[Candle Heart Reflecting Fire]

Star Luo Market is the largest and most active core commercial district in Heavenly Star City, officially established and directly managed by the Heavenly Star Alliance.

This Market is open not only to all Cultivator under the rule of the Heavenly Star Alliance, but also to the Demon Race and Sea Tribe who trade here, as long as they abide by the basic rules and pay the corresponding taxes.

Heavenly Star Alliance provides basic order maintenance, dispute arbitration, and security guarantees, while also collecting substantial shop rents and transaction commissions, making it an extremely profitable venture.

Within the Market, all businesses thrived.

Among them, the street where Pill Shop are concentrated is undoubtedly one of the most prosperous and popular areas in Star Luo Market.

Simply put, Pill are fundamental for Cultivator in their practice, healing, breakthroughs, and survival.

From Qi Refining to Golden Core, and even higher realms, the aid of Pill is indispensable.

This long street, commonly known among Cultivator as Pill Street, is lined with shops on both sides, with banners fluttering in the wind, and the air is filled with the fragrance of various herbs and the Alchemy Fire year-round.

There are Pill Shop that are officially operated by the Heavenly Star Alliance, offering a full range of products at relatively fixed prices, as well as independent shops opened by several alchemy masters who enjoy a high reputation among the Demon Star Sea Human Race.

They either accept custom-made alchemy or sell exclusive secret Pill, making them the main suppliers in the high-end Pill market.

Of course, the main reason for the prosperity of Pill Street was the numerous shops of varying sizes opened by Alchemist of different Foundation Establishment levels, including those in the Foundation Establishment Qi Refining Stage.

Every day, Cultivator flock to the place to buy Pill, commission alchemy, sell medicinal herbs, or simply inquire about market trends, creating a bustling and noisy scene.

This fully demonstrates the transcendent status of Pill in this world.

Su Bai walked along the bustling Pill Street, his ears filled with various sounds related to Spirit Pills, his eyes quickly scanning the shop signs and customers coming and going on both sides.

He already had a plan in mind.

"Starlight Academy gathers the top talents collected by the Heavenly Star Alliance. Among them, there must be many with outstanding Alchemy Talent, and there may even be hidden Talent of the Yellow Tier or even higher."

"If one could infiltrate it, [Immortal Talent Reflection] would surely have great potential."

Su Bai calmly analyzed, "But with my current fabricated identity as Lu Jiu, passing the rigorous screening to become Disciple of the Academy and learn alchemy is extremely difficult and risky."

"Furthermore, once enrolled, the identity will be deeply imprinted, greatly increasing the likelihood of conflict with the background of the Azure Fish Hall."

"Conversely, if I achieve some success in alchemy in the future, I can be invited to the Academy for short-term exchanges or teaching as Guest Elder Alchemist or lecturer, and take the opportunity to Copy my Talent. This would be a relatively safe and discreet approach. This is a long-term strategy."

"Right now, the most practical option is to find a suitable target for Copy on Star Luo Market Pill Street."

Opportunities... can be created by oneself.

With a thought, he probed his Storage Bag with his Divine Sense and retrieved a delicate Jade Box the size of a palm from an area specially protected by a small spirit-sealing array for the long-term preservation of valuable and fragile materials.

The box was cool to the touch, with tiny droplets of condensation on its surface.

Gently opening a crack, a strange medicinal fragrance mixed with the fresh scent of earth quietly wafted out. Although Su Bai quickly sealed it with his Spiritual Power, the fleeting glimpse of Spiritual Qi fluctuations was already extraordinary.

Inside the box lay five spiritual herbs, each with a different shape, yet all brimming with Spiritual Qi and possessing extraordinary colors.

This was precisely the rare Third-tier Spirit Medicine that Su Bai had specifically asked Jiang Han to preserve during their trip to the Blood River Secret Realm, when Jiang Han were cooperating. The herb had not yet been handed over to the sect for Contribution Points.

They may not be the kind of miraculous medicines that can directly and significantly improve cultivation, but they have specific growth requirements, relatively low yields, and irreplaceable roles in certain special Pill formulas.

This makes it far more valuable than ordinary Third Tier spiritual herbs, and it is often available but unavailable.

If these five spirit medicine were sold as a package, it wouldn't be difficult to fetch five or six thousand Low-grade Spirit Stone on the Black Market or at Auction.

"Using these relatively rare medicinal herbs, which may be exactly what a certain Alchemist urgently needs or can greatly improve the quality of spirit medicine batch of their Pill, as a stepping stone to propose exchanging herbs for Pill suitable for the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation, is perfectly reasonable."

Su Bai pondered, "During the transaction, close contact, or even letting the other party personally inspect the spirit medicine, would be an excellent opportunity to Copy Talent."

"The most urgent task is to identify a target worth Copy."

Instead of rushing into any shop, he first found a few well-regarded Spirit Tea and Tavern Pill Street, sat down, ordered a pot of Spirit Tea or two small dishes, seemingly leisurely enjoying his drinks, but actually listening intently to subtly steer the conversation toward the various Alchemist on Pill Street.

"Fellow Daoist, new to Heavenly Star City? Looking to buy Pill? You'll have to be careful. There are many shops on Pill Street, but their quality varies greatly."

"If we're talking about the best, it would definitely be the shops run by the three Golden Core cultivators. However, the jobs they take are either incredibly expensive or depend entirely on fate."

"In the Foundation Establishment Realm? Alchemist Lan is quite something (gives a thumbs up)! He's a top disciple of Master Qian Lu, and he runs his own [Blue Heart Pavilion]. The ' Blue Origin Pill ' he refines are absolutely authentic, with less Pill Toxin and more potent effects. They're a bit more expensive than others, but it's worth it!"

"Yes, yes, Alchemist Lan's skills are unparalleled, it's just that his personality is a bit... well, he's focused on alchemy and doesn't like socializing much. But the quality of the Pill in his shop is indeed consistently high."

"Besides Alchemist Lan, there are several other Foundation Establishment Realm masters with excellent skills, like... However, in terms of potential and the spiritual essence of the Pill, it seems that Alchemist Lan is still superior."

In just over half a day, Su Bai had already formed a clear picture in his mind.

On Pill Street, three Golden Core Alchemist stood high above, not easily approachable at this stage.

There are dozens of Alchemist in the Foundation Establishment Realm, most of whom have mediocre skills and rely on volume sales or low prices to compete.

Only a select few at the top can earn a reputation and premium based on their superior alchemy quality.

Among them, the most popular, the one with the greatest potential, and the one whose skills are most recognized is the Alchemist Lan who studied under the Golden Core Master Qian Lu and established his own school, [Blue Heart Pavilion].

"To be able to command a premium price for one's Pill in the fiercely competitive Pill Street, this person's Alchemy Talent is by no means ordinary."

"His Talent and qualities are likely no less than those of some Golden Core Alchemist; what he lacks may only be the control of Spiritual Power, the Spiritual Sense Strength, and his understanding of higher-level Pill Formula brought about by his Cultivation Realm."

Su Bai concluded, "It's him, Alchemist Lan."

After finishing the last sip of the slightly bitter yet sweet Spirit Tea, Su Bai tossed a Low-grade Spirit Stone onto the table, nodded slightly to the Qi Refining Stage waiter who was overjoyed to receive the unexpected reward, and then got up and left the teahouse.

Following the still bustling crowd, Su Bai walked unhurriedly, his gaze sweeping over the shop signs, some grand and some simple.

Before long, he stopped in front of a two-story Pavilion that wasn't particularly spacious but was decorated in a rather elegant and refined manner.

The Pavilion is decorated in light blue, with a string of small jade wind chimes hanging under the eaves. When a breeze blows, they make a crisp and melodious but not noisy tinkling sound.

Above the lintel, a jade plaque bears three elegant yet powerful characters: [Blue Heart Pavilion].

This is Alchemist Lan's Pill Shop.

Su Bai straightened his clothes, adjusted the city entry Token at his waist that represented his Foundation Establishment Cultivator status, and stepped into the shop.

Although the store is not large, it is arranged in a very neat and orderly manner.

On the display cabinet against the wall, various Jade Bottle and wooden boxes were arranged in categories, with the names of the Pill and brief descriptions attached to them.

The air was filled with a faint, refreshing fragrance of medicinal herbs, quite different from the mixed medicinal smells in the market.

A young female cultivator, dressed in Goose Yellow dress and at the Mid Qi Refining Stage, was organizing accounts behind the counter. Upon seeing a customer enter, she immediately looked up and revealed a well-trained, sweet smile.

Welcome, senior, to [Blue Heart Pavilion]!

The female cultivator quickly approached, her voice clear and crisp, "Senior, are you looking to purchase Spirit Pills? Our shop's signature ' Blue Origin Pill ' is currently on sale; a bottle costs only 650 Spirit Stone. It's pure in nature and extremely effective in aiding cultivation Foundation Establishment Early Stage!"

She clearly saw Su Bai as a potential buyer of Pill and immediately began recommending the store's signature products.

Su Bai waved his hand, indicating that he had not come to buy pills.

He took the Cold Jade Box directly from his Storage Bag, but did not open it completely. He only opened it slightly to let out a wisp of the unique medicinal fragrance, revealing a corner of a strangely shaped, Dark Red, fluorescent Third-tier Spirit Medicine.

"I have five similar, rather rare, spirit medicine on hand," Su Bai said calmly, handing the Jade Box to the female cultivator. "I'd like to speak with your shop's Alchemist Lan."

"I think he should be able to recognize the value of these spirit medicine; perhaps we can make a deal."

Upon hearing this, the female cultivator's gaze fell upon the extraordinary spirit medicine inside the Jade Box, a herb whose name she couldn't recall but Spiritual Qi was overwhelming. Her expression immediately turned serious.

She had worked at [Blue Heart Pavilion] for several years and had seen many medicinal herbs, but the one in front of her, in both its shape and aura, gave her a feeling of unfamiliarity and preciousness.

She dared not delay, carefully taking the Jade Box with both hands, and bowed to Su Bai, saying, "Senior, please wait a moment, I will go and inform Alchemist Lan immediately."

After saying that, she held the Jade Box, turned around, and quickly climbed the wooden stairs on one side of the shop, disappearing around the corner on the second floor.

Su Bai stood with his hands behind his back in the shop, seemingly casually glancing at the Pill samples in the counter, but his Spiritual Sense, like the finest tentacles, was quietly sensing the faint warmth of the Alchemy Fire and the richer aroma of herbs emanating from the second floor.

A moment later, a gentle yet clearly probing Divine Sense swept down from the second floor, lingering on Su Bai for a moment, seemingly assessing his cultivation level and intentions.

Immediately afterward, a clear voice transmission reached Su Bai's ears. The voice was calm and composed, carrying a trace of the composure gained from years of dealing with medicine and stones. "Fellow Daoist downstairs, please come upstairs for a chat."

The opportunity had arrived. Su Bai felt a slight sense of relief and calmly stepped onto the stairs.

The space on the second floor is slightly smaller than that on the first floor, but it is made full use of the space.

The first thing that catches the eye is a delicate Alchemy Furnace, about half a person's height, radiating warmth in the center.

The fire in the stove seemed to have just been extinguished, with a wisp of very faint blue smoke still rising from the stove opening.

Around the Pill Furnace were several jade tables of varying heights, on which were neatly arranged various tools for processing medicinal materials, as well as some spiritual herbs and materials, either fresh or processed, categorized by type.

Everything appeared orderly and spotless.

Near the window, there was a small Red Sandalwood table and two Prayer Mat, clearly where Alchemist Lan usually rested or received important guests.

At this moment, a man dressed in a simple light blue long dress, who looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with an ordinary face but exceptionally bright and clear eyes, was sitting on one side of the table.

In his hands was the same Cold Jade Box that Su Bai had brought. The lid was open, and he was leaning slightly forward, intently examining the Dark Red spirit medicine inside. His fingers Consciousness caressed the edge of the Jade Box, and his eyes gleamed with the excitement of a predator.

Hearing Su Bai's footsteps, he raised his head, shifting his gaze from the spirit medicine to Su Bai. A polite smile appeared on his face as he gestured to the Prayer Mat opposite him, "Fellow Daoist, please sit. I am Lan Yan, and I am honored to be the Master of this place."

Su Bai sat down on the Prayer Mat opposite him as instructed, cupped his hands and said, "I am a Overseas Rogue Cultivator, new to Heavenly Star City. I have long admired Alchemist Lan's exquisite alchemy skills, and have come to pay my respects."

Having confirmed that the other party was indeed his target, Alchemist Lan, Su Bai no longer hesitated. With a slight thought, he quietly activated the [Immortal Talent Reflection] Survey ability.

An invisible, intangible wave swept across Lan Yan, who was focused on examining the medicine.

[Survey successful!]

A series of clear pieces of information instantly fed back into Su Bai's Sea of Consciousness:

[Name]: Lan Yan

[Spirit Root Talent]: Dual Spirit Root (Fire and Wood)

[Spell Talent]: Fire Attribute Spell Talent (Second Tier)

[Alchemy Talent]: Candle Heart Reflecting Fire (Yellow Tier) -- Increases alchemy success rate tenfold! Naturally close to and able to control Alchemy Fire, passively increases alchemy quality by 30%, and can further Spirit Ascension quality by 30%!

Yellow-tier Alchemy Talent!

And it's the [Candle Heart Reflecting Fire] technique with such a direct and powerful effect!

Su Bai was overjoyed. A tenfold increase in basic success rate, a 30% improvement in quality and upper limit—such Talent would make him a core Dao of Alchemy seed to be cultivated in any sect!

No wonder he was able to make such a name for himself in Pill Street with only Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Copy this Talent will be of immeasurable benefit to one's future alchemy practice!

Su Bai remained expressionless, maintaining the demeanor of a rogue cultivator who seemed intent on making a deal upon their first meeting.

He had just settled into his seat on the Prayer Mat, pondering how to create a reasonable opportunity for physical contact to complete the Copy.

The Lan Yan opposite seemed to be completely absorbed by the spirit medicine.

He carefully took the Dark Red spirit medicine out of the box, held it in his palm, and examined its texture and color closely. He even gently smelled the scent of the broken part of its root, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After a moment, he reluctantly put the spirit medicine back into the box, looked up at Su Bai with eager eyes, and took the initiative to ask:

"I've heard you have five plants in total. May I ask... if you would allow me to examine the other four more?"

As he spoke, he naturally extended his hand.

This action provided Su Bai with an excellent opportunity to make contact!