Chaotic Sword God Chapter 3980: Meeting the Master of Profound Secrets

Observing the Master of Profound Secrets as he strode into the chamber, a flicker of surprise crossed Jian Chen’s face. Understanding that the master was currently preoccupied with synthesizing ancient pills for the Illusionary Ancestor—a task demanding absolute precision—Jian Chen had assumed the alchemist would merely dispatch a soul clone to welcome him. He had certainly not anticipated a personal appearance.

“You are too kind, Master. Given your peerless mastery over alchemy, is there any pill you cannot craft with ease? My unannounced arrival was inconsiderate, and I only hope it has not caused an interruption,” Jian Chen replied, rising to offer a respectful clasp of his hands with a warm smile.

“I have eagerly anticipated this visit, fellow Yang Yutian. Since you have finally graced us with your presence today, how could I ever consider it a hindrance?” replied the Master of Profound Secrets with a hearty laugh. Moments later, he scanned the area and announced, “Fellow Jade Lotus, fellow Rushing Lightning, fellow Blood Butcher, and fellow Ancient Virtue, a distinguished guest has arrived at my Azure Light Mountain. Pray, gather here; I intend to host a banquet to welcome fellow Yang Yutian.”

His voice rippled through the air, echoing clearly across the vast expanse of the Azure Light Mountain.

Shortly thereafter, four figures emerged in silence behind the master. These were the four experts who had assisted him in the conquest of the Starflame Demon Lion: the Jade Lotus Master of Mount Penglai from Jade’s End Heaven, the Rushing Lightning Immortal Exalt representing the Heaven’s Thunder Tower on Numerous Layer Heaven, the Blood Butcher Immortal Exalt of the Blood Immortal sect on Ease Nurturing Heaven, and the Ancient Virtue Immortal Exalt of the Immortal Courtyard of Four Sages from Scholarly Attainment Heaven.

Each of these four individuals was a Fifth Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt, possessing strength that surpassed the peak potential of the Thousand Soul Demon Exalt.

Despite their prestige, they collectively set aside their arrogance in the face of Jian Chen, who appeared to be merely an Immortal Emperor. While perhaps not as overtly exuberant as the Master of Profound Secrets, they greeted Jian Chen with amicable smiles.

As an individual favored by the Illusionary Ancestor, none of them dared to harbor offense without substantial cause, regardless of his perceived standing.

The Master of Profound Secrets promptly ordered the medicinal attendants to arrange a banquet in honor of their guest, though Jian Chen politely declined the gesture, citing the delicate nature of the ancient pill refinement as his reason.

Reflecting on the cauldron of ancient pills still mid-process, the Master of Profound Secrets grew visibly anxious. Fearing any lapse in concentration, he readily accepted Jian Chen’s refusal and abandoned the plans for the feast.

“My visit to Azure Light Mountain serves two purposes. I wish to gain insight into the Divine Pills of Way Accumulation, and I am keen to observe the supreme pill derived from the essence of the Starflame Demon Lion’s organs. I wondered if I might be fortunate enough to witness such a process,” Jian Chen expressed.

At the mention of the Divine Pills of Way Accumulation, a glint of excitement appeared in the eyes of the master. When the Illusionary Ancestor had vanquished the legendary beast, she had gifted the inner core to Jian Chen—a material of unmatched quality for crafting those specific pills.

The Master of Profound Secrets offered a more enthusiastic smile. “The ancient pills currently under my refinement are truly unique. Not only are they of an exceptionally high grade, but my client is so prominent that I must pour every ounce of my effort into this task to guarantee perfection. Had anyone else made such a request, even a late-stage Immortal Exalt, I would have flatly denied them. But for you, fellow Yang Yutian, I shall make an exception.”

“Pray, follow me to my refining chamber, fellow Yang Yutian!”

With an inviting flourish, the Master of Profound Secrets led the way. The other four experts retreated in various directions, resuming their protective vigil over the Azure Light Mountain as requested.

They soon arrived at a mountain peak enclosed by intricate formations, where the Master of Profound Secrets conducted his alchemical work.

The site was an expansive terrace dominated by a thirty-meter-tall colossal cauldron. Fierce, roiling flames engulfed the vessel, radiating such intense heat that the very air seemed to liquefy around it.

A soul clone of the alchemist sat nearby, monitoring the cauldron’s subtle fluctuations. Upon the master’s arrival, the two entities instantly merged.

Jian Chen halted three hundred meters from the cauldron. The heat was ferocious, enough to incinerate even a Third Heavenly Layer Immortal Exalt; he knew that with his current cultivation, approaching any closer would be fatal.

Even the Fourth Heavenly Layer Master of Profound Secrets avoided lingering too close to these flames for long.

“Until this batch of ancient pills is perfected, my focus must remain undivided. Consequently, the Divine Pills of Way Accumulation must wait. You will need to be patient, fellow Yang Yutian,” the Master of Profound Secrets said, eyeing the cauldron with a touch of regret.

“I heard this batch is being prepared for Crown Prince Daowei Chengqing?” Jian Chen asked with feigned indifference as he observed the cauldron.

“Indeed. This is a task specifically requested by the Illusionary Ancestor for the crown prince. Upon reaching the Immortal Exalt realm, ingestion of these pills will allow the prince to solidify the foundation of a powerhouse, ensuring he stands unrivaled among his peers.” As he spoke of Daowei Chengqing, a look of profound awe crossed the master’s face. “Even though his natural talent already places him at the zenith of his realm, this pill will surely propel him to unprecedented heights of invincibility.”

“It is no wonder the Illusionary Ancestor places such importance on this effort.”

“I never imagined the Illusionary Ancestor would be so devoted to Daowei Chengqing. To secure the materials for this pill, she even went so far as to slay the formidable Starflame Demon Lion herself,” Jian Chen sighed. A mixture of caution and gratitude bubbled within him, though his feelings toward Daowei Chengqing remained entirely hostile.

He could never erase the memory of the crown prince attempting to manipulate him with a strand of Stainless Qi in the sacred lands of the Observance Heaven City. Had he been less vigilant, the results would have been ruinous.

“There is no need to envy the crown prince, fellow Yang Yutian. In truth, the Illusionary Ancestor holds you in remarkably high regard—perhaps even on par with him. Consider that when she slew the Starflame Demon Lion, she willingly endured a more severe tribulation of decline simply to preserve that beast’s remains specifically for you.”

“Aside from Daowei Chengqing, I suspect you are the only other soul for whom the Illusionary Ancestor would make such profound sacrifices.”

The Master of Profound Secrets smiled, attempting to bridge the distance between them. With curiosity, he asked, “By the way, I have often wondered which sect or clan you hail from, fellow Yang Yutian. Once these pills are ready, I would be honored to visit you personally. I hope you will not turn me away.”

Jian Chen recognized the master’s attempt to uncover his true identity. With a light laugh, he replied, “Given your standing, you would be a welcome guest anywhere; I would never dream of turning you away. However, you may be disappointed to learn that I belong to no sect. I am merely an independent cultivator wandering the Immortals’ World.”

“Haha, that is no problem at all! If it is inconvenient to disclose, treat my inquiry as if it never occurred.” It was clear the Master of Profound Secrets disbelieved him—especially since the Illusionary Ancestor had previously exposed the alias—but that mattered little. The key factor was the favor the Illusionary Ancestor showed him.

That was the sole, paramount value the master saw in Jian Chen.

“It is not a matter of inconvenience. The organization I once belonged to was destroyed ages ago. I simply inherited the last remnants of my master’s legacy on his deathbed,” Jian Chen added.