Alchemist Trade Fair
Upon hearing the words "Alchemist Trade Fair," a glint of interest finally flashed in Lin Ming's previously indifferent eyes.
Internal Trade Fair only for Alchemist? That sounds interesting. Compared to searching for a needle in a haystack in this outer realm, the chances of finding truly good items in a gathering of high-level Alchemist are undoubtedly much greater.
"Oh? Alchemist Trade Fair?" Lin Ming's lips curled into a slight smile. "Sounds good. Then let's go check it out the day after tomorrow."
A sense of anticipation rose in Lin Ming's heart. With the Pill Gathering ideal to find some rare items at the trade fair that could enhance his strength or aid in alchemy. Even if not, it would be excellent to broaden his horizons and learn about the resources and trends of the top Alchemist in the Middle Continent.
As night deepened, the two stopped lingering and, with a swift movement, merged into the surging crowd, heading towards Ye Courtyard.
The night in Sacred Pill City remained bustling, but beneath the dazzling lights and clamor, a greater storm seemed to be quietly brewing.
The day after tomorrow, as the first rays of dawn shone through the old window frames and fell on the slightly chilly stone slabs of Ye Courtyard, Lin Ming pushed open the door and took a deep breath of the unique air of Sacred Pill City, which was mixed with countless Medicinal Fragrance and morning dew.
However, to Lin Ming's slight surprise, several figures were already standing quietly waiting at the courtyard gate. It was Ye Zhong, Xiao Yi Xian, Heavenly Flame Venerate, and Xin Lan. They all had smiling expressions on their faces, and their eyes were all fixed on Lin Ming, who had just stepped out of the room. They had obviously been waiting for a long time.
"Hehe, Mr. Lin Ming, are you ready?" Ye Zhong looked at the energetic Lin Ming and couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh.
Lin Ming glanced at everyone, smiled and nodded, then waved his hand confidently, saying, "Now that everyone's here, let's set off! Let's go and see what's so special about this Sacred Pill City's so-called top-tier Alchemist Trade Fair!"
After speaking, Lin Ming didn't linger any longer. He strode out of the Ye Courtyard gate and headed towards the location of the Alchemist Trade Fair that Ye Zhong had told him about.
Following them, Elder Yao and the other three, Xiao Yi Xian, also followed at a leisurely pace.
The Alchemist Trade Fair in Sacred Pill City enjoys a very strong reputation throughout the entire Pill Region and even the Middle Continent.
It was completely different from the ordinary trade fairs in the outer regions, where the genuine and fake were hard to distinguish. It had extremely high entry requirements and was very orderly. If the various trade fairs were to be divided into different grades, then the one that Lin Ming and his group were going to this time would definitely be considered the top grade. Its standards and value far surpassed those small-scale stalls and markets they had seen while strolling around yesterday.
It is said that this trade fair has the official support and background of the Pill Tower, which is why it has grown so strong and survived so many storms. Because of this, the safety of exchanging goods within this trade fair is extremely high, and the despicable things like murder, robbery, and extortion that are common outside are rarely seen.
After all, in the core area under the control of the Pill Tower, no one has the courage or ability to escape the Pill Tower's relentless pursuit.
"Alchemist Trade Fair..."
The group walked at a brisk pace, and about half an hour later, they stopped in front of a building that covered a vast area and had a magnificent presence.
The group looked up at the plaque hanging above the main entrance, crafted from precious light blue wood and bearing the five large characters "Dragon and Phoenix in Flying Style," and couldn't help but wipe away non-existent cold sweat.
The name of this trade fair is indeed straightforward: "Alchemist Trade Fair"... really, not a single fancy trick.
At this moment, the entrance to the trade fair was bustling with activity, with cars and people coming and going like a tide, creating a noisy and bustling atmosphere. The most eye-catching sight was the countless figures dressed in various colors of Alchemist robes.
"Is this the place?" Lin Ming looked at the magnificent and imposing gate of the trade fair, turned his head, and asked Ye Zhong, who looked somewhat dazed.
"Yes, this is it." Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong snapped out of his reverie, nodded with a smile, and then said softly, his tone tinged with undisguised nostalgia and emotion, "Yes... it's been so many years since I've been here. I didn't expect it to have changed so much..."
Back when the Ye Family was at its peak, he was a frequent visitor here, full of youthful vigor. Now, things have changed, and standing here again, he can't help but feel a pang of sadness.
After confirming his target, Lin Ming smiled slightly, said nothing more, and slowly walked towards the heavily guarded entrance to the trade fair.
As they approached, the guards, with their cold faces and sharp eyes, immediately turned their gazes toward them, their expressions scrutinizing and warning, ready to step forward to stop and question them.
However, at that moment, Lin Ming calmly took out the badge he had obtained from the assessment the day before from his Storage Ring, and then gently and neatly affixed it to the robe on his chest.
In an instant, the dark gold badge shimmered with a noble and restrained luster in the morning light, and the seven Purple-Gold Stars on it seemed to come alive, radiating a breathtaking and overwhelming Soul Pressure and supreme glory!
Upon seeing the badge on Lin Ming's chest with perfect clarity, and especially upon confirming the meaning of the seven stars, the guards who had been grim-faced and ready to step forward to stop him all had their pupils shrink sharply, and their cold and stern expressions instantly transformed into utmost respect and awe!
Almost simultaneously and in unison, they slowly retreated, then bowed deeply to Lin Ming and the Xiao Yi Xian and others behind him, clearing the way and daring not to obstruct them in the slightest.
According to the rules of this Alchemist Trade Fair, Alchemist who have reached the Tier 7 and Above are already at the top of the Alchemist pyramid on the continent, possessing extremely high privileges, one of which is the right to lead some companions into the fair.
Therefore, the guards did not stop Xiao Yi Xian, Heavenly Flame Venerate, Ye Zhong, and Xin Lan who were following closely behind Lin Ming. Instead, they allowed them to follow Lin Ming and enter the spacious and magnificent gate without any hindrance.
Beyond the main gate lies not the trading hall, but a spacious, bright, and rather cool passageway. The floor is paved with smooth, white stone, and the walls on both sides are inlaid with Moonlight Stone that emits a soft glow.
Lin Ming and his companions slowly walked into the passage. After walking for about several dozen steps, the clamor that had been kept out of the way, like a boiling tsunami, suddenly came towards them and forcefully entered their ears, forming a stark contrast with the tranquility of the passage.
Standing at the exit of the passage, Lin Ming looked around with a hint of curiosity.
Before them lay a vast, towering hall, seemingly capable of enclosing a small plaza! Inside, the light was bright but not glaring, the air circulated excellently, and the hall was filled with a complex blend of Medicinal Fragrance, mineral scents, and faint energy fluctuations.
The most striking feature is the countless stone platforms, arranged in a dense, orderly fashion. These stone platforms are like the stalls of ordinary vendors, neatly arranged in the hall.
Behind the stone platform, several figures who appeared to be stall owners sat cross-legged, each with a different expression. Some were lazily dozing, some were engrossed in reading the scrolls in their hands, and some were talking quietly with the customers in front of them. They were nothing like the businessmen outside who were desperately hawking their wares for a living.
Of course, they weren't. Those who could afford a stall here were at least Fifth Grade Alchemist or had the support of a powerful force behind them. They came here more to barter for what they truly needed, rather than simply to make a profit.
Inside the hall, the flow of people was incredibly dense, a massive, bustling crowd. Moreover, over 80% of them were dressed in robes representing different levels of Alchemist, with badges pinned to their chests.
Clearly, most of those who are able to enter this place are either genuine Alchemist or people closely related to Alchemist.
Many Alchemist, like fish, leisurely strolled through the vast hall, their sharp eyes scanning each stone platform. Occasionally, they would pause before certain platforms, carefully examining the seemingly ordinary yet potentially mysterious items displayed there. If they found something they liked, they would stop and begin whispering negotiations with the seemingly lazy stall owner, exchanging terms.
"Hehe, Mr. Lin Ming, this Alchemist Trade Fair is also divided into different tiered areas," Ye Zhong explained with a smile, standing behind Lin Ming, clearly quite familiar with the rules here.
"We're currently in the outermost third-tier area. While there are quite a few items, most are rather ordinary, or their authenticity is difficult to discern, requiring exceptional discernment. The second-tier area is on the second floor, where the quality of the items is a level higher. The first-tier area is on the top floor, but access to the top requires certain conditions."
Ye Zhong paused for a moment, then explained in detail, "To enter the second floor, one needs to be at least 6th Grade Alchemist. As for the third floor, the threshold is even higher, requiring at least Seventh Grade Alchemist, or... Dou Zun expert, to enter."
Upon hearing this, Lin Ming slowly nodded. With their group's configuration, whether it was his Seventh Grade Intermediate badge or the unfathomable Dou Venerate aura of Xiao Yi Xian and Elder Yao, they were more than capable of passing through without any obstacles.
"Since that's the case, what are we waiting for?" Lin Ming said immediately, his gaze sweeping over the large number of ordinary goods on the first floor, which, although bustling, were clearly not up to his standards.
"Let's start from the second floor. We can explore the lower floors later when we have more time and see if we can find anything we like."
Having said that, Lin Ming didn't linger any longer and immediately set off towards the ornate staircase on one side of the hall that led to the second floor and was guarded by soldiers.
Given Lin Ming and his group's circumstances, entering the second floor was naturally no problem for them.
Although Xin Lan's Alchemist level was slightly lower, seeing the gleaming Seventh Grade Intermediate badge on Lin Ming's chest, and sensing the faint yet terrifying aura emanating from Xiao Yi Xian and Elder Yao, the guards at the stairwell hesitated slightly before glancing at the group with awe and respect, before respectfully making way for them.
Step onto the stairs and enter the second floor.
Instantly, the noisy sounds, like those of a bustling market, seemed to be blocked by an invisible barrier, diminishing considerably, and the environment became quiet and elegant.
The second floor is also quite large, but its decoration is far more luxurious than that of the first floor. Brilliant Crystal Stone are laid on the floor, smooth as a mirror, reflecting the soft light from the dome, making it appear exceptionally bright, even somewhat dazzling.