Cultivation Begins with Skill Points-Chapter 215: Recruitment

"Now you understand the value of a Fifth Grade Alchemist, don’t you?"

Zhong Lin nodded, then asked back, "Brother Xu, aren’t you afraid I’ll run away after revealing so much?"

"Of course, I am."

Xu Youde said straightforwardly, "That’s why I need to explain everything to you. After all, gaining the friendship of a Fifth Grade Alchemist is something many dream of. These things aren’t really secrets; you’ll find out sooner or later. Even if we can’t win you over, we don’t want to offend you."

"Brother Xu is certainly straightforward," Zhong Lin chuckled.

"Brother Zhong, I’ll be frank with you. Among the 108 islands of the Luoxing Island, our Purple Cloud Sect isn’t the strongest, but we are certainly not weak. If you are willing to stay, I will immediately inform our Master. With your status as a Fifth Grade Alchemist, you will surely be granted the position of an Inner Sect Elder, with a noble status, second to none, reigning over ten thousand. Every year, we will gather enough spiritual medicine for you to further your alchemy study, and you needn’t worry about the Sea Expansion Pill for breaking through to the Spirit Sea Realm. What do you say?"

Xu Youde stared intently at Zhong Lin, waiting for his answer.

Zhong Lin remained silent, and the whole room fell into a dead silence.

After a long while, Zhong Lin slowly picked up his tea cup and took a gentle sip.

"I have a condition."

Xu Youde’s heart leaped with joy. This meant there was room for negotiation. He immediately said, "Brother Zhong, please say it. As long as it’s possible, I will definitely meet it."

"All my life, I’ve devoted myself to studying alchemy, and I’m confident that I’ll go even further along this path. Fifth Grade isn’t my limit. So, when the day comes that this place can no longer further my alchemy dao, I hope..."

"Rest assured, little brother. With your talent in alchemy, how could Fifth Grade be your limit? I will find all kinds of elixir recipes and alchemy secret manuals for you. Should the day come when you’re unsatisfied, you may leave anytime," Xu Youde quickly said.

Raising his tea cup from afar, he smiled and said, "That’s settled then. To a successful partnership."

Xu Youde was also all smiles, raising his tea cup and clinking it.

"To a successful partnership."

Indeed, having a successful partnership isn’t uncommon. Many alchemists align with some families or sects.

I help you refine elixirs, you help improve my alchemy technology, a win-win for both.

When the day comes that you can’t meet my demands, you won’t be able to hold me back from leaving.

As for whether there’d be foul play, such as imprisonment or forced alchemy-making.

Yes, it happens, but not often, and it mostly targets lower-grade alchemists.

Alchemists of the Fourth Grade or higher are not weak in martial strength, and they have their own circles. They’re not mere rabbits to be butchered. People in these circles are famous for having lots of money and friends. Anger them, and plenty of people will step in to assist, hoping to connect with an alchemist.

If you truly did something like that, you’d earn a bad reputation. Once the rabbits are gone, the fox grieves, and no other alchemist would be willing to interact with you. Without elixirs to aid in cultivation, it would practically be a death sentence.

When Zhong Lin learned about the community of alchemists on the Luoxing Island, he repeatedly felt fortunate for choosing this profession.

With skills, you can make your way anywhere.

"Little brother, come, follow me to meet Master."

"Alright."

Xu Youde, filled with enthusiasm, led Zhong Lin towards the inner city, where the Purple Cloud Sect was located atop Flowing Cloud Peak.

The Flowing Cloud Peak is situated by the sea. From a distance, several waterfalls cascade down from the mountain peaks like jade dragons rushing to the sea.

The sky was a deep blue, like blue crystal, eternally cloudless, with the bright sun shining down, clean and pure.

Deep within Flowing Cloud Peak, amidst drifting clouds and mists, glimpses of hidden pavilions and terraces can be seen, like a mirage, making one feel as if they’ve entered the Immortal Realm.

As the ninth disciple of the Purple Cloud Sect Master, Xu Youde was naturally unimpeded, and the two easily made their way up the mountain.

"Xu Youde."

A clear voice rang out, followed by a beautiful woman stepping through the air.

This woman, with her snowy skin and exquisite features, looked resplendent and noble in her attire—a smoky red soft satin outer robe, with a moon-white skirt embroidered with golden hundred-leaf lotuses. Her head was adorned with a red gold inlaid treasure hairpin and a sea-pearl beaded hairpin. Her earrings, adorned with rose gold cat’s eye gemstones, glittered magnificently, making her appear nobly radiant.

Zhong Lin’s pupils contracted; the woman’s movement wasn’t Qinggong but genuine flight, indicating she was a transcendent Realm Martial Artist.

Xu Youde’s face also changed, halting his steps, and greeted with cupped hands, "Greetings, Third Senior Sister."

The third disciple of the Purple Cloud Sect Master, Mu Qing, a martial artist at the transcendent Spirit Sea Realm.

To become a Spirit Sea Realm martial artist as a woman was no ordinary feat.

Mu Qing’s fair cheeks revealed a faint smile as she teased, "Grown quite the aptitude, haven’t you, Seventh Junior Brother? Seeing me but not greeting, how come—what secrets are you hiding?"

Xu Youde’s face darkened, speaking helplessly, "Third Senior Sister, you mustn’t slander good people. Truly didn’t see your elderly self."

"Elderly?"

A cold glint flashed in Mu Qing’s eyes.

"You’re calling me old?"

Xu Youde wasn’t frightened. He spread his hands and said, "At your age, you’d be old enough to be my grandmother. So, are you old or not?"

No sooner had he spoken than a cold streak struck toward Xu Youde’s chubby face with such speed that Zhong Lin could only see a blur.

Bang!

With a crisp noise, an unexpected blue shield materialized on Xu Youde, effortlessly shattering the cold streak, rippling like water.

Seeing such a scene, Mu Qing bit her silver teeth lightly, disgruntled, "Master actually gave you the Azure Water Mirror. No wonder you’re acting so cocky."

Xu Youde chuckled, a proud look on his face, even intentionally took out a blue mirror from his bosom, fanning himself with it, with a look brimming with pride.

Being at the Spiritual Origin Realm of Perfection and with the help of a spiritual artifact, Xu Youde, even if he couldn’t defeat Mu Qing, was innately invincible.

Mu Qing felt a pang of frustration with the Azure Water Mirror in hand; Xu Youde was like a turtle shell, providing little more than fatigue and no actual use.

Her eyes darted, landing on Zhong Lin standing to the side, gently saying, "Oh! There’s quite a pretty little gentleman here. I am Mu Qing, pleased to meet you."

Zhong Lin, who was merely watching the show, stiffened at this.

Pretty?

Is that meant to describe me?

Xu Youde stepped forward, blocking in front of Zhong Lin, warning, "Third Senior Sister, this is Master’s distinguished guest; don’t make trouble."

Mu Qing sneered, "Just a Spiritual Origin Realm martial artist. At least find a better reason than lying."