Moreover, Li Xiu was not limited to the prescribed formulas for alchemy. After learning the properties of various medicinal ingredients, he found it easier to create his own formulas without any restrictions. He could also think outside the box and create formulas that suited his specific needs, which would be very convenient for him in the future.
However, practising alchemy in this way had its drawbacks, as it was time-consuming and required a lot of medicinal ingredients. But all in all, it was worth it because it would bring benefits in the long run.
Upon hearing Li Xiu's question, Zhao Xian bowed respectfully and replied: "My Lord, if you want to find a wide variety of medicinal ingredients, the Thousand Medicine Place is the best place in the Black Corner region. However, for rare and precious medicinal ingredients, you might have to try your luck at the Black Mark Auction House."
Li Xiu nodded and said: "Lead the way."
After a short while, the four of them arrived at a large medicine shop with a pale red sign that read "Thousand Medicine Place" in ancient characters. Even before they approached the shop, a strong scent of medicinal herbs wafted towards them.
Inside the medicine shop, the area was extremely large, with crystal counters neatly arranged on both the east and west sides. The transparent counters displayed various medicinal ingredients, and many people stopped to select them.
As Li Xiu walked around, he confirmed that what Zhao Xian had said was true. The medicinal ingredients here were rare and hard to find outside, but they were also much more expensive.
However, this was not a problem for Li Xiu. After purchasing several types of medicinal ingredients in large quantities, Zhao Xian led Li Xiu and the others to the Black Mark Auction House.
At the entrance of the Black Mark Auction House, dozens of pale-faced men dressed in black armour with sharp blades around their waists stood with indifferent expressions. Their sharp eyes scanned the constantly moving crowd, all of them powerful Dou Shi practitioners.
Zhao Xian introduced himself from the side: "My lords, you have come at an opportune time. Today is the annual auction of the Black Mark Auction House, and the items being auctioned are even rarer than in previous years. It's very rare, so these two days are also the most heavily guarded time for the Black Mark Auction House."
At this moment, the crowd suddenly dispersed and a young man with an excessively pale complexion walked in with a few others. The people around him avoided him as if he were a snake or a scorpion, their eyes filled with fear and trepidation.
Xiao Yan glanced over and sighed inwardly. The fact that this young man possessed Dou Ling strength at such a young age was impressive, confirming that the outside world was indeed vast and boundless.
"Isn't that someone from the Blood Sect?"
"Yes, those ruthless and cruel people. The one in the middle must be the young sect leader of the Blood Sect, Fan Ling. I heard that he had something to do with the disappearance of an Eight Gates elder not long ago, yet he dares to come to Black Mark City, which is under the control of the Eight Gates."
"His entire body is drained of blood, as if it has been forcefully drained from him. Even in the darkest and most chaotic region of the continent, the Black-Corner Region, no one else possesses such a sinister and terrifying technique. Only the Blood Sect is capable of it."
"What does he have to fear? His father, Fan Lao, is ranked fifth in the Black Ranking, much stronger than the Leader of the Eight Gates, Yuan Yi. Besides, the Blood Sect is much stronger than the Eight Gates. If the Eight Gates dare to move against Fan Ling today, they will probably be uprooted within three days. Killing an elder won't make a difference."
As people whispered among themselves, Li Xiu's group had a general idea of what was going on without Zhao Xian having to explain.
After the Blood Sect people entered the auction house, several other powerful forces from the Black-Corner Region followed suit. Those around them couldn't help but discuss their identities and strengths.
After a few more groups entered, the remaining people were no longer afraid and began to rush forward.
Li Xiu and his group walked through the crowd, but no one could get within a few metres of them. Whenever they approached, they were pushed back by a strong force, causing those around them to look at them with suspicion and fear, wondering where these terrifying experts had come from.
Inside the massive venue, Li Xiu and his group sat down, while Xiao Yan noticed that the forces that had just entered were whispering and discussing something, seemingly very interested in a certain item that was going to be auctioned off.
After a while, a crisp bell rang, echoing through the venue, and the loud chatter died down.
In the middle of the auction stage, an old man with white hair and dressed in a white robe slowly walked out.
"Sorry for the wait, everyone. I won't waste any time with small talk. I declare that the annual Black Mark Auction is now open."
With a sharp opening, a dazzling light suddenly burst forth from the huge crystal podium, and everyone in the venue eagerly turned their attention to it.
After a moment, a blue long sword appeared, reflecting a cold glow under the light, indicating that it was a carefully forged monster core weapon.
The white-haired old man held the long sword in his hand and began to introduce it in a wordy manner that was in stark contrast to its sharp opening. However, those interested in the sword listened attentively and were not impatient.
After the long sword was successfully auctioned off, various dazzling items began to appear on the auction stage. Armour, weapons, Dou techniques, and of course, some medicinal ingredients.
The medicinal ingredients that appeared in the auction were all rare and precious items that could not be found in ordinary medicine shops. Of course, Li Xiu did not miss out and bid for almost all of the medicinal ingredients.
As for the treasures and gold coins, during their time in the Jia Ma Empire, Jia Xing Tian and the others didn't know how much they had given to Li Xiu.
Coupled with the fact that most of the treasures of a Dou Zun peak expert like Yao Chen had been given to him, Li Xiu was not short of money.
Li Xiu's frequent bidding for medicinal ingredients also attracted the attention of many who were curious or greedy.
But as soon as they tried to peek at Li Xiu, they immediately felt as if their heads were being hit with a hammer, followed by a slump in their spirits. After realising how powerful and terrifying Li Xiu was, no one dared to pry into his affairs.
Under these unusual circumstances, the previously dominant Fan Ling and his men, as well as other forces, finally realised that something was wrong.
After holding his throbbing head for a long time, Fan Ling finally recovered and looked up. His previously pale face was now even paler, almost inhuman, and the light in his eyes had dimmed considerably.
"Damn it, what's going on?"
Fan Ling's face was grim and he spoke in a low voice filled with pain and fear.
Beside him, an old man with a similarly pained and frightened expression and a pale face whispered.
"Young Sect Leader, I've heard that some high-ranking alchemists have extremely powerful soul power that can be used for out-of-body attacks. That person over there might be one of them."
Fan Ling looked puzzled, frowned, and asked: "High-ranking? How high?"
The old man replied with a trembling voice, full of fear and trepidation: "Judging from that person's nonchalant demeanour, I estimate that he is at least a 7th Tier Alchemist!"
Fan Ling was shocked and incredulous. He exclaimed: "7th Tier? Isn't that one rank higher than the Medicine Emperor Han Feng?"
Medicine Emperor Han Feng was a pivotal figure in the Black-Corner Region, and no one dared to provoke him. Even his father, Fan Lao, would have to be polite and respectful when he saw him, because in addition to being a peak Dou Huang powerhouse, he was also a 6th Tier Alchemist.
A 6th Tier Alchemist had an incredibly terrifying influence. They could exchange pills for favors, and even a Dou Zong powerhouse would have to give them some face and not act recklessly.
As for a 7th Tier Alchemist, that was a whole different level of existence. Moreover, the person over there might be even higher than the 7th Tier. How could such a big shot appear in the small Black Mark City?!