Taking a Master?

After leaving the Branch Tower, Xiao Yuan returned to Ye Courtyard, while Xiao Yan went to the Trading Area to hunt for treasures. However, apart from some barely acceptable Medicinal Herbs, he didn't find anything of value that would surprise him.

Fortunately, the Alchemist Trading Fair was the day after tomorrow, so Xiao Yan and Xiao Yuan used the time to refine another batch of pills.

With their current alchemy skills, they can refine several low-grade and mid-grade seventh-rank pills a day.

As Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan stepped out of the room, Ye Zhong, Xin Lan, and Xiao Yi Xian had been waiting for a long time at the courtyard gate. Even Heavenly Flame Venerable was unusually interested in going along.

As for the other three women, Cai Lin and Yun Yun were cultivating, while Tang Huo'er stayed behind to protect her two older sisters.

"Hehe, are you ready?"

Looking at Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, who both seemed refreshed and full of anticipation, Ye Zhong couldn't help but smile and nod.

Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded, then waved his hand and said softly, "Yes, let's go and check out the Alchemist Trading Fair in Saint Pill City!"

The location of this trade fair is in the Saint Pill City Outer Region, but the location is not bad. It is situated at the junction of the outer and inner regions. It is said that this trade fair has developed into such a large-scale event with the support of the Danta. Because of this, it is rare for things like murder and robbery to happen when exchanging goods at this trade fair. After all, no one in the Pill Domain can escape the pursuit of the Danta.

"Alchemist Trading Fair"

Standing in front of a rather spacious building, Xiao Yuan looked at the elegant calligraphy on the light blue wooden plaque and nodded slightly.

At this moment, in front of the trade fair, there was a constant flow of cars and people, with countless people dressed in alchemist robes passing through the heavy guards at the entrance of the trade fair amidst envious glances from all around.

"Is this the place?"

Looking at the rather magnificent trade fair, Xiao Yuan turned his head and asked Ye Zhong beside him.

"Hmm." Ye Zhong nodded with a smile, then said with a touch of nostalgia, "It's been so many years since I've been here. It's really changed a lot."

After confirming his target, Xiao Yuan smiled and nodded to Xiao Yan beside him.

Xiao Yan immediately understood and walked towards the entrance of the trade fair. Just as the stern-faced guards were about to stop him, he took out the Seventh Grade Alchemist Badge he had obtained from the assessment the day before yesterday from his Storage Ring and gently placed it on his chest.

Upon seeing the badge on his chest, the solemn-faced guards slowly retreated and bowed to Xiao Yan.

According to the rules of this Alchemist Trading Fair, alchemists of the seventh rank or above are qualified to lead some companions into it. Therefore, Xiao Yuan and the others were not stopped, but were allowed to follow Xiao Yuan into the spacious gate. After the gate, there was a spacious and cool passage. Xiao Yuan and the others walked into the passage, and then the boiling sound suddenly came towards them and entered their ears.

Standing at the entrance of the passage, Xiao Yuan's gaze swept across the room, revealing an extremely spacious hall. Inside, numerous neatly arranged stone tables resembled market stalls. Behind these tables, figures who appeared to be stall owners sat cross-legged, their expressions languid, not at all like business people—and indeed, they weren't. The hall was teeming with people, most of whom were dressed in alchemist robes, clearly alchemists themselves. Many alchemists wandered through the vast hall, occasionally pausing before the stone tables to carefully examine the items displayed. If they found something they liked, they would stop and negotiate with the stall owners, exchanging terms.

"Hehe, this Alchemist Trading Fair is also divided into different tiers. This is only the third-tier area. The second-tier area is on the second floor, and the first-tier area is on the top floor. However, there are conditions to enter the upper floors," Ye Zhong said with a smile behind Xiao Yuan. "To enter the second floor, you need to reach the Sixth Grade Alchemist level, while for the third floor, you need to be at least a seventh-grade alchemist or Dou Zun expert."

Xiao Yan nodded slowly and smiled, "Let's wander around here first and see if we can find anything."

After saying that, he walked into the hall with great interest, and then his eyes began to scan the surrounding stalls, trying to find something he needed. Seeing Xiao Yuan like this, Ye Zhong could only nod helplessly and follow him.

Xiao Yuan didn't think there could be anything good in such a low-level area. Anyway, he was rich and powerful, so he went straight to the third floor.

When passing the second floor, Xiao Yuan only revealed a trace of his soul power and was politely allowed to pass. However, he paused for a moment when he reached the top floor staircase.

Two elderly men stood here, their faces beaming with kind smiles. Their robes indicated that they were from this trade fair. They did not Alchemist Badge on their chests, but judging from the powerful Dou Qi emanating from them, they were clearly two formidable Dou Zong experts.

The two old men were taken aback when they saw Xiao Yuan and his companions. Their gazes quickly swept over Xiao Yuan's chest, finding no badge, and they were about to speak when their eyes fell on Xiao Yi Xian and Heavenly Flame Venerable. Their pupils constricted slightly. Although they couldn't sense the exact strength of these two, they understood that they were terrifying beings who had reached the Dou Zun level! "Hehe, are you honored guests going to the top floor?"

One of the two, an elderly man in a yellow robe, was the first to come forward, cupping his hands in a polite greeting.

Xiao Yuan smiled, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and then nodded.

"You all look unfamiliar; is this your first time at the Alchemist Trading Fair?" the old man in the yellow robe said with a smile.

"What? Does that mean only regulars can go up to the top floor?" Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Hehe, you jest, sir. I was just asking casually. If you gentlemen wish to go to the top floor, please follow me." Upon seeing this, the old man in the yellow robe quickly shook his head. Although he was quite strong, those who could enter the top floor were all formidable individuals, and he naturally did not want to offend them.

After speaking, he turned around first and led the way, while Xiao Yuan and his group followed slowly.

Following behind the old man in the yellow robe, the group successfully passed through a short staircase. However, on this short staircase of no more than twenty meters, Xiao Yuan noticed no fewer than five hidden gazes shooting out from some concealed places, scanning them over.

However, he didn't care. With two Dou Zun expert following behind him, he wasn't afraid at all.

Compared to the two floors below, the top floor is not spacious, but the decoration is extremely thoughtful. It is not as dazzling as the second floor. The pale blue warm jade is spread out and permeates the entire top floor. When you step on it, a faint coolness flows into the soles of your feet, making you feel extremely comfortable all over.

On this rooftop covered with warm jade, there were very few people, only a handful of a few dozen at a glance. But Xiao Yuan knew that if these few dozen people were outside, each of them would be a true expert or alchemy master who would cause a sensation.

The appearance of Xiao Yuan and his group naturally attracted the attention of some people on the top floor. Their gazes immediately shifted, and when they saw Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yi Xian and the others behind him, their eyes were filled with surprise. It was rare to see a young man accompanied by two Dou Zun. They wondered which powerful figures they were.

Of course, while some people may be curious, they all understand the rules here, so they would never be foolish enough to ask or inquire about anything. In this kind of place, it is considered taboo.

"Hehe, if you gentlemen need anything, you can tell me. Perhaps I can give you some information," the old man in the yellow robe said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan spoke frankly, saying, "I need two kinds of Medicinal Herbs: the Ten Thousand Year Fire Spirit Mushroom and the Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass."

Both of these Medicinal Herbs are of the fire attribute, and they are the last two Medicinal Herbs he needs to refine an Eighth-Tier- grade pill. However, even in the Burning Flame Valley, such Medicinal Herbs are not available, so he can only come here to try his luck.

"Ten Thousand Year Fire Spirit Mushroom, Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass," the old man in the yellow robe muttered to himself. After pondering for a while, he said, "These are both very rare Medicinal Herbs. They should be used to refine high-level pills. I have no clue about the Ten Thousand Year Fire Spirit Mushroom, but as for the Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass, I must say you are quite lucky. Among the items to be traded on the top floor today, there happens to be a Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass!"

"Oh?"

Xiao Yuan's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected that a casual question would actually yield information about a Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass.

"Hehe, please follow me."

The old man in the yellow robe smiled, then turned and walked towards the north corner of the top floor. Seeing this, Xiao Yuan quickly led the three of them to follow.

Xiao Yuan and the others followed the old man in the yellow robe for a while, and then stopped in the southern corner of the top floor. There was a jade platform there, and waves of scorching heat emanated from it.

On the jade platform, there were scattered Medicinal Herbs, scrolls, and even pills, and judging from their appearance, they did not seem to be ordinary items.

A large crowd had gathered around the jade platform, clearly quite interested in what was on it.

Xiao Yuan's gaze skipped over the jade platform and landed on the white-haired old man behind it. The old man was languid, lying on the jade platform, ignoring the onlookers around him, his eyes half-closed as if he were dozing.

"Hehe, Wang Lao, business is good today, isn't it?" The old man in the yellow robe squeezed into the jade platform and said with a smile to the white-haired, weary old man, "Good my foot! These guys just look and don't buy, and they even complain about the price. Pshaw, it's cheaper down there. If you think it's too expensive, go buy it down there."

Upon hearing this, the old man seemed to perk up a bit, and said with a look of disgust.

Seeing this, some people around felt a little embarrassed, but it was not a good place to argue with others, so they could only leave awkwardly.

Xiao Yuan was also taken aback by the old man's unrestrained attitude, and glanced at the Seventh Grade High-Level Badge on the old man's chest.

This old man is quite skilled!

"Sir, this is the Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass you need. However, Old Wang Lao sells things at high prices, so you should be prepared."

The old man in the yellow robe pointed to a jade box that was steaming hot and had sparks rising from it, and said softly.

Inside the jade box, a crimson Medicinal Herbs, resembling a small, fiery snake, was coiled within.

Xiao Yuan glanced over and nodded slightly.

Indeed, judging from the form of the Medicinal Herbs and the energy they contain, they are exactly what he needs!

"Stop looking, I don't have anything fake here. Do you want to buy it?" The old man lazily raised his head, glanced at Xiao Yuan, and then his gaze lingered on the two Dou Zun behind him. He grinned and said, "Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass, a high-grade seventh-rank pill."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan frowned. This old man really had the nerve to say that it was a high-grade seventh-rank pill.

"Sir, the Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass is mainly used to refine low- and mid-grade seventh-rank pills. However, due to its special medicinal properties, it can also be used as an auxiliary ingredient in Rank 8 Pill. But this is on the premise of being used in conjunction with other top-grade Medicinal Herbs. Now you are asking for this price for just one Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass, which is a bit excessive!"

Xiao Yuan said with a smile.

"Rank 8 Pill?" The old man was clearly taken aback for a moment, then looked Xiao Yuan up and down with some suspicion, and couldn't help but say, "I've never heard of this thing being able to refine Rank 8 Pill. Who told you that?"

"Hehe, it can indeed be used to refine Rank 8 Pill, but it is used as an auxiliary medicine to neutralize the properties of the main medicine."

Xiao Yuan said with a smile.

"Auxiliary drugs?"

Upon hearing this, the old man frowned slightly. As far as he knew, the Blazing Flame Serpent Tongue Grass was usually used in some low-grade and mid-grade seventh-rank pills. It might be used in Grade 7 High Level Pill, but he had never seen it before. As for Eighth-Tier, he had never even heard of it.

"Your teacher is Eighth Grade Alchemist?"

The old man thought for a moment and then asked.

"Yeah, anyway, he's better than me."

Xiao Yuan nodded.

"You're Seventh Grade Alchemist?"

The old man had somewhat anticipated this.

"I am of the Eighth-Tier."

Xiao Yuan smiled.

"Oh, you're Eighth-Tier," the old man nodded, repeating it, then suddenly paused, his eyes widening as he looked at Xiao Yuan. His exclamation drew the attention of many around him, "You're Eighth-Tier!?"

"What Eighth-Tier?"

Many people were puzzled, as they naturally couldn't connect this young man with Eighth Grade Alchemist.

"Yes, but my teacher is much better than me."

Xiao Yuan nodded earnestly.

Even now that he has reached the Eighth-Tier, he still can't help but marvel at the vast soul power of the Yao Lao.

He knew it was because the Yao Lao's soul power had already reached a higher level— the Heavenly State! "How could you possibly be Eighth Grade Alchemist?"

The old man still looked incredulous.

Eighth Grade Alchemist! This was the realm he had pursued his entire life!

This young man, who looks to be only around twenty years old, has actually achieved that?

"Hehe, would you like to experience it, sir?"

Xiao Yuan smiled, and then a wisp of soul power with a touch of agility quietly emerged and gently touched the old man's brow.

"This spiritual scent!"

An overwhelming excitement appeared on the old man's face. Under the influence of that wisp of spiritual power, he clearly sensed that his soul power seemed to have become much more vibrant! "Young sir, may I learn a thing or two from you? You may take these Medicinal Herbs as you see fit; consider them a small gift to introduce us!"

The old man actually bowed with his hands clasped and said with a serious expression!