Over the past months, Xiao Chen tirelessly experimented with his newfound alchemical skills. However, he discovered that with his current level of spiritual sense, he could only manage to craft pills suitable for cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage. Attempting to enhance the grade of these pills by refining their medicinal energies proved far too taxing for now.
Crafting such pills was also highly inefficient compared to producing Qi Refining stage pills like Spirit Gathering Pills, which were simpler to make and consumed fewer resources. Thus, Xiao Chen only prepared a handful of Foundation Establishment pills to aid in future breakthroughs, dedicating most of his time to refining lower-tier pills.
Thanks to his increasing expertise, the time and spiritual effort required for each batch steadily decreased. The accelerated process boosted his cultivation pace to unimaginable speeds.
In the seclusion of his stone chamber, Xiao Chen's eyes snapped open, radiating a faint glow before returning to normal. He extended his spiritual sense, which now spanned over a hundred meters around his hidden herb garden.
"Qi Refining Stage Level 7!" Xiao Chen clenched his fists, a faint smile gracing his face.
In just six months, he had achieved a meteoric rise from a Qi Refining novice to Level 7—a feat that even the most talented prodigies of major sects would find hard to rival.
With a flick of his fingers, Xiao Chen whispered, "Rise!" A gleaming top-tier spiritual sword leapt into the air, gracefully circling him three times before hovering obediently in front of him.
This high-grade spiritual weapon, once the prized possession of Blackwind Elder, had been painstakingly nurtured by Xiao Chen for half a year. Now, he could wield it with precision, though he refrained from overt displays of his newfound prowess to avoid unwanted attention.
Despite his cultivation speed, Xiao Chen lamented the lack of offensive techniques. His Grass and Wood Vitality Sutra was efficient for cultivation but devoid of any combat spells.
"I'll need to acquire some techniques soon," he mused before securing his belongings and leaving the herb garden. He carefully camouflaged the entrance and refreshed the protective formations guarding his valley.
The Falling Cloud Valley Exchange Gathering was a monthly event, held on the 1st and 15th, where disciples traded resources. Participants paid a single spirit stone as an entry fee, which granted them a black cloak capable of concealing their identity and aura. This ensured anonymity and minimized conflicts over valuable items.
Donning his cloak, Xiao Chen stepped into the bustling gathering, paying his fee to a supervising disciple. He tested the cloak's effectiveness by extending his spiritual sense, confirming it blocked detection even from his enhanced perception.
A hoarse voice broke the low hum of activity.
"Fellow cultivators, the time has come. Allow me to start today's exchange with a small offering."
The speaker, disguised by a distorted voice, displayed five Fireball Talisman Scrolls.
"Each scroll is priced at one low-grade spirit stone."
The talismans sparked interest among many attendees. Though basic, these scrolls unleashed attacks equivalent to a cultivator at Qi Refining Stage 5, making them valuable to lower-level disciples.
However, Xiao Chen dismissed them with a glance, uninterested in their limited utility.
The scrolls sold quickly, and another figure stepped forward.
"I offer a low-grade spiritual weapon for trade. I seek spirit stones or pills—highest offer wins."
The mention of a spiritual weapon immediately roused the crowd. Spiritual weapons, while common among Foundation Establishment cultivators, were rare treasures for those in the Qi Refining stage.
The auction began fiercely:
"Fifteen spirit stones!"
"Twenty stones!"
"I bid thirty! This weapon is mine!"
"Hah, thirty stones? I bid fifty!"
As the bidding escalated, it came down to two determined contenders.
"Two hundred spirit stones—my entire savings!" The bidder, a petite female figure, hesitated briefly before adding, "I'll include three portions of Clear Mind Powder as well!"
Clear Mind Powder, though low-tier and less effective than Spirit Gathering Pills, was valued for its ability to stabilize the mind during cultivation. Its addition to the bid caused a stir among the crowd, tipping the balance of the auction.
As the bidding reached its conclusion, Xiao Chen's gaze swept over the scene.
Though silent, his mind was active. He observed the transactions and gauged the value of various resources exchanged, forming a clearer understanding of the market within the sect.
"It's time for me to act," he thought, stepping forward with quiet confidence.
From within his storage pouch, Xiao Chen retrieved a small vial, holding ten radiant mid-grade Spirit Gathering Pills.
"Mid-grade Spirit Gathering Pills. Ten for trade. Only high-quality cultivation techniques or spirit stones will be considered."
His calm voice carried through the gathering, immediately drawing attention. Spirit Gathering Pills were highly sought after, and mid-grade pills were even rarer.
The crowd murmured in surprise, and several figures leaned closer to inspect the vial.
"Mid-grade quality... This person must have extraordinary alchemy skills!"
Xiao Chen's lips curled into a faint smile beneath the cloak as the offers began pouring in. He was confident his pills would fetch a remarkable price—and perhaps even secure the cultivation techniques he desperately needed.