Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2797 - 1035: The Title of Heaven’s Chosen, the Boundary Between Immortal and Mortal Worlds (Part 2)

"Can't I remain within the clan?"

"If your parents and elders reside within the clan, you may stay temporarily. However, upon reaching the age of sixteen, you will still be dispatched elsewhere."

The young man knitted his brows.

Zhou Junxiao had already grasped his thoughts. After all, he was also aware of the reasons behind the other party's insistence on remaining in the clan at all costs.

He let out a sigh and stated, "In truth, for those lacking Spirit Roots, being sent away is the most sensible option. The clan is populated by Immortal Cultivators. Whether in daily life or during cultivation duels, a slight lapse in concentration where Qi Power leaks can easily lead to accidental harm to Mortals. Furthermore, there is the agonizing pain of being unable to cultivate, which, when constantly faced with Immortal Cultivators day in and day out, only intensifies, potentially leading to mental distress. Does this explanation make sense to you?"

Zhou Fuqiu was taken aback.

He murmured, "Without Spirit Roots, is it truly impossible to cultivate?"

...

"Cultivation is still possible even without Spirit Roots!"

"Indeed, worthy of the Alchemy Sect whose renown graces the Eastern Wasteland!"

"Such marvelous Elixirs, how were they refined precisely?"

Within a Side Hall at the rear of Coral Hall, an elder, his face etched with profound exhaustion, peered intently at a pill before him. Behind him lay a shattered Pill Furnace, with remnants strewn across the floor.

It was evident he had endured numerous failures in pursuit of his experiments.

Suddenly.

An aged voice resonated through the hall.

"Chongxiao, your time is concluded."

Zhou Chongxiao, a scion of the Zhou Family's second generation, had ascended to become one of the six Golden Core Cultivators.

He was the very individual who, following the patriarch's tutelage, had reached the Golden Core Period concurrently with Zhou Xiaocheng.

He had even been the recipient of Elixirs bestowed by Luo Chen, which had aided his advancement.

The reason Zhou Yunshen had specifically chosen Zhou Chongxiao was due to his status as the Zhou Family's sole remaining Pill Refinement Grandmaster, albeit one whose time was drawing to a close.

In service to the clan, Zhou Yunshen had channeled resources towards him, forcefully propelling him to the Golden Core Period and thereby extending his lifespan.

At this juncture, upon hearing the elder's voice, Zhou Chongxiao knelt upon the ground, pleading with urgency, "Patriarch, grant me but a little more time, and I shall undoubtedly succeed in reverse-engineering the Pill Formulas for these three Elixirs."

"A little more time—how long is 'a little'?" Zhou Yunshen inquired.

Zhou Chongxiao hesitated before responding, "Three years—nay, ten years. Regardless of the duration, provided I can unravel these three Pill Formulas and enable Mortals to cultivate, our Zhou Family will undoubtedly rise to prominence in Tian Nan, potentially even becoming the preeminent Immortal Cultivation Clan in the entirety of the Mountain Sea Realm! For this cause, Chongxiao is prepared to dedicate the remainder of his life!"

"Three years? Ten years? Your entire life?" Zhou Yunshen sighed. "Let it be. How could his methods be fathomed by you? The countless setbacks over these past years have already spoken volumes. To persist in this research would bear no fruit."

"Patriarch!"

"That young one has matured and now requires these three pills. Moreover, the younger generation of our Zhou Family cannot indefinitely depend on external Elixirs to bolster their cultivation. You, too, must depart from this place and lend your strength to the clan."

A gentle breeze stirred, and the three Elixirs before Zhou Chongxiao vanished instantaneously.

The elder's outstretched hand remained suspended in mid-air, his countenance a mask of profound disappointment and bewilderment.

His deepest regret was not having the opportunity to meet the Alchemy Sect’s True Master in person and seek enlightenment in the boundless Dao of Alchemy!

...

The main entrance of Coral Hall.

Zhou Fuqiu stood rather apprehensively outside, uncertain why the patriarch had abruptly summoned him.

Could it be a mere desire to observe him?

If so, would the strength he had concealed be uncovered?

If it were revealed, what explanation would he offer?

As the young man was consumed by unease, the doors swung open without the slightest warning.

Zhou Fuqiu drew a deep breath, compelled himself to remain composed, and stepped inside.

Contrary to the sense of unfamiliarity he had anticipated, the very instant he crossed the threshold, a profound feeling of connection surged within him.

It emanated from deep within his being!

Was it a matter of bloodline?

Zhou Fuqiu could not precisely discern the origin of this comforting sense of shared lineage, and he offered a respectful bow to the figure seated above.

"Fuqiu pays his respects to the Patriarch!"

"Lift your head!"

Zhou Fuqiu obeyed, raising his gaze to behold the elder seated on the dais.

The elder was clad in the Zhou Family’s most distinctive attire: flowing robes with wide sleeves, a simple white garment. One could easily picture a vibrant, crimson coral blossom embroidered upon its back.

This emblem represented the Zhou Family’s utmost honor.

Following this were the gold-coral white robes, reserved exclusively for the Family Head, then the blue-coral robes worn by the Elders, and finally, the white-coral robes for the everyday clan members.

This tradition served as a remembrance for the Zhou Family’s history in the North Sea.

However, at this present moment, Zhou Fuqiu could only feel the weight of the elder's aged eyes upon him.

They scrutinized and assessed him, filled with both affection and a subtle detachment.

Such a complex gaze!

Zhou Fuqiu found himself perplexed by this intense scrutiny.

At length, Zhou Yunshen broke the silence.

His very first utterance sent a jolt of surprise through Zhou Fuqiu's heart.

"Already? You're nearing Foundation Establishment so quickly."

Zhou Fuqiu nervously swallowed and replied, "The patriarch's insight is indeed sharp; I am indeed on the verge of reaching Foundation Establishment."

Zhou Yunshen offered a gentle smile. "My sight isn't unusually keen, it's simply that you've been cultivating right before me, and due to certain particular circumstances, I can perceive your genuine Realm. A different Nascent Soul True Master might struggle to discern your true state from any perceived illusion."

Zhou Fuqiu was utterly astounded.

He had indeed employed a Concealment Technique, believing it effective against Foundation Establishment and even Golden Core cultivators, but he had never imagined it could deceive a Nascent Soul True Master.

To receive such high praise from the patriarch was completely unexpected!

Could this be attributed to his unique Physique?

"When do you anticipate breaking through?"

The elder’s question drifted over slowly.

Zhou Fuqiu responded truthfully, "At any moment. The sole reason I haven't taken that final step is my apprehension of potential mishaps due to insufficient mastery of my techniques."

"What sort of accident could possibly befall you?"

The old man murmured, his voice barely audible, leaving Zhou Fuqiu uncertain if he had heard it clearly.