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In the bustling marketplace, Xiao Yan, disguised as an old man, blended into the crowd. He wore a simple, tattered robe and a weathered straw hat, appearing like an ordinary passerby.
Xiao Yan entered pharmacy filled with various herbs and pills, the air infused with a subtle herbal fragrance.
The shopkeeper, a tall and lean middle-aged man, seemed experienced.
"Good day, sir. What herbs or pills are you looking for?" the shopkeeper asked with a smile.
Xiao Yan pushed back his straw hat, revealing a face that looked aged and worn, and replied with a smile, "I recently gathered some herbs and refined a few healing pills. I'd like to sell them here."
The shopkeeper looked at Xiao Yan with curiosity and nodded. "Oh, so you refined these pills yourself, elder. Please show me what you have."
Xiao Yan pulled a few healing pills from his robe and placed them on the counter. The shopkeeper picked one up, examining it closely.
His brows raised in surprise; these pills appeared to be of good quality, clearly crafted with care.
"Elder, these pills do look impressive. How do you plan to price them?" the shopkeeper inquired.
Xiao Yan smiled and replied, "I wouldn't dare to set a high price, but considering the effort I put into crafting them, I hope it will be reasonable."
Thus, they began negotiating the price.
After some back-and-forth, they finally agreed on a satisfactory price. The shopkeeper handed Xiao Yan a pouch of silver, accepting the healing pills in return.
Xiao Yan felt a rush of accomplishment. He knew his efforts in alchemy were paying off, and successfully selling his products validated his skills.
After selling the basic healing pills, Xiao Yan took out the vial of foundational spirit liquid he had crafted.
This foundational spirit liquid was painstakingly refined under Yao Lao's guidance; although it was a beginner's creation, it had become exceptionally precious thanks to Yao Lao's mentorship and the mysterious elder's enhancements.
It should fetch a good price.
However, when the shopkeeper saw the foundational spirit liquid, his expression changed immediately.
He examined it closely, and then his face filled with astonishment and reverence, clearly recognizing its significance.
"Elder, I don't recognize this potion, but to be honest, my understanding of alchemy is limited, and I can't fully discern its origin and value. How about this: I'll fetch our boss to have a closer look," the shopkeeper suggested.
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement.
The shopkeeper respectfully led him to a private room.
The room was simply yet elegantly decorated. The shopkeeper invited Xiao Yan to sit, repeatedly assuring him that the boss would arrive shortly, clearly anxious not to lose sight of the valuable potion.
Watching the shopkeeper hurry away, Xiao Yan felt a flutter of anticipation.
Before long, the door to the private room gently opened, and a beautiful woman walked in. Her gaze immediately fell upon the vial of foundational spirit liquid in Xiao Yan's hand, and her expression shifted to one of shock.
"Is this... foundational spirit liquid?" the woman's voice trembled slightly, her disbelief evident as she stared at the vial that shimmered with a faint glow.
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he quietly awaited her reaction.
The woman shopkeeper quickly took the foundational spirit liquid, examining it closely. Her fingers gently dipped into the liquid, sensing its essence and texture.
After a moment, she withdrew her hand, her expression still one of surprise. "This foundational spirit liquid is remarkable. Its texture is pure, and while its medicinal properties are mild, it contains an incredibly powerful foundational force. Such a potion is rare to find."
Xiao Yan smiled lightly, choosing not to elaborate further.
The shopkeeper continued, "However, I need to conduct an accurate appraisal of this foundational spirit liquid to determine its true value. May I ask where you acquired this precious potion, elder?"
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and replied casually, "This is something I've painstakingly crafted over the years; it's a modest achievement."
Hearing his words, a glimmer of admiration flashed in the shopkeeper's eyes. She understood that anyone capable of refining such a valuable foundational spirit liquid was no ordinary person.
"Please wait a moment; I need to take this foundational spirit liquid back to the shop for a more detailed appraisal," she said, then left the room.
Xiao Yan sat quietly in the private room, filled with anticipation for the appraisal's outcome. He felt confident about the foundational spirit liquid and was curious about the shopkeeper's reaction.
Before long, the shopkeeper returned, carrying an air of respect and a smile on her face. She looked at Xiao Yan with genuine admiration.
"Elder, I have appraised it, and this foundational spirit liquid can be considered a priceless treasure."
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and asked, "Priceless? If I want to sell it, how much do you intend to offer?"
The shopkeeper pondered briefly, recognizing that Xiao Yan was no ordinary person and that his ability to refine such a valuable foundational spirit liquid indicated he was a master alchemist. She decided to build a good relationship, hoping for future cooperation.
"I am the owner of the largest auction house in the marketplace, the Gathering Treasure Pavilion," she began. "If you agree, I can put your foundational spirit liquid up for auction at next week's event. I'm sure it will fetch a good price. We can split the proceeds—80% for you and 20% for me—as a gesture of friendship and future collaboration."
Xiao Yan felt a surge of delight at her words; he realized this was an excellent opportunity for greater rewards. He nodded in agreement with the proposal and discussed the specific details of their collaboration.
Soon, they reached a mutual understanding in a cheerful atmosphere. Xiao Yan temporarily entrusted the foundational spirit liquid to the shopkeeper for safekeeping, agreeing to return for the payment on auction day.
Feeling satisfied, Xiao Yan returned to the back mountain, traversing through lush woods until he reached his training ground, where he resumed practicing the Eight Extremes Collapse.
Yao Lao stood by, observing Xiao Yan's training. Just then, a sudden, intense wave of energy erupted from the mysterious ring, startling both Xiao Yan and Yao Lao.
They exchanged surprised glances as the ring's occupant, Shui Wuya, gradually awakened, his deep-set eyes opening with an otherworldly gaze that seemed to pierce through everything.
Then, Shui Wuya's phantom emerged from the ring, his tall and imposing figure standing like a solitary peak in the world. His presence rendered the surrounding space eerily quiet, as if he were the very center of existence.
(End of Chapter)