152: Danxin Pavilion

The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly heavy, and the expressions of several elders flickered with uncertainty.

The First Elder slowly rose, his aged fingers gently tapping the table, his voice low and hoarse.

"This child possesses astonishing talent. If we can win him over, he will surely become a great asset to our Yao Family in the future."

The Third Elder snorted coldly, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes.

"But this Stinky Kid is clearly very close to Heavenly Serpent City. Bai Xiaofeng listens to him obediently, and Qin Wuye is inseparable from him. It will be difficult to win him over!"

The Fourth Elder narrowed his eyes, his fingertips caressing a crimson pill, and slowly said,

"If he cannot be used by us, let's see if there's a chance to assassinate him!"

The words were not finished, but the meaning was already clear.

The Second Elder frowned deeply and said in a deep voice,

"The Medicine Family Ancestor doesn't have much time left. We don't have that much time to slowly probe."

As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the entire hall seemed to freeze for a moment.

The Medicine Family Ancestor, a Two-Star Dou Zong, and a peak Sixth-Grade Alchemist!

It was precisely because of his existence that the Yao Family could stand firm in this Black-Corner Region, and Myriad Medicine City could become a holy land in the hearts of Alchemists.

However, the Medicine Family Ancestor's lifespan was nearing its end. Once he passed away, the Yao Family would no longer have a top-tier expert guarding it!

At that time, those covetous forces would definitely not let go of this fat meat!

The First Elder took a deep breath, a hint of determination flashing in his murky eyes.

"Some things must be decisive!"

His gaze swept over everyone, his voice low and cold.

"Send people to investigate Jiang Donghua's background, and see if there are other forces behind him."

"If he is merely a genius recruited by Heavenly Serpent City, then find a way to make him disappear!"

"If he has a deeper background, then we will use a different approach."

The Third Elder smiled sinisterly.

"For example, let him 'accidentally' obtain a partial Sixth-Grade Pill Formula, and then let him beg our Yao Family to help him complete it?"

The First Elder nodded slightly, a hint of calculation flashing in his eyes.

"Indeed, if he is truly as obsessed with alchemy as the rumors say, then a Sixth-Grade Pill Formula will be enough to tempt him!"

"As long as he steps into our trap, whether we win him over or control him will no longer be up to him!"

As his voice fell, the hall once again fell silent.

A moment later, the Second Elder slowly spoke.

"What about Yao Long?"

The First Elder snorted coldly.

"Tell him to continue keeping an eye on Jiang Donghua, but don't make any unnecessary moves to avoid alerting him."

"Also, notify the Shadow Guards and have them prepare."

"If we ultimately decide to act, then it must be a fatal blow!"

"We must not let Heavenly Serpent City catch any handle!"

Walking on the street, Red Silk glanced at him and pouted.

"What? You won the competition, but you're still not happy?"

Jiang Donghua smiled faintly, not answering, but only muttering to himself,

"The Yao Family won't just let this go."

Bai Xiaofeng frowned upon hearing this.

"Does Master Jiang mean...?"

A hint of coldness flashed in Jiang Donghua's eyes.

"They will soon come knocking again."

"And next time, it won't just be a simple competition."

Bai Xiaofeng frowned, about to ask further, but saw Jiang Donghua's calm expression, his gaze subtly sweeping over several shadows at the street corner, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips.

Red Silk, impatient by nature, couldn't help but say,

"Jiang Donghua, can you stop being so mysterious all the time? What exactly does the Yao Family want to do?"

Jiang Donghua still shook his head and said indifferently,

"No hurry. Let them reveal themselves."

At the end of the street corner, a majestic pavilion rose from the ground, entirely constructed of dark red profound ironwood. Its eaves soared like dragons and snakes taking flight, and every carving exuded an ancient and profound aura.

In the center of the pavilion hung a huge black plaque with golden characters, on which were inscribed the three large characters "Pill Heart Pavilion." The calligraphy was powerful and flowing, with a restrained sharpness, yet subtly revealing a formidable will of alchemy. Merely gazing at it for too long could make one's mind tremble.

A rich pill fragrance lingered around the pavilion. Just standing outside the door, one could smell the refreshing medicinal aroma—the clear scent of spiritual herbs, the rich fire-attribute medicinal power, and even a faint pill pattern that only Sixth-Grade pills possessed. Just a single sniff could make the Dou Qi in one's body slightly boil, clearly indicating that the pills stored here were far from ordinary.

However, what was most eye-catching was not the pavilion itself, but the two guards standing at the entrance.

Both were dressed in dark red tight-fitting attire, with a black pill cauldron emblem embroidered on their chests, clearly the symbol of the Yao Family.

Their figures were as straight as spears, and Dou Qi subtly circulated around them. Their aura was as steady as a mountain, and they were both Dou Wang Experts!

One must know that in a place like the Black-Corner Region, a Dou Wang was already considered a regional powerhouse, yet here, they were merely gatekeepers!

But just as Jiang Donghua and his group approached, these two Dou Wang guards, who had originally worn stern expressions, instantly broke into wide smiles, as if they had been waiting for a long time. They even stepped forward, cupped their fists, and bowed, saying,

"Master Jiang, Ninth Young Master, esteemed guests, the Pavilion Master has been waiting for a long time. Please follow me!"

Their attitude was so respectful it bordered on fawning, completely devoid of the arrogance of a Dou Wang Expert.

Red Silk couldn't help but whisper,

"Tsk, what's the Yao Family playing at?"

Bai Xiaofeng frowned slightly, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.

Stepping into the first floor of the Pill Heart Pavilion, a rich, almost tangible medicinal fragrance greeted them. Even the air was permeated with the essence of spiritual herbs. Taking a breath, the Dou Qi within one's body subtly became more active.

The space inside the pavilion was extremely spacious, with dozens of dark red medicine cabinets lining the walls. Each was crafted from top-grade deep-fire wood, with intricate pill patterns carved on its surface, designed to both nourish the medicinal ingredients and prevent the loss of medicinal power.

The medicinal ingredients displayed on the counters were all rare treasures.

Blood Spirit Ginseng, entirely crimson like blood, with roots gnarled like dragon whiskers, exuded a rich blood aura, greatly beneficial for Dou Wang Experts in refining their bodies.

Netherblood Ganoderma, crystal clear and with restrained cold qi, if consumed by an expert cultivating ice-attribute cultivation techniques, it could aid in condensing Dou Qi and breaking through bottlenecks.

Earth Core Fire Lotus, with petals like flames and a faint flicker of fire in its core, was an excellent material for refining Fifth-Grade fire-attribute pills.

Any one of these, if taken out, would cause a scramble at an auction in the Black-Corner Region!

However, when Jiang Donghua's gaze swept over the prices beneath the medicinal ingredients, his eyebrows couldn't help but twitch slightly.

"Blood Spirit Ginseng — eight hundred thousand gold coins."

"Netherblood Ganoderma — one million two hundred thousand gold coins."

"Earth Core Fire Lotus — two million gold coins."

These prices were easily forty to fifty percent higher than the market price outside!

Red Silk's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but curse under her breath,

"These prices are too outrageous, aren't they? Do they really think everyone else is a fool?"

The stall owner beside them seemed accustomed to such reactions, not even lifting an eyelid, only slowly saying,

"Expensive? Hehe, esteemed guest, please look carefully. Our Pill Heart Pavilion's medicinal ingredients are all personally appraised by the Yao Family's Alchemists. Their medicinal power is perfectly preserved, with very few impurities, and the success rate of refining is at least thirty percent higher!"

He casually picked up a Blood Spirit Ginseng, and with a light stroke of his fingertip, a drop of crimson, pearl-like spiritual liquid immediately seeped out from the ginseng. A rich blood aura instantly permeated the air, even causing several passing Dou Ling Experts to stop, their eyes flashing with greed.

"Look at this quality. Can the goods outside compare?"

The stall owner smiled proudly.

"Expensive, naturally, has its reasons!"

Bai Xiaofeng frowned slightly and whispered,

"Master Jiang, this place clearly tests one's discerning eye, and even more, the wealth in one's wallet."

Jiang Donghua, however, merely smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping around as if searching for something.

"No hurry. Since we're here, we should see what kind of medicine they really want to sell."

He didn't believe that the Yao Family had gone to such great lengths to lure them in just to show them these medicinal ingredients.

After everyone had finished browsing the first floor, Red Silk pouted, clearly not very interested in these medicinal ingredients, and turned to ask,

"The stuff on this first floor is just so-so. There should be something real on the second floor, right? How do we go up?"

Ninth Young Master scratched his head, smiling somewhat awkwardly,

"I rarely come to this Pill Heart Pavilion, so I really don't know the rules!"

At this moment, Qin Wuye, who had been silent, slowly stepped forward, his gaze sweeping towards the staircase leading to the second floor, and said indifferently,

"The rules of the Pill Heart Pavilion state that the second floor is restricted to Fifth-Grade Alchemists or Dou Huang experts. Others are not permitted entry."

"What?"

Red Silk's eyes widened.

"That's so strict?"

Qin Wuye didn't explain further, merely raised his chin slightly, motioning for everyone to look towards the staircase.

There, stood a Gray-Robed Elder.

The elder was thin, with a stern face, his hands clasped behind his back. He was like an unsheathed sharp sword, with a restrained edge, yet one dared not underestimate him.

Most astonishingly, the aura subtly emanating from him actually caused the surrounding air to slightly distort and become heavy under his pressure!

A Dou Huang expert!

And definitely not a mediocre individual who had just entered the Dou Huang realm!

Qin Wuye's gaze narrowed slightly, and he whispered,

"Shi Wuhen, a Six-Star Dou Huang. Years ago, he suffered a fatal injury in a great battle and was rescued by the Medicine Family Ancestor when he was on the verge of death. Since then, he has remained in the Yao Family, becoming a Guest Elder."

"Now, he guards the second floor of the Pill Heart Pavilion, which is both a rule and a deterrent."

Before he finished speaking, the Gray-Robed Elder seemed to sense something, slowly turned his head, his gaze like lightning, sweeping directly over.

When his gaze fell on Qin Wuye, his stern face softened slightly, and he even uncharacteristically revealed a hint of a smile.

"Qin Wuye? It's been many years. You've become even more unfathomable."

Qin Wuye nodded slightly.

"Elder Shi's demeanor remains as impressive as ever."

Shi Wuhen smiled, then his gaze swept over Jiang Donghua and his group, lingering slightly on Jiang Donghua for a moment, before he said indifferently,

"Everyone, if you wish to ascend to the second floor, you must verify your identity. Either you are a Fifth-Grade Alchemist, or you possess the strength of a Dou Huang."

Red Silk couldn't help but mutter softly,

"This damn place has so many rules."

Jiang Donghua, however, remained calm, his gaze meeting that of the Gray-Robed Elder for a moment, the corner of his mouth subtly curving into a smile.

Elder Shi's gaze swept over everyone, his voice low and authoritative, with an undeniable tone.

"Rules are rules. Master Jiang, Ninth Young Master, Elder Qin, the three of you may go up."

His gaze paused briefly on Red Silk, Bai Xiaofeng, and the others, his tone flat but allowing no room for argument.

"As for the others, please remain here."

Upon hearing that she couldn't go up, Red Silk immediately became anxious. She grabbed Jiang Donghua's sleeve, her red lips pouted slightly, her eyes filled with dissatisfaction and grievance.

"Why can't I go? All of you can go up, but I'm left here alone?"

Jiang Donghua smiled helplessly, reaching out to gently pat her hand, comforting her.

"Senior Sister, the rules upstairs are strict. Wait for me here for a while; I'll be down soon."

"No!"

Red Silk glared at him, rarely showing a touch of a young woman's petulance.

"Who knows what dangers are up there? What if something happens?"

Jiang Donghua chuckled, shook his head, and then took out two crimson, fire-like pills from his storage ring—fire spirit pills. The pills were round, with faint flame patterns circulating on their surface. As soon as they were taken out, the surrounding temperature suddenly rose by several degrees, causing several nearby Alchemists to turn their heads.

"Senior Sister, help me sell these two fire spirit pills here."

His tone was calm, as if he was simply giving instructions for a trivial matter.

"As for the price? No less than one million five hundred thousand gold coins per pill."

Red Silk was stunned, then her eyes widened.

"Three million?! Are you crazy? This lousy place dares to sell a broken ginseng for eight hundred thousand, and your fire spirit pill is a peak Fourth-Grade pill, extremely useful for fire-attribute Dou Ling Experts. Three million for two is already cheap for them!"

The corner of Jiang Donghua's mouth curved slightly, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes.

"So, Senior Sister, help me haggle well and don't let them take advantage."

Red Silk stared at him for two seconds, then suddenly chuckled, took the pills, and lightly scratched his palm with her fingertip, whispering,

"Stinky Kid, you're deliberately trying to get rid of me, aren't you?"

Jiang Donghua smiled without speaking.

Red Silk snorted lightly, then raised her chin, putting on a reluctant expression.

"Alright, fine. For calling me 'Senior Sister,' I'll help you with this."

She narrowed her eyes, lowering her voice to threaten,

"If you dare to get into trouble up there, I'll burn this broken building down!"

Jiang Donghua chuckled and nodded.

"Okay, it's a deal."

With that, he turned and walked towards the stairs, ascending to the second floor with Qin Wuye and Ninth Young Master.

Red Silk watched his retreating back, pouted, then turned around, her face instantly transforming into the expression of a shrewd merchant. She shook the fire spirit pills in her hand and called out to the surrounding stall owners,

"Come, come, come! Peak Fourth-Grade fire spirit pills, genuine goods, no deception! Whoever bids highest takes them!"

For a moment, all eyes on the first floor were drawn to her.

Stepping onto the second floor, the scene before them was completely different from the first floor—luxurious, solemn, and imposing!

The entire second-floor space was not large, but every inch exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.

The surrounding walls were inlaid with dark golden array patterns, with energy subtly flowing, clearly indicating the presence of a high-level protective array.

In the center were several crystal display stands, each enveloped by a translucent energy barrier, and on the most conspicuous display stand...

A golden pill the size of a dragon's eye quietly floated, its surface entwined with intricate pill patterns, slowly wriggling like a living thing, emitting a heart-palpitating energy fluctuation!

A Sixth-Grade pill, the Huangji Pill!

"Holy crap!"

Ninth Young Master Bai Xiaofeng's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but blurt out a curse.

"A Huangji Pill?! This thing is just displayed here like this?!"

It was no wonder he was shocked.

The Huangji Pill was a top-tier existence among Sixth-Grade pills. Even if a Dou Huang expert consumed it, it could directly increase their strength by one star, with no side effects!

If placed outside, it would be enough to cause countless forces to fight madly over it, even inciting bloodshed!

But here, it was displayed so openly, as if it were just an ordinary commodity!

Jiang Donghua's gaze narrowed slightly, and he mused inwardly,

"The Yao Family indeed has profound foundations, daring to openly display even a Huangji Pill. It seems this second floor of the Pill Heart Pavilion is not for buying and selling at all, but for deterrence!"