The other cultivators at the table considered the exchange absurd! They couldn't believe I had the audacity to ask for so much from a Golden Core cultivator!
My gaze remained fixed on the Golden Core cultivator, waiting eagerly for his response. Something inside me told me it would work. I knew he would accept it! There was something special about that ancient scroll that he desired deeply.
"Fine, I agree to your terms. Since this is a significant transaction, we can finalize it in a more private location after the meeting," he agreed.
That was it! It worked! Not only would I acquire even more spiritual stones than his initial offer, but also an incredible alchemy technique! It couldn't get any better than that!
The other cultivators looked at me with envy. The sum of spiritual stones alone was something those in the Foundation Establishment realm couldn't fathom.
After two more trades, it was time to conclude the meeting. They left one by one to ensure their identities remained hidden.
Only myself, Sun Liang, Sun Shi, and the enigmatic Golden Core cultivator remained.
Sun Liang removed his mask, followed by Sun Shi and the Golden Core cultivator.
"It's alright, Tian Li. This old geezer is a friend of mine," Sun Liang reassured.
Everyone had taken off their masks, including Sun Shi, so I followed suit.
"Junior greets Elder..."
"Call me Zhao Fa. I was indeed attempting to deceive you earlier, but that's because I had no idea who you were!" Zhao Fa confessed with an awkward smile.
His complexion was darker than Sun Liang's, and he possessed a more athletic physique. I presumed he was one of those cultivators who focused on physical training.
Zhao Fa's beard and hair were similar in size to Sun Liang's, but they retained their black color instead of turning grey like his friend's.
"I do have an alchemy technique here that is even superior to the ones Sun Liang possesses, but there's a catch."
"A catch?" I inquired.
"Yes. Firstly, it is challenging to practice, and some individuals may be unable to master it. Secondly, this cultivation art gradually loses its efficacy in the Golden Core stage because it is incomplete!"
Another incomplete technique! I knew such types were usually ancient techniques with potent effects, at least according to the cultivation novels I had read. Acquiring the subsequent parts for it would be a daunting task, but it was better than having nothing at all!
With it, I would undoubtedly rise as an incredible alchemist, though reaching the Golden Core stage was still a long journey ahead. Heck, I wasn't even certain if I would ever achieve it. What if I met an untimely demise? Such outcomes were commonplace in the cultivation world.
"Junior would like to try this cultivation art," I said.
"Fine. Here, take it."
Zhao Fa handed me a small pouch adorned with intricate drawings. It appeared too petite to contain 5000 spiritual stones, and the mere thought of it quickened my heartbeat.
"This is a Spatial Pouch. It has the ability to hold numerous items and is quite valuable. I offer it to you as an apology for my earlier behavior."
For Golden Core cultivators like Zhao Fa and Sun Liang, low-grade Spatial Pouches were inexpensive and did not elicit much awe.
However, for someone like me, a feeble Qi Condensation cultivator, such pouches were treasures! I could hardly believe the abundance of riches I had acquired in a single meeting.
"Thank you very much, Elder Zhao."
I discreetly concealed the Spatial Pouch within my robe, ensuring that it remained hidden from prying eyes.
"Dear friend Sun, may I pay a visit to your sect? I have some matters to discuss with you there," Zhao Fa proposed.
"Oh?"
Sun Liang expressed his curiosity, but refrained from further discussion as both Sun Shi and I were not meant to overhear their conversation. Once the meeting concluded and Zhao Fa confirmed his intention to visit Sun Liang's sect, we all boarded the same carriage to return.
I was not foolish enough to venture out of the city alone. How many times had I read clichéd tales where the protagonist would leave a gathering only to be ambushed by robbers? For heaven's sake.
Fortunately, Riverside was conveniently situated along their route, and after a day of travel, they made a special stop for me.
"This is where you reside?" Sun Liang inquired, gazing out of the carriage window at my humble farm.
"Yes, it is."
"A tranquil abode. Anyway, remember what I told you, right? I will now share with you the location of the sect..."
A lavish carriage passed by Riverside, an unusual occurrence in these parts. I surveyed my farm, inhaling deeply and relishing the crisp air.
"I am home..."
I couldn't contain my excitement to begin practicing the newfound alchemy cultivation art and ignite my first flame. With the ample amount of spiritual stones obtained from the exchange, I had more than enough to purchase an alchemy furnace and embark on pill-making!
As soon as I arrived, Dai Guiren appeared before me. Whether he had been waiting or it was merely a coincidental encounter, I couldn't say, but that man was always remarkably swift.
"Tian Li," he greeted, bowing his head. "There's something peculiar..."
"Peculiar? Has something happened to my farm?" I asked, my tone tinged with aggression.
Dai Guiren shook his head. "No, no. Your farm is in good order. It's regarding the shack in the woods that you mentioned."
"What about it?"
"We found the woman's body there, along with evidence of the murder, but Kang Duyi's body was nowhere to be found... Are you certain he was there?"
I clenched my fists tightly. It seemed like the beginning of a damn villain arc.
Kang Duyi's body was meant to be present, but according to the mayor's account, it was nowhere to be found. That could only mean one thing—he had survived!
However, Dai Guiren assured me that there had been no unusual activity in the area. If he were to speculate, Kang Duyi had likely fled Riverside, fearing that I might come after him once more.
"I'll address that matter later," I declared, and Dai Guiren understood, taking his leave.
Without further delay, I entered my home to check on Big F. He appeared robust and overjoyed to see me!
Glancing through the window of my modest cabin, I noticed that my crops were ready for harvest.
"Well, well, well, time for some Spiritual Herbs!" I whispered to myself, hastening my steps as I left the cabin.