Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2827 - 1045: Rapid Core Formation at the East Sea (Part 3)
Previously on Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster...
Shi Miaoyin contemplated for a moment, admitting that such a precedent did indeed exist. Yet, she acknowledged that with the Daoist Palace's system becoming increasingly refined over time, occurrences of this nature had become exceedingly rare. After a brief pause, she stated, "This matter entirely rests upon the Master's wishes. However, considering your significant standing in the Master's heart, your request, if voiced, should not pose an insurmountable obstacle."
A wave of joy washed over Zhou Fuqiu. Even as other senior brothers and sisters began to arrive, he greeted them all with unmistakable smiles. Their initial surprise at his uncharacteristic friendliness, given his usual reserved demeanor, quickly turned into genuine congratulations for his successful Golden Core Formation.
Following a period of polite exchanges, the group's attention turned towards the reason for their Master's abrupt summons. "Why has Master called us here today? It's not our scheduled teaching day!" one inquired. Another speculated, "Could it be to celebrate the Junior Disciple's successful Core Formation?" A third suggested, "I suspect it might be related to the recent disturbances involving demonic beasts along the coast."
As their discussions continued, the grand doors of Houtu Hall slowly creaked open. The disciples tidied their attire and proceeded to enter in an orderly single file. Positioned at the rear, Zhou Fuqiu's earlier elation gave way to a touch of apprehension. He couldn't help but wonder if the Master would indeed grant his request.
Upon entering the hall, Zhou Fuqiu's gaze immediately fell upon his Master, seated majestically above. She exuded an elegance likened to a blooming orchid and a nobility akin to a pure lotus. "Greetings to the Master!" the disciples chimed in unison, bowing respectfully.
"Mmm," Qing Lan Fairy responded with a soft utterance. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, fixed directly on Zhou Fuqiu. Suddenly, her Divine Consciousness swept over him, and a murmur of surprise escaped her lips. "Oh?" The sudden exclamation left everyone bewildered, and their gazes shifted towards Zhou Fuqiu. He hadn't made any deliberate efforts to conceal his cultivation realm, making the aura of the Early Golden Core Stage quite apparent. This was hardly surprising on its own. However, under the collective scrutiny of the assembled disciples, they too began to perceive something unexpected.
His mana fluctuations were not the typical turbulent and erratic surges characteristic of cultivators who had just broken through to the Golden Core Period. Instead, they were remarkably calm and profound, displaying an absence of any impetuousness. This astonishing display elicited a chorus of surprised exclamations throughout the hall. "Very well, there is no need to make such a commotion over your Junior Disciple's exceptional talent and triumphant cultivation!" Qing Lan Fairy admonished gently, and the hall gradually fell silent.
Her gaze remained fixed on Zhou Fuqiu as she continued, her voice carrying a note of concern. "It is too rapid, Fu You. Your Core Formation occurred too swiftly, neglecting many essential preparations." Zhou Fuqiu, maintaining his respectful posture, inquired, "Is the Master referring to the matter of the Magic Item Embryo?"
"Mmm," Qing Lan Fairy nodded almost imperceptibly. "The Sea-Stabilizing Pearl you aspire to refine was once brought into existence by a formidable expert of our sect. It possesses the might to command the heavens and pacify the oceans! Consequently, the requisite materials are extraordinarily intricate and valuable. Even with my current authority, only a portion of them have been successfully procured."
Zhou Fuqiu harbored no surprise at this declaration, having previously consulted the Magic Treasure Atlas and thus being fully aware of the profound complexity and rarity associated with the materials needed for the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl. With a decisive thought, Zhou Fuqiu produced several ornate boxes, opening them one by one. "Master, I have brought some materials here that may serve to supplement the refinement of my Natal Magic Item."
The attention of everyone present was immediately captivated, and expressions of astonishment resurfaced. The most striking item was a lotus seed radiating an unparalleled aqueous luminescence, exuding an immensely potent aura. Beside it lay a transparent, resplendently red rhombic crystal stone, followed by a fist-sized ingot of metal, and finally, a small handful of shimmering grains of sand.
"A top-grade water lotus seed!" "A top-grade fire spirit drill!" "This ingot, could it possibly be the Nine Yang Geng Metal? And this sand must surely be the fabled Star Sand!" Qing Lan Fairy recited the names of these materials, her voice underscoring her vast repository of knowledge. Yet, towards the end of her pronouncements, an undeniable tone of surprise could still be discerned. In truth, none of them had anticipated Zhou Fuqiu being in possession of such an incredible wealth of precious materials. It was widely known that these items, without exception, were classified as top-grade fourth-order materials—highly sought after yet exceptionally difficult to obtain, even for Nascent Soul True Masters!
Zhou Fuqiu responded with calm composure, "My family's revered ancestors held me in particularly high regard and saw fit to leave these treasures behind before their departure." "This is not merely fondness; it represents the entirety of their valuable possessions!" Qing Lan Fairy exclaimed with a sigh. She then gathered the materials, stating, "With these supplements, the refinement of the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl can now be given priority. Rest assured, I shall personally invite the most skilled Tool Casting Crafter from the Tianyuan Daoist Sect to forge your Natal Magic Item!"
"Thank you, Master!" Zhou Fuqiu expressed his gratitude with a deep, respectful bow once more. After meticulously storing the gathered materials, Qing Lan Fairy casually waved her hand, and a shimmering ray of light descended, stopping directly before Zhou Fuqiu.
With a closer look, Zhou Fuqiu realized what it was. It was the advanced version of his Natal Qi Technique, the Lu Chan Technique, which his Master had genuinely found for him.
"Keep it safe and study it when you have leisure," Qing Lan Fairy said. Interrupting his nascent thanks, she continued with gravitas, "The reason I summoned you today concerns the demon threat along the coast!"
The disciples straightened, their attention fully captured by her next words. "Ever since the fall of Zhongzhou, the East Sea's Demon Clan has become increasingly restless, frequently appearing in the oceanic regions."
"While that alone would be manageable, they have audaciously begun to encroach upon the territory of our Tianyuan Daoist Sect!" she declared.
"Furthermore, evidence suggests the presence of the North Sea Demon Race among them!"
"In recent times, sightings of coastal demon beasts have surged, with high-ranking Demon Kings occasionally causing disturbances. The defenses of the noble families and the Han Gate have been strained. Therefore, it is imperative for our Tian Nan Dao Palace to intervene."
"This time, I shall dispatch five Golden Core Disciples from among you. Joined by members from the Three Halls, we will form a force of twenty Golden Core experts and one hundred Foundation Establishment True Cultivators. This contingent will venture to the East Sea shores to vanquish demons, eradicate malevolence, and purify the demonic aura!"
Upon hearing this decree, the disciples' confusion vanished, replaced by palpable excitement. Clearly, this mission was not merely about demon eradication but also served as a crucial training opportunity.
They understood that relying solely on diligent cultivation, ample resources, and the guidance of grand masters was insufficient to forge top-tier experts. The crucible of battle, forged in blood and fire, was the true breeding ground for formidable cultivators!
Thus, everyone was mentally prepared. Each disciple awaited their Master's announcement, harboring the hope of being among the chosen five.
However, the very first name the Master called out surprised them all. "Zhou Fuqiu, are you willing to undertake this mission?"