After getting the information, Ang stared at the pills and fell into a deep thought. The shopkeeper understood Ang's dilemma, as this was a common sight for him. This was a decision every Apprentice warrior had to make, as it would decide their future. But he also knows that most will take Air Qi pills even after thinking for a long time.
Fire Core is fast in terms of cultivation. But I will need to live aggressively. So, this option is out as I want to live a peaceful life this time.
Land Core, even though the defensive capabilities of ground arts and the ability to cultivate anywhere as long as I'm on Land are something amazing, The path of resolution can be a pain. The last thing I want is to stick to something and live my life for that. So, this option is also out.
Now, I have a water core and an air core option. I like flexibility and freedom, so either would be a great option. Air is everywhere, and one can conveniently cultivate anywhere. Water, on the other hand, is not as convenient but compensates with faster cultivation growth.
"Wait, what does unbound mean?" Ang thought suddenly.
System: It means one should avoid getting too attached to anything.
Ang: Does it apply to riches and pleasures?
System: Yes!
"Show me the best Water Qi pills you got.", said Ang to the shopkeeper, who was now checking his log books.
System: ...
"What?! Are you sure?" asked the shopkeeper, taken aback by Ang's decision.
"Yes, I would like the best blue pills out there," replied Ang with a smile.
"I am a man who wants to fulfil his desires. The last thing I want is to become a monk." Ang thought to himself.
"No wonder there were very few grandmasters who were able to fight the Lust king on equal terms. Most followed the path of Air Qi core but failed to detach themselves from worldly pleasures. Unlike the fire and water Qi cultivation paths, the land and air Qi paths have high demands but make up for them with steady cultivation growth." Ang thought to himself.
"Dear Sir, I know that I am stepping out of my bounds. But, can I ask you why you want to Cultivate the water Path?", asked the shopkeeper. In the past, he met a few who chose elements other than Air. But, when asked why they chose that path, he always got answers like, I shall be different, I will write a history of my own or some ridiculous statements. Only a few gave him a satisfactory answer.
"It's no big deal, shopkeeper. I obviously chose it because it is the one best suited for my needs." replied Ang casually.
"Hahaha", the shopkeeper laughed. He then continued, "Such a simple answer, yet he states the truth."
"Young man, I like your approach to cultivation. Instead of worrying about the pros and cons, you choose the one best suited to you. Commendable, very commendable", said the shopkeeper, who was having a hearty laugh.
Ang thought that there was a misunderstanding but left the man to his ideas. Why would he disturb a happy man and tell him unnecessary details, he left the man to his own ideas.
The Attendant finally let out a cough, which brought the shopkeeper to his senses. He then continued, "Very well, young one. I shall bring you the best blue pill out there for warriors." He assumed that Ang had some method to bypass the core explosion. "Few Noble families know a method to absorb the Qi slowly from a pill to prevent Core explosion. He might be one of those noble family heirs. As such, I might as well create a good impression with him." Thought the shopkeeper as he went to the second floor again.
The Attendant slowly approached Ang and asked if he wanted to drink tea. Based on the shopkeeper's actions, she is now certain that the shopkeeper wants to make this youngster a regular customer.
As Ang slowly enjoyed his cup of tea, he observed the store's surroundings. He noticed that there was no experimental section on this floor. He then asked the Attendant about it and learned that this shopkeeper doesn't like to sell pills that have unknown effects, as they usually have adverse effects.
Ang noticed that the Attendant was also very thin and had dark circles, which she covered with some makeup. He then asked, "Do the two of you make pills at night and sell them in day?"
The Attendant was a bit taken aback. She thought, "Is our physical condition that evident that even a youngster like him can tell? "Yes, we are a couple. We started this pill shop a couple of years ago, intending to provide the best pills available. However, due to the low margins, we cannot hire anyone. We are barely sustaining our shop," she said with a sad tone.
"It looks like the trend of their pills has yet to start. Maybe I can turn this into an opportunity." Ang thought to himself.
As Ang was lost in thought, the thin shopkeeper returned to the desk with a small box. It could barely contain a single pill. When he opened it, he saw a dark blue pill that would be mistaken for black if not observed closely.
"This is a 15-year Water Qi Pill. I can guarantee its quality to be at least 98%," the shopkeeper said with pride. His wife/attendant nodded her head in acceptance of the shopkeeper's words.
Ang was now certain of a few things. First, they were hell-bent on quality. Second, seeing how he brought such a high-quality pill to them, they treated him as their regular. Third, based on the woman's words from earlier, they were running out of funds. He decided to take his opportunity and make some riches from it.
"This is a fine Pill, and I am impressed. How much are you expecting?" Ang asked with a smile.
The shopkeeper and his wife looked at each other, signalling something. They probably want to tell a high price, but they are afraid of losing the customer. After some time, they finally settled down on a number, "How about 3000 gold? We can negotiate further if needed", said the shopkeeper.
"No, I think it's a good price. Last thing i want is to rob you of your efforts. I'll take it.", Said Ang.