When it came to Dan Ding Peak, Li Changshou was most interested in two things: the new alchemy furnace he was about to receive and a renowned master of poison refinement—Elder Wan Linjun.
Much of Li Changshou’s theoretical knowledge of poison refinement, along with nearly half of his poison recipes, came from a few treatises written by Wan Linjun.
Wan Linjun was not just an elder of the sect; he was a Celestial Immortal of Dan Ding Peak, and, more importantly, a cultivator whose strength could not be measured merely by cultivation level or magical treasures—he was a true master of poisons.
When his junior sister went to the Eastern Sea to poison the shrimp demons, one of Li Changshou’s considerations was to use the poison she spread as bait to attract this formidable figure’s attention.
After all, this elder was a reclusive expert. Though he had taken the poison powder from Ling’e, there had been no further response…
Li Changshou did not dare to be too forward.
If a sect disciple actively sought out the most skilled poison master in the sect for instruction, it would inevitably arouse suspicion—was this disciple scheming something sinister, perhaps planning to poison an enemy?
However, if the roles were reversed—if a poison-refining elder personally sought to teach a sect disciple—Li Changshou’s reputation would remain relatively untarnished.
The difference between taking initiative and being approached was subtle but crucial.
As he rode the clouds toward Dan Ding Peak with Jiu Wu, Li Changshou was already considering whether he should arrange an “accidental” meeting with the renowned poison master.
It couldn’t be too deliberate, but it also couldn’t be left entirely to chance.
If he could obtain some poison pills or treatises from Elder Wan Linjun, it would be immensely beneficial. Even if it meant attracting some attention, it was a risk worth taking.
As they drifted past two mountain peaks, Jiu Wu clasped his hands behind his back and chuckled.
“Look, that’s Dan Ding Peak.”
Li Changshou nodded with a smile, gazing at the mountain shaped like a wine jug. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
‘Let’s see if I can run into Elder Wan Linjun this time. Forcing it wouldn’t be ideal.’
Dan Ding Peak had two main divisions: one for alchemy and one for artifact forging.
The number of cultivators on the peak wasn’t particularly high—only around a hundred or so.
Among them were three Celestial Immortal elders, over thirty True Immortals and Primordial Immortals, as well as a dozen disciples. The rest were outer disciples serving as assistants.
Upon arriving at a guest courtyard midway up the mountain, Li Changshou and Jiu Wu were greeted by an outer disciple, who led them inside and served tea.
Soon, a male True Immortal arrived. He wore a deep blue robe and had his hair tied up in an Eight Trigrams Daoist crown. His figure was slightly round, and his face had the plump, ruddy complexion of someone who had indulged in too many medicinal pills.
“Jiu Wu, you’ve been visiting less often these past few years.”
Jiu Wu sighed. “Sigh, I’m always being sent on errands, never getting a moment’s rest.”
“That just means the sect trusts you!”
The plump immortal chuckled, his eyes scanning Li Changshou before gesturing forward.
“The Hundred Affairs Hall has already approved your request. We happen to have a few spare alchemy furnaces. Come, I’ll take you to choose one.”
Li Changshou remained standing behind Jiu Wu. Though he was noticeably taller than his senior, he did his best to stay inconspicuous.
Jiu Wu introduced him, saying, “This is my junior, Li Changshou.”
The plump immortal, named Liu Feixian, was also a sect steward, responsible for overseeing affairs at Dan Ding Peak.
After a polite greeting, Liu Feixian offered Li Changshou a few words of encouragement but did not engage further in conversation.
The three of them took to the clouds once more, drifting leisurely toward a secluded valley.
As Liu Feixian and Jiu Wu chatted along the way, Li Changshou remained quiet, keeping his focus inward.
The valley was protected by a grand formation, shielding it from external spiritual senses and providing an additional layer of defense.
Upon entering, they were met with fragrant flowers and chirping birds. Spiritual light shimmered in the air.
Scattered throughout the grove were dozens of cottages and stone huts, most of which had their protective formations activated, indicating that the occupants were in seclusion.
The winding paths led deeper into the valley, laughter occasionally echoing through the trees.
Compared to his own Little Qiong Peak, this place did seem… wealthier.
Following the two True Immortals, Li Changshou arrived at a large hall concealed within a formation.
Liu Feixian quickly deactivated the array and opened the doors, revealing a slightly dusty interior. Several large alchemy furnaces, each about ten feet tall, were placed in the corners, along with meditation cushions and other miscellaneous items.
Li Changshou’s gaze fell on one particular furnace.
Although its material wasn’t as high-quality as his original repaired Purple Gold Furnace, it was a brand-new magical treasure, with all the necessary formations intact. Its overall performance was slightly better than his previous furnace before it exploded.
It would suffice. After all, as a Nascent Soul disciple on the surface, he did not need anything too extravagant.
However, Jiu Wu suddenly smirked and playfully scolded,
“Liu Feixian, aren’t you being a little stingy?
Changshou here has made quite the contribution to the sect. He was permitted to choose a furnace from Dan Ding Peak, but if you’re just going to offer these, wouldn’t that be a bit lacking?
I’ve already put my reputation on the line for this!”
Liu Feixian looked slightly embarrassed. “Ah… if that’s the case, let’s head to another storage area.”
Li Changshou silently thanked Jiu Wu in his heart. He was about to say that this furnace was good enough when—
A voice came from outside.
“Changshou?
Are you the Little Qiong Peak disciple, Li Changshou?”
Jiu Wu and Liu Feixian both stiffened in surprise, while Li Changshou’s heart leaped with excitement.
A breeze passed through the doorway, revealing a thin old man leaning on a cane.
The cane was wrapped in a layer of bronze, and the elder’s wrinkled face was rigid and expressionless. However, his eyes were piercingly sharp. His gray-white hair fluttered slightly, and his Daoist robes carried a faintly pungent odor…
Wan Linjun!
Liu Feixian and Jiu Wu immediately bowed in greeting.
Jiu Wu quickly sent a voice transmission to Li Changshou, “This is Elder Wan Linjun from Dan Ding Peak. Address him as Grandmaster.”
Li Changshou immediately cupped his hands and bowed.
“Disciple Li Changshou of Little Qiong Peak greets Grandmaster.”
The elder nodded, his lips twitching slightly as he forced an… exceptionally sinister smile.
Liu Feixian and Jiu Wu involuntarily shuddered and took a step back.
What had they done to provoke this reclusive poison master?
Wan Linjun wasted no time on pleasantries and pointed directly at Li Changshou.
“How is Foxheart Pill refined?”
Finally, the moment he had been preparing for years!
Li Changshou hesitated briefly, lowered his head, and answered in a steady but slightly nervous tone.
“Following the proper ingredient ratio: three parts spirit fox heart blood, one part Clouded-Eye Grass, two parts Nightshade Soulgrass, one part Rainbow Feather Grass…
Refined over a cold flame for six hours, this will yield Foxheart Pill.”
Wan Linjun slowly nodded. The smile on his face grew even more… unsettling.
“And if you add two parts Corpse Orchid Powder and refine it over a ghostly fire for twelve hours—what would you get?”
“Ghost Fox Shattered Heart Pill,” Li Changshou answered immediately.