Chapter 590: The Two Ladies Emerge from Seclusion
Officially, these four elders were sent by Ziyan to redeem themselves. But no matter what, they were true Dou Saint powerhouses. Xiao Ze could not afford to be condescending towards them. As the battles against the Soul Hall and Soul Clan intensified, Xiao Ze was more eager than ever for the support of Dou Saint-level fighters.
The internal affairs of the Taixu Ancient Dragons concerning these four elders did not affect the fact that these Dou Saints were fighting for the Alchemy Guild. Underestimating them could lead to them sabotaging the efforts subtly, which was a minor issue. If they, driven by anger, were to defect to the Soul Clan, it would result in a substantial loss.
Seeing Xiao Ze's friendly attitude and his lack of disdain for their previous investigative failures, the four elders showed a mix of surprise and gratitude, and promptly paid their respects to Xiao Ze.
"Thank you, Mr. Xiao Ze, for allowing us to redeem ourselves."
Xiao Ze responded with a chuckle, "You flatter me, elders. Regardless, you are fighting for the Alchemy Guild, and the Guild will not let your efforts go unrewarded."
"We will provide you with offerings according to the Alchemy Guild's system. I hope the offerings will be satisfactory to you."
Hearing Xiao Ze's words, the elders were pleasantly surprised, not expecting to receive offerings from the Alchemy Guild. They had been prepared to expend their own resources to establish connections within the Alchemy Guild. Realizing the elders' relieved expressions, Ziyan quickly sought their opinion, confirming that they would be treated according to the Guild's norms, and there was no need for refusal.
The elders finally felt at ease, while the other elders present in the council hall were visibly eager. Although they were not sure how substantial the Alchemy Guild's offerings would be, any offerings for a Dou Saint were likely to be generous. Moreover, serving at the Alchemy Guild headquarters could also forge a connection with Xiao Ze, perhaps even earning a chance to have him concoct pills.
During their stay, they had learned of Xiao Ze's achievements, particularly his mastery in alchemy as a true nine-star grandmaster. A single nine-grade pill could significantly boost their cultivation, stalled for hundreds or even thousands of years!
For a moment, the elders looked enviously at the four who were to be stationed at the Alchemy Guild headquarters, seeing their punishment as a blessing in disguise.
Xiao Ze sensed the other elders' envy, which was exactly the outcome he had hoped for. If small offerings could attract more Dou Zun and even Dou Saint-level fighters, countless powers across the Dou Qi Continent would be willing to provide generous offerings. In a world where strength reigned supreme, high-level fighters were always in demand unless they were notoriously dishonorable.
Subsequently, Ziyan discussed internal matters with the many elders. Xiao Ze did not pay further attention, instead focusing on the jade slip in his hand, where he was formulating the Hun Yuan twelve pills. This recipe, inherited from the Taixu Ancient Dragon alchemist, Zhu Yang, was effectively complete in Xiao Ze's hands, as the ninth pill was already a nine-colored Danlei eight-grade medicine.
Xiao Ze continued his experiments to further refine nine-grade pill recipes, the main framework of which was based on the Saint Heart Glazed Pill. Next, he only needed to methodically test the recipes to perfect them.
Rubbing his temples in slight frustration, Xiao Ze mused, "Even with my current stockpile of materials, experimenting with nine-grade recipes is a luxury." Indeed, a nine-grade pill could easily require thousands of heavenly materials, a cost not even the wealthiest forces on the Dou Qi Continent could afford without concern.
"Slow and steady," Xiao Ze reminded himself, just as a hand gently grasped his. Turning, he saw Ziyan, who had finished the meeting, sitting next to him, curious.
"What's wrong? You seem troubled. Do you need my help?"
Xiao Ze shook his head, "It's nothing major. I'm just planning a pill formula that requires a vast amount of materials. The cost is headache-inducing."
Ziyan laughed lightly, holding his hand more firmly. "I might not understand alchemy, but I can certainly help with resources. The Taixu Ancient Dragons have accumulated a large stockpile of medicinal ingredients. Our clan's alchemists have long been dormant, and now they can be put to good use."
"You may take whatever materials you need."
Ziyan's offer lit up Xiao Ze's face with thought. His core recipe, the Hun Yuan nine pills, would require extensive resources related to magical beasts and spatial power. The Taixu Ancient Dragons, long residing in the boundless void, indeed had vast reserves of such materials.
"If the Taixu Ancient Dragons can assist, the pressure on resources will be much lighter," Xiao Ze considered.
Ziyan, mistaking his thoughtful pause for concern about the clan's reaction, quickly added, "Xiao Ze, you have saved our clan from great peril multiple times. These materials are nothing compared to your help."
"If the pills are successful, I'll make sure to concoct some for you as well, especially since they are based on Elder Zhu Yang's formula."
Surprised, Ziyan then remembered the legacy of the Hun Yuan nine pills. "Is it really the Hun Yuan nine pills?! Then, for many reasons, our clan must assist."
"Not only to fulfill Elder Zhu Yang's last wishes but after its completion, it will greatly benefit our clan as well."
Ziyan then led Xiao Ze to the medicinal storage areas on the two large dragon islands. Only after securing a satisfying haul did Xiao Ze prepare to leave, pleased with the fruitful visit.
As Xiao Ze and Ziyan chatted while walking out, they sensed two figures approaching. Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow and looked into the distance.
Two figures, one in a white dress and the other in green, approached, their auras subdued yet containing volcanic-like potent energies.
Smiling, Xiao Ze realized that Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin had had fruitful seclusions.
"Seems like your trip went well," Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin said, looking down at the dragon island.
Ziyan shook her head slightly, "It wasn't that smooth, actually. We managed to secure the dragon island largely thanks to Xiao Ze's help."
Surprised, they wondered, even with Ziyan's late four-star Dou Saint strength, it was difficult to secure victory?
Ziyan vividly shared the previous crises, while Xiao Ze, looking at Xiao Yi Xian, considered whether it was time to explore the Poisonous Cold Secret Realm he had learned about from the supreme elder of the Han Frost Tribe.
With the situation handled and new connections forged, they looked forward to what challenges and opportunities lay ahead.
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