An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

”Yes, we collaborate. Each Blood-Burning pill will be traded at a fixed price of one hundred spirit stones.

”Of course, this price is lower than auction rates. As compensation, we will personally notify you of every black market event and the treasures available.”

Tian Xingzi spoke slowly, ”Not only that, but if there’s an item you desire, you can secure it ahead of time, there won’t be any need to compete in a bidding war.” He paused before adding, ”Furthermore, if you require specific resources, simply inform us. I will personally ensure they are acquired for you.”

Hearing this incredibly generous offer, Luo Chen couldn’t deny he was tempted.

A hundred spirit stones per Blood-Burning pill was slightly lower than its usual auction price. However, with a stable supply channel, the advantage of large-scale trade far outweighed the slight reduction in price.

That logic was clear to everyone.

Furthermore, securing a connection with the Precious Dragon Black Market would eliminate many of his worries. Whether it was offloading illicit goods, acquiring rare resources, or hunting for hidden treasures, he would always have the upper hand.

There was one more crucial factor he had to consider.

His supply chain!

Currently, Luo Tian Society’s supply of medicinal ingredients relied primarily on the Lianyun Trade Alliance, which was a faction that could hardly be considered friendly toward Luo Chen. Their willingness to cooperate was based solely on the illusion that he carried the backing of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

If that illusion were ever shattered, his entire alchemy trade would be choked at the throat. But if he agreed to collaborate with the Precious Dragon Black Market, he would finally have two stable supply lines instead of just one.

At the very least, since his first dealings with the black market, they had shown him goodwill. Whether it was through their so-called ”warnings” or their deliberate efforts to bid high on his Blood-Burning pills today, every action signaled an intent to establish a beneficial relationship.

Still, some things had to be concealed.

Luo Chen pondered for a moment before shaking his head slightly.

Before Tian Xingzi could show disappointment, he added, ”I can’t make this decision alone. I need to consult my friend before giving you an answer.”

Tian Xingzi nodded in understanding. ”Indeed, that is reasonable.

”You may relay my offer to your friend. Both of you will receive the same privileged guest status at the Precious Dragon Black Market!”

Hearing about this ”privileged guest status,” Luo Chen’s mouth twitched slightly. So, even the cultivation world had its fair share of Honored Guest perks.

Even though the deal wasn’t finalized, Luo Chen was already forming some ideas.

”Senior Tian Xingzi, I wonder if your esteemed market can procure more Clarity Essence?”

”Clarity Essence?”

Earlier, when Luo Chen had bid for Clarity Essence, Tian Xingzi had taken note. As expected, he had a strong interest in this spirit medicine. He was likely after its rumored effect. If this was used consistently, it could alter a cultivator’s eyesight.

Unfortunately...

”Apologies. The Jade Cauldron Sword Sect tightly controls this item, and very little leaks out. Even the one we auctioned today was a rare find.”

Luo Chen felt a pang of disappointment.

But soon, Tian Xingzi made up for it. ”How about Runming Pearl Essence? It’s better suited for Qi-Refining cultivators and is much easier to obtain.”

Luo Chen was overjoyed. ”Then I’ll leave it to you, senior. As for the price, I’ll make sure you won’t be at a loss.”

”It’s a small matter,” Tian Xingzi waved his hand. ”Now that the Spirit Herb Pavilion has left Dahe Market, many pills have become difficult to obtain. If you need anything, just ask.”

Quite the bold claim! Luo Chen’s eyes lit up.

He didn’t hold back and immediately listed three types of pills.

After hearing his request, Tian Xingzi couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

”Young friend, your appetite is quite big. Other than the Golden Jade Liquid, the other two are rather difficult to procure.”

”Even with your resources, you can’t?” Luo Chen frowned.

Tian Xingzi shook his head slowly. ”Spirit purification pills are exclusive to the Medicine King Sect. They rarely circulate outside of large-scale auctions, and even then, most are second-tier. First-tier spirit purification pills have such low profit margins that they’re typically reserved for internal use.”

So that’s how it works? Luo Chen’s thoughts drifted back to the Lancang River. At the time, neither Pang Renxiong nor Miao Wen had managed to produce a single first-tier spirit purification pill.

In the end, they had only given him five second-tier pills. It seemed to be true after all. Still, second-tier spirit purification pills weren’t entirely unusable for him; they were just a bit more troublesome to handle.

”Second-tier will work too!”

Hearing this, Tian Xingzi looked at Luo Chen in surprise.

”Fellow Daoist, are you buying this for your alchemist friend?”

Luo Chen fabricated a story on the spot. ”Yes!”

”Tsk tsk, it seems I underestimated your friend. To think he’s actually at the Foundation Establishment Realm.”

When did I become a Foundation Establishment cultivator? Luo Chen was momentarily bewildered.

But he quickly realized something.

Second-tier pills were typically meant for Foundation Establishment cultivators, as the sheer potency of their medicinal power was often too overwhelming for those in the Qi-Refining Realm. The only reason Luo Chen could handle them was due to Pang Renxiong’s personal guidance. It was highly likely that Tian Xingzi had no knowledge of the Unadorned Heart’s unique ability to break down spirit purification pills.

Once he understood this, Luo Chen chose not to correct him. This misconception would create the illusion that he had a Foundation Establishment alchemist backing him, which could only help future dealings.

After a moment of reflection, Tian Xingzi moved on to discuss the last pill Luo Chen had requested.

”Foundation Establishment pills... those are truly difficult to obtain.”

Luo Chen felt a slight disappointment.

Even the Precious Dragon Black Market...

Wait, no!

It wasn’t that they couldn’t get it. It was just difficult!

He immediately spoke with firm resolve. ”If senior can procure Foundation Establishment pills for me, I will personally convince my friend to collaborate with you wholeheartedly!”

Tian Xingzi shook his head. ”That depends on the situation. With my... Well, I will do my best.”

His hesitation made Luo Chen suspicious. But just having this avenue was already a significant advantage.

The local Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion had been completely wiped out, and the Medicine King Sect had withdrawn all their operations.

Luo Chen had originally hoped to acquire Foundation Establishment pills through the Dahe Auction, but that now seemed unlikely.

If he traveled to another market, he would be a stranger there, and securing even a share of Foundation Establishment pills would be extremely difficult.

At this moment, his only viable option was the Precious Dragon Black Market. A faction bold enough to ambush and kill a Golden Core sword cultivator; there was no way they couldn’t get their hands on a few Foundation Establishment pills.

Perhaps this partnership is worth considering seriously.

Luo Chen pondered in silence, not planning to refuse Tian Xingzi outright.

Beyond cultivation resources, the supply of medicinal ingredients was also something he had to think about.

Let’s leave Tian Xingzi hanging for now!

He couldn’t agree too easily. He had to see some genuine sincerity from them first.

Tian Xingzi removed the soundproof barrier, signaling the end of their discussion.

At this point, the black market’s transaction phase had reached its second round, transitioning into the free trading segment.

Luo Chen wandered through the crowd without a clear target, scanning the various stalls.

He partially activated his Spirit Eyes, hoping for a lucky find. Finding hidden treasures was something every cultivator dreamed of.

Yet, after making a full round, he found nothing.

Suddenly, he stopped, his gaze landing on two figures nearby.

”Brother Wang, I’ve never seen you this flustered before!” He approached with a smirk, his words drawing the attention of both men.

The person bargaining with Wang Yuan was a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He was massive, even bulkier than Wang Yuan before his disguise, resembling a wild beast in human form.

Luo Chen felt a flicker of familiarity. He had definitely seen this man before.

The man shot him a sharp glare, as if warning him to stay away.

However, Wang Yuan frowned and stepped forward, shielding Luo Chen. ”He’s with me.”

The Foundation Establishment cultivator let out a cold laugh. ”Perfect, the two of you can pool your spirit stones together. You might just afford my technique.”

A technique?

Luo Chen blinked in surprise and peeked over.

In Wang Yuan’s hands was a piece of aged beast hide, faintly glowing with restrictive enchantments that obscured most of its contents. Yet, even with just a glimpse, Luo Chen could understand why Wang Yuan was so interested.

”It’s an incomplete physical refinement technique. It would be extremely useful for me.

”But his asking price is steep—seven thousand spirit stones, not a stone less.” Wang Yuan’s voice suddenly echoed in his ear, the tone subtly different from the typical spirit power transmissions used by cultivators.

He was using the Condensed Sound Transmission.This technique primarily utilized qi force, layered with spirit power, making it difficult for Foundation Establishment cultivators to eavesdrop.

Wang Yuan had tried to teach him before, but Luo Chen had yet to grasp it.

Qi force?

How the hell am I supposed to learn that?

Luo Chen let out a soft hum and lowered his gaze to examine the hide.

He was curious. What kind of technique could command a price that high?

And it was incomplete at that!