Xiao Yan’s gaze lingered on the copper fragment for but a moment before turning away, then leisurely circling back to sweep over the jade platform, showing interest in some of the other herbs. After a while, he casually picked up the copper fragment from the platform. As soon as he touched the copper, a faint chill spread through it. Of course, this wasn’t due to any oddity of the fragment itself, but rather because it had been in the cold air for a long time.
Xiao Yan, with great interest, flipped over the copper, his fingers gently rubbing against its surface. The rough texture felt like a perfectly ordinary piece of copper. If not for the somewhat complex patterns drawn on it, no one would have considered it a treasure. Xiao Yan couldn’t make heads or tails of these intricate patterns, and rust spots made them even more distorted, making it hard to see them clearly.
“Could this really be an ancient artifact?” While examining the copper, Xiao Yan found it hard to believe. No matter how he probed, he saw nothing unusual about it. If not for the Heavenly Fire Venerable’s warning, he wouldn’t have thought to connect this object with the ancient times.
Though he was incredulous, Xiao Yan’s face remained calm, as if he was only a little curious about the copper. The slovenly old man merely rolled his eyes, not saying a word. This piece of copper had interested many treasure hunters before, but no one had taken it away in the end.
“Stop dawdling. This copper is more expensive than the Snow Bone Ginseng and is not up for haggling…” The slovenly old man said dismissively as he dug into his ear.
Xiao Yan’s hand paused as he smiled and asked, “What’s so special about this copper that it’s more valuable than the Snow Bone Ginseng?”
“I don’t know,” the old man replied with a smirk, a response that made Xiao Yan pause.
Xiao Yan let out a bitter laugh. This old man was truly strange, able to give such a nonchalant answer. The surrounding onlookers chuckled at the old man’s reply, clearly finding him a rare character.
“Although I don’t know what this copper is for, I know it’s an ancient item…” The old man glanced at the chuckling crowd and cackled.
This statement silenced the laughter. Astonished gazes locked onto the copper fragment in Xiao Yan’s hand. Everyone knew that anything connected with the ancient times was far from simple, yet they still found it hard to believe that this mundane copper piece could be linked to the past.
Compared to the astonishment of the others, Xiao Yan’s grip tightened when the old man spoke. He hadn’t expected the old man to be so perceptive. Without the Heavenly Fire Venerable’s reminder, Xiao Yan might not have cared about this copper either, indicating the old man had a keen eye.
“Hehe, why do you think this copper is related to the ancient times, old sir?” Xiao Yan’s heart skipped a beat, but he smiled and put the copper down, turning to look at the old man.
“The pattern on it, I’ve seen it in ancient books, but I don’t know its purpose. If I did, I wouldn’t be selling it.” The old man rolled his eyes. “I just know it’s from ancient times, take it or leave it.”
The onlookers exchanged glances, shaking their heads helplessly. It was impossible to rely solely on the old man’s word, no wonder it hadn’t been taken after so long.
Dealing with such a stubborn old man, Xiao Yan was frustrated. With a rueful smile, he asked, “How do you wish to exchange this copper, old sir?”
“A high-level, seventh-grade medicinal formula,” the old man cackled, pleased that someone was interested.
Xiao Yan sighed, shaking his head. “Too expensive. Even if it’s an ancient item, there are many relics from the past, some ordinary items. The value can’t be judged by the pattern alone. I’ll just take the Snow Bone Ginseng…”
Xiao Yan sighed, taking a jade bottle from his ring and placing it on the platform. “Old sir, this is a Tranquil Heart Pill, a mid-level, seventh-grade. Taking it before refining medicine helps stabilize the mind, increasing success rates. Shouldn’t you consider this a fair trade?”
The Tranquil Heart Pill was a very good auxiliary pill, especially for alchemists. Many tried to obtain such a pill before refinement, as being undisturbed or having a stable mind was crucial. Among these auxiliary pills, the Tranquil Heart Pill was a top choice, far more valuable than the Snow Bone Ginseng, so Xiao Yan was confident the old man would accept it.
Indeed, as the old man heard the name, his expression filled with surprise. He quickly snatched the bottle, pouring out a light white pill and sniffing it intently. “It’s indeed a Tranquil Heart Pill.”
After carefully examining it, the old man’s eyes lit up. He often used such aids during refinement, but his highest-level, similar pills were low-level, seventh-grade. Not because he couldn’t refine higher, but because he lacked the formula. Formulas were a treasure for alchemists, and most wouldn’t share them unless for trade.
“Hehe, excellent, young man, quite generous. I like you,” the old man chuckled, tucking the pill away and looking at Xiao Yan with fiery eyes.
Xiao Yan smiled, taking the jade box containing the Snow Bone Ginseng and placing it in his ring. Ignoring the old man’s eager gaze, he turned to leave.
“Hey, wait…,” the old man blurted as Xiao Yan began to leave.
“What is it?” Xiao Yan turned, confused.
“Hehe, young man, don’t you want this copper? I swear, it’s an ancient item,” the old man said eagerly, pointing at the copper on the platform.
Xiao Yan looked at the copper, shook his head, and said, “I can’t afford it. No one would part with a high-level, seventh-grade formula.”
The old man rubbed his hands, cackling, “Fine, I’ll make a concession. If you give me the Tranquil Heart Pill formula, I’ll let you have it. How about it?”
Xiao Yan hesitated, for while the Tranquil Heart Pill formula was not as precious as a high-level, seventh-grade formula, it was still valuable. Using it to trade for this copper exceeded his threshold.
“Xiao Yan, trade it. You won’t lose. It’s definitely ancient, though this guy doesn’t know how to open it,” the Heavenly Fire Venerable’s voice echoed in his ear.
Nodding, Xiao Yan acknowledged the Heavenly Fire Venerable’s vast knowledge. If he was sure, Xiao Yan trusted him.
Seeing Xiao Yan hesitate, the old man gnashed his teeth and pulled out another jade box from his ring, revealing another Snow Bone Ginseng of better quality.
“If you want the Snow Bone Ginseng to refine medicine, give me the Tranquil Heart Pill formula, and I’ll add another ginseng. How about it?” The old man said, pained, as he wanted to keep the ginseng for himself.
Xiao Yan smiled, nodding. Pushing too hard might anger the old man, and losing the copper would be a greater loss. Handing over a white scroll, he threw it to the old man, who caught it eagerly.
As the old man inspected the formula, Xiao Yan put the better ginseng in his ring and reached for the copper. Just as his hand was about to touch it, a purple iron fan appeared, striking the copper with a crisp sound. A soft laugh followed.
“Hehe, friend, I’ve also taken a liking to this copper. Can you part with it?” As the fan appeared, Xiao Yan’s smile faded, a cold gleam in his eyes.
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