Stealing Immortal

Chapter 128: Chapter 127: Hu Sheng

Array components form the array base, the array base supports the array’s core, and the core unleashes the array’s power.

The Way of the Array is profound. Its mysteries begin with the placement of its components, and its ultimate power hinges upon them.

The small array Chen Qingyang had set up was called the Liu Family Ancestral House Incense and Candle Prayer Skill for Gathering Blessings. It was a very basic array for Gathering Yin, and its power was unremarkable.

Later, the Incense Burner gifted by Long Sheng became its most crucial component, giving the array a boost in power. Now, with some time to spare, he was tinkering with the array once more.

He planned to keep the Incense Burner and simply add more components, which would certainly increase the array’s power. The only issue was that the Way of the Array was incredibly strict. A slight change in the orientation of a single component could produce a completely different result.

He mulled it over as he tinkered, aligning the components with the earth’s geomancy and the intricacies of feng shui. When he finally finished, he considered it a small but successful practical exercise.

Ever since the feast in Peach Blossom Valley, where he had seen how arrays could be used to ensnare others, Chen Qingyang had wanted to explore that aspect. However, he had never found the time, always getting sidetracked by other matters.

It seemed that as soon as he had a free moment, he would have to take a trip to the Cloud Scripture Jade Pavilion and find a different array formation. He had already figured out how to acquire the Magical Artifacts needed to set it up. He would prepare a large batch of Tier Four Yang Replacement Powder, trade it for Spirit Stones at Gentle Breeze, and then use the Spirit Stones to purchase Merit.

The process was a bit convoluted, but it was still more direct than leaving the Sect to complete tasks for Merit.

"Master, the array’s power has definitely increased..." Xu Baoling wasn’t just a pill tester; she could also test arrays.

’She only said it had increased, not by how much, which meant the change was negligible. It seemed that any more work on this array would be merely gilding the lily, not a true breakthrough. He really did need to find a new one.’

After acknowledging her, Chen Qingyang began the process of alchemy once more. These days, the two youths could handle most of the raw material preparation for the Tier Four Yang Replacement Powder. Only a small fraction required his personal touch, so the preparations were completed quickly.

Xu Baoling could see clearly that the amount of raw materials he loaded into the Pill Furnace this time was enough for far more than five pills. Seeing that Chen Qingyang had already begun the refinement process, she held her tongue, a faint sense of anticipation stirring within her.

As he began to control the fire, a gentle warmth suffused the Alchemy Room. A ball of flame appeared, circling the Pill Furnace.

Outsiders might not be able to see the Conscious Fish, but they could clearly see the flame. Perhaps because the room was growing too stuffy, Xu Baoling pushed open all the doors and windows.

The flames within the Pill Furnace burned ceaselessly. Chen Qingyang kept both his palms pressed against it, the Separation Huo Dragon Pearl resting on his lap. Everything was adjusted to its optimal state.

It was nightfall by the time a full four hours had passed, and he had just entered the "Late Fire" stage. A little over half an hour later, Chen Qingyang finally stopped.

He took a moment to catch his breath. Once the Pill Furnace had cooled down slightly, he reached in, pulled out an elixir, and examined it closely.

’It’s a bit crude, but there’s no way you could say it isn’t Tier Four. In any case, it’s good enough!’

Hearing his words, Xu Baoling leaned in closer. "Master, this elixir may not be as refined as your usual work, but its potency is still immense. It’s definitely Tier Four."

She glanced into the Pill Furnace again. "And you managed to produce eight in a single batch. That’s incredibly rare. You won’t have to worry about the elixirs for your master anymore."

A mere one hundred and twenty-five pills would only take a dozen or so days to make. Indeed, there was no longer any need to worry.

"How long did I take this time?" Chen Qingyang asked.

Xu Baoling had kept track. "Roughly five hours."

"Very good." Chen Qingyang nodded, quite pleased. ’From now on, I won’t have to waste time on this. I can even trade the surplus for Spirit Stones.’

’But I’ve been shearing so much wool from Master Yun Ci... she won’t mind, will she?’

After meditating for a short while longer, he found the sky had already brightened. Chen Qingyang prepared two Tier Three Qi-Introducing Pills and set off in the direction of Peach Blossom Valley.

Just outside the valley, he sent his Conscious Fish ahead to scout. It observed all the martial brothers, but seeing no good opportunity to approach, he remained outside and waited.

「A day later.」

When Hu Sheng finally left Peach Blossom Valley and started toward Master Water Moon’s Dao Field, Chen Qingyang revealed himself, feigning a chance encounter as he stepped into his path.

"Senior Brother Hu, this Junior Brother pays his respects!" His tone was polite and deferential, as if they had truly met by chance.

Hu Sheng wasn’t surprised to see Chen Qingyang. "Junior Brother Chen, you must have come to Peach Blossom Valley to pay a visit to the seven of us."

Chen Qingyang gestured below them. "Senior Brother Hu, this isn’t the best place to talk. Shall we find a spot below to speak? ...I’ve even prepared a humble gift!"

He’d specifically mentioned the gift, fearing Hu Sheng might refuse. ’What else could this humble gift be besides elixirs?’ Hu Sheng thought.

He immediately broke into a wide grin. "Fine by me. This spot right here looks good."

The two descended to the ground. A large, flat bluestone lay there, so they sat cross-legged upon it, one on either side.

Hu Sheng was burly, with a round face and a short beard. He looked eager. "It seems Junior Brother Chen was looking for me alone, and this doesn’t concern my brothers. So, what did you want to discuss?"

Chen Qingyang played along, obediently taking out a Tier Three Qi-Introducing Pill. "There’s no rush to talk business. Why doesn’t Senior Brother Hu enjoy this elixir first? It’s fresh from the furnace, so its effects are at their peak!"

From his interactions with them, Chen Qingyang had a good grasp of the personalities of the Seven Immortals of Peach Valley. Compared to his brothers—Lu, Long, and Bao—Hu Sheng was far simpler.

Without a second thought, he took the elixir and swallowed it. Not much time had passed since he had last taken the Star Meteor Powder, so the number of Immortal Seedlings stolen this time was even greater than before, reaching a total of 66.

"What a fine elixir! Junior Brother, your alchemy skills are truly remarkable. You produce Tier Three Qi-Introducing Pills as if it’s nothing. If I can achieve a breakthrough, then in the future..."

He had likely been about to say how he would repay the favor, but then he remembered they were supposed to be working against Chen Qingyang in secret. He quickly changed his tune. "...I’ll thank you properly!"

Chen Qingyang shook his head gently. "We both cultivate on the same peak. It’s destiny that brought us together. There’s no need for such words."

Hu Sheng seemed to be merely placating him. "Yes, of course... So, Junior Brother Chen, what was it you wanted to find me alone to discuss?"

"Sigh!" Chen Qingyang let out a long, heavy sigh. "Back when I was a Miscellaneous Task disciple on Four Golden Peaks, I was able to get by thanks to the reputation of a certain Foundation Establishment Master. I thought my days would get easier once I reached Cyan Bamboo Peak, but I never imagined it would still be this hard..."

Whether or not he truly understood what Chen Qingyang was getting at, Hu Sheng felt obligated to offer some words of comfort, if only for the elixir’s sake. "Don’t let it get to you. We are cultivators; we must put our cultivation first. As long as your cultivation rises, everything else will fall into place."

Seeing his target begin to take the bait, Chen Qingyang pressed on. "That’s easy to say, but who knows how long it will take to achieve a breakthrough in cultivation? The truth is, I’m struggling right now."

Hu Sheng couldn’t figure out what he was trying to say, so he stopped asking. But Chen Qingyang’s gaze shifted to him. "I can tell Senior Brother Hu is a man of honor, and your cultivation is exceptional. I, on the other hand, am barely noticed by my own Master. That’s why I was hoping I could ask for your protection, Senior Brother Hu. That way, I might avoid being bullied. Naturally, if you help me, you’ll never be short on elixirs like this."

He had already been entertaining such thoughts, and hearing Chen Qingyang lay it out so plainly made his heart itch with desire. He internally cursed both Lu Sheng and that Tian Jingzhao.

’If it hadn’t been for that whole mess with them, I would’ve taken this kid under my wing ages ago.’

"Well..." Hu Sheng looked conflicted, unable to find the right words. Chen Qingyang knew what was going through the man’s mind, so he wasn’t worried. He simply waited in silence.

Finally, he spoke. "You and I are both disciples of the Cyan Bamboo Division, and we both cultivate in the Tai Xu Sect. We should help each other out. There’s no need for such talk."

’That was probably the most diplomatic thing Hu Sheng had ever said in his life, having wracked his brain for it. He didn’t want to refuse outright, but he didn’t dare to agree, either.’

Chen Qingyang understood. The hook wasn’t set deep enough. He promptly took out the other elixir. "Though I’m not at the Qi Refining Ninth Realm myself, I know how crucial the Qi-Introducing Pill is for breaking through. If you could take them regularly, Senior Brother Hu, you might break through within a year, perhaps even six months. At that point, you’d certainly gain the high regard of Master Water Moon, and maybe even..."

Chen Qingyang let out a sigh and paused deliberately. Hu Sheng was on the edge of his seat. "Maybe even what?"

"Maybe even a cut above the rest of the Seven Immortals of Peach Valley. Since my first day in the Tai Xu Sect, I’ve known that on the path of cultivation, it doesn’t matter who started first—the one who attains mastery is the senior. Has Senior Brother Hu ever seen how many Foundation Establishment Masters have to address their own former disciples as ’Senior Brother’?"

It was the truth, and it wasn’t a rare sight in the Tai Xu Sect. Everyone has ambition. Hearing these words, Hu Sheng couldn’t help but let his imagination run wild.

Like a demon whispering temptations, Chen Qingyang leaned in closer. "It is precisely because I see your bright future, Senior Brother Hu, that I wish to seek your protection. I admire your character and trust that you won’t forget me when you’ve made it big."

"Once you become an Inner Sect Disciple, Master Water Moon will bestow new Dharma Gates upon you, setting you on a new path of cultivation. Moreover, at this critical juncture, if you can break through in even less time, you will surely catch Master Water Moon’s eye. With her dedicated nurturing, who knows? Perhaps one day I’ll have to respectfully address you as Master Hu Sheng."

’Master Hu Sheng!’

It had a majestic ring to it. Hu Sheng’s eyes lit up, his mind buzzing with warmth as it filled with glorious possibilities.

He slammed his palm on the bluestone. "I’m in! From now on, I’ve got your back. But... things are complicated at the moment. I’ll need some time to convince my brothers. Keep this between us for now. As for this elixir..."

Chen Qingyang was once again the picture of compliance. "Please rest assured, Senior Brother Hu. As long as you can offer me a measure of protection, the elixirs will not be a problem."

Hu Sheng said "Good" three times in succession.

After Hu Sheng left, Chen Qingyang’s calm and composed demeanor returned.

’Sometimes I think about how hard I have it,’ he mused. ’A distinguished Inner Sect Disciple like me, having to bow and scrape before an Outer Sect disciple... all for a few lousy Immortal Seedlings.’

Just as he was thinking this, an image of the Stealing Immortal prompt and Hu Sheng’s face surfaced in his mind. The haul this time was 91 Immortal Seedlings. Frankly, that was a bit excessive.

[Available Immortal Seedlings: 273]

’All that recent hard work had only netted me 253 Immortal Seedlings. It seemed this business really depended on major opportunities.’

Seeing that Hu Sheng was heading toward the Water Moon Grotto Heaven, Chen Qingyang hid himself in the woods to meditate and cultivate. He let his Conscious Fish float in mid-air, waiting for his target to return.

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