An academy trend

Little Dragon, the rebellious teenager, whose emotions were finally stabilized after being disciplined by Su Bai using a combination of carrot and stick methods.

He held the bottle of dark gold Golden Marrow Pill, glanced at Su Bai who was resting with his eyes closed in the corner with a complicated look in his eyes, and finally stopped making a fuss. He turned around and quickly walked into his room, seemingly eager to try out the effects of the legendary "Number Nine" Golden Marrow Pill.

The Starlight Academy many young Disciple interact frequently, and news travels very fast.

Although Long was somewhat aloof, he knew that one of the hottest topics among the late-stage and even Great Perfection Late Qi Refining circles in the Academy was the Golden Marrow Pill produced by the newly emerging Number Nine Pill Shop on Alchemy Street.

Because of its exceptional quality, extremely low Pill Toxin, and remarkable effects, it was even privately given a unique nickname by the Disciple – "Number Nine".

Specifically refers to the dark gold Golden Marrow Pill produced by Number Nine Pill Shop.

Being able to obtain the Number Nine for cultivation has, to some extent, become a symbol of status and strength among the Qi Refining Stage Disciple of the Starlight Academy.

After all, only twenty bottles are produced per day, and demand exceeds supply, resulting in a high price.

Usually, only those exceptionally Talent Core Disciple Single Spirit Root, or scions of prominent Aristocratic Clan with abundant Spirit Stone, have a stable channel to obtain them.

Compared to the highly sought-after Number Nine, the regular cultivation Pill that Starlight Academy distributed to Little Dragon, Disciple with special attention, every month were practically garbage in terms of both efficacy and purity, making him feel extremely humiliated every time he received them.

Although Little Dragon is no longer young, his temperament is still immature, and he is essentially no different from those teenagers in his previous life who were keen on comparing limited-edition sneakers and designer clothes.

In the miniature society of the Starlight Academy, cultivating Pill, especially high-quality Pill like Number Nine, has become an invisible social currency and a symbol of status in the eyes of the Disciple.

Now, this mysterious and ruthless Hai Jiu casually tossed him a bottle of Number Nine!

It's like throwing a pair of limited-edition, priceless, Top Grade sneakers directly in front of a teenager yearning for recognition.

The vanity that was instantly satisfied and the subtle sense of superiority temporarily overshadowed the desire for freedom and the rebellion against the father.

At least for this moment, the special treatment represented by this bottle of Pill made him feel that obeying this mysterious person's words wasn't entirely unacceptable.

A young person's thoughts can sometimes be both simple and complex.

With Su Bai successfully joining the Star Luo Pill Pavilion under the identity of Lu Jiu, the influence of Number Nine Pill Shop has grown day by day, bringing about changes in all aspects.

Besides the Golden Marrow Pill becoming a sought-after hard currency among the Disciple of the Academy, other Pill Shop have recently begun to proactively seek cooperation with them.

They were drawn to the popularity and stable high-end customer base of Number Nine Pill Shop and hoped to sell their Pill Number Nine Pill Shop or seek joint promotion, similar to the model Wei Chun and Tao Jian had previously used.

Su Bai entrusted the handling and screening of these business cooperation offers entirely to the increasingly capable Zhang Ying.

After this period of training, Zhang Ying's judgment and negotiation skills have improved considerably. She carefully selected two reputable and reasonably high-quality shops and reached a preliminary consignment agreement.

This move will not only bring in several thousand Spirit Stone in extra commission income for Number Nine Pill Shop every month, but also further solidify Number Nine Pill Shop's image as a "gathering point for high-quality Pill" on the Alchemy Street, which can be considered a win-win situation.

Looking at the steady Spiritual Power fluctuations emanating from the Little Dragon house, a result of the Pill taken during cultivation, and the temporarily suppressed malevolent aura, Su Bai shook his head slightly.

This method only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause, but it's the only option available at the moment.

In terms of Talent, he is an anomaly among anomalies.

"In terms of Spirit Root, he possesses the worst Six-element Spirit Root. In terms of family background... Dragon Daoist, a Heavenly Punishment Platform Punishment Officer at the Peak Foundation Establishment, is already an unattainable figure in the eyes of ordinary rogue cultivators. However, within the Starlight Academy, compared to those scions of the Aristocratic Clan who often have Golden Core Ancestor presiding over them, he is indeed insignificant."

Su Bai understood that Little Dragon's inner imbalance and extremism had their reasons.

All I can do is try to maintain this fragile balance before I Copy his Talent.

Having temporarily resolved the biggest destabilizing factor, Su Bai stepped forward to the Dragon Daoist, who had been silently observing. He slightly lifted his Veil Hat, extended his hand, and said succinctly, "Sixty Spirit Stone, give them to me."

Dragon Daoist raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat surprised, but still didn't ask any further questions. With a wave of his hand, sixty Low-grade Spirit Stone were neatly arranged on Su Bai's outstretched palm.

These Spirit Stone were nothing to him.

Having advanced to the Foundation Establishment for many years, he didn't have a deep understanding of Qi Refining Stage Pill. However, seeing the instant light in his son's eyes when he received the Pill, and considering the rumors about Number Nine among the Academy Disciple, he Consciousness this Pill was probably extraordinary.

If this kind of Pill can calm his son's restless heart and allow him to cultivate in peace, Dragon Daoist wouldn't mind queuing up at the entrance of Number Nine Pill Shop every day—if he could get a turn.

"I have to go out tomorrow. I'll leave your son to you to look after for now. Be careful and don't let anything happen that might delay my mission."

"This is a one-time Transmit Message talisman. If anything happens, send me Transmit Message immediately."

Su Bai took out a talisman and handed it to Dragon Daoist.

Dragon Daoist took the slightly warm talisman, and looking at the faint spiritual light flowing on it, a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

This Azure Fish Hall assassin, Hai Jiu, sometimes spoke and acted with a tone that showed even more concern for his son's safety than his own father, making him seem more like a dutiful guard leader.

Although we don't know what the other side is really up to, based on their current actions, they seem to have the same goal, at least in protecting the Little Dragon.

Now that Lu Ming and another Punishment Officer have been transferred back, the Heavenly Punishment Platform cannot provide manpower support indefinitely and can only come to check on things occasionally.

Starlight Academy's attitude was ambiguous; aside from providing basic resources and independent accommodation, it did not offer substantial and strong protection.

Dragon Daoist looked around and realized that the only person he could rely on was this Azure Fish Hall assassin with a sensitive identity and unclear motives.

"With him here, at least for the next three months, I won't be fighting alone against a possible renewed attack from the Immortal Palace Holy Hall."

Dragon Daoist pondered to himself, carefully putting away the Transmit Message talisman. "As for three months from now... let's talk about it then. Perhaps the situation will change, perhaps Little Dragon will change, perhaps..."

He nodded and said to Su Bai, "Understood, I will be careful."

Su Bai said no more. With a flicker of his body, he swept over the courtyard wall like a wisp of smoke and disappeared into the shadows of the Starlight Academy.

Leaving the Academy, Su Bai turned into a quiet, deserted alley, quickly removed his Azure Fish Mask, took off his outer gray robe, and changed back into his Moon-white Alchemist robe. He suppressed all the cold aura that belonged to Hai Jiu and returned to the gentle and reserved appearance of Alchemist Lu Jiu.

After confirming that everything was correct, he leisurely walked back to Alchemy Street and returned to Number Nine Pill Shop.

Night falls and the city lights come on.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun and illuminated by the magical lighting Magic Array of the various shops, the Alchemy Street shed its daytime hustle and bustle, gaining a more tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

The streets, bustling with people during the day, are now sparsely populated, with only the unique medicinal fragrance wafting from each Pill Shop, intertwining in the air and creating the distinctive nighttime atmosphere of the Alchemy Street.

Zhang Ying was directing her staff to finish the final cleaning and prepare to activate the shop's Guardian array before closing up shop.

Just then, a familiar figure swept in with the wind and stopped at the entrance of the Number Nine Pill Shop.

"Hmm? Punishment Officer Lu? What brings you here at this hour?"

Zhang Ying looked up and saw the person who had come, a familiar smile appearing on her round face.

Lu Ming is already a regular customer at the store, and everyone knows him.

"Hey, round face!" Lu Ming greeted with a grin, peeking into the shop. "Is your boss resting yet? Still awake?"

"If it were anyone else, the boss would probably be resting at this hour, or still meditating in the alchemy room, and has instructed that they not be disturbed."

Zhang Ying smiled Spirit Land, "But Punishment Officer... the boss specifically instructed that you can come anytime! Please come in, have a seat in the tea room on the second floor, I'll go and inform the boss right away!"

Before long, Su Bai appeared at the entrance of the tea room on the second floor.

He had just finished a round of Evening Cultivation meditation and looked serene.

"Jiu'er, stop making tea! Stop making tea!"

Seeing Su Bai habitually reach for the tea set, Lu Ming quickly waved his hand to stop him, a rare, slightly embarrassed expression on his face. "Today I need your help, not to freeload off you."

Su Bai paused, a perfectly timed hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Oh? What brings Punishment Officer Lu to me? Perhaps... you need some kind of special Pill custom-made?"

"Let me state upfront that I have a limited number of Second-tier Pill Recipe, and I may not be able to refine them."

He deliberately steered the conversation toward alchemy, which was the most fitting explanation for his identity as Lu Jiu.

"No, no, it has nothing to do with alchemy, at least it's not a custom-made Pill."

Lu Ming waved his hand again, a slightly embarrassed yet eager expression on his face, "I just... I just want to buy the Golden Marrow Pill that you have on hand! The ' Number Nine ' one!"

He rubbed his hands together and lowered his voice, "I heard that the queue outside your store is so long that it's already half a month from now? I know the rules of Alchemy Street, I'm not trying to deliberately break your sales rules or make things difficult for you."

"I don't need much, just... set aside ten bottles for me each month, okay? Consider it a big favor from me! It really has an important use!"

Su Bai's face showed just the right amount of curiosity, and following up on Lu Ming's vague explanation, he asked, "I see... Punishment Officer Lu, you're already at the Peak Foundation Establishment, so why do you need this Golden Marrow Pill...? Could it be for a younger member of your family? To help them with their cultivation?"

A hint of unease flashed across Lu Ming's face. He gritted his teeth and vaguely replied, following Su Bai's words, "My junior... cough, let's just say I'm asking for pills for my junior! That kid... his Talent is alright, but he's too impulsive. He needs some good stuff to settle things down!"

Upon hearing this, Su Bai immediately understood.

What important use it could have, what younger family members it could have been—it's highly likely that Little Dragon, that "Turtle Son," got his hands on it, or he heard about Number Nine's reputation in the Academy and pestered Lu Ming, his "Uncle Lu," to find a way to get his hands on it.

Given Lu Ming's brotherly affection for Dragon Daoist, coupled with his helplessness towards that brat Little Dragon, it's reasonable that he would swallow his pride and beg for help.

For Su Bai, producing ten bottles of Golden Marrow Pill a month was merely a matter of spending an extra half hour each day to open an extra furnace; the output was more than enough to cover it, and the impact on his daily schedule was negligible.

Moreover, this was originally part of the plan; the carrot of keeping Little Dragon in check cannot be cut off.

"Of course, of course."

Su Bai then revealed a gentle smile and nodded, "Since it's needed by the younger generation of Punishment Officer's family, I'll naturally take care of setting aside ten bottles of Golden Marrow Pill each month."

"As for the price, it'll be the shop's usual sixty Spirit Stone per bottle. Tomorrow I'm going to attend the Star Luo Pill Pavilion's Alchemy Competition, and I might have other important matters to attend to afterward, so I won't be in the shop all the time."

"Punishment Officer Lu, you can arrange a fixed time with Zhang Ying each month to collect the pills, and then simply hand them over to her."

"That's wonderful! Jiu'er! You're so kind! I'm extremely grateful!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Ming was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude, feeling a great weight lifted from his heart.

If I can consistently get ten bottles of Number Nine every month, that should be enough to keep that kid Little Dragon occupied for a while.

Su Bai chuckled inwardly: There's no need for such gratitude. In a way, we're working together towards the same 'goal'...

As night deepened, other areas of Star Luo Market, such as the Food Street, entertainment area, and even some commercial streets, remained brightly lit, with faint sounds of people.

However, the Alchemy Street street, which is mainly quiet, has gradually settled into a peaceful atmosphere filled with the scent of Plants Goldstone, except for the occasional peculiar medicinal fragrance wafting from the depths of a certain Pill Shop, which is produced by the Nourishing of Pill.

Early the next morning.

Su Bai carefully instructed Zhang Ying on the affairs of the shop, telling her to take good care of the shop, handle any possible cooperation matters, and resolve the agreement with Lu Ming.

He then met up with his neighbor Han Yanzi, who was already waiting across the street. The two left the Alchemy Street together and leisurely made their way towards the Star Luo Pill Pavilion.

"Brother Lu, I've heard that this year's Alchemy Competition is a bit different from previous years; it won't be held in the Pill Discussion Hall at the Pill Pavilion headquarters."

As Han Yanzi flew, he stroked his beard, a mysterious smile on his face.

Having spent many years mingling in the Alchemy Street and being a veteran member of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion, his information channels were naturally far more advanced than those of Su Bai, a newcomer.

"Oh? Brother Han Yan, what inside information do you have?"

Su Bai cooperated by showing a curious expression.

"I've heard that this Alchemy Competition will be held in the Secret Realm." Han Yanzi has been mingling in the Alchemy Street for many years, and his information channels are far superior to Su Bai's.

"Oh? The Pill Pavilion Secret Realm? I've never been there before," Su Bai said.

Su Bai was aware that the Star Luo Pill Pavilion possessed its own Secret Realm.

It is rumored that Star Luo Pill Pavilion purchased it from the Heavenly Star Alliance at a high price.

"You'll be able to see in a little while!"

The Star Luo Pill Pavilion is not far from the Alchemy Street; it is a small building occupying a considerable area.

Su Bai and Han Yanzi arrived at the foot of the small building and presented the Miniature Alchemy Furnace Token from the Star Luo Pill Pavilion. Immediately, Cultivator smiled and led the two to a Teleportation Array inside the building.

On the other side of this Teleportation Array is the Secret Realm Entrance.