For example, the Yunqi Grass used to refine Naqi Pills cost 15 spirit stones per portion in Yuyang Market, but only 13 spirit stones here.
At these prices, refining a single furnace yielding three pills could yield a profit of two spirit stones.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Elian decisively bought five portions of Yunqi Grass, planning to use them to further hone his alchemy skills.
After acquiring the spiritual herbs, he continued browsing the market. He discovered that the most cost-effective items here were demonic beast meat.
Compared to Yu County, the price of demonic beast meat here was at least 40% cheaper. While the Chen family's Azure Spirit Fish sold for five spirit stones per piece in Yuyang Market, equivalent demonic beast meat here cost only three spirit stones per piece.
"Tianxu Mountain is near the Desolate Marshlands, where demonic beasts are abundant, so it's no wonder the prices are so low."
"On the other hand, Yu County is deep within the Chu Kingdom, and centuries of purging have made demonic beasts scarce."
The flesh of demonic beasts and spiritual birds was rich in spiritual energy. Consuming it could slightly enhance cultivation, strengthen muscles and bones, and replenish a cultivator's vitality, making it a highly valuable ingredient.
Seeing the cheap prices for demonic beast meat, Elian bought a few pounds, planning to roast and enjoy it later.
Although Linghu Isle had two major spiritual delicacies—the Purple-Striped Goose and Azure Spirit Fish—he had always been reluctant to eat them and hadn't tasted demonic beast meat in years.
After storing the meat, Elian casually wandered to the next stall, but his gaze froze slightly.
"This item…"
"Little brother, are you interested in any of these treasures?"
The stall owner, a tall and lean middle-aged cultivator in his forties or fifties with a short beard, noticed Elian's interest and immediately smiled warmly.
Elian remained calm as his eyes swept over the stall. The items were few: a mid-tier first-tier flying sword, a mid-tier first-tier defensive artifact shaped like a small bell, and a damaged map.
"What use is this map, so badly damaged?" Elian asked.
The man stroked his beard with a hint of greed in his eyes and leaned closer, speaking in a low voice.
"Fellow Daoist, you don't know the value of this map."
"Though it's damaged, its origin is extraordinary. It's said to record the location of a Purple Mansion predecessor's cave abode."
"Legend has it that this map was split in two. If you can find the other half and combine them, you'll uncover the location of the predecessor's cave."
"This incredible opportunity can be yours for just 500 spirit stones."
"It's just a fragment," Elian interrupted.
"Five spirit stones. Take it or leave it."
The man's smile froze, and he looked both embarrassed and angry.
"This map is related to a predecessor's cave abode and is priceless! How could you belittle it like this?"
"Priceless? Priceless my ass! If I can't find the other half, this map will be worthless trash! Forget it!"
As Elian turned to leave, the man quickly shoved the map into his hands.
"Fine, fine! Five spirit stones. It's yours."
After paying, Elian left but circled back later, observing the stall from a distance. He noticed the man had placed another identical fragment on his stall.
Elian shot the man a deep glance before returning to his inn. Taking out both map fragments, he pieced them together into a complete map.
To his surprise, the new fragment perfectly matched the one he had retrieved from the demonic cultivator's storage bag earlier.
Examining the map closely, Elian noticed the marked cave abode was located south of Tianxu Mountain, in the vast wilderness near Yu County, about 100,000 miles away.
"Judging by its location, it's on the way back."
"Looks like I can stop by and take a look on my way home."
Ten days passed in a flash. During this time, Elian spent considerable effort investigating Tianxu Pavilion.
Through inquiries, he discovered that Tianxu Pavilion had an impeccable reputation. Jiang Daoren had established strict rules forbidding anyone from targeting customers or leaking their information.
Violators would face severe consequences: expulsion and the loss of cultivation at best, or execution at worst.
These weren't just empty threats. Over a century ago, one of Jiang Daoren's disciples coveted a customer's valuable treasure and secretly robbed and killed the person.
When the victim's family sought justice, Jiang Daoren personally used a Soul-Seizing Talisman to identify the culprit. He then executed the disciple and even compensated the victim's family threefold.
Since then, no negative rumors about Tianxu Pavilion had surfaced, and its reputation had been carefully maintained for over a century.
"No wonder the Third Elder said Jiang Daoren was fair and would surely sell us the Yangmai Pill."
"Just this reputation, cultivated over centuries, is worth far more than the Yangmai Pill."
The more Elian learned about Tianxu Mountain, the more confident he felt. Deciding not to waste any more time, he resolved to purchase the Yangmai Pill as soon as possible and return to heal the patriarch.
Early the next morning, Elian arrived at Tianxu Pavilion, where a young girl at the reception desk greeted him warmly.
"Fellow Daoist, welcome to Tianxu Pavilion. What are you looking to purchase?"
Elian glanced around to confirm no one was nearby, then transmitted his voice to her.
"I'd like to buy a second-tier pill."
The girl's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly recovered and led him to a private room. After pouring him a cup of tea, she said politely:
"I'm afraid I can't authorize the sale of second-tier pills."
"Please wait a moment while I fetch the manager."
"Very well," Elian replied with a slight nod.
Moments later, a graceful woman in a light purple dress entered the room. She was beautiful and carried an air of calm authority. She glanced at Elian, her eyes narrowing slightly, before smiling.
"Young friend, you're quite impressive to have reached such a level of cultivation at your age."
"You flatter me, Senior," Elian said nervously, standing up.
Despite her gentle demeanor, Elian could sense that her aura was unfathomable, even surpassing that of the patriarch. This meant she was at least a late-Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Sensing his tension, the woman smiled and took a seat.
"I am Lin Qianshu, the manager of Tianxu Pavilion."
"You are a guest here, so there's no need to be nervous."
Her words eased Elian's nerves slightly, and he exhaled softly.
Lin Qianshu smiled again and got straight to the point.
"I hear you wish to purchase a second-tier pill. May I know which one?"
She glanced around the room and added, "Rest assured, this room is warded to block spiritual senses. No one below the Purple Mansion level can eavesdrop."
Elian nodded and, after a moment of hesitation, said directly, "I'm here to purchase a Yangmai Pill."
...
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