BTTH: Death Letter From The Future

Yunshan looked aged, with gray hair; he was from the same era as Jia Xingtian. Their strength was comparable, both stuck just below the Dou Ancestor level, sighing with regret. Without some opportunity, it would be hard for them to break through in this lifetime, as their end was near.

Yunshan had poured too much effort into the Yunlan Sect to be content with dying like this.

Restoring former glory, it's our duty!

He wanted the Yunlan Sect to become a dominant force in the northwest region, renowned far and wide.

He had noticed the royal family's wariness towards Yunlan Sect, but in truth, he had no ambition to control the Jia Ma Empire like Yun Leng did. His and the royal family's aspirations were different, so coexistence seemed possible.

But now, all his focus was on breaking through to Dou Ancestor, not on managing sect affairs. His disciple Yun Yun was too mild-mannered, and under the influence of ambitious elders like Yun Leng, tensions with the royal family were rising, making it seem like Yunlan Sect was ready to rebel at any moment.

"Jie jie jie, Yunshan, think carefully before answering. You only get one chance."

Opposite Yunshan, a figure cloaked in black merged with the dim chamber, his face indiscernible.

Sinister, eerie!

This was Yunshan's impression of the man.

From this brief interaction, Yunshan could tell that the "Soul Hall" the man mentioned was likely not an upright force.

"I need time to think," Yunshan didn't agree immediately. Deep down, he didn't want to be associated with such shady groups, as it went against Yunlan Sect's principles.

However, he didn't reject outright, hoping to buy time. During this period, he would give his all to break through the Dou Ancestor barrier. If he succeeded, he wouldn't need these dubious forces and could send them far away. If he failed, they would serve as a backup plan.

In simple terms, the Soul Hall was his fallback option—an old scoundrel indeed.

"Hehe, I hope you make a wise decision. Time is running out. There's something interesting that happened today in the royal palace, which you may not have heard of yet. The royal family has secretly groomed a genius, no older than fifteen, but already a Dou Master. In battle with those of the same rank, he has no equal."

"People in the northwest are short-sighted and don't know what this means. But I can tell you clearly: as long as that kid doesn't die young, Dou Ancestor is guaranteed for him, and with enough opportunities, Dou Venerate is possible. Dou Venerate! Even in my Soul Hall, such figures are rare."

"At that time, well, I don't need to say more. With your Yunlan Sect's current relationship with the royal family, you might not even survive."

"I'll give you three months to think. My Soul Hall does need an eye in the Jia Ma Empire, but that eye doesn't have to be you. That's all I'll say."

The protector of the Soul Hall laid out the pros and cons clearly, showing a talent for persuasion.

Deception +1 +1 

Yunshan sat in silence, not even noticing when the protector left. It was clear his mind was in turmoil.

He had indeed been shaken.

At the same time, he grew even more wary of the Soul Hall.

They even had Dou Venerate experts, yet they still skulked in the shadows like rats. What heinous deeds were they up to?

On the other side.

Chen Guan had listened for about half an hour. Yao Yue finally finished her lesson, so happy she seemed like an eighty-pound child, leaving Fa Ma somewhat helpless.

When he turned to the young man, he found that Chen Guan had been listening more attentively than Yao Yue, who was the actual student. The comparison was striking.

"Yue'er, go assist with refining some Vitality Pills to solidify your foundation. I'd like to chat with Chen Guan."

Yao Yue's smile froze. She pouted, shooting a glare at Chen Guan, as if blaming him for the extra homework. Huffing, she went downstairs.

Chen Guan shrugged—none of his business.

"What do you think of my Alchemist Association?"

Once Yao Yue left, Fa Ma took out a tea set, casually starting a conversation.

Chen Guan quickly took over the tea-making, carefully choosing his words before answering, "Proud, but they have the right to be proud. Alchemists, compared to ordinary people, are indeed on a different level. The Jia Ma Empire is no exception; I imagine it's the same elsewhere."

"Hahaha, you're too generous! They're not just proud—they're blind with arrogance. Most of them have barely scratched the surface but are blinded by their status, with arrogance being the norm."

Fa Ma chuckled but couldn't hide his disappointment.

"The deeper you delve into alchemy, the more you realize how vast it is. This path, it can reach the heavens!"

"Even I have only understood a fraction. I'm old now, and it's unlikely I'll advance to sixth-tier. That's my biggest regret."

"What's worse is that the association lacks successors. The last Alchemy Conference champion, Gu He, is now called the 'Pill King,' but his path is almost at an end too. Breaking into seventh-tier is unlikely, and even if he does, it'll take a century. Besides, his heart isn't really with us."

"So, despite the association's apparent size, it's... better left unsaid."

Chen Guan quietly made tea, honored to be a confidant for such a figure.

But he did wonder why Fa Ma was telling him all this. Setting aside their previous encounter, this was their first real meeting—wasn't this a bit too much, too soon?

"Senior, you worry too much. Talented individuals rise with each generation. The last Alchemy Conference produced a Pill King, and the next could yield another. Not to mention, Yue'er's talent in alchemy is quite impressive, though she's playful."

As a "seer," Chen Guan knew Fa Ma was worrying for nothing.

The next champion, Xiao Yan, would be truly exceptional. Pill King Gu He wouldn't stand a chance before him.

"Hehe, I hope so. Yue'er is indeed talented. In time, surpassing me won't be difficult."

"You have an astonishing talent for cultivation, unmatched in the empire. However, the monotony of training can lead to weariness. To be honest, when you acted earlier, I sensed that your soul's strength is incredibly high—stronger than mine, even. With such soul perception, if you pursued alchemy, your progress would be terrifyingly fast."

Fa Ma finally got to the point, his eyes burning with anticipation.

He was essentially trying to recruit him, though subtly, not wanting to miss out on such a promising talent.

After all, the Alchemist Association didn't meddle in imperial affairs, so Jia Xingtian likely wouldn't hold a grudge.

Now, Fa Ma only wondered if the boy had any wood attribute in him.

(End of Chapter)