The bronze cauldron, over a foot tall, was entwined on an ancient vine. Even after hearing the explanations from others, Shi Hao and the Fire Crow couldn’t help but feel astonished. They watched as someone tossed medicinal herbs into it for refinement, and when hard beast bones clanged against the cauldron, the metallic resonance was unmistakable. The vine bloomed with bronze flowers—utterly bewildering and beyond imagination. It wasn’t just an illusion; the cauldron was undeniably real.
“It’s nothing extraordinary. This ancient vine stands alongside the Spirit Medicine Tree as one of the wonders of Medicine Capital, guarding this place,” someone explained. Even Yun Xi showed curiosity, inquiring among those waiting in line for elixir refinement.
Legend had it that a divine flame once descended from the heavens, landing upon this spirit vine. Instead of reducing it to ashes, the flame nourished it, causing it to thrive overnight in a miraculous rebirth. Since then, the vine had gained sentience and the ability to absorb metallic essence, transforming it into part of its being. Its blossoms turned into bronze cauldrons.
Hearing these tales, the Crimson Bird’s eyes gleamed. “Has no one ever tried to seize this spirit vine?”
A bystander shot him a wary glance and whispered, “Don’t speak carelessly, or Lord Fire-Gold Vine might take offense.”
Fire-Gold Vine—aptly named for its divine flame and metallic appetite—was revered for its power. Many had sought to claim it, only to meet their demise. Yet it never caused trouble, instead aiding in elixir refinement. Medicines brewed in its bronze cauldrons were renowned for their unparalleled efficacy, earning it a place of honor alongside the Spirit Medicine Tree as a guardian of Medicine Capital.
When the Fire Crow’s turn came, he placed his herbs into the cauldron and paid with rare metals, which the vine instantly absorbed. The resulting elixir was far superior to any crafted by human hands.
“This is extraordinary. The flames it wields surpass even the fire essence of my Lihuo Cavern,” the Fire Crow mused.
Shi Hao, using his dual-pupil vision, was shocked to discover a flame-formed figure seated within the vine, bound by layers of divine chains. The sight sent chills down his spine—this vine was no ordinary entity. It felt as if it had been “possessed,” and the awakening of that flame-being might herald chaos.
“How long has this Fire-Gold Vine existed?” Shi Hao asked.
“Thousands of years,” came the reply.
Examining it closely, Shi Hao sensed an eerie familiarity—its aura resembled that of the sealed cavern beneath the fiery sacred tree in the Fire Nation’s capital. Could this, too, be a “source of calamity”? Unease settled in his heart. Was the impending turmoil of the Barren Domain linked to such enigmatic forces?
“Let’s move on,” Shi Hao said, eager to leave.
They ventured into the bustling streets of Medicine Capital, where herbs and rare ingredients were traded everywhere. One vendor’s cry caught their attention: “Dragon bone! Genuine dragon bone, a supreme treasure! Don’t miss out!”
The stall drew crowds, though skepticism lingered. The seller boasted, “This was dredged from an abyss so deep even time couldn’t erode it. What else could it be but dragon bone?”
Many inspected it, including the Nine-Headed Lion, now in human form. “This is no ordinary bone—it’s at least a saint’s relic,” Yun Xi remarked in surprise.
Shi Hao examined it but remained silent. Later, he explained, “It’s a saint’s bone, but its divinity has long been drained, leaving only traces on the surface.”
“A scam, then,” the Crimson Bird grumbled.
Soon, the bone was auctioned at an exorbitant price. Meanwhile, Shi Hao spotted a tortoise shell with a glint of silver. His heart raced—could it be the legendary White Tortoise Shell, a key ingredient for the Small Nirvana Pill?
Upon closer inspection, however, he found only a fragment was genuine, the rest a crude forgery. “This swindler!” he cursed inwardly.
Just as the stall owner approached, feigning nonchalance, Shi Hao’s dual-pupil vision revealed another treasure—a pile of freshly unearthed items, still caked in soil.
“How much for this pile?” Shi Hao asked.
“A saint’s artifact,” the vendor declared, spinning tales of a divine valley where sacred herbs and relics were being uncovered.
After haggling, Shi Hao traded for a lesser treasure and walked away.
“Was it worth it?” Fire Spirit asked.
“Absolutely,” Shi Hao replied. “There’s a bird bone within—black on the outside, but glowing like a miniature sun inside.”
Suddenly, a burly man arrived in a panic. “Aide! Where’s the pile I sent back? Don’t sell it!”
“Why?” the vendor asked.
“They found bones in the valley—possibly phoenix bones! Some might contain primordial runes with immortal power!” the man whispered urgently.
Shi Hao, overhearing, tensed. If true, these bones surpassed even the White Tortoise Shell in value.
“I already sold it!” Aide gasped, turning to Shi Hao. “Friend, the deal’s off!”
The burly man’s face darkened. “Hand it back.”
When he lunged, Shi Hao effortlessly deflected him.
“You dare refuse?” the man snarled.
Just then, a luxurious carriage halted, drawn by eight fierce beasts. “What’s happening here?” its occupant demanded.
Before the man could reply, messengers arrived in a flurry. “The Divine Valley might be a phoenix’s burial ground! Immortal relics have been found!”
Chaos erupted. The revelation sent shockwaves through Medicine Capital.
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