NOVEL NEXT Chapter 61: Gourd
Before long, He Manlou led a group of Foundation Establishment Cultivators into the hall with a hearty laugh, introducing them to Chen Sheng one by one:
"Brother Chen, this is the Patriarch of the Qingxu Li Clan, and this is the Patriarch of the Taiping Zhang Clan..."
"You know Elder Wu Qingshan, so I won't say much about him. This is Elder Zhang Qingsong of the Artifact Alliance, and he's a Tier Two Middle Grade Refiner..."
It's evident.
He Manlou's circle primarily consists of noble families and the Artifact Alliance, and the people he introduced are all Patriarchs and Elders from various Foundation Establishment Clans and the Artifact Alliance.
Chen Sheng clasped his fists toward everyone:
"Thank you all for honoring me with your presence!"
Patriarch Li laughed heartily, slightly raised his head, and looked at Chen Sheng with fervent eyes:
"Chief Chen, you're too modest. I've long heard of your exceptional alchemy skills, not only being a regular at the Dragon Void Platform but also gaining recognition from Elder Dragon Void..."
"Seeing you today, you truly have the demeanor of a master."
Chen Sheng listened with a faint smile as the other spoke of his 'illustrious achievements.'
It's evident.
This Patriarch Li has certainly done his homework ahead of time!
The remaining seven or eight Patriarchs and Elders from Foundation Establishment Families heard this and quickly joined in with smiles, offering congratulations with fervent eyes, saying courteous words.
"I've long heard of the Chief's renowned name, and seeing you today, it's truly well-deserved."
"The Chief's appearance is as radiant as jade and truly exhibits the grandeur of an Alchemy Dao master."
...
Such a lively scene.
Accompanying a string of flattering words that drew everyone's attention.
The two Artifact Alliance Elders exchanged glances, a trace of embarrassment in their eyes as the others' enthusiastic words made them feel somewhat tongue-tied.
They also felt puzzled.
How could Alchemist Chen, who just recently broke through the Body Refining Fourth Layer, have such influence that warrants such praise?
Several Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators saw the gathering of people here, approached to witness Chen Sheng's moment of glory.
Some couldn't help but feel that 'Immortal City truly hides remarkable talents' and 'Today only did I witness Chief Chen's demeanor'...
On the contrary, Chen Sheng listened to the praise, and felt a bright clarity, exchanged a look with He Manlou and Wu Qingshan, revealing a peculiar expression.
He possesses a profound treasure, which draws various clans to him eagerly, vying to offer praise; what other reason could there be?
Before long.
A long-faced figure brought several Foundation Establishment Cultivators wearing Qinghua Sect-style robes into the hall, none other than Zhao Jinhua, who rushed over from the sect.
Zhao Jinhua laughed heartily:
"Congratulations, Junior Brother, on achieving a Physical Foundation Establishment and cultivating to the Body Refining Fourth Layer."
Chen Sheng welcomed with joy:
"Brother Zhao, since we last met, you and I have both ascended to the Upper Realm, mutual congratulations, it seems I won't need to call you Elder Zhao."
Zhao Jinhua, upon hearing this, thought of their past joking remarks and laughed heartily, then stepped aside, gesturing to the few people behind him to introduce them to Chen Sheng:
"This is Elder Li Baigu from the Internal Affairs Hall, Elder Huang Qingxu from the Instructor Hall, Elder Qin Liefeng from the Disciplinary Hall, here to offer congratulations to Junior Brother!"
Although Zhao Jinhua's voice was not high, it quieted the surroundings.
The three halls together.
This is extremely rare in Qinghua's external affairs!
Chen Sheng assumed it was due to Brother Zhao's connections, marveling at his truly broad social circle.
He couldn't be impolite, solemnly clasping his fists:
"Thank the three Elders for coming, Chen Sheng is humbled!"
"If there is any oversight in hospitality, I ask for your kind understanding."
Li Baigu's smile was gentle:
"Elder Zhao highly recommends Alchemist Chen's dual excellence in pill and body cultivation. When you return to report at the sect, Internal Affairs Hall will surely welcome you with open arms!"
Disciplinary Hall's Qin Liefeng also nodded slightly:
"The Chief achieved Body Refining Fourth Layer, demonstrating commendable determination and perseverance, serving as a model for our sect's disciples."
...
The three all showed clear intentions of befriending.
Zhao Jinhua served merely as a guide.
It fundamentally stemmed from their favorable view towards Chen Sheng, the 'celebrity of the Pill Hall.'
The Pill Hall Master personally bestows 'tasks,' having gained his esteemed recognition, Chen Sheng also practices in the body cultivation lineage of Elder Dragon Void.
Perhaps one day, he might surpass the Dragon Door and become a powerful figure in the Pill Hall.
This is definitely worth investing in!
...
After a while, He Ping'an came running over, whispering beside Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng immediately stood up, apologized to those beside him, and hurriedly went out to welcome.
The Foundation Establishment cultivators around, witnessing this scene, became curious, who else has arrived?
Outside the courtyard.
A few Tier Two Alchemists descended from the clouds, their robes adorned with flowing pill patterns, led by none other than Li Changyang.
Chen Sheng hurriedly came out to welcome, bowing deeply:
"Elder Changyang, coming from afar, I apologize for not entertaining you properly."
Li Changyang's face carried a smile:
"On such a joyous day, no need for too much courtesy."
With that.
He introduced several Tier Two Alchemists to Chen Sheng.
Most of them had served at the Alchemy Alliance, and Chen Sheng knew them, exchanging greetings, ready to welcome them inside.
Li Changyang gently waved his hand:
"No rush."
"Today I come bearing a task."
Then.
Li Changyang stepped forth in front of Chen Sheng, producing a jade box from his storage pouch.
Ceremoniously holding it aloft!
Announcing loudly:
"By command of his Excellency, celebrating Alchemist Chen's Foundation Establishment, presenting a gift."
A group of Pill Hall Elders were surprised by these words.
The Hall Master sending a gift?
Chen Sheng was equally astonished.
Meanwhile, Li Changyang manipulated a spell.
The box opened!
A small purple qi gourd, merely three inches high, radiating a glorious light rose into the air, stirring the surrounding spiritual qi tide.
A small purple gourd?
Several Pill Hall figures instantly recognized this item, a trace of shock flashed in their eyes.
Their gaze towards Chen Sheng became complicated!
Li Changyang spoke with a bright smile:
"His Excellency once cultivated a Tier Two Top Grade Spirit Root Seven-Star Vine, resulting in seven gourds, all Tier Two High Grade, of miraculous use."
"The first six gourds were bestowed upon his six disciples, and this is the last one — Purple Ying!"
"Chen Sheng, this gourd is yours!"
"When you return to the mountain, Pill Furnace Peak shall have a true inheritor venue awaiting you!"
Such words resulted in a brief silence.
A Fake Pill True Inheritor is about to be born!
Li Changyang, looking at Chen Sheng, couldn't help but feel complex emotions, recalling witnessing Chen Sheng's pill refinement in the Dragon Void Cave Mansion.
He sighed lightly, realizing he had misjudged.
By a single thought, a disciple becomes a junior brother!
"Disciple..."
Chen Sheng took a deep breath, never expecting he might attract the Hall Master's intention to take him as a disciple, respectfully bowed, hands holding the Purple Ying Gourd:
"Thank you, Hall Master, for the bestowed treasure!"
Li Changyang lifted him up, ultimately laughing loudly:
"From now on, you will be called Junior Brother Chen!"
"I rank as the fourth under our Master's disciples, so you may call me Fourth Senior Brother."
"Our Master already declared that upon returning to the sect, you should go to Pill Furnace Peak."
Chen Sheng nodded:
"Thank you, Fourth Senior Brother, Junior Brother understands."
Li Changyang completed his Master's directive, smiling, then led people with Chen Sheng to attend the feast.
Soon, Zhao Jinhua and others hurriedly gathered to greet this influential Pill Hall figure.
A few Tier Two Alchemists of the Pill Hall also politely exchanged greetings with the others.
Before long, as the 'gourd bestowing' matter spread within the hall.
Chen Yuanqin heard, his gaze too became complex.
Elder Dragon Void was still less than three hundred years old, with over two hundred years of lifespan remaining!
The assembly of Foundation Establishment cultivators looked at Chen Sheng with a drastic change in expression.
Envy, aspiration, jealousy...
A Fake Pill True Inheritor!
Four words, heavy with significance.
A group of Foundation Establishment Family Patriarchs and Elders sighed inwardly, their affairs have become more difficult.
He Manlou and Wu Qingshan's eyes flashed with a hint of pride.
Zhao Jinhua's entourage of three hall Elders exchanged glances, each showing a trace of delight.
They invested correctly!
Zhao Jinhua also showed a smile, clasping his fists to congratulate:
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
"From now on, you'll be called Chen Zhenchuan."
Holding the Purple Ying Gourd with purple qi illuminating his jade-like face, Chen Sheng laughed aloud:
"Where does Brother Zhao speak from? We are comrades from humble beginnings, continue to call me Junior Brother."