422: Wan Yao Zhai

Yao Delong felt a warmth in his heart and held her slightly cool hand, saying softly, "Clear Snow, I understand your intentions. But this journey is long, and the environment in the Great Yan Dynasty is harsh and full of dangers.

You staying in the sect to Cultivate with peace of mind and breaking through to the Late Nascent Soul Stage sooner is the greatest help to me.

Besides, with my current strength, I can ensure my own safety, so you need not worry."

His tone was gentle yet carried an unquestionable firmness.

Lin Qingxue looked into his deep, confident eyes, knowing that Senior Brother had made up his mind.

If she followed, she might become a burden instead, so she had to suppress the reluctance and worry in her heart and nodded gently, "Then... Senior Brother, you must be extra careful and return safely."

"Rest assured." Yao Delong smiled and ruffled her hair.

The next morning.

Yao Delong first went to the main hall of Luoxia Peak to bid farewell to his Revered Master, Leng Yuekui.

Leng Yuekui did not say much, only giving him a deep look. Within her cold, clear eyes, there was a trace of imperceptible concern, "Delong, be careful in everything while you are away. With your current strength, as long as you do not encounter a Void Refining Realm demonic Cultivator, you will be safe."

"Yes, Revered Master!"

Leaving the main peak, Yao Delong did not go straight down the mountain, but turned and came to the bustling marketplace at the foot of the mountain.

Passing through the bustling crowd, he walked familiarly towards that familiar shop—the Myriad Medicine Pavilion.

Pushing open that familiar, rustic wooden door carrying a faint medicinal scent, the familiar furnishings of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion came into view.

A subtle ripple stirred in Yao Delong's heart.

Once upon a time, this was an important stronghold for him to obtain yin-yang value.

At that time, he had the appearance of a withered old man, his cultivation was low, and his Lifespan was nearing its end.

If not for the System that allowed him to refine high-quality Medicinal Pills, using them as chips for "trade," how would that cold, alluring, shrewd, and capable shopkeeper Luo Yan have committed herself to him, helping him achieve Yin-Yang Harmony and obtain precious yin-yang value?

In the end, it was nothing more than an exchange of benefits where each took what they needed.

Now, he was a true disciple of the Yin Yang Sect, famous throughout the Eastern Region, with a Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivation base, combat power capable of fighting against Soul Transformation, and surrounded by beautiful women. Whether it was the cold purity of Lin Qingxue, the alluring boldness of Liu Rumei, or the background of Li Linger, none could be compared to that initial "trade."

The channels for obtaining yin-yang value had also long since broadened, and there was no need to come here deliberately.

Coming today was just on the way, to incidentally see that old acquaintance with whom he once had a fleeting romance, and... to retrieve the main ingredient for the Profound Dao Pill that he had entrusted her to collect last time—the dao soul grass.

"This Immortal Revered Master, welcome to the Myriad Medicine Pavilion! What do you need? Medicinal Pills or medicinal herbs? Our shop has everything!" A sharp young clerk immediately came up, his face full of enthusiastic smiles, his attitude respectful.

Yao Delong's gaze swept over this unfamiliar clerk; he was no longer that snobbish waiter from years ago who would show disdain and mockery upon seeing his "old and frail" appearance.

He spoke indifferently, "Is your shopkeeper, Luo Yan, present?"

"Shopkeeper Luo?" The clerk was clearly stunned, a look of confusion appearing on his face, "Immortal Revered Master, did you remember incorrectly? Our shopkeeper's surname is Qiu, not Luo."

"Surname Qiu?" Yao Delong's brows furrowed imperceptibly, his inner confusion deepening, "Tell your shopkeeper to come out and see me."

"Yes, yes, yes! Immortal Revered Master, please wait a moment!"

The clerk felt the heavy, mountain-like Nascent Soul pressure that Yao Delong inadvertently exuded. Even if it was only a trace, it made him, a small Qi Condensation stage Cultivator, terrified, his legs going weak. How could he dare to delay, he scrambled toward the back hall.

Before long, the bead curtain in the back hall jingled, and a beautiful woman dressed in elegant brocade robes, still possessing much charm, stepped out.

She was about thirty or forty years old, her appearance was decent, and between her brows, she carried the shrewdness and capability of a merchant. Her temperament was gentle, completely different from the unique charm of Luo Yan, who was cold yet alluring.

The beautiful woman's gaze landed on Yao Delong, and she was instantly attracted by his remarkably handsome appearance and his aura that was as stable as a deep pool and as imposing as a mountain.

A trace of amazement flashed in her eyes, and she quickly performed a curtsy, her voice gentle, "I am surnamed Qiu, the current shopkeeper of this store. I do not know what instructions you have for visiting, Immortal Revered Master?"

Yao Delong got straight to the point and asked directly, "Shopkeeper Qiu, I am looking for Shopkeeper Luo Yan, who was in charge here before. Where has she gone?"

"Luo Yan?"

Hearing this, Shopkeeper Qiu's face showed a glimmer of realization, then she explained with a professional smile, "So the Immortal Revered Master is looking for Sister Luo. She has managed this place well over the years, with outstanding results, and has been highly appreciated by the Head Shopkeeper, so she has been transferred elsewhere for a better position. Now, this shop is handled by me."

"Transferred?"

Yao Delong nodded slightly, understanding in his heart.

It must be that the top-quality Medicinal Pills produced by the System that he had asked her to sell on his behalf had brought huge profits and reputation to the Myriad Medicine Pavilion, which allowed her to be promoted. This was, after all, reasonable.

He intended to leave, but Shopkeeper Qiu suddenly remembered something and hurriedly called him back, "Immortal Revered Master, please wait! May I ask... is the Immortal Revered Master surnamed Yao? Named Delong? From the Yin Yang Sect?"

Yao Delong paused, a flash of light in his eyes, and turned to look at Shopkeeper Qiu, "That is correct. How did you know, Shopkeeper Qiu?"

Shopkeeper Qiu's smile grew brighter, carrying a bit of relief and respect, "Sure enough! When Sister Luo was handing over the shop to me, she specifically instructed me. She said that if an Immortal Revered Master named Yao Delong from the Yin Yang Sect came to look for her, I should give this item to the Immortal Revered Master."

As she spoke, she took out a palm-sized, exquisite Storage Pouch embroidered with silver medicinal herb patterns from her wide sleeves and presented it with both hands.

Yao Delong took the Storage Pouch and probed it with his Divine Thought.

He saw dozens of Spiritual Plants neatly arranged inside, with bodies entirely emerald green, leaves like jade, and emitting gentle fluctuations of Soul Power—they were the indispensable main ingredients for refining the Profound Dao Pill, the dao soul grass!

Moreover, they were of sufficient age and excellent quality!

A trace of imperceptible complex emotion flashed in the depths of Yao Delong's heart.

He did not expect that when Luo Yan was transferred, she would still remember the original entrustment and make arrangements in advance.

"Thank you, Shopkeeper Qiu." Yao Delong put away the Storage Pouch, his tone calm, "These dao soul grass are of great value, how many Spirit Stones are required?"

Shopkeeper Qiu hurriedly waved her hand, smiling amiably, "Immortal Revered Master, no need to be polite! Sister Luo has already paid for the Spirit Stones and specifically instructed that this item is for you, so you do not need to spend any more."

Yao Delong nodded; Luo Yan always did things perfectly.

He pondered slightly and asked again, "Does Shopkeeper Qiu know where Luo Yan was transferred to work?"

Shopkeeper Qiu showed a trace of apology on her face and shook her head, "This... I do not know. Sister Luo only said she was transferred back to the headquarters. As for where the headquarters sent her afterward, it is not something someone at my level would know. If the Immortal Revered Master wants to find her, perhaps... you could go to the Myriad Medicine Pavilion headquarters to inquire?"

"Understood, thank you."

Yao Delong did not say more, bowed slightly to Shopkeeper Qiu, turned around, and walked out of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion.

The marketplace was still bustling, with people flowing like a weaver's shuttle. Yao Delong stood at the street corner, holding the Storage Pouch that still carried a faint fragrance of medicinal herbs in his hand. He cast his gaze toward the distant horizon, and for once, a rare sentiment of how things had changed and people were different stirred in his heart.