The Grey Rat's Demon Path

Cheng Mengying from Lion’s Mane Cave had sent a reply letter.

She congratulated him on the advancement of his Alchemy Skill.

She also mentioned that she would provide him with the Alchemy Materials for refining Tier Two Middle-grade Elixirs in the future.

Jin Yuanba from Langlang Mountain had also sent a letter.

It said his Cultivation had broken through to Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, making him a Veteran Great Demon.

At the same time, Langlang Mountain’s Third Elder had successfully broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm with the help of a Foundation Establishment Pill!

Furthermore, the letter invited Xu Chang’an to visit sometime, promising that he would be given a grand reception.

"Three Foundation Establishment demons on one mountain! Langlang Mountain is destined for greatness!"

Xu Chang’an sighed with emotion.

He had been part of Langlang Mountain’s situation back then and had experienced their struggles firsthand.

Now, with Jin Yuanba breaking through to Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, the Third Elder becoming a Foundation Establishment Great Demon, and the Grand Elder...

Three Foundation Establishment demons on one mountain!

In terms of prestige, among the dozens of Foundation Establishment Mountain Peak Influences in the area, Langlang Mountain was now likely second only to Lujiao Mountain!

Besides Jin Yuanba, Jin Ling’Er had also sent a letter to express her gratitude.

Xu Chang’an naturally replied to each of them.

Two years flew by as he focused on improving his Alchemy Skill.

Now, only three months remained before the end of Xu Chang’an’s ten-year agreement to oversee the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop.

’It’s time to have a good talk with Pill Master Ye!’

Xu Chang’an had already broken through to Mid-stage Foundation Establishment and possessed the ability to protect himself.

His Alchemy Skill had also been firmly consolidated at the Tier Two Middle Grade level; one could even say he had advanced far beyond it.

Now, the ten-year agreement was about to end!

It was time to end this transitional period and enter the second stage of his demon life!

On this day, Xu Chang’an and Pill Master Ye spoke for a long time.

Xu Chang’an appealed to both reason and emotion, using the offer of becoming the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop’s Guest Alchemist as a bargaining chip.

He finally made Pill Master Ye give up the idea of trying to keep him.

Pill Master Ye had treated him well, and he didn’t want to tear apart their relationship unless he had no other choice.

He was happy that they could now part on good terms.

After confirming his final departure date from the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop with Pill Master Ye, Xu Chang’an returned to his usual life of alchemy.

Even though Xu Chang’an was preparing to leave, the supply of Alchemy Materials and the commissioned jobs did not decrease in the slightest.

Pill Master Ye continued to offer him guidance on his questions without reservation.

It had to be said, Pill Master Ye was a demon you could get along with!

Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop, Alchemy Room.

"Rise!"

Xu Chang’an’s expression was solemn as he let out a loud shout.

BUZZ!

The Pill Furnace flew open!

An incredibly rich fragrance of elixirs swept through the area.

Inside the Pill Furnace, four Foundation Establishment Pills lay waiting.

From this batch, four pills were formed—all of them authentic Foundation Establishment Pills!

"Thank you, Gray Rat Alchemist!"

"Thank you, Gray Rat Alchemist!"

"We’ve troubled you, Gray Rat Alchemist!"

To one side of the Alchemy Room, three demons thanked Xu Chang’an one after another, their faces filled with joy.

’The Gray Rat Alchemist is just as the rumors say, his skills are profound!’

’The three of us collaborated on this alchemy session, and not only did we get four pills, but there’s even one to spare!’

"Mm."

Xu Chang’an nodded indifferently.

Setting aside his hidden strength, just his public status alone now put him on par with the Veteran Great Demons.

Night had already fallen by the time he left the Alchemy Room.

But instead of returning to the Seven-Colored Workshop, Xu Chang’an went to see Pill Master Ye.

The next day would be his official day of departure from the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop.

Two days prior, Pill Master Ye had specially invited Xu Chang’an to a Spiritual Food Banquet as a farewell meal.

"Pill Master Ye, I won’t be coming in tomorrow!"

Xu Chang’an said to Pill Master Ye.

Pill Master Ye looked at Xu Chang’an, feeling rather emotional.

In just ten years, he had progressed from barely stepping into the realm of a Tier Two Alchemist to his current level of skill.

He could even successfully refine some of the most difficult Tier Two Middle-grade Elixirs.

In his judgment, it probably wouldn’t even take another ten years. The Grey Rat before him would likely step into the realm of a Second-Order High-grade Alchemist.

’Hmm!’

’No, perhaps it won’t even take ten years!’

Perhaps he was recalling the many surprises Xu Chang’an had given him time and time again.

Pill Master Ye couldn’t help but let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"Grey Rat, your talent in alchemy is unlike any I have ever seen in my life. However..."

Pill Master Ye paused, chose his words carefully, and then continued.

"Your Bloodline and aptitude are ordinary, your lifespan is limited, and you have yet to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Without enough time to hone your skills, no matter how overflowing your talent is, you will never be able to reach your full potential!"

Xu Chang’an was silent.

’Pill Master Ye was right.’

’From a public standpoint, he hadn’t entered the Foundation Establishment Realm. Even after taking three Tier One Lifespan Extension Pills, his lifespan was at most a hundred years!’

Seeing Xu Chang’an’s reaction, Pill Master Ye stroked his beard and took out a bottle of elixirs from his Storage Bag.

"Grey Rat, you’ve overseen this Elixir Workshop for ten years. Consider this a parting gift from me!"

"Pill Master Ye, how can I accept this!"

Xu Chang’an hadn’t expected this.

Logically speaking, he had become a Tier Two Alchemist under Pill Master Ye’s guidance and had honed his Pill Art at the Elixir Workshop. Now, after a mere ten years, he was leaving of his own accord. It would have been understandable if Pill Master Ye resented him for it.

"Between us, there’s no need for such pleasantries!"

Pill Master Ye’s gaze, as he looked at Xu Chang’an, was shining.

"Grey Rat, I hope that one day, having guided you will be the greatest source of pride in my life!"

’If he could make up for the shortcoming of his lifespan, Grey Rat has the potential to become a Tier Three Alchemist!’

Xu Chang’an took the Jade Bottle from Pill Master Ye’s hand, saying nothing.

"Alright, it’s getting late. Grey Rat, you should head back!"

Pill Master Ye didn’t seem to want to say any more.

Xu Chang’an stood there in silence for a moment.

"What is it? Is something on your mind?"

"Yes."

Xu Chang’an took out a Book from his Storage Bag and handed it to Pill Master Ye.

"Pill Master Ye, this is something I got from a friend on Red Cloud Mountain. I hope it can be of some help to you!"

After speaking, Xu Chang’an turned and left without hesitation.

Pill Master Ye took the Book, opened it, and was stunned.

...

The bright moon hung high in the sky, its pure, white light scattering down. It landed on Xu Chang’an’s face, making it seem to glow.

The Book he had just given to Pill Master Ye contained a partial inheritance of a Tier Three Alchemist.

It held key information about becoming a Quasi-Third Tier Alchemist and insights on how to reach the level of a Tier Three Low Grade Alchemist.

With this inheritance and Pill Master Ye’s accumulated foundation, it likely wouldn’t be long before the Inner City of Peacock Demon City had one more Quasi-Third Tier Alchemist.

Xu Chang’an had not originally intended to give away this inherited knowledge.

After all, the inheritance of a Quasi-Third Tier Alchemist was precious. Giving it away so rashly would undoubtedly put him at great risk!

But at the last moment, he had hesitated.

In the end, he gave it away!

’He is an elder worthy of respect!’

’Even if there were risks, I’d accept them!’

Back at the Seven-Colored Workshop, Xu Chang’an opened the Jade Bottle that Pill Master Ye had given him.

Inside the Jade Bottle lay three vermilion elixirs, a faint Spiritual Light twinkling on their surfaces.

"Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pills!"

Xu Chang’an was momentarily speechless.

He had previously asked Pill Master Ye about the Alchemy Materials for refining a Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pill.

A Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pill required one key primary ingredient, two rare supplementary ingredients, and seven or eight common supplementary ingredients.

The last he had heard, they were still missing the key primary ingredient and one of the rare supplementary ingredients.

He never thought that Pill Master Ye would actually gather them all, refine a batch for him, and even give him three pills!

Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pills were far more precious than Foundation Establishment Pills, let alone three of them!

This gesture from Pill Master Ye was anything but small!

"Grey Rat, I hope that one day, having guided you will be the greatest source of pride in my life!"

Xu Chang’an closed his eyes, Pill Master Ye’s voice seeming to echo in his ears.

Dealings between demons were not just about benefits and self-interest.

Once you’ve met enough demons, you’re bound to run into exceptions!

In Pill Master Ye’s eyes, his greatest shortcoming was his lifespan.

And he had given him three Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pills to make up for that very shortcoming!

"Don’t worry, that day will come!"

Opening his eyes, Xu Chang’an spoke solemnly into the empty air.

Depending on a demon’s condition, a Tier Two Longevity Elixir could normally extend one’s life by 12 to 30 years.

It could be taken a maximum of three times, with the effects diminishing with each dose!

Taking a Lifespan Extension Pill wouldn’t cause any sort of commotion.

So, without hesitation, Xu Chang’an consumed the first Lifespan Extension Pill.

An incomparably pure aura, filled with the Essence of Life, appeared within Xu Chang’an’s body.

It then circulated throughout his entire body, nourishing every part.

Once, twice, three times... over and over again.

After a full thirty cycles, the aura was finally exhausted.

"Thirty years!"

’Back when I took the Tier One Lifespan Extension Pill, the first one also extended my life by the maximum standard of ten years.’

’Now, taking the Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pill, it’s actually the same!’

’Is it because of the panel?! Or...’

It was difficult to determine the reason, but since it was a good thing either way, Xu Chang’an didn’t dwell on it.

He then took the other two Tier Two Lifespan Extension Pills one after another.

The aura filled with the Essence of Life circulated once more!