Sensing the incoming dagger, Ranch instantly dodged, but the blade still grazed his skin, bringing a sharp pain and emitting a foul odor from the wound.
The dagger was poisoned!
Ranch quickly realized the problem.
He forced himself to remain calm and rapidly opened the system, then looked at the refreshed items in the store.
At this point, it was time to take a gamble.
[100 gold coins consumed, items successfully refreshed, remaining refreshes for today: 2.]
[Store lv1]
[Cheap Spirits: Watered down with a hefty amount of alcohol, something normal people wouldn't choose to drink but might be very much to a dwarf's liking. Price: one gold coin per bottle.]
[Ceramic Cup: A beautifully crafted cup made of clay. Price: one gold coin for two.]
[Gale Technique: Upon purchase, instantly learn the Gale Technique, using magical power to harness the force of the wind, slightly increasing one's speed. Price: 1500 gold coins.]
"Spirits?"
Ranch contemplated his next move, buying four bottles of the spirits and smashing them onto the creature.
The strong smell of alcohol instantly spread.
He refreshed the items again, but this time it was all ordinary household goods, which were of no help.
Reluctantly, Ranch opted to use his last chance for an active refresh.
This time, finally, something useful appeared.
[Store lv1]
[Basic Flame Scroll: Limited to three purchases. Upon using the scroll, a burst of flame is released. Price: 150 gold coins each.]
[Basic Potion Knowledge Compendium (Rare): Unique. Instantly comprehend basic potion knowledge upon purchase, can only be bought once, will not reappear in the store after purchase. Price: 2000 gold coins.]
[Lace Lingerie: Light and breathable, boldly designed, providing visual pleasure. Price: one gold coin for ten pieces.]
"Purchase three Basic Flame Scrolls!"
Ranch mentally commanded, and instantly 450 gold coins vanished, with three flame scrolls appearing in his hands.
Boom!
The scroll was torn open, unleashing a jet of flame that landed on the creature, instantly igniting the previously poured spirits.
The creature's body was continuously engulfed in flames.
Ranch tore open the remaining two flame scrolls.
Flames devoured the creature, the terrifying heat melting its body, eventually reducing it to ashes, leaving behind only the sharp dagger that clattered to the ground.
Sophia ran over.
"I thought you might just run away."
Ranch's lips were pale, he spoke weakly.
In fact, he was well aware that if it weren't for Sophia distracting the creature just now, he wouldn't have had time to refresh the system store.
Sophia glanced at Ranch, then at the wound on his waist, her feelings mixed, saying, "You've been poisoned with Undead Toxin. If it's not dealt with, you'll slowly turn into a corpse."
"How can it be cured?"
Ranch looked towards Sophia, since she brought it up voluntarily and didn't seem panicked, it indicated she might have a solution.
But would she help him?
In the next moment, Sophia tore open the clothing around Ranch's wound, sat down, and cut her own palm to let her blood drip onto his wound.
The process lasted for over ten minutes, until Sophia's breath became weak.
"Elven blood can counteract the Undead Toxin."
Sophia explained only this before fainting.
Ranch gently laid her down, feeling a stir of emotion; she wasn't half bad when not overwhelmed by her pride.
Then, Ranch walked over to the pile of ashes.
He picked up the sharp dagger, noticing a name engraved on the handle — Charles Molin.
"Charles Molin, I will remember you!"
A flame of vengeance ignited in Ranch's eyes.
He pocketed the dagger, its toxin already eradicated by the fierce flames, and then sat beside the unconscious Sophia, opening the system.
[gold coins: 3250]
Just from selling seven Energy Reagents and the additional thousand gold coins gifted by Colin, minus the expenses from the battle and refreshes, he still had over three thousand gold coins.
The target of ten thousand gold coins seemed not so distant anymore.
But Ranch was conflicted.
He looked at the Basic Potion Knowledge Compendium in the store, a rare-labeled item, unique and potentially a one-time offer.
Although it could reappear if not purchased, who knew when that would be?
Moreover, buying it would legitimize his disguise as a pharmacist, potentially bringing in more profits.
Without much hesitation, Ranch spent two thousand gold coins to acquire the Basic Potion Knowledge Compendium.
Instantly, a flood of knowledge entered his mind, and he gained the ability to concoct the two most fundamental potions: the Basic Healing Potion and the Basic Energizing Potion.
"These two potions, their ingredients can be bought in the City of Crimson, and the prices are reasonable!"
A smile spread across Ranch's face.
This investment was the right decision. Even if the store hadn't refreshed with suitable items, he now had a source of gold coins, capable of amassing considerable wealth through selling potions.
The only concern was the necromancer.
"Why is he targeting me?"
Ranch pondered continuously, suddenly considering a possibility: "The treasure of the dragon?!"
"No, that's not right! Necromancers, though not recognized, belong to the magi and, with their necromancy, aren't short of money. But Old Rock's manor hasn't been sold yet, which means the necromancer might not have discovered where the dragon's treasure is."
Ranch's anxiety eased, but then another thought struck him:
"Necromancers are exceptionally sensitive to the corpses of creatures. The City of Crimson is just a small, chaotic town, scarcely visited by powerful knights or magi. That necromancer must have sensed something, which is why he came here."
The corpse puppet created was incredibly powerful, indicating that the necromancer behind it was no ordinary practitioner.
The conclusion was almost self-evident.
There lies the corpse of a high-tier creature within the City of Crimson — a Dragon Corpse.
Especially considering the city's legends, where at certain times a crimson aura pervades the city, along with the consecutive deaths of the City of Crimson's lords, the truth seems to align.
This realization sent shivers down Ranch's spine.
If it were just the treasure of the dragon, he might be able to secure it with his current strength, but adding a Dragon Corpse into the mix, he would likely be unable to defend it.
Dragons!
They are synonymous with immense power, almost at the pinnacle of the hierarchy of beings.
Once it becomes known that he possesses a Dragon Corpse, he would likely be besieged by assassinations.
"But I don't want to give up!"
A fierce smile crept over Ranch's lips as he thought of Hawk, who was against him, and the necromancer Charles Molin, who had sent the corpse puppet to assassinate him.
He needed greater power to exact revenge on these foes!
Rumors say that drinking the blood of a dragon can greatly enhance one's physique, and there's even a chance to transform into a dragonkin, gaining strength far beyond that of ordinary people...
Such a prospect was truly tantalizing!
After regaining some strength, Ranch carried Sophia to a safer location before settling down to rest.
The night passed just like that.
...
The next day, Ranch opened his eyes to find Sophia already awake.
She seemed still somewhat weak but showed no signs of discomfort.
"I will keep the news of the dragon's treasure hidden from Hawk."
Sophia suddenly spoke up, catching Ranch slightly off guard.
He chuckled in response, "Wasn't that the agreement?"
"This is different."
Sophia shook her head, gazing calmly at Ranch, and said earnestly, "Your performance has indeed impressed me; perhaps by aligning with you, you can help me achieve what I desire more swiftly."
"Then here's to a fruitful collaboration."
Ranch extended his hand, and Sophia reached out hers, their hands clasping together.
In the next moment, Sophia embraced Ranch, her breathing quickened. In the dense forest, enchanting moans resonated, granting Ranch the privilege of experiencing the elven maiden's proactive indulgence, a truly exquisite delight.
Of course, business must not be forgotten.
After an intense hour of intimacy, Ranch and Sophia returned to the City of Crimson.
They stealthily infiltrated Colin's manor, planning to confront him directly, only to overhear familiar thumping sounds and a woman's moans from inside; Ranch smirked knowingly, while Sophia's face tinted with a blush.
Twenty minutes later, Colin Rein finally emerged.
Startled at seeing Ranch, he exclaimed, "Pharmacist, sir!"
Ranch, with his hands clasped behind his back, adopted an arrogant demeanor and stated, "I need a room to prepare potions, and someone to help me sell the potions I've crafted!"