Leaving the arena, I began organizing my next steps.
First, I planned to create more potions and pills using my current ingredients and then sell them in the city. With the money I earned, I would buy other useful ingredients. My first destination was the alchemy lab building.
The building was enormous, made from the same materials as the school—a mix of wood and stone. Unlike the common academy areas, which followed a cold white-and-blue pattern, this area was built with distinct shades of green and a subtle grayish-white color.
At the front of the alchemy hall, its emblem was prominently displayed. Alongside a blue snake with small ice flakes, there was a potion flask and a cauldron. The image was quite beautiful and gave a strong introduction to what lay inside.
Upon entering, I saw numerous senior students, newcomers, assistant professors, and other instructors wearing the academy's typical robes. Some carried bags or baskets filled with herbs and other resources. Others held cauldrons of various sizes and shapes. For instance, one boy carried a pink cauldron with bunny images on the front, oddly reminiscent of a child's toy stove. A young woman held a small bluish-green cauldron, barely larger than a kitchen pot. Meanwhile, a middle-aged man carried a massive black cauldron resembling basalt, looking more like a blacksmith's equipment than an alchemist's tool.
Other individuals held books, scrolls, and similar items. After surveying the area, I approached the assistant who was waiting nearby.
With a charming and confident smile, I spoke:
"Hello, I heard that alchemists can rent rooms here, correct?"
The assistant, upon seeing my face, seemed slightly flustered but quickly responded,
"Ahem Yes, we do. The rooms are divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, with each tier costing 50 more spirit stones per hour. However, they are equipped with defensive formations, concealment arrays, Qi enhancement, and stability enchantments. These features not only aid in the understanding of the Dao of Alchemy but also provide protection in case of accidents, such as explosions or poison leaks."
"For example, in an advanced room, even if an explosion occurs with the power of a Golden Core cultivator, the formation will detect and isolate it while ensuring your safety. Of course, depending on your strength, you may still suffer injuries, but it should keep you alive."
"To clarify, the basic room costs 25 spirit stones per hour."
After listening to his explanation, I paid a total of 75 spirit stones and rented a basic room for a few hours.
Being an alchemist is undoubtedly expensive. Fortunately, I have both my family's support and my business. Selling the items I produce will also help.
Upon entering the room, I could sense the formations woven into the environment. It wasn't of the highest quality, but it was useful. The reason I came here instead of using the rooms in my palace was to build a certain reputation—both within the academy and among other students and professors.
Sitting in the center of the room, I took out my current favorite cauldron—a rare-grade, medium-sized cauldron with a gray hue. It was reasonably useful for my needs.
Snapping my fingers, a red flame with faint yellow hues appeared, radiating light.
With a flick of my fingers, I directed the flame beneath the cauldron. The fire grew, heating it intensely.
While this happened, I took out the herbs I needed for today's experiments.
For the next three hours, I was entirely focused on refining resources, exhausting my Qi multiple times and pushing my mental and physical energy to the limit.
…
After completing my task, I happily left the academy to stroll around the city.
I visited the commercial district, where several shops were open. These stores sold various resources, including everyday items such as furniture, kitchenware, and household equipment. There were also libraries, blacksmith shops, and official alchemy stores.
All the buildings were well-constructed, with dedicated shopkeepers, and the area was generally protected by cultivator guards tasked with maintaining order and preventing damage.
The atmosphere was peaceful, and from observing the people around me, it was clear that everyone was well-dressed. Even among the mortals present, all seemed well-mannered and composed.
It was a good place to relax and buy common goods. However, for what I sought, this environment wouldn't suffice. Keeping that in mind, I continued walking.
Unfortunately, I failed to notice a few individuals approaching me—although I did sense many others watching me.
…
Soon, I arrived at the true marketplace.
It was like a vast open market, with countless people shouting and selling their wares.
Some sat on the ground, while others had small stalls set up. However, the most notable aspect was the clear lack of official oversight.
There were no guards, no ordinary mortals, and no common folk.
Of course, there were academy students, servants, and seemingly regular individuals making trades, but many others wore masks, hoods, and disguises, clearly intending to hide their identities.
This time, my steps were light but more cautious.
Along the way, I saw all kinds of goods—technique manuals, cultivation guides, alchemy ingredients, blacksmithing materials, and even completely random items.
Seeing my student robes and the aura of a young master, many vendors eagerly called out, using every possible sales tactic to attract my attention.
"Come! Great Cultivation Pills! Just one will allow you to glimpse the traces of true immortals and gods!"
"I have the finest vases in this realm and beyond!"
"High-quality cauldrons! Not even epic-grade items can compare!"
"You there, young master! This tool possesses the strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator! With it, you can crush anything in your path!"
The last one was literally offering a broken necklace fragment, which made me wonder where he got the confidence to try scamming people. However...
"Oh wow! What an incredible city! I can't believe such an amazing place exists!"
Hearing an enthusiastic voice behind me, I turned to see a young man with angelic blond hair, his features so perfect they seemed almost divine. His golden eyes shone like the most precious gems of the desert and sky. He appeared to be around 17 or 18 years old.
His clothes were luxurious, elegant, and clearly of a higher level than mine. His outfit seemed like a blend of modern fashion and ancient Egyptian design.
His mannerisms were lively yet exuded an unmistakable air of refinement.
Judging by his attire and demeanor, he was obviously not from this city.
What intrigued me was that he seemed to be getting scammed—something not entirely impossible. What didn't make sense, however, were two things.
'Master, his strength appears to be at least at the Golden Core level. Be cautious. Not only that, but the disguised individual behind him seems stronger than your grandfather.'
Arno informed me of something I had already suspected based on the aura the young man emitted. However, what was truly terrifying...
Was the presence of the man cloaked in beige-white robes standing behind him.
Acting as a guard, he carried a uniquely designed spear.
The entire scene intrigued me.
As such, I subtly shifted to the side, attempting to blend in while observing them with curious eyes.