The next day.
Chen Nan began his closed-door cultivation to refine pills.
Having experience from refining Foundation Establishment Pills once, this time took much less effort.
In just three hours, he had refined a Foundation Establishment Pill.
The emergence of the spiritual pill once again triggered celestial phenomena.
It was the sound of thunder.
However, such occurrences were common in Zhongnan Mountain and did not attract much attention.
Another five days passed in a blink.
Chen Nan had refined a total of fifteen Foundation Establishment Pills.
Each Foundation Establishment Pill possessed three dan patterns, and one even had four dan patterns.
He believed that if he had used the Fentian Furnace for refining.
All these pills could have achieved the quality of mid-grade pills.
Not only that, he also wrote down the improved techniques.
It could be considered a token for Huoyun Cave…
No!
It was compensation for Nangong Wan!
After finishing these, he arrived at Nangong He's cultivation cave: "Senior, here are fifteen pills and the improved techniques from your junior."
"I have merged the Earth Spike Technique, Water Manipulation Art, Blazing Flame Art, Withered Vine Art, and Golden Light Technique into one Five Elements Technique, named Five Elements Cage. Its power has increased by nearly ten times compared to before!"
Nangong He attempted to cast the technique Chen Nan had fused.
Instantly.
The power of the Five Elements permeated, forming a small domain.
Utilizing the properties of the Five Elements' mutual generation and overcoming, the spell's power was greatly enhanced.
"Come, attack me with this spell!"
Nangong He's eyes were burning with intensity.
He wanted to see how terrifying the power of this technique truly was!
"Yes!"
Chen Nan formed hand seals.
The power of the Five Elements immediately appeared around Nangong He.
The Gravity Technique restricted Nangong He's body, making him feel as if he were sinking into a swamp.
He struggled with all his might, and withered vines broke through the earth, coiling around his legs and binding him firmly.
Concurrently.
The Earth Spike Technique flashed.
Sharp earth spikes continuously protruded.
However, Nangong He was, after all, a powerful cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, and this level of spell attack could not break through his protective true qi.
Next was the Golden Light Technique.
The dazzling golden light made Nangong He instinctively close his eyes. When he opened them again, countless withered vines had already wrapped around his waist.
Nangong He chuckled, "Your technique is indeed difficult to defend against, but it is not enough to defeat a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage!"
"Senior, do not jump to conclusions so quickly!"
Chen Nan smiled and instantly activated the Blazing Flame Art.
The withered wood entwined around Nangong He began to burn at his waist.
"This flame can actually devour my true qi?"
Nangong He was greatly shocked.
Without a second thought, his true qi surged forth, shredding the withered vines that bound him.
Just as he leaped, preparing to escape, patches of withered vines instantly appeared on the ground around him.
The withered vines surged upwards from all directions, weaving into a semi-circle that trapped him inside.
Then.
The withered vines burned.
The Gravity Technique compressed the flames internally.
The Earth Spike Technique continuously attacked Nangong Wan.
And through the gaps, one could see flashes of golden light within!
"Stop, stop, stop!" Nangong He shouted.
Chen Nan promptly withdrew his hand and dispelled the spell.
"Your technique is truly terrifying. If you were to fight with your life on the line, you could trap and kill me within!" Nangong He panted heavily. Although he was a powerful cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, he was still just one person!
He could not divide his attention into five parts.
Especially the Golden Light Technique, which he had considered useless, but each time it flashed, it blinded him.
But…
Every time he opened his eyes, the withered vines would ensnare him.
Even he felt that the Five Elements Cage Technique improved by Chen Nan was formidable!
"Chen Nan, as cultivators, we should devote ourselves to the Way and not be infatuated with romantic affections."
Nangong He's gaze was complex: "I know you are young, and young people are fond of love affairs."
"But everything must have a limit. Even if you like it now, after ten or twenty years."
"Even a hundred years, you will find that your sentimentality will inevitably harm you."
"Because the woman you love will grow old with the passage of time, and even die before your eyes."
"At that time, you will realize the ruthlessness of time and the terrifying nature of the Heavenly Dao."
"And you will know your own utter worthlessness!"
"This could become the last straw that breaks your will!"
Chen Nan smiled with an air of carefree detachment: "We cannot be certain which will come first, tomorrow or an accident. It is enough to live in the present. What is there to think about regarding other matters?"
Nangong He retorted, "Are you evading reality?"
"No, no, no!" Chen Nan replied, "Living is inherently tiring, let alone for us cultivators who must also contend with Heaven. Instead of thinking about so many meaningless things, it is better to invest this time in cultivation, and in the process of loving or being loved!"
"As for what you said about watching the woman I love grow old after a hundred years…"
"I have indeed considered this problem."
"I am an alchemist. I will do my best to improve their bloodlines!"
"It would be even better if they could become cultivators, then we could live together in the mortal world."
"If not, it is no big deal."
"At least I will have tried, and there will be no regrets in my heart!"
"Just as all cultivators aspire to reach the Foundation Establishment and condense a Golden Core."
"But how many can condense a Golden Core?"
"Who isn't willing to risk everything for it?"
"Moreover, I do not believe that watching the woman I love pass away in my arms is a sad thing!"
"None of us can witness the birth of the one we love, nor share in that joy."
"But if we can watch her peacefully depart this world, is that not the best ending to a love story?"
"After all, we witnessed her life!"
Nangong He looked at Chen Nan in shock, clearly not expecting him to have such insights: "Did Wushan teach you this?"
"No, these are my own thoughts!" Chen Nan changed the subject, asking curiously, "Senior, do you know my master?"
"Heh, your master is no ordinary person!" Nangong He's eyes showed a meaningful gleam: "I only met him once. At that time, I was just… forget it, he is a dead man. Let's not talk about him."
"Are you considering becoming a son-in-law of my Huoyun Cave? If you can sever your romantic ties, I can overlook your past actions! And I will bestow upon you a great treasure!"
Nangong He felt a sense of appreciation for Chen Nan's talent.
Chen Nan's talent was too terrifying, whether it was alchemy, cultivation aptitude, or the ability to modify and fuse techniques, these were not things an ordinary person could achieve.
Given time, he would surely carve out a place for himself in this vast cultivation world!
Chen Nan bowed apologetically: "Thank you for your kind offer, senior. I am afraid I will have to disappoint you!"
Nangong He sighed softly: "Everyone has their own aspirations. I will not force you. Go, say goodbye to Wan'er. I will order you and Jiang Ye to leave Huoyun Cave shortly."
"Remember my words, from now on, no matter what happens, do not appear in Wan'er's life!"
"I will not allow her to be hurt twice!"
The surging killing intent made Chen Nan feel complex emotions!
If time could be rewound, he would rather not have come to Huoyun Cave!
Even if Jiang Ye had announced to the world that he possessed a spiritual artifact!
But…
Where in this damned world were there so many 'ifs'!!!