Chapter 16: Searching for the Alchemist

Gu Zhixiao's three brothers and the elders of the Gu family remained silent, frowning. This situation was indeed beyond their expectations.
After a while, an elder spoke, "In the end, these are just inferior elixirs. I don't know how the Tian family managed to produce them. Trying to shake our position in the elixir business, I doubt the Tian family has that capability."

"True, but our reputation among low-level cultivators has still been affected," another elder said. The elixirs not only have better effects than those sold by the Gu family but are also more affordable. If it weren't for the Gu family's ability to refine high-level elixirs, their reputation would be even worse.

Business in elixirs is managed by Gu Zhixiao, and Gu Zhiwei, who failed to timely grasp the situation, sarcastically remarked, "This matter should be asked of the eldest brother. He neglects what he should focus on and busies himself with unnecessary matters."

Gu Lao San, Gu Zhicheng, then presented three vials and pushed them in front of his father, saying, "Father, these are three types of elixirs I had someone buy from the Tian family. Father can take a look. Although these elixirs can't compare to our family's elixirs, it's still best to find out who is the alchemist behind the Tian family."

"Yes, what the third son said makes sense," another elder chimed in.

Gu Family Head opened the vials and began examining them. Originally angry due to the Gu family's elixir reputation being damaged, his expression became even more solemn. "Take a look at these; the impurities in these elixirs are actually fewer than those in our elixirs. No wonder they are gaining favor among low-level cultivators. I think we should leave this matter to the third son. Investigate where the Tian family found the alchemist."

Other elders nodded in agreement. The elixirs indeed contained fewer impurities. If some special method was used, it might greatly assist the Gu family's alchemy.

"Yes, father," Gu Zhicheng thought to himself, pleased. The more intense the competition between his elder brothers, the more advantageous it was for him. Since the token wouldn't fall into the hands of their third branch, he might as well seek the maximum benefits. When Gu Yan emerges as a prominent figure, he couldn't neglect the third branch.

Gu Zhixiao didn't vie for attention during the meeting. After the meeting, he returned to the main hall and only then did a smile appear on his face in front of his son. "Your grandfather and the elders are taking this matter too seriously. Yan'er, don't waste time on these trivial matters. Focus on cultivating. If there's any resource you need for cultivation that Faraway Town doesn't have, I'll find a way to get it for you from elsewhere. They only see petty gains and don't think about it. Once you enter Changxian Gate, you can obtain any elixir you desire."

Gu Yan also smiled confidently, "Father, your advice is well-received. I've always thought the same way. I won't let you down, nor will I disappoint my parents and grandfather."

"By the way, there's another thing this time. Besides the three elixirs, the Tian family also brought many low-level spirit talismans, with better quality than those of the Lu family. This Tian family seems to be entirely focused on challenging both our families."

Gu Yan sneered, "The Tian family won't last much longer with me around."

With him there, the day the Tian family rises is far from coming, let alone Tian Feiyang, who was once on par with him. In the future, they will only be looking up to him.

Tian Feirong once again brought a considerable amount of spirit herbs to Gu Yao's residence. Some of these herbs were used to refine the three elixirs, while the rest were collected for Gu Yao, with the expenses deducted from the elixir account.

Over time, the courtyard became more abundant. At least when Tian Feirong came over now, he didn't have to sit idly; he could drink spirit tea and munch on spirit fruits. Gu Yao and Chen Changye had significantly improved their quality of life. From barely meeting their basic needs, they had now stepped into a comfortable life.

Setting aside the spirit herbs for refining the three elixirs, Gu Yao began to examine the newly collected herbs. While others saw his aptitude as quite poor, he was quite satisfied. With the primary spiritual root being Wood-Fire, coupled with his spiritual power, his understanding of spirit herbs surpassed that of his previous life. Refining elixirs had become much more proficient for him.
Found three types of spirit herbs I wanted to collect. The remaining ones, Gu Yao will also gather to experiment with other elixirs. Gu Yao is quite satisfied with the current progress, not far from refining elixirs that can enhance aptitude and talent.

Tian Feirong looked strangely from the side and couldn't help asking, "Gu Yao, who did you learn this alchemy skill from? You can fully understand the spirit herbs as soon as you touch them?"

Chen Changye glanced at Tian Feirong indifferently. He had long noticed Gu Yao's uniqueness. He thought it was Gu Yao's special talent. Alchemists couldn't achieve this when just starting out. Many elixirs were developed by Gu Yao based on various properties of spirit herbs. This was something other alchemists couldn't compare to. Modifying elixir formulas required countless summaries and experiments.

In a good mood, Gu Yao willingly explained to Tian Feirong, "This is my livelihood, unrelated to the Gu family. Interested in learning? Don't waste your effort; you won't be able to learn it."

Tian Feirong was exasperated. Did he have to belittle him like this? He retorted, "Your elixirs and Big Brother's spirit talismans have gained fame in our market. Big Brother asked me to tell you both that the Gu family and Lu family want to find the alchemist and spirit talisman master behind you. They might be able to trace it back to you. But don't worry; our Tian family can still protect you."