Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Midas Touch

“If the Xu Li herb truly grows in the Western Wasteland, then there is no other way.” The Western Wasteland is known as a forbidden land for humans. Over the years, countless experts who ventured there vanished without a trace. The Western Wasteland is like a stagnant pool—those who enter stir no ripples. Many years have passed, yet it remains as calm as ever, as if no one had ever set foot there, while those who did have disappeared like a stone sinking into the sea, never to be heard from again.” Even Elder Qing Dan’s composed demeanor grew grave; it was clear the Western Wasteland still haunted him.

“Our Qingchi Sect once had an ancestor who supposedly entered the Western Wasteland on a quest. With his cultivation at the Immortal Inquiry Realm, over two centuries have passed without any news. It’s likely he met a grim fate,” Elder Yang Quzhi sighed. That elder was the last of the Qingchi Sword Sect to reach the Immortal Inquiry Realm, making his loss a devastating blow to their sect.

“There were reports from some who glimpsed the depths of the Western Wasteland, where monstrous demonic energy surged into the sky, and the roars of strange beasts were terrifying beyond measure. Witnesses speculated it might be the wrath of the Demon King of the West, whose power shook the wasteland. Therefore, I implore you, Master, to reconsider—do not entertain the idea of venturing into the Western Wasteland. Even if we muster the entire strength of Qingchi, it would be as futile as a stone cast into the sea; the Western Wasteland far surpasses our capacity.” Xue Cheng also spoke up, fearing that his “seventeenth disciple” might act rashly in calling for an all-out expedition. Such a decision would surely spell disaster, and even his own formidable courage failed to dispel the chill that thought brought.

“So you mean to abandon the quest for the Xu Li herb?” Li Muqiu’s voice was cold. Though he understood the dangers of the Western Wasteland, the unanimous opposition around him left him displeased.

“Obtaining the Xu Li herb is not entirely hopeless. But we remain uncertain whether it truly benefits your niece’s condition,” Elder Qing Dan said quickly, noticing Li Muqiu’s displeasure. His gaze, however, shifted toward Che Wuyou. After some whispered exchanges among the elders, he had learned of Che’s intentions.

“This young friend intends to use the Xu Li herb to extract the Great Nourishing Pill from your blood, does he not? I have been practicing alchemy for over four centuries, yet I have never seen anyone separate a needed pill directly from human blood. Such a technique must be mere legend. Pray tell, young friend, on what grounds do you dare make such bold claims? Is it merely because you have studied alchemy for a few years?” Elder Qing Dan’s smile bore both mockery and solemnity. Alchemy demanded utmost caution; he himself had never dared to boast so grandly, yet here was a mere youth speaking with such brazen confidence. If not for the presence of many Qingchi Sword Sect experts and even the sect leader, he might have taken the chance to teach this impudent child a lesson. Nonetheless, he resolved to question the boy thoroughly, so he might understand the true nature of alchemy and what it meant to be a master of the Pill Dao.

“Esteemed elder, have you ever heard of the Midas Touch? What if I use the Midas Touch technique for separation?” Che Wuyou stared steadily at Elder Qing Dan, his tone calm and unwavering. He knew how precious such alchemical techniques were, but now that even the Qihuang Scripture had fallen into Li Muqiu’s hands, he no longer felt constrained. He boldly mentioned the Midas Touch in front of this elder, confident that this ancient method would silence him—or perhaps even awaken desire for it.

During the Miao family’s alchemy competition, crafting the Great Nourishing Pill was a formidable challenge for Liu Lanzhi. Yet, after Miao Shilin shared some rudimentary insights into the Midas Touch, she not only managed to produce a superior grade Great Nourishing Pill but even achieved a Class B quality. Had it not been for Ge’ermu’s sudden breakthrough to the Pill Formation realm, no one in the Pharmacy District could have surpassed Liu Lanzhi.

“What? The Midas Touch? You mean one of the three great ancient alchemical techniques known as the Midas Touch? How... how is that possible?” Elder Qing Dan’s usually composed face twisted slightly, his voice trembling. Since arriving here, he had maintained a serene and aloof demeanor, holding his Buddhist rosary with an ethereal grace. But upon hearing mention of the Midas Touch, all that composure vanished.

A man of vast knowledge, Elder Qing Dan naturally knew that the Midas Touch was one of the legendary three great ancient alchemical arts. According to ancient lore, each of these techniques had the power to completely transform the quality of a pill, elevating it by leaps and bounds. Today, such claims seemed absurd and unbelievable; many alchemists doubted their very existence, considering them mere myth.

Yet as the chief elder of the Qingchi Sword Sect’s Alchemy Hall, he believed these three techniques did exist—and that they still circulated in the world. But to hear the Midas Touch casually invoked by a youth of such ordinary appearance was difficult for him to accept.

This was his sacred ideal, a revered pinnacle. How could it be tossed about so lightly by a mere boy? He felt it was almost an insult to the legend itself. In his mind, the youth should have spoken with solemn reverence, shrouded in mystery when mentioning the Midas Touch—that would be fitting for its name.

“Exactly. If combined with the aid of the Xu Li herb, what would you estimate the probability of success to be, elder?” Che Wuyou’s voice remained steady and loud, clear for all to hear. He seemed oblivious to the fact that such a supreme technique should be kept secret, boldly announcing it to all present.

“It... it should succeed. Young friend, do you truly know the Midas Touch technique?” Elder Qing Dan’s tone grew reverent, his voice shaking. Especially when he uttered “Midas Touch,” his eyes gleamed with an intense longing, a flame of desire for something precious.

Though he believed that even with the Midas Touch, extracting a restorative pill from blood remained a slim hope, that was no longer his primary concern. Success or failure mattered little to him now. His focus was solely on the Midas Touch. If the youth claimed mastery, then so be it.

Yet given the boy’s youth, even if he truly possessed the technique, it was likely only a superficial grasp. The Midas Touch was an exceedingly abstruse and profound method. To remember its secrets from mere glimpses was impossible—unless one had achieved its full mastery or possessed an ancient manuscript detailing it.