"Master, the total profit from selling the pills this time is 50,000. As per the agreement, I'll take 20%, which is 40,000 gold coins."
In a courtyard in Black Rock City, a middle-aged man dressed in yellow leaned forward respectfully, offering a gold coin card to Lin Feng, who was cloaked in a black robe. His chubby face bore an ingratiating smile, as though fearful of offending Lin Feng.
After all, it was only a year ago that the alchemist Liu Xi, whom he had painstakingly befriended, was killed by a mysterious figure. This sudden loss almost drove him to bankruptcy, wiping out nearly 100,000 gold coins he had invested with Liu Xi. Fortuitously, a chance meeting in Black Rock City had introduced him to this mysterious alchemist, who helped him recover his losses.
Lin Feng took the card, gave it a casual glance, and slipped it into his ring. His voice emerged, slightly hoarse, from beneath the cloak. The sight of his former boss like this made Lin Feng smile inwardly. It had been over a year since Lin Feng happened upon him discussing business woes on the street and realized the reason for his former destitution—killing Liu Xi. He had since recruited him to help sell his pills but, to avoid complications, had concealed his real identity.
Clearing his throat, Lin Feng took out two bottles of Purple Orchid Spiritual Liquid, a modified version of the foundation-building elixir he remembered, inspired by Yao Lao's teachings. He tossed the bottles onto the table before him, stating, "These are two bottles of second-grade Purple Orchid Spirit Liquid. They have the same effects as the foundation-building spirit liquid occasionally sold in Wutan City."
"Second-grade?" The yellow-robed man's eyes widened, his voice trembling with excitement. Hailing from Wutan City, he recognized the significance of foundation-building spirit liquid. With awe, he took up the two jade bottles, his expression eager and flattering. "I truly misjudged, Master. I didn't realize you were a second-grade alchemist! Rest assured, I'll make sure to sell them at a high price."
"No need," Lin Feng said, shaking his head. He added, seeing the man's surprise, "I'll be leaving Black Rock City in a few days. These two bottles are your reward for helping gather herbs these past weeks."
"Leaving?" The man's face fell, assuming that Lin Feng was displeased with the profit share. He hurriedly offered, "Master, if you're dissatisfied, I can reduce my share to 10%."
Lin Feng shook his head again, explaining, "I'm leaving for personal matters, not due to the profit."
"Master—"
"Enough," Lin Feng interrupted. "I've made my decision, and it's final."
Hearing Lin Feng's raspy voice leave no room for negotiation, the man in yellow bowed, crestfallen, before leaving the courtyard. Once alone, Lin Feng removed his robe and went inside to prepare his supplies. He planned to venture to the Magic Beast Mountain Range near Qingshan Town in search of a hidden cave rumored to contain a rare flying technique.
During his year in Black Rock City, Lin Feng had advanced to the rank of second-grade alchemist and reached the level of an eight-star Dou Practitioner. Though the Magic Beast Mountain Range was perilous, Lin Feng felt confident enough to handle most challenges with his eight-star Dou Practitioner strength and Xuan Class Dou Techniques. Moreover, according to his knowledge of events, Xiao Yan was expected to arrive in Qingshan Town for training in about three months. Lin Feng was determined to locate the cave before then.
After days of travel, a weary Lin Feng arrived in Qingshan Town, known locally as Magic Beast Town due to its proximity to the Magic Beast Mountain Range. The streets were crowded with mercenaries who, hardened by their dangerous lifestyle, loudly debated over drinks, women, and the ferocity of nearby beasts.
Lin Feng strolled down the main road, glancing over the various shops without much interest—until he spotted "Almighty Medical House," an herbal shop he remembered from past information.
"Almighty Medical House," he murmured to himself. "I recall that there might be a rare Blood Lotus Essence here. I wonder if I can find it now."
With that, he entered the shop. The herbal scent was overwhelming, and the place bustled with patrons. The interior was lit brightly with moonstones mounted on the walls, casting a clear, welcoming glow over the store's merchandise.
He searched carefully, his eyes scanning each counter until they fell on a pale yellow herb tucked in the corner. Trying to conceal his excitement, he approached and inspected it—a piece of Yellow flower Essence, or so it appeared. Clearing his throat, he called over a male clerk who regarded him with indifference.
"Could I see that item, please?"
The clerk glanced at him, and, assuming he was just another commoner interested in low-grade herbs, retrieved the piece with visible impatience. "Yellow flower Essence, low-grade, one hundred gold coins."
Lin Feng ignored the man's haughty tone, turning the herb over in his hand. Running a fingernail along its surface, he revealed a blood-red interior, accompanied by a faint, metallic scent. The sight thrilled him.
"Blood Lotus Essence," he whispered to himself, thrilled. If not for his familiarity with medicinal lore, he wouldn't have noticed this rare elixir. Satisfied, he handed over a bag of gold coins to the clerk, who, after weighing it, moved on to other customers.
As Lin Feng prepared to leave, a commotion at the shop's entrance caught his attention.
"Wow, it's the Little Fairy Doctor!"
"So beautiful…and that waist…"
"Keep your voice down! Nearly every mercenary in town has been treated by her. Watch what you say!"
Lin Feng listened to the whispers and approached out of curiosity. The Little Medical Fairy was renowned for her slim waist and gentle beauty, which had captivated many. He squeezed through the crowd, getting a clear view of her as she gracefully attended to an injured mercenary.
She wore a simple white dress, her face fair and serene. Her calm, ethereal charm radiated, drawing Lin Feng's attention to the green belt tied around her famously slender waist. His gaze lingered for a moment in admiration.
"A rare beauty indeed," Lin Feng thought, noting her skill and the almost worshipful looks the mercenaries cast her way.
A shop attendant leaned over, explaining, "Xiao Yixian, our resident physician, draws many mercenaries here. Every time she accompanies them to the mountain range, they lower their prices just to be around her."
Lin Feng noted this with interest. The Little Fairy Doctor's popularity was undeniable, yet he knew her secret. Her pure exterior belied a dark gift: the Evil Poison Body. Although highly dangerous, this rare physique granted her extraordinary potential—provided she could continuously consume toxins. Eventually, this alone would allow her to reach the Dou Ancestor level, though not without significant risk.
Lin Feng pondered the possibilities. If he could somehow befriend, or perhaps partner with her, it would be an invaluable advantage on his journey. After all, having a future Dou Ancestor master as an ally would ensure that even in the dangerous Black-Corner Region, he could stand his ground.