Chapter 13: Paper And Ink To Action
Bang!
An old man's fist slammed into the table, splintering the wood and sending ancient scrolls tumbling to the floor.
"This is unacceptable!" he roared, his voice echoing through the dimly lit chamber.
The room was pitch-black, walls devouring light, the air thick with demonic malice. An eerie stillness made it feel alive and watchful.
"That treasure... it's gone?!" he growled, his voice trembling with a mix of fury and disbelief. "How could this happen?"
"Master will kill me if he finds out," he thought, heart pounding. "I have to recover it—failure means death. Find it before it's too late!"
He spun around, his skeletal frame creaking with each step. His silver beard, like wisps of smoke, whipped with agitation.
His hollow eyes blazed with a raw, unearthly fury, and his skin, stretched thin over bone, gave him an unnerving, cadaverous look.
"Damn it! That bastard actually managed to bypass every security measure and trap we had. It's infuriating—he is really worthy of the name, Mysterious Shadowy Thief Emperor."
It wasn't just a personal loss; his reputation and very life hung in a thread.
A young man bursted into the room, panting heavily, his eyes wide with panic. "Master Yin, there is news," he stammered, bowing deeply.
"Speak!" the old man commanded, his gaze piercing.
"The thief... he plans to sell the treasure at the upcoming auction in Central City."
The room instantly plunged into icy coldness, a shiver-inducing chill racing through the air.
The old man's fury froze. An auction. His master's prized possession would be flaunted and sold.
"Assemble our top disciples now! We're leaving for Central City—right now!"
The young man dashed out, leaving the old man to seethe in the silent, tense room…
Meanwhile, Huang Longtian sat in his room, his mind buzzing with ideas. The inn was quiet now, the bustling city outside reduced to a distant murmur. He spread out his high-quality paper and opened his ink bottle, dipping the brush with ease.
He began compiling a list of pills that would benefit both him and his master.
He had to be both swift and precise, ensuring his notes were clear for his master to understand while also appearing as though they had been written by an ancient master.
"Having free resources isn't bad at all," he said to himself. "Everyone can benefit. Master will gain more experience in alchemy refinement, and I'll get abundant resources. It's a win-win situation."
He began by writing about the most complex and powerful pill he could think of, suitable for Earth Rank Alchemists and beyond.
"According to what I've read in the Primordial Origin Library," he muttered, "alchemists are classified into Yellow, Black, Earth, and Heaven Rank, with each rank divided into Low, Middle, and High Levels. If my master makes a breakthrough, she's likely to reach the Low-Level Heaven Rank."
Dipping his brush into the ink, he started writing: "Heaven Strengthening Dragon Pill. Infused with the Blood Essence of a dragon, the type doesn't matter, whether it's a wyvern or flood dragon, but the stronger the bloodline, the better the effects. Rumoured to grant unparalleled power and increase longevity."
He paused, jotting down notes.
"Effects: Boosts cultivation speed, enhances physical strength and resilience, grants dragon's scale armor ability, and can be used for temporary empowerment."
He frowned, contemplating the drawbacks.
"Drawbacks: Requires a rigorous and dangerous refining process, high risk of failure. Overuse can lead to madness."
Satisfied, he moved on.
"Phoenix Qi Replenishing Pill. Made from the feathers and Blood Essence of a phoenix, regardless of type, it's highly coveted for its life-saving properties."
He scribbled more notes.
"Effects: Heals all wounds and illnesses, no matter how severe, and grants the power of resurrection if consumed at the brink of death."
He paused for a moment before continuing writing.
"Drawbacks: Extremely rare ingredients, almost impossible to find. But, replacements might be possible. Let's write down some alternatives."
Continuing, he detailed another pill.
"Heavenly Insight Pill. Enhances comprehension and increases spiritual power. Rarely, it can even lead to enlightenment."
He noted the risks.
"Drawbacks: Risk of mental overload leading to insanity if used incorrectly, like taking multiple pills in one day."
He paused to think about the next pill.
"Qi Harmony Pill. Harmonizes the Spiritual Qi within the user, promoting balance and peace. Used in ancient times for breaking through realms."
He wrote quickly.
"Effects: Stabilizes Spiritual Qi and reduces the risk of Spiritual Qi deviation."
He considered the downside.
"Drawbacks: Requires constant meditation to maintain balance. Overuse can make it hard to feel one's Spiritual Qi."
Leaning back, he reflected on his work before deciding to write an alchemy sutra.
His master was a High-Level Earth Rank Alchemist, which was impressive but not sufficient.
He didn't know the Sect Master's character, but since he had been pursuing her for 300 years without success, he might resort to desperate measures to win her favour.
It was a plot well known in the cultivation novels he had read in his previous life.
Huang Longtian had to ensure his master's strength and influence within the sect to safeguard his future.
He had to make her the real decision-maker in the sect.
With his master being strong, his security could also be assured. However, he could be wrong about the Sect Master, but it was better to be prepared for the worst.
"Ice and Fire Eternal Alchemy Sutra, created by the Pill Venerable Bing Huo, it balances fire and ice. Mastering this technique can significantly enhance refining abilities, allowing one to reach the Heaven Rank with greater ease. One could use fire, ice, or both."
Huang Longtian smiled as he finished writing the complete sutra. It was a fitting gift for his master, who always exuded a cold, icy aura.
He had considered that she might have an ice attribute or a cold Strange Fire, making the sutra even more fitting.
He then drew the words "Decay," "Old," and "Preserve," launching them at the two books he had written.
The spells would make the books look old and ancient, perfect for his plan.
This way, he could claim he purchased them at a low price during the auction, deceiving his master without raising any suspicions.
Huang Longtian carefully examined the now-aged books, their pages yellowed and edges frayed.
They looked convincingly ancient. A pang of guilt pierced through him as he examined the aged books.
Deceiving his master felt like a small betrayal, yet he knew it was a necessary step. Steeling his resolve, he reminded himself of the greater good at stake.
It's all for the greater good... Yeah, the greater good...
"Now, to prepare for tomorrow," he said to himself, placing the books aside. He needed a good night's sleep.
The auction would be a significant event, and he had to obtain the two missing ingredients for his cultivation.
He lay down on the bed, closing his eyes and letting the events of the day wash over him.
He drifted off to sleep, knowing that tomorrow could be a turning point. He would finally start cultivating!