Chapter 324 Deep Love, the Dagger Revealed When the Drawing is Exhausted! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]
"Junior Xu."
The Galaxy Ancestor Master, upon seeing Chen Jichuan, was overjoyed and had much to share.
But his mind was preoccupied with the injuries of the Zhenwu Ancestor Master. Leading Chen Jichuan into the cave, he skipped pleasantries and hurriedly asked, "Junior brother, are you confident about healing your Zhenwu senior brother's injuries?"
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master, standing beside, was about to speak.
"Please have a look, both senior brothers."
Chen Jichuan cut off the opportunity, waving his hand, and dozens of jade bottles instantly appeared on the table.
"This is—"
Both Ancestor Masters stared at the bottles on the table, then turned their gaze to Chen Jichuan.
Chen Jichuan divided the thirty bottles of pills into two portions and addressed them, "These ten bottles here are 'Two-Phases Pills', a total of 120 pills, sufficient to remove the remaining portions of the 'Taiyin Six Absolute Divine Needles' for senior brother Zhenwu. These twenty bottles are 'Xuanlong Pills', specifically for replenishing Primordial Qi. Senior brother's injuries have been prolonged for too long, coupled with ingesting significant amounts of 'Five Elements Extinguishing Powder', severely depleting his Primordial Qi. Proper replenishment is crucial; otherwise, lasting damage will plague him in the future."
"Two-Phases Pills?"
"Xuanlong Pills?"
Both Galaxy and Zhenwu Ancestor Masters widened their eyes in surprise.
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master wasn't familiar with the price tag of 'Xuanlong Pills', but even ten bottles of 'Two-Phases Pills' were an astronomical 15.6 million Spirit Crystals.
He had previously researched this.
Using 'Two-Phases Pills' to remove the 'Taiyin Six Absolute Divine Needles' required a total of 200 pills amounting to 26 million Spirit Crystals.
Being penniless himself, he had opted for the cheaper 'Five Elements Extinguishing Powder'.
Over the past three years, 40 percent of the 'Taiyin Six Absolute Divine Needles' had already been removed, leaving the remaining portion, which could now be done with 120 pills of 'Two-Phases Pills'.
Just these Two-Phases Pills were enough to spare him much damage.
As for the 'Xuanlong Pills'—
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master, confined to his cave, didn't know much about them.
But the Galaxy Ancestor Master understood them very well—
"One 'Two-Phases Pill' costs 130,000 Spirit Crystals."
"One 'Xuanlong Pill' costs 110,000 Spirit Crystals."
"Altogether—"
The Galaxy Ancestor Master calculated on his fingers, then gasped audibly, "42 million Spirit Crystals!"
"42 million?!"
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master was equally stunned.
Both turned their heads simultaneously to look at Chen Jichuan.
The former was filled with joy, while the latter's expression was far more complex.
"Forty-something million Spirit Crystals may seem like a lot, but once Zhenwu senior brother reaches the Second Realm, the Third Realm, earning plenty will be effortless!"
Chen Jichuan understood the stress pressing on the Zhenwu Ancestor Master and smiled gently to reassure him.
"To have Galaxy senior brother and junior Xu Ning!"
"How fortunate am I, Zhenwu!"
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master sighed deeply, unable to contain his heroic tears.
...
After Zhenwu Ancestor Master managed to regain his composure.
Chen Jichuan took out two Storage Bags and handed them separately to the Galaxy and Zhenwu Masters.
"Junior brother, this—"
The Galaxy Ancestor Master opened his bag and immediately froze in place.
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master glanced inside his own, his face changing likewise.
"Both senior brothers, there's no need to be overly polite with me."
"We all hail from Wuhe Star, from the Wuhe Immortal Sect. What does this bit of earthly wealth matter?"
Chen Jichuan noticed their expressions and immediately guessed their thoughts, cutting them off with a casual wave.
This recent expedition to Sumeru Mountain had been incredibly fruitful for him.
Not only had he acquired a Fourth-order Magic Treasure.
He also gained numerous Third-order Magic Treasures.
Though the top-quality treasures were scarce, items comparable to the 'Green Grain Sword' were in abundance. Among them, Chen Jichuan had selected two offensive and two defensive treasures, dividing them equally between the two seniors.
He also chose a Magic Treasure akin to the 'Universe Spirit Shuttle' for interstellar travel.
Each person received three Magic Treasures in total.
Selling Magical Treasures wasn't practical, but wealth at hand was still necessary, so Chen Jichuan included 200,000 Primordial Stones in each Storage Bag.
The value of the three Magic Treasures exceeded 600,000 Primordial Stones.
Adding in the 200,000 Primordial Stones.
Plus the 42 million spent on 'Two-Phases Pills' and 'Xuanlong Pills'.
Chen Jichuan's combined contribution amounted to an eye-popping 12.2 million Primordial Stones.
This generosity utterly shocked the two Ancestor Masters.
Seeing Chen Jichuan's resolute expression and heartfelt gaze, and considering their own dire financial straits, the Galaxy Ancestor Master decided not to decline. Advising the Zhenwu Ancestor Master beside him, he said, "Right now, we truly lack funds. Junior brother is not just anyone; he's one of us. Since he's offering help sincerely, we'll repay him someday with united efforts."
"We're all family; no need to separate our words!"
Chen Jichuan grinned.
"Thank you, junior brother!"
The Zhenwu Ancestor Master, seeing the situation, felt reluctant to refuse. He accepted with gratitude, his eyes reddening and his heart deeply touched.
...
Reuniting with the two Ancestor Masters, the three brothers shared several days together.
Most of the time was spent reminiscing.
During other moments, they discussed strategies to deal with the Taiyin Sect.
Though, this matter wasn't urgent.
Chen Jichuan had recently returned from Sumeru Mountain with abundant gains, intending to focus on cultivation for a while, improving his strengths.
Both Ancestor Masters, after wandering aimlessly, also needed to seize this opportunity.
Among them, the Zhenwu Ancestor Master needed time to nurture his injuries.
The Galaxy Ancestor Master also took this moment to refine his cultivation thoroughly.
Thus, Chen Jichuan and the Galaxy Ancestor Master each rented a secluded cave abode near Magic Sound Mountain for concentrated cultivation.
...
Magic Sound Mountain.
D Cave Abode.
Chen Jichuan sat cross-legged within the Artifact Refining room, the 'Daluo Heavenly Fire' transforming into a fiery dragon, continuously coiling around him.
The 'Sea Heart Flame' and 'Stone Fire' were fully refined, raising the potency of Chen Jichuan's Fire Skill immensely.
A long-awaited plan could finally be carried out.
"Gan Chen."
Chen Jichuan retrieved the 'Fire Phoenix Ring', and from it appeared Granny Gan.
Chen Jichuan had acquired the 'Fire Phoenix Ring' when he was a hundred years old—a time he first encountered Granny Gan. She retreated into deep sleep for two centuries after that, only waking up again when Chen Jichuan reached age three hundred.
She was subdued by Chen Jichuan.
Until today.
Compared to then, Granny Gan's vigor had diminished considerably. Even as a Primordial Spirit entity, her age had become increasingly evident.
Back then, Granny Gan was only slightly over 4,000 years old.
Now, with Chen Jichuan already 743 years old, Granny Gan had aged to over 4,600 years.
She was approaching the limit of her lifespan at 5,000 years.
"Even a Primordial Spirit cannot escape the constraints of lifespan."
"At most, Granny has only 400 years left before dissipating."
Chen Jichuan gazed at Granny Gan and sighed deeply, seemingly lamenting her fate.
"..."
Granny Gan stared at him, unable to discern why this man suddenly felt compelled to lament on her behalf.
She furrowed her brow and surveyed him coldly, "Speak your mind quickly."
Chen Jichuan, unruffled, brushed off any awkwardness with a faint smile, "Granny's life has been nothing short of legendary; would you truly wish for an ordinary end?"
"Out with it already!"
Granny Gan's impatience became evident.
Trapped within the 'Fire Phoenix Ring' for nearly 2,000 years, it was only her formidable cultivation and spiritual fortitude that kept her sane; otherwise, insanity was likely inevitable.
Even so.
The years of confinement had instilled her demeanor with short-tempered tendencies.
Chen Jichuan was empathetic. He displayed patience, showing magnanimity instead of holding a grudge, gazing at Granny Gan with heartfelt sincerity, "Should you have observed my talent through the years—I'm certain you have. At a hundred, I was Second Realm; by three hundred, I reached Divinity Transformation. Today, at merely 743 years old, my assets include countless Primordial Stones exceeding ten million. Starfall Pavilion boasts only a single Fourth-order Magic Treasure, while I possess three. I've also acquired the 'Pure Yang Immortal Lotus', refining it into a Second Primordial Spirit."
Unperturbed by Granny Gan's visibly cold facade, Chen Jichuan's impassioned speech continued, "With such talent, such fortune, envisioning my ascension to immortality is not unwarranted. Granny's encounter with me, rather than being a curse, should be treasured as a celestial fate."
Chen Jichuan paused for a moment as if emphasizing his point.
"You want my help?"
Granny Gan, finally piecing together Chen Jichuan's motives, responded with a more pronounced icy laugh, bluntly questioning.
"Granny truly has a sharp mind!"
Chen Jichuan clapped in admiration, then revealed his intentions clearly, "With the power of the Exotic Fires I've fully refined, my Fire Skill has advanced to a level sufficient to merge the 'Fire Phoenix Ring' with the 'Fire Dragon Immortal Banner'. Should Granny be willing to help, your refined Primordial Spirit could become the Artifact Spirit for this new Magic Treasure, making this choice far superior to perishing in the Nine Netherworld with nothing. Upon ascending to the Immortal Realm myself, I could further free you, even rebuilding your physical form for the immortal journey anew. A fair exchange: you assist me today, I repay you tomorrow, mutual gain—a perfect balance!"
Chen Jichuan's intentions were crystal clear.
He valued Granny Gan's Alchemy prowess and, upon merging the 'Fire Phoenix Ring' with the 'Fire Dragon Immortal Banner', wished for her to serve as its Artifact Spirit, both overseeing the new Magic Treasure and playing a pivotal role in crafting pills.
Managing the 'Fire Dragon Immortal Banner' and incessantly refining pills.
This effectively secured an untiring Third-order Alchemist for Chen Jichuan.
Along with his improved Pill recipes.
Granny Gan's work could easily generate revenues of three to five million annually.
Generating a steady income of several million Spirit Crystals per year, paired with Chen Jichuan's existing assets, his path ahead would undeniably broaden. Whether enhancing his cultivation, improving Magic, or mastering Alchemy or Artifact Refining techniques, everything would proceed as desired.
Thus, Chen Jichuan's expectations were immense.
Previously—
He lacked confidence in merging the 'Fire Phoenix Ring' with the 'Fire Dragon Immortal Banner'.
He also knew Granny Gan had time left on her lifespan and might harbor illusions of hope.
Finally, Chen Jichuan felt his growth potential had not yet fully dazzled.
Until now.
The 'Daluo Heavenly Fire' was sufficiently powerful, ready for refining and merging Magic Treasures.
Granny Gan's remaining lifespan was less than 400 years, with despair creeping in.
Additionally, traveling with Xiao Lan to Starfall Pavilion had showcased Chen Jichuan's extraordinary talent, potential, and destiny to Granny Gan.
Faced with dire circumstances, only to glimpse newfound hope of immortality, Granny Gan's willingness to serve was now a real possibility.
Should she refuse even now—
"Then I'll have no choice but to shed tears as I sever ties with Gan Chen!"
Granny Gan held critical knowledge about Chen Jichuan. If she couldn't be for his benefit, obliterating her soul would be the only option.
Granny Gan stared at Chen Jichuan.
She saw sincere resolve in his expression yet undeniable murderous intent in his eyes, realizing his offer wasn't a plea but a final directive.
During the days of Wuhe Star, Chen Jichuan had spared her due to his unfamiliarity with the vast cosmos, utilizing her experience as an anchor.
Upon first traversing the cosmos and arriving at Magic Sound Mountain, her presence remained valuable.
However, as Chen Jichuan's foothold in the mortal world secured itself and his knowledge broadened, Granny Gan sensed her relevance waning.
Until now.
His ambitions had indeed laid bare.
"Artifact Spirit?"
"Refining pills?"
Granny Gan naturally resisted.
Becoming an Artifact Spirit meant her life and freedom would eternally rest in the hands of another—death seemed more preferable.
Yet, deep inside, she held onto hope—
"Perhaps this brat truly stands a chance of ascending to immortality."
"If—"
Granny Gan wavered internally.
Chen Jichuan remained patient, his gaze unwaveringly sincere—a wooing lover yearning for his beloved's acceptance.
...