63: Discovering the system's wool

"Honored Guest, please wait a moment longer; we are currently doing our utmost to inventory your goods."

"Honored Guest, you are truly a dragon among men; your background must be extraordinary."

"Honored Guest, are you familiar with Tianjian City? I can recommend a fine place for you; the young ladies there are exceptionally fresh and lovely."

Inside the private room, Qin Dong was leisurely drinking tea and eating melon fruits, flanked by two Attendants with beaming smiles.

They were chatting with Qin Dong off and on. While their words seemed plain and ordinary, discussing the most mundane matters, they were laced with probing intent, attempting to find out which faction Qin Dong came from.

After all, the quantity, or perhaps the quality, of the Medicinal Pills from just a moment ago was something no ordinary person could easily produce.

Furthermore, despite this person's cultivation being only at the third level of the Qi Refining Stage on the surface.

He exuded a sense of confidence at every moment, a confidence in his own strength.

Such demeanor, such cultivation, such confidence.

It left these old foxes, who had dealt with people for many years, unable to fathom his background for a moment.

Qin Dong, however, couldn't be bothered to pay them any mind at this moment.

Aside from a small portion of the Medicinal Pills given by his cheap Revered Master which he kept for Qin Zixuan and Wantang to Cultivate with, he had taken the rest to sell.

Although Qin Dong did not understand market conditions, he possessed the genuine skill level of a Golden Core Level Alchemist.

He could still roughly distinguish the value of some of the Medicinal Pills.

Sure enough, before long, a smiling woman walked in holding a list.

"Hall Revered Master."

The two Attendants stood up and bowed respectfully to the woman.

"You may withdraw first; let me have a chat with this honored guest."

"Yes."

The two Attendants turned and left.

After the two left, the woman briefly introduced herself while handing the list in her hand to Qin Dong.

"Welcome, honored guest. I am Xia Zhizhi, the Hall Revered Master of this Shendan Hall."

"May I ask how to address you, honored guest?"

"So it is Hall Revered Master Xia. I am a Loose Cultivator, Lin Hong."

Qin Dong reported a pseudonym without a moment's hesitation.

Xia Zhizhi just smiled, inwardly cursing, 'What kind of Loose Cultivator has so many Medicinal Pills?'

"Honored guest, among the Medicinal Pills you are selling, there are 352 Profound Rank Medicinal Pills and 1244 Yellow Rank Medicinal Pills."

"Six of them are too special, so we have returned them to you."

The woman flicked her wrist, and six exquisite brocade boxes landed on the table in front of Qin Dong.

Qin Dong glanced at these brocade boxes, and before he could even ask, the person opposite him spoke up to explain first.

"Honored guest, please do not misunderstand; it is not that our hall refuses to purchase these Medicinal Pills, but rather that these six are simply too precious."

Finally, fearing that Qin Dong did not understand the value of these six Medicinal Pills, the woman kindly provided some popular science for him.

"These six Medicinal Pills are called Insight Pills. They are all Low Grade Foundation Establishment, and as Medicinal Pills that can temporarily enhance insight, they are extremely useful for Cultivators."

Qin Dong, of course, knew this.

However, although these six Medicinal Pills could enhance insight, they did not increase the Cultivation speed much for Qin Dong and Qin Zixuan.

Besides, with a freak like Qin Dong who had maxed out hundreds of Cultivation Techniques, wouldn't it be easy for Qin Zixuan to comprehend Cultivation Techniques?

As for Wang Wantang, her cultivation was too low—only at the fourth level of the Qi Refining Realm—so she didn't need these Medicinal Pills for now.

When her cultivation improved, he would just get her some treasures to enhance insight then.

Therefore, Qin Dong pushed these brocade boxes forward again and said indifferently.

"Since your hall accepts them, just arrange to sell them all."

Xia Zhizhi was stunned upon hearing this.

But for just an instant before she continued to smile and put the brocade boxes away.

"Since it is the honored guest's request, our establishment will naturally satisfy it to the fullest."

"Adding these six Insight Pills, the price our hall offers for the repurchase is 19,400 Low-Grade Spirit Stones."

"Let's round it up here; we will pay the honored guest 20,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones."

"What does the honored guest think?"

After speaking, Xia Zhizhi looked at Qin Dong with trepidation, while mentally preparing herself to increase the price again.

Whether or not they earned Spirit Stones didn't matter; for a shop to grow big and strong, interpersonal relationships must be constantly expanded.

But somewhat unexpectedly for Xia Zhizhi, Qin Dong agreed directly.

"Do you have Yao Beast blood essence and Spirit Medicine for sale here?"

"Naturally, we do. If the honored guest needs them, our establishment is willing to provide a batch to the honored guest for free."

"No need, the quantity I need is quite large."

Qin Dong shook his head. Although getting things for free was nice, the things he needed were far more than just a little bit; the Materials alone for refining the Golden Core Stage Breakthrough Pill were a huge number.

Besides that, he also needed to prepare three sets of preliminary Materials for forging the Soul Sealing Body, a batch of Yao Beast blood essence, and the lacquer bone jade flower.

Qin Dong also had his own considerations; if he could maintain stable cooperation with the other party, it would greatly reduce the risks arising from transactions.

Immediately after, Qin Dong listed the things he needed one by one.

"Blood essence from twenty types of Foundation Establishment Stage Yao Beasts, three drops of each, three sets in total."

"Yellow Rank Purple Accumulation Grass, Yellow Rank Extreme Cold Profound Ice, Yellow Rank Dragon Saliva Wood, Profound Rank..."

At the beginning, when she heard the names of the Materials the other party was calling out, Xia Zhizhi did not have much of a reaction.

But who would have thought that as the other party continued, those Spirit Medicines and Spirit Plants began to become more precious one after another.

"That's it for now; get me six sets of these Materials."

"Certainly, honored guest. I will immediately order someone to retrieve them for you; please wait a moment."

Xia Zhizhi called an Attendant and gave instructions on the matter.

On the surface, she was still all smiles, but in her heart, she was already somewhat unsettled.

Some of these Materials were the main ingredients for the Golden Core Breakthrough Pill; why would he need these things?

Could it be that there was an Alchemist behind this young man who wanted to refine a Golden Core Breakthrough Pill?

The more Xia Zhizhi thought about it, the more she felt this possibility was very high!

After all, the price of Materials for one Golden Core Realm Breakthrough Pill was not low.

Taking a step back and thinking further.

Either the faction behind the other party had a Cultivator about to break through to the Golden Core Stage.

Or, the other party was able to contact a Golden Core Realm Alchemist Great Master.

Regardless of which of these two possibilities it was, it made Xia Zhizhi feel a surge of secret joy.

Even in the worst case, their Shendan Hall could use this to befriend a Golden Core faction; why not?

She had originally thought that encountering and successfully recruiting a wild Foundation Establishment Level Alchemist today was lucky enough.

She hadn't expected there to be an expert.

It's just... this person is so young, and looks so distinctive.

Which faction's younger generation is he from, exactly?

What method should I use to recruit and curry favor with him?

This person has been stealing glances at me; it can be concluded that he is a lecher, so a honey trap could be used.

But how can I determine if there is a Golden Core Level Alchemist Great Master behind him?

Qin Dong was unaware of the various thoughts in Xia Zhizhi's mind at this moment.

His attention at this time was focused on the System; he was checking the Medicinal Pills.

[Ding, Qi Refining Realm Insight Pill, price 800 top-up points]

[Ding, Foundation Establishment Realm Insight Pill, price 1500 top-up points]

[Ding, Foundation Establishment Realm Breathing Pill, price 600 top-up points]

...

Looking at the dazzling array of Medicinal Pills in the System Mall, Qin Dong suddenly had a bold idea.

If the external purchase price was higher than the selling price of the Medicinal Pills in the System Mall, and the Medicinal Pills in the System Mall were provided infinitely.

Then that meant he could infinitely earn the price difference!

Qin Dong was overjoyed; he had finally discovered the System's loophole.

"Good, starting today, I am going to start a business."

[Ding, Host purchased five Foundation Establishment Realm Insight Pills]

"Hall Revered Master Xia, I have one more Medicinal Pill here; could you help me see what the selling price is?"

Qin Dong took out a brocade box from his system space and handed it over.

Xia Zhizhi took the brocade box from Qin Dong's hand; the moment she opened it, her eyes lit up.

Her heartbeat accelerated, and her delicate body couldn't help but tremble.

"This is a Top-Grade Foundation Establishment Realm Insight Pill!"

Her voice was filled with shock.

"This, this, this, this..."

"This Medicinal Pill can sell for a full 800 Low-Grade Spirit Stones; ah, no, it can definitely sell for 1,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones!"

"For this type of Medicinal Pill, the price in other shops in Tianxing Market is at most 1,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones."

"We are willing to purchase it at the super-high price of 1,200 Low-Grade Spirit Stones; I wonder what the honored guest thinks?"

"Eh? Honored guest, why does your expression suddenly look so ugly?"

"Cough, cough, cough, it's nothing; I just remembered something sad."

"I have four more here; please help me sell them all."

Qin Dong expressionlessly took out four more brocade boxes in succession and handed them over.

Alright, business venture failed.

Lost 1,500 Low-Grade Spirit Stones within one minute.

Qin Dong felt neither joy nor sorrow in his heart, only cursing himself for being stupid.

Xia Zhizhi took the four brocade boxes with slightly trembling hands, opened them to look, and surprise flashed in her eyes once again.

Inside were all Top-Grade Foundation Establishment Realm Insight Pills.

Just this one Insight Pill was worth at least 1,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, which converted to 100 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.

This kind of Medicinal Pill had no trouble selling.

People who could afford such rare Medicinal Pills were either rich or noble.

But the Alchemist who could refine such Medicinal Pills was definitely no ordinary person.

This man brought out five Top-Grade Insight Pills in one go.

Now Xia Zhizhi was certain: there must be a Golden Core Realm Alchemist with deep foundations behind the other party.

Otherwise, how could you explain the other party being able to casually take out such precious Medicinal Pills?

Could they have been conjured out of the Void Realm?

Once she thought of this, Xia Zhizhi couldn't sit still; this matter was of great importance.

"Respected honored guest, please wait a moment; I will be right back."

Xia Zhizhi managed to maintain her elegant etiquette, bowed, and then walked out quickly.

Qin Dong did not pay much attention to this, merely thinking that the other party had gone to arrange the material preparations.

"You, hurry to Bihu Pavilion and find a few female Cultivators who are skilled in seduction techniques."

"Tell them to wear less; the person inside must be entertained well, and there must be no mistakes."

After Xia Zhizhi gave instructions on the matters at hand, she walked quickly to the top floor of Shendan Hall, which was a room protected by layers of Formations.

She showed her identification token and gently opened the Formation.

With a soft sound, the door opened slowly.

Xia Zhizhi stepped into the room. In the center of the room, a woman sat cross-legged, emitting a faint Spiritual Qi from her body.

"Fifth Young Miss, there is an emergency situation that needs to be reported to you."

Ying Zixi slowly opened her eyes.

She parted her crimson lips slightly, and a dull, lusterless Medicinal Pill landed quietly on the ground.

Xia Zhizhi saw that Medicinal Pill and thought to herself that she had come at the wrong time.

"It's fine; it's just a Golden Core Realm Insight Pill, and 80% of its medicinal efficacy has already dissipated."

"Aunt Xia, what has happened?"

"Young Miss, a young man has come to the hall, and your subordinate has determined that there is a Golden Core Level Alchemist behind him."

"Moreover, that person's Alchemy skills are not low."

As she spoke, Xia Zhizhi hurriedly took out five exquisite boxes from her spatial ring.

She opened them all, and saw five Medicinal Pills glowing with immortal light lying inside, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

"The pills radiate spiritual light; these are Top-Grade Medicinal Pills!"

"What kind of Medicinal Pill is this?"

"Young Miss, this is a Top-Grade Foundation Establishment Insight Pill."

Ying Zixi flicked her finger lightly, and an Insight Pill flew out from the exquisite box, slowly landing in her palm.

"This medicinal fragrance is indeed that of a Foundation Establishment Insight Pill, but compared to ordinary Insight Pills, it reveals a somewhat unusual aura."

Ying Zixi parted her small mouth slightly and held it in her mouth.

Immediately, she closed her eyes, focused, and concentrated on comprehending the medicinal effect.

In an instant, the effect of the Medicinal Pill was fully stimulated, and a cool and ethereal feeling spread in her heart.

Her thoughts became exceptionally clear at this moment.

In this state, whether comprehending Cultivation Techniques or focusing on Cultivation, the results were doubled with half the effort.

"In terms of efficacy, it can actually rival a Golden Core Realm Insight Pill!"

Ying Zixi did not dare to be negligent; she hurriedly dispelled distracting thoughts, concentrated her mind, and absorbed this medicinal power with all her might.

And the Meridians in her body also became active because of this immense medicinal power, circulating crazily.

"Hoo——"

After a dozen breaths, Ying Zixi slowly opened her eyes, her eyes flashing with unconcealable joy.

"Has that person's background been investigated clearly?"

She asked somewhat eagerly, and Xia Zhizhi shook her head.

"No useful clues were found; he seems to have concealed his identity and background."

"Young Miss, do you want to make contact with him immediately?" Xia Zhizhi asked.

"If we can befriend the Golden Core Level Alchemist behind him, then you, Young Miss, will have a better chance of winning against the two Young Masters in the future."

Ying Zixi's eyes lit up upon hearing this, but after hesitating for a moment, she finally shook her head.

"Observe for now; it is best to maintain a cooperative relationship, and make contact only after confirmation."

"Yes, Young Miss."

"Oh right, Fifth Young Miss, there is one more small matter to report: a young Foundation Establishment Realm Alchemist also came today."

"His Alchemy techniques are very rough, not like he has had a Revered Master's instruction; perhaps we can consider trying to recruit him."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Ying Zixi suddenly became a little interested and nodded lightly.

"Cultivating has been a bit tiring; it's a good time to go out for a walk. Please introduce him to me, Aunt Xia."

Ying Zixi said nonchalantly, but later, she could not have imagined.

In this inadvertent contact, she would actually receive an unexpected surprise.