The cyan lotus seed rested quietly in Xiao Yan’s palm, faintly radiating a gentle light. Although its volume was quite small, the rich and scorching energy it contained was enough to make the faces of Elder Liu and Elder He filled with astonishment. This cyan lotus seed was an additional treasure that Xiao Yan had obtained when he searched for the Cyan Lotus Earth Heart Flame in the Tagor Great Desert. The Earth Fire Lotus Seeds were formed over long periods by the accumulation of fire elemental energy, making them extremely beneficial for those who cultivate fire attributes. Back then, Xiao Yan had only obtained eleven such seeds, and after consuming one himself, he now only had ten left.
When Xiao Yan first acquired the Earth Fire Lotus Seeds, Master Pharmacist had advised him to keep them concealed as much as possible, warning that if people became greedy, it would lead to many unnecessary troubles. But times had changed. Xiao Yan was no longer the young little Dou Shi he once was. With many trump cards at his disposal, even facing a Dou Wang powerhouse, he could still retreat unscathed. Moreover, within the Inner Academy, there was no need to worry that the elders would secretly target his possessions.
The room was quite quiet, with the fiery energy slightly fluctuating, like a faint breeze of heat blowing through the room. Elder Liu stared intently at the Earth Fire Lotus Seed, his eyes glowing brighter and brighter. If he could fully refine this robust energy, his stagnant strength might advance again!
He sighed heavily in his heart, never expecting that Xiao Yan could produce such a wondrous treasure. Though the Earth Fire Lotus Seed was not as alluring to a Dou Wang as the Dou Ling Pill, Elder Liu knew that unless he encountered someone truly gullible, it would be very difficult to trade a six-tier water magic core for a Dou Ling Pill. His earlier offer, as Elder He had mentioned, was somewhat akin to a lion opening its mouth too wide.
“Cough.” A light cough suddenly broke the silence, bringing the two elders back to their senses. They exchanged a glance and smiled awkwardly.
Elder Liu cleared his throat, his gaze subtly sweeping over the lotus seed in Xiao Yan’s hand. His previously stern face now softened with a smile: “I wonder what exactly this thing is?”
“Elder Liu, how about this? Although this Earth Fire Lotus Seed is not as valuable as the Dou Ling Pill, it is still an extremely rare item, especially with its pure fire elemental energy. Its benefits to you are far greater than that of a six-tier water magic core.”
Elder Liu licked his lips, his expression indecisive. Though the Earth Fire Lotus Seed was precious, giving up his most valuable six-tier water magic core without further benefit was hard to accept. He tapped his fingers on the table, his expression changing frequently. After a long while, he slowly said, “Exchanging one Earth Fire Lotus Seed for a six-tier magic core, I am indeed at a disadvantage…”
As he spoke, he suddenly slapped the table and declared, “If you can produce another Earth Fire Lotus Seed, I will reluctantly give you this six-tier magic core.”
Elder He, hearing this, twitched his face but did not interrupt. He glanced sidelong at Xiao Yan, as if waiting for his decision.
Xiao Yan frowned slightly. The Earth Fire Lotus Seed was extremely precious, and he had always been reluctant to use them unless absolutely necessary. No one knew whether they might be needed for future refinement. These seeds were unique to the area where the Cyan Lotus Earth Heart Flame grew, and how many places in the world could one find such a rare flame? Thus, each seed was irreplaceable. Exchanging one for a six-tier magic core was already a significant sacrifice; adding more would be painful for Xiao Yan.
“Alas, I only have one Earth Fire Lotus Seed. Asking me for another is truly difficult,” Xiao Yan sighed, shaking his head. He slowly retracted the lotus seed, apparently considering abandoning the exchange.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s actions, Elder Liu’s eyes flashed with anxiety. Suppressing his urge, he forced a smile at Xiao Yan: “Young man, although the Earth Fire Lotus Seed is rare, you should know the value of a six-tier magic core. How many dare to challenge a Battle Emperor-level magical beast? In the Inner Academy, aside from the Great Elder, I might be the only one with a six-tier magic core. If you don’t exchange with me, you might end up with nothing.”
“I understand, but regrettably, I cannot provide what Elder needs,” Xiao Yan thought, seeing through Elder Liu’s poorly concealed anxiety. Outwardly, he sighed and shook his head, standing up and placing the Earth Fire Lotus Seed back into his ring. He bowed to Elder Liu and turned to Elder He, saying, “Let’s go, Elder He.”
“Ah, it’s fine. If we can’t exchange, I’ll help you ask the Great Elder,” Elder He nodded, getting up and addressing Xiao Yan.
Elder Liu, hearing this, blinked, feeling a surge of annoyance. Seeing Xiao Yan turn to leave, he quickly stood up, saying, “Xiao Yan, don’t rush. We can talk more.”
Xiao Yan paused, hearing Elder Liu’s plea, and felt relieved. He turned to see Elder He’s sly smile, realizing that Elder He had anticipated this. He gratefully looked at Elder He and then faced Elder Liu, saying, “Elder Liu, it’s not that I don’t want to exchange, but I simply don’t have another Earth Fire Lotus Seed.”
Elder Liu’s face reddened, caught between wanting the lotus seed and valuing the six-tier magic core. Finally, he sighed, “Alright, no additional Earth Fire Lotus Seed, but you must promise me something.”
“What is it?” Xiao Yan asked cautiously.
“Help me refine a Dragon Strength Pill,” Elder Liu sighed, feeling that just a lotus seed was not enough. He wanted something else to balance his loss.
“Refine a Dragon Strength Pill…?” Xiao Yan inwardly rejoiced, but hesitated, “Fine, but according to the rules, Elder Liu must provide the herbs.”
“You… you miser!” Elder Liu fumed, waving his hand, “Fine, fine, the herbs, you stingy boy, why can’t you be more generous?”
“Generosity isn’t an option. The herbs for the Dragon Strength Pill are even hard for me to find. Where would I get them for you?” Xiao Yan muttered to himself, recalling that he had used Elder He’s own herbs to refine the pill. These herbs, though not as rare as the lotus seed, were still hard to find.
Elder Liu’s ring glowed, and a large, azure crystal appeared in his hand. As the crystal materialized, the dry room instantly became cool and moist. He reluctantly caressed the irregularly shaped crystal, then, with a heavy heart, placed it on the table, “Sigh, take it.”
Xiao Yan’s eyes fixed on the azure crystal, its gentle, non-glaring light hinting at the powerful water elemental energy within. Feeling the energy, Xiao Yan let out a sigh of relief, finally obtaining the last ingredient for the Earth Spirit Pill.
“Ha, Elder Liu, put away the Earth Fire Lotus Seed. As for the Dragon Strength Pill, once you send the herbs to Pan Gate, I will start refining it for you,” Xiao Yan quickly stored the six-tier water magic core, handing the Earth Fire Lotus Seed back to Elder Liu with a smile.
Elder Liu took the lotus seed, feeling the vast fire elemental energy, and his expression improved. Nodding, he waved for Xiao Yan and Elder He to leave.
Knowing the elder was displeased, Xiao Yan and Elder He quietly left, leaving Elder Liu alone in the room, holding the lotus seed and savoring the complex emotions.
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