Chapter 346

Chapter 346

The Bai residence.

"Shi Tou, where's Mu Chen? I haven't seen much of him lately!" Qu Kun munched on a cake, cheeks puffed out, as he pondered.

"He's giving lectures to those old men," Ye Shi muttered.

"Oh, I see!" Qu Kun leaned back in his rocking chair, thinking: It's strange to imagine Mu Chen, a young face, teaching those old heads from the Bai and Ling families.

"Mu Chen plans to cultivate an eighth-grade alchemist for both the Bai and Ling families," Ye Shi said, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

What's so great about the Tower Master of Dan Tower? Just a lowly eighth-grade alchemist, constantly at odds with Mu Chen. Once Mu Chen cultivates two eighth-grade alchemists, I'd like to see if he still has the audacity to oppose.

Qu Kun's eyes widened in shock, "Two... eighth-grade alchemists? Are you sure?"

Ye Shi shook his head, "No mistake. Mu Chen says a seventh-grade alchemist can't stabilize a situation; only an eighth-grade one can. But, it's harder to cultivate an eighth-grade alchemist. He needs to think it through."

"Isn't Mu Chen afraid of being surpassed?" Qu Kun mused.

"Impossible. The so-called alchemists of the Bai and Ling families are nowhere near Mu Chen's level," Ye Shi declared confidently.

Qu Kun glanced at Ye Shi, "You have quite the faith in Mu Chen."

"Mu Chen is on the verge of becoming a ninth-grade alchemist. An eighth-grade alchemist is really nothing in comparison," Ye Shi gestured dismissively.

Looking at Ye Shi's smug face, Qu Kun couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Mu Chen's Spirit Tower has already advanced to the ninth grade. Its functions have improved significantly, and Mu Chen has already successfully simulated the refinement of ninth-grade pills multiple times within the tower.

Qu Kun furrowed his brow, "Is Mu Chen planning to refine a ninth-grade pill?"

Ye Shi nodded, "Mu Chen said he could try. My father and grandfather are preparing the spiritual herbs. Once ready, we can start anytime."

Qu Kun paused, "He should be cautious."

The Bai family is now at a critical juncture. If Mu Chen fails in refining the ninth-grade pill, the Dan Tower might seize the opportunity to criticize him for overreaching.

Rumors might just be rumors, but in reality, they can be lethal. False accusations can figuratively kill someone.

Ye Shi nodded, "Mu Chen said he wants to first cultivate two eighth-grade alchemists before considering the ninth-grade pill."

Qu Kun nodded, "That's wise." If the Bai and Ling families could produce two eighth-grade alchemists, even if Mu Chen fails in refining the ninth-grade pill, no one would have much to say.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao sat quietly next to Ye Shi, drinking their beast milk. Seeing their milk bottles, Qu Kun felt a sudden craving.

"Grandpa, what's on your mind?" Ye Shi asked the daydreaming Qu Kun.

Qu Kun shook his head, saying, "I'm fine. Do you have any jerky? My teeth have been itching for something to chew on recently."

Considering the large slice of cake Grandpa ate and his cravings for jerky, Ye Shi couldn't help but feel a bit irked.

Ye Shi nodded, replying, "Yes, Mu Chen prepared plenty for me."

"That Mu Chen really knows what he's doing, far more than Bai Chenxing and Ling Chuan," Qu Kun commented with a hint of envy.

Suppressing a smile, Ye Shi thought to himself: Naturally. Compared to Mu Chen, both my father and Grandpa Ling are clueless.

What Qu Kun didn't know was that Mu Chen, fearing Ye Shi might carelessly consume medicinal pills when hungry, ensured he never ran out of food.

Bai Family's reception hall.

"Chen'er, you mentioned wanting to host an auction?" Bai Xifeng looked at Mu Chen, slightly taken aback.

Mu Chen nodded, simply responding, "Yes."

With a curious tone, Bai Xifeng inquired, "What will you be auctioning?"

Mu Chen retrieved a jade box and opened it, nonchalantly stating, "Thirty grade-eight medicinal pills."

As the box opened, an overwhelming aroma and aura poured out, nearly making Bai Xifeng's eyes pop out of their sockets.

After a pronounced cough, Bai Xifeng managed to calm his excitement, asking, "So many? Are you in dire need of spirit stones?"

"Why auction so many grade-eight pills? The Bai family could simply keep them!"

Mu Chen shook his head, saying, "Not particularly. I'm just... bored."

Bai Xifeng: "..." Can you possibly be any more nonchalant?

Bai Xifeng silently mused: Genius minds think differently. When Mu Chen is bored, he plays with grade-eight medicinal pills. When I'm bored, I might just spar with a few friends or grab a meal. As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy.

After pondering for a moment, Mu Chen continued, "The auction's proceeds can include items related to pill formulas, inscriptions, talismans, artifact crafting, formations – especially things that promote the advancement of unique flames. Grade-nine pill recipes, grade-nine materials, and top-tier spirit stones are prioritized..."

Bai Xifeng nodded in agreement, "Sounds good."

The items Mu Chen currently values are treasures even to old experts; without some sacrifice, they might not part with them.

"Earlier, I mentioned training a grade-eight alchemist for both the Bai and Ling families, but there might be some challenges..." Mu Chen hesitated.

Bai Xifeng silently heaved a sigh of relief, thinking: If grade-eight alchemists were easy to train, the order of our world would be in chaos. Isn't that why the Pill Tower's Master, Qiu Zhengrong, has been esteemed for so many years? Because he's a grade-eight alchemist. "Don't rush it. These things take time," Bai Xifeng reassured.

"I may have overestimated our family alchemists' comprehension abilities. Training a grade-eight alchemist from our ranks might not be easy," Mu Chen admitted ruefully.

Bai Xifeng thought: Just because you're a prodigy doesn't mean everyone else is.

"Even if we can't produce one, having numerous grade-seven alchemists is still commendable," Bai Xifeng stated calmly after sipping his tea.

Mu Chen glanced at Bai Xifeng, suggesting, "It might be challenging to nurture one from within our family. We might have to recruit from outside."

"Are you considering cultivating some high-level grade-seven alchemists?" Bai Xifeng quickly realized.

Mu Chen affirmed, "Yes, I'll need your assistance in finding suitable candidates."

Bai Xifeng eagerly replied, "I'm more than willing to help."

Bai Xifeng, narrowing his eyes, thought: This is a golden opportunity. But I must be careful in my selections. We don't want any traitors.

Considering Jiao Meng's recent actions, what was he thinking? He even approached a senior elder he used to be close to, suggesting he was willing to return, only with better terms. That nearly made the elder spit blood in fury. He's just a high-level grade-seven alchemist, after all.

"It might be simpler to recruit grade-seven alchemists after the auction," Mu Chen contemplated.

With his head lowered, Bai Xifeng thought: Mu Chen severely underestimates the allure of alchemy. Even before he gave the green light, numerous grade-seven alchemists expressed their interest in joining the Bai family. However, until Mu Chen explicitly allows it, Bai Xifeng remains silent.

"Chen'er, given your reputation, you won't have any issues recruiting," Bai Xifeng advised.

Mu Chen queried, "Really?"

Bai Xifeng affirmed, "Absolutely. You have no idea how influential you've become."

...

Qu Kun lounged on a chair, indulging in a large slice of cream cake.

Watching the cake devoured by Qu Kun, Ye Shi felt a pang of loss.

That cake was made by Mu Chen. Before Ye Shi could even have a few bites, Qu Kun snatched it away.

Qu Kun noticed Ye Shi gazing longingly at the cake in his hand, instantly feeling a tad embarrassed.

Despite his embarrassment, Qu Kun didn’t hesitate to eat the cake.

Qu Kun silently thought: Mu Chen's culinary skills are getting better and better. Even the Bai family's top chefs could lose their jobs to him.

"Mu Chen seems to be incredibly busy these days, doesn't he?" Qu Kun chuckled, trying to divert Ye Shi’s attention.

Ye Shi nodded, saying, "Indeed! I don't understand why Mu Chen spends so much effort on these stubborn old men."

Qu Kun thought, “Stubborn old men? They are all level seven pill masters! Yet in Ye Shi's eyes, they're nowhere near Mu Chen’s level.”

A man in white, carrying a medical kit, approached them.

"Greetings, Elder Qu and Young Master Bai," the man said respectfully.

Qu Kun eyed the newcomer with a frown, asking in a stern tone, "Who are you?" Recognizing the Ling family emblem on the man’s clothing, he felt an innate wariness.

The man replied with a gentle smile, "My name is Li Huai, a pharmacist of the Ling family."

"From the Ling family? Judging by that outfit, you don’t need to be named 'Li Bad' for me to know you're up to no good," Qu Kun retorted with a sneer.

Li Huai laughed good-naturedly, "You have quite the sense of humor, Elder Qu."

Qu Kun replied with a sardonic smile, "I’m just being candid."

"Elder Qu, my name is not 'Li Bad,' it's 'Li Huai'," Li Huai clarified warmly.

Seeing Li Huai's patient demeanor, Qu Kun felt a sense of frustration.

"What do you want?" Qu Kun asked bluntly.

Li Huai responded, "Master Seventeen mentioned that you've been eating well lately, suggesting you might be expecting. He wanted me to check on you."

Clenching his fists, Qu Kun snapped, "Since you're a pharmacist, why not examine Ling Chuan? I believe he’s the one who's gravely ill."

Li Huai remained silent.

Ye Shi whispered to Qu Kun, "But, Grandpa, you have been eating a lot more lately. It does seem like you're pregnant."

Qu Kun, face darkening, retorted, "Whose side are you on anyway?"

Ye Shi replied matter-of-factly, "Of course I'm on your side, Grandpa... but that doesn't relate to whether you're pregnant or not!"

Qu Kun looked at Li Huai impatiently, saying, "You may leave now."

Ye Shi chimed in nonchalantly, "Just get checked, Grandpa. It won't hurt, and you have been acting odd lately."

With his expression changing rapidly, Qu Kun begrudgingly extended his wrist, saying, "Make it quick."

Li Huai hurriedly felt Qu Kun's pulse.

Observing Li Huai's calm face, Qu Kun grew anxious, asking, "Well?"

Li Huai shook his head, responding, "Nothing."

Qu Kun breathed a sigh of relief, saying with joy, "That's a relief."

Li Huai looked at the joy in Qu Kun’s eyes, his expression turning peculiar.

Qu Kun glanced at Li Huai and cleared his throat, "You can report back to that Ling Chuan. Tell him not to overthink things. With his superficial charm and underlying shallowness, he shouldn't assume everything will go his way. He needs a cold shower to wake up. He's delusional with his limited abilities."

Watching Qu Kun's disdainful expression, Li Huai packed his medical kit and left dejectedly.