Upon seeing the title of the handbook, Yao Lao's brows lifted slightly, a trace of interest flashing through his eyes. He had a feeling he might have come across something rather fascinating.
Immediately afterward, he accepted the handbook Lin Yuan handed over and began flipping through it.
Meanwhile, after giving the handbook to Yao Lao, Lin Yuan also dropped the serious expression he had worn moments earlier and leisurely enjoyed the delicious dishes before him together with Qing Lin.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan suppressed the questions in his heart as well and began enjoying the meal in front of him.
Time quietly passed.
Not long later, after the three of them had finished eating, Yao Lao had also basically finished reading through the Foundations of Medicinal Cuisine Studies — Initial Draft.
Closing the handbook in his hand, he glanced at Xiao Yan, who sat cross-legged nearby with his eyes closed, currently digesting the energy contained within the dishes he had just eaten.
Then, Yao Lao's gaze shifted toward Lin Yuan. He looked at him with a rather indescribable expression.
After a long while, Yao Lao sighed.
"Tian Shu brat, should I praise your courage and drive, or say that you are young and reckless, ignorant of the depths of heaven and earth? To combine culinary arts with alchemy and create an entirely new branch of alchemy known as Medicinal Cuisine Studies. You truly dared to think of it, dared to do it, and even dared to present it openly."
"Senior, are not all things in this world begun by people?" Lin Yuan replied with a calm smile. "Then, in Senior's opinion, does this idea possess feasibility?"
Yao Lao stroked his beard thoughtfully. After pondering for a moment, he nodded solemnly.
"Your ideas are still somewhat immature, and the planning is far from thorough. The difficulty involved is also considerable. However, I must admit that in my view, it does indeed possess a certain degree of feasibility."
He paused before changing the topic and warning him:
"However, you must understand that even if this succeeds, the benefits and influence it brings are not something a single person can easily control. It requires tremendous prestige, strength, and background to support it."
"After all, if such an undertaking succeeds, even if it never becomes the mainstream of the alchemy world, it would still leave behind a bold and brilliant mark in history. It would attract far too much envy."
"Senior speaks wisely." Lin Yuan nodded in agreement. "Therefore, I plan to seek out a group of like-minded alchemists to advance this matter together. In this way, not only can the process be accelerated, but individual achievements can also be transformed into collective achievements, distributing both the risks and the glory."
Naturally, Lin Yuan did not voice his true intentions.
To use fame and profit as bait, gathering a group of exceptional alchemists into a massive Interest group bound to himself for his own use.
Hearing this, Yao Lao looked deeply at Lin Yuan and sighed.
"Tian Shu brat, it seems I truly underestimated you. I originally thought this was merely a passing whim of yours, yet I did not expect you to already possess such far-reaching plans. To actually be willing to share something like this truly, the younger generation inspires awe."
"Senior Yao, would you be interested in joining in?" Lin Yuan invited. "If this succeeds, it ought to become something remembered in the history of the alchemy world."
Hearing this, Yao Lao indeed felt somewhat tempted. Opportunities to leave one's name in history were difficult to refuse.
However, after thinking of his current circumstances, he still shook his head meaningfully.
"Forget it. In my current state, I have no room to consider such matters. If there comes a day when I recover, and you invite me again, then I would be willing to contribute."
"I also believe Senior will surely recover and once more display the grandeur of the continent's former Number One Alchemist. If there is ever need, this junior is willing to offer what little strength he has," Lin Yuan said.
"Thank you, little friend Tian Shu. I think very highly of you. If what you seek truly succeeds, then you will naturally become someone whose name remains in history."
Hearing Yao Lao's praise, Lin Yuan merely waved his hand modestly.
"Senior overpraises me. I am merely attempting to do things that others either fail to notice, or perhaps are unwilling to devote too much effort toward."
Lin Yuan believed he was not the first pioneer upon this path.
However, he should be the first person bold enough to systematize and theorize it completely.
The path sounded simple, yet transforming it into a truly practical road required effort and dedication far beyond what outsiders could imagine.
After all, turning an idea into a truly feasible path demanded enormous amounts of time and energy. Alchemists already had to balance both alchemy and cultivation, leaving them with limited time and focus to spare for such matters.
Even Lin Yuan himself likely would not have pursued this matter had he not created Shadow Clones.
While the two conversed, Xiao Yan had also finished absorbing the energy contained within the dishes.
He rose to his feet and sensed the condition of his body, a trace of astonishment flashing deep within his eyes. This single meal had actually surpassed several days of his bitter cultivation.
Thus, he cupped his hands toward Lin Yuan.
"Many thanks, Brother Tian Shu."
Lin Yuan waved his hand and chuckled lightly.
"Brother Xiao is too polite. It's merely a small matter. The two of you came today for trade matters, as well as to inquire about the changes within the Misty Cloud Sect, correct? Brother Xiao, I assume you've already heard some rumors concerning the Misty Cloud Sect?"
Xiao Yan nodded solemnly.
"I heard some news that several elders of the Misty Cloud Sect recently died."
Lin Yuan nodded.
"As far as I know, that matter is true. Some time ago, three elders of the Misty Cloud Sect were killed by enemies. They were the First Elder Yun Leng, Elder Yun Du, and the Fourth Elder Yun Sha."
"Additionally, I also received another piece of information, the Misty Cloud Sect's Sect Leader, Yun Shan, may have died through self-detonation."
"What?!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyes instantly contracted.
"Yun Shan died? That Dou Ancestor Yun Shan?"
"Tian Shu brat, explain this in detail," Yao Lao said in a deep voice.
Lin Yuan shook his head.
"I do not know the specifics either. I merely received reports that a Dou Ancestor-level battle erupted within the Magical Beast Mountain Range the day before yesterday. Afterward, an earth-shattering explosion occurred there, likely the self-detonation of a Dou Ancestor."
"And how did you determine it was Yun Shan?"
"Because before the self-detonation, someone heard the words: 'Damn enemy of the Misty Cloud Sect! Even in death, this Sect Leader will not let you off. Come perish together with me!'"
After hearing Lin Yuan's words, the scene fell into silence.
More than ten seconds later, Yao Lao asked:
"The day before yesterday…? Tian Shu, is this matter true? Is it related to you?"
Hearing this, Lin Yuan smiled faintly and replied calmly.
"I will personally verify the matter. If it is true, then Senior Yao may consider it related to me. Let us say that I fulfilled the transaction condition stating that 'Yun Shan would not appear at the Misty Cloud Sect during the Three-Year Agreement.'"
"After all, I have already read the information regarding the creation of a perfect body. There is no way to return it now."
After pondering for a while, Yao Lao nodded.
"Very well. If you can confirm Yun Shan's death, then our transaction conditions may be considered fulfilled."
"Agreed." Lin Yuan nodded. "That is all the useful information I currently possess for the two of you. Next, shall we continue our trade? I am rather interested in the Soul Fusion Pill formula Brother Xiao obtained during the Alchemist Grand Meeting…"
"Brother Tian Shu, you're actually interested in the Soul Fusion Pill?"
"Heh, it's not the Soul Fusion Pill itself that interests me. Rather, I'm interested in all medicinal pills related to the soul."
"Then why didn't Brother Tian Shu participate in the Grand Meeting?"
"Would you specifically join a competition for the sake of a mere Black Class Dou Technique?"
"Uh no. But why ask that?"
"Because a Black Class Dou Technique to you is equivalent to a medicinal formula to me. Besides, if I had participated, would you still have been able to win the championship?"
"Hahaha, Brother Tian Shu truly is wealthy and extravagant…"
Afterward, the three conducted another round of exchanges involving medicinal formulas and ingredients before Xiao Yan and Yao Lao took their leave.
However, only a few minutes after Xiao Yan and Yao Lao departed.
Holding the medicinal formula for the Spirit Fusion Pill, Lin Yuan looked toward the empty space ahead of him and said calmly, "Senior Yao, is there something else?"
As soon as his words fell, the space ahead rippled slightly, and a faint, indistinct figure slowly emerged. It was Yao Lao.
Lin Yuan praised, "Senior's soul clone technique is truly miraculous." After a brief pause, he continued, "But is there some important matter? You deliberately used a soul clone to avoid Brother Xiao. Is this something he cannot know about?"
Yao Lao did not waste words and went straight to the point.
"Tian Shu brat, just as you said some days ago, there truly are people from the Hall of Souls operating within the Jia Ma Empire."
Lin Yuan deliberately revealed a surprised expression before asking, "There really are traces of them within the Jia Ma Empire? How did Senior learn of this?"
Yao Lao pondered for a moment before replying, "I have certain special channels of information. But that is not the important part right now. The important thing is that, with members of the Hall of Souls active nearby, there are certain matters I cannot personally handle. Therefore, I wish to entrust you with something."
Hearing this, Lin Yuan's expression turned serious.
"Let us proceed according to the rules of a transaction. Senior, please tell me what the matter is first."
Yao Lao nodded and said solemnly, "I want you to investigate the current situation of the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City for me. Something happened there the day before yesterday, and I need to know the details. The results of the investigation must reach me before the Three-Year Agreement begins."
"You should also be aware that there may be members of the Hall of Souls active there."
Pretending to know nothing, Lin Yuan asked, "The Three-Year Agreement? That's the day after tomorrow. Is this matter truly so urgent? Or does the Hall of Souls have designs on Brother Xiao? Although I know Brother Xiao is extraordinary, how exactly are the Hall of Souls, Brother Xiao, and the Xiao Clan connected?"
Yao Lao shook his head and did not answer directly.
"There are things I cannot reveal for the time being. But this matter is of great importance. If you have any conditions, feel free to name them."
Lin Yuan fell silent for a moment before replying seriously, "Everyone has their secrets. Since Senior says so, I will not ask further. However, since this matter may involve the Hall of Souls, my asking price will naturally be higher."
"I want Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva."
"Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva?" A look of understanding flashed through Yao Lao's eyes. "It seems you are collecting materials for the Poison Pill method. Unfortunately, while this item is not particularly expensive, it is indeed quite rare. I do not possess any Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva."
After pondering briefly, Lin Yuan said seriously, "I do not need it immediately. As long as Senior can deliver it to me within one year, that will suffice. With Senior's influence, obtaining it within a year should not be difficult."
Yao Lao thought for a moment. Considering that Gu Xun'er could serve as a fallback, acquiring Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva should not be a problem.
Thus, he nodded in agreement.
"If it is within one year, then I accept."
"Then, happy cooperation." Lin Yuan smiled faintly. "Senior may rest assured. I will make arrangements immediately. Before the Three-Year Agreement begins, I will definitely deliver news of the Xiao Clan to you."
"Much obliged."
After saying this, Yao Lao's soul clone gradually dissipated and returned to his main body.
Lin Yuan quietly watched the soul clone vanish, the corners of his lips slowly rising into a satisfied smile.
"With this, I've practically obtained the Bodhisattva Transforming Body Saliva for free. Still, the act must be performed properly. I'll have Old Hai make the trip. With his speed and a Wind Walking Pill, making a round trip before the Three-Year Agreement will be more than enough."
Thinking this, he turned toward Qing Lin.
"Qing'er, I'm going to Old Hai's place for a moment. Make some preparations. Once I return, we'll go out for a walk together."
Afterward, Lin Yuan sensed Hai Bodong's location and headed in his direction.
Not long later, a figure radiating icy cold aura shot out from the Mitel Clan estate, speeding toward Wu Tan City.
A while later, Lin Yuan also left the Mitel Clan together with Qing Lin, heading toward the bustling districts of the Imperial Capital.
"Young Master, where are we going?"
"Uh… let's first take a look around the headquarters of the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association. There's a trading district for alchemists there. Recently, because of the Alchemist Grand Meeting, quite a number of alchemists have gathered there. We might come across something interesting."
Meanwhile, deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range, dense forests stretched endlessly, their towering trees blotting out the sky.
At the heart of this primordial forest lay an enormous crater, like a wound torn open across the earth itself.
This crater was precisely the remnant left behind after Yun Shan's self-destruction.
Suddenly, a mass of ominous black mist emerged abruptly from the void, drifting ghost-like above the crater.
It was Protector Wu.
At this moment, the Protector Wu shrouded in black mist radiated a chilling aura capable of making one's hair stand on end.
Earlier, Protector Wu had already handed over every member of the Xiao Clan, including Xiao Zhan, to personnel sent by the Hall of Souls. However, upon returning to the Misty Cloud Sect, he discovered that Yun Shan had not returned.
Filled with foreboding, he hurriedly came in search of Yun Shan's whereabouts.
Yet when he arrived, the only thing he saw was the gigantic crater before him.
Protector Wu circled above the crater, attempting to find any clue proving that it had not been caused by Yun Shan's self-destruction.
However, no matter how much he tried to deceive himself, the dense lingering aura of Yun Shan's Dou Qi within the crater mercilessly revealed the truth.
This crater had indeed been formed by Yun Shan's self-destruction, and Yun Shan himself had already turned to dust, vanishing from this world forever.
Protector Wu circled the crater again and again, each revolution accompanied by a cold and oppressive aura, as though boundless fury was accumulating within him.
Finally, his enraged roar exploded from within the black mist, echoing across the wilderness.
"Yun Shan, you useless piece of trash! An utterly idiotic pig!"
"This Protector invested so many resources into you, yet you accomplished nothing! You failed to complete even a single task for me! Damnable! Damnable!"
No one knew how much time passed before Protector Wu gradually calmed his rage.
However, his eyes became even more vicious, and his aura increasingly sinister.
He knew clearly that Yun Shan's death meant that the upcoming plan to capture Yao Chen's soul would become far riskier.
"Yao Chen and that ant-like disciple of his will definitely go to the Misty Cloud Sect for that so-called Three-Year Agreement," Protector Wu calculated inwardly. "Such a perfect opportunity will only come once. I must seize it properly. If I miss this chance, capturing Yao Chen's soul in the future will become far more difficult."
"Could it be that this enormous merit truly has to be shared with others?"
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