Immortality and Cultivation: This old man seeks enlightenment through mere survival.

As Jiuyou strolled around, he suddenly saw a familiar shop name.

"Hmm? There's a pill pavilion here?!"

Jiuyou's eyes widened in surprise, and he murmured the name of the shop.

Then he walked inside.

"What would you like to buy, senior?"

The servant at the door was startled, realizing that the customer was actually a Foundation Establishment cultivator undergoing major repairs. He was terrified and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"I'm just browsing..."

Jiuyou waved his hand to dismiss the servant and went shopping alone.

"Blood Clotting Pill, Vitality Nourishing Pill, Obstacle Clearing Pill... The fragrance and the refining method of these pills are exactly the same. Could it be that guy?"

Jiuyou glanced at the pills on the shelf and found them very familiar.

Some of the pill refining methods were actually improved by Lu Zaian himself.

"Who is the manager of your pill shop?"

Jiuyou suddenly asked a question.

"I am Gu Xi, the manager of this Dan Pavilion. I was unaware of your presence, senior. Please forgive my lack of hospitality!"

At this moment, a middle-aged man hurried down from the second floor, having been informed by the servant.

"Is it really this guy?"

Jiuyou turned around, took a look, and muttered to himself.

The middle-aged man before me had a fair complexion, but a hint of fatigue. He exuded a rich fragrance of medicinal herbs. He was none other than Gu Xi, the manager who used to work for Lu Zaian.

At the same time, Gu Xi was also quietly observing the unfamiliar Foundation Establishment cultivator in front of her.

Seeing his fierce expression and imposing aura, I couldn't help but feel worried.

Could it be that they have ill intentions?

Jiuyou seemed to sense the other party's worry, and immediately restrained his aura, revealing what he considered a friendly smile, and said:

"Don't panic, I just find your Pill Pavilion somewhat familiar."

The name, the types of pills, and the refining methods are all exactly the same as a place I once knew, so I came in to take a look.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi's heart skipped a beat, but her face showed some suspicion as she cautiously replied:

"My alchemy shop is indeed modeled after the shop of a former alchemy master. Could it be that you know that master?"

Jiuyou smiled mysteriously and said calmly:

"Is it Master Lu Zaian?"

"!!"

Gu Xi then realized that this Foundation Establishment senior did indeed know the former Pavilion Master.

He said quickly:

"That's right! To be honest, I was once an alchemist under Master Lu."

Because of the chaos in Huangze City later, Master Lu was pursued and killed by the male and female bandits, and his whereabouts became unknown.

The younger generation followed his example and thus reopened this Dan Pavilion.

Immediately afterwards, Gu Xi cautiously inquired:

"May I ask what your relationship is with Master Lu? Master Lu disappeared back then and there has been no news of him since. Do you have any information about him?"

Jiuyou slowly shook his head.

"Speaking of which, I once asked Master Lu to help me refine a few batches of pills, so I can say that I owe Master Lu a favor."

I deeply regret what happened.

Unfortunately, I don't know their whereabouts... They may have escaped the tribulation and gone into hiding, or they may have perished or disappeared..."

Of course, Jiuyou would not reveal information about the main body just because the other party was once its subordinate.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi couldn't help but sigh, her face showing even more weariness.

"Sigh, actually I had my suspicions for a long time, but I just didn't want to believe it."

Master Lu treated me well back then, helping me when I was at my lowest point. But in my time of crisis, I was unable to help him at all.

We independent alchemists are powerless and vulnerable, making us easy targets for bullying and exploitation…

Seeing that Gu Xi seemed to have a hidden meaning in his words, Jiu You couldn't help but probe indirectly.

"Oh? How do you say this?"

"This……"

Gu Xi hesitated for a moment, unsure how to begin.

"Speak your mind! Since you were once a master alchemist under Master Lu, I am grateful for his kindness and it is no trouble for me to help you with a little something."

Of course, if you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you.

Jiuyou pretended to be dissatisfied and waved his hand.

Gu Xi also realized that the Foundation Establishment senior in front of her was an opportunity, but she didn't know if the other party could handle this matter.

After much hesitation, Gu Xi gritted her teeth and said:

"If you don't mind the trouble, please come upstairs for a chat, and let me explain in detail."

Arrived upstairs.

Gu Xi checked the soundproofing array before cautiously explaining.

"Senior, you may not know this, but more than twenty years ago, when Master Lu came to Huangze City, he offended a force called 'San Ding Lou' in the competition for the pill market."

After Chen Kui, the leader of the Three Cauldrons Tower, and Gongyang Wen, the second-in-command, became Foundation Establishment cultivators, they joined the Demon Spear Sect.

Furthermore, he constantly opposes Master Lu.

Later, the city of Huangze fell into chaos, Master Lu disappeared without a trace, and Youjian Dange also disbanded.

I, a junior, believe that I have learned a few rudiments of Master Lu's alchemy skills. I could not bear to see his exquisite techniques lost, so I worked hard in Huangze City for many years before I was able to rebuild this 'Youjian Dange' in the outer city.

Because the Demon Spear Cult was later suppressed by the Heavenly Underworld Palace, the Three Cauldrons Tower also withdrew from the Wilderness City market.

Therefore, as I gradually built up my Dan Pavilion, I was able to make a decent living.

Unfortunately, half a year ago, Chen Kui suddenly betrayed the Demon Spear Sect with his second brother and defected to the Heavenly Underworld Palace.

The Demon Gun Cult was preoccupied with its own problems and couldn't do anything about them.

So Chen Kui and the others returned to Huangze City and reopened their shop with the support of Tianming Palace.

Because of past grudges, a certain Dan Pavilion has been targeted and suppressed in every way, and the market manager has been sent to collect an additional spirit stone tax...

Sigh... After being tormented like this for more than half a year, it's safe to say that this store is on the verge of closing down..."

Gu Xi recounted her bitter experiences slowly, tears streaming down her face, sighing repeatedly.

"I see."

Jiuyou nodded expressionlessly.

Unexpectedly, the trouble left behind by Lu Zaian's original body has affected Gu Xi.

Those two guys, Chen Kui and Chen Kui, were still jumping around.

Of course, there are also reasons related to Guxi itself.

If he hadn't chosen the name "Youjian Dange," perhaps he wouldn't have had these troubles.

It cannot be ruled out that Gu Xi does indeed want to revive Lu Zaian's alchemy.

But more likely, they wanted to use Lu Zaian's remaining fame to promote the Danpu business...

"So how do you want me to help you?"

Jiuyou asked calmly.

"The reason why Chen Kui and the others dare to bully me like this is simply because they think I am just a Qi Refining cultivator."

We would like to request that you, senior, register your name in the Pill Pavilion. With the title of Foundation Establishment cultivator, we believe that Chen Kui and the others will not dare to be so presumptuous.

Please rest assured, senior, I will not let you hold the title for nothing. I am willing to offer fifty percent of the Pill Pavilion's profits as a token of my respect!"

After Gu Xi finished speaking nervously, she could only cautiously observe Jiu You's expression.

"..."

Unexpectedly, after a moment of contemplation, Jiuyou slowly shook his head.

"This matter involves the affairs of the Heavenly Nether Palace. Even though I am a Foundation Establishment cultivator, I am unwilling to get involved in this mess."

Seeing that the other party refused, Gu Xi couldn't help but look desperate.

As expected! Since it involves a Core Formation power like the Heavenly Nether Palace, the other party is definitely unwilling to show up.

Even Chen Kui and his group were merely using the Heavenly Underworld Palace's name as a front...

But a Core Formation faction is still a Core Formation faction.

Jiuyou glanced at the dejected Gu Xi and couldn't help but shake his head.

"Not to mention that you don't even know my name, you dare to let me put my name on your signboard."

What if the Lord deliberately agrees but doesn't deliver, just to profit from your gains?

"To forge iron, one must be strong oneself; blindly relying on others and depending on their strength is ultimately unwise..."