Fight for It
"Oh?" Lin Ming's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected that a casual question would actually yield such an unexpected piece of information.
Although Bodhi Treasure Liquid is not as Seize Heaven and Earth's Creation as Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva, and cannot be compared with Bodhi Seed or Bodhi Heart, it is still a spiritual object imbued with the aura of Bodhi. Moreover, it is nurtured by a nine-hundred-year-old Bodhi, and the power of creation contained within it should not be underestimated. This is exactly what Lin Ming needs.
"Hehe, please follow me..." Seeing Lin Ming's interest, the Yellow Robe Elder smiled even more broadly and gestured for him to follow. Then he turned around and led Lin Ming and the others towards the north corner of the top floor.
Lin Ming and the others followed the Yellow Robe Elder for a short distance. When they reached a corner on the north side of the top floor, the layout here was slightly different from the other places, and it was even colder.
A massive, Cold Jade platform stood there, with wisps of white, chilling air emanating from its surface and spreading outwards, noticeably lowering the surrounding temperature and making the air feel rather cold.
On the jade platform, several items were scattered about: a few ancient herbs exuding Spirit Qi and with strange shapes, two or three scrolls radiating an ancient and weathered aura, and a few jade Jade Bottle. Although the mouths of the bottles were tightly closed, a Medicinal Fragrance medicinal herbs still wafted out, which was invigorating to the senses. Clearly, the quality of the items on this stall was far superior to those downstairs.
A crowd had gathered around the jade platform, their eyes fixed intently on the object on it, whispering amongst themselves, clearly quite interested in it.
The Yellow Robe Elder stopped and greeted the person behind the jade platform with a smile, "Hehe, Old Yan, business is good today, isn't it?"
Lin Ming's gaze skipped over the jade platform and the crowd of onlookers, landing on the old man behind the jade platform.
The old man was dressed in a gray cloth robe, looking somewhat slovenly. His gray hair was casually draped over his shoulders, and his face carried a strong sense of languor. He was almost half-lying on the cold jade platform, ignoring the onlookers around him. He was even brazenly picking at his ear with his fingertips, looking utterly bored.
Upon hearing the greeting from the Yellow Robe Elder, the disheveled old man, known as "Old Yan," rolled his eyes and replied irritably, "Good my foot! These guys are all just looking and not buying. They complain about the price as soon as I quote a price. Bah! It's cheaper downstairs. If you think it's too expensive, go buy it downstairs..."
His voice was hoarse and his tone was aggressive. As he spoke, he spat on the clean, jade-like ground next to him, showing no regard for his image or any respect for the Yellow Robe Elder.
This behavior caused some of the people around who were originally interested to show embarrassment and displeasure. However, at such a top-level trade fair, those who could set up stalls were not simple people, and no one wanted to easily offend a Tier 7 High-Grade Alchemist. They could only glance at the items on the stage with a few awkward looks, shake their heads, and leave.
Upon hearing this, the Yellow Robe Elder felt a little embarrassed. He chuckled twice, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Then, Old Yan, I wish you a prosperous business. I'll take these distinguished guests to Old Di's place now."
Having said that, without waiting for Old Yan's reaction, he quickly strode forward, leading Lin Ming and the others towards another stall closer to the corner. Clearly, the Bodhi Treasure Liquid was in the hands of this "Old Di".
Unlike Old Yan's stall, which was still surrounded by several people, Old Di's stall appeared much quieter.
The stall was also a Cold Jade Platform, but it was smaller in scale and had fewer items on it, only three or four pieces. Each item was covered with a transparent jade cover to prevent the Spirit Qi from escaping.
An elderly man dressed in a plain-colored robe, with his hair neatly combed and a gaunt face, sat cross-legged on a Cushion behind a jade platform, his eyes closed. His breathing was even and deep, as if he were in deep meditation. He also wore a badge on his chest, which was also Tier 7 High-Grade.
This old man gave off a completely different vibe from Old Yan; one was slovenly and casual, while the other was stern and solemn.
The Yellow Robe Elder stepped forward, not to disturb him directly, but to raise his voice slightly and say politely, "Master Di, I apologize for disturbing you."
The old man, known as Master Di, slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were clear and calm, not cloudy. His gaze swept over the Yellow Robe Elder, then landed on Lin Ming, Xiao Yi Xian, and Heavenly Flame Venerate behind him. Especially when he sensed the restrained yet vast aura emanating from Xiao Yi Xian and her companion, his eyes flickered slightly. He stood up, cupped his hands in return, and said, "So you are the steward. And who are these gentlemen?"
His voice was calm and detached, without a trace of harshness.
The Yellow Robe Elder quickly introduced, "Master Di, these are distinguished guests who have just arrived at the top floor. This is Master Lin Ming, a Seventh Grade Alchemist. These two are his companions."
He emphasized Lin Ming Alchemist, without specifying the strengths of Xiao Yi Xian and Heavenly Flame Venerate, but Master Di clearly already had a good idea.
"Master Lin Ming," Master Di nodded slightly to Lin Ming as a greeting, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, "May I ask what brings you all here?"
Lin Ming stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the items covered by the jade shield. A small Jade Bottle caught his attention. The Jade Bottle was only the size of a palm, entirely emerald green, with what appeared to be natural wood grain on its surface. The mouth was sealed, but through the translucent walls, one could vaguely see that it contained about half a bottle of viscous, jade-like liquid. Within the liquid, a faint blue halo seemed to flow slowly, and a subtle, yet strangely calming, aura could be faintly sensed even through the jade shield.
"I've heard that Master Di has Bodhi Treasure Liquid here?" Lin Ming asked directly, his gaze falling on the small emerald green bottle.
A knowing glint flashed in Master Di's eyes, and he nodded. "Indeed. This is precisely what I wish to trade this time."
He reached out and carefully removed the jade cover from the small emerald bottle. Instantly, the calming aura became clearer; though subtle, it seemed to cleanse the soul. The liquid inside the bottle became more distinct in color, a vibrant, almost dripping green, with a shimmering light flowing within, as if containing some Supreme Principle the universe.
"This is the precious liquid condensed from the core of the 'Green Jade Bodhi Tree.' That Azure Green Jade Bodhi Tree grew in an Ancient Forest ruin, absorbing the Spirit Qi of heaven and earth for nine hundred years before condensing this precious liquid, which is less than three ounces," Master Di slowly introduced, his tone carrying a hint of reverence.
"Its effects, I presume the manager has already explained to you all. It cleanses the physical body, improves constitution, and can even nourish lower-level souls. Although it is far inferior to the legendary Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva, it is still a rare treasure."
Lin Ming's Soul Power quietly spread out, carefully sensing the Bodhi Treasure Liquid. Indeed, it contained a pure and gentle energy, carrying a unique artistic conception, somewhat similar to the Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva that Xiao Yi Xian used to control the Woeful Poison Body. Although it was much weaker, it was essentially the same. It was undoubtedly the genuine product.
"I wonder what Master Di intends to exchange this for?" Lin Ming asked directly. Such a treasure must have a specific target in mind.
Master Di looked at Lin Ming, pondered for a moment, and said, "When I was obtaining this Bodhi Treasure Liquid, I was accidentally injured by the Nether Soul Devouring Insect, which damaged my Soul Origin. Therefore, I wish to exchange this Bodhi Treasure Liquid for Soul Infant Fruit that can repair the Soul Origin."
Soul Infant Fruit? Lin Ming raised an eyebrow. This was also an extremely rare natural treasure. Besides repairing damaged Soul Origin, it had a great nourishing effect on the soul. Furthermore, for Alchemist, it could provide considerable assistance when breaking through to higher Soul Realm. Therefore, in terms of both rarity and practical value, it far surpassed the Bodhi Treasure Liquid.
Those who noticed the commotion and heard the name "Soul Infant Fruit" were secretly astonished. This old man wanted to exchange Bodhi Treasure Liquid for the Soul Infant Fruit; had his soul been damaged and his servants gone mad?
Upon hearing this, Lin Ming fell silent for a moment. He indeed did not possess Soul Infant Fruit.
Seeing Lin Ming remain silent, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in Master Di's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He also knew that Soul Infant Fruit were hard to find, and whether this transaction would succeed depended on fate.
Just then, a slightly arrogant voice interrupted from the side, "Master Di, if no one can produce the Soul Infant Fruit, how about considering my previous suggestion?"
Everyone turned to look and saw a man dressed in a purple Alchemist's robe, quite handsome, with a Seventh Grade Alchemist's badge on his chest. Although it was only a badge of a low-level Tier 7 Low-Grade Alchemist, being able to become Seventh Grade Alchemist at such a young age was still an extremely remarkable achievement. As a result, he walked over slowly with an air of arrogance between his brows.
Behind him followed an expressionless old man with a profound aura, clearly at the Dou Venerate level. Although he was only around One-Star Dou Venerate, this entourage already showed that the man was of extraordinary status.
Upon seeing this person, Master Di's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but his tone remained calm. "So it's Young Master Cao Dan. I'm sorry, I'm only interested in the Soul Infant Fruit; I have no interest in anything else for now."
These two were none other than Cao Dan and Ku Yi. Cao Dan's gaze swept greedily over the small Bodhi Treasure Liquid Emerald Green before turning to Lin Ming, a slightly provocative smile playing on his lips, "Lin Ming, I knew you were here for the Bodhi Treasure Liquid too? Too bad, the Soul Infant Fruit isn't something the declining Ye Family can produce."
His words conveyed a clear message: "Even if you are strong and have Puppet, here, under the rules of the Pill Tower, no matter how strong you are, if you can't produce what others need, you can only watch helplessly."
Lin Ming glanced at Cao Dan but ignored him, instead saying to Master Di, "Master Di, I currently do not have Soul Infant Fruit."
Upon hearing this, Cao Dan's smile widened. Just as he was about to speak, Lin Ming continued, "However, I wonder if Master has considered exchanging it for something of equal value? For example, elixirs or Cultivation Method that can repair the soul?"