NOVEL NEXT Chapter 127 - Terms
Jiang Yan and the others felt indignant on Gu Yao’s behalf, but seeing that he didn’t mind, they let it go. Such broad-mindedness was something not everyone could achieve.
If someone from Changxian Sect truly claimed credit for Gu Yao’s achievements, such shamelessness would only hinder their own progress in alchemy. Once greed takes hold, it places an unbreakable barrier in the path of advancement.
Before setting off, Gu Yao contacted Master Hu through a communication talisman to discuss their approach and align their plans.
Regarding Gu Yao’s decision, Chi Changye silently showed his support, firmly pressing Gu Yao’s head as a gesture of encouragement.
Xu Chen, observing everything from within the spatial artifact, finally muttered, “Idiot,” but didn’t offer further criticism. While both he and Master Hu had provided many suggestions, the creation of the pill formula had ultimately been Gu Yao’s work. Thus, its fate was entirely his decision.
Returning to the pill archive, Xu Chen, gazing at the shelves full of alchemical tomes, reflected on the state of the cultivation world and his past actions. He found himself looking forward even more to Gu Yao’s future. In his heart, he began to understand why the Pill Pavilion had chosen Gu Yao as its master—it was likely because of Gu Yao’s rare and admirable qualities.
Gu Yao’s group encountered the delegation from Cuiyan Valley at the gates of the City Lord’s Residence. Master Hu stepped forward, looking at Gu Yao warmly. “Are you sure about this? No regrets?”
Gu Yao smiled slightly. “No regrets. The more I involve myself, the more I realize how much I still have to learn.” In other words, his growth had only just begun.
Master Hu understood and smiled in relief. He had worried that Gu Yao was compromising under the pressure of the City Lord’s Residence and feared that such a decision might leave a shadow on Gu Yao’s heart, creating obstacles in his path as an alchemist. However, seeing Gu Yao’s determination, he realized his concerns were unnecessary. Instead, the situation had only fueled Gu Yao’s ambition and transformed the pressure into motivation.
“Master Hu, please come inside. Alchemist Gu, this way as well,” the attendants from the City Lord’s Residence said respectfully, ushering the two and their accompanying cultivators inside.
Outside, a large crowd of cultivators watched, speculating about the purpose of the visit. Major powers and merchants quickly understood the City Lord’s intentions. Many merchants, in particular, began to worry. If the City Lord’s Residence got involved with the ‘Qingchen Pill’, it would become much harder for them to obtain the coveted medication.
The domineering ways of the Treasure Pavilion on the Tianlin Continent were nothing new to anyone. People were resentful but dared not speak up—after all, the Pavilion had the City Lord’s Residence backing it, a colossal force that no one could contend with.
The Beixing Sect had originally responded to Tianhai Sect’s request for help by sending cultivators to join the fight against the beast tide. However, when news of the ‘Qingchen Pill’ reached the sect, the Sect Master immediately ordered reinforcements. Leading the group was Senior Brother Yan Yang, who had just exited seclusion, along with Lu Minzhu. As soon as Gu Yao and Master Hu entered the City Lord’s Residence, Yan Yang’s group arrived at Tianshui Market, where their sectmates informed them of this development.
Yan Yang waved it off, saying, “This outcome isn’t surprising. We can only try to secure as much benefit as possible.” Under the current circumstances, monopolizing the profits was impossible. Some might dismiss Tianfu Academy as having little status, but should they provoke the Academy’s Golden Core Dean into action, it would spell disaster.
Yan Yang’s group settled into Beixing Sect’s temporary residence. Lu Minzhu, who had been unusually quiet throughout the journey, finally resolved to seek out her Senior Brother.
Two years ago, the ‘Red Xuan Pill’ had already astonished her, but now, this boy with four spirit roots had become even more dazzling. His efforts alone had shaken the entire Tianlin Continent. Fortunately, Gu Yan had already left the continent; otherwise, Gu Yao’s achievements would have likely sent him into a frenzy of inner demons.
“Senior Brother, I fear I won’t be of much help this time,” Lu Minzhu said with a bitter smile.
“Junior Sister, what’s weighing on your mind?” Yan Yang asked. He had noticed her complex expressions whenever Gu Yao was mentioned—regret, shame, and helplessness.
Faced with this, Lu Minzhu no longer dared to hide the truth. Bracing herself, she confessed everything: her prior engagement to Gu Yao, how her silence and disregard allowed the Gu family to disgrace him, and how she used that as a pretext to break off the engagement. She also revealed that Gu Yao had used the Changxian Sect token to leave the Gu family.
“Senior Brother, I’m sorry.”
After speaking, Lu Minzhu closed her eyes, her face flushed with shame. After broadening her horizons in the outside world, she now understood just how disgraceful her past actions had been.
Yan Yang handed her a cup of tea, the fragrant aroma prompting her to open her eyes. Seeing his forgiving smile, she was surprised. Did her Senior Brother not blame her?
Yan Yang said, “We’re not saints; who hasn’t made mistakes? Even I erred in this matter. Back when we were in Shifang City, I failed to recognize Gu Yao’s potential. I didn’t recruit him into our sect and let him join Tianfu Academy instead. I didn’t even give him a second glance,” he admitted. At the time, Gu Yao had seemed like nothing more than an unremarkable passerby to him. “The past is the past. What matters is facing it honestly. And from what I’ve observed, Gu Yao is not someone who harbors grudges or seeks revenge. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to Tianshui Market, nor would he have made the ‘Qingchen Pill’ public. Especially at such an affordable price. His magnanimity is far beyond his years.”
Yan Yang had long suspected that Lu Minzhu was hiding something, but he hadn’t pressed her. Even so, he hadn’t expected the situation to be this complicated. Both the Gu and Lu families had thoroughly alienated Gu Yao. Now, they didn’t need Gu Yao to seek revenge—regret alone would eat away at them. They had been given a golden opportunity to rise to greatness, yet they had discarded it with their own hands. If they weren’t already driven mad with remorse, it would be a miracle.
“I feel like I never truly understood him,” Lu Minzhu murmured. She had once thought of him as a gloomy, cowardly, and useless boy. Yet, after leaving the Gu family and Yuanyang Town, he had completely transformed.
Yan Yang speculated, “It must have been the unfavorable environment in the Gu family that forced him to hide his true self. If it were me, I wouldn’t want such a selfish family latching onto me and draining me dry.”
—
At the temporary base of the City Lord’s Residence, Gu Yao and Master Hu were invited to take a seat by Elder He. As Gu Yao reached for a spirit fruit, he suddenly felt a malicious gaze on him. Looking up, he saw its source: a female cultivator standing behind the City Lord’s faction, her eyes venomous like poisoned blades.
It was none other than Miss Ruan Xinhui. Previously, Gu Yao hadn’t known her identity, but now he understood clearly. If not for the need to consider the bigger picture, he would have been the first to oppose any cooperation with the Treasure Pavilion, rejecting all dealings with them outright.
Before Gu Yao could react, Lu Qiusheng let out a derisive snort. Though he said nothing, the sound was loud enough to draw the attention of the cultivators from the City Lord’s side, who glared at him angrily for his lack of manners.
Elder He noticed the commotion, glanced over, and quickly grasped the situation. His expression darkened. He had explicitly ordered that Ruan Xinhui not appear. Who had allowed her in? With a sharp look, he signaled for someone to escort her out immediately. Miss Ruan tried to protest but froze when she saw Elder He’s icy glare, which sent shivers down her spine. She left quietly.
Witnessing the entire scene, Gu Yao didn’t know whether to call her foolish or just plain naive. Everything she felt was written all over her face, her behavior utterly blatant. Perhaps, accustomed to being pampered and having her way, she had grown arrogant. But the moment things didn’t go her way, her true face was unbearably unpleasant to see.
—
“Master Hu, about the ‘Qingchen Pill’…”
Master Hu raised a hand, cutting off Elder He before he could finish. “I know what you’re about to say. Let me clarify: the ‘Qingchen Pill’ was entirely Alchemist Gu’s independent creation. I merely provided input on a few minor issues. The fact that Alchemist Gu is generously allowing our Cuiyan Valley to share the formula already fills me with guilt. If you wish to discuss matters regarding the pill, I suggest speaking directly to Alchemist Gu.”
Master Hu openly acknowledged Gu Yao’s credit and made his position clear.
Elder He cursed silently at this stubborn old man. How could he have no jealousy or inclination to suppress a junior? Reluctantly, he offered praise for Gu Yao, calling him a rising star among alchemists of the Tianlin Continent. He lauded Gu Yao’s talent as a blessing for the land, confidently claiming that with him around, the art of alchemy would flourish.
Gu Yao, barely listening, wanted to plug his ears. He urged Elder He to get to the point.
—
“…The City Lord hopes that Alchemist Gu and Master Hu can make the ‘Qingchen Pill’ accessible to more cultivators,” Elder He finally said. “In my opinion, Alchemist Gu’s current efforts to promote the pill are somewhat limited. Why not let the City Lord’s Residence handle it? Rest assured, the City Lord’s Residence will not let Alchemist Gu suffer any losses. Whatever conditions you have, feel free to state them.” Elder He spoke with an air of magnanimity, as if granting a great favor, his tone suggesting he was willing to tolerate Gu Yao’s demands due to his youth.
Chi Changye shot a cold glance at Elder He, making him shiver involuntarily. But when he looked up, he saw nothing unusual.
Lu Qiusheng ground his teeth. This old man’s audacity was astonishing—using both the City Lord’s name and his seniority to pressure them. Shameless!
Jiang Yan glanced at Gu Yao, silently asking if he should step in. Gu Yao smiled faintly, signaling his senior brother to stand down, then said, “Elder He, let’s speak plainly. I can hand over the formula, but I have conditions.”
“Very well. Alchemist Gu, state your terms. The City Lord’s Residence will meet any request,” Elder He said confidently, thinking to himself, ‘This boy is young and naive after all. The City Lord’s title alone is enough to sway him.’
“First, the price of the ‘Qingchen Pill’ will be based on the pricing I agreed upon with Master Hu and must not be increased.”
“Second, for every ‘Qingchen Pill’ sold under the City Lord’s Residence, I only require a 5% profit, and this 5% profit will go to the Tianfu Academy.”
“These are the two conditions. If Elder He agrees, we can sign the contract right here, and I will immediately hand over the formula.”
Master Hu narrowed his eyes and smiled. Gu Yao was indeed not so easily fooled. Not only was his character firm, but he was also incredibly intelligent. By giving the spiritual stones to the Tianfu Academy, would the City Lord’s Residence and Treasure Pavilion dare to swallow them without hesitation? If they did, Director Yu of the Academy would probably pay them a visit to discuss the matter in person.