In the heart of the Holy City of Jiama, stood a vast building, perpetually enveloped in a faint, elixir-scented haze.
Above the towering gate, the words "Alchemist Guild" were inscribed in elegant, flamboyant Chinese characters, gleaming with a pale silver light, drawing awe from passersby.
Outside the massive Guild's gates, alchemists, rarely seen on ordinary days, hurried to and fro, their colorful robes proudly displaying their rank.
As the headquarters of the Jiama Empire's alchemy divisions, even the emperor of the imperial family would be expected to show respect and courtesy.
After all, the power wielded by the inhabitants of this building was enough to shake the entire empire, representing the most prestigious profession on the Dou Qi Continent.
After helping Nalan Jie remove the branding poison, Xiao Ling rushed to the Alchemist Guild without delay.
Xiao Ling had come this time to try his luck, hoping to find the fragment that Xiao Yan, as described in the original novel, had purchased three years later.
The fragment's origins were remarkable, as it contained the Burning Flame Valley's unique skill, the first transformation of the "Three Profound Transformations of Heavenly Fire."
For Xiao Ling, possessing a strange fire, this "Three Profound Transformations of Heavenly Fire" could significantly enhance his strength in a short period of time, providing immense assistance in battle.
Xiao Ling's appearance immediately caused a small commotion, and the previously arrogant alchemists around him cast respectful glances at him.
As a sixth-grade alchemist, Xiao Ling was naturally the idol of countless lower-level alchemists. Because he was not only a sixth-grade alchemist but also a Dou Huang powerhouse, some nicknamed him "Dan Huang."
"Isn't this Master Xiao Ling of the Xiao family?"
"I used to only see Master Xiao Ling's portrait, but today I can actually see him in person. He's so handsome."
"I heard that Master Xiao Ling has not only reached the peak of the sixth-grade alchemist, but also recently broke through to the Douhuang realm. Such talent is indeed worthy of being called the 'First Genius of the Jia Ma Empire.'"
Ignoring the discussions of the people around him, Xiao Ling walked into the Alchemist Guild under the awe-inspiring gaze of the guards.
After Xiao Ling entered the Alchemist Guild, a guard captain ordered his men, "Hurry and report this news to President Fama."
...
As soon as he stepped into the gate of the Alchemist Guild, a rich aroma of elixir hit him in the face, making him gasp softly and look around with a refreshed mind.
The Alchemist Guild was vast, roughly divided into three areas: east, west, and east. In the east hall, neatly arranged square platforms constructed of qinglong granite were arranged. Behind these platforms sat alchemists in long robes. Atop these platforms were a variety of medicinal herbs, jade bottles, scrolls, and other items, seemingly a trading area. In the
south hall, numerous cauldrons were blazing. Alchemists, behind them, carefully controlled the heat with solemn expressions. Surrounding them were lower-level alchemists, pointing and whispering about their alchemy experiences. The
west hall was undoubtedly much quieter than the other two halls. Guards even stood in the aisles, seemingly indicating that only alchemists of a certain level were qualified to enter. The lower-level alchemists who occasionally passed by would cast awe and envy at the entrance.
Xiao Ling slowly walked into the hall, glancing around. After determining his direction, he headed towards the trading area.
Entering the eastern section, Xiao Ling slowly walked between the various square platforms, examining the rare medicinal herbs and other peculiar items with curiosity.
Although it was called the trading area, the vendors here didn't shout loudly like the vendors in the market. Instead,
they sat leisurely on soft chairs, occasionally glancing at those standing outside the platforms. If they felt they might have some knowledge, some alchemists would stand up and engage in conversation.
But most of them slumped lazily in their chairs, paying little attention to the onlookers. This laid-back demeanor hardly resembled that of merchants selling goods.
Of course, they weren't. What they needed wasn't the coveted gold market goods, but rather barter.
To obtain the herbs or elixirs they needed, they had to offer rare and precious treasures that would impress them.
As Xiao Ling entered the trading area, he immediately attracted a swarm of attention.
Ignoring the mixed glances, he wandered through the area, curiously examining the items being offered.
...
Suddenly, Xiao Ling's attention was drawn to a jade pendant.
His gaze fixed on it, revealing mysterious patterns engraved on it, emitting a faint glow.
With a thought, he reached out and picked up the jade pendant, examining it closely.
At that moment, a voice echoed in his ears: "Master Xiao Ling's vision is truly remarkable. Although I can't discern the specifics of this jade pendant, its origins are definitely extraordinary."
Xiao Ling turned to see an elderly man smiling at him. On his chest, he wore a fourth-rank alchemist badge.
If Xiao Ling remembered correctly, this man's surname was Wang, and he was the alchemist of the Mitel family.
Xiao Ling smiled faintly and said, "This jade pendant is truly remarkable. Name your price, and I'll take it."
A faint smile crossed the old man's face, and he rubbed his hands vigorously. "Master Xiao Ling is truly generous! Just bring me a recipe for a fourth-grade elixir, and I'll give you this jade pendant."
Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow and said, "How about this? I'll trade you an elixir for this jade pendant. How about that?"
The old man's face lit with surprise. "What elixir?"
Xiao Ling pulled out a porcelain bottle and began to explain. "A fourth-grade elixir called the Shengling Pill. Upon taking it, you can raise your cultivation by one star in the Douling realm."
Xiao Ling's investigation revealed that the old man's cultivation level was a fourth-star Douling, making this Shengling Pill perfectly suitable.
The old man was tempted. He knew that elixirs that could boost cultivation were extremely rare.
However, for a sixth-grade alchemist like Xiao Ling to be interested in this jade pendant, it must be of considerable value.
But he couldn't ask for too high a price, or he would anger Xiao Ling, a powerful figure, and face serious consequences.
After some bargaining, Xiao Ling finally succeeded in exchanging a Spiritual Enhancement Pill for the jade pendant.
(End of this chapter)