Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family Chapter 2009: 528: Ghost Tree, Lu Quanzhen’s Whereabouts!
Previously on Starting From A Son In Law To Build An Long Lasting Family...
Dan Alliance.
Lu Changsheng was naturally familiar with this organization.
It functioned as a neutral entity established by a coalition of several Alchemy Grandmasters.
Though its martial prowess might lag behind that of Penglai Island, its status as a neutral group allowed it to prioritize harmony and mutual benefit, enabling it to cultivate extensive networks and exert a unique influence across the region.
Consequently, no group wished to antagonize the Dan Alliance, securing its position as one of the preeminent powers within the Starry Sky Sea.
As far as Lu Changsheng understood, the very same alchemist who had once courted Shen Jianjia was now a prominent pillar within the Dan Alliance.
"If my memory serves, the Dan Alliance is hosting a high-grade elixir auction in seven years. If you find the notion intriguing, Daoist Xuanmu, you might consider attending."
"While the Infant Transformation Elixir will not be present, there will be a wealth of top-tier elixirs on display, including the Nine Curves Spirit Pill—frequently hailed as the 'Minor Infant Transformation Elixir'."
Shen Yiren continued to elaborate for Lu Changsheng's benefit.
"A Minor Infant Transformation Elixir? The Nine Curves Spirit Pill?"
Lu Changsheng had never encountered that specific name before.
It was only through Shen Yiren’s detailed explanation that he grasped how this pill was an exclusive creation of the Dan Alliance, reportedly possessing thirty percent of the power found in a genuine Infant Transformation Elixir.
"This Dan Alliance is truly remarkable."
While it is common for various Alchemists, Talisman Masters, and Array Masters to personally study and modify their own unique pills, talismans, and formations, the level of difficulty involved in refining an item as complex as the Infant Transformation Elixir is undeniably immense.
The two continued their conversation throughout their meal.
Aware that Lu Changsheng lacked deep knowledge of the Starry Sky Sea, Shen Yiren shared numerous insights and captivating stories about the region.
"I am truly grateful to the Third Palace Master for broadening my horizons today."
Once their meal had concluded, Lu Changsheng bowed with sincere appreciation.
Although he had acquired a rough grasp of the Starry Sky Sea through intelligence reports, his knowledge was limited compared to the vivid descriptions and introductions to the region's factions provided by the esteemed Goddess, Third Palace Master Shen Yiren.
"You are most welcome, Daoist friend."
Shen Yiren offered a gentle smile that illuminated her features like softened moonlight.
As Lu Changsheng observed her, a flicker of genuine admiration escaped his eyes.
Though it was fleeting, the peak Core Formation cultivator sensed it instantly, causing her heart to skip a beat.
Having cultivated for centuries, she was well aware of her own lethal charm.
While she lacked the world-renowned, peerless beauty of her sister Shen Jianjia, she was frequently surrounded by cultivators desperate for her favor, which was the primary reason she rarely ventured out.
Yet, she found no annoyance in the presence of this Daoist Xuanmu...
"I am relieved that the Third Palace Master did not take offense to my small display of craftsmanship."
Realizing his sudden loss of composure, Lu Changsheng quickly masked his admiration with a warm, composed tone.
"How could I possibly be offended?"
Shen Yiren’s voice was melodic and serene, as if she were incapable of anger, leaving Lu Changsheng briefly curious about what she might sound like in a rage.
"The hour has grown late and I have appointments to keep. I shall take my leave now, but I hope we might discuss the Dao again another time, Daoist Xuanmu."
Perhaps prompted by his previous flash of wonder, or perhaps because she felt Dining at his residence so soon was improper, Shen Yiren sensed it was time to depart.
"Very well. I shall await the Third Palace Master’s honored presence whenever you choose to return."
With the grace and refinement of a true scholar, Lu Changsheng smiled and escorted her from Rongyue Island.
Watching her retreat into the distance, he rubbed his chin in deep contemplation.
Based on their exchange, he could tell that Shen Yiren held a favorable impression of him.
"At this rate, who can say how long it will take to reach the ultimate goal... "
Lu Changsheng sighed internally.
Given sufficient time, he was confident they would organically grow closer. However, his mission in the Starry Sky Sea was not to engage in a slow, budding romance.
"I must figure out how to accelerate our progress..."
While a slow-burning connection often leads to the most enduring bonds, the process of building trust and intimacy through daily encounters was a tedious road.
Lu Changsheng secretly craved a more direct path to her heart.
Furthermore, as a man of principle, he could not resort to underhanded tactics. Given her immense status, any perceived slight could bring the wrath of the Goddess Palace and Penglai Island upon his head.
Shaking off these wandering thoughts, he turned his focus back to the information he had gathered.
The Infant Transformation Elixir was an extreme rarity, surfacing perhaps once every few decades. Even then, its appearance at auctions ignited a frenzy among major powers, driving prices to impossible heights.
Thus, relying on conventional markets was both impractical and inefficient.
Meanwhile, most Fourth Rank Spirit Lands were already claimed; searching for unoccupied ones required venturing into the Forbidden Sea.
Though the Forbidden Sea was technically part of the Starry Sky Sea, its depths were prowled by numerous Demon Kings. It was whispered that even late-stage Fourth Rank Transformation Demon Kings resided in its darkest reaches—making it a death trap for even powerful Nascent Soul cultivators, hence its name.
"As a Fourth Rank Demon King, the Sea Splitting Mysterious Dragon Whale is more than capable of seizing a Fourth Rank Spirit Vein within the Forbidden Sea."
"With its help, I can eventually visit the Myriad Demon Abyss to advance Tihun to the Fourth Rank. To ensure total security, perhaps I should wait until the Golden Peng also attempts its breakthrough."
"With three Fourth Rank Demon Kings by my side, plus the support of Little Yan, Hong Lian, and Ayoudo, I would have nothing to fear from interfering cultivators or rival beasts if a Heavenly Nascent Soul breakthrough were disrupted."
Because the breakthrough often draws out hidden enemies looking to sabotage a cultivator’s progress, this trial has earned the name 'Human Tribulation'.
In truth, a standard breakthrough to Nascent Soul does not always trigger a Human Tribulation.