The Grey Rat's Demon Path

Chapter 154: Chapter 143: Improving Skills (Part 2)

Although Xu Chang’an had advanced and could now refine Foundation Establishment Pills, almost no demons sought him out, even if his prices were a little cheaper.

After two months, Xu Chang’an finally received his first job.

The job involved three demons who had pooled their resources to have a Foundation Establishment Pill refined.

After spending the better part of a day, Xu Chang’an fulfilled his duty and successfully refined a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills.

Opening the furnace revealed one standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, one inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, and two Wasted Pills!

Refining Elixirs was never a guaranteed success. A result like this was already considered quite good.

Of the three demons, the two who had contributed the most received the Foundation Establishment Pills, and they compensated the third for the difference.

With that, Xu Chang’an finally had a true success story to his name.

Three more months passed before he received a second invitation for Alchemy.

This time, he produced two pills, both of which were standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pills.

At this point, Xu Chang’an’s status as a Tier Two Middle-grade Alchemist was firmly established!

The fame of the Gray Rat Alchemist gradually began to spread throughout Peacock Demon City.

One day, a peculiar demon arrived at the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop.

"Valued guest, how may I help you?"

A Little Demon attendant went up to greet him.

"Excuse me, is the Gray Rat Alchemist here?"

The visitor was dressed in a black robe, their features obscured.

"Valued guest, what business do you have with the Gray Rat Alchemist?"

"Please inform him that an old acquaintance has come to call. I wish to speak with the Gray Rat Alchemist."

As he spoke, the visitor removed his hood, revealing a bright yellow canary’s head.

It was the King of Langlang Mountain, Jin Yuanba!

Xu Chang’an wasn’t particularly surprised by Jin Yuanba’s visit.

In his previous correspondence with Jin Ling’Er, he had mentioned that he was serving as an Alchemist at the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop in Peacock Demon City.

In her letters, Jin Ling’Er had also mentioned that Jin Yuanba might be heading to Peacock Demon City soon.

Thus, it was only natural for Jin Yuanba to pay him a visit.

In the courtyard, Spirit Plants absorbed and released a dense Spiritual Qi.

"Gray Rat Alchemist, to think you’ve made such a name for yourself in this vast Peacock Demon City. I am truly impressed!"

Jin Yuanba remarked with admiration as he took in the surrounding scenery.

He had already learned a great deal before coming to visit Xu Chang’an.

The Grey Rat of today was not the same Grey Rat of the past.

He was a true Tier Two Middle-grade Alchemist, a respected figure whom even veteran Great Demons would treat with courtesy.

"You’re too kind, Great King. It can’t compare to you, overseeing your own mountain with such ease and freedom."

Xu Chang’an replied humbly.

Having spent twenty-one years on Langlang Mountain, he still felt a sense of gratitude.

"Gray Rat Alchemist, please, just call me Fellow Daoist!"

Jin Yuanba repeatedly waved off Xu Chang’an’s formal address.

In the end, they agreed to address each other as Fellow Daoist.

After a few more pleasantries, Jin Yuanba stated the purpose of his visit.

Langlang Mountain had opened several new shops in the Lujiao Mountain Marketplace, and business was booming.

However, since Xu Chang’an’s departure, the elixir business had declined, lacking a senior Alchemist to oversee it.

He had come this time hoping to find a dedicated supply channel.

He wanted to procure a selection of rare Elixirs to sell in their shops at the Lujiao Mountain Marketplace.

"That shouldn’t be difficult."

Xu Chang’an readily agreed.

Given his standing in the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop, such a trivial matter would only take a single word from him.

"I’ll be troubling you then, Fellow Daoist Grey Rat."

Jin Yuanba adopted an extremely humble posture.

Times had changed!

His status as a Foundation Establishment Great Demon was unquestionable on Langlang Mountain, but in Peacock Demon City, it was nothing special.

He had come to Peacock Demon City this time to acquire a Golden Crow Pill, and the numerous setbacks he had faced made this fact painfully clear.

Fortunately, this trip had not been in vain!

"By the way, Fellow Daoist Jin, are you interested in purchasing a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Xu Chang’an suddenly asked.

While Foundation Establishment Pills were common in Peacock Demon City, back on Langlang Mountain, or even in the Lujiao Mountain Marketplace, they were a rare treasure.

"A Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Jin Yuanba murmured thoughtfully.

Langlang Mountain’s Third Elder’s Cultivation had reached the Peak of the Ninth Level of Qi Refining several years ago. But without a Foundation Establishment Pill, he had been unable to break through.

However, acquiring the Golden Crow Pill had already cost him more than half his fortune. Even if a ready-made Foundation Establishment Pill were placed right in front of him, he wouldn’t have the means to purchase it.

"Foundation Establishment Pills are precious. In my current financial state, I’m afraid it’s beyond my reach!"

Jin Yuanba said with a bitter smile.

"What about an inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Xu Chang’an took a carefully preserved Foundation Establishment Pill from his Storage Bag.

It was the very same inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill from his first successful refining.

"Oh!?"

Jin Yuanba’s eyes flashed with interest.

The effects of an inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill were somewhat weaker than a standard-grade one.

But no matter how weak, it was still a Foundation Establishment Pill and could aid in Breaking the Realm.

If a demon attempting a breakthrough had a solid foundation and deep reserves, they could still enter the Foundation Establishment Realm and become a Foundation Establishment Great Demon with the help of an inferior-grade pill.

Given the reserves the Third Elder of Langlang Mountain had accumulated, he should have an excellent chance of success!

Jin Yuanba’s interest was piqued.

An inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill was significantly cheaper than a standard-grade one. If he could scrape some funds together, he might just be able to afford it.

Right then and there, Jin Yuanba and Xu Chang’an began to discuss the details.

In the end, Xu Chang’an sold the inferior-grade Foundation Establishment Pill to Jin Yuanba at its normal market price.

Jin Yuanba, of course, was delighted to accept.

Trading for the Foundation Establishment Pill privately meant he didn’t have to risk a high-profile bidding war at an auction.

It also ensured secrecy, preventing rival powers from learning about it in advance and deliberately targeting them.

Jin Yuanba was short on Demon Stones, so he paid a portion of the price with Spirit Plants, Spirit Medicines, and Ore.

Xu Chang’an had his own motives for making this sale.

First, it was a way of granting Jin Yuanba a favor and repaying the kindness Langlang Mountain had shown him in the past.

Second, it allowed him to cash in for Demon Stones and accumulate the panel’s Energy more quickly.

After introducing Jin Yuanba to the Shopkeeper of the Flame Leaf Elixir Workshop, Xu Chang’an returned to his Alchemy Room.

Regarding the Elixir supply, it was more appropriate for Jin Yuanba to negotiate directly.

「In the Alchemy Room」

Xu Chang’an took out a Spirit Medicine, his eyes glinting.

This Spirit Medicine was called Quenching Grass.

It wasn’t particularly valuable, but it was one of the common supplementary ingredients for refining the Transformed Form Pill.

’Taking a Transformation Pill to change my appearance can fool a Top-tier Great Demon, but it might not fool a Demon King!’

’If I could refine a Transformed Form Pill...’

’Combined with my Concealment Spell, not even a Demon King could easily see through my disguise!’

The Transformed Form Pill was a Tier Two High-grade Elixir.

If an ordinary demon consumed it, they could completely change their appearance, as if reborn.

Of course, since it didn’t improve one’s bloodline or innate talent, only changing one’s external appearance and aura, the Transformed Form Pill was considered of little practical use to most demons.

However, for demons who were particularly concerned with their appearance, the Transformed Form Pill was a divine treasure.

As the Demon Race learned from the ways of the Human Race, many demons became obsessed with attaining a human form.

By taking a Transformed Form Pill, they could change their appearance and achieve their Transformed Form ahead of schedule!

However, the Transformed Form Pill was not permanent! Its effects only lasted for a certain period.

Even so, after taking the Transformed Form Pill, one could end its effects early or reactivate them at will, making it extremely convenient.

’With my power, if I use the Golden Lion alias, I’ll inevitably come into contact with a Demon King. I should start gathering the refining materials for the Transformed Form Pill in advance!’

The Transformed Form Pill required one main ingredient, two rare supplementary ingredients, and over ten common supplementary ingredients.

Quenching Grass was one of those dozen-or-so common supplementary ingredients.

...

Several more months passed after Jin Yuanba’s visit. During that time, Xu Chang’an accepted two more commissions to refine Foundation Establishment Pills.

His most successful attempt yielded two standard-grade Foundation Establishment Pills and one inferior-grade one.

His Alchemy Skill was growing more and more refined!

A long-awaited letter from Yu Ruyan finally arrived.

She was inviting him to Red Cloud Mountain to attend her Foundation Establishment Celebration!

Xu Chang’an explained the situation and requested two months of leave from Pill Master Ye.

Having become a Tier Two Alchemist, he now held a certain status and naturally had social obligations to attend to.

Pill Master Ye was understanding about the matter.

Xu Chang’an packed his bags, left Peacock Demon City, and headed for Red Cloud Mountain.

Before departing, Xu Chang’an raised his outwardly displayed Cultivation to the Qi Refining Eighth Layer.

As a Tier Two Alchemist, he was wealthy and had an ample supply of Elixirs.

The transition from the Qi Refining Seventh Layer to the Eighth Layer wasn’t a major bottleneck, so it was perfectly normal for him to have broken through.

The distance from Peacock Mountain to Red Cloud Mountain was not short, and revealing a Cultivation at the Qi Refining Eighth Layer would undoubtedly be more intimidating.

This would help deter any opportunistic demons from targeting him and saving him the trouble of dealing with them.

Propelling a Middle-grade Magical Artifact and maintaining the speed of a typical Qi Refining Old Demon, Xu Chang’an arrived at the foot of Red Cloud Mountain after more than twenty days.

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