Following Elder Hao out of the herb management storehouse and walking along the main path, some of the students passing by occasionally glanced at the two strolling together, their faces showing a flash of surprise. Elder Hao was usually cold and stern in the inner courtyard, so everyone felt a sense of awe towards him. Therefore, seeing Xiao Yan able to converse with him so casually was quite surprising. But amidst the surprise, they couldn’t help but take Xiao Yan more seriously. Everyone knew the power these elders held within the inner courtyard. If you offended them in the future, you might end up getting a bad deal, as underhanded dealings were not uncommon, even in the inner courtyard.
Xiao Yan did not pay much attention to the curious glances. Because of Elder Hao’s presence, even those who recognized him and wanted to challenge him thought twice and backed off. This made things much easier for Xiao Yan.
“Elder Liu Ying is the guardian elder of the fifth level of the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower. Today is his rest day, so we can go directly to his residence,” Elder Hao explained on the way, sharing some information about the elder.
“Just state your purpose when you see him. Although he has a fiery temper, you don’t need to be afraid. He won’t do anything to you,” said Elder Hao.
Xiao Yan smiled and pondered for a moment before asking, “Does Elder Liu have any particular favorites?”
To successfully exchange for a sixth-grade magic core, Xiao Yan naturally needed to appeal to the elder’s preferences.
“Favorite things… At our level, ordinary wealth is hard to impress. Instead, things that can aid in cultivation are highly attractive. Although he is stingy, he is very devoted to his cultivation. If you can offer something beneficial to his cultivation, I think he will be interested,” Elder Hao mused.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded slightly. “Things that aid in cultivation…”
He muttered softly, “I wonder what type of attribute Elder Liu practices?”
“Fire attribute. That’s why he has such a fiery temper,” Elder Hao chuckled.
“Fire attribute…” Xiao Yan smiled and slowly nodded, feeling a bit more confident.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s expression, Elder Hao was somewhat puzzled. Could this guy really bring something that would interest the old miser? Yes, he is an alchemist, so he must have some treasures in his storage ring.
As they talked, they had unconsciously approached the deeper part of the inner courtyard. This was where the elders and mentors lived, and the environment was quite serene. Compared to the student dormitories, it was much better. Given the formidable strength of these elders, it was natural that they would receive better treatment.
They walked through a green-shaded path, and after a while, Elder Hao’s pace gradually slowed down until he stopped in front of a room entirely made of verdant bamboo.
“Elder Liu certainly knows how to enjoy himself,” Xiao Yan thought, slightly surprised at the sight of the bamboo house.
Elder Hao raised his hand, about to knock on the door, when a deep, impatient voice came from inside, “Just come in. Why knock? You always like to do things the old-fashioned way. Can’t you just be direct?”
Hearing the voice, Xiao Yan sighed, understanding why Elder Hao had said to just state the purpose. Clearly, this person was impulsive and disliked beating around the bush.
Elder Hao didn’t seem to mind, pushing the door open and walking in, chuckling, “Old Liu, I brought someone to see you. You might want to meet him.”
“Who is it?” Xiao Yan followed him into the room and saw an old man in a red robe emerging from the inner chamber. The old man looked half-asleep, as if he had just woken up. As he walked, he looked up and, seeing a young man whose face was obscured by the backlight, furrowed his brows. “Who is this kid? Did some elder kick you out of the Heavenly Flame Refining Tower and now you want me to plead for you?”
“Student Xiao Yan, greeting Elder Liu,” Xiao Yan smiled, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully.
“Hmm… Oh? Xiao Yan? The one who can refine fifth-grade pills?”
Elder Liu initially responded indifferently, as he was used to students coming to plead. But when he heard the somewhat familiar name, he froze, his gaze quickly shifting to Xiao Yan’s face. “That’s the alchemist, right?”
Xiao Yan nodded, surprised at how useful the alchemist identity was. Even the elders changed their attitudes when they heard it.
“Ah, that name rings a bell. Sit down. What do you want?” Elder Liu waved Xiao Yan over, sitting down and returning to his impatient self, urging Xiao Yan to speak.
Xiao Yan turned his head slightly, exchanging a glance with Elder Hao. Elder Hao shrugged, indicating that Xiao Yan should handle the rest. With a sigh, Xiao Yan pondered for a moment before smiling, “I’ve come to see Elder Liu because I’m in urgent need of something. And this thing happens to be in Elder Liu’s possession. If you’re willing to exchange it with me, I will surely repay you generously!”
“Something you need, huh?” Elder Liu, unfazed, put down his teacup. “What is it? Let’s hear it. As long as it’s not extremely valuable, I won’t refuse.”
“A sixth-grade water-attribute magic core,” Xiao Yan said lightly.
“Crack!”
As soon as Xiao Yan spoke, Elder Liu’s teacup, unable to withstand the sudden increase in pressure, shattered with a crisp sound.
Elder Hao coughed lightly. This old guy still treasured that thing as if it were his life. It seemed Xiao Yan would have a hard time getting it.
“Hmph, was it this old man who told you I have a sixth-grade magic core?” Elder Liu wiped the water from his hand and glared at Elder Hao. Though the head elder had asked him to give Xiao Yan some care, this wasn’t the kind of care he meant. A sixth-grade magic core was a rare treasure, and it was something he had risked his life to obtain. How could he give it away easily?
“Let me make it clear: I won’t give my sixth-grade magic core to anyone. Don’t waste your time,” Elder Liu said, hoping to cut off Xiao Yan’s thoughts.
Elder Hao shook his head hopelessly. It seemed there was no hope for this today.
“Ah, Elder Liu, a sixth-grade magic core is indeed precious, but it’s not priceless. You practice fire-attribute techniques, and a water-attribute magic core is useless to you. Your refusal is probably because you doubt I can offer anything that would interest you, right?” Xiao Yan smiled and continued calmly.
Elder Liu rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. A sixth-grade magical beast was something even he couldn’t defeat. Though he treasured the core, he wasn’t foolish enough to keep it without using it. The raw, unrefined energy was too dangerous for the human body. If someone could offer something truly valuable, he wouldn’t refuse. But it was hard to believe that Xiao Yan, at his age, could offer anything valuable.
“Elder Liu, you know this sixth-grade water-attribute magic core is of little use to you. So, exchanging it would be the best choice. No need to be stubborn. Just say what you need. If I have it, I’ll gladly give it,” Xiao Yan said softly.
“Come on, stop being so stubborn. Xiao Yan may be young, but he probably has more treasures than you, you old miser. Miss this opportunity, and you won’t get another,” Elder Hao added, fanning the flames.
Flushing, then paling, Elder Liu finally relaxed his face. Rubbing his nose, he said, “If you want to trade for my sixth-grade magic core, fine. Give me a Soul Spirit Pill!”
“Soul Spirit Pill? Are you trying to extort me, old man?” Elder Hao jumped up, glaring. “That’s a sixth-grade pill! How could Xiao Yan possibly refine it? Are you deliberately making things difficult?”
Ignoring him, Elder Liu looked at Xiao Yan. Frowning, Xiao Yan tapped the table lightly. After a moment, he shook his head. “I don’t have a Soul Spirit Pill.”
Disappointed, Elder Liu waved his hand. “If not, then please leave.”
“But…” Xiao Yan smiled, tapping his ring. Suddenly, a small green lotus seed appeared in his hand, and a powerful wave of heat filled the room.
Looking at Elder Liu, whose eyes were wide, Xiao Yan smiled. “I think Elder Liu might be interested in this.”
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