The Ninth-Rank Magic Core Secured!

Before long, a servant brought over the ninth-rank magic core. Old Man Baoshan took it personally and presented it to Jiang Yuan with both hands.

"Sir, this is the Heaven-Splitting Thunder Flood Dragon magic core you requested. Please inspect it."

Jiang Yuan accepted the fist-sized magic core and examined it closely. Sensing the immense energy contained within, he was thoroughly satisfied.

The magic core had a dark purple sheen, with faint patterns of lightning flowing across its surface. It radiated energy that was wildly violent yet incomparably pure. It truly lived up to being the core of a ninth-rank Magical Beast; merely holding it, he could feel its surging power.

After confirming that everything was in order, Jiang Yuan put the magic core into his Storage Ring and nodded to Old Man Baoshan. "Everything looks good. Thank you."

Old Man Baoshan hurriedly waved his hands with a smile. "You're too kind, sir. Your presence at our Trade Fair is a tremendous honor. What's a mere magic core compared to that?"

Then Old Man Baoshan looked Jiang Yuan up and down again, unable to resist probing a little. "Forgive my impertinence, sir, but you can refine peak eighth-tier nine-colored pills at such a young age. May I ask which faction you belong to?"

Jiang Yuan glanced at Old Man Baoshan, well aware that the old man was trying to sound him out.

He had no intention of revealing that he was a disciple of the Pill Tower. After all, being both a Pill Tower disciple and an alchemist capable of refining an Eighth-Tier Nine-Colored Pill would draw far too much attention. If word got out, trouble would inevitably follow.

So Jiang Yuan replied casually, "I'm used to wandering freely. I don't belong to any faction."

Yet this only deepened Old Man Baoshan's admiration. If Jiang Yuan could refine pills of this caliber without the backing of a major faction, it meant he had reached this level through talent and strength alone.

An unaffiliated yet astonishingly capable alchemist like him was precisely the sort of person most worth befriending on the Dou Qi Continent. Having no faction behind him meant fewer concerns to account for, and none of those tangled conflicts of interest.

At that thought, Old Man Baoshan grew even warmer toward Jiang Yuan, his words brimming with admiration and praise.

"To possess such astonishing mastery of alchemy at your age is truly admirable, sir. Your future is sure to be boundless."

The praise did little for Jiang Yuan, but there was no reason to be cold to someone so friendly. With the old man treating him so well, he saw no need to put on airs. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he prepared to rise and leave.

"Well, I have the magic core now, so I'll take my leave."

Hearing this, Old Man Baoshan hurriedly stood to stop him. "Please wait, sir!"

Jiang Yuan stopped and glanced back at him. "Was there something else?"

Old Man Baoshan smiled. "You've come such a long way, sir. How could we let you leave just like that? Please don't rush off. Allow me to offer you a little hospitality."

With that, Old Man Baoshan clapped his hands. The door to the VIP room immediately opened from outside, and several young women in qipaos filed in. Each was beautiful and slender, with a gentle smile on her face.

Old Man Baoshan beckoned to the maids. "Take good care of our guest. See that he wants for nothing."

"Yes," the maids answered in unison.

They gathered around Jiang Yuan, some pouring him tea and water, others massaging his shoulders and legs. Their service could hardly have been more attentive.

Jiang Yuan did not turn down the kind gesture. After all, with such comforts freely offered, refusing over and over would only make him seem unnecessarily difficult.

He smiled and sat straight back down. "Sorry for the trouble, then."

Old Man Baoshan was delighted that he had accepted and quickly replied, "No trouble at all! Your staying honors our Trade Fair, sir. Please just relax and make yourself comfortable."

Then Old Man Baoshan personally escorted Jiang Yuan into an exceptionally luxurious VIP room next door. Soft carpets covered the floor, and the furnishings were elegant and carefully chosen. At a glance, it was clearly reserved for distinguished guests.

As Jiang Yuan sat on the cushioned couch, the maids immediately gathered around him. Some crouched beside him to massage his legs, while others stood behind him to knead his shoulders. They used just the right amount of pressure, relaxing his entire body.

In truth, Jiang Yuan had never enjoyed such treatment since transmigrating. Surrounded by beautiful maids who massaged his waist and legs and poured his drinks, he had to admit that it felt rather nice.

After a while, Old Man Baoshan came in again. Seeing that Jiang Yuan seemed reasonably satisfied, he asked cautiously, "Sir, how has their service been? Have they neglected you in any way? If there's anything you're unhappy with, please say so. I'll replace them immediately."

Jiang Yuan waved a hand. "No, they're doing very well."

Relieved, Old Man Baoshan took a scroll from his Storage Ring and offered it to Jiang Yuan with both hands.

"Sir, this is a high-grade Earth-tier movement Dou Technique called Phantom Nine Transformations. It is one of the treasures in our Trade Fair's collection. While it may not be an unrivaled art, it is quite outstanding among Earth-tier Dou Techniques."

"It is my good fortune to have made your acquaintance today. Please accept this scroll as a small token of my regard."

Jiang Yuan glanced at the offered scroll, a little surprised. The old man certainly knew how to cultivate connections. First the maids, now a Dou Technique—he was clearly determined to build a good relationship with him.

Still, with the gift already placed before him, refusing would only seem discourteous. Besides, a high-grade Earth-tier movement Dou Technique was indeed valuable. Having another technique at his disposal could hardly hurt.

Jiang Yuan reached out and accepted the scroll. "Then I'll gladly accept."

Old Man Baoshan's smile grew even brighter. "You're too polite, sir. If you need anything else in the future, you can come find me at our Trade Fair anytime. So long as it's within my power, I'll spare no effort."

Jiang Yuan nodded and put the scroll into his Storage Ring, then spent the entire night resting in the VIP room, attended by the maids.

He had to admit that Old Man Baoshan's arrangements were exceptionally thoughtful. The maids were all efficient and gentle, and their skill at massaging his legs and shoulders made for a thoroughly comfortable night.

It was not until broad daylight the following morning that Jiang Yuan emerged from the VIP room, ready to leave.

Old Man Baoshan had been waiting at the door since early morning. Seeing him come out, he hurried forward. "Leaving already, sir? Won't you rest another day?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head. "No, I still have things to do."

Old Man Baoshan did not press him to stay. He personally escorted Jiang Yuan to the Trade Fair's entrance and watched him leave before turning back.

Once Jiang Yuan left the Trade Fair, he wasted no time and headed straight back toward the Pill Tower.

This trip had certainly been rewarding. Not only had he obtained the ninth-rank magic core, but he had also received a high-grade Earth-tier movement Dou Technique for free. He had even established a connection with Old Man Baoshan, giving him another avenue to turn to should he need anything in the future.

After returning to the Pill Tower, Jiang Yuan headed straight for his residence, ready to study the magic core carefully and work out how best to use it.