The Demonic Cultivator In Zombie World

Chapter 220: Where Can One Find the Top-tier Nascent Soul Technique?

After securing the Taotie Tree seed, Chu Xuan returned to his main base. With the Nascent Soul spiritual substances already in hand, the only thing missing was a suitable Nascent Soul technique.

"Finding a Nascent Soul technique is actually easier than acquiring Nascent Soul spiritual substances," he mused. "Families that have produced Nascent Soul cultivators generally possess such techniques, and they are often available at auction houses. However, finding the most suitable technique for myself is crucial."

Chu Xuan returned to Heavenly Sword City on the extraterritorial battlefield, where three days had passed since the grand battle involving four Nascent Soul cultivators.

The sudden disappearance of Shangguan Hao had left Heavenly Sword City leaderless. Seizing the opportunity, the Majestic Sword Sect sent a new Nascent Soul cultivator, Ximen Changqing, to take control.

The city's name remained unchanged, and while the Shangguan family still existed, their power had significantly diminished. Now, monks from the Majestic Sword Sect managed Heavenly Sword City, effectively turning it from the private domain of the Shangguan family into the second major city of the Majestic Sword Sect.

The newly appointed Nascent Soul cultivator took vigorous action against the marauding cultivators around the city, which suited Chu Xuan well. This would likely attract more people to Heavenly Sword City to do business and auction treasures acquired from the extraterritorial battlefield.

Chu Xuan did not enter the second-tier cave dwelling he had previously rented but instead re-entered Heavenly Sword City with a new identity.

"Identity, name, and purpose of visit," a cultivator from the Majestic Sword Sect asked calmly.

Chu Xuan replied with a smile, "He Liang from the Mystic Azure Star's Heavenly Seal Sect. I have some knowledge of alchemy and am here to conduct some small-scale business."

The expression of the Majestic Sword Sect cultivator immediately turned more respectful. He handed over an identity jade slip, saying, "Alchemist He, please, you are most welcome."

In the world of cultivation, formation masters were held in the highest regard, followed closely by alchemists. To many cultivators, alchemists were highly sought after.

Chu Xuan, having absorbed the Acquired Miraculous Jade and developed the "True Blood Elixir Body," indeed had a fair understanding of alchemy. With his current abilities, he could casually produce any pill below the Nascent Soul stage. Even if the quality was subpar, adding a drop of essence blood could forcibly enhance the pill's quality. However, he would never add his essence blood to pills intended for others, as it could potentially leave evidence that could be used against him.

Upon entering Heavenly Sword City, Chu Xuan first rented a second-tier cave dwelling and then leased a shop in the city's Pill Pavilion. He then began to operate under the genteel guise of "Alchemist He," focusing solely on acquiring a suitable Nascent Soul technique without stirring up trouble. Of course, if someone insisted on causing trouble, he wouldn't mind hastening their journey to the afterlife.

In Heavenly Sword City, one month later, Chu Xuan was earning the respect and gratitude of many for his alchemical skills.

A Golden Core cultivator, almost in tears and on the verge of kneeling, praised him, "Alchemist He, several alchemists in this city have tried and failed, yet you succeeded in creating the pill! I cannot thank you enough!"

Chu Xuan helped the cultivator up, saying modestly, "Creating medicines is simply my duty."

"No need for excessive thanks, just focus on your cultivation with this pill," Chu Xuan advised.

"Yes!" the Golden Core cultivator replied gratefully.

After the cultivator left, Chu Xuan reviewed his earnings and couldn't help but marvel at the lucrative nature of being an alchemist. He had access to precious pill recipes for free, retained any excess pills he produced, charged a fee for his services, and still received heartfelt gratitude.

When Chu Xuan initially hung out his shingle for alchemy, few sought his services—after all, cultivators prefer alchemists they know and trust. However, as word of his abilities spread, more and more cultivators began seeking him out. Now, he was as well-known as the long-established alchemists in Heavenly Sword City.

"Too much attention can be a bad thing," Chu Xuan mused. "A couple of failures aren't enough; it seems I might need to botch a few more batches to avoid envy from the other alchemists."

Lounging in a wicker chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully, Chu Xuan noticed two individuals watching him. He pretended not to see them, continuing to browse through alchemical texts. Despite his enhanced talents due to the True Blood Elixir Body, he understood the need for constant study and practice to truly master the art of alchemy.

After the two onlookers left, Chu Xuan's suspicions grew. He had been observed covertly several times recently. Initially, he thought his disguise might have been penetrated and kept his spells at the ready when returning to his cave dwelling. Yet, there had been no confrontation; it seemed they were just watching.

Chu Xuan also realized that not just he but other alchemists in Heavenly Sword City were being watched. It appeared someone was targeting alchemists, but since there had been no direct action, Chu Xuan chose to play ignorant.

That evening, after closing his shop, he attended an auction before returning to his cave dwelling. This routine had defined his days over the past month. During this time, he had acquired several Nascent Soul techniques, mostly of medium quality, with only one considered superior.

"Where can one find the top-tier Nascent Soul technique?" Chu Xuan sighed in resignation, the search continuing to elude him.

...

That day, as Chu Xuan casually strolled through Pill Pavilion, searching for alchemical ingredients he needed, he noticed two cultivators standing outside his rented shop, seemingly waiting for someone. His gaze lingered on them briefly, sensing something unusual about the pair.

The male cultivator had a distinguished and handsome appearance, his robes fluttering elegantly. The female cultivator was robust and vibrant, resembling a blooming peony.

His junior, who was helping at the shop, spotted Chu Xuan from a distance and hurriedly called out, "Alchemist He! You're finally back! This is Xun Zhao, senior Xun, he specifically came to see you!"

Chu Xuan looked at the two with a hint of surprise. After Shangguan Hao's mysterious disappearance, Heavenly Sword City had been left without a leader, plunging into disarray.

The Majestic Sword Sect quickly seized the opportunity and appointed a Nascent Soul cultivator, Ximen Changqing, to take charge of the city. Most Nascent Soul cultivators spent their time in seclusion, striving for higher realms of cultivation.

The day-to-day management of Heavenly Sword City was actually handled by Ximen Changqing's two capable disciples, his fourth disciple Wu Shang, and his sixth disciple Xun Zhao. Ximen Changqing's other disciples had either died in magical duels or disappeared on the extraterritorial battlefield.

Wu Shang, with his seniority and strength, oversaw most of the city's affairs. Only minor matters were left to Xun Zhao, the sixth disciple. Wu Shang was no ordinary cultivator. As soon as he took charge, he immediately dispatched people to search for Shangguan Hao. He seemed very diligent as if determined to see the living or find the dead.

However, Chu Xuan, having resided in Heavenly Sword City for a month, observed these developments clearly. He could tell that Wu Shang's search for Shangguan Hao was merely for show, a tactic to project diligence and responsibility. This facade was likely maintained to stabilize the city's situation and assure the local cultivators and citizens that everything was under control.