Transmigration: The Peerless Immortal Husband - Chapter 83

This matter was not something Chi Changye would decide for Gu Yao; he was simply concerned about the pill formula. Could others replicate it using the same methods?

Gu Yao stroked his chin. If spirit stones were being delivered to his door, he certainly wouldn’t reject them. Moreover, he wouldn’t need to refine the pills himself—he could simply provide the formula and sit at home collecting spirit stones. Only a fool would turn down such a great opportunity. He said, “It’s possible, but I’ll need a few days to perfect the formula. The pill refinement method is somewhat unique. I can refine it, but others might not be able to replicate it.”

Jiang Yan understood and said, “That’s why others find it hard to decipher the formula. As expected, Junior Brother Gu is extraordinary.”

“Not at all,” Gu Yao replied modestly. “Actually, there’s another reason they can’t decipher the formula: it involves a few plants that don’t fall under the category of spirit herbs. This probably has something to do with the fixed mindset of alchemists.”

Not only Jiang Yan, but even Zhou Li, who was sitting nearby, was shocked. So the reason the formula couldn’t be deciphered was this? Just a few ordinary plants could stump all the alchemists? If this were made public, it would surely leave many people astounded.

Jiang Yan lightly laughed, pressing a fist to his lips. “Then we’ll wait a few days for Junior Brother Gu’s formula.”

When Tian Feirong and the chubby boy returned and learned of this, they were also happy for Gu Yao. Other alchemists might go bankrupt in their quest to refine pills, but here Gu Yao could just sit at home and have others deliver heaps of spirit stones to him. What a difference!

Could the formula be modified to suit ordinary alchemists? If it were before, Gu Yao might have needed to put in more effort. However, in his space, there was a soul proficient in alchemy who had thoroughly studied Gu Yao’s pill-refining methods. Although Gu Yao’s divine sense was unique and other cultivators might not be able to replicate it, the method of refining both medicinal and spirit herbs could still be partially achieved. While alchemists of the same level couldn’t match Gu Yao’s perfection, they could still achieve decent results.

After Jiang Yan and the others left, Gu Yao went into the alchemy room to discuss and deliberate with Xu Chen. Together, they finalized the revised pill formula and took out a portion of seeds for several ordinary plants with unique effects. These plants had been cultivated in Gu Yao’s spatial storage, harvested batch after batch, accumulating a substantial reserve.

On the day the contract was formally signed, Jiang Yan brought along two alchemists from the Xingyue Chamber of Commerce, requesting Gu Yao to guide them in refining the pills. Tao Yue also attended the event, as it was necessary to inform Miaoyun Pavilion about the arrangement.

When Tao Yue learned that the Xingyue Chamber of Commerce had taken over the beauty-enhancing pill business outside Tianfu Academy, she seemed to have a sense of closure. Although Miaoyun Pavilion had been eyeing this business and hoped to expand it beyond the academy, they were no match for the Xingyue Chamber of Commerce. The fact that the association didn’t encroach on their market within the academy was already a generous concession, so she had to smile and offer her congratulations.

Gu Yao personally taught the two alchemists step by step multiple times before they finally grasped the pill refinement method. However, even using the same technique, the pills they produced still fell short of Gu Yao’s in quality. No wonder he had once humiliated the alchemists from The Pill Peak so badly that they left in disgrace after repeated failures.

With the contract finalized, the three parties celebrated in a small courtyard. Tao Yue remarked sourly, “Now, Junior Brother Gu, the four of you are wealthier than many senior students. Why stay in Area C? Moving to Area A wouldn’t be much of a burden for you.”

Jiang Yan laughed. “Junior Sister, don’t be jealous. Few can achieve the level of Junior Brother Gu and Brother Chi.”

Tao Yue chuckled. She was merely teasing, after all. She still relied on Gu Yao to make money. Gu Yao didn’t just have excellent alchemy skills—his ingenuity set him apart. Who else at his age could develop a new pill formula from scratch or improve upon an existing one?

Gu Yao smiled and said, “There’s spirit stone profit for everyone to share, but yes, we do need to move. After all, earning spirit stones is ultimately for the sake of improving cultivation.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Exactly. Don’t forget the foundation.”

Though their small courtyard had a nice environment, it was cramped and lacked sufficient spiritual energy. With better options available, there was no reason to remain attached to it.

Tian Feirong and the chubby boy were thrilled to join Gu Yao and the others in Area A to select a new residence. By chance, they encountered Pei Yuchun, who was striding out grandly, surrounded by a group of followers. Pei Yuchun froze momentarily upon seeing Gu Yao’s group but quickly realized why they were there.

Back when they first entered the academy, Pei Yuchun had sent people to recruit Gu Yao and his group. Of course, Tian Feirong and the chubby boy declined, earning scorn from Pei Yuchun’s people, who mocked them for being short-sighted and predicted they would regret their decision someday.

Yet, how much time had passed since then? Now, Gu Yao and his group were personally selecting a residence in Area A. Among the new students, the four of them were undoubtedly the most prominent figures.

On the day Gu Yao was challenged by the alchemists from The Pill Peak on the commercial street, many people were present, or they rushed over after hearing the news. Initially, no one thought Gu Yao could emerge unscathed. After all, he had offended The Pill Peak—how could his future days go smoothly?

Although he had indeed offended The Pill Peak, Gu Yao’s victories over two consecutive Pill Peak alchemists and his status as a ninth-grade advanced alchemist earned him widespread admiration and respect in the outer courtyard. Some even speculated that he might be the one Master Hu from Shifang City was rumored to be seeking as a disciple.

If only they had known earlier… If only they hadn’t followed Pei Yuchun and Hou Qiang. Look at Tian Feirong and the chubby boy—despite not being particularly skilled, they now enjoyed compliments wherever they went, never lacked spirit stones or pills, and lived a carefree life.

So, when Gu Yao and his group appeared, some of these people blushed deeply, wishing they could dig a hole and hide in it.

“So, it’s Alchemist Gu and his senior brothers. Alchemist Gu, are you also moving in?” Pei Yuchun, usually arrogant and domineering, had to tone down his attitude when facing Gu Yao. Especially since Gu Yao was accompanied by an expert—Chi Changye, whom everyone described as a terrifying figure. Pei had once thought Chi was just an unremarkable follower, never realizing how formidable he truly was.

“Yes, I’m here to look for a quiet courtyard. I won’t disturb you all,” Gu Yao replied, cupping his hands politely.

With Gu Yao saying this, Pei Yuchun had no face to stay longer. He led his group away, far less arrogant than before, even subconsciously lowering his voice.

As Pei Yuchun’s group disappeared into the distance, Tian Feirong and the chubby boy chuckled, sharing a few anecdotes about past events with Gu Yao. It hadn’t been long, but the situation had completely turned around.

The four of them quickly selected a courtyard, which was four to five times the size of their previous one. It even included ten acres of spiritual farmland. After paying the required spirit stones, they soon moved their belongings into their new home.

The courtyard was divided into inner and outer sections. Tian Feirong and the chubby boy stayed in the outer courtyard, leaving the inner courtyard to Gu Yao and Chi Changye.

The four discussed how to utilize the spiritual farmland, as leaving it idle would be wasteful. It could potentially bring in some spirit stone income, but tending to it personally would take too much time and energy. Thus, they decided to hire people to manage it.

Tian Feirong suggested, “We can grow the spiritual rice and wheat we usually eat ourselves, saving us the cost of buying it. From what I know, the quality of this farmland is between eighth and ninth grade, so the spiritual rice produced should be excellent. We could also plant some short-growth spiritual fruits and some of the spiritual herbs you often use, Gu Yao. If there’s still space left, we can grow whatever is popular in the academy. Spiritual farmers are easy to hire.”

Gu Yao looked at Chi Changye, who nodded slightly. “It’s up to you, Xiao Yao.”

Thus, Gu Yao made a list of the spiritual herbs he needed most frequently and handed it to Tian Feirong.

Professional matters were better left to professionals. As for his own spatial storage, with sufficient spiritual energy, any spiritual herb thrown in would grow on its own. It was less of a farmland and more aptly described as a medicinal field.

“You two should also focus on your cultivation. There’s no need to personally watch over the shop every day. You can hire people to manage it and just check in periodically,” Gu Yao reminded them.

Tian Feirong and the chubby boy immediately agreed. They felt an increasing sense of urgency. If they fell too far behind Gu Yao and Chi Changye, they’d be of little use in staying by Gu Yao’s side. Even if Gu Yao was willing to keep them around out of old friendship, they wouldn’t have the face to impose on him.

Tian Feirong quickly found two experienced spiritual farmers, and the ten acres of spiritual farmland were soon fully utilized. With various techniques to promote spiritual plant growth, the fields were covered in lush greenery within days, creating a refreshing and soothing sight.

Two workers were also hired for the shop, both recruited through the mission hall. If any issues arose with their conduct, the mission hall would take feedback into account. After investigation, these workers’ future task assignments and eligibility would be affected. Thus, the commission paid to the mission hall wasn’t without value—it provided a layer of security.

With everything in order, the four of them were able to fully focus on their cultivation.

—

In the blink of an eye, half a year passed.

Cao Kuan and Feng Zhi had just finished harvesting the spiritual rice from two acres of land. Using a spell, they separated the grains from the stalks. Delighted, Cao Kuan exclaimed, “This batch of Bi Geng spiritual rice is excellent quality! It’s definitely top-grade and will sell for a great price.”

Feng Zhi laughed. “That’s because Alchemist Gu and his group are willing to invest. Plus, they don’t rely on selling the rice for spirit stones—they grow it primarily for their own consumption, so we tend it with extra care. Oh, it looks like Junior Brother Tian is coming over.”

Both Cao Kuan and Feng Zhi were senior students, so they didn’t feel embarrassed about being employed by newer students. Among Gu Yao’s group, one was a ninth-grade advanced alchemist who had defeated The Pill Peak’s alchemists, and another was a powerful expert capable of defeating cultivators at the ninth level of Qi Refining. Even many senior students couldn’t match their status and strength. Taking on this job earned them admiration, as it also gave them easy access to Gu Yao’s pills.

But the most envied of all were Tian Feirong and Wei Zhengfei. When they entered the academy, one was only at the third level of Qi Refining and the other at the fourth—essentially at the bottom of the outer courtyard. Yet, due to their close relationship with Gu Yao, they managed all the mundane affairs for his group. With no shortage of spirit stones or pills, their cultivation levels skyrocketed, drawing envy, jealousy, and resentment from many who wished to take their place.

“Wait, is Junior Brother Tian at the fifth level of Qi Refining now?!” Cao Kuan exclaimed in shock. “Last time I saw him, he was at the fourth level. How long has it been, and he’s already broken through again? Isn’t his spiritual root aptitude supposed to be mediocre?”