On the second floor of the Thousand Medicine Pavilion, it was not as luxurious as Xiao Yan had imagined. The rather simple and ancient decorations gave off a sense of grandeur, revealing that the owner of this pavilion had some taste. In the second-floor hall, there were some crystal cabinets, within which jade boxes were placed. Faint glimmers could be seen in the jade boxes, indicating that they contained no ordinary items. Within the hall, a number of figures were scattered, and from their attire, it appeared that most of them were Alchemists. It seemed they were also looking to exchange for some rare medicinal herbs here. The ascent of Xiao Yan and his companions also attracted many gazes, but seeing that he was not wearing an Alchemist’s robe, the onlookers gradually withdrew their attention. An Alchemist’s true strength is hard to discern if they do not show their hand, so it was difficult for someone like Xiao Yan, not wearing an Alchemist’s robe, to attract much notice. In comparison, more attention was drawn to Little Healer Immortal behind Xiao Yan. “Sir, please feel free to browse. I will go find the manager…” The elder who had followed them up the stairs said respectfully to Xiao Yan before bowing and retreating.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, leading Little Healer Immortal to explore the hall, then heading towards the crystal counters. A mere glance was enough to bring a hint of surprise to his eyes.
“Blue Rock Wood… Blood Spirit Juice… Bone Nourishing Root…”
Seeing these rare herbs that would undoubtedly cause envy among Alchemists outside displayed here, even Xiao Yan couldn’t help but give a soft whistle of admiration. It seemed that coming to the second floor was indeed worthwhile…
“This Black-Corner Region truly is extraordinary…” Little Healer Immortal, standing beside him, marveled, her face showing a look of astonishment.
Zi Yan’s little face was pressed against the crystal cabinet, her jewel-like large eyes fixed unwaveringly on the herbs inside. From the look of salivation, she seemed to be just a drool away…
Seeing her state, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He hastily pulled the reluctant Zi Yan up, flicking her forehead, and said in a low voice, “Little Miss, the herbs you eat are not inferior to these. Don’t embarrass yourself here…”
“Hmph! Most of the herbs I found were forcibly taken by you. I didn’t get to eat them!” Zi Yan bit down with her silver teeth, her gaze filled with resentment.
Xiao Yan coughed lightly, saying hesitantly, “These herbs are safest kept with me. Your way of eating them is such a waste of good herbs…”
For Xiao Yan’s well-repeated words, Zi Yan naturally wouldn’t fall for them again. Her resentful gaze became even more intense.
Standing beside them, Little Healer Immortal couldn’t help but smile at the two fighting over the herbs. Her gentle and enchanting smile drew the attention of many in the hall. Now dressed as she was in White Town, clad in white robes and skirt, her aura exuded a celestial quality, entrancing many. Yet, perhaps those who were entranced by her appearance would never imagine that this seemingly gentle woman, when angered, would transform into a grim reaper…
“Haha, sir, are you here to exchange for herbs?” Just as Xiao Yan and Zi Yan were competing over the herbs, a sweet and seductive female voice sounded behind him.
Turning at the sound, Xiao Yan saw a woman in a crimson palace robe standing before him. She was quite attractive, with her curvaceous figure perfectly displayed under the palace robe, exuding a unique allure. What caught the most attention were her eyes, seemingly always holding a hint of provocation, and her beautifully arched eyebrows giving off a touch of charm.
“Um…” Casting a glance behind the palace-robed woman, Xiao Yan saw, in addition to the old man who had previously come, another elderly man in ancient robes with white hair. The old man’s eyes were half-closed, as if he were dozing, but with his soul perception stronger than a Grade 6 Alchemist, Xiao Yan knew that this old man was also an Alchemist, and a powerful one at that, at least no weaker than Fa Ma.
“It seems the Black-Corner Region is indeed full of hidden talents. This one Medicine Pavilion alone harbors a high-level Alchemist…” Feeling a sense of awe, Xiao Yan’s view of the pavilion rose. To attract such a highly-ranked Alchemist required no ordinary price.
As if sensing Xiao Yan’s gaze, the old man’s eyes suddenly opened, meeting Xiao Yan’s gaze. Gazing into the endless black abyss of those eyes, the old man sensed a peculiar, intense heat, and could not help but let out a soft exclamation of surprise.
“What’s wrong? Senior?” Hearing the old man’s exclamation, the palace-robed woman looked puzzled.
“Nothing…” The old man, called Yan Lao, blinked slightly and shook his head.
Although Yan Lao did not say anything, the palace-robed woman seemed to sense something. Her thoughtful eyes turned back to Xiao Yan, and the smile on her face became even more enchanting.
This alluring lady in palace robes seemed to have a considerable reputation and connections here. As soon as she appeared, many turned their eyes to her, and she met each gaze with a polite and charming smile, flawless in etiquette.
“I am the head of this Thousand Medicine Pavilion. Sir, you may call me Chief Yao. May I know your esteemed name?” The palace-robed woman smiled seductively, her voice sweet and tantalizing.
“Chief Yao, call me Yan Xio. Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile, though he was wary. This woman’s words held an unusual allure, capable of subtly influencing those without strong willpower. If used during negotiations, it could leave one with nothing. Clearly, her ability to become the head of such a large pavilion was not just from her looks.”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s unperturbed demeanor, a fleeting look of surprise flashed in the woman’s eyes. She hadn’t expected him to be immune to her practiced charm techniques despite his young age.
“Chief Yao, I believe you know why I came to the second floor. Do you have the three herbs I need?”
“Ha ha, the three ingredients you need are top-tier items in the second floor of my Thousand Medicine Pavilion. You should know the rules of our second floor,” Chief Yao said coquettishly.
“Mm, what kind of pill can I trade for them?” Xiao Yan nodded and asked thoughtfully.
“Ha ha, no rush. These Alchemists in the hall have come for our rare medicinal ingredients. These ingredients are not often available, and we must search for them tirelessly… Today, by chance, it’s the day for exchanging medicine pills. Mister Yan Xio, you’ve come at just the right time.”
“So, I’ll have to compete with other Alchemists for the herbs?”
“Yes, it is a bidding process; the highest bidder wins. But we do not take gold coins; we judge whether the bidder can produce a satisfactory pill.”
“Of course, unless both sides urgently need the ingredient, someone will usually give way.”
Chief Yao smiled and then turned to the white-haired old man beside her, “Yan Lao, it’s time. Let’s start the medicine trading assembly.”
“Uh.” The white-haired elder nodded and swiftly walked to a high platform, gently ringing a bronze bell. A clear, crisp chime echoed through the hall.
“Bring out the herbs.” The white-haired elder spoke calmly, and instantly, several beautiful maidservants entered, carrying silver trays laden with tightly-sealed jade boxes.
As the maids passed gracefully, the jade boxes were arranged neatly on the stone platform. Opening the jade boxes, the air was filled with a rich, aromatic fragrance. Many Alchemists inhaled deeply, their faces brightening with delight. Clearly, these rare medicinal herbs from the Thousand Medicine Pavilion were to their liking.
“Ha ha, everyone, these herbs cost us a great deal. Each herb is of premium quality, so be prepared mentally…”
Chief Yao walked onto the platform, smiling at the audience below. At her words, many Alchemists reluctantly nodded. Although the Thousand Medicine Pavilion had many rare herbs, the prices were exorbitant. Only those with significant resources and abilities dared to venture here.
“Since that’s the case, let the pill exchange assembly begin. Let’s follow the usual practice and start with the lower-quality herbs first, saving the higher-quality ones for later.”
At the signal, the hall burst into a flurry of activity, with Alchemists crowding around the stone platform, eagerly searching for the herbs they needed. The atmosphere in the hall grew feverish.
“Haha, Chief Yao, how could you start the pill exchange assembly without waiting for me? Are you afraid I can’t afford it?” Just as the Alchemists were examining the herbs, a booming laughter echoed from the staircase.
The sudden outburst caused the hubbub to subside slightly. All eyes turned to the stairs as heavy footsteps approached. Soon, a red-faced elder in a light yellow robe appeared under everyone’s gaze.
Staring at the red-faced elder, Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed, a hint of surprise evident. He noticed that this elder was also an Alchemist, and his strength was likely even greater than the white-haired elder from before.
“This Black-Corner Region does live up to its reputation. Two Alchemists of such caliber in a single day… It seems today’s visit was well worth it.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage