I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

The Head Start

Gongsun Yao, the top-tier alchemist of the Tianluo Sect and one of the rare sixth-grade alchemists in the entire Eastern Continent, was capable of refining the elixirs needed for the Void Transformation stage. Although Gongsun Yao’s success rate for producing sixth-grade elixirs was relatively low due to his limitations in the Divine Transformation realm, such an alchemist was still a rare find.

To put it another way, even if the success rate for sixth-grade elixirs was low, the fifth-grade Divine Transformation elixirs with a high success rate were still highly sought after. They were enough to garner admiration across the Eastern Continent. In the Central Continent, his status would not be any less significant. Alchemists were a highly coveted profession; an ordinary Divine Transformation cultivator venturing into the Central Continent would be like a small stone dropped into a great river, hardly making a splash.

The plot surrounding Gongsun Yao in the novel was rather cliché. Essentially, the protagonist, Long Tian, showcased impressive alchemical skills, prompting Gongsun Yao to recognize his potential and pay him some attention. As Long Tian grew, the old immortal, Xian, imparted advanced alchemical techniques, greatly benefiting Gongsun Yao in the process.

After the complete annihilation of the Ye family, the great-grandfather emerged from seclusion and began to target Long Tian. Gongsun Yao was one of those who helped Long Tian, and he was the most crucial among them, as no one wished to offend a sixth-grade alchemist.

Ye Yong had previously worried about how to approach some important figures, but unexpectedly, they came knocking at his door.

Building a good relationship with this alchemical big shot and occasionally visiting the Danhuo Hall would allow Ye Yong to confidently present fifth-grade elixirs to Mu Qingyin and the elders of the Ye family without having to fabricate excuses.

As for whether getting too close to those connected to the protagonist would bring misfortune, Ye Yong was certain that Gongsun Yao would not be among them. Most misfortunes befell the younger generation; figures like Gongsun Yao, who already held status and possessed the strength to protect themselves, rarely encountered trouble.

Moreover, if Ye Yong could divert Gongsun Yao’s attention away from Long Tian, he could indirectly cut off Long Tian’s opportunities. The elixirs the protagonist consumed were either dropped by monsters or self-produced; with a stable supply now, that would change once his cultivation level increased, and he would definitely need to borrow a furnace from the Danhuo Hall.

The protagonist, treated as an outsider, faced disdain and provocation from young genius alchemists, leading to a challenge in alchemy, where he ultimately crushed the genius, showcasing his prowess—a common trope in cultivation novels, and “New Emperor, Middle Emperor” was no exception.

“Speaking of which, I have a slight interest in alchemy. In my spare time, I would like to visit the Danhuo Hall. May I?”

Ye Yong could not stop Long Tian from showing off, but he could attempt to prevent the positive outcomes that followed… to make Gongsun Yao less focused on Long Tian.

During Long Tian’s early to mid-stage, he frequented the Danhuo Hall. Without the attention of the alchemical big shot, he would feel much discomfort.

If this were a game of chess, Ye Yong had already made dozens of moves while Long Tian hadn’t even touched a piece.

The thrill of secretly scheming against the Son of Heaven was quite addictive, especially since it didn’t involve life-threatening risks. In the aftermath, the protagonist would find it hard to seek revenge, even unaware that he had been set up.

“Oh?” Gongsun Yao had heard others praise Ye Yong’s talent, and although he hadn’t witnessed it firsthand during the competition, it surely wasn’t without basis. If Ye Yong lacked ability, the likes of Elder Ma and the others wouldn’t have been so excited as to argue over taking him as a disciple.

If Ye Yong also had a talent for alchemy and wished to learn seriously, it wouldn’t hurt to guide him. After all, Ye Yong was destined to thrive, with a seven-colored foundation, and would undoubtedly become a powerful figure beyond the Void Transformation stage. It was only natural to befriend the strong.

“Come whenever you wish. Here, with this, you can freely use the furnaces inside, and the hall master will teach you alchemical knowledge. If I have time, you can also come find me.” Gongsun Yao produced a jade token inscribed with the characters “Gongsun,” faintly radiating the aura of a Divine Transformation expert as a security feature.

“That’s too much; I only wish to take a look,” Ye Yong was taken aback. This was far smoother than he had imagined; Gongs

Gongsun Yao is the strongest alchemist of the Tianluo Sect. Although he is an elder, his words carry more weight than those of the hall master, and even the current hall master is his disciple.

In the novel, Long Tian took a long time to obtain this jade token, or rather, he spent a long time earning Gongsun Yao’s recognition. Yet here with Ye Yong, they barely exchanged a few words before he was given one—what kind of nonsense is this? The power of the villain’s halo?

“It’s fine, just take it. If you really don’t need it, you can return it to me later.”

“Take it.” Mu Qingyin also spoke up; this was an opportunity that was hard to come by. Elixirs are an essential resource for cultivators. Even if Ye Yong doesn’t learn alchemy, befriending a master alchemist can only be beneficial.

“Then I thank Elder Gongsun.” Ye Yong respectfully accepted the smooth jade token, feeling a surge of emotions within.

Long Tian, oh Long Tian, though I have the heart to get ahead, the referee has directly wheeled me to the finish line. I can’t be blamed for that.

“By the way.” The other elders suddenly had a flash of inspiration upon seeing this.

Ye Yong had clearly expressed his intention to major in sound and painting, with everything else as a supplement. Since it was a supplement, Ye Yong could also come to them for learning.

“This is from the Sword Pavilion…” “This is from the Fist Intent Hall…” “This is from the Blade Exhibition Hall…”

The elders within the halls hold significant authority, and the jade tokens they provide serve as top-tier passes, allowing almost unrestricted access.

“If you want to learn powerful fist techniques, feel free to come to me. If all goes well, my Lightning Six-Strike Whip will have a new successor.”

“You’re really going all out, Ma Weiguo, even bringing out such a unique skill as the Lightning Six-Strike Whip.”

“Hmph…” Elder Ma huffed proudly, “I’m not like you all, hiding things away. If someone can learn my unique skill, I will definitely teach it with all my effort. The problem is, no one has that talent. Ye Yong, I have high hopes for you, but if you want to learn my Lightning Six-Strike Whip, you need a solid foundation. I will start teaching you from the basics.”

“Thank you, Elder Ma, for your appreciation.” Ye Yong couldn’t help but feel exasperated at the name of both the elder and his technique.

“Don’t let this old man trick you into becoming his disciple.” A certain sword cultivator elder reminded.

For now, they had temporarily set aside their desire to take on disciples. If Ye Yong didn’t join their hall, taking him as a disciple would leave the hall’s disciples feeling uneasy. However, if Ye Yong frequently visited the hall and was accepted by everyone, it wouldn’t be too late to propose taking him on as a disciple later. What they feared most was someone else getting to him first.

Who wouldn’t want to be the master of a prodigy? Even if one couldn’t become a master, having the reputation of having taught a talented disciple would be quite nice. For these old fellows, advancing their cultivation was already quite difficult, and they didn’t need wealth; their only pursuit was a good reputation.

“Respected seniors, Ye Yong is but one person, and he cannot be stretched thin. I hope you won’t put pressure on him. He should learn what he wants, but everything must revolve around sound and painting. If his sound and painting skills are lacking, I won’t allow him to waste time learning other things,” Mu Qingyin declared solemnly.

“Of course.” The elders nodded in agreement. “Then we won’t disturb you any longer. You should occasionally go out and show your face, staying cooped up in your room all day isn’t right. How many disciples of Tianluo Sect even know you?”

Mu Qingyin didn’t respond, walking out of the cave with Ye Yong to see them off.