The goblin rubbed his hands together.
"Five Fire Crystal Orchid roots, three Red Iron Grass stalks, and eight Dragon Blood Tree leaves. That's sixteen Magic Stone Fragments in total. Since you're new customers, I'll give you a discount. How about fifteen?"
"Ten," Ron said flatly, his tone firm.
"The standard price for these three herbs wouldn't exceed twelve, and those Dragon Blood Tree leaves have probably been stored for over two weeks. Their potency has already begun to decline."
The goblin's expression stiffened slightly before he immediately put on another smile.
"Oh, my! Young man, you've got a sharp eye! All right, twelve. That's the lowest I can go. Any lower and I'll be losing money!"
After a round of haggling, Ron ultimately bought the materials for eleven Magic Stone Fragments.
"You're planning to use these to make Blood-Qi Potions?" Andre asked after they left the goblin's stall, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"That's right." Ron carefully put the materials away. "Mrs. Allen taught me a few recipes. Blood-Qi Potions are highly beneficial to Knight cultivation, especially when used alongside a breathing technique. They're even more effective that way."
Andre suddenly brought up another point. "I heard that potions involving the mind are difficult to refine, and they place higher demands on the alchemist."
"That's true." Ron nodded. "But breathing and physical-enhancement potions are relatively simple. If we succeed, both of us can benefit."
The two continued through Lizard Alley, occasionally stopping to inspect materials that might prove useful.
"These ordinary stalls won't have anything particularly valuable."
After looking over several stalls, Andre said quietly, "The truly good stuff is hidden away in those inconspicuous corners."
Ron had noticed that as well.
Most of the goods displayed in prominent positions were beginner-level herbs. The truly valuable materials were hidden inside