65: Chapter 65 I Don't Understand Alchemy

Those four sentences were like a pebble dropped into a deep pool, the ripples they stirred refusing to fade for a long time.

Dan Qingzi rose from the main seat and approached Zhou Tianchen.

His eyes were exceptionally bright at this moment, his gaze falling upon Zhou Tianchen with scrutiny, surprise, and a touch of indescribable complexity.

When Zhou Tianchen had come before, although he had shown extraordinary talent in Alchemy, it had not reached this level.

"Little Friend Tianchen."

Dan Qingzi spoke, his voice hoarse yet gentle, completely devoid of the arrogance of a Heaven Rank Alchemist.

"This old man takes the liberty of asking: who taught you those insights into the Dao of Alchemy just now?"

He paused, a hint of anticipation growing in his eyes.

"If it is convenient, could you introduce them to me?"

As soon as these words were spoken, hundreds of gazes within the Altar fell simultaneously upon Zhou Tianchen.

Huo Lingzi, Daoist Xuandan, Yun Yin, Yang Danzi, Yao Li... these top Alchemists of the Southern Wilderness were all staring intently at the young man.

They also wanted to know exactly which expert could have taught such profound insights into the Dao of Alchemy.

Zhou Tianchen's expression remained calm.

Instead of answering immediately, he turned and bowed deeply toward the white-robed figure beside him.

The movement was solemn and respectful.

"Revered Master."

His voice was not loud, yet it reached the ears of everyone present with perfect clarity.

"What this Disciple just said were all principles of the Dao of Alchemy taught by Revered Master."

The entire venue erupted in an uproar.

Countless gazes shifted from Zhou Tianchen to the white-robed figure he was bowing toward.

Jiang Changge was still leaning back in his seat, his posture relaxed.

It was as if the hundreds of shocked, doubtful, and probing gazes around him had absolutely nothing to do with him.

Dan Qingzi's pupils constricted sharply.

He had noticed this white-robed young man long ago; how could he not notice someone who could make Ancestor Zhou Huaixu so respectful?

But he never imagined that Zhou Tianchen's world-shaking insights into the Dao of Alchemy were actually taught by him.

Dan Qingzi's gaze swept over Jiang Changge repeatedly, trying to discern something from the young man.

Robes as white as snow, hair as black as ink, a face like fine jade, and eyes like stars.

Beyond that, there was nothing.

He could sense no spiritual energy fluctuations, nor any flow of Dao charms.

He couldn't even sense the medicinal fragrance unique to Alchemists.

He just sat there plainly, looking like nothing more than an ordinary young Cultivator.

But how could an ordinary young Cultivator teach a Disciple like Zhou Tianchen?

Why would Ancestor Zhou Huaixu, a Peak Undergoing Tribulation expert and a being at the pinnacle of this world, be so respectful to a young man?

Dan Qingzi vaguely had an answer in his heart.

He took a deep breath and, under the watch of countless gazes, bowed deeply toward Jiang Changge.

This bow bent the spine of a Heaven Rank Alchemist.

"So it turns out Senior is also an Alchemist."

Dan Qingzi's voice was hoarse and solemn, carrying a heartfelt respect.

"This old man had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai; I did not pay my respects just now, so I hope Senior can forgive me."

A deathly silence fell over the Altar.

Jiang Changge finally raised his eyes and glanced at Dan Qingzi.

That gaze was as calm as water, without any condescending scrutiny or panicked flattery.

There was only an indescribable composure.

"You've misunderstood."

Jiang Changge spoke; his voice wasn't loud, yet it carried a rhythm that made people unconsciously hold their breath.

"I don't understand Alchemy."

Dan Qingzi was slightly stunned and looked up, his eyes filled with confusion.

Jiang Changge withdrew his gaze, his tone remaining flat.

"Those words just now were realized by Tianchen himself; they have nothing to do with me."

These words were spoken with breezy indifference.

But of the Alchemists present, not a single one believed him.

A Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator could realize such profound principles of the Dao of Alchemy as 'Heaven and Earth as the furnace, creation as the craftsmanship' on his own?

It wasn't a matter of whether his Comprehension Ability was high or not; it was simply impossible.

That kind of Realm was impossible to reach without hundreds of thousands of years of accumulation in the Dao of Alchemy and the experience of standing at the very top of this world.

Just like an ant, no matter how clever, it could never imagine the appearance of the ocean.

There was only one explanation for Zhou Tianchen having such insights—the person standing behind him was the true Grandmaster who had fully grasped the ultimate depths of the Dao of Alchemy.

Dan Qingzi looked at Jiang Changge, understanding dawning in his heart.

Since this Senior was unwilling to say more, he naturally couldn't press further.

After all, people at this level had their own reasons for doing things, and it wasn't for him to question them.

"It was this old man who was impetuous."

Dan Qingzi straightened up and cupped his hands in another salute to Jiang Changge, his posture respectful.

"Please forgive me, Senior."

Jiang Changge nodded slightly and said no more.

Dan Qingzi turned around, his gaze sweeping over the Alchemists in the Altar who had yet to recover from their shock.

"Fellow Daoists."

His voice regained its usual steadiness, yet it held a hint of irrepressible emotion compared to normal.

"Today's discussion of the Dao has surely been satisfying for everyone. If there is nothing else to say, we shall end it here."

The Altar fell into silence; no one spoke.

Zhou Tianchen's four sentences from earlier were like a great mountain pressing down on the hearts of every Alchemist, leaving them with no desire to discuss the Dao of Alchemy any further.

Heat control, ingredient compatibility, the unity of mind and spirit...

In the face of those four sentences, everything seemed so shallow and not worth mentioning.

Seeing no response, Dan Qingzi nodded slightly.

"In that case, we shall rest for half a day. Tomorrow at the Hour of Chen, the Alchemy competition will officially begin at the Hundred Herbs Altar."

"Please, everyone, do as you wish."

As his voice fell, Disciples of Medicine King Valley stepped forward to guide the various forces to their pre-arranged courtyards for rest.

Jiang Changge stood up, straightened his robes, and walked toward the exit of the Altar.

Zhou Tianchen followed closely behind, while Ancestor Zhou Huaixu and Yao Li hurried to keep up.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu walked half a step behind Jiang Changge, his gaze never leaving the white-robed figure from beginning to end.

In his heart, he was both shocked and fortunate.

He was shocked that Tianchen could have such an understanding of the Dao of Alchemy so soon after becoming a Disciple.

He was fortunate that the Zhou Imperial Clan had formed a good relationship with this Senior, and that Tianchen had even joined his sect.

This Opportunity was enough to ensure the Zhou Imperial Clan remained invincible for the next ten thousand years.

The courtyard arranged by Medicine King Valley for the Zhouwu Dynasty was located in a quiet valley to the east of the Hundred Herbs Altar.

The courtyard wasn't large, but its layout was exquisite, with bluestone paving and a flowing spiritual spring.

Several ancient medicinal trees stood tall, their branches laden with various spiritual fruits that emitted a refreshing fragrance.

The courtyard was fully equipped with an Alchemy room, a meditation room, and a tea pavilion.

Jiang Changge took a seat in the tea pavilion, with Zhou Tianchen standing in attendance by his side.

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu sat in a lower seat, his posture respectful, yet his gaze always carried a hint of irrepressible eagerness.

Yao Li stood behind Ancestor Zhou Huaixu with his hands at his sides, his eyes occasionally stealing glances at Jiang Changge as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Senior."

Ancestor Zhou Huaixu was the first to speak, breaking the silence.

"Although this Junior does not practice the Dao of Alchemy, I heard Tianchen's words just now and took them to heart."

He paused, his tone full of emotion.

"Using Heaven and Earth as the furnace—such breadth of mind, such a Realm, this Junior has never heard of the like."

"Hearing it again today, I still find the insights to be quite profound."

As he spoke, Ancestor Zhou Huaixu stood up and bowed deeply to Jiang Changge.

"Senior's attainments in the Dao of Alchemy are truly heaven-reaching; this Junior admires you immensely."

"For Tianchen to be able to enter Senior's tutelage is truly the fortune of three lifetimes, and a blessing for my Zhou Imperial Clan."