirit Vine.

If she took care of it properly, it would be a great meritorious deed.

Shen Xuan nodded and encouraged Shangguan Yan’Er with a few words.

Then, outside the Spirit Locking Array, he set up an Illusion Array.

Only he, Qin Yuehan, and Shangguan Yan’Er were allowed to enter here.

...

Two months later.

Cold Ice Cave, reception hall.

"I’m having such a hard time!"

Shen Xuan said, looking distressed, to Mysterious Trace True Master.

"Sect Leader Senior Brother, for the sect’s reputation, I went to intercept True Master Changsheng, who had betrayed the sect."

"Little did I know, he practiced both spiritual and demon cultivation. He was a Demon Spirit Sect True Pill Demon Lord and had consumed a Demon Spirit Pill, greatly boosting his cultivation."

"Moreover, aiding him was the renowned Water Technique Golden Core True Master Hai Xuan of Danxia Sect."

"I was beaten by the two together, beaten from head to toe, and almost fell!"

"Fortunately, the Cyan Cloud Sect was blessed by the heavens, allowing me to find a flaw, sneak attack successfully, and manage to kill the traitor True Master Changsheng!"

"Now, my injuries have yet to recover. How am I to take on the position of Alchemy Hall Master as the Sect Leader Senior Brother wishes? It’s absolutely impossible!"

Mysterious Trace True Master took a sip of spirit tea, looking at the convincingly acting Shen Xuan in front of him, and couldn’t help a slight chuckle.

While others might not know, he was well aware of Shen Xuan’s strength!

If it was about killing True Master Hai Xuan, perhaps it would be challenging and require some cost.

But dealing with the non-combat adept True Master Changsheng was a piece of cake for this Profound Ice Junior Brother.

Even if it’s the Demon Spirit Sect Demon Lord, what difference does it make!

Contrary to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

At the Core Formation Realm, spirit cultivators have solid foundations, possessing various divine powers, and are often somewhat stronger than their demon cultivator counterparts of the same tier.

Forcing True Master Changsheng to the sea territory near Wolong Archipelago was in truth a joint decision by the true masters of Cyan Cloud Sect.

Shen Xuan successfully killing True Master Changsheng was exactly as he had anticipated.

After receiving a secret letter and confirming the news.

The Cyan Cloud Sect announced externally that True Master Changsheng had gone mad during cultivation and died suddenly.

The status of Alchemy Hall on the Outer Peak is second only to the Law Enforcement Hall.

After Mysterious Trace True Master consulted other Golden Core True Masters’ opinions, it was unanimously decided for Shen Xuan to assume the role of Alchemy Hall Master.

Several secret letters were sent.

Shen Xuan, however, refused to return to the sect for discussions under the pretext of being unwell.

Helpless, Mysterious Trace True Master personally visited Starlight Island to meet Shen Xuan and discuss the matter.

"Profound Ice Junior Brother, don’t decline."

Mysterious Trace True Master said with a smile: "The Alchemy Hall is extremely important, it cannot be without a master. Among the sect, only you are suitable for this role."

Many words need not be spoken so clearly.

Had Shen Xuan not been capable of refining the Golden Transformation Pill.

The Cyan Cloud Sect wouldn’t have abandoned True Master Changsheng.

True Master Changsheng wouldn’t have betrayed the sect and fled.

The causal relationships are well understood by all.

Just aren’t spoken aloud.

Now, Shen Xuan has avenged himself.

True Master Changsheng’s possessions are all in his hands.

He has gained all the benefits.

Yet refuses to come forth for responsibilities.

Instead, he enjoys self-indulgence on Starlight Island.

How is that possible!

"If Junior Brother Profound Ice insists on refusing, I will have no choice but to report to True Monarch Qing Yun for his decision."

Mysterious Trace True Master said leisurely.

Abandoning True Master Changsheng and fully nurturing True Master Profound Ice was True Monarch Qing Yun’s original intention.

Once True Monarch Qing Yun speaks, Shen Xuan cannot evade with excuses.

"Sect Leader Brother, please have some tea."

"This is the Flowing Frost Cold Essence Spirit Tea that Junior Brother managed to exchange from the hands of the Demon King of the Wilderness with great difficulty."

"There are only two catties in total. Later, Sect Leader Brother, please take half a catty back to enjoy slowly."

Shen Xuan diligently poured the spirit tea for Mysterious Trace True Master.

"Junior Brother Profound Ice, the matter of the spirit tea can be discussed later. There really isn’t much to the position of the Alchemy Hall Master. Other than managing the hall’s affairs and nurturing pill masters, they usually just refine Life-Extending Pills and Golden Transformation Pills."

Mysterious Trace True Master said sincerely.

In those days, True Master Changsheng’s main task was to refine Golden Transformation Pills and Life-Extending Pills.

Spirit pills below Tier Three are handled by Tier Two pill masters of the Alchemy Hall.

Other high-tier spirit pills are exchanged by the true masters of Cyan Cloud Sect, mostly through bartering.

Shen Xuan spoke earnestly as well: "Sect Leader Brother, I have a great suggestion."

"Let’s hear it."

"I believe that the position of the Sect’s Alchemy Hall Master should belong to my master, True Master Cold Jade!"

Shen Xuan declared resolutely.

"Sect Leader Brother, consider this: my master, True Master Cold Jade, developed the Cold Jade Pill and is proficient in Life-Extending Pills, already a Tier Three pill master."

"As for the trivial Golden Transformation Pill, if my master wishes, he could easily learn to refine it."

Mysterious Trace True Master was slightly taken aback.

There is no denying that Shen Xuan’s suggestion does make some sense.

"It’s just that Junior Sister Cold Jade is not skilled in social interaction."

The implication is that True Master Cold Jade is not good at handling interpersonal relationships and lacks management skills.

Shen Xuan laughed lightly.

"Sect Leader Brother, you jest! You just said that the Alchemy Hall Master only needs to refine some Golden Transformation Pills and Life-Extending Pills."

"The day-to-day affairs of the Alchemy Hall can be managed by disciples."

Seeing Mysterious Trace True Master somewhat moved, Shen Xuan quickly added more motivation.

"My Junior Sister Liu Bingyu is exceptionally gifted and is about to attempt Core Formation with a seventy to eighty percent chance of forming a Fake Pill."

"Junior Sister Liu’s personality is very suitable for the role of a pill master."

Mysterious Trace True Master fell into contemplation.

Shen Xuan continued to persuade: "Now that the war between the countries of Yan and Song has ceased and Liang and Song have formed an alliance. My master, True Master Cold Jade, naturally possessing exceptional alchemy talent, cannot be left unoccupied."

"Moreover, if my master, True Master Cold Jade, encounters any alchemy issues, isn’t there still me?"

Mysterious Trace True Master slowly nodded.

"It’s not impossible for Junior Sister Cold Jade to take the position of Alchemy Hall Master. However, this is a significant matter that requires a vote at the True Master Council."

Shen Xuan smiled slightly: "If Sect Leader Brother agrees, the vote will certainly pass."

Mysterious Trace True Master repeatedly thought it over.

Seeing Shen Xuan’s reluctance to return to the Sect, he had to compromise.

"Alright. As per Junior Brother Profound Ice’s wish. But the Sect’s alchemy tasks will still need some assistance from you, Junior Brother Profound Ice."

"Naturally!"

Shen Xuan immediately expressed his stance.

"How about this: since my master Cold Jade and Junior Sister Liu are not good at socializing, I will reluctantly assign one of my Tier Two pill masters to assist at the Alchemy Hall."

"Oh, will it be Ding Qingfeng or Shangguan Mingyue?"

"Ding Qingfeng."

Shen Xuan replied.

After reaching Foundation Establishment, both came to Starlight Island to follow him in alchemy.

Considering both are getting older, Shen Xuan planned an outlet for them.

"Very well then."

Mysterious Trace True Master nodded.

Ding Qingfeng is not only a Tier Two Water Technique Alchemist but also related to Shen Xuan by marriage.

With him there, True Master Cold Jade and Liu Bingyu will be much more at ease.

Under Shen Xuan’s flattering persuasion, Mysterious Trace True Master decided to strongly endorse True Master Cold Jade for the position of Alchemy Hall Master.

"By the way, Sect Leader Brother, I have a small matter for you to decide."

"Oh, what is it?"

"The ancestral land of the Ding Family is Cyan Dragon Bay and they have always wanted to join Cyan Cloud Sect."

Cyan Dragon Bay is barren and not within the heartland of Cyan Cloud Sect.

Therefore, the Cyan Cloud Sect has never accepted the Ding Family of Cyan Dragon Bay’s allegiance.

According to the rules of the Cultivation Realm, a sect that collects protection fees from a cultivation clan has the responsibility to protect its people and spiritual land from external invasions.

Major sects cannot accept them, and minor sects look down on them.

Such independent cultivation clans are common in the country of Song.

Later, Celestial Derivation Copper was discovered within the Purple Essence Copper Ore of Cyan Dragon Bay.

This attracted the covetous eyes of the Red Rainbow Sect and Celestial Skill Sect, leading to their manipulative seizing.

Now, over a hundred years have passed.

The Celestial Derivation Copper Ore has nearly been exhausted.

At this time, with his support, the Ding Family has been revitalized.

The clan now includes Ding Qingfeng, Ding Yijin, Ding Yixuan, and Ding Lingchong, four Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Shen Xuan then proposed to Mysterious Trace True Master that Cyan Cloud Sect accept the Ding Family as a vassal, prompting the Red Rainbow Sect and Celestial Skill Sect to withdraw from Cyan Dragon Bay.

The Ding Family will return to Cyan Dragon Bay.

"This matter is easy. Cyan Dragon Bay is the ancestral land of Junior Brother Profound Ice’s wife’s family, and it should rightfully be returned."

Upon learning the background, Mysterious Trace True Master immediately agreed.

"With Sect Leader Brother’s approval, this matter will be easy to handle."

With Mysterious Trace True Master’s recognition, Shen Xuan has justifiable grounds.

With his current status and position, he does not care about a lower-tier Tier Two spiritual land like Cyan Dragon Bay.

However, the members of the Ding Clan have been longing for it.

Shen Xuan’s action is a means to win over the hearts of the Ding Family cultivators.

Currently, the Ding Family has four Foundation Establishment cultivators and over two hundred clan members.

They are his most trusted core subordinates.

Whereas in the Shen Mansion at Jade Valley, Shen Yucheng and others have yet to grow up fully.

The two decided that Shen Xuan would attend next month’s True Master Council meeting.

After sending off Mysterious Trace True Master.

Shen Xuan called Ding Yixuan over and informed him to prepare to reclaim Cyan Dragon Bay.

Of course, Shen Xuan planned not to use force.

Instead, he personally wrote two letters.

Instructing Ding Yixuan to dispatch someone, preferably a Foundation Establishment member of the Ding Family, to personally deliver them to the Sect Masters of the Red Rainbow Sect and Celestial Skill Sect.

Anyone who attains the position of Sect Master, whether from the Red Rainbow Sect or Celestial Skill Sect, is someone who knows their priorities.

Peace is valued above all.

Upon receiving the personal letters from True Master Profound Ice of Cyan Cloud Sect, cultivators of the two sects will inevitably withdraw from Cyan Dragon Bay.

Otherwise, they would only bring disgrace upon themselves.