Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 712: The Desolate Teachings

The Dragon Vein Pill? thought Fang Chen.

As Fang Chen followed Xia Ji outside, he recalled the method of refining the Dragon Vein Pill. In the Heavenly Supreme Pill Technique, the Earth Grade section contains ninety-nine types of pill formulas, one of which was the Dragon Vein Pill.

The materials required for the Dragon Vein Pill amount to four thousand seven hundred ninety-nine types, one of which was dragon blood. The purity can vary; the lower the purity of the dragon blood, the worse the effects of the resulting Dragon Vein Pill.

However, as long as it can be refined, even the most inferior Dragon Vein Pill could grant a cultivator of the Upper Three Realms a thousand years’ increase in cultivation.

“Xia Ji, are they saying the Dragon Vein Pill is a saint-grade pill? And who is that Era Immortal King?” Fang Chen casually asked.

Xia Ji explained, “The Era Immortal King can be considered the foremost figure in alchemy within the Central Continent Empire. He also serves as a teacher in the Desolate Academy and is the vice president.

“In the vast world, only the Era Immortal King knows how to refine the Dragon Vein Pill, and only he can produce it. You happen to be in the capital now; when you have time, you can check the imperial list. The imperial list in the capital is the most detailed, listing all saint-grade materials and pills; it’s enough to dazzle anyone’s eyes. The Dragon Vein Pill ranks among the top ten saint-grade pills.

“I’ve heard it’s been many years since a saint-grade pill was produced, so this time, the successful refinement will attract countless people to witness it. This is also the intention of that person in the palace, hoping someone can gain some insights and understanding of the path of alchemy.”

A slight smile appeared on Xia Ji’s face. “But is it really that easy to comprehend the path of alchemy? Without a pill formula, even the best talent cannot rise to fame in this field.

Fang Chen remarked, “But these alchemy masters are all protective of their teachings, and even their disciples rarely receive true guidance. Makes you wonder if the path of alchemy will decline with each generation.”

Looks like the classification of pill grades in the Heavenly Supreme Pill Technique differs from that of the present world. The Dragon Vein Pill is now considered a saint-grade pill these days, ranking above heavenly-grade. In the Great Heaven Sovereign’s teachings, such a formula can only be categorized in the Earth Grade section, which has a total of ninety-nine types...

The grading of pills in the present day might be far inferior to that of ancient times. The Heaven rank and Earth rank pills of today would’ve probably been classified as Profound rank in the past.

“Tell me about the Desolate Academy,” said Fang Chen.

This wasn’t the first time Fang Chen had heard of the Desolate Academy, but he had never really delved into it. Hearing that an Immortal King could only serve as the vice president there and that he was the foremost pill maker in the Central Continent Empire piqued his interest.

Xia Ji smiled and began, “The origins of the Desolate Academy are quite significant. You probably already know that there are five major sects in the world, right? They are the Desolate Academy, the Divine Dao Sect, the Immortal Worshiping Sect, the Incense Sect, and the Spirit Blood Sect.”

In the end, he reminded him, “Be careful not to let your hair fall into the hands of others. This kind of calamity-inducing technique is meant for dealing with individuals of unusual status who cannot be directly confronted. Since you know me, the Innate Dao Sect might be waiting for the day you reach the Golden Core Realm to use it on you, catching you off guard.”

Xia Ji gasped. “The ancient sect’s techniques are too strange; they can even influence the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations?”

He couldn’t but feel a little sorry for Xu Qingsong, who had once lost face at the Immortal Dynasty Manor. Now, he had to use his blood essence to help Fang Chen summon a calamity sooner, offering Fang Chen a helping hand without realizing it.

“The Ninth Prince, Ji Liang, is also in the capital. Since he’s the one who taught Xu Qingsong the technique, he might secretly lend a hand. Also... Gai Wu is in the capital,” Xia Ji pondered aloud.

Fang Chen paused slightly. “Gai Wu is also in the capital?”

“Don’t act recklessly. If you kill him here, you’ll soon be the ex-sword leader of the Void Immortal Sword Sect. You won’t be leaving alive,” Xia Ji advised, “Let me think of a way to mix his hair with yours and then quietly send it to Xu Qingsong. Since it’s all about invoking calamities, there’s no need to distinguish between you. You both can face the tribulation together.”

Fang Chen glanced at him. “Then let’s do that.”

As they chatted, the two gradually moved away from the bustling city center of the capital. Every hundred feet, they would encounter stationed soldiers. The soldiers would let them pass after verifying Xia Ji’s identity.

Before long, a high platform that resembled jade came into view, exuding a rich spiritual aura. At the center of the platform stood a figure, with a three-person tall alchemical furnace in front of him. The figure continually clapped his hands, enveloping the furnace in layers of spiritual flames, fluctuating in intensity.

The area was already crowded with dignitaries and nobles from the capital, all of high status.

“Only the Desolate Academy could afford such a grand display, using the entire spiritual vein to assist in alchemy,” Xia Ji remarked as he looked at the high platform.

His voice drew the attention of several people, including a woman in plain clothes who was surrounded by admirers. When she caught sight of Xia Ji, she merely cast him a dismissive glance before focusing intently on the high platform.

Not far from her, Ji Liang's gaze fell on Fang Chen, and it took him several breaths to react.

He squinted slightly. “Fang Chen.”