C636 The Sale of Pill!

In the southern reaches of Gavanas, there's a bustling free trade zone situated near the local branch of the Skyreach Consortium. This area, carved out by Shadow's Keep, serves as a marketplace for outsiders to barter with soulstones for a variety of rare treasures. It's a common haunt for independent cultivators and disciples from numerous sects alike.

Here, one might stumble upon unique pills and artifacts that even the Skyreach Consortium might not possess. The prices vary, ranging from steep to reasonable.

"Soul Amplifier! Veinforge Elixir! Bloodfire Pill!" exclaimed a refined rogue cultivator, standing before a stall. He gazed at the small script labeling several pill bottles, his voice betraying his astonishment.

"Soul Amplifier!"

"Veinforge Elixir!"

"Bloodfire Pill!"

His cries swiftly drew a crowd, their eyes wide with intrigue and curiosity, all converging on the stall's proprietor.

"Tong Laoqian?" A cultivator from Abyssal Dawn, eyeing the portly figure of Tong Laoqian, whose attire was adorned with numerous coins reminiscent of a rustic nouveau riche, recognized him at once.

With a sly grin, Tong Laoqian greeted the onlookers with a respectful bow. "Feel free to have a look. You're welcome to have these three pills authenticated by anyone you choose!"

The Soul Amplifier, Veinforge Elixir, and Bloodfire Pill were all earthly-grade pills, not of the highest tier, but crafting them was no small feat. The likelihood of failure was substantial, demanding the utmost precision and skill from any herbalist. The process required flawless execution.

The Soul Amplifier, a sixth-level earthly pill, aids cultivators in the late period of Subtlety to advance to the Lunar Spirit stage without fear of repercussion. Should the consolidation of the Lunar Spirit fail after ingesting a Soul Amplifier, it safeguards the earthly soul, allowing for another attempt at refinement. Without it, a failed attempt could shatter the Lunar Spirit, severing the cultivator's path to advancement.

The Veinforge Elixir, a fourth-level earthly pill, caters to those in the Veil Breaking stage. During this critical phase of physical refinement, it's all too common for the meridians to rupture, which can severely hinder future cultivation endeavors.

A single Veinforge Elixir could swiftly reforge the tendons of a Veil Breaking cultivator. As for the Bloodfire Pill, it could saturate a cultivator's little world with vitality in an incredibly short time, proving to be highly effective for members of the Forgeroses, dark adepts, and archdemons alike.

In the heat of a life-and-death battle, when one's vitality is nearly depleted, consuming a Bloodfire Pill could dramatically shift the tide. In these tumultuous times, having a Bloodfire Pill on hand could very well be a lifesaver.

These three pills share a common trait: the herbs and liquids needed for their creation are not particularly exotic or costly. The real value lies in the skills of a top herbalist, who can masterfully manipulate the timing of the medicinal effects to successfully craft these pills. Lesser herbalists would merely waste the ingredients, resulting in failure.

"I've inquired everywhere, and the Skyreach Consortium currently has none of these pills in stock," Tong Laoqian said with a sly grin. "My own supply is running low, so if you're looking to purchase, I'd advise you to act quickly!"

...

At the Shadow's Keep in Gavanas, on the balcony of a five-story stone building, Hou Tianzhao of the Ruby Hand, Lin Yue of the Colddeath, and Chi Yin of the Taintborn stood before Yu Yuan.

"Would you be interested in joining us on a journey to the Scarlet Dunes on the eastern edge of the Songbird Empire?" Hou Tianzhao asked, rubbing his hands together in eager anticipation. "The region is in turmoil lately, with Terra Fiends and various other miscreants causing trouble near the Scarlet Dunes. I've even heard rumors of a Sky Fiend from years past pulling strings from the shadows."

"The various sects are sending their young disciples there, and Yu Yuan, we'd like you to join us," Chi Yin added.

Lin Yue of Colddeath spoke up, albeit more sparingly, "Miss Ann has instructed me to accompany you."

He was, of course, referring to Ann Ziqing.

Having fought alongside Yu Yuan at the bottom of the Embers Sea, Hou Tianzhao, Lin Yue, and Chi Yin had come to respect his abilities. Subsequent events only served to further affirm Yu Yuan's prowess.

This journey to the Scarlet Dunes involved another teleportation from the Forgotten Ruins to the Songbird Empire. From there, they would proceed to the Scarlet Dunes. It just so happened that Yu Yuan was in the area.

"I need to think it over," Yu Yuan said, stroking his chin, his mind riddled with uncertainty.

Xu Zixi had informed him two days prior that the Shadow's Keep would permit him to travel to the Scarlet Dunes if he so desired.

He had the option to travel independently of the Shadow's Keep, provided he accompanied a sect from the Land of Quiescence.

He could choose from the Ruby Hand, Skyblight Cult, Colddeath, or the Taintborn.

Soon after, Hou Tianzhao, Lin Yue, and Chi Yin arrived, extending a hearty invitation to him.

"Alright, we'll be around Gavanas for the next few days. Feel free to reach out to us whenever you make up your mind," Hou Tianzhao said with a chuckle. "Oh, and about Sister Yuanyuan's incident, our sect is aware and has launched a covert investigation. We'll uncover who attacked her with a remnant soul just as she was about to return to Gavanas."

Yu Yuan nodded in approval. "That's reassuring."

After bidding farewell, the trio departed.

Yu Yuan rose to his feet on the balcony, gazing into the distance. He watched the bustling free trade area where Tong Laoqian was located and allowed himself a slight smile.

The three types of pills he had were the fruits of his labor, expertly crafted using the Serpentflame furnace on the mid-lake island.

He had chosen these particular pills to maximize his profits, utilizing less expensive herbs and his refined skills to successfully produce them.

He had already ascertained that the Skyreach Consortium didn't currently stock these pills.

"Huoluo requests an audience," called out the young man from the Scarlet Dunes.

"Come up," Yu Yuan responded with a nod.

The red-haired seventh-level archdemon ascended the staircase to the fifth floor and stood before Yu Yuan. After a respectful bow, he inquired, "Did you wish to see me?"

"Yes, could you update me on the situation in the Scarlet Dunes before you left?" Yu Yuan asked.

"Certainly!" Huoluo replied, clearly flattered. He then spoke in hushed tones, eagerly sharing the peculiar events that had transpired in the Scarlet Dunes before his departure.

In Gavanas, the flow of information was remarkably swift. After his transformation, Huoluo frequented Gavanas, picking up numerous tales about Godsblight Marsh.

The Untamed, a tenth-level archdemon, reigned supreme over both the Aetherius Continent and the vastness of the Everlands.

Yu Yuan had engaged in a battle of wits and bravery with the fabled Troll within Godsblight Marsh and managed to return alive. It was no wonder Huoluo held him in high esteem.

After a moment, having conveyed all he intended, he withdrew with deference at a gesture from Yu Yuan.

During the night, as Yu Yuan concentrated on refining his spiritual sense, a slight disturbance stirred his mind, prompting him to gaze out the window.

The Fallen Star Eyes had transformed into a luminous, clear stone, which a graceful silhouette deftly tucked into her sleeve. She entered with a playful smile, "You unfeeling man. After fleeing the Embers Sea, you couldn't even bother to send a word my way."

Liu Ying from the Starmoon Sect had also made her way to Gavanas.

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