C23 Hundred Refining Divine Scriptures
"You're asking for it!"
In that instant, Soong Linfeng's hand transformed into a claw, lunging straight for Jiang Xiaofan. A formidable aura bore down, and Soong Linfeng staggered, a mouthful of blood escaping his lips!
Ling Yi, standing by Jiang Xiaofan's side, rebuked, "You're the First Elder of the Ocean Pavilion's Pill Refining Hall, and yet you strike a junior? Have you no shame?"
The crowd was astounded.
The Earth Martial Stage! What was that? A level beyond the Profound Martial Stage, with few masters even in the sects. And now, just the pressure alone rendered Soong Linfeng immobile. How mighty must the Celestial Martial Stage be?
The Imperial Inspector, struck by a sudden thought, hastened back to the elevated platform, lifting his wooden plaque high: "I bid 50 Silver Coins for this pill!"
The audience gasped.
The bid starting at 50 Silver Coins shattered all expectations. Chu Zhu's Netherworld Pill had reached 20 Silver Coins, a price inflated by Soong Linfeng himself, yet here was someone ready to pay 50 Silver Coins for Jiang Xiaofan's creation. That was a staggering 50 million Copper Coins, surpassing the annual revenue of their border city.
It seemed like a tall tale, but they had to concede—if Ling Yi could shatter his limits and ascend to the Celestial Martial Stage with just a whiff, what heights might he reach if he consumed the pill? Would he not be akin to an immortal?
A Second Grade pill of the Profound Level? Calling it an elixir of immortality would hardly be an overstatement!
Ling Yi was taken aback. He had intended to bid, but the Imperial Inspector's offer was beyond his means.
The four spectators returned to the platform. Taixu Pavilion lifted their sign: "60 Silver Coins!"
Seven Luminaries Sect followed: "65 Silver Coins!"
And then, Soong Linfeng, the least expected to bid, hoisted his plaque with a pale face: "70 Silver Coins."
Seeing Soong Linfeng enter the fray, Chu Zhu's heart sank into the abyss. He saw no way to best Jiang Xiaofan, and now, his own master had forsaken him for the pill—a blow more crushing than any defeat in the competition.
Soong Linfeng felt utterly helpless. It was a clear blow to his pride. He had reached Earth Martial Stage Level 10 a few years ahead of Ling Yi, yet he had been stuck at the peak of this stage for over a decade, unable to make a breakthrough. Now, the Myriad Spirit Absorbing Pill had enabled Ling Yi to break through instantly, so naturally, Soong wanted it too—even if it meant just getting a whiff of it like Ling Yi had.
"100 Silver Coins!"
The Seven Luminaries Sect raised their bid once more, and this time, there were no further bids.
The reason no one else bid wasn't for lack of desire for the Myriad Spirit Absorbing Pill; they simply couldn't afford it. The rules of the Pharmacy Conference required immediate payment, and no one carried that kind of money on them.
"100 Silver Coins..."
The mayor was astounded. 100 million Copper Coins was an astronomical price, one he had never encountered in his life. After a brief moment of shock, he remembered his role and inquired, "100 Silver Coins. Do any of the elders wish to bid further?"
In that instant, Ling Yi's brow furrowed. He pulled a hammer from his storage ring and set it on the table, declaring, "This weapon, the Giant Spirit Hammer, is mine. It's worth at least 300 Silver Coins!"
As the hammer was revealed, a robust energy pulsated through the room. Jiang Xiaofan's eyes lit up—this was an exceptional item!
With his knowledge of alchemy, even though he hadn't fully mastered it yet, he could still assess the level of equipment, and this hammer was a Seventh Grade Earth Level weapon!
Jiang Xiaofan didn't know its exact value, but Earth Level Equipment was undeniably rare and formidable. The sheer power it radiated made even someone at the Spirit Martial Stage like him feel incredibly small.
Expressions of disbelief spread across the faces of the onlookers.
Ling Yi's reputation in the Spirit Brilliance Realm was unmatched, celebrated not only for his alchemy prowess but also for his Earth Martial Stage Level 10 status. The most significant factor was this hammer, paired with his Earth Martial Stage Level 10 strength, which gave him the power to contend with a Celestial Martial Stage cultivator. Now, he was prepared to trade his most treasured possession for a single pill.
He's lost his mind! Completely lost it!
The mayor's face was etched with difficulty; such a bidding method had never occurred before. He spoke in a hushed tone, "While Elder Ling's Giant Spirit Hammer is indeed invaluable, we've never had such a bid. We must check if the bidder agrees."
"I agree!" Jiang Xiaofan didn't hesitate to consent. The Myriad Spirit Absorbing Pill was potent, but he had another. The Giant Spirit War Hammer, however, was one of a kind, and among the five, he favored Ling Yi. Jiang Xiaofan saw his integrity, despite a touch of madness.
The Imperial Inspector and Taixu Pavilion's elders were decent, but Jiang Xiaofan didn't sense that same strong moral fiber in them. The Seven Luminaries Sect and Ocean Pavilion elders, once back on stage, couldn't hide their avarice. Without Ling Yi, they might have devoured Jiang Xiaofan whole.
Thus, Jiang Xiaofan preferred to award the pill to Ling Yi, leading to his swift agreement.
Ling Yi, joy evident on his face, pulled out a purse, "And another 40 Silver Coins!"
The mayor paused, then inquired, "Any other bids?"
Clearly, there were none. They all had their own weapons, and aside from their reluctance to trade them for a Second Grade Profound Level pill, none could match Ling Yi's Giant Spirit War Hammer.
Silence fell, and the mayor declared, "With no further bids, the pill goes to Elder Ling of the Divine Wind Sect."
With no dissent, he proclaimed, "Jiang Xiaofan of Wonder Hand Medical Hall is this year's Pharmacy Conference champion! Henceforth, Wonder Hand Medical Hall shall be known as the Champion Medical Hall!"
"Ding!"
"System Prompt: Congratulations on completing the Pharmacy Conference championship task (Difficulty: S). You've earned 80 Points, one Hundred Refining Divine Scripture, and one Hundred Refining Cauldron."
Hundred Refining Divine Scripture: The Hundred Refining Divine Scripture details the methods and materials for crafting every weapon and spirit treasure known to the world. It even includes techniques for forging unparalleled equipment. With this scripture as a guide in one's cultivation, becoming a legendary Weapon King is within reach!
...
Jiang Xiaofan gazed at the Hundred Refining Divine Scripture. It was practically the Medicine King Scripture's counterpart—a tome dedicated to weapon refinement!
Without a second thought, Jiang Xiaofan absorbed its knowledge, and instantly, his mind was flooded with a myriad of information. Clearly, weapon refinement was his next area of study!
Next, he inspected the Hundred Refining Cauldron in his bag, discovering it was a treasure in its own right!
Hundred Refining Cauldron (Earth Level, First Grade)
Effect: Suitable for refining both pills and weapons, automatically enhancing the quality of the finished product by one grade.
...
With this First Grade Earth Level equipment, his future pill and weapon refining endeavors were set, and the quality was guaranteed to be top-notch!
Additionally, he had accumulated 110 points, which he could use to redeem something from the Exchange System.
But he decided to hold onto them for now, prioritizing the immediate tasks at hand.
At that moment, Ling Yi approached Jiang Xiaofan, handing over the Gigantic Spirit Hammer and a pouch of coins. Jiang Xiaofan responded with a smile, presenting the Myriad Spirit Absorbing Pill with both hands. He then whispered to Ling Yi, "Elder Ling, I need to speak with you later. Please, do me the honor of visiting the Skilled Hand Medical Hall."
Ling Yi gave a nod of acknowledgment, and then they parted as if their exchange was nothing out of the ordinary.
Soong Linfeng was fuming with frustration, while Chu Zhu left in disarray, his face smeared with dirt. As the sunset, the mayor exchanged pleasantries and declared the Pharmacy Conference concluded.
This Pharmacy Conference marked the meteoric rise of the Skilled Hand Medical Hall!
The hall was bustling that night, with hundreds eager to apprentice and learn. Ann Yunshan advised them to return the next day, as tonight was reserved for celebration!
The disciples tidied up the backyard, joining several wooden tables together. They stocked up on ingredients and fine wines, with Ann Xiaobai taking charge of the kitchen, determined to ensure that no one would go home sober tonight.
As everyone bustled about preparing the meal, a knock at the door interrupted the lively atmosphere. Jiang Xiaofan sensed the presence of a formidable cultivator and promptly went to answer it.
It was Ling Yi who stood at the threshold.
With a smile, Ling Yi inquired, "What matter brings you to seek me out, young friend?"
"We should talk outside."
Nodding to a disciple, Jiang Xiaofan stepped out with Ling Yi.
Once they reached a secluded spot, ensuring privacy, Jiang Xiaofan retrieved the Giant Spirit Hammer from his storage ring and offered it to Ling Yi. "Elder Ling, I'm returning the Giant Spirit Hammer to you," he stated solemnly.
Ling Yi paused, his gaze lingering on the hammer with a flicker of longing before he declined, "The Giant Spirit Hammer belongs to you now."
Jiang Xiaofan chuckled and pressed the hammer back into Ling Yi's hands. "Elder Ling, keeping this war hammer with me would only attract the wrong kind of attention. It could end up in the hands of villains, and I might not live to tell the tale. I'd feel much safer with it in your care. Consider it a favor you owe me."
After a moment's contemplation, Ling Yi accepted Jiang Xiaofan's logic and the hammer. "One does not thank for profound favors. Should you ever need my assistance, do not hesitate to ask," he offered.
Jiang Xiaofan smiled, his lips curling slightly. "You're too generous, Elder Ling."
Ling Yi regarded Jiang Xiaofan thoughtfully before proposing with a grin, "Would you be interested in joining my Divine Wind Sect? I assure you, we'll provide the finest conditions for your growth, paving the way for you to become a renowned Pharmacist across the continent."
Elder Ling, I'm flattered by your offer, but I have personal affairs to resolve and am not looking to join any sects just yet," Jiang Xiaofan replied with an apologetic smile.
"There's no pressure," Ling Yi responded, nodding understandingly.
He observed Jiang Xiaofan with the appreciation one might show a rare gem. Beyond being a Profound Level Pharmacist at the mere age of sixteen, Jiang Xiaofan possessed an array of unparalleled pill formulas and a unique talent for refining Medicine Vital. Securing Jiang Xiaofan's allegiance would be akin to claiming a significant stake in the future of alchemy within the Spirit Brilliance Realm.
The Divine Wind Sect stood apart from the Ocean Pavilion and the Seven Luminaries Sect; it was a renowned and orthodox sect, and Ling Yi was known for his integrity. Therefore, if Jiang Xiaofan was not willing, Ling Yi would certainly not coerce him.
Noticing the day was getting late, Jiang Xiaofan gave a respectful bow and took his leave, heading back to the Skilled Hand Medical Hall.
...
The Skilled Hand Medical Hall was seldom a place of such ease. The courtyard was alive with song and dance as everyone celebrated their triumph at the Pharmacy Conference.
Watching the jubilant crowd, Jiang Xiaofan's heart swelled with joy. With the Skilled Hand Medical Hall clinching the championship, they would now represent Breeze Town and the entire Spirit Brilliance Realm in pill refining. The pills crafted by the Skilled Hand Medical Hall were destined to be exported far and wide, reaching many destinations from the Royal Capital.
But tranquility was not in today's fate...
The Imperial Inspector lingered at the entrance of the Skilled Hand Medical Hall, pondering the terms that might persuade Jiang Xiaofan to join the Medicine Controlling Sect.
Meanwhile, the Ocean Pavilion was deliberating the right moment to approach the Jiang family.
Under the cover of night, several silhouettes perched atop the trees, their gazes icy as they surveyed the crowd below. Their target was locked in; the next step was to capture him and deliver him to the Ocean Pavilion—dead or alive.
