As Xiao Yan’s figure disappeared up the stairs, the red-robed elder remained silent. Although he struggled internally, he understood that in such a deal, patience was key; who could hold out longer would gain the upper hand. The technique of feigning disinterest to draw a better offer was one all seasoned players knew. It was just a matter of who could truly wear the other down and become the ultimate winner.
Xiao Yan was not surprised by the red-robed elder’s silence, so his steps did not waver. He proceeded straight towards the top floor. At the entrance to the top floor, two elders stood there, wearing kind smiles on their faces. Though their robes marked them as part of the gathering, they bore no alchemist badges. Yet, the overwhelming aura of Battle Sect power emanated from both of them.
The two elders saw Xiao Yan and his companions. They were slightly taken aback, their eyes quickly scanning over Xiao Yan’s chest, where the brilliant seven-rank badge rested. It made their eyes widen with surprise; it was rare to see such a young seven-rank alchemist.
Their gaze lingered on Xiao Yan for a moment before shifting to Ye Zhong, Little Healer Immortal, and Heavenly Fire Venerable. Their eyes narrowed when they saw the latter two, sensing that they must be formidable Dou Zun experts, though they couldn’t quite grasp their true strength.
“Haha, esteemed guests, are you heading to the top floor?” One of the two, a yellow-robed elder, stepped forward, bowing politely.
Xiao Yan smiled and returned the bow, nodding in affirmation.
“Looks like this is your first time here, right? Your faces are unfamiliar,” the yellow-robed elder said with a smile.
“Is the top floor reserved only for regulars?” Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, asking.
“Haha, you jest, sir. That was just a casual question. If you wish to go to the top floor, please follow me,” the yellow-robed elder replied, shaking his head. Though he was strong, he didn’t want to offend anyone important enough to access the top floor.
With that, he turned and led the way, while Xiao Yan and his group followed behind. As they ascended the short staircase, Xiao Yan noticed several subtle gazes watching them from various hidden spots. “This alchemist trading event seems to have some deep connections,” he mused to himself.
Reaching the final step, the most mysterious top floor came into view. Compared to the floors below, this top floor was not spacious but was exquisitely decorated. Instead of bright colors, it was paved with pale green warm jade, which radiated a soothing coolness underfoot.
The top floor had very few people, only a handful. But Xiao Yan knew each person there was either a true powerhouse or a renowned alchemist. The appearance of Xiao Yan and his companions attracted some attention, and eyes shifted in their direction. Those who saw Xiao Yan’s badge and the presence of Little Healer Immortal and others were visibly surprised. A young mid-seven-rank alchemist and two Dou Zun experts were a formidable group, and they wondered which powerful faction they belonged to.
Of course, curious though some were, they knew the rules here and wouldn’t foolishly ask. In such places, prying was considered taboo.
“Haha, if you need anything, feel free to tell me. I might have some information for you,” the yellow-robed elder said with a smile.
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment and then nodded. “I need two herbs: the Ten-Thousand-Year Green Spirit Vine and Snow Bone Ginseng.”
“The Ten-Thousand-Year Green Spirit Vine and Snow Bone Ginseng,” the yellow-robed elder muttered, thinking for a moment. “Both are rare herbs, likely for high-grade elixirs. I have no leads on the Green Spirit Vine, but as for the Snow Bone Ginseng, you’re in luck. One is available for trade today on the top floor.”
“Oh?” Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up. He hadn’t expected to find a Snow Bone Ginseng so easily.
“Follow me,” the yellow-robed elder smiled, turning toward the north corner.
Xiao Yan and his group followed him. Upon reaching the corner, they saw an elegant jade platform, surrounded by a faint cold mist. Various herbs, scrolls, and elixirs were scattered on the platform, and many people were gathered around, clearly interested in the items.
Xiao Yan’s gaze moved past the platform to the gray-haired, slovenly elder behind it. The old man looked disheveled and lazy, lounging on the platform, ignoring the crowd and casually picking at his ear.
“Haha, Elder Yan, looks like business is good today,” the yellow-robed elder said, approaching the messily dressed elder.
“Business? These guys just look but don’t buy. And they complain about the prices. Hmph! Go downstairs if you want cheap!” The elderly man spat on the ground, causing some embarrassment among the onlookers, who awkwardly left.
Xiao Yan was taken aback by the old man’s rudeness. Glancing at his chest, he saw a seven-rank badge, but at a higher level. Clearly, this was a senior alchemist.
“Sir, this is the Snow Bone Ginseng you need. But Elder Yan’s prices are high. Be prepared,” the yellow-robed elder pointed to a jade box on the platform, containing a white ginseng-like herb, bone-white and serene.
Xiao Yan examined the ginseng carefully. Its aura confirmed it was indeed a Snow Bone Ginseng.
“Stop staring. Everything here is real. You want it?” The scruffy elder glanced at Xiao Yan, pausing at his badge. “One high-seven-rank elixir for the Snow Bone Ginseng.”
Xiao Yan frowned. The old man was indeed asking a steep price.
“Sir, the Snow Bone Ginseng is valuable, but it’s only for high-seven-rank elixirs. Now, asking for a high-seven-rank elixir for just the ginseng seems a bit excessive, don’t you think?” Xiao Yan smiled, negotiating.
“Heh, kid, you have a tongue. Fine, I’ll lower my demand to mid-seven-rank, but the elixir must be to my liking.” The messy elder grinned, retracting his earlier demand.
Nodding, Xiao Yan agreed. A mid-seven-rank elixir was more acceptable. However, he hesitated, scanning the platform. The messy elder’s items were indeed valuable, and a few rare herbs caught his eye, but he soon spotted a light-yellow copper plate in the corner.
The copper plate was covered in green rust, revealing faint, peculiar patterns. Unlike the other items, this piece of scrap didn’t stand out. Examining it, Xiao Yan found nothing remarkable, but a sense of odd familiarity nagged at him.
“Xiao Yan, if possible, get that copper plate. The pattern on it is ancient, and anything linked to those times is never simple,” a low, familiar voice whispered in his ear.
Startled, Xiao Yan’s face remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with interest.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage